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RJA

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  1. RJA
    Even with all of the caveats, this is a kid to dream on. I think what is special about him is that he has the makings of two great secondary pitches. That is rare for a young kid, especially one who has so few innings under his belt. If he stays healthy and focused, and I mean IF, this kid has the makings of a great number 1. It will be fun to watch him develop.
  2. RJA
    Kirby was one of those professional athletes who was bigger than life. In addition to his baseball skills, his infectious laugh, intensity, and leadership made him a truly iconic player. I bumped into him, literally, at Southdale Mall and he was wearing a floor length mink coat. He was friendly and approachable, and spent a few minutes talking baseball with me. It is a lasting memory that I will cherish. Rest in peace, Kirby Puckett. Thanks for the memories.
  3. RJA
    I think in many ways shortstop is the hardest position to project for young players. Sano started as a shortstop, Royce Lewis was a can't miss shortstop prospect (he may still fill the bill--this year is huge for him), Polanco came up as a shortstop, Martin played shortstop in college, etc., etc. I actually believe shortstop is a position best filled by free agents who have demonstated the ability to stay in the position in the majors. That is probably why great shortstops are gobbled up in free agency. I think Miller has potential to stick at short, but it will all depend on his bat and if he retains his quickness as he gets older. Some young players learn to drive the ball as they age, some don't. One thing in his favor is that he seems like a smart kid who is coachable and that can make all the difference in the world.
  4. RJA
    I think Varland could really be special. His interview with Seth was really enjoyable. Both he and Sands are part of a really great group of young pitchers in the farm system. Let's hope all of them stay healthy. I agree with mikelink45 that Celestino has a lot of potential. If he continues the quality of play that he showed at St. Paul last year, he could be a great 4th outfielder and maybe more. One correction is that Wallner hits from the left side. If the swing and miss in his game proves too extreme, the Twins could always make him a reliever given his pitching prowess. Miller's future will depend how his bat develops. He will definitely be a fun player to watch develop. Good summaries, David.
  5. RJA
    Great article. I, too, was at the University of Minnesota when Winfield played baseball and basketball. He joined the basketball team when Musselman recruited him from his intramural team, "The Soulful Strutters". He became part of the iron five that won the title. He ranks up there with Deion, Bo and a few others among the best all around athletes to ever play professional sports. That would be a great discussion topic: who were the best all around athletes in history?
  6. RJA
    I agree with your assessment about so many players having too much swing and miss in their game, but in Rodriguez's case, he is still very young. It is not unusual for a 17-18 year old player to be anxious and overly aggressive. Plus, he has some knowledge of the strike zone as witnessed by his ability to draw some walks. In his case, I think there is reason to believe that his strike outs will go down as he matures. Clearly his power is phenomenal. At this stage of his career, it is all about projection, but the skills are there for him to be special.
  7. RJA
    Good summaries, Nash. Rodriguez is a prospect we can all dream on. If he makes more consistent contact as he matures, he will be climb the rankings quickly. I like the Hajjar pick. He fits the mold of a Twins college arm selection--he has an excellent secondary offering in his changeup, and has room to get a little more giddy up on his fastball. It will be interesting to see if they can get him working consistently in the mid 90's with his heater. It would make his changeup even more effective. Enlow looked ready to break out before TJ. Let's hope he makes a full recovery.
  8. RJA
    Great teaser article, Seth! It gets us all ready for the Top 20. The thing that strikes me about the Twins farm system is the sheer quantity of legitimate prospects. We may not have as many big name prospects that others have, but the depth is amazing. In today's game, with player development processes getting better and better, having great depth in your farm system is the way to go. Just look at the number of pitchers that are adding 3 or 4 mph to their fastballs, without a loss of control, after working with the development team for a few months or a year. And, in many cases the secondary stuff is improving as well. I do confess that I am a bit worried about the performance of some of our first round players--Cavaco, Sabato for example, so it will be a big year for them. It is unusual when first round picks are not in the top 20 prospects list. But, let's hope for big years from both of them so they are on the list for next year. Keith Law has his top 20 Twins prospects out and that is an interesting read as well.
  9. RJA
    I agree it hurts the recent additions to the 40 man as they are hoping that a strong spring training performance will earn them a roster spot or early call up. I think this is especially true of our young pitchers. This is clearly a year when there are spots available (as of now anyway) and if spring training is truncated, they will have much less of a chance to earn a roster spot. Actually, the current labor dispute is the worst possible situation for the Twins as a whole, with no clear starting rotation, no shortstop, loads of young prospects who need a chance to show what they can do, and no ability to make trades until what looks like will be the very last minute this spring. Not doing anything last fall in the free agent or trade market might very well come back and bite the Twins this spring.
  10. RJA
    I am an old guy and can remember how awed I was to see Willie Mays play centerfield. He made it look so effortless that even tough catches were made to look routine. I have seen a lot of great centerfielders since Willie, but Byron is the only one I would put in his class. He is just an incredible talent and truly a generational player. More importantly, he is a great human being. We all pray that he has good health this summer. If he does, Katy bar the door.
  11. RJA
    A pox on both their houses if they don't settle this soon. IF the season has to be shortened, it will make getting off to a fast start extremely important. With what is looking like a young starting rotation, this will be a challenge for the Twins, especially if spring training is truncated. In fact, even if the full season is played, it is important for the Twins to start fast to put last year in the rear view mirror. The White Sox games will be a very important, and a good barometer of where the Twins are at.
  12. RJA
    Thanks for the article, Cody. It is good to remember these players as they were members of our baseball family of players and fans. It is a way to keep their memories alive. Stories like these always remind me to be thankful for every day I have on this earth.
  13. RJA
    Nice article, Sherry. It is fun to learn about folks who work behind the scenes for the Twins. Heather sounds like a talented and dedicated writer. I will check out her stuff. Thanks for writing about her.
  14. RJA
    Great story, Seth, about a remarkable, multi-talented man. I especially like the pictures and video of Lannie Garrett (that lady has a remarkable voice) as they add richness to the article. Nice feature for Black History Month. I can't wait for your next one.
  15. RJA
    If this is anything other than a flyer on a depth piece, we are in trouble. As a depth piece, there is no harm in taking a look to see what he can do. If the negotiations go badly and stretch out, there will be a shortage of players in the upper minors for sure.
  16. RJA
    Lewis and Enlow dropped due to injury and inactivity, but truthfully while both players showed promise, neither player really demonstrated can't miss type performances before their injuries. Cavaco has yet to show why he was a first pick. But, all three of these players were drafted out of high school so there is still time for them to shine despite their injuries and challenges. Miranda is a good example of why we should never write off minor league players too early. But, to answer your question, Cody, I would have to say Cavaco's stock has dropped the most since his performance has not been affected by injury like the others, and he looks a little lost at times.
  17. RJA
    I actually would favor mediation as a way to jump start serious negotiations given the short time frame. I am not certain that MLB suggested mediation only for PR purposes. Sometimes if a negotiator believes his own group as well as the other side are being stubborn, he or she will ask for mediation to move BOTH sides along. In this case, MLB has not been very responsive which may indicate that there are members on the negotiating team that are being inflexible. In addition, when the new PA negotiator was hired he bragged he was going to shake things up which is not the way to start negotiations, it is a bit of a shot across the bow. Let's hope both sides get more flexible and this gets done soon. I do think mediation would help that along.
  18. RJA
    I have seen this kid live and on TV and he has impressed me with his stuff and his poise. I add my name to those who are looking forward to seeing him at Target Field, whether that is at the start of the season or a few weeks in. I think one of the most exciting things in baseball is watching the debut of a young starter or position player at the major league level. It reminds us all that this is a great game and many young men are working their tails off to get to the bigs.
  19. RJA
    I really enjoy these interviews. It allows me to attach a face and personality to these kids. Your interview technique is very relaxed and I think that helps the kids relax. Nice job. I also like the fact you bring up coaches that may have helped the young men on the way up. Rec league and travel team coaches are so important to the development of players that it is good to see them recognized. Keep up the good work, Seth. My compliments.
  20. RJA
    Whose stock rose the most? I would have to say Miranda as he has been in the system longer and had nowhere near the success in prior years as he did last year. He was a guy who was pretty much unknown who became one of the best hitters in minor league baseball last year. What a great story. Let's hope he carries that success to the bigs this year.
  21. RJA
    Good kid with good head on his shoulders and a chance to get better through hard work. I will be pulling for him. It is what I love about baseball--a kid from a small school with a dream of making the bigs gets a chance.
  22. RJA
    Nick, your mention of baseball movies got me thinking that I haven't watched The Perfect Game in a long time. I am going to tee it up this weekend. This lockout too shall pass (I hope!).
  23. RJA
    Yea, I hear you. I'm frustrated as well. Maybe this will be the year.
  24. RJA
    Boy, aren't you Mr. Optimistic :).
  25. RJA
    I agree Celestino could be an important piece regardless of whether Buxton is hurt or not but I think we need another half season at St. Paul to really see if he is ready. He would take on even more importance if Kepler is traded as he would normally spell Buxton on occasion in CF. As for Gordon, it is easy to pull for this kid, but if the Twins think Martin is MLB ready, he would be a better choice as he could play all over as well and has a better bat. But, if trades are on the horizon, Martin, Celestino, Jeffers, Garver and others may be gone, so it is really a crap shoot trying to predict who is going to be where this season. Good topic, Cody. It is fun to noodle these things.
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