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.

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After a 15-21 week last week, things got worse this week with a 17-29 record.  Only Rochester (4-3) and the DSL Twins (4-2) had winning weeks.  

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The AA and AAA teams took their all-star breaks this week and if the organization's record is an indication...all the teams took a break.  The DSL Twins were the only team with a winning record as the organization was 15-21.

With the all-star breaks and a lot of rain in Florida, Mr. Rantz was also inactive with only a couple players being reassigned.  Pitcher Mike Allen moved up to Beloit with recent twenty-first round pick Steven Blevins moving up to Elizabethton from the GCL Twins.  Ramon Santana injured his leg and left Thursday's game, however, has not yet been placed on the DL.  Brian Kirwin is on the 7-day DL at Beloit.  Shooter Hunt was named the Appy League Pitcher of the Week for his 5.0 inning 10 strikeout, no hit outing the previous week.  There have been numerous reports about the frustrations of Francisco Liriano and his agent's request that the union investigate why The Franchise is still in Rochester.  Jim Mandalero spoke with Francisco late this week when he said that he "did wonder why he was still in the minors."  When asked specifically if he was frustrated, he said that he "was not frustrated."

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As the Twins prepare for their all-star break, the farm teams put up another winning week with a 22-20 record.

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As America celebrated its birthday, the Twins celebrated with another tremendous week on the farm with a 29-14 record!  Congrats to all those young men who are working hard to fulfill their dream of someday putting on that major league uniform.

There were numerous moves throughout the system.  Michael Cuddyer went on the DL in Minnesota leading to Denard Span being called up for the second time this year.  His play the last several days certainly has proven to all those doubters over the years that this young man deserves to be in the major leagues, doesn't it?  Howie Clark was activated from the DL to fill Span's spot on the Rochester roster.  I learned that Jay Sawatski was not demoted to Ft. Myers, rather, he was placed on the DL.  Elliott Biddle and Tim Atherton were released by the GCL Twins and Rod Gessman retired.  Jeanfred Brito was promoted to the Beloit Snappers.  It has also been reported that Jose Morales (went on DL several weeks ago after injuring the same ankle he hurt last September while with the Twins) may miss the rest of the season with his most recent injury.  Jay Rainville moved back up to New Britain.  Jose Mijares is with the GCL Twins on a rehab assigment as he comes back from a broken elbow the result of an auto accident last winter.  Finally, Santos Arias was named the MidWest League Pitcher of the Week.

The Twins signed their second round pick (Steven "Shooter" Hunt), their nineteenth round pick (Bruce Pugh) and their twenty sixth round pick (Adan Severino).  With these signings, they have signed a total of 21 players from the recent draft and 15 of their top 19 picks taken in the first seventeen rounds.  They also signed pitcher, Nathan Fritz, from a try-out camp.  Fritz had pitched at Milligan College, Tennessee and was assigned to the Elizabethton Twins.  There also is a new left handed pitcher with the GCL Twins, Joe Testa, who must have been signed as a free agent or from a try-out camp.

Rochester Red Wings (AAA) (5-2, 42-48)

The Wings were playing better baseball this week as they have begun to scratch their way back to .500.  They moved up a spot to fourth place in their division, however, continue to trail Pawtuckett by 15.0 games.

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Am on vacation and will be enroute much of Saturday.  My weekly report will likely be posted sometime on Sunday.

Ft. Myers and Elizabethton were both undefeated this week, that is until Elizabethton got shut out last night.  For a team that normally scores in double figures, getting shut out had to be a shock.  Other than reviewing box scores I am somewhat limited this week, so my regular report will be much shorter. 

Have a wonderful July 4th everyone.

Behind five win weeks by Beloit and the DSL Twins, the organization eeked out a winning week, 24-23.

There again was a lot of movement within the system, beginning with Matt Macri's return to Rochester after Nick Punto was activated by the Twins.  Eric Santiago moved up to Beloit from Elizabethton to replace Paul Kelly, who was placed on the DL with a leg injury (hamstring, not his knee) after playing in only two games with 4 hits in 6 at bats.  Juan Rincon did not report to Rochester, signing a minor league deal with the Indians.  Luke Hughes was activated from New Britain's disabled list, with lefty Jay Sawatski moving down to Ft. Myers.  The Snappers reported that Jair Fernandez, Chris Parmalee and Joe Benson were all placed on the DL.  Benson reportedly has a lower back stress fracture that he had been playing with and will likely be out about a month.  The Snappers added outfielder Andrew Schmiesing and first baseman Rene Leveret, who both were promoted from Elizabethton.  Luke Hughes was selected to play on the International Team in this year's Futures All-Star game.  Denard Span will play for the US team in the Futures game which also means that he is one of 60 players selected to this year's Olympic Trial Team.

The Twins signed four more players from the recent draft.  Signing were their fifth round pick, Nicholas Romero; the supplemental first round pick, pitcher Steven Hunt; twelfth round pick, Minnesota left-handed pitcher Kyle Carr; and seventeenth round pick, LSU pitcher David Martin.  They now have signed fifteen of their first nineteen picks.  Their second first round pick, reliever Carlos Gutierrez, was pitching with the University of Miami in the CWS until last week.  The other three from the first seventeen rounds (rounds 6, 14 and 16) that aren't signed are all high school players and it has been reported that sixth round pick, Brett Hermsen, may be difficult to sign. 

I have a question for those of you who follow the Twins minor league system.  As we pass the midpoint of the season, who do you think has been the most pleasant surprise?  On the flip side, who has been the biggest disappointment?

Rochester Red Wings (AAA) (4-3, 33-43)

The Red Wings remain in fifth place, 12.0 games behind Pawtuckett. 

Philip Humber started in Saturday's 5-3 loss...pitching 4.0 innings with 6 hits, 4 runs (3 earned) and 2K/0BB.  Humber was excellent in Thursday's 4-1 win...pitching 5.0 shutout innings with 5 hits and 6K/2BB.  Danny Graves was solid in Sunday's 7-6, eleven inning, win...pitching 5.0 innings with 7hits, 3 runs and 3K/0BB.  Graves was effective in Friday's 4-2 loss...pitching 6.0 innings with 9 hits, 2 runs and 2K/0BB.  Kevin Mulvey started in Monday's 8-5 win...pitching 4.2 innings with 7 hits, 5 runs (4 earned) and 5K/2BB.  Brian Duensing was not his normal self in Tuesday's 8-0 win...pitching 6.0 innings with 7 hits, 7 runs and 1K/1BB.  Francisco Liriano was not effective and took a step backwards in his road to Minnesota on Wednesday...pitching 5.1 innings with 9 hits, 6 runs (5 earned) and 3K/1BB.  Bobby Korecky had three effective appearances, pitching 5.2 innings with 5 hits, 0 runs and 5K/1BB.  Mariano Gomez continues his string of excellent outings, appearing in 3 games (5.0 innings) with 3 hits, 0 runs and 0K/1BB.  Gomez now leads the bullpen with a 1.90ERA and 1.17WHIP.  Ricky Barrett also made three appearances (5.0 innings) with 5 hits, 2 runs (1 earned) and 6K/3BB.  Barrett now has a 2.53ERA, 1.23WHIP and 53K/26BB in 46.1 innings.  

Denard Span had another excellent week, going 9 for 31 and is now hitting .344/.441/.490.  Span would be the leading hitter in the league had he not missed some time on the DL and during his short callup with the Twins.  Span also has been effective on the bases, stealing 15 bases in 23 attempts.  Darnell McDonald does have enough at bats to qualify and is currently the third best hitter in the league with a .314/.376/.525.  McDonald also has 16 stolen bases in 19 attempts with 10 home runs and a Red Wing high 48 rbi.  Trevor Plouffe is hitting .241/.250/.389 in his first 14 games with the Wings.  Jason Pridie is hitting .283/.314/.469 in June following hitting only .142/.182/.212 in May. 

New Britain (AA) (1-6, 33-45)

The Rock Cats dropped another three games behind Trenton, remaining in fifth place 13.5 games out of first.  Nothing seems to be going right for the Cats who scored over 2 runs only once this week, losing that game 13-6.  With the recent callups from Ft. Myers struggling at AA, it has to be tough for Rock Cat fans who continue their support of this struggling team.

Anthony Swarzak got the loss last Saturday, 5-2...pitching 6.0 innings with 5 hits, 4 runs and 4K/3BB.  He was not solid in Thursday's 13-6 loss...pitching 3.1 innings with 10 hits, 8 runs and 2K/2BB.  Swarzak now has a 5.63ERA with a 1.60WHIP in 15 starts (72.0 innings).  Zach Ward moved into the rotation recently, starting Sunday's game that the Cats won, 2-1...pitching 4.0 shutout innings with 2 hits and 4K/3BB.  Ward was again effective in Friday's 3-2 loss...pitching 6.0 innings with 4 hits with 2 runs (1 earned) and 5K/1BB.  Kyle Aselton was the loser on Monday, 4-2...pitching 5.0 innings with 8 hits, 4 runs and 7K/4BB.  Jeff Manship rebounded from his initial outing pitching more like the pitcher we have seen over the last couple years...pitching 6.0 innings with 5 hits, 1 run and 5K/0BB in a 6-0 loss Tuesday after Jason Miller allowed 4 hits, 5 runs and 2K/1BB in 2.0 innings of relief.  Ryan Mullins pitched like the team Ace in Wednesday's 3-1 loss...going 7.0 innings with 7 hits, 3 runs (2 earned) and 5K/2BB.  Mullins leads the staff with 87.1 innings in 15 starts with a 6-6 record and 3.40ERA.  Robert Delaney has a 1.50ERA and 0.67WHIP in his first 4 appearances (6.0 innings) since his recent promotion.    

After scoring only 15 runs in seven games this week, there isn't a lot to talk about as far as the hitters are concerned.  Erik Lis is hitting .289/.329/.495 while leading the team, league and organization with 29 doubles.  David Winfree continues to hit only .222/.282/.401, yet leads the organization with 50 runs batted in which is sixth best in the Eastern League.  Despite missing time while on the DL twice, Luke Hughes is tied with teammate Steven Tolleson, who is also on the DL, with the League's third best average, .335.  Utility infielder Toby Gardenhire, who has been playing a lot at first base lately, was 6 for 18 (.333Ave) this week and is now hitting .295/.363/.320 which is much better than any previous season with the organization.  Danny Valencia and Brian Dinkelman have struggled in their first few games with the Cats, hitting .211Ave and .194Ave, respectively.

Ft. Myers Miracle (Hi-A) (2-5, 3-6)

After running away with the first half championship, the Twins moved four key players up to New Britain and the Miracle has struggled as they start the second half...yet, are only 2.5 games behind the league leaders, Tampa and Dunedin.

Matt Fox was solid in Saturday's 5-2 loss...pitching 6.1 innings with 9 hits, 4 runs and 5K/2BB.  He was very good in Thursday's 3-1 loss...pitching 5.2 innings with 4 hits, 2 runs and 4K/2BB as his ERA moved down to 3.95 in 54.2 innings with 53K/20BB.  Jay Rainville was also solid in Sunday's 4-2 loss...pitching 6.2 innings with 9 hits, 4 runs (3 earned) and 7K/0BB.  Alex Burnett had a short start in Tuesday's 6-3 win...pitching 4.1 innings with 6 hits, 3 runs and 0K/3BB.  Anthony Slama came on to get the win when he pitched 2.2 shutout innings with 1 hit and 5K/0BB.  Slama now has 72K/12BB in 42.0 innings with a 0.43ERA and 0.86WHIP.  Tyler Robertson was back from the DL, starting Wednesday's 10-6 loss...pitching 4.1 innings with 7 hits, 4 runs and 4K/3BB.  Cole DeVries got the win on Friday, 2-1...pitching 6.0 shutout innings with 2 hits and 5K/4BB.  DeVries now has a 2.77ERA which is best amongst all starters.  Slama got his fifteenth save, pitching 1.1 shutout inning with 2 hits and 4K/0BB.      

Catcher Wilson Ramos has his average up to .254 following a week in which he was 7 for 23.  Ramos leads the Miracle with 8 home runs (10th best in the FSL) and 45 runs batted in, which is eighth best in the league.  Garrett Olson and Danny Lehmann are struggling in their adjustment to FSL pitching, hitting .097 and .190, respectively.   

Beloit Snappers (A) (5-2, 7-2)

The Snappers remain in first place, a full game ahead of Cedar Rapids.  They will need all their recently injured players to get healthy quickly if they have any hope of remaining in first place.

Santos Arias continues to be one of their better starters since joining the team earlier this year from EST.  He was the pitcher of record in Saturday's 11-5 win...pitching 6.0 innings with 8 hits, 5 runs and 1K/1BB.  He was much better on Thursday when he pitched the best game of any starter in the organization this week...a 9.0 inning, complete game shutout with 3 hits and 4K/0BB in a 2-0 Snapper win.  Steven Hirschfield pitched 5.0 innings with 7 hits, 1 run and 1K/1BB in Sunday's 4-1, ten inning win.  Spencer Steedley got the win after pitching 2.1 shutout innings with 0 hits and 3K/0BB.  Steedley has an excellent 2.08ERA and 1.10WHIP with 52K/14BB in 39.0 innings with a team high 8 saves.  Hirschfield was the loser on Friday, 8-5...pitching 3.0 innings with 7 hits, 4 runs and 3K/2BB.  Michael Tarsi started Monday's 8-5 win...pitching 6.0 innings with 10 hits, 5 runs and 4K/1BB.  Mike McCardell was the winner in Tuesday's 8-5 win...pitching 8.0 innings with 9 hits, 5 runs and 6K/0BB.  McCardell now has 62 strikeouts in 59.2 innings.  David Bromberg was the loser on Wednesday, 8-5...pitching  4.0 innings with 11 hits, 8 runs and 4K/0BB.   

Ben Revere returned to the lineup as a DH on Monday (he played center last night for the first time since his injury), however, he left the game and didn't play again until Thursday.  Ben got a hit in all three games he played this week, 4 for 10, and continues to lead the MidWest League with a .411/.465/.563.  Ben now has 24 stolen bases in 35 attempts which is fifth best in the league even though he has sixty less at bats than the leader.  Chris Parmalee had 2 home runs this week and his 14 home runs was leading the organization (third best in the league) prior to going on the DL with a wrist injury.  Joe Benson was leading the Snappers with 16 doubles while hitting .248/.326/.382 prior to going on the DL.  After a miserable start to his season as he battled injuries, Ozzie Lewis has his average up to .224 after hitting .293/.365/.373 in June. 

Elizabethton Twins (Advanced Rookie) (4-3, 8-3)

The ETon Twins were tied with Johnson City Friday night (they beat Johnson City Saturday night) for first place.  The Twins are very good, but unlike last year when they ran away with the championship it appears they will have to work hard to repeat this season.

Curtis Leavitt was the loser on Saturday, 10-7...pitching 4.0 innings with 10 hits, 6 runs (5 earned) and 2K/2BB.  Leavitt was better in Thursday's 7-6 win...pitching 5.0 innings with 7 hits, 3 runs and 5K/0BB.  Danny Berlind was the pitcher of record in Sunday's 10-2 win...pitching 6.0 innings iwth 5 hits, 2 runs and 7K/1BB.  He was not good in Friday's 14-4 loss...lasting only 2.1 innings with 7 hits, 11 runs (10 earned) and 4K/5BB.  Brad Tippett won Monday's game, 9-5...pitching 5.0 innings with 8 hits, 3 runs and 6K/2BB.  Dan Osterbrock pitched well in Tuesday's 14-8 win...pitching 6.0 innings with 6 hits, 2 runs and 8K/0BB.  Lee Martin had a blown save as he lasted only 0.2 inning with 5 hits, 6 runs (1 earned) and 2K/1BB.  Danny Rondon got the win as he pitched 3.0 shutout innings with 1 hit and 1K/1BB.  Bobby Lanigan made his second start in Wednesday's 13-5 loss...pitching 5.1 innings with 7 hits, 5 runs and 6K/2BB.  Jarrad Eacott made two relief appearances, pitching 3.1 innings with 1 hit, 0 runs and 3K/2BB and now has a 1.35ERA and 0.90WHIP.    

Andrew Schmiesing was hitting .379/.486/.517 before his promotion to Beloit.  Rene Leveret was hitting .306/.405/.556 with 2 home runs before he also moved up to the Snappers.  Jonathan Waltenbury has been the Twins early season hitting sensation, hitting .375/.444/.700 with 2 home runs and 8 rbi in 9 games.  Michael Harrington (recent 13th round pick out of the College of Charleston) leads ETon with 3 home runs while hitting .342/.457/.605.  Last year's second round pick, Danny Rams, is hitting .308/.333/.615 with 2 home runs and a team high 12 rbi.

GCL Twins (Rookie) (3-3, 5-3)

The GCL Twins slipped a half game into a three way tie with the Red Sox and the Reds. 

Edgar Ibarra started last Saturday, however, the game was suspended after three innings.  He also started the conclusion of the game on Thursday, with a line of 7.0 innings with 3 hits, 2 runs (1 earned) and 8K/3BB.  Miguel Munoz got the loss on Sunday, 9-2...pitching 3.0 innings with 9 hits, 5 runs and 1K/0BB.  He was excellent in Friday's 5-0 win...pitching 6.0 shutout innings with 3 hits and 3K/2BB.  Matire Garcia was not solid in Tuesday's 7-6 win...pitching 4.0 innings with 7 hits, 5 runs and 1K/4BB.  Alex Curry made his first start since being drafted in Wednesday's 6-5 win...pitching 4.0 innings with 2 hits, 1 run and 3K/0BB.  Angelo Sanchez was the loser on Thursday as the Twins lost 9-3...pitching 4.2 innings with 8 hits, 5 runs (3 earned) and 5K/2BB. 

Tim Atherton is a hitting star early in the season, .375/.524/.500.  Recent first round pick, Aaron Hicks, is hitting .300/.417/.300 in his first 20 at bats.  Reggie Williams is hitting .320/.370/.560 with 4 doubles and a triple.  Catcher/first baseman/DH Andres Diaz leads the Twins with 2 home runs and 5 rbi while hitting .310/.355/.586.

DSL Twins (Dominican Summer League) (5-1, 16-8)

The DSL Twins had an excellent week, moving into a first place tie with the Cubs-1.

Eliecer Cardenas is a 20 year old from Venezuela who now resides in the Dominican Republic.  Cardenas has a 1.55ERA with a 0.90WHIP in 6 games (3 starts with 29.0 innings).  Ramon Acosta has a perfect 4-0 record with a 0.00 ERA  in five starts (34.2 innings).  Acosta is a 21 year old right handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic.  Edison Alvarez leads the team with 7 saves in 9 appearances (11.2 innings).  Alvarez is a tall right hander from the Dominican Republic who had a 5-1 record, 0.78ERA with 7 saves for the DSL Twins in 2007.  Adrian Salcedo is a right handed Dominican Republic native who is only 17 years old.  Salcedo has lost both of his decisions, pitching 13.2 innings in 3 starts with an excellent 2.63ERA and 8K/2BB. 

Wilfy Gil is an exciting 18 year old from the Dominican Republic who continues to lead the Twins, .375/.524/.438 in 32 at bats, after going 5 for 12 (.416Ave) this week.  Gil also leads the team with 8 stolen bases in 9 attempts.  Shortstop Jairo Perez had another 4 rbi this week as he continues to lead the DSL Twins with 20 rbi (fifth best in the league) and 3 home runs (eighth best in the league).  Perez, a Venezuelan who recently turned 20, is hitting .319/.451/.565 in 69 at bats.  Oswaldo Arcia is a 17 year old Venezuelan who is playing his first season of professional ball.  Arcia is a switch hitter who is hitting .230/.299/.311 with 5 doubles and 4 stolen bases in 6 attempts.      

Player of the Week

The Twins selected Angel Morales in the third [edit previous typo] round of the 2007 draft.  Numerous reports have indicated that Morales may be the best prospect from Puerto Rico since Carlos Beltran...the star Mets centerfielder whom he has often been compared to.  Morales began his rookie season with the GCL slowly, however, continued to improve and was one of their best hitters the last month of the season.  Morales finished his first season of professional ball hitting .256/.357/.405 with 6 doubles, 3 triples, 2 home runs, 18 runs scored and 15 rbi in 121 at bats.  Morales, who has been referred to as a "five tool" prospect, also had 11 stolen bases in 16 attempts.    

This week Morales was a major part of the ETon Twins three wins as he had a hit in every game he played (he only pinch ran on Tuesday) with 5 multi-hit games.  Morales was 11 for 25 (.440 Average) with 4 runs scored, 1 double, a triple, 3 home runs, 7 runs batted in and a walk.

Morales is hitting .361/.395/.722 in 36 at bats early this season.  Perhaps the only negative is his 12 strikeouts while drawing only 1 walk.  Morales, who won't turn 19 until this coming November 24th, is the youngest of several outstanding center field prospects in the Twins system.  Although a long way from the Twins, Morales may have the tools needed to someday be the starting centerfielder in their yet to be named ballpark.

Wanted to let everyone know that I will be out of town on Saturday morning, thus, this week's report will be posted on Sunday morning.  Will be interesting to see how everyone does this evening as the main six teams are 17-18 going into their last game of the week.  Also, with a hit every game this week (except a game in which he only pinch ran), 3 home runs and four multi-hit games, will Angel Morales have another big night tonight to earn the Player of the Week award?  And how about Santos Arias last night?  Pitched a complete game shut out for the Snappers, who won 2-0.  See you all on Sunday.

Now that the GCL Twins and Appy League Elizabethton Twins began their seasons, all seven minor league teams are in action.  The group is playing very well, with a record of 20-11 this week.

There was lots of activity as Jim Rantz continued to move players throughout the organization.  With several rosters only a few days old, there are lots of discrepencies between MiLB and what Dianna is reporting.  I would expect that in most of these cases, Dianna is right as she is at the ballpark every day.  She did report that Jose Leger had been released and that Liam Hendricks is on the Elizabethon DL.  Brad Tippett and Danny Berlind were sent down to Elizabethton...where Tippett will be used as a starter for the first time in his professional career.  Rochester placed Howie Clark on the DL.  Garrett Olson, Steve Singleton, Dan Lehmann and Matt Williams were promoted from the Snappers to Ft. Myers.  Chris Cates, Loek VanMil and Jair Fernandez were chosen to play in the MidWest League all-star game as replacements for several Snappers who were promoted to Ft. Myers last week.  The Snappers activated Paul Kelly and D. J. Romero from the disabled list.  Jay Rainville and Oswaldo Sosa were returned from New Britain to Ft. Myers where both will be working out of the bullpen.  Chris Anderson, who was a 2007 draft pick who failed his physical, was signed as a non-drafted free agent this winter and has been transferred from EST to Beloit.  The Snappers also received Alan de San Miguel and Henry Reyes who were sent down from Ft. Myers.  Tyler Robertson was activated from the DL by Ft. Myers.  Finally, the fans in Rochester, led by Jim Mandelaro, are again restless about the sale of Chris Basak to Scranton.  They weren't happy when the Twins didn't promote players from New Britain, now that Trevor Plouffe has been promoted they needed a spot for Denard Span when he came off the DL on Monday.  It has been reported that Basak had a clause in his contract regarding playing time which led to the Twins selling him when it can be assumed they were unable to get anything in a trade.  The Twins organization has made some mistakes with the Rochester roster this year, but this is clearly not one of them. 

The Twins signed four more draft picks bringing the total signed to 15.  Signed were Jeff Lanning (8th Rd, C, U of New Orleans); Michael Gonzales (9th Rd, 1B, U of Cincinnati); Dominic De la Osa (11th Rd, IF, Vanderbilt U); and Nathan Hansen (28th Rd, 3B, U of Minnesota).  The Twins have signed all of their top 12 picks except their second first round (Carlos Gutierrez), supplementary first round (Steven Hunt), fifth round (Nicholas Romero) and sixth round (Brett Hermsen) picks. 

Rochester Red Wings (AAA) (3-3, 33-43)

The Wings were 3-3 this week and remain in fifth place, 12.0 games behind Pawtuckett.  The Wings haven't played well for awhile, however, have stayed at 12 games out for several weeks.

Francisco Liriano made two starts, including an excellent outing last Sunday when he led the Wings to a 5-2 win, pitching 7.1 innings with 5 hits, 2 runs and 5K/0BB.  Last night he wasn't as sharp in a 8-7 loss, pitching 5.0 innings with 9 hits, 5 runs and 7K/1BB.  Bobby Korecky got the save on Sunday, pitching 1.2 shutout innings with 2 hits and 1K/1BB, however, got the loss last night when he allowed 3 runs on 1 hit and 2K/2BB in 2.0 innings.  Brian Duensing continues to be the Red Wing's top starter.  Brian was the loser last Saturday, 4-1, when he pitched 6.0 innings with 5 hits, 4 runs and 8K/0BB.  On Thursday, he was the pitcher of record as the Wings won 9-3, pitching 7.0 innings with 6 hits, 2 runs and 5K/3BB.  Duensing leads the team with 95.0 innings, a 3.69ERA, 1.18WHIP and 58K/18BB.  Julio DePaula made a spot start in a 9-1 win on Monday, pitching 3.0 shutout innings with 3 hits and 1K/1BB.  Mariano Gomez got the win in relief, pitching 2.1 shutout innings with 1 hit and 2K/0BB...and now has a 2.15ERA and 1.22WHIP.  Tim Lahey was solid in relief, pitching 2.0 innings of shutout ball with 1 hit and 0K/0BB.  Danny Graves was not solid on Tuesday, lasting only 2.0 innings with 8 hits, 9 runs (7 earned) and 0K/1BB.  Graves' ERA is up to 5.40 in 36.2 innings in his comeback attempt.  Rickey Barrett was excellent in relief this week, making 2 appearances (4.1 innings), with 2 hits, 0 runs and 9K/1BB...dropping his ERA to 2.61 with a 1.19WHIP.

Trevor Plouffe joined the Red Wings last weekend.  He has played both third base and shortstop since his promotion and is hitting .240/.269/.280 in his first 25 at bats with the Wings.  Many questioned why the Twins signed infielder Sergio Santos last month...who was hitting .183Ave for Syracuse.  Perhaps Twins scouts saw something they liked in this former Arizona first round pick who is only 24 years old.  The move has been good for Santos, who is hitting .272/.306/.404 with 15 doubles and 19 rbi in 136 at bats with the Wings.  Darnell McDonald had a double, home run and 2 stolen bases this week as he is hitting .312/.374/.541...which is the eighth best average in the league.  It is also good seeing former Rule V pick Alejandro Machado playing baseball for the Twins.  In his first 5 games with the Wings, Machado is hitting .167/.231/.333.  Brian Buscher had the fourth best average in the league (.319/.402/.514) when he was called up by the Twins.     

New Britain Rock Cats (AA) (2-3, 32-39)

The Cats dropped further under .500 this week, however, remain in fifth place and actually gained a half game on Trenton, who they now trail by 10.5 games.

The Cats lost last Saturday, 7-3, behind Anthony Swarzak who allowed 6 runs (4 earned) on 5 hits and 0K/1BB in only 0.2 innings.  Zack Ward had one of his better relief appearances, pitching 4.0 shutout innings with 4 hits and 4K/1BB.  Yohan Pino also is back from the disabled list, pitching 1.0 shutout inning with 2 hits and 0K/0BB.  Oswaldo Sosa made his last and best start for the Cats on Sunday, winning 5-1, while pitching 5.0 shutout innings with 4 hits and 5K/4BB.  Kyle Aselton has had several starts recently.  On Wednesday he pitched 2.2 innings with 4 hits, 5 runs and 1K/7BB in a 9-6 eleven inning win.  Jeff Manship is considered one of the Twins top pitching prospects.  In his first start for the Cats since his recent promotion, Jeff was not good.  He pitched 4.0 innings with 8 hits, 6 runs (5 earned) and 6K/1BB.  I expect Jeff was both nervous and excited in his first outing at AA, hopefully he will now settle down and adjust to the level of hitters he will face at this level.  Ryan Mullins has been the Cats top starter, however, he was not as sharp as usual last night as the Cats lost 4-2 behind Ryan's 5.0 inning, 7 hits, 4 runs and 3K/5BB outing.  Frank Mata was solid in two relief appearances (4.0 innings) this week, allowing 1 hit and 1 run with 3K/3BB.  Robert Delaney made his first appearance since being promoted from Ft. Myers, pitching 2.0 shutout innings with 0 hits and 2K/0BB.    

Daniel Valencia got 2 hits in his first game and is hitting .182/.438/.182 in his first 11 at bats.  Brian Dinkelman is hitting .231/.313/.308 in his first 13 at bats.  Luke Hughes was the league's fifth best hitter when he again went on the DL, .335/.407/.618.  Steven Tolleson, who also is out of the lineup, was tied with Hughes and is hitting .335/.421/.522.  Erik Lis is the top active hitter for the Cats, getting another 6 hits in 24 at bats this week (.250Ave) with a triple and 2 home runs.  Erik leads the Cats and league with 27 doubles. 

Ft. Myers Miracle (Hi-A) (2-3, 1-1)

The Miracle finished the first half with a franchise best 45-24 record.  The Division champs began their second half on Thursday and are currently in a four team tie for second, a game behind Dunedin.

Matt Fox replaced Jeff Manship in the starting rotation, getting the win, 5-2, on Monday when he pitched 6.0 innings with 3 hits, 1 run and 7K/1BB.  Cole DeVries pitched well in Tuesday's 3-1 loss, 6.0 innings with 7 hits, 2 runs (1 earned) and 7K/2BB.  Deolis Guerra returned in Wednesday's 9-5 loss, pitching 5.2 innings with 5 hits, 3 runs and 6K/2BB.  Alex Burnett had a quality start in Thursday's 5-3 win, pitching 7.0 innings with 6 hits, 3 runs and 4K/0BB.  Tyler Robertson returned from a brief stint on the DL with an excellent start last night.  The Miracle lost 3-4, however, Robertson pitched 4.0 shutout innings with 3 hits and 5K/1BB.  Matt Williams has struggled in his first 2 appearances since being promoted, pitching 3.0 innings with 6 hits, 5 runs and 2K/3BB.  Anthony Slama continues to pitch like an all-star, making 2 appearances (2.0 innings) this week while earning two saves (14) with 1 hits, 0 runs and 4K/0BB...dropping his ERA to 0.47 with a 0.87WHIP.  Jay Rainville pitched 2.0 innings with 1 hit and 1 unearned run while Oswaldo Sosa pitched 1.0 shutout inning with 1 hit and 2K/1BB as both pitchers adjust to their new role out of the Miracle bullpen. 

Nick Punto, who is in Ft. Myers on a rehab assignment, was 1 for 4 on Thursday and 1 for 3 last night with a walk and rbi.  Garrett Olson is hitting .071/.188/.071 in his first 14 at bats since being promoted from Beloit to replace Danny Valencia who moved up to New Britain.  Valencia was the Florida State League's leading hitter, .336/.402/.518 before his promotion to AA.  Yangervis Solarte is a utility player who is hitting .282/.338/.451 following a week in which he was 6 for 15 (.400Ave) with a triple, 3 runs scored and 3 rbi.  Danny Berg is now playing regularly, getting 4 hits in 11 at bats this week (.364Ave) with a double and home run.  Wilson Ramos has his average up to .249/.300/.411.  Steve Singleton is hitting .231/.267/.462 in his first 13 at bats with a home run and 4 runs scored.  Catcher Dan Lehmann is hitting .182/.182/.182 in his forst 11 at bats. 

Beloit Snappers (A) (3-0, 2-0)

The Snappers finished their first half two games over .500 at 33-31.  Following their break, they began the second half 2-0 and find themselves in a three way tie for first place. 

Michael Tarsi made the last start before the break, getting a win, 8-6, while pitching 6.0 innings with 5 hits, 3 runs (2 earned) and 4K/1BB.  Tarsi leads the staff with 77.2 innings along with a 5.33ERA with 63K/20BB.  Michael McCardell didn't get a decision in Thursday's 3-1 win, however, had a quality start with 6.0 innngs, 4 hits, 1 unearned run and 6K/1BB.  McCardell has an excellent 2.79ERA, 1.14WHIP, 3-1 record and 56K/15BB in 51.2 innings.  David Bromberg was the winner last night, 5-1, with a 5.2 inning start in which he allowed 8 hits and 1 run with 5K/1BB.  It appears that Brian Kirwin has been moved to the pen as he pitched 1.1 innings of shutout relief last night with 1 hit and 0K/1BB.  Loek Van Mil made two relief appearances this week (1.2 innings) with 0 hits, 0 runs and 0K/2BB.  Loek now has a 2.51ERA with 1.24WHIP in 32.1 innings.  Charles Nolte was the winner Thursday, when he pitched 3.0 shutout innings with 3 hits and 1K/1BB.  Nolte has an excellent 2.41ERA with a 3-1 record in 33.2 innings with 42K/19BB.

Ben Revere played in Tuesday's all-star game, however, hasn't played in either games since the break.  Although nothing has been reported officially, several other reports have indicated that the League's top hitter (.413Ave) tweaked a hamstring and is day-to-day.  The biggest news is that Paul Kelly returned to a Twins lineup for the first time since 2006...getting 4 hits in 6 at bats in his first two games.  Kelly, who may have been the Twins top shortstop prospect prior to his knee injury, needs a solid couple months this season to determine whether or not he remains a top prospect.  Estarlin De Los Santos is hitting .294/.333/.588 with 2 stolen bases in his first 17 at bats for the Snappers.  D.J. Romero also returned from the DL and is hitting .203/.229/.328 in 64 at bats (only 8 since his return). 

Elizabethton Twins (Advanced Rookie) (4-0, 4-0)

The defending Appalachian League champions began their 2008 season playing like they did in 2007.  With a combined four game score of 28-10, early indications are that the Twins are loaded as they are again in first place with a 1.0 game lead over Greeneville and Johnson City.

In this first week's report, I will go through the lineup showing where each player was in 2007.

The starting pitcher opening night was Danny Berlind who had just been sent down from Beloit.  Danny pitched 5.0 innings with 5 hits, 3 runs and 8K/3BB in a 12-6 win.  Danny had a 4-4 record at Beloit with a 4.47ERA in 52.1 innings with 37K/27BB.  Last season Danny was with the GCL Twins where he had a 6-2 record with a 1.93ERA in 56.0 innings with 52K/20BB.  Brad Tippett also had recently been sent down from Beloit with the intent to convert him to a starter.  Brad pitched 5.0 shutout innings in Wednesday's 5-2 win with 2 hits and 5K/1BB.  Brad was 2-1 with Beloit in 13 games (17.0 innings) with a 4.24ERA and 15K/5BB.  Last year Brad was one of the top pitchers in the system, compiling a 7-1 record out of the Elizabethton bullpen with a 0.93ERA and 51K/4BB in 38.2 innings.  Recent 7th round pick Dan Osterbrock got his first professional start in Thursday's 7-1 win, pitching 3.0 innings with 5 hits, 1 run and 5K/0BB.  This year's 3rd round pick, Bobby Lanigan, made his professional debut last night, pitching 4.0 shutout innings with 3 hits and 7K/0BB.

The rest of the staff includes Omar Alcala, a 21 year old lefty from the Dominican Republic who was 1-1 in 23.0 innings with a 7.83ERA and 22K/16BB for Elizabethton in 2007.  Michael Allen was 4-2 with a 3.47ERA and 70K/11BB in 62.1 innings for Elizabethton last year.  He made one brief appearance this season for the Miracle prior to being placed on the 50-game suspended list and will miss most of the short season.  David Coulon is a lefty who was this year's 15th round pick out of the U of Arizona.  Jarrad Eacott is a lefty from Australia who will be working out of the bullpen following last season when he was one of the top relievers for the GCL Twins (3-0, 2.28ERA, 27.2 innings, 19K/10BB).  Three years ago Kyle Edlich was one of the top pitchers in the organization when this Aussie had a 1.70ERA for the GCL Twins.  The Twins remain committed to this talented lefty who again begins the season on the DL.  Mark Hamburger was signed as a non-drafted free agent last year.  He will be working out of the bullpen after appearing in 8 games (15.0 innings) with a 2-1 record, 1.20ERA and 12K/4BB for the GCL Twins last year.  Liam Hendriks is another young Aussie reliever who begins the season on the DL following an outstanding 2007 for the GCL Twins when he was 4-2 with a 2.05ERA in 44.0 innings with 52K/11BB.  Curt Leavitt returns to Elizabethton where he was 2-0 last year with a 5.40ERA in 25.0 innings with 41K/10BB.  MiLB lists Winston Marquez with Elizabethton and on the DL.  Dianna has him with the GCL Twins where he was 3-3 last year in 47.1 innings with a 3.04ERA and 35K/30BB.  Lee Martin was an 18th round pick last year, compiling a 2-1 record with a 3.21ERA in 14.0 innings with 13K/6BB.  Danny Rondon is slotted as their closer after earning 12 saves last year for the GCL Twins with a 2-0 record and 1.14ERA in 20 games (23.2 innings) with 16K/11BB.  Thomas Wright was the Twins 23rd round pick in 2006.  Last year he had a 2-3 record in 37.0 innings for the GCL Twins with a 5.35ERA adn 27K/27BB.      

The catching position will be manned by last year's second round pick Daniel Rams who was 2 for 5 with his first home run on opening night.  Last year Rams signed late and appeared in only 27 games (97ab) for the GCL Twins where he hit .258/.311/.361.  Jeff Lanning is this year's 8th round pick.  Alex Sota was signed last year as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic.  He hit .273/.338/.439 in 66 at bats for the GCL Twins before hitting .250/.296/.292 for the Miracle.

James Beresford is a 19-year old Aussie who hit .288/.349/.302 for the GCL Twins in 2007.  Jeanfried Brito is a 20-year old middle infielder from Venezuela who hit .290/.329/.376 with 8 stolen bases for the GCL Twins last year.  Dominic De La Osa is a second baseman who was this year's 11th round pick.  Nate Hanson is this year's 28th round pick from Chanhassen, Minnesota.  Rene Leveret was one of the Appy League's top hitters last year.  Different reports have him either overweight or battling minor injuries this spring, however, he returns to ETon where he hit .307/.399/.463 last year with 8 home runs and 65 rbi.  Nick Papason was the Twins 24th round pick in 2006.  After not playing in 2006, he spent most of last year on the DL before getting 28 at bats late in the GCL season where he hit .286/.355/.321.  There were reports that he had an excellent spring and this will be our first chance to see how this promising young shortstop performs.  Juan Richardson is a 21-year old third baseman from the Dominican Republic who was one of the GCL Twins top hitters last year, .317/.364/.401 with 33 rbi and 14 stolen bases in 202 at bats.  Eric Santiago was a 21st round pick in 2006 from Puerto Rico.  Eric returns to Elizabethton where he hit .240/.340/.296 in 2007.  Jonathan Waltenbury is a big Canadian first baseman who was a 7th round pick in 2006.  Jon played professional ball for the first time last year for the GCL Twins where he hit .244/.347/.366 with 3 home runs in 123 at bats.  He begins this year as the ETon Twins top hitter, .500/.611/.857 in 14 at bats with a home run and 2 rbi.    

Evan Bigley is a left fielder who was selected in the 10th round of this year's draft out of Dallas Baptist University (same school as Lew Ford).  Michael Harrington is a right fielder who is this year's 13th round pick out of the College of Charleston.  Angel Morales was last year's 3rd round pick from Puerto Rico where it was reported that he may have been Puerto Rico's best outfield prospect since Carlos Beltran to whom he is often compared.  He began his GCL season slowly, however, was one of the GCL Twins top hitters the last half of the season...finishing .256/.357/.405 with 3 triples, 2 home runs and 11 stolen bases in 121 at bats.  Many Minnesotans recognize St. Olaf's Andrew Schmiesing because of his success on the gridiron.  He was selected by the Twins in the 11th round of the 2007 draft and was one of the GCL Twins top hitters, .321/.421/.358 in 109 at bats prior to leaving shortly before the end of their season to return to St. Olaf.

GCL Twins (Rookie) (2-0, 2-0)

The GCL Twins begin their 2008 season winning their first two games and are in first place, 0.5 games ahead of the Reds.

The pitching staff certainly has a Latin look.  Dominican Republic lefty Martire Garcia got the opening day start, pitching 4.0 innings with 6 hits, 1 run and 4K/0BB.  Last year this 18-year old was the ace of the DSL Twins staff with a 7-2 record in 77.2 innings with a 2.32ERA and 81K/25BB.  Game two went to a 19-year old Venezuelan, Angelo Sanchez, who was 2-1 with a 1.76ERA in 46.0 innings with 40K/11BB for the VSL Twins/Cubs last year.  Elliot Biddle is a 19-year old left handed Aussie who is in his first year of professional ball.  Steven Blevins is this year's 21st round pick out of Marshall U.  Alex Curry is this year's 25th round pick out of Cypress College.  Edgar Ibarra is a 19-year old lefty from Venezuela who was 2-4 with a 3.19ERA in 73.1 innings for the VSL Twins/Cubs in 2007.  Andrei Lobanov got the win yesterday when he pitched 2.1 innings with 4 hits, 2 runs and 1K/0BB in the Twins 7-3 win.  Andrei is a 18-year old lefty from Moscow who is playing his first year of professional baseball.  Nick Lobanov is another Moscovite lefty who is 19 and was with the GCL Twins briefly last year, pitching 3.0 shutout innings with 4 hits and 2K/1BB.  Jean Mijares is a 20-year old lefty from Venezuela who was 1-4 last year with a 5.71ERA in 41.0 innings with 32K/32BB for the VSL Twins/Cubs.  Micahel Mopas was drafted in the 30th round of the 2006 draft, however, signed as a draft and follow in 2007.  This 20-year old lefty was 0-0 with a 7.56ERA in 8.1 innings with 6K/4BB for the GCL Twins last year.  Kelvin Mota is a 19-year old from the Dominican Republic who was 4-0 with a 1.40ERA in 25.2 innings with 13K/11BB for the DSL Twins in 2007.  Miguel Munoz is another 19-year old Venezuelan who was with the VSL Twins/Cubs last year, with a 5-3 record, 2.04ERA and 43K/34BB in 70.2 innings.  Mauro Schiavoni is a 21-year old from Argentina who was recently signed by the Twins and will be playing his first professional ball.  

Jae-Hyung Jang is a catcher from Seoul, South Korea who was signed late in 2006 and will be making his first appearance for the Twins this season.  Josmil Pinto is a 19-year old Venezuelan who hit .193/.327/.269 for the DSL Twins in 2007.  Dan Rohfling was a 2007 7th round pick who hit .232/.313/.250 in 56 at bats for the GCL Twins last year.  Andres Diaz was the 43rd round pick in 2007 who is listed as a catcher but will also play first base and DH.  A Florida draftee who was born in Cuba didn't sign until late last summer and only got a handful of at bats with the GCL team before the season ended.     

Hyeong-rok Choi is a first baseman from Youngcheon-shi, South Korea.  Choi was signed last summer and this will be his first year of professional ball.  Michael Gonzales is a first baseman who was this year's 9th round pick out of Diablo Valley College.  Jakub Hajtmar is from the Czech Republic and will be playing his first year of professional ball after playing in the Australian Summer League last year.  Anderson Hidalgo is another Venezuelan middle infielder who hit .305/.398/.437 for the DSL Twins in 2007.  Tyler Ladendorf is this year's 2nd round pick out of Howard College.  Juan Sanchez is a middle infielder from Venezuela who hit .263/.370/.326 for the DSL Twins last year.   Reggie Williams was last year's 4th round pick, however, didn't sign in time to play for the GCL Twins.  He is reportedly an excellent hitter who began his career with back to back multi hit games, going 5 for 8 in his first two games with a run scored, 2 doubles, a triple and 2 rbi for a .625/.667/1.125.

Herbert Lara is a Venezuelan who will turn 20 next week.  Last year he hit .300/.411/.354 for the VSL Twins/Cubs.  Tim Atherton is an 18-year old Australian who was signed last year and will be playing his first year of professional ball.  Hyun-wook Choi is an 18-year old outfielder from Kunsan-shi, South Korea who will be playing his year of first professional baseball.  Aaron Hicks is this year's top pick who hasn't played in the first two games.  Wang-Wei Lin is a native of Taiwain who will turn 20 next week.  Win returns to the GCL Twins where he had 62 at bats last year, .194/.265/.290, however, he will begin his 2008 season on the DL.  Daniel Ortiz is an 18-year old high school player who was this year's 4th round pick from Puerto Rico.  Jonathan Goncalves is another young Venezuelan who begins the season on the DL after hitting .238 for the DSL Twins in 2007.

DSL Twins (DSL Summer League) (4-2, 11-7)

The DSL Twins picked up 2.0 games this week and are now in second place, a half game behind the DSL Cubs1. 

Ramon Acosta earned another win (3-0) and continued his perfect start to the season with a 0.00ERA in 27.2 innings with 11K/3BB.  Eliecer Cardenas is 1-1 with a 2.05ERA with 22K/2BB in 22.0 innings.  Pedro Guerra is also a perfect 2-0 with a 3.32ERA in 19.0 innings with 15K/5BB.  Orlando Villarcel is 0-2, however, has an excellent 1.20ERA with 11K/8BB in 15.0 innings.  Closer Edison Alvarez has 4 saves in 6 appearances (8.1 innings) with a 0.00ERA and 0.72WHIP.  Jose Gonzalez has a 0.82ERA with a 0.73WHIP in 11.0 innings with 2 saves. 

Jairo Perez continues to lead the team with 3 home runs and 16 rbi with a .306/.456/.571.  Wilfy Gil is an 18-year old outfielder playing his first year of professional ball, who was 6 for 8 (.750Ave) this week and now leads the team with a .350/.536/.450 in 20 at bats.   

Player of the Week

Often when a player is hot and goes on the DL, he isn't as hot when he returns.  Often when a player is called up by the Twins and returns to his minor league Club a few weeks later, he doesn't hit as well as before he was called up.  Neither is the case for this week's Player of the Week, Denard Span. 

Span returned from his stint on the DL with a broken finger from when he was hit with a pitch while attempting to bunt.  In his four games back in the lineup, Span was 9 for 16 (.563Ave) with 3 doubles, a triple, 4 runs scored and 5 rbi.  

Span is hitting .358/.465/.525 which would easily lead the International League if he had another 50 at bats or so.  Denard also earned the respect of the Twins field staff during his brief callup, taking quality at bats and hitting .258/.324/.258 with 3 stolen bases in 3 attempts.    Last season, this former first round pick hit .267/.323/.355 in 487 at bats with 25 stolen bases in 39 attempts for the Red Wings. 

Don't know if it was my computer or the website, but everything froze.  So the rest of this report will follow:

Rochester Red Wings (AAA) (4-3, 30-40)

The Wings had their first winning week in awhile and remain in fifth place, 12.0 games behind Scranton/WB. 

Danny Graves got the loss on Saturday, 8-2, when he pitched 4.0 innings with 7 hits, 3 runs and 1K/4BB.  His second start this week was in Thursday nights 9-4 win, pitching 5.1 innings with 8 hits, 3 runs and 3K/0BB while adding a hit in two at bats.  Kevin Mulvey pitched 5.1 innings in Sunday's 5-4 loss, with 7 hits, 4 runs and 3K/1BB.  Kevin started last night's game, pitching 4.0 excellent shutout innings with 1 hit and 7K/1BB.  Kevin did not come back out after a three hour rain delay.  Carmen Cali got the win, pitching 3.0 shutout innings with 1 hit and 3K/0BB with Bobby Korecky pitching the last 2.0 perfect innings with 1K/0BB.  Brian Duensing was again considered for Player of the Week for his excellent start on Monday when he pitched 7.0 shutout innings with 5 hits and 3K/0BB in the Wings 4-1 win.  Francisco Liriano continues to get better, yet the Twins line is that he will stay with the Wings until he dominates the opposition.  He was the winner Tuesday, 14-2, pitching 6.0 innings with 6 hits, 1 run and 7K/1BB.  Philip Humber has some soreness and will miss a start or two, thus, Julio DePaula made a spot start in Wednesday's 9-7 loss, pitching 2.2 innings with 4 hits, 2 runs and 2K/2BB.  Tim Lahey has pitched well for the Wings, however, he had a rough night in relief of DePaula...pitching 1.1 inning with 4 hits, 6 runs and 1K/2BB.  Carmen Cali was excellent this week with back-to-back 3.0 inning shutout performances on Wednesday and Friday, and now has one of the top ERA's on the staff at 2.73 with a 4-0 record in 33.0 innings.  Casey Daigle leads the staff with a 2.63ERA in 37.2 innings while Bobby Korecky (2.96ERA) and Ricky Barrett (2.92ERA) are the other relievers with sub 3.00ERAs. 

The Wings top hitter this week was Randy Ruiz who also received serious consideration for Player of the Week after going 9 for 26 (.346Ave) with 6 runs, 6 rbi, 2 walks, 2 doubles (team high 16) and 3 home runs (9).  Denard Span was their top hitter with a .327Ave before going on the DL, it will be great to get him back in the next few days.  Darnell McDonald continues to shine with a .319Ave in 207 at bats with 9 home runs, 14 doubles, 40 rbi and 12 stolen bases in 14 attempts.  Brian Buscher was also hitting .319Ave and is tied with McDonald for the fourth best average in the league (Note: Span does not have enough at bats).    

New Britain Rock Cats (AA) (2-4, 30-36)

The Cats were back to their losing habits, however, having Hughes back on the DL takes away one of the top hitters in the minor leagues.  They are again six games under .500 and hopefully the influx of new stars from Ft. Myers will be the shot in the arm the team needs to get back on a winning track.

Kyle Aselton has been used more as a reliever than a starter during his five years since being drafted in the 11th round of the 2004 draft.  He moved into the rotation this week, getting the loss last Saturday, 3-0, when he pitched 4.0 innings with 3 hits, 3 runs and 1K/0BB.  He was better on Wednesday when he got the win, 6-5, pitching 5.0 innings with 6 hits 2 runs and 0K/2BB.  It was about this time of the year three years ago when Kyle moved from the bullpen to the starting rotation for Beloit and was one of their top starters the rest of the season.  Will he have that same success this season for the Rock Cats?  Jay Rainville had made several excellent starts recently, until Sunday when he pitched 1.2 innings with 10 hits and 11 runs in the Cats 17-4 loss.  The pitcher we expect to take the hill returned last night, pitching 6.0 innings with 4 hits, 1 run and 6K/2BB in a 3-2 Cat loss.  Errol Simonitsch's last appearance with the Cats was a game they lost, 10-2, on Tuesday.  Errol pitched 5.0 innings with 12 hits, 7 runs and 4K/0BB.  Ryan Mullins pitched like an Ace in Thursday's 5-1 win, pitching 8.0 innings with 5 hits, 1 run and 1K/2BB.  Armando Gabino has an excellent 2.72ERA with 3 saves in 27 appearances (43.0 innings).  Zach Ward had pitched better than anyone on the organization until the past several outings.  Ward now has a 3.05ERA in 25 appearances (38.1 innings) getting the loss last night when he pitched the tenth inning when he allowed one run on a hit with 1K/1BB.  On Tuesday he pitched 2.0 innings with 4 hits, 3 runs with 1K/1BB.   

Brock Peterson had a good week and with the Cats shorthanded until replacements arrive from Ft. Myers, played left field last night.  Peterson is hitting .254Ave with 21 doubles, 6 home runs and 41 rbi.  David Winfree continues to lead the team with 44 rbi (which is tied for the organization lead with Danny Valencia), although is hitting only .224, however, is hitting .279Ave with runners in scoring position.  Winfree also has 14 doubles and 11 home runs.  Dustin Martin has been back in centerfield the last few games, although his average is down to .290.  Martin also leads the team with 14 stolen bases in 21 attempts.  Luke Hughes was hitting a team high .335/.407/.618 with 13 home runs and 34 rbi before going on the DL a second time. 

Ft. Myers Miracle (Hi-A) (4-1, 44-22)

Congratulations to the championship Ft. Myers Miracle, who with just one more win in their last three games of the first half...they will become the winningest team since the franchise began.  The Miracle were 4-1 this week and gained another 2.0 games to lead the Tampa Yankees by 8.0 games.

Cole DeVries had another start worthy of recognition, getting the win Saturday when he pitched 8.0 shutout innings with 4 hits and 5K/0BB.  Cole has the second most innings on the staff (72.1) and now has his ERA down to 3.11.  Jeff Manship was solid in what will be his last start in Sunday's 5-0 loss, pitching 6.0 innings with 6 hits, 3 runs and 3K/0BB.  He leads the team with 78.2 innings with a 7-3 record, 2.86ERA, 1.12WHIP adnd 63K/20BB.  Deolis Guerra left the team to visit his ailing Grandmother following Monday's 6-4 win when he pitched 6.1 innings with 9 hits, 3 runs and 2K/1BB.  Guerra has the best record amongst all starters, 7-2, with a 4.83ERA in 63.1 innings with 34K/30BB.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Deolis and his family while he is home with his family.  Alex Burnett was the starter in Tuesday's 6-2 win, pitching 5.0 innings with 6 hits, 2 runs and 2K/0BB.  Burnett also has an excellent 3.36ERA with a 1.33WHIP in 69.2 innings.  Brian Erickson picked up his first win in relief and has a 2.16ERA, 0.84WHIP with 10K/1BB in 8.1 innings since joining the Miracle bullpen.  While with Beloit, Brian appeared in 16 games (18.2ip) with a 1-3 record, 3.38ERA and 26K/8BB.  Frank Mata had an excellent 1.93ERA, 1.00WHIP with 15K/4BB in 11 games (14.0ip) before moving up to New Britain.  Anthony Slama goes into the all-star game with 24 appearances (36.0ip) with a 2-0 record, 12 saves, 0.50ERA, 0.89WHIP and 59K/12BB.  Teammate Robert Delaney is also at the game with an excellent 1.42ERA, 0.88EHIP and 34K/4BB in 23 appearances (31.2ip) with a 1-2 record and 13 saves.  One will be moving on after the game with the other taking the sole closer role for the Miracle.

Juan Portes has been having an excellent spring for the Miracle.  He is hitting .285Ave with 12 doubles, and 29 rbi.  Juan got his fifth home run of the season Tuesday, a walk-off grand slam to give the Miracle a 6-2 win the day after they clinched their championship.  Danny Valencia will move up to New Britain after leading the FSL in hitting the first half of the season with a .336Average.  Danny is second in OBP (.402) and rbi (44, which is tied for the organization lead), while having the fifth most hits (74) and doubles (19).  Valencia has struck out 43 times with 27 walks in 220 at bats.  Brian Dinkelman also moves up following the all-star game.  Brian is hitting .293/.399/.414 and is tied for the league's most runs scored (44), fourth most walks (33, compared to 28 strikeouts in 232 at bats), and sixth most doubles (18).  Wilson Ramos is tied with the fourth most home runs (8) as his average has moved up to .242/.297/.410 while hitting .279/.354/.349 in June.

Beloit Snappers (A) (2-4, 35-32)

The Snappers struggled this week, however, picked up a game and a half and are now tied for third, 6.5 games behind Clinton who has clinched the first half championship.

Santos Arias made two starts, pitching 6.0 innings with 9 hits, 3 runs (1 earned) and 6K/0BB in Saturday's 5-4 loss.  He got the loss last night, 5-4, pitching 5.0 innings with 4 hits, 1 unearned run and 4K/0BB.  Arias has an excellent 2.22ERA with a 1.10WHIP in his 9 starts (52.2ip) with 49K/12BB.  David Bromberg was the loser Sunday (4-3) when he pitched 7.0 innings with 5 hits, 4 runs and 5K/2BB.  Michael Tarsi pitched 6.0 innings with 6 hits, 3 runs and 7K/3BB in Monday's 6-5 win.  Michael McCardell was the winner Tuesday, 4-2, when he pitched a game worthy of recognition with 8.0 shutout innings, 5 hits and 9K/1BB.  Michael has an excellent 3.15ERA, 1.18/WHIP and 50K/14BB in 45.2 innings.  Brian Kirwin was the loser on Wednesday, 4-0, pitching 4.0 innings with 6 hits, 3 runs (2 earned) and 2K/2BB.  Brian leds the team with 78 strikeouts in 62.2 innings.  Spencer Steedley was again excellent in relief (2.36ERA in 34.1 innings with 47K/13BB) as has Matt Williams (1.88ERA in 38.1 innings with 42K/12BB) and Steven Hirschfield (1.62ERA in 33.1 innings with 25K/13BB).

Ben Revere had a disappointing week, going 10 for 25 (.400Average) as he watched his average slip to .411.  Ben leads the league with his .411 Average and .459OBP and although he has played in only 43 games, Ben has the third most stolen bases (22) in 33 attempts.  Ben also has the second most doubles (12) and most triples (6) on the team.  Steve Singleton continues to demonstrate surprising power with 6 home runs to go along with his .306/.347/.427.  Chris Parmalee saw his streak of 3 games with home runs end on Sunday, and now has a team high and second most home runs in the league (12).  Parmalee also has a team high 39 rbi and is leading the team with 46 walks (76 strikeouts in 197 at bats) which are second most in the league. Chris Cates had an excellent week following his appearance on ESPN with Loek VanMil (tallest and shortest players in baseball)...hitting .262/.342/.293 for the Snappers this season.  Ramon Santana was hitting .283/.358/.453 in 159 at bats before going on the DL. 

DSL Twins (Dominican Summer League)

With all the uncertainties in Venezuela, the VSL has only 8 teams participating this year.  Last season the Twins and Cubs shared a team, however, both teams chose to forego participation this year.  As a result, the Dominican Summer League has grown to 37 teams with seveal teams (including the Cubs) fielding two teams. 

The DSL Twins began their season with a 7-5 record and are in third place, 2.5 games behind the Cubs-1 in their division (the league has a total of 5 divisions).  The team is comprised of players from both the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

The top pitchers to watch after these first few games are Ramon Acosta, who is a 21 year old who was 4-5 with a 2.48ERA in 83.1 innings in the DSL in 2007.  Acosta has a 2-0 record with a 2.00ERA and 0.55WHIP in 3 starts, 20.0 innings.  Eliecer Cardenas has a 2.00ERA in 3 starts, 9.0 innings.  Cardenas is 20 years old and had a 2.08ERA in 52.0 innings with in the DSL last year.  Cesar Ciurcina is a 17 year old Venezuelan who has a 6.48ERA in 8.1 innings with 10K/1BB in his first few games of professional ball.  Edison Alvarez is a 19 year old reliever who has appeared in 5 games (7.0 innings) with a 0.00ERA, 0.71WHIP and 9K/2BB.  Alvarez was also excellent last year when he had  a 0.78ERA and 5-1 record in 26 games (58.0 innings) with 48K/11BB.  Adrian Salcedo is also playing his first professional ball, having turned 17 just two months ago.  Salcedo has a 0-2 record in 2 starts (9.2 innings) with a 3.72ERA, 1.03WHIP and 6K/2BB.

Jean Carlos Mercedes leads the team with a .400/.500/.733 in 15 at bats.  Mercedes is a 20 year old outfielder who hit .056Ave in 71 at bats last year.  Juan Blanco is a second baseman who is hitting .368/.368/.368 in 19 at bats.  Blanco is a 19 year old Venezuelan who hit .261 for the VSL Twins in 2007.  Jairo Perez is a 19 year old shortstop who is hitting .313/.478/.656 in 32 at bats with 3 of the team's 6 home runs and a team high 13 rbi.  Last year Perez, a native of Venezuela, hit .091Ave in 33 at bats for the DSL Twins.    

Player of the Week

The Twins drafted Erik Lis in the ninth round of the 2005 draft out of the University of Evansville.  Lis immediately became a hitter to watch as he hit .315Ave with 12 doubles, 10 home runs and 41 rbi in 168 at bats for the Elizabethton Twins.  Erik was even better in his first full season when he hit .326Ave with 37 doubles, 16 home runs and 70 rbi in 411 at bats for the Beloit Snappers in 2006.  Erik's average was down last year at Ft. Myers (.274Ave), however his production was not as he had 34 doubles, 18 home runs and 97 rbi in 492 at bats. 

This season Erik moved up another level to the Class AA New Britain Rock Cats.  The Twins have worked with this former first baseman to find the best fit to keep his bat moving towards the parent team.  This season Erik spent most of his time in either left field or at DH, until recently when he has played several games at first base.  Erik is hitting .301/.346/.496 in 226 at bats with 25 runs scored, a team high 27 doubles (leads Eastern League), 1 triple, 5 home runs, 28 rbi and 17 walks with 46 strikeouts.  Erik hit .360/.405/.600 in May following a terrible April when he hit .202/.264/.321 in 84 at bats in April.  Erik has continued his hot streak, hitting .357/.364/.595 in June.

This week, Erik was 10 for 23 (.435 Average) with 5 runs scored, 6 doubles, his fifth home run, 5 rbi and 1 walk.  After a slow start Erik continues to turn heads with his bat as he continues his march towards a day when he will step onto the field in Minnesota.  It appears that the only question that remains is whether it will be at the Dome or the new stadium in 2010?