BaseballDad

Don't lose sight of the great performance by Tim Atherton for the Kernals. He stood out from other relievers in the Kernals bullpen during my weekend in CR in June. In one inning, he walked the bases loaded, but also struck out the side. He can really bring it with heat and filthy movement. Perhaps the move to the starting rotation is helping him pitch more within himself and not try to do 'too much' in a relief role. Keep an eye on Atherton as an emerging prospect.

I was in CR Friday-Sunday this past weekend. Adam Walker (3rd rd 2012) was the player who surprised me the most. He is an incredible athlete who smoked the ball every time at the plate. He is surprisingly quick for a big man. The Twins have another potential star in Walker. Hudson Boyd shows flashes of greatness at times. He had Cougar batters helpless in at bats where he could get his breaking pitches over for strikes. His fastball consistently sat in the low 90's. His poor stats so far are deceiving as to his potential if he can remain consistent with his command. Travis Harrison is the unsung hero of the group and probably the nicest guy on the team. His play and approach reminded me of Michael Cuddyer who wasn't a slouch by any means for the Twins. Twins fans will love him if he can harness his potential. Cedar Rapids is an easy trip for Twins fans and where else can you get the best seats in the house for $11 while seeing the Twins' future up close and personal. Sunday games are especially sweet since the players go into right field for 30 minutes after the game while fans are allowed onto the field to chat with them and get autographs and pictures. Really nice move by the Kernals!

Another Minnesotan to watch is Cody Beam from Coon Rapids HS who now pitches for Dallas Baptist University which produced Twins "legend", Lew Ford among several other major leaguers. Beam has a mid-90's FB and was recently named WAC Pitcher of the Week. He is projected to go around Round 10 which last year produced DJ Baxendale for the Twins followed up by Taylor Rogers in Round 11. It would be nice to see Twins give strong consideration to a great local kid with a good upside.