…there have been some questions raised about Danny’s ceiling. Personally, I expect he has an excellent chance of becoming a solid third baseman. Play every day, do an average or slightly above job defensively. Hit for a .280 Average with around 20 home runs and 75-80 RBI. Now that is pretty good, but I see that as the upside and reality could be somewhat else.

All these other kids (Ramos, Gibson, Jean, Hicks) have a much higher upside….heck, they could become superstars. Now only Ramos has seen real success in professional ball with Hicks doing an adequate job in low A ball. But everyone can see each of these guys becomming the next Joe Mauer, Johan Santan, Ernie Banks or Willie Mays. I think that is the difference right now and it really is a huge difference from past seasons doing this voting. The organization potentially has some real super stars.

and in the last year the Twins system has gotten much stronger.

Hicks added productive time in the system. Revere had a terrific season. Ramos has played well at every opportunity he has been given.

And the acquisitions of Gibson and Jean/Sano were huge.

Last year, Valencia was a dubious #1 in a weak system. This year he is probably #6 in a pretty solid system.

If I recall the vote last year, Valencia may have received a late bunch of votes in large quantities as well. Not that she shouldn’t have been considered, but it was what it was.

This is going to be a 2 man race between Ramos and Gibson.

That’s why I hope prospects like Bromberg, Valencia, Morales, and Revere won’t be taken off, because one of them could win the next round.

I keep seeing people say Ramos could hit 20-25 HR in the bigs with above average defense. That’s an all-star catcher, equivalent to a 40HR outfielder. Our current catcher hit 28HR and was the MVP.