Article: Twins Minor League Starting Pitcher Of The Month - April 2017

[Seth Stohs]

After reviewing the top relief pitchers in the Minnesota Twins system in April, today we shift our attention to the starting pitchers. There are some familiar names listed. There are a couple of top prospects. There are are a couple of guys who entered their 2016 seasons in independent leagues. At the top of this list are two guys that you could debate for the top spot, and both are in the upper levels of the system. That’s also always a good thing.Let’s get to it. Before we get to our Top 6 starting pitchers for the month of April, here is a list of several others who deserve to be recognized for a solid first month.

 

HONORABLE MENTION

• David Hurlbut - Rochester - 3 GS, 17.1 IP, 1-2, 1.04 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9, 7.3 K/9
• Fernando Romero - Chattanooga - 5 G, 4 GS, 24.1, 2.96 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 4.1 BB/9, 9.2 K/9
• Eduardo Del Rosario - Cedar Rapids - 4 GS, 19.2 IP, 2-1, 2.75 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9, 11.4 K/9

THE TOP SIX STARTING PITCHERS

 

 

 

#6 - David Fischer - Ft. Myers Miracle - 4 GS, 2-0, 0.95 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 19.0 IP, 17 H, 6 BB, 25 K

Fischer was drafted three times before signing with the Washington Nationals in 2012. He spent three seasons in their organization. He has pitched in independent leagues the last two years. The Twins signed him to a minor league deal before this season.

The 27-year-old was assigned to Ft. Myers, and as you would hope, he’s doing well against hitters three to seven years younger than he is. He worked just 19 innings over four starts, but he limited runs well. In his first two starts, he worked nine shutout innings. In his past two starts, he has given up two runs over ten innings. Opponents are hitting .243 (.649) off him.

 

#5 - Clark Beeker- Cedar Rapids Kernels - 4 GS, 3-1, 1.69 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 26.2 IP, 24 H, 2 BB, 20 K

Beeker was the Twins 33rd-round draft pick last June after four years at Davidson University. He was sent to the GCL where he worked 32.1 innings in 12 games (one start). He then jumped up to Elizabethton where he made two starts. Combined, he posted a 2.47 ERA in 43.2 innings. He walked just 10 and struck out 52. Opponents have hit .242 off of him, but his control and command keep him out of trouble.

In April in Cedar Rapids, he was consistent. He completed seven innings in his first three starts. He was on his way there on Sunday, but the Kernels game in Peoria was rained out after just five innings of shutout ball.

Get to know more about Clark Beeker in his Twins Daily Q&A from November.

 

#4 - Tyler Wells - Cedar Rapids Kernels - 4 GS, 2-0, 1.88 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 24.0 IP, 17 H, 7 BB, 32 K

The 6-8 right-hander was the Twins 15th-round pick last year out of Cal State-San Bernadino. He started out slowly in Elizabethton last season, but he ended strong. In his final three starts, he went 18.1 innings without allowing a run while walking five and striking out 23.

Opponents hit just .193 (.545) off of him in April. He went just four innings in his first start, but his next three games were all quality starts. Over those three starts, he walked three and struck out 26 batters in 20 innings. The 22-year-old throws in the low-90s with a good slider and a good 12-6 curveball.

Learn more about Tyler Wells in this Twins Daily Q&Afrom December.

 

#3 - Sean Poppen - Cedar Rapids Kernels - 4 GS, 0-0, 1.67 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 27.0 IP, 19 H, 4 BB, 28 K

Another Kernels starter, Poppen was the Twins 19th-round pick last year out of Harvard where he majored in chemistry and physics, engineering sciences. After eight starts and a 2.97 ERA in Elizabethton, he posted a 2.12 ERA in four games in Cedar Rapids.

He’s been terrific for the Kernels to start this season. He is four-for-four in quality starts. He’s had good control and he’s been able to work out of some tough situations, often with a big strikeout. Opponents have hit just .188 (.481) against him so far. He has a fastball in the low-90s, touching 94 at times. He also throws a slider and a changeup.

 

#2 - Nik Turley - Chattanooga Lookouts - 4 G, 2 GS, 0-1, 0.44 ERA, 0.54 WHIP, 20.1 IP, 4 H, 6 BB, 36 K

Turley was the 50th-round draft pick of the New York Yankees in the 2008 draft. He worked his way up the ladder and was the organization’s minor league pitcher of the year in 2012. Following the season, he was added to their 40-man roster. In early 2014, he was let go by the Yankees. He’s pitched in the Giants and Red Sox organizations since, and spent much of last season in the Atlantic League.

The Twins signed Turley this offseason without an invitation to major league camp. After spring training, he was sent to AA Chattanooga where he began the season in the bullpen. He’s been a strikeout machine since the season started. He worked four innings in his first appearance out of the bullpen. He gave up one hit and struck out ten. His next game was also out of the bullpen. He struck out eight in 4.1 scoreless innings. His other two appearances have been starts in doubleheaders. He worked five scoreless innings in his first start. In his next start, he struck out 14 batters in seven innings, though he did give up his first run of the year and took a tough-luck loss. Soon after, he was promoted to Rochester, though he has yet to make an appearance for the Red Wings.

And the Twins Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Month is:

 

Rochester Red Wings – RHP Jose Berrios - 5 GS, 2-0, 1.09 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 33.0 IP, 18 H, 8 BB, 35 K

 

 

 

Jose Berrios is no stranger to winning Twins Daily Awards. He’s won several monthly awards, and he was the choice for Twins Daily Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Year in 2014 and 2015. He is again our choice for April.

Jose Berrios is proud to be from Puerto Rico, and there was no way he was going to miss out on the opportunity to play with friends and countrymen in the WBC. He made one start, but then was used more sporadically. So when he came back to Twins spring training, he was a bit behind. So, he went back to AAA.

And, as we’ve learned, he puts up fantastic numbers against AAA hitting and April was no exception. He provided innings. He threw strikes. He had control. He displayed a good fastball and what seems to be a sharper breaking ball and changeup. Opponents have hit just .157 off of him so far this season and has more than a strikeout per inning.

It’s pretty clear that Berrios should be called up to the Twins soon. The front office is saying that they will be more patient with him this time. But it’s hard to believe that he won’t be called up to be the fifth starter by the end of this week. As the Twins have been patient with Byron Buxton in the big leagues through the first month, they will need to do the same with Berrios. And, for his part, Berrios is going to have to show that he can command his pitches better.

Here’s to hoping that this is the last time that Jose Berrios wins a Twins minor league award as we’d all like to see him get moved back up and stick.

Feel free to agree or disagree with the order, if you like. It wasn’t as easy a decision as you might think. And it’s always good to have lots of starting pitchers throwing well!

 

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[108Stitches]

I agree with this list. Although it's KINDA unfair with Berrios winning. Because that dude is a big leaguer wearing the incorrect uniform

[AlwaysinModeration]

I don't know, looking at the numbers, I might have to give it to Turley.

 

Between Turley, Santana and Berrios, those were some mighty fine looking Aprils.

[Seth Stohs]

 

I don't know, looking at the numbers, I might have to give it to Turley.

Between Turley, Santana and Berrios, those were some mighty fine looking Aprils

 

I gave Berrios some bonus for throwing 13+ more innings and actually being a starter. 

 

Turley was tough. I mean, he's a reliever, but he did make two spot starts... so I had to include him with the starters.

[Seth Stohs]

 

I agree with this list. Although it's KINDA unfair with Berrios winning. Because that dude is a big leaguer wearing the incorrect uniform

 

Based on all his big league success so far?

[108Stitches]

No definitely not lol. Just saying the kid is good and I think it'll click in time. Id like see them give him some leeway. But Seth, you follow this WAY closer than me, so I'll totally defer to you on that opinion. 

[nytwinsfan]

Has anyone seen a summary of Turley's arsenal? Would like to understand what kind of pitcher he is besides just a tall lefty.

[diehardtwinsfan]

No honorable mention for DRod... who I might add is having a fine season to date.  Wonder if the Twins will push him harder given his age.

[Seth Stohs]

 

No honorable mention for DRod... who I might add is having a fine season to date.  Wonder if the Twins will push him harder given his age.

 

Just missed... if his start last night would have been a day earlier (meaning April 30 instead of May 1), he probably would be on the Honorable Mention list. Either way, he's starting the season off well.

 

I think they'd like to push him, but they will also do what is best for his development. They could add him to the roster after the season and then still have three years of development (options) remaining, so there isn't a huge rush. But he is putting himself into the discussion for adding him. 

[Mike Sixel]

Nice list. It looks like the college pitchers in A ball might be better than the HS and college hitters in A ball.....

[Tom Froemming]

Tyler Wells is one of the more intimidating pitchers I've ever seen. Obviously, his size helps in that regard (6-8, 265 lbs), but he also brings an intense focus to the mound. He keeps his cap tilted low and just looks kinda ornery out there. I love it.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Nice list. It looks like the college pitchers in A ball might be better than the HS and college hitters in A ball.....

 

Yup, as you'd hope... and if they do it a second month, they should move up. I would think by mid-May, the organization will start making decisions on some guys to let go and make some moves. 

[108Stitches]

Tyler Wells is one of the more intimidating pitchers I've ever seen. Obviously, his size helps in that regard (6-8, 265 lbs), but he also brings an intense focus to the mound. He keeps his cap tilted low and just looks kinda ornery out there. I love it.

and I love how he stands facing the batter like he's going to quick draw a colt 45 on them or kick their ass. Totally agree with this sentiment

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

I have been watching Cedar Rapids game logs but haven't seen them play yet. Based only on that, I would rate Beeker just a tiny sliver ahead of Poppen. Not sure why. Just a gut feeling or to be argumentative, I guess. Can't argue with the results either of them are getting.

[jrod23]

 

Tyler Wells is one of the more intimidating pitchers I've ever seen. Obviously, his size helps in that regard (6-8, 265 lbs), but he also brings an intense focus to the mound. He keeps his cap tilted low and just looks kinda ornery out there. I love it.

 

Completely agree with this.  Can't teach pitchers how to be bulldogs, just gotta have that intimidation factor without the top notch arsenal.  Let Eddie G. get his hands on him and really work him.  Show him even more.

 

Being patient is hard, but much like our other top end prospects, they'll get there.  Same with Berrios.  Look at all the top pitching prospects across the majors and their first year or two in The Show.  The trend is shows guys getting roughed up and sent back down.  Tough to find that trend setter, rather than having another trend statistic.  My expectations remain high for now.

[FormerMinnasotan]

Tyler Wells is one of the more intimidating pitchers I've ever seen. Obviously, his size helps in that regard (6-8, 265 lbs), but he also brings an intense focus to the mound. He keeps his cap tilted low and just looks kinda ornery out there. I love it.

And from watching highlights of Wells it seems for a pitcher 6'8" he has excellent mechanics and his windup is easy and very repeatable (unlike Alex Meyer who is only an inch taller). Hopefully Wells will continue to develop, it'd be nice for a "lower" prospect to exceed expectations.

[jimbo92107]

Last season it looked like Berrios was slinging everything in a low plane, making it too easy for hitters to swing back along that plane. Major league hitters often greet such offerings with flat line drives hit right up the middle at high speed. I hope Berrios has found a slightly higher release point this season. I also hope he finishes his follow through with his glove ready to pick off line drives. 

[108Stitches]

And from watching highlights of Wells it seems for a pitcher 6'8" he has excellent mechanics and his windup is easy and very repeatable (unlike Alex Meyer who is only an inch taller). Hopefully Wells will continue to develop, it'd be nice for a "lower" prospect to exceed expectations.

Also, Wells looks like he's barely trying and it's 91-94. I gotta think he's gonna tick up a few mph. And his curve is knee buckling. Last week he threw a 69 mph 12-6 with pretty much the same arm speed as the 92mph FB. He, Poppen, and Beeker are gonna make some scouts look really good for those picks!

[mikelink45]

I think the Buxton comp is a good one.  Bring him up, give him time, let him settle in.  The long run is what is important now, but to get there Berrios has to get past and issues in MLB>

[JW24]

 

Last season it looked like Berrios was slinging everything in a low plane, making it too easy for hitters to swing back along that plane. Major league hitters often greet such offerings with flat line drives hit right up the middle at high speed. I hope Berrios has found a slightly higher release point this season. I also hope he finishes his follow through with his glove ready to pick off line drives. 

I don't know how much release point matters when you are working from 2-0 and 3-1 counts all the time. I am hoping when Berrios is called up, he is able to pound the strike zone. Working ahead in counts will hopefully reduce the number of line drives.

[goulik]

I seems like I have seen David Hurlbut in the also rans MANY times over the last few years. He stands out to me as a pitcher with that name is cool in itself. Is he another Wheeler? Always a bridesmaid, never destined to dance center stage with the big club?

[70charger]

 

Always a bridesmaid, never destined to dance center stage with the big club?

 

You may be mixing your metaphors.

[Thrylos]

There is no objective way that says that Berrios pitched better than Turley.

 

Any.way.you.cut.it.

 

Period.

Edited May 2, 2017 by Thrylos

[Seth Stohs]

 

I seems like I have seen David Hurlbut in the also rans MANY times over the last few years. He stands out to me as a pitcher with that name is cool in itself. Is he another Wheeler? Always a bridesmaid, never destined to dance center stage with the big club?

 

He probably doesn't throw quite as hard as Wheeler. But there are a lot of similarities between Hurlbut, Wheeler, Albers, Dean, etc.

[Seth Stohs]

 

There is no objective way that says that Berrios pitched better than Turley.

 

Any.way.you.cut.it.

 

Period.

 

I'm pretty comfortable with my choice... I value those 13 additional innings quite a bit.

[FormerMinnasotan]

Also, Wells looks like he's barely trying and it's 91-94. I gotta think he's gonna tick up a few mph. And his curve is knee buckling. Last week he threw a 69 mph 12-6 with pretty much the same arm speed as the 92mph FB. He, Poppen, and Beeker are gonna make some scouts look really good for those picks!

It sure looks like Cedar Rapids has the best rotation top to bottom. Eddie DelRosario, Wells, Poppen, Beeker, and Beardsley is a pretty good starting 5 especially when a case can be made that 4/5 starters realistically could potentially deserve a promotion to hi A ball.