tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825523244780267624.post708795481749714551..comments2023-08-07T07:01:07.878-07:00Comments on Travistalks: The Truth about the Twins minor league systemTravis Aunehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384257585939896204noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825523244780267624.post-88753803359266930892011-08-18T05:26:07.603-07:002011-08-18T05:26:07.603-07:00Travis,
Our minor league middle infielders continu...Travis,<br />Our minor league middle infielders continue to be a target of many out there. Since pitching and defense are what truly win at all levels, could someone please perform a 2011 defensive analysis of this group of players? Looks like there are a couple of great defenders in E-Town and Beloit.lewhttp://www.actsoft.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825523244780267624.post-8447636900437431332011-08-15T11:12:30.346-07:002011-08-15T11:12:30.346-07:00I am just a fan, so more than a comment I will ask...I am just a fan, so more than a comment I will ask a couple of questions: 1)For what you guys are saying, it is probable that the Twins can't fill internally the holes of this year (infield, relief pitching) but some help (Dozier, Hendricks) could be coming in 2012. Is that right? 2) When I look at the rosters of AA and AAA I see a couple of names that show good stats but are seldom named as possibilities for the future. Two names that come to my head are Bates (AAA) and Solarte (AA), Are they so bad defensively that they cannot be trusted at the majors? Thanks for your answersAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825523244780267624.post-55109452824633181682011-08-15T09:36:44.971-07:002011-08-15T09:36:44.971-07:00i just think people are being too impatient with t...i just think people are being too impatient with the system. The Twins have top prospects at every level of the organization and that creates depth. I would put these guys up against anybody<br />1. Rochester- Rene Tosoni, Liam Hendriks, Kyle Gibson, Carlos Gutierrez<br /><br />2. New Britain- Chris Parmelee, Brian Dozier, Joe Benson<br /><br />3. James Beresford, Oswaldo Arcia, Aaron Hicks, Angel Morales, Alex Wimmers, Tom Stuifbergen, BJ Hermsen<br /><br />4. Beloit- Lance Ray, Jairo Perez, Danny Ortiz, Tyler Grimes, Madison Boer, Adrian Salcedo<br /><br />5. E-town- Miguel Sano, Eddie Rosario, Niko Goodrum, Max Kepler, Summers<br /><br />6. GCL- Jorge Polanco, Josh Hendriks, Jakob Younis<br /><br />I am not saying that all are going to be superstars but i truly believe they all could make a major league roster. That is what you are hoping for is players at every level that possibly can help your major league team and thats what I think they have found. I havent found a downgrade in level of prospect, but the contrary I feel the Twins system is better than it is been in the last 2-3 years and is on the upswing and in a couple years will rival what it was in its hayday.Travis Aunehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03384257585939896204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825523244780267624.post-52300990497972086172011-08-14T17:16:38.693-07:002011-08-14T17:16:38.693-07:00Roger... I agree with you on Hunt, and especially ...Roger... I agree with you on Hunt, and especially on Rainville. <br /><br />I guess I'm curious if your source commented on what has changed in the scouting since Terry Ryan quit. Mike Radcliff moved up and Deron Johnson took over the drafting. But Johnson has been around a long time, and Radcliff is still involved. Also, Ryan himself is now doing more of the scouting. <br /><br />Also, the same people who drafted Matt Moses and Adam Johnson drafted Michael Cuddyer, Denard Span, Morneau, Kubel, and many more. So, I guess I'm not understanding the differences. I'd be curious your thoughts. <br /><br />I'm agreeing that the minor league system isn't great. Clearly the losses in Rochester this year are not good. But by bringing in those veterans, New Britain is better because prospects are developing where they should be. <br /><br />You probably have the numbers right in front of you, Roger, but I'd be surprised if there are a LOT more unearned runs this year than in previous years. That's normal in the minors, especially in the lower levels. <br /><br />I think it's too early to give up on guys like Hicks, Gibson and Wimmers and Gutierrez, for sure. i'd add that the TWins have done well still in later rounds with guys like Dozier, Gonzales, Darnell, Ray and many others. And, the international signings are exciting. <br /><br />As for player development, I don't think anything has changed. Honestly, I think there's been a lot of injuries at all levels, and it compounds... Also, those efforts the last 2-3 years... we NEED to see that come to fruition next year at New Britain and in Rochester! And, I am an optimist, but I think we will.SethSpeakshttp://www.sethspeaks.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825523244780267624.post-46898008014663882762011-08-14T16:40:54.792-07:002011-08-14T16:40:54.792-07:00I stand by my comments that in 2-3 years the Twins...I stand by my comments that in 2-3 years the Twins farm system will be back to being one of the best in baseball. Lets just be patient as there is ton's of talent in the system we just need to let them develop at their own speed. <br />As for Shooter Hunt he started out on fire in Beloit before losing control. He was doing fine before he lost his control and guys like Shooter Hunt are what people want in that they are high risk but also high reward.Travis Aunehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03384257585939896204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825523244780267624.post-28809842855199363052011-08-14T14:09:42.722-07:002011-08-14T14:09:42.722-07:00Travis, I must disagree with several of your init...Travis, I must disagree with several of your initial assumptions. First, Jay Rainville was not a bust. He was on the fast track when shoulder surgery ended his career. Second, Hunt dropped because of a concern with his control coming out of college. So his problem should have been anticipated, yet they wasted a high pick. <br /><br />I have a very close source who knows more about baseball than most of us combined and is as close to the organization as you can get. He said when they made the changes at the time Mr. Ryan stepped down that the scouting dept took a big hit and is not the same as it was. <br /><br />Now I believe they have done a very good job Internationally the past few years, but all those kids are still a long way off. I find it difficult to understand how anyone can defend the organization when nearly every team is under .500 and several have had seasons the past few years as bad as any in their hundred plus year histories. <br /><br />But most frustrating, the Twins and their system has lost what it means to be a Twin. This organization is supposed to be be strong on fundamentals and defense with top pitching. Yet the number of unearned runs throughout the organization is shocking. Something is lacking from what the Twins were doing from the turn of the century through several years ago.<br /><br />RogerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825523244780267624.post-78040163923914722602011-08-14T13:18:27.843-07:002011-08-14T13:18:27.843-07:00Seth,
Name the last everyday shortstop or Ace ...Seth,<br /><br /> Name the last everyday shortstop or Ace #1 pitcher we drafted? The answer is Zolio Versalles in 1959 (are you kidding me) and Frank Viola in 1981. However, we have drafted plenty of outfielders and #3 or #4 pitchers. The bottom line is we need to change the overall thinking of how we draft. How do you do this? How do you accomplish this? The answer is you gut this organization from the top on down. When something is not working you have to make changes to get to the next level. The Rays, Red Sox, and now Texas understand it. The Minnesota Nice philosophy is not working. You perceive this as being negative but it's what I believe. Let's win a world series not a division title. I honestly can say The Pohlad Family is just fine with being mediocre. It fills the stands, the profits are great, but can't beat a team in the A.l. East.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825523244780267624.post-63323509784255995852011-08-14T12:43:42.362-07:002011-08-14T12:43:42.362-07:00Alright, my quick thoughts on the Twins minor leag...Alright, my quick thoughts on the Twins minor league system:<br /><br />1.) The upper levels weren't strong. The organization made the decision to grab veterans for Rochester, which was the right decision so that the prospects didn't need to be rushed. <br />2.) In terms of prospects, Ben Revere and Rene Tosoni is really all we got to see this year. Other minor leaguers promoted (Swarzak/James/Dumatrait) aren't really prospects, just depth)<br />3.) In previous years, the Twins typically only needed one, maybe two, players to come up and contribute. Last year it was Valencia. A few years back, it was Brian Buscher. It's been guys like Michael Ryan, Lew Ford, etc. This year, they needed anywhere from 6-10 such players at one time. Most important, Revere and Tosoni showed that they could be solid in the future.<br />4.) I agree with Travis on the middle infielders. I think that Dozier may be closer than we think. Guys like Beresford, Danny Santana, Jorge Polanco, etc.<br />5.) Gibson and Gutierrez are two guys we thought we might see. Both got hurt. That happens. It's OK to hope for the best with both. If Gibson has Tommy John, he'll be ready in 2013. <br />6.) Again, sometimes #3s become #2s or even #1s. I guess I don't know where people think that these so called "Aces" come from. I mean, there are about 10 of them in baseball right now, and many of them were not viewed as Aces coming up. In fact, look at Johan Santana. Was he projected as an Ace when he was in the minor leagues? <br />7.) Regarding the draft, the Twins focus a lot on getting their top 10 rounds worth of picks signed. I'm not worried about what happens before tomorrow's deadline. Like I blogged yesterday, they'll get Michael signed. He is the idiot for not signing by now. However, of the 32 first-round picks take this year, 7 have signed. They'll wait. As for Harrison and Boyd, the Twins will have to go over-slot, and there's no question that they will. I've been told that if the Twins go to $1 million, Boyd will sign. I think that'll happen, or something close to it. Harrison is the guy I would much rather them sign than Michael, but it would take him 5-6 years to be close to the big leagues, so then people would complain about the upper levels. Let's let it play out before bashing the team. They have proven many times that they are willing to go above slot. <br />8.) The system is not a top system (but still easily in the upper half). It can't be based on where they typically draft in the first round. There's a reason that the Royals have such a strong system. They need to continue to work to improve the minor leagues, but they have been very aggressive in the last 3-4 years and that's clear with some of the talent in the low levels.SethSpeakshttp://www.sethspeaks.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825523244780267624.post-712119209113664032011-08-14T12:25:49.184-07:002011-08-14T12:25:49.184-07:00It comes across as negative because it is negative...It comes across as negative because it is negative. I'm pretty sure that if I wrote that exact same thing, it would be perceived as negative by most readers. <br /><br />Maybe it isn't negative... how about pessamistic?SethSpeakshttp://www.sethspeaks.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825523244780267624.post-82803772355006802102011-08-14T12:14:55.569-07:002011-08-14T12:14:55.569-07:00Seth,
I really believe the minor league system ...Seth, <br /><br />I really believe the minor league system is garbage. It happens to be a negative view point and what I believe to be true. It comes off negative because it is me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825523244780267624.post-14652968486500850732011-08-14T11:46:33.888-07:002011-08-14T11:46:33.888-07:00"Now I'm seriously not being negative her..."Now I'm seriously not being negative here."<br /><br />Do you know the definition of the word "negative?"SethSpeakshttp://www.sethspeaks.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825523244780267624.post-39597891037350425902011-08-14T11:46:03.967-07:002011-08-14T11:46:03.967-07:00Jack- First you are entitled to your opinion first...Jack- First you are entitled to your opinion first of all and just because i don't agree with you doesnt mean your wrong I just have a different spin thats whats great about blogging. If the Twins can develop a bunch of 2's and 3's pitchers I would be estatic as thats how you win division championships. How many true aces are really out there. I believe that Salcedo can be an ace and Gibson, Hendriks, Bromberg, Hermsen, Boer, Summers have the ability to be very solid 2's and 3's. You can't draft to need as most prospects will take 3-4 years to be ready so the draft this year is not going to get you a starter next year. I believe Brian Dozier, James Beresford, Niko Goodrum, Nick Lockwood, and Jorge Polanco have the ability to be solid middle infielders going forward. So Jack I am not buying what you are selling because I see a bright future.Travis Aunehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03384257585939896204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825523244780267624.post-15108472894395833122011-08-14T10:34:49.516-07:002011-08-14T10:34:49.516-07:00Travis,
My last point is that we are about to...Travis,<br /><br /> My last point is that we are about to lose out on 3 number one draft picks because of money. These guys have not signed yet and I don't believe they will. How do you explain losing out on 3 number one picks. Those picks are how get depth in your organization. I can almost gurantee 2 or 3 of them won't sign. Just watch me be right but hope I'm wrong. I honestly believe nobody wants to come to Minnesota even with the new balpark. It's like the 90's all over again. Thanks Smith, Johnson, Gardy!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825523244780267624.post-44113467967847768422011-08-14T10:29:22.850-07:002011-08-14T10:29:22.850-07:00Travis,
Not sure if you wrote this article in re...Travis,<br /><br /> Not sure if you wrote this article in response to my most recent post about failed #1 draft picks. However your reasons for being optimistic is probably because you a very positive person. Not sure how you could feel positive about the minor league system. We have not drafted a everyday starting shortstop since Twins were in Washington, actually we have no good middle infield prospects at all, the last ace we drafted was Frank Viola, we draft nothing but #3 pitchers who have no ceilings, the majority of our good prospects are outfiedlers, and the best prospect in the system needs T.J. surgery.<br /><br />Now I'm seriously not being negative here. I really believe our minor league system is in shambles. How else do you explain the minor league teams being so bad for the last three years. They lose because all the prospects are really not very good. Now the guys who you are excited about are Hendriks (another #3 pitcher at best), Hicks (way too inconsistent for a 5-tool talent), Adrian Salcedo (In Beloit), Arcia (In Fort Myers). The bottom line is our minor system has no depth at all and no real top level talent. If you want to get excited about some mediocre players because it makes you feel better about a terrible organization than great no big deal. I just can't but what you are selling.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com