MVPMAKER

Projecting these lineups when most the players mentioned have had less than 500AB's overall and haven't proven they can hit above A+ (sans the current 40-man/MLB guys) is kind of funny. In fact, most the minor league guys have also been sub .270 hitters with little power other than Rooker, who is beast. I get this is more crystal ball-like than statistical which is why having this discussion should occur and include players who are at AA and above. Or better yet, start another thread for players that are at A+ and below for the pie in the sky picks. Unfortunately, with a farm system that has so few project-able front of the rotation guys in the system, many of the projected position players shown will likely be traded for needed pitching, knowing that position players can come through the draft or via trades more predictably. Sorry if i am being a buzz-kill...Just trying to be realistic.

The Twins catching situation appears thin at best and is wide open.The minors have seen guys excel both offensively and defensively at different times, but inconsistent or lacking overall. For example Garver has done very well at every level hitting, yet the organization has not accelerate or promoted him at the rate many would think or believe he deserves. His ability to hit has not been questioned, however he is unproven at the MLB level and there is a big question mark on his defensive skills.Rortvedt conversely has done well defensively at the lower levels, however offensively he has been anemic at best, with the exception of a short period during the 2nd half last year at CR.Kranson seems to be a hybrid of the other two... he has shown some pop and gap to gap power consistent with hard contact and above average exit speed numbers, but his average doesn't correlate.Kranson has shown his game calling and receiving skills are above average, however, he hasn't shown he can stand up to the rigors of catching everyday. The challenge and something most casual fans don't understand, is the guy who is a stud in the GCL may stall or peak at CR or FM.Every player either continues to develop and improve or peak and get released. I don't get too excited or project starting lineups until a player gets to AA.By that time they have either earned it and are on there way, or they need to prove they are worth keeping within the organization. It does't really matter whether you are prospect, organizational guy or sleeper... you are either rising or falling among your peers and within the organization. The good news is that either through development, trades or free agency, the pond will always get restocked and next years stud may may be last years nobody.

The difference between a prospect and non-prospect early in a players career is an opinion and report by a scout and the front office's investment made in the player. Over time, today's prospect may be tomorrow's washed out guy, who under achieved or the inverse related to the non-prospect who over performed. The good news is... success and results on the mound, field, plate etc. drives attention and expectation. Those factors are what ultimately propel a player through a system.

Seth, thanks! I agree that sometimes a specific skill set and role may play before overall talent and a high ceiling, based upon team need versus individual potential. Thanks for all your hard work and answering my questions.

I have been reviewing the Twins top 50+ prospects for months now along with their rankings. It appears there has not been many new inclusions or exclusions from the lists published. Based upon the above comment, here are my questions... 1. How many new players made their debut on the top 50 prospect list this year that were not on the prior years list? 2. Do you prepare a revised list following seeing the entire group in Spring Training? I guess I am curious about the above questions because aside from projections, evaluating talent is very tough, often subjective and ones body of work is not always a clear representation of what the future will hold. The reality is if any of the experts who identified talent were perfect, they'd either be GM's, team owners or run a pro sports book in Vegas. Haha! I'd think that many players develop, evolve and perform differently following instructs, off season training, etc. for a myriad of reasons. Love to hear your thoughts...

Twins Daily (@Seth, @Thrylos) gang, Not sure if this is the right thread for the questions I have, but thought I'd comment anyhow. I have been reviewing the Twins top 50+ prospects for months now along with their rankings. It appears there has not been many new inclusions or exclusions from the lists published. Based upon the above comment, here are my questions... 1. How many new players made their debut on the top 50 prospect list this year that were not on the prior years list? 2. Do you prepare a revised list following seeing the entire group in Spring Training? I guess I am curious about the above questions because aside from projections, evaluating talent is very tough, often subjective and ones body of work is not always a clear representation of what the future will hold. The reality is if any of the experts who identified talent were perfect, they'd either be GM's, team owners or run a pro sports book in Vegas. Haha! I'd think that many players develop, evolve and perform differently following instructs, off season training, etc. for a myriad of reasons. Love to hear your thoughts...

I saw Rortvedt, Hayman, Kranson and Molina in Elizabethton last year. Rorvedt appeared to be the best defensive catcher, but showed no power. Kranson's catching skills were raw, but had the loudest bat. Hayman and Molina were consistent, but no offensive firepower at all.