Minor League Update: An In-Depth Look at the First Spring Training Cuts

Earlier this week, Jesse took a look at some of the cuts that were made during the first round of 2014 Spring Training. Today, we're going to take a closer look at a few of the bigger names that were cut, and where we can expect to see them this coming season.

The first cut that we'll take a look at is Alex Meyer. While Meyer's potential is notable, he hadn't made a ton of appearances yet this Spring, and it's likely that the organization wants to see him get work in at Rochester before making the move up with the big club. Jesse is likely correct in that Meyer will probably end up getting his whole season in at AAA, and his Spring numbers were middling -- he only pitched 2 innings and gave up 4 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), and struck out just two. Where he'll end up at the end of the season: probably a September call-up.

Next, we'll take a look at SuperWonderKid Byron Buxton (is that name catchy? I feel like it's really catchy). Buxton definitely had a rough time at the plate during his first Spring Training adventure, though I don't think it will affect his potential much/at all. Like Jesse previously mention, Buxton will likely start this season in AA, but I highly doubt he'll end the season there, and we'll likely (hopefully!) see him up with the club as a September call-up as well. Buxton's Spring numbers were not great; in 19 plate appearances, Buxton hit just .158, with a double, a homer, and 2 RBI. The good news? He only struck out once.

With Miguel Sano's Tommy John surgery now scheduled, he will be missing the entirety of the 2014 season. I'd expected to see him progress at the same rate (give or take) this season as Buxton, but now we'll have to wait until 2015 to find out his potential.

Kennys Vargas was another cut made by the Twins this week. Again, Jesse predicted that Vargas will start the season in AA, which is likely, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him move up if he's able to continue improving at the plate. Vargas hit .286 in 10 plate appearances with a couple RBI and a walk (and 4 Ks, which would need to improve as well).

Another pitching cut was Trevor May. He didn't get much work in this Spring Training, but he did (vastly?) improve his numbers regarding walks from his last Spring Training. He walked 6 batters in his appearances last year, but only walked one this go-round. His numbers this year weren't great, however, as he threw for 3 innings and ended up giving up 6 hits, 2 earned runs, a homer, and that walk. He did strike out two, though!

It will be interesting to see where Jorge Polanco ends up at the close of the 2014 season. He had a pretty good Spring Training, getting his average up to .273 with a .385 OBP. He hit a double, took a couple walks, and struck out NO TIMES. Impressive. If he continues to improve, he'll likely make at least one move during the season.

The last minor leaguer we'll discuss this week is Max Kepler. Kepler was optioned to High-A this week, after a pretty solid Spring Training. He posted a .500 average, .571 OBP, and had a double, 2 RBI, and 2 walks. I'd expect Kepler would close out the season in Double-A, but we'll see how his defense and plate discipline go as the season goes on.

What do you think? Were there any cuts made that you thought were off? Where do you expect to see some of these players come September?