Who is your surprise Twins Minor Leaguer?

[DocBauer]

So here we are in September, and for the first time in a couple years, we actually have some prospects to watch in the closing month of the season. Some have spent part of the season with the big league club, Santana and Pinto for example, and some are fresh off the farm like May and Vargas.

 

Despite some bitter bad luck in the minors to many prospects, including top prospects Buxton and Sano, there have still been some wonderful seasons by teams and individual performances from prospects. While there is no perfect list, Baseball America ranked the Twins top 10 prospect as such, coming in to the season:

 

1). Buxton

2). Sano

3). Meyer

4). Stewart

5). Berrios

6). Rosario

7). Thorpe

8). May

9). Santana

10). Polanco

 

A pretty easy list to make, and pretty universal. I have to imagine, despite talent and potential, Rosario is the one guy to probably take a fall off that list.

 

Others to make top 20 lists include the likes of: Pinto, Kepler, Harrison, Walker, Tonkin, Vargas, Gonsalves, Zack Jones, Felix Jorge, and Ryan Eades.

 

But who has flown under the radar? Who is your surprise prospect?

 

Or, perhaps someone mentioned above has truly surprised you in some way this season?

 

I will offer one of my own to begin, Chad Christensen. Admittedly, I am a Cornhusker and proud of it. So this kid is someone I pay special attention to. But I feel he has had a season worthy of distinction as a surprise. He was a 4 year letterman for the Huskers who began his career as a SS, before moving to the OF before his Jr. season. Injury forced him back to SS early in that season and he earned all Big 10 conference honors and was drafted by the Marlins in the 35th round but returned to school. The next year, back in the OF, he again was all conference selection before being selected by the Twins with their pick in the 25th round.

 

His first season, 2013, with the GCL Twins was nothing if non-descript. But at some point in the off season and ST, he really seemed to find himself and jumped to Cedar Rapids this year where he put up some very solid numbers. He is listed on their roster as a 1B, but I know from box scores and reports...SD could help me out here I'm sure...that he played all across the OF, and I believe I saw some reports of 3B, but can't swear to it. His numbers for the Kernels:

 

127 G, 492 AB's, 24-7-9 XB#'s, 73 RBI, triple slash of .272/ .339/ .404/ .744 and 30 SB in 35 attempts.

 

Is this a possible multi-positional bench player down the road? Will be interesting to see.

 

Who is your surprise Twins minor league player?

[John Kelsey]

I'll go with a couple local kids.

 

Pitcher: Brandon Peterson

Batter: Max Murphy

 

Honorable Mention to Tyler Duffey and Mitch Garver

[diehardtwinsfan]

Chih-Wei Hu has to be it for me. He's went from not on lists to someone who will be on them. Tyler Duffey is another.

[Trov]

For me the biggest is Santana, yes he was a top ten prospect, but his numbers at the ML level is better than anything he has put up in the minors, and he is playing a position he has not played at all in the last few years and almost not at all in his career.  Not only are they better they are much much better.  Highest average before ML level .297 last year, highest OBP was .343 all the way back in Dominican league, highest slugging was .426 all the way back in Dominican league too.  His K-BB walk rate is what I was expecting, which he should hopefully improve, but his history does not suggest that.  However, overall I was not expecting him to hit like this for this long.

[gunnarthor]

We had a couple pleasant surprises, really.  Santana's rookie season was fantastic and really saved the outfield. 

 

In the minor leagues, Lewis Thorpe was the youngest pitcher in A ball and more than held his own.  Although a lot of people had him listed as a sleeper (or better) prospect coming into the season.

 

I think the biggest surprise in the minors would have to be Levi Michael re-establishing himself as a prospect.  The 23 year old second baseman (and suddenly the Twins are loaded at that position) has shown excellent plate discipline and has posted an OBP of .444 at AA after hitting really well in a pitcher's league in A+. 

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

To me the biggest surprise is actually a top prospect--Berrios. He ended 2013 badly, but in 2014 he dominated and was promoted twice. I never expected this. I think right now he is the Twins top pitching prospect.

 

For somebody not on the top list, I would have to go with Jason Wheeler for pitching. For batting, I agree gunarthur--Levi Michael. Honorable mention to the two catchers in A ball (names escape me at the moment).

[Thegrin]

Jason Kanzler is my nominee.

 

He has moved up from Extended Spring Training to Cedar Rapids and now is starting in CF for the Miracle.  

 

His slash line in CR was very good  .286  .334  .448  .782

His batting average has fallen off some in the FSL but is still good.  .267  .376  .430  .806

[Seth Stohs]

As I'm working on my Top Hitters, Starters, Relievers articles... it's very interesting... The names mentioned above are all good. For me, I'd start with Chih-Wei Hu, but Duffey and Wheeler have really surprised/impressed me as well. And as was also mentioned, Berrios has been more than anyone could have thought.

 

Offensively, far less, but Kanzler and Garver would probably fit into the category.

[goliath]

Dereck Rodriquez

last year he was an outfielder, this year a pitcher, that was a surprise (and he was very good)

[Badsmerf]

Max Murphy was a surprise for me. I don't think he can sustain his production at higher levels (think Eric Lis), but he is a fun guy to watch at this point. 

 

I'd also add Burdi to my list. This guy will be with the Twins next year at some point. If the Twins are relevant by June, Burdi will be up pronto. Not relevant, and they wait until super 2 passes.

[goulik]

Kenys Vargas and Danny Santana up as quickly and successfully as they have been

Burdi was expected to be good when drafted but seriously? Not THAT good!

JO Berrios surprised many but to be honest not me...

Thorpe, He did surprise me, I really had little confidence

Finally, Polanco getting a cup of coffee, who saw that coming?

[70charger]

I'd like to nominate Mat Batts. What he's done has been pretty darn impressive for a guy no one really saw coming.

[lightfoot789]

I would have to start with Tyler Duffy as well.  Tremendous season.  He is not your typical prospect.  Jack of all trades master of none don't get you much love in the prospect rankings.  I do know that all he has ever done is win.  Prospect doubters contend he will not be able to do that at the next level and he keeps proving them wrong.

 

Matt Tomshaw falls in the same category.  Impressive numbers and excellent pitching mind, but everyone doubts his potential to do it at the next level.  He has been a consistant pitcher for the most part since he's been with the organization, yet he gets little love.

 

Adam Brett Walker gets much love for his Power potential.  He doesn't get much love for his ability to put that power to use.  Despite his success in the power numbers -It is yearly stated that he probably won't be able to do that at the next level because the pitching is better.  "If Walker can't make consistant contact he will not be able to put up those numbers at the next level".   Similar to the guys above, but their problem would be the "hitting is better" at the next level.  So to that theory:  Walker never should have been able to put up the power numbers he did ths year.  People were correct on the contact issues, but they were wrong on that affecting his power numbers.  Therefore my surprise minor leaguer.

 

I said at the beginning of the season my sleepers would be Brett Lee - Matt Tomshaw and ABW.  Just saying......................

[diehardtwinsfan]

I don't think anyone has said Walker won't hit for power. They are concerned about his ability for contact (which was mentioned)... I'm simply encouraged that his contact ability has improved significantly over the season. I think the Twins were right in keeping him in FTM, and I think it bodes well long term. He may turn into the steal of that draft... Given it's the same draft that netted Buxton and Berrios, I'd say the Twins have done OK in what was considered a pretty weak class.

[Seth Stohs]

 

I said at the beginning of the season my sleepers would be Brett Lee - Matt Tomshaw and ABW.  Just saying......................

 

So these aren't AREN'T your surprises of the year...

[lightfoot789]

GUESS NOT

[Steven Buhr]

Doc, Chad played primarily 1B with CR, but spent some time in all 3 OF positions and DH, as well. He did not, that I recall, play 3B for the Kernels. I think he did play quite a bit of 3B for the GCL Twins, however, last year.

 

Since I saw so much of the Kernels and there were so many surprises with them, I'd have to limit my "surprise" nominations to guys who spent time in CR this year.

 

Three names names that come to mind immediately have already been mentioned: Christensen, Hu and Kanzler.

 

One that I don't think has been mentioned, though, is Engelb Vielma. This guy could play SS at the big league level right now. He's the best at the position I recall seeing in CR. I can't begin to express how impressed I was with Vielma this year. He started off struggling at the plate, but came around and was eventually putting the barrel on the ball regularly.

 

The Twins suddenly have a number of legit SS prospects, but I'll be following Vielma's progress with a lot of interest going forward.

[iTwins]

I'll second a couple names already mentioned:

Pitcher: Chih-Wei Hu

Batter: Jason Kanzler

 

Great seasons from each of them this year!

[James Richter]

I'll give a shout-out to Stuart Turner. I get visions of Drew Butera sometimes when people talk about how good a defensive catcher he is (shh - never mind the bat). But the .698 OPS he put up in Fort Myers in his age 22 season was actually just a tick above average for the Florida State League. If he can keep swinging an average stick while he works his way up he's going to be pretty valuable player.

[John Kelsey]

Doc, Chad played primarily 1B with CR, but spent some time in all 3 OF positions and DH, as well. He did not, that I recall, play 3B for the Kernels. I think he did play quite a bit of 3B for the GCL Twins, however, last year.

 

Since I saw so much of the Kernels and there were so many surprises with them, I'd have to limit my "surprise" nominations to guys who spent time in CR this year.

 

Three names names that come to mind immediately have already been mentioned: Christensen, Hu and Kanzler.

 

One that I don't think has been mentioned, though, is Engelb Vielma. This guy could play SS at the big league level right now. He's the best at the position I recall seeing in CR. I can't begin to express how impressed I was with Vielma this year. He started off struggling at the plate, but came around and was eventually putting the barrel on the ball regularly.

 

The Twins suddenly have a number of legit SS prospects, but I'll be following Vielma's progress with a lot of interest going forward.

 

Really glad you mentioned Vielma, one of our most underrated prospects for sure. 

[VeePee]

Dereck Rodriguez was a surprise as pitcher this year. He wasn't so great in the outfield or as a hitter, but was pretty good as a setup man and closer. He only gave up 3 earned runs in 25.2 innings, the first didn't come until August.

 

Mat Batts was definitely a surprise. Nobody expected much from him but he showed us what he could do. Hopefully he can keep it up in all levels.

 

Trey Vavra was solid all season and led the league in doubles. Seemed like every time he came to the plate, he was doubling in a run or two. Really dependable in clutch situations.

[TRex]

I'll give a shout-out to Stuart Turner. I get visions of Drew Butera sometimes when people talk about how good a defensive catcher he is (shh - never mind the bat). But the .698 OPS he put up in Fort Myers in his age 22 season was actually just a tick above average for the Florida State League. If he can keep swinging an average stick while he works his way up he's going to be pretty valuable player.

 I agree...

And even more impressive is that, after an (understandably) awful April after skipping Low-A ball, his line for the rest of the season was .266/.345/.425, which is definitely above average! I think he also acquitted himself very nicely in the playoffs! One to watch for sure, and another one who will likely move up to NB next year.

[Yossarian]

Ricky Nolasco.

[Rick Niedermann]

I only saw Cedar Rapids live.  So that might skew my choice.  But Max Murphy was very impressive. He stings the ball.  He'd be my choice.

[VeePee]

Max Murphy still lead the Appy League in home runs a month after he went to Cedar Rapids. He was the Appy League Player of the Year even though he was promoted half way through the season. Let's hope this is a sign of things to come for Murphy!

[Parker Hageman]

Thanks for the topic idea! We discussed this in our test video. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOArbaj6xAA&list=UUUksIQgrcv2hgbughOgsuAg

 

We will leave the deep minor league analysis to Seth Stohs and SD Buhr. 

[Mike Sixel]

Chih-Wei Hu has to be it for me. He's went from not on lists to someone who will be on them. Tyler Duffey is another.

 

Hu for me also.