Twinkie Town Community Prospect Vote 2018: Round 1

Welcome to the Twinkie Town top prospect vote for 2018. 2017 did not see a lot of prospects graduate, but several new faces were added in the draft and via trade. We have seen several new faces added in just the past two weeks. If more talent is added during the voting I will add them to the next available round. Here are the candidates for the #1 prospect.

Nick Gordon, SS

2018 Age: 22

2017 High Level: Chattanooga (AA)

The former first round selection had another solid season at Chattanooga despite being about 3 years younger than the rest of the competition. He hit .270/.341/.408 with career highs in doubles, triples and home runs. His stolen base success rate was still not good (13/20) but an improvement on 2016. He has solid range at shortstop but still had 22 errors. Scouts are mixed as to whether he is a shortstop or second baseman in the majors but nearly everyone agrees that he has the tools to be a solid big leaguer. He played in the All-Star Futures game in 2017 and was the first Twin to get a hit in that game since 2014. He should begin the season in AAA and make his major league debut some time in 2018.

Stephen Gonsalves, LHP

2018 Age: 23

2017 High Level: Rochester (AAA)

Gonsalves was number one on our list a year ago. The former fourth round pick has pitched well at every stop and is now within sight of the big leagues. He has moved quickly, earning mid-season promotions each season. He had a great start to 2017 in Chattanooga with a 9.9 K/9, 2.4 BB/9 and 2.89 Run Average in 87.1 innings. His Run Average (5.56) ballooned in AAA as he gave up more walks and homers in his last four starts. He is expected to start the season in AAA but should make a 2018 debut and depending how well he performs could nab a spot in the 2019 rotation.

Royce Lewis, SS

2018 Age: 19

2017 High Level: Cedar Rapids (A)

Drafted first overall in 2017, Royce Lewis did his best to live up to those lofty expectations. He was aggressively promoted to Cedar Rapids after performing well at Rookie ball. He hit to a .296/.363/.394 line despite being 3 years younger than competition. He has impressive speed with 18 steals while being caught only 3 times. Scouts liked his range at SS but some question his arm. Everyone places him at SS/2B or CF long term as his speed will play at any of those positions. The question for Lewis is how aggressively they promote him and whether he stays at SS or shifts to a different position long term. He should start next season again at Cedar Rapids but a move to Fort Myers is possible before the summer is over. His Twins debut is unlikely to happen before 2020.