Top 20 Prospects: Minnesota Twins
1. Miguel Sano, 3B, A-
Sano has the biggest power in the minor leagues right now. He absolutely mashes the ball, but does have some contact issues which lead to a lot of strikeouts. A shortstop when first signed, Sano has already moved to third. He is already a physical specimen and as he continues to fill out his frame even more, he may have to move to first. Regardless, the raw power is his calling card and will garner him plenty of attention.
2. Byron Buxton, OF, B+
Buxton is a tool shed, with excellent raw power and speed at the plate and great range and throwing arm in centerfield. He is the type of prospect that scouts like to dream on, because if his hit tool comes around, he could be a perennial All-Star. If it doesn’t, however, he could end up like the number 5 prospect on this list, Aaron Hicks, another five tool talent who just hasn't made enough contact.
3. Eddie Rosario, 2B/OF, B+
Rosario is not showing the same kind of home run power that he did last year when he clubbed 21 homers in 67 games, but that was expected and he is still showing plenty at the plate. His approach is also refined this year and if he can stick at second, he will be a very valuable commodity as a bat first, left handed hitting, middle infielder.
4. Oswaldo Arcia, OF, B+
Arcia, for some reason, reminds me of Shin Soo Choo with less speed. He displays good power potential at the plate, as well as a good hit tool and better patience this year than in the past. Already in AA, Arcia could be in the majors sometime next season and be an impact player in right field for years.
5. Aaron Hicks, OF, B
Hicks was a favorite of mine coming out of high school in California, when he was selected in the first round by the Twins in 2008. He has excellent make-up, a very good approach with patience at the plate and excellent speed that he utilizes well on both sides of the ball. He also has very good raw power that he has not tapped into in games yet due to the slow development of his hit tool, but still shows some gap power. He still has tons of potential and is only 22 years old in AA, so there is definitely still time, but he may not be moving as quickly as the Twins and many fans would have liked.
6. J.O. Berrios, RHP, B-
Berrios, the Twins first supplemental round selection this year has a very live arm, with good present stuff and excellent work ethic. He won’t add too much more velocity as he matures, but he doesn’t really need it, sitting in the low-mid 90s at present. He has a very good curve right now and with some refinement, he could be a number 2 starter.
7. Travis Harrison, 3B, B-/C+
Harrison has big time raw power, but does not have much else to his game. He is not a very pure hitter, has no speed to speak of and is not very good defensively at third, making it likely that he shifts to first in the future.
8. Kyle Gibson, RHP, C+
Gibson was once considered a top prospect, but Tommy John surgery has forced him to miss this season. He could come back stronger than ever and be a number 2/3 starter or the surgery could ruin his career and never make it back. He could be ranked higher next year if he comes back strong and shows the solid combination of stuff command that he did prior to the injury.
9. J.T. Chargois, RHP, C+
A two-way player at Rice, Chargois has high potential as a back end reliever at the next level, with athleticism, a live fastball and a chance to move quickly through the system.
10. Levi Michael, SS/2B, C+
Michael was lauded for his polish not his tools coming out of UNC and he hasn’t done anything to change scout’s minds. He has very good plate discipline and is solid defensively both at short and second. He does not have power or speed, but he could hit for a solid average and play good defense up the middle. He is a typical Twins player.
11. Max Kepler, OF, C+
12. Deolis Guerra, RHP, C+
13. Niko Goodrum, SS, C+
14. Adam Walker, OF/1B, C+
15. Luke Bard, RHP, C+
16. Mason Melotakis, LHP, C+
17. B.J. Hermsen, RHP, C+
18. Madison Boer, RHP, C+
19. Hudson Boyd, RHP, C+
20. Carlos Gutierrrez, RHP, C+
21. Adrian Salcedo, RHP, C+
22. Alex Wimmers, RHP, C+
23. Matthew Summers, RHP, C+
24. Nate Roberts, OF, C+
25. Matt Hauser, RHP, C+
26. JaDamion Williams, OF, C+
27. Daniel Santana, SS, C+
28. Yangervis Solarte, 2B, C+
Sano has the biggest power in the minor leagues right now. He absolutely mashes the ball, but does have some contact issues which lead to a lot of strikeouts. A shortstop when first signed, Sano has already moved to third. He is already a physical specimen and as he continues to fill out his frame even more, he may have to move to first. Regardless, the raw power is his calling card and will garner him plenty of attention.
2. Byron Buxton, OF, B+
Buxton is a tool shed, with excellent raw power and speed at the plate and great range and throwing arm in centerfield. He is the type of prospect that scouts like to dream on, because if his hit tool comes around, he could be a perennial All-Star. If it doesn’t, however, he could end up like the number 5 prospect on this list, Aaron Hicks, another five tool talent who just hasn't made enough contact.
3. Eddie Rosario, 2B/OF, B+
Rosario is not showing the same kind of home run power that he did last year when he clubbed 21 homers in 67 games, but that was expected and he is still showing plenty at the plate. His approach is also refined this year and if he can stick at second, he will be a very valuable commodity as a bat first, left handed hitting, middle infielder.
4. Oswaldo Arcia, OF, B+
Arcia, for some reason, reminds me of Shin Soo Choo with less speed. He displays good power potential at the plate, as well as a good hit tool and better patience this year than in the past. Already in AA, Arcia could be in the majors sometime next season and be an impact player in right field for years.
5. Aaron Hicks, OF, B
Hicks was a favorite of mine coming out of high school in California, when he was selected in the first round by the Twins in 2008. He has excellent make-up, a very good approach with patience at the plate and excellent speed that he utilizes well on both sides of the ball. He also has very good raw power that he has not tapped into in games yet due to the slow development of his hit tool, but still shows some gap power. He still has tons of potential and is only 22 years old in AA, so there is definitely still time, but he may not be moving as quickly as the Twins and many fans would have liked.
6. J.O. Berrios, RHP, B-
Berrios, the Twins first supplemental round selection this year has a very live arm, with good present stuff and excellent work ethic. He won’t add too much more velocity as he matures, but he doesn’t really need it, sitting in the low-mid 90s at present. He has a very good curve right now and with some refinement, he could be a number 2 starter.
7. Travis Harrison, 3B, B-/C+
Harrison has big time raw power, but does not have much else to his game. He is not a very pure hitter, has no speed to speak of and is not very good defensively at third, making it likely that he shifts to first in the future.
8. Kyle Gibson, RHP, C+
Gibson was once considered a top prospect, but Tommy John surgery has forced him to miss this season. He could come back stronger than ever and be a number 2/3 starter or the surgery could ruin his career and never make it back. He could be ranked higher next year if he comes back strong and shows the solid combination of stuff command that he did prior to the injury.
9. J.T. Chargois, RHP, C+
A two-way player at Rice, Chargois has high potential as a back end reliever at the next level, with athleticism, a live fastball and a chance to move quickly through the system.
10. Levi Michael, SS/2B, C+
Michael was lauded for his polish not his tools coming out of UNC and he hasn’t done anything to change scout’s minds. He has very good plate discipline and is solid defensively both at short and second. He does not have power or speed, but he could hit for a solid average and play good defense up the middle. He is a typical Twins player.
11. Max Kepler, OF, C+
12. Deolis Guerra, RHP, C+
13. Niko Goodrum, SS, C+
14. Adam Walker, OF/1B, C+
15. Luke Bard, RHP, C+
16. Mason Melotakis, LHP, C+
17. B.J. Hermsen, RHP, C+
18. Madison Boer, RHP, C+
19. Hudson Boyd, RHP, C+
20. Carlos Gutierrrez, RHP, C+
21. Adrian Salcedo, RHP, C+
22. Alex Wimmers, RHP, C+
23. Matthew Summers, RHP, C+
24. Nate Roberts, OF, C+
25. Matt Hauser, RHP, C+
26. JaDamion Williams, OF, C+
27. Daniel Santana, SS, C+
28. Yangervis Solarte, 2B, C+
2012 Draft Review: Minnesota Twins
Overall Draft Grade: A-/B+
The Twins went a different route than their normal Draft strategy and definitely gave their fans something to be excited about. Buxton is an elite talent at the top, and while he's not the arm that most wanted, the Twins took plenty of interesting pitchers after him. Berrios is an exciting Puerto Rican talent and he's followed by a slew of college relievers with power stuff, all of whom could be quick risers to the Majors and help the bullpen in a hurry. Minnesota will likely choose to try some of them as starters, however, and the crop of arms as a whole is quite impressive. A lot is riding on the collegiate relievers here, most of whom will end up in the bullpen, but with Buxton at the top and power bat Adam Walker in the 3rd, this class is very well-rounded and shows a good mix of upside and high floors.
1st Round (2): Byron Buxton, OF, Appling County HS (GA), 6'2", 190, R/R
After initial thoughts that it was either Buxton or Appel here, the Twins had the choice of both and went with the toolsy outfielder. He got a B.J. Upton comp from us and shows quite a few tools that will play at the next level. He generates well above-average bat speed from the right side, is a plus runner and has a very strong arm from the outfield. There's power potential in the bat thanks to the bat speed and ability to fill out his frame more, and Buxton has some of the highest upside in his class.
Supplemental Round (32): J.O. Berrios, RHP, Puerto Rico, 6'0", 190
Berrios is a power arm out of Puerto Rico that shows an interesting blend of present stuff and pitchability. While he's not the biggest guy, he still throws a heavy fastball that sits in the 93-95 range and has touched even higher. He complements that with a breaking ball that mlb.com describes as "an absolute hammer," and projects to be solidly above-average at the next level. He's not one for much projection, as his stuff is about as good as its going to get, but he's already an impressive arm and should be an interesting follow at the next level.
Berrios is a power arm out of Puerto Rico that shows an interesting blend of present stuff and pitchability. While he's not the biggest guy, he still throws a heavy fastball that sits in the 93-95 range and has touched even higher. He complements that with a breaking ball that mlb.com describes as "an absolute hammer," and projects to be solidly above-average at the next level. He's not one for much projection, as his stuff is about as good as its going to get, but he's already an impressive arm and should be an interesting follow at the next level.
Supplemental Round (42): Luke Bard, RHP, Georgia Tech University (JR), 6'3", 195
Daniel's younger brother, Luke profiles similarly to the hard-throwing Boston righty. He pairs a solid, heavy fastball that sits in the 92-94 range with a power slider, a two-pitch arsenal that most envision coming out of the pen at the next level. He was given a chance to start at Georgia Tech, however, and had some success before going down with an injury. He's an interesting selection here and while it's a bit of a reach at 42, Bard's arm is certainly worth a look.
2nd Round (62): Mason Melotakis, LHP, Northwestern State University (JR), 6'3", 190
Melotakis is a reliever at this point and will probably stay there, but he definitely has the electric stuff required to close out games regularly. He throws a hard fastball in the 93-95 range that he commands very well. There's not much else there, but he uses an average curveball to complement the heater. He's lauded for his mentality and presence and has a chance to be a solid reliever at the next level.
2nd Round (72): J.T. Chargois, RHP, Rice University (JR), 6'3", 200
Chargois is yet another college reliever, and we're starting to sense a pattern here. He closed for Rice in 2012 and featured an above-average fastball with solid velocity and some movement as well. There's not much secondary stuff to speak of here, but he hasn't spent a lot of time on the mound as a two-way player for Rice and he should be able to develop quickly after committing full-time to the mound at the next level.
3rd Round (97): Adam Walker, OF/1B Jacksonville University, 6'4", 225, R/R
Walker is a big-time power threat with some athleticism. He's got plenty of raw power and he's a physical presence at the plate, but the hitting tools lag behind the power projection. He's got some solid speed for a guy his size, but his instincts and below-average arm might limit him to first base in the future. If he can stick in a corner outfield spot, however, his bat has the chance to play out there, especially if he finds a way to make consistent contact.
Daniel's younger brother, Luke profiles similarly to the hard-throwing Boston righty. He pairs a solid, heavy fastball that sits in the 92-94 range with a power slider, a two-pitch arsenal that most envision coming out of the pen at the next level. He was given a chance to start at Georgia Tech, however, and had some success before going down with an injury. He's an interesting selection here and while it's a bit of a reach at 42, Bard's arm is certainly worth a look.
2nd Round (62): Mason Melotakis, LHP, Northwestern State University (JR), 6'3", 190
Melotakis is a reliever at this point and will probably stay there, but he definitely has the electric stuff required to close out games regularly. He throws a hard fastball in the 93-95 range that he commands very well. There's not much else there, but he uses an average curveball to complement the heater. He's lauded for his mentality and presence and has a chance to be a solid reliever at the next level.
2nd Round (72): J.T. Chargois, RHP, Rice University (JR), 6'3", 200
Chargois is yet another college reliever, and we're starting to sense a pattern here. He closed for Rice in 2012 and featured an above-average fastball with solid velocity and some movement as well. There's not much secondary stuff to speak of here, but he hasn't spent a lot of time on the mound as a two-way player for Rice and he should be able to develop quickly after committing full-time to the mound at the next level.
3rd Round (97): Adam Walker, OF/1B Jacksonville University, 6'4", 225, R/R
Walker is a big-time power threat with some athleticism. He's got plenty of raw power and he's a physical presence at the plate, but the hitting tools lag behind the power projection. He's got some solid speed for a guy his size, but his instincts and below-average arm might limit him to first base in the future. If he can stick in a corner outfield spot, however, his bat has the chance to play out there, especially if he finds a way to make consistent contact.
4th Round (130): Zach Jones, RHP, San Jose State University (JR), 6'1", 195
Another two-way guy for the Twins here. In fact, he's so much of a two-way guy that his MLB.com "scouting video" consists entirely what looks like him taking BP at Fenway Park. That aside, Jones was used both as a starter and a reliever and San Jose State and showed some strikeout potential with a K/9 over 9. He fits the same profile as the arms before him: mid 90s fastball with a hard slider. I'm sensing a pattern here...
5th Round (160): Tyler Duffey, RHP, Rice University (JR), 6'3", 210
Duffey, the other closer for Rice aside from Chargois, joins the Twins along with his teammate and fellow stopper. He doesn't have the raw stuff that Chargois does, but there's a chance that Duffey can start thanks to a more developed third pitch, a change-up. Duffey had better results than Chargois at Rice in 2012 (1.93 ERA, 68 K's in 51 innings), and is yet another interesting arm from this class.
6th Round (190): Andre Martinez, LHP, Archbishop McCarthy HS (FL), 6'0", 185
7th Round (220): Jorge Fernandez, C, Colegio Hector Urdaneta, 6'3", 190, S/R
8th Round (250): Christian Powell, RHP, College of Charleston (JR), 6'4", 220
9th Round (280): L.J. Mazilli, 2B, University of Connecticut (JR), 6'0", 190
Mazilli has some Major League bloodlines and an impressive bat for a collegiate second baseman. He put up good numbers for UConn this year and has shown a tendency to make solid, consistent contact. He was projected to go much higher than the 9th, and could be a steal here if he continues to hit well.
Another two-way guy for the Twins here. In fact, he's so much of a two-way guy that his MLB.com "scouting video" consists entirely what looks like him taking BP at Fenway Park. That aside, Jones was used both as a starter and a reliever and San Jose State and showed some strikeout potential with a K/9 over 9. He fits the same profile as the arms before him: mid 90s fastball with a hard slider. I'm sensing a pattern here...
5th Round (160): Tyler Duffey, RHP, Rice University (JR), 6'3", 210
Duffey, the other closer for Rice aside from Chargois, joins the Twins along with his teammate and fellow stopper. He doesn't have the raw stuff that Chargois does, but there's a chance that Duffey can start thanks to a more developed third pitch, a change-up. Duffey had better results than Chargois at Rice in 2012 (1.93 ERA, 68 K's in 51 innings), and is yet another interesting arm from this class.
6th Round (190): Andre Martinez, LHP, Archbishop McCarthy HS (FL), 6'0", 185
7th Round (220): Jorge Fernandez, C, Colegio Hector Urdaneta, 6'3", 190, S/R
8th Round (250): Christian Powell, RHP, College of Charleston (JR), 6'4", 220
9th Round (280): L.J. Mazilli, 2B, University of Connecticut (JR), 6'0", 190
Mazilli has some Major League bloodlines and an impressive bat for a collegiate second baseman. He put up good numbers for UConn this year and has shown a tendency to make solid, consistent contact. He was projected to go much higher than the 9th, and could be a steal here if he continues to hit well.
10th Round (310): D.J. Baxendale, RHP, Arkansas University (JR), 6'2", 190
Baxendale was also projected to go much higher and is a solid pitchability righty that fits the more traditionally Minnesotan mold. He knows how to pitch and has good control and command of his average stuff. He could advance through a system and help at the Major League level quickly, something that could be said about a lot of the arms in this class.
Baxendale was also projected to go much higher and is a solid pitchability righty that fits the more traditionally Minnesotan mold. He knows how to pitch and has good control and command of his average stuff. He could advance through a system and help at the Major League level quickly, something that could be said about a lot of the arms in this class.
Twins Draft Strategy: An Overview
In 2011, 2010 and 2008 the Twins selected 3 high school players in the top 10 rounds, while in 2009 they only selected one. I would not expect their college heavy draft strategy to change this year, even with the most money out of any team to spend on the draft. They have $12.368 million to spend on 13 selections, 3 of which come before the end of the supplemental round. The Twins could really use some pitching and with Appel likely off the board when the Twins pick at 1:2, they will have a number of different options. They could easily add more hitters ( i.e. Zunino, Buxton, Correa) to a very hitter heavy system, one with few impact arms at the minor league and big league levels. The Twins could also opt for one of the big 3 college arms in Gausman, Zimmer or Appel if Buxton is the Astros' choice. If they took a pitcher such as Gausman, who we have them taking in our most recent mock draft, even though he is a draft eligible sophomore, he will probably not require the allotted $6.2 million to sign. This would hypothetically leave extra money to go above slot with their later selections. This strategy could enable them to take their usual three or so high schoolers after that pick, including local prep pitcher Mitch Brown who we have going to them in one of their supplemental round selections.
Mock Draft Selections: Kevin Gausman, RHP, Louisiana State University, Barrett Barnes, OF, Texas Tech Unversity, Mitch Brown, RHP, Rochester Century HS (MN)
Mock Draft Selections: Kevin Gausman, RHP, Louisiana State University, Barrett Barnes, OF, Texas Tech Unversity, Mitch Brown, RHP, Rochester Century HS (MN)
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