Actual Australian Lewis Thorpe was our selection for round 13. To balance all the hitters I have added pitcher Huascar Ynoa to the ballot.
Twins top 30 prospects for 2017
- Stephen Gonsalves - 52% (Gordon 34%, Kirilloff 8%, Jay 7%)
- Nick Gordon - 73% (Jay 15%, Kirilloff 13%)
- Tyler Jay - 46% (Kirilloff 29%, Romero 17%, Stewart 4%, Mejia 4%)
- Alex Kirilloff - 51% (Romero 35%, Stewart 9%, Mejia 6%)
- Kohl Stewart - 43% (Romero 29%, Chargois 14%, Javier 9%, Mejia 6%)
- Fernando Romero - 48% (Chargois 32%, Javier 11%, Mejia 10%)
- Wander Javier - 35% (Chargois 33%, Jorge 20%, Mejia 12%)
- J. T. Chargois - 43% (Jorge 26%, Mejia 16%, Blankenhorn 14%)
- Felix Jorge - 31% (Mejia 30%, Garver 30%, Blankenhorn 5%, Rortvedt 4%)
- Adalberto Mejia - 45% (Garver 32%, Burdi 13%, Blankenhorn 6%, Rortvedt 4%)
- Mitch Garver - 47% (Thorpe 24%, Burdi 18%, Blankenhorn 7%, Rortvedt 4%)
- Nick Burdi - 45% (Thorpe 36%, Blankenhorn 11%, Rortvedt 8%)
- Lewis Thorpe - 49% (Palka 21%, Rortvedt 12%, Blankenhorn 11%, Wade 6%)
Huascar Ynoa, RHP
2017 Age: 19
2016 High Level: Gulf Coast Twins (Rookie)
Ynoa was considered the #14 international prospect in 2014. The pitcher from the Dominican Republic signed with the Twins for an $800,000 bonus and did well in his first season in the Dominican Rookie League. Last season he came to the United States and was fairly impressive (9.0K/9 2.1BB/9) in 51 innings. His pitches reportedly have good movement and he throws strikes. For now he profiles as a starter with a four pitch mix. He should end up with Elizabethton next season after spending some time in extended spring training but could make it as far as Cedar Rapids if things go well.
Daniel Palka, OF
2017 Age: 25
2016 High Level: Rochester (AAA)
Palka was acquired by the Twins from the Diamondbacks in the Chris Herrmann trade a year ago. Palka was a third round pick from Georgia Tech in the 2013 draft. Palka does one thing very well - hit for power. He hit 34 home runs and 24 doubles last season split between AA and AAA with a .254/.327/.521 batting line. His powerful swing has led to a large amount of strikeouts: 186 Ks in 568 plate appearances. That strikeout rate makes it doubtful he will be able to succeed in the majors. His glove in the outfield rates average at best and his other tools are not particularly interesting either. If he can cut down on his strikeouts while maintaining the power production he could see some time in the big leagues. If not, he will end up with the dreaded AAAA tag.
LaMonte Wade, OF
2017 Age: 23
2016 High Level: Fort Myers (A+)
LaMonte Wade was the Twins' 9th round pick from the University of Maryland in the 2015 draft. He had a very impressive debut in Elizabethton with a .934 OPS but as a college draftee he was not young for that level. He started last season at Cedar Rapids and produced well enough (806 OPS) to earn a mid-season promotion to Fort Myers, where he hit even better (.318/.386/.518). Wade doesn't impress scouts because his athletic tools (arm, speed, power) are all considered average. He does impress coaches with his ability to produce at the plate and in the field. His best skill is his batting eye and ability to make contact as he is the rare modern player that draws more walks than he strikes out. He can play CF but is a bit stretched there athletically. In a corner outfield position he doesn't have the power that general managers normally covet (only 8 HR). However, his on-base skills and above average defense could allow him to succeed in the major leagues in a fourth outfielder role.
Ben Rortvedt, C
2017 Age: 19
2016 High Level: Elizabethton (Rookie)
Rortvedt was the Twins second round pick in 2016 out of high school in Wisconsin. He split the season between the two Twins rookie leagues. He didn't hit all that well in his first exposure to pro ball and wood bats (.559 OPS) but scouts still like his lefthanded swing. His catching tools didn't seem to be a problem although he only had a mediocre 28% caught stealing percentage. High school catchers are notoriously high risk draftees and Rortvedt is a long ways from the majors but scouts like his chances to be a big league starter some day.
Travis Blankenhorn, 2B/3B
2017 Age: 20
2016 High Level: Cedar Rapids (A)
Travis was a third round pick by the Twins in 2015 out of high school. He was drafted as a third baseman but the Twins have spent some time playing him at 2B, trying to find playing time for Blankenhorn and fellow 2015 draftee Trey Cabbage in the same infield. Blankenhorn hit very well at Elizabethton (.297/.342/.558) to start 2016. His average and OBP held up in a late season promotion to Cedar Rapids but his home run totals suffered leading to a lower slugging percentage (.286/.356/.418). Blankenhorn might be a bit of a tweener trying to find a real position on defense but scouts believe his bat will play even if he has to move to the outfield.