Minor League Report...August 2, 2008

by roger13 on Aug 2, 2008 11:25 AM EDT

For the third consecutive week, the DSL Twins have been a big help to the organization's performance. This week their 4-1 week enabled their seven teams to break even at 23-23.

There was lots of player movement this week as the major league trading deadline came and went without any moves by the Twins. Johnny Woodard was activated by the Miracle. Adam Everett completed his rehab assignment and was activated by the Twins to replace Alexi Casilla who went on the DL with a thumb injury that was similar (but initially reported to be not as severe) to Matt Tolbert. The Twins signed their 30th round pick, 6'7 high school pitcher Michael Tonkin who is Jason Kubel's brother-in-law. They also signed 30-year old minor league free agent, pitcher Tom Shearn who replaced Brian Duensing (is in Olympics) on Rochester's staff. Tyler Robertson's shoulder problem was reported to be similar to Kyle Waldrop's, however, not as severe and physical therapy should be the answer. He told Dianna that he is hopeful he will return in time for the Miracle's playoff run. Henry Sanchez has appeared in a few games for the GCL Twins. Joe Benson is out for the season, however, Dianna reported that he is targeting a return by the Fall Instructional League. Rene Tosoni continues to take BP, however, his improvement has been slow. Tommy Watkins was placed on the DL (labrum shoulder surgery) by Rochester. Angel Morales returned to the ETon Twins lineup. Luke Hughes was promoted to Rochester. Darnell McDonald has a broken hand and will miss the remainder of the season. Anthony Swarzak was promoted to Rochester with New Britain re-activating Brian Dinkelman. Yesterday, the Twins recalled Francisco Liriano and Randy Ruiz as replacements for Craig Monroe and Livan Hernandez, who were both designated for assignment. Finally, Jason Pridie was named last week's International Player of the Week.

Rochester Red Wings (AAA) (3-4, 53-62)

Time is running out for the Red Wings chance of battling back to .500. They lost another full game this week to Pawtuckett and remain in fourth place, 17.5 games out of first.

The Franchise wasn't as good in his last start this week, getting the win (10-5) in a game he pitched 6.0 innings with 8 hits, 4 runs and 9K/1BB. Carmen Cali was moved into the rotation, pitching 5.0 innings with 4 hits, 2 runs and 2K/1BB and 3.0 innings with 7 hits, 4 runs and 2K/1BB. Anthony Swarzak was very good in his first AAA start, getting the win (8-3) when he pitched 5.0 innings with 4 hits, 3 runs (1 earned) and 2K/3BB. Last night Tom Shearn pitched 5.0 strong innings with 3 hits, 1 run and 5K/2BB. Shearn is a right handed, minor league veteran who had been released by Louisville where he had a 6-2 record with a 4.53ERA and 31K/15BB in 57.2 innings. Last year Shearn had a 7-10 record with Louisville with a 4.20ERA in 143.2 innings and 109K/51BB. He made his major league debut last year with the Reds, pitching in 7 games (6 starts) with a 3-0 record, 4.96ERA and 16K/13BB in 32.2 innings. Kevin Mulvey had a great start, earning no decision in a 5-3 loss in which he pitched 6.1 innings with 6 hits, 3 runs and 4K/0BB. Mulvey now has a very good 3.89ERA with 88K/34BB in 111.0 innings. Philip Humber had a solid start, pitching 7.2 innings with 5 hits, 3 runs and 10K/2BB in a 7-4 win. Bobby Korecky picked up 3 saves and his 4th loss this week, pitching 6.2 innings in 5 appearances with 2 hits, 3 runs (2 earned) and 11K/2BB.

Randy Ruiz was on fire prior to his promotion to the Twins, hitting .320/.366/.536 including 33 doubles, 3 triples, a team high 17 home runs and organization leading 68 rbi. Last week's Player of the Week, Jason Pridie, may have been better this week with a 12 for 31 week and 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run and 6 rbi. Pridie now has his average up to a respectable .262/.294/.439 after hitting .330/.343/.670 in July. Luke Hughes reported to the Red Wings, getting 3 hits in his first 9 at bats. Alejandro Machado is hitting .338/.346/.525 in his first 80 at bats since returning from the disabled list.

New Britain Rock Cats (AA) (1-5, 44-67)

The Rock Cats slipped into last place, 23.0 games behind Trenton.

Jeff Manship had another week with one very good start and one that wasn't as good. Last Saturday Manship pitched 6.0 innings with 7 hits, 6 runs (4 earned) and 4K/2BB in a 8-7 loss. Thursday he didn't get the win in the Cats 3-2 win, however, pitched 6.0 innings with 3 hits, 2 runs (1 earned) and 4K/1BB. Ben Julianel hasn't had a lot of save opportunities, however, he did pick up his system leading 23rd save while making 2 appearances (2.0 innings) with 4 hits, 0 runs and 3K/0BB. Robert Delaney also made 2 appearances (3.2 innings) with 4 hits, 0 runs and 3K/0BB. Delaney has an excellent 1.23ERA in 22.0 innings with 26K/3BB. The move up to AA has been difficult for many pitchers, however, Delaney appears to have taken this step without any drop in his effectiveness which may be an indication that he has the potential to be a solid member of the Twins bullpen.

Luke Hughes completed his stay at AA with a .319/.385/.551 and 15 doubles, 3 triples, 15 home runs and 40 rbi in 285 at bats. Steven Tolleson returned from the DL with a 5 for 24 week, dropping his average to .315/.399/.477. Danny Valencia is hitting .275/.330/.381 with 11 doubles and 2 home runs...after hitting an excellent .319/.355/.469 in 113 July at bats. David Winfree was 6 for 12 with 2 rbi's, raising his average to .234/.307/.409. Erik Lis was 4 for 4 on Monday with Brock Peterson going 3 for 4 on Thursday with 2 home runs and 3 rbi. Peterson followed that with a 2 for 4 night including his 14th home run last night.

Ft. Myers Miracle (Hi-A) (3-4, 18-21)

The Miracle dropped a spot to fifth place, remaining 8.0 games behind Dunedin.

Deolis Guerra leads the Miracle with 10 wins, however, was not solid in Tuesday's 7-6 loss, pitching only 4.0 innings with 9 hits, 7 runs (6 earned) and 4K/1BB. Cole DeVries also had an off start last Sunday, pitching 5.0 innings with 8 hits, 6 runs (5 earned) and 2K/2BB. DeVries continues to lead the Miracle staff with a 2.97ERA and 86K/30BB in 115.1 innings. Matt Fox pitched 5.0 innings with 8 hits, 5 runs and 6K/2BB in last Saturday's 11-6 loss. He made the Miracle's best start this week when he pitched 6.0 shutout innings with 8 hits and 3K/1BB in last night's 11 inning, 4-0 loss. First round pick Carlos Gutierrez made 2 appearances this week (4.0 innings) with 3 hits, 1 run and 2K/1BB. In his first 7 appearances (10.0 innings) since signing, Carlos has allowed 12 hits, 3 runs and 5K/3BB with a 2.70ERA. Anthony Slama continues to have an excellent 0.92ERA and 0.93WHIP, picking up his 21st save this week in 2 appearances (3.0 innings) with 3 hits, 2 runs and 1K/1BB.

Steven Singleton had a 9 for 26 week and is leading the Miracle at .289/.375/.441. Whit Robbins returned recently, going 6 for 18 this week and is hitting a respectable .275/.384/.392. Eli Tintor also had an excellent week, 8 for 24. Danny Santiesteban hit his 4th home run in a 8 for 18 week as he raised his average .019 to .230/.273/.333. Danny also made his second relief appearance on Saturday, pitching 2.0 shutout innings with 1 hit and 1K/0BB.

Beloit Snappers (A) (4-4, 21-20)

With a disabled list nearly as long as their lineup card, the Snappers continued to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot this week. They dropped a spot to fifth place, however, gained a game on division leading Burlington whom they now trail by only 2.5 games.

Shooter Hunt moved up to Beloit, getting his first loss on Saturday (1-0) when he pitched 5.0 innings with 3 hits, 1 run and 9K/2BB...however, he also had a wild pitch and 1 hit batter. He didn't get the decision in Thursday's 11 inning win (3-2) after pitching 5.0 shutout innings with 2 hits, 9K/5BB and 1 wild pitch. Hunt has an excellent 0.90ERA in his first 10.0 innings with 18K/7BB. Michael McCardell also had 2 excellent starts, pitching 7.0 shutout innings in Sunday's 10 inning win (3-1) with 2 hits and 7K/0BB. He was the loser last night (3-1) when he pitched 6.0 innings with 6 hits, 2 runs and 10K/0BB. McCardell is certainly ready for his next challange with a 7-3 record, 2.86ERA and 105K/20BB in 100.2 innings. Santos Arias (3.38ERA) and Michael Tarsi (5.49ERA) both have moved to the bullpen with Tarsi making 2 appearances this week (3.2 innings) with 3 hits, 0 runs and 3K/2BB.

Ben Revere injured his ankle a week ago and has now missed 7 games. He will be needed badly if the Snappers are to make a serious drive for a playoff spot. Chris Cates was 12 for 27, raising his average to .245/.330/.271 with 37 walks and only 32 strikeouts in 314 at bats. Rene Leveret was 10 for 31 with 3 doubles and 4 rbi...hitting .282/.324/.369. Mark Dolenc finished his July with a .330/.378/.456 including 3 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs and 14rbi.

Elizabethton Twins (Advanced Rookie) (4-3, 25-17)

The Twins gained a full game and now lead second-place Kingsport by 2.0 games.

Alex Curry had a solid start in his first outing, pitching 4.0 innings with 6 hits, 4 runs (1 earned) and 2K/0BB. He got his first Appy League loss last night, pitching 3.0 innings with 7 hits, 7 runs (6 earned) and 2K/2BB. Daniel Osterbrock got a win Wednesday (10-4) when he pitched 7.0 innings with 6 hits, 4 runs (3 earned) and 12K/1BB. Mark Hamburger continues his solid pitching in his closer role, appearing in 3 games (3.0 innings) with 4 hits, 3 runs and 1K/3BB. Mark picked up his 5th and 6th saves to go with his 4.50ERA.

Angel Morales is one of the most exciting young players in the Twins organization. This speedy centerfielder, who will not turn 19 until November 24th, was 6 for 17 with a double upon his return from an injury. Morales is one of ETon's top hitters at .333/.435/.598 with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 7 homes runs and 14 rbi in 117 at bats. Jon Waltenbury was 10 for 27 with 3 doubles, 3 home runs and 8 rbi...hitting .321/.383/.564 in 165 at bats. Danny Rams, who has played a few games at first base lately, was 6 for 19 with his 4th and 5th home runs and 3 rbi.

GCL Twins (Rookie) (4-2, 22-14)

The Twins remain in first place, however, lost a half game of their lead and now lead the Pirates by only a half game.

Martire Garcia had their best start of the week last night when he pitched 5.0 innings with 4 hits, 1 unearned run and 5K/3BB. Miguel Munoz didn't get a decision in Thursday's 3-2, 10 inning win...when he pitched 6.0 innings with 5 hits, 2 runs and 6K/0BB. Edgard Ibarra was also solid in Wednesday's 5-3 win, pitching 5.0 innings with 7 hits, 2 runs and 4K/3BB. Agentine native Mauro Schiavoni made 2 appearances this week, picking up his first win and first save. Schiavoni pitched 6.0 shutout, no hit innings with 7K/0BB. Schiavoni, who is a 5'8, 21-year old right handed pitcher who was signed this winter, has an excellent 1.66ERA, 0.88WHIP and 21K/6BB in 21.2 innings of work.

Sid Hartmann recently wrote that top pick Aaron Hicks was leading the GCL Twins in hitting. Hicks is hitting .330/.417/.482 in 112 at bats with 5 doubles, 3 triples, 2 home runs, 19 rbi and 9 stolen bases in 9 attempts. That is excellent, but Michael Gonzales (.373/.424/.542) and Anderson Hidalgo (.364/.471/.436) are both hitting for higher averages, although Hidalgo has only 55 at bats and Gonzales' 83 at bats are a few short of qualifying for the league leadership...which is currently held by the Phillies Jim Murphy (.363Ave).

DSL Twins (Dominican Summer League) (4-1, 33-20)

The DSL Twins picked up another game on the division leading WhiteSox-1, however, they remain in third place a game and a half back.

Ramon Acosta made another start, pitching 4.0 innings with 1 hit and 1 unearned run. Acosta continues to be near perfect with a 5-0 record and 0.00ERA in 54.2 innings. Seventeen year old Adrian Salcedo made his 8th start, pitching 7.0 innings with 7 hits, 1 run and 4K/1BB...dropping his ERA to 1.65 with 27K/5BB in 43.2 innings. Salcedo is an exciting prospect who we may not see in Florida until 2010. Edison Alvarez picked up his 11th save to go with his 1.67ERA in 27.0 innings with 26K/4BB. Renzo Reverol is another 17 year old pitcher who pitched 2.0 innings in his only appearance with 1 hit, 0 runs and 4K/0BB.

Shortstop Jairo Perez (20 year old) had another good week, 5 for 11 with 2 doubles and 3 rbi. Perez, who has also been charged with only 1 error in 33 games, leads the Twins at .327/.455/.515 with 10 doubles and 3 home runs. Oswaldo Arcia is another 17 year old who also had an excellent week at 8 for 21 with 2 doubles, a triple, 1 home run and 7 rbi (his 28 rbi leads the team).

Player of the Week

Early last season Wilson Ramos was promoted to Beloit from EST and proceded to be one of the top hitters for the Snappers during their run towards a championship that would fall one game short. Ramos, who hit .291/.345/.438 with 8 home runs and 42 rbi last year, is an excellent defensive catcher who moved towards the top of many prospect lists following his break-out season.

The 20-year old Ramos was promoted to the FSL Miracle, where he began this season with a tough first month when he hit .203/.292/.316 in 79 April at bats. His average moved up to .257/.275/.505 in May with another step up in June to .282/.365/.341.

This week Ramos remained hot with a 12 for 25 week (.480Ave) including 3 doubles, 1 home run, 4 runs scored, and 10 rbi. Ramos finished July with an excellent .352/.408/.505 in 91 at bats with 5 doubles, 3 home runs and 19 rbi. Ramos, who is hitting .277/.336/.425 in 365 at bats, leads the Miracle with 11 home runs (11th best in FSL) and 64 rbi (5th best in league) and is tied with Danny Valencia (who was promoted to New Britain) for a team high 19 doubles.

Ramos' performance this year for the Miracle appears to confirm his rise towards the top of most prospect lists and indicate that he is the Twins top catching prospect.

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Comments

Just a couple of my reactions

I’m glad Robertson might be able to get back for the playoff run. Just that he “might” be able to make it back is a good sign.

Luke Hughes’ promotion = awesome! I’m excited to see what he can do against AAA pitching. You never know…if they can work on his footwork a bit at third base, he might be an answer by sometime next year.

Interesting that Swarzak was promoted to AAA considering the season he’s had.

Interesting comparison of Brock Peterson and Erik Lis:

Lis: 102 G, 395 AB, 106 H, 35 2B, 11 HR, 24 BB, 93 K, .268/.307/.456
Peterson: 102 G, 395 AB, 104 H, 28 2B, 14 HR, 37 BB, 93 K, .263/.327/.451

They look like players of the same mold right now, with Peterson getting a few more walks.

Tough loss for Shooter Hunt…9 strikeouts, 2 walks, 3 hits and a run in 5 innings…bummer.

Good to see McCardell on track. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do at the next level. I include him in the “next wave” of Twins pitchers on track for 2010 or so.

Angel Morales is exciting…his BB/K ratio is a little scary (14/48 in 117 AB’s), but if he can keep hitting for power it’ll off-set a little bit. Also, he’s young, so he’s bound to improve his plate discipline a little bit. I hope.

Thanks as usual, Roger.

by Jesse on Aug 2, 2008 12:48 PM EDT reply actions

Swarzak

Hasn’t the organization promoted him before because they thought he was “bored”? Course that’s a terrible attitude but it made sense this season too. He had a stellar April and then just fell off the table and looked like he was just throwing. Could have been also that he thought he was better than a lot of the guys in AAA (which is probably true to a certain extent), but then you would think that would drive him to dominate. Idk… here’s to hoping he can reclaim his status. Pity to see a guy with his stuff waste away.

Gardenhire's major league career: Banjo hitting, futility infielder who couldn't lick it.
Rick Anderson's major league career: Strikethrower who never made it happen with his sub 90's fastball.
Really gives a new definition to living vicariously through other people, don't it?

by caseintheface on Aug 2, 2008 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Swarzak

Swarzak was called up because Dunsing was going to the Olympics

by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Aug 2, 2008 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions

....

Well you certainly make that sound simple. I stand by my comment considering Swarzak has a 5.67 ERA and there are other guys doing better and probably more deserving of a promotion.

by caseintheface on Aug 2, 2008 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Bong

Maybe he wasn’t bored, he was just really, really stoned.

by wcooley on Aug 3, 2008 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions

The thing we all have to remember...

...with Morales is that most kids his age are beginning their professional career in the Gulf Coast League. There is a huge difference between those rookie leagues with the Appy League having a lot of kids that are 20-21 and just out of college. His strikeouts have to be a concern, but I would expect to see them drop each year. If he just moves one level a year, he will be in AA at the age of 21 and could possibly be ready to join the Twins sometime in 2012 when he is only 22. That is a long way to project but this young man has hit very well since about his second month with the GCL Twins last summer.

by roger13 on Aug 2, 2008 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Shoot

If you look at the log, Shooter got himself into trouble twice and was bailed out when the Beloit defense made the play at the plate. You can’t always count on that and his control issues are going to cause problems for him soon or later.

Re: Swarzak’s promotion – I seem to remember a guy named Nick Blackburn who didn’t post very promising numbers at the AA level either, but caught fire when he got to AAA. Remember him? What’s he doing these days?

I think a lot of the pitching scores you see in New Britain has to do with the fielding, or lack there off, on the Rock Cats squad.

Dianna
http://gctwins.blogspot.com/

by Dianna on Aug 4, 2008 8:29 AM EDT up reply actions

I hope you're right on Swarzak.

But to be fair, his number in AA are far worse than Blackburn’s. It was Anthony’s his second year in NB, and he was allowing a lot of base runners. By contrast, Blackburn’s first year in AA was better than Swarzak’s second, and Nick’s second stint with the Rock Cats saw him improve drastically before his promotion.

But that’s not my point I guess…my point is that it’s been an off-year for Swarzak. His opponents hit .305 off him, sixty point higher than last year, and his control hasn’t been as strong as it was in previous years either. Hopefully it’s just a case where a promotion is just what it takes to take him to the next level—some guys thrive on that kind of challenge and competition, even when conventional wisdom says otherwise. Kind of like the kid who doesn’t do well in fifth grade math because he’s bored and wants a challenge.

by Jesse on Aug 4, 2008 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Catching depth

Have to say it’s a bit unusual to see a system with such depth at catcher when you basically have one of the top 3 catchers in the game at the majors (though none are too close at the moment). I guess it bodes well on many fronts though. If they can hit, usually catchers have the tools and the knowledge of the game to be able to switch positions better than other players. Also top prospect catchers can definetely be highly coveted trading pieces. All in all I’m excited to see the progress of both Ramos and Rams. Alexander Soto has also started putting himself on the map the way he’s hitting in E-Town.

by caseintheface on Aug 2, 2008 1:23 PM EDT reply actions

Ramos has been the DH...

...sometimes, as have Rams and Soto with Rams playing some first base recently. Expect the Twins are seeing what you are talking about and with 3 good hitting kids in the lower minors will begin looking at other spots to keep their bats moving up the system. There is a huge difference between Hi-A/A ball and the rookie leagues, however, and it is so very encouraging to see Ramos continue improve all season and hitting the best of his career the past month or so.

by roger13 on Aug 2, 2008 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Bromberg

Nice to see him starting to dominate in Beloit. Certainly he’s in consideration for a promotion. I can’t help but wonder if he’ll stay down there the rest of the season though. He serves as a valuable role model to the group of “projectable” tall arms we have down there right now. Bromberg (6’5”), Tarsi (6’8”), Berlind (6’7”) and even Van Mil (7’1”) to an extent can learn from his success. Certainly an intimidating group you would think.

by caseintheface on Aug 2, 2008 1:33 PM EDT reply actions

I would have to say that Bromberg...

...has been a disappointment this year. After a stellar year in the Appy League last year (he was named Appy League pitcher of the Year); he hasn’t taken the next step and certainly hasn’t dominated at Beloit. His numbers this year are a 4.85ERA, 1.35WHIP and 6-8 record in 21 starts (115.0 innings). He has 127K/39BB which is an excellent strikeout ratio, but he hasn’t dominated and pending how he does the rest of the season, fall ball (if invited) and next spring…I would expect he could return to Beloit in 2009. Don’t know if the extra innings of a full season league are getting to him, but Monday’s outing has become way to normal…5.1 innings, 8 hits, 7 runs with an excellent 8K/0BB in a 10-0 Snapper loss.

by roger13 on Aug 2, 2008 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Oops

I was trying to follow up on Jesse’s comment about McCardell who’s doing really well. For some reason I was get those two mixed up.

by caseintheface on Aug 2, 2008 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Confusion

I think I confuse them because they’re both suppose to be fastball, curveball guys. Course I could just be completely confused and that’s not true at all. Is it Bromberg who’s the former catcher? Cause that would explain the numbers this year, which suggest he still needs to learn how to pitch even though he’s definetely got some stuff with those strikeout numbers.

by caseintheface on Aug 2, 2008 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Lahey

I think Tim Lahey (AAA reliever) is a former catcher, but maybe Bromberg is as well?

by Hoya on Aug 2, 2008 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Bromie

Bromberg was a draft and follow out of high school. He was a pitcher/fielder and swung a pretty mean bat for his high school team. He’s got a nice slide piece on his, but he’s not doing what I was hoping to see out of him in Beloit. But then we all knew the Beloit kids were going to have a rude awaking when they got in to Beloit, didn’t we?

Dianna
http://gctwins.blogspot.com/

by Dianna on Aug 4, 2008 8:16 AM EDT up reply actions

The return of Philip Humber?

Another great start for him last night. I’m curious to know if there’s any knowledge of his recent development. Reports have always indicated that he still had the devastating curveball but lost some velocity on the fastball since the TJ surgery. Since his stint in the bullpen he’s had three starts. After last night he’s 3-0 with the following lines:
5 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
7.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 10 K
8 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 9 K

Maybe he rediscovered some of his stuff while in the bullpen? Either way I know the guys a serious competitor and these last couple of years after the surgery have got to have been tough for him. Basically learning how to pitch with inferior stuff. This could be a big development considering it’s going to take a small miracle for the current Twins rotation to stay intact through September. And whether it’s Boof or someone in AAA, someone’s going to need to step up I think.

by caseintheface on Aug 3, 2008 10:13 AM EDT reply actions

The return of Paul Kelly?

Kelly played tonight for Beloit and had 2 doubles. How long until he reinjures himself this time?

by Hoya on Aug 3, 2008 9:23 PM EDT reply actions

Aaron Hicks, Humber, minor league stuff...

Aaron Hicks reached 4 out of 4 PAs today for GCL Twins: 2 walks (he’s been showing unearthly plate discipline for a kid barely out of high school), a triple and a home run. He’s now hitting .342/.434/.535 in 135 PAs. VERY exciting. Having him and Revere in the system three-ish years away, having Span playing so well, having Jason Pridie (2 for 4 again today after his 1.012 OPS July) and Dustin Martin playing well at AAA and AA… I just can’t think of any speedy, swing-happy centerfielders that are utterly superfluous to this organization right now who could’ve drawn value in a trade for, say, Jason Bay or Andy LaRoche. Can you?

There is no doubt that something has clicked for Philip Humber. He strung together a few decent relief appearances after some brutal outings a month ago, got back in the rotation and he’s suddenly looking downright dominant—no exagerration. Humber’s 8 IP, 1 R, 9/2 K/BB performance Saturday night also featured 8/6 GO/AO (he’s always been a flyball guy) and 75 of 109(!) pitches thrown for strikes. He threw 104 pitches his previous outing 10K/2BB in 7.2 IP outing, so it seems his arm strength is back. The Twins pen STILL needs help in the worst way; could he be the ticket? Lord knows he always had three tons more potential than Brian freaking Bass. (I will knock on wood and not address the matter of divine intervention and a healthy Twins rotation.)

Freshly promoted Luke Hughes had a triple for Rochester today, while former teammates Brian Dinkelman, Danny Valencia and Steven Tolleson (who’s struggled since returning from injury) each got a pair of hits for New Britain. Tolleson reached a third time on a BB. Kevin Mulvey and Ryans Mullins didn’t pitch very well, nor did Steven Hirschfield at Beloit. Alex Burnett had a nice 7 inning, 6 hit, 1 run line, but ultimately I remain dubious that striking out 3 of 28 while going 50/50 GO/FO (which is pretty much a pefect mirror of his season numbers) will produce the type of ERAs and W-L records he’s posted thus far. Ben Revere didn’t play after returning Saturday and going 1-3 before being pinch hit (injury recurrence?).

Saturday night, David Bromberg, who’s looked great of late, had an absolute howler for Beloit, throwing 6 wild pitches and giving up 10 hits and a walk in 3.1 IP. Something’s wrong there, as he got shelled last time out, too, despite continuing his run of good K/BB ratios. Cole DeVries continued to beg call up at Ft. Myers, fanning 9 against a single walk in 6 IP (7 H, 2 R). Slama got the save and struck out batters 91 and 92 on the year (60 IP, 236 TBF). Jay Rainville pitched well for New Britain, going 6 and getting 6 Ks against 2 BBs. Dustin Martin was 3 for 5 and Danny Valencia had a double and a triple. Evan Bigley hit his 9th for ETown (.336 ISOP, 1.038 OPS in 128 PAs). As I type this Elizabethon is teeing off on Kingsport pitching, scoring 10 runs on 16 hits, but no one’s gone long yet.

Hoya: If you didn’t see it in the game thread, BABIP by ball type is sort of available at firstinning (air balls are grouped, though, although popups are separated) and available via traditional FB/GB/LD breakdown in the splits section of baseball reference (just keep scrolling down).

by tobynotjason on Aug 3, 2008 9:54 PM EDT reply actions

nice daily summery

"I couldn't do that. Could you do that? Why can they do it? Who are those guys?"

by maxisagod on Aug 3, 2008 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Roster moves

Swarzak to Rochester. It was time, sink or swim. If he does good for the final month, he’s a top prospect. If he does okay, he’ll tread water and get a chance to prove himself again next season at AAA ball. Similar to Trevor Plouffe. They want him to see what he ahs to do to keep going up the system ladder…both are TOP prospects and the Twins will promote players they have more invested in (and more thought about potential) than those just having a geat year, persay. Also, service time, protection and the ilk.

WHich is why Slama still hides out in Ft. Myers. There is no need to promote him to New Brit. He’ll be with the Rock Cats in ‘09. In ‘10 they have to decide if they wish to protect him, and then can roll him into Rochester, if necessary.

Yet all of this is moot. Why not give Felix Molina a bigger rush at AAA after multiple seasons at AA. Probably because he won’t be protected and will be allowed to walk after this season. Toby gardenhire, who ahs shined at AA ball, is getting a nice push—or so it seems. Is Rochester in HIS headlights?

Mr. Humber is pitching to protect a job. He needs to make the Twins next season or find work elsewhere. He wants to find work somewhere, be it Minnesota or elsewhere. A fast finish and a good spring will make him more valuable.

I still marvel at the complaints coming out of Rochester. Yes, the roster has been tight at times. But the pitching badly underperformed. Moving everyone from New Britain to Rochester might have proved more worthless, looking at the W-L record of the Rock Cats. Bringing back Rabe, or hanging onto Knott or Basak wasn’t the key to the decline in Red Wing land. It was just a year in which a multitude of players didn’t perform together. The Twins had prospects there, washed up AAAA players, AAAA free agents. If you look at the guys that came West alone, you’d say there was a nice mix at Rochester. And one can say that September will (happily) see some more call-ups to the majors…who do you think? I say Korecky, Humber for sure. Maybe Barrett will finally get a major league chance. Gomez if the Twins wish to keep him in ‘09. Morales would come back if he wasn’t injured. It would be nice to have a third catcher, but don’t see the Twins 40-manning anyone early just to have that luxury. I’m sure Ruiz will be back with the Twins. Marci will, too. Howie Calrk is out of the pictture. Machado…should he finally egt a little looksee? Pridie will be up because he’s on the 40-man and the Twins have to make a hard decision on him, too, come ‘09 in what has become an overcrowded outfield.

Returning to Rochester in ‘09? Howie Clark because he likes it there, perhaps? Garrett Jones and Darnell McDonald will be gone. Why is Sergio Santos even on the 40-man. Carman Cali, Daigle, Shearn, Graves….hummmmmmmmmmm, ugh! Look for Rochester to have at elast 15 NEW names come 2009, most from the Rocktk Cats current roster.

Visit www.TwinsCards.com and check out "rosters" to see my collection!

by rosterman on Aug 5, 2008 11:18 AM EDT reply actions