Gardy's Top Five Twins Prospects

I ran into Ron Gardenhire at the mall the other day, after mistaking him for a department store Santa. Gardy said it happens all the time. He told me not to worry about it, as his belly shook while he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

While I had Gardy’s attention, I thought it would be a great opportunity to ask him a few questions. Since prospect ranking is all the rage recently here at Twinkie Town, I thought I’d ask Gardy his thoughts on the Twins farm system. He was nice enough to provide me with a list of his Top 5 Twins Prospects. Here they are, in Gardy’s words:

5. Miguel Jean - SS

Some would say I’m rating Miguelly too low at #5. I’ve read all the scouting reports – I know he could be a superstar one day. But I want to know – can he lay down a sac bunt?

Upside: Scrappy middle infielder who hustles through every play, bats second in the order.

4. Trevor Plouffe - SS

Plouffey really impressed me last year in spring training. I know he didn’t hit well through spring training, but that’s not what matters. He’s got heart and he’s got grit. I have high hopes for him.

Upside: Scrappy middle infielder who hustles through every play, bats second in the order.

3. Alexi Casilla – 2B

Lexi deserves a spot on the prospect list as much as anyone. He shows flashes of brilliance in his play, and had a great 2008. There are times I think he could be our second baseman for years to come. But then other times I have seen him commit an unspeakable sin... refusal to hustle!

Upside: Scrappy middle infielder who hustles through every play, bats second in the order.

2. Matt Tolbert – 2B/3B/SS

Some would question why I would include Matty here. They say he’s not a prospect any more, he’s been in too many games. Well I say that Tolby’s got too much talent to let that stop me. Nobody else runs out every ground ball like he does. No one has quite as much grit... with the exception of my #1 prospect.

Upside: Scrappy middle infielder who hustles through every play, bats second in the order.

1. Nick Punto – SS/2B/3B - Twins

This handsome 32-year-old piranha is my #1 prospect for the fifth year in a row. Nicky’s got it all – he’s a gamer, he runs out every play, he hustles, his defense is scrappy, and he gets his uniform dirty at least once each game. Not only that, but he’s a serious power threat. He’s easily got 3 HR power, maybe even 4.

Upside: AL MVP, Gold-glove winner, eventually stops sliding head-first into first base, and becomes my best friend forever.