Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Travis Talks prospect list: Prospect #5

Today I will be continuing my prospect list as we move into the top 5 prospects. Today I will bring prospect number 5 in the Twins organization. Let me know what you think either by emailing me at travis_aune@yahoo.com or leaving a comment in the comment box.



5. Tyler Robertson LHP 21 (12/23/1987)


2008 teams: Fort Myers Miracle


  • Tyler Robertson was a 3rd round draft pick by the Twins in the 2006 draft out of high school in Fair Oaks, California. After signing with the Twins Tyler was assigned to GCL where he made 10 starts there and went 4-2 with a 4.25 era. In 48.2 innings he walked 15 and struck out 54 for a whip of 1.42. In 2007 Tyler moved up to Beloit where he dominated and really was put on the map for Twins prospects. After the season he had in 2007 many people had him rated as the top prospect in the entire system and I will admit I was one of those people. In 2007 with Beloit Robertson went 9-5 with an awesome 2.29 era in 16 starts. In 102.1 innings Tyler walked only 33 and struck an impressive 123 batters for a whip of 1.17 which was way down from the 1.42 he had in 2006. With the great 2007 Tyler was promoted to 2008 season and that is where the trouble started. Tyler had a very good 2008 season statistically, but missed the whole second half with arm problems. Last year in 15 starts Tyler went 5-3 with a very good 2.72 era. In 82.2 innings Tyler walked 31 and struck out 73 for a whip of 1.32. After an offseason of rehab Tyler Robertson had alot of questions to answer on whether he could come back the same pitcher and after a few struggles early on he has done a phenomenal job in June. Overall, Tyler has been pretty good going 4-3 with a good 3.66 era in 13 starts. In 66.1 innings Tyler has 28 walks and 47 strikeouts for a whip of 1.46. At age 21 Tyler Robertson in my opinion is the top pitching prospect in the system. Tyler won't be 22 until December so he is way young for his level of play. Tyler has a good fasball, a nice curveball, with a slider and changeup. Tyler has succeded every where he has pitched and I expect that to continue. It just shows you the fortitude he has to come back this year like he has coming off an arm injury. Tyler has gotten better every month as he gets more and more confidence in that arm. He told me that his arm feels good and that is the most important thing because if the arm is sound his god given ability will take over. Tyler is still probably 3 or 4 years away from being with the Twins, but Robertson posseses something not many other pitchers in the system possess and that is ace stuff. He has the ability to be an ace for the Twins at 6'5 he throws on a downward plane that is hard to pick up. His walk total is up a bit this year, but I expect Tyler to fix that problem and for him to continue to progress through the system. Even though he is ready for AA I think the Twins will be careful with him because you don't want to risk getting him hurt again. I expect Tyler to finish the year at Fort Myers and next spring start the season at New Britain at only 22 years old which is way young for the level. Mark this down 5 years from now Tyler Robertson will be pitching for the Twins and pitching well as the ace of the staff.

  • 2009: Continue starting at Fort Myers and outside chance of promotion to New Britain.

  • Projection: I project Tyler Robertson as an ace type for the Twins in 3 to 4 years and have a long and productive career in the majors.

No comments: