Showing posts with label Ben Revere. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ben Revere. Show all posts

Friday, July 24, 2009

Twins Prospect Power Rankings

1. 3B Danny Valencia AAA - Rochester
Age: 24
Total Stats: .307 12 HR 51 RBI
AAA Stats: .352 5 HR 22 RBI
I was in the minority having him as the best Twins prospect but a lot of minds have changed with the production he has had. If Crede ends up on the DL, the Twins might go with Valencia this year.

2. OF Ben Revere High A - Fort Myers
Age: 21
Stats: .312 2 HR 37 RBI 33 SB
With Denard Span already on the team, it is thought that Revere will likely be used more as trade bait. That is if the Twins ever make a trade.

3. OF Aaron Hicks Low A - Beloit
Age: 19
Stats: .216 1 HR 14 RBI 3 SB
The buzz surrounding him has dimmed given his struggles this year. It would not be surprising to see him start 2010 in Beloit again.

4. C Wilson Ramos AA - New Britain
Age: 21
Stats: .308 3 HR 18 RBI
This is officially a lost year for Ramos, which is disappointing but the talent is still there.

5. OF Chris Parmelee High A - Fort Myers
Age: 21
Stats: .258 14 HR 56 RBI
I would like to see him and Revere get some time in New Britain this year but that is not likely to happen.

6. RHP Anthony Slama AA - New Britain
Age: 25
Stats: 54.1 IP 2.98 ERA 77 K
Is stuck in AA this year but he should be in the Twins bullpen next year.

7. OF Rene Tosoni AA - New Britain
Age: 23
Stats: .277 10 HR 53 RBI
Only got a pinch-hit appearance in the Futures Game but he used it to hit the game-winning double and win the MVP award.

8. RHP David Bromberg High A - Fort Myers
Age: 21
Stats: 103.2 IP 2.86 ERA 92 K
Has struggled a little in July with a 3.91 ERA but the fact that that is struggling for him is a good sign.

9. RHP Carlos Gutierrez AA - New Britain
Age: 22
Total Stats: 91 IP 3.96 ERA 50 K
AA Stats: 36.1 IP 7.93 ERA 17 K
He is still on this list for his 1st half and the potential but he has been absolutely brutal in AA. He will definitely be starting 2010 in AA. Hitters are hitting .333 against him in AA. His WHIP in AA is 1.89.

10. 1B/C Danny Rams Low A - Beloit
Age: 20
Total Stats: .327 10 HR 32 RBI
Low A Stats: .286 4 HR 6 RBI
I said if he kept hitting he would make the list and he has not stopped hitting. He stikes out way too much but his numbers are video game numbers. In 110 at-bats he has 10 home runs and 24 extra base hits. On the year he has a slugging percentage of .736 and an OPS of 1.144. If you need to know how good that is Albert Pujols has similar numbers with a slugging percentage of .711 and OPS of 1.161.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Twins Prospect Power Rankings

1. 3B Danny Valencia AAA - Rochester
Age: 24
Total Stats: .304 9 HR 37 RBI
AAA Stats: .405 2 HR 8 RBI
It is basically a forgone conclusion that he will be a September call-up and the starting 3rd basemen in 2010. He has had no problem adjusting to AAA.

2. OF Ben Revere High A - Fort Myers
Age: 21
Stats: .304 2 HR 31 RBI 29 SB
Has struggled a little bit lately hitting .264 in June and .195 in his last 10 games. He is still having a good year striking out only 25 times in 313 plate appearances. Joe Mauer has struck out 29 times in 246 plate appearances.

3. OF Aaron Hicks Low A - Beloit
Age: 19
Stats: .233 0 HR 8 RBI 2 SB
Has struggled so far in Beloit, but 13 games is too small of a sample size to make any judgments.

4. C Wilson Ramos AA - New Britain
Age: 21
Stats: .308 3 HR 18 RBI
Is apparently still far away from returning from a hamstring injury.

5. 1B/OF Chris Parmelee High A - Fort Myers
Age: 21
Stats: .262 10 HR 44 RBI
In the last 10 games he has gone .355-2-11 and went .293-4-15 in June.

6. RHP Carlos Gutierrez AA - New Britain
Age: 22
Total Stats: 82.2 IP 2.72 ERA 45 K
AA Stats: 28 IP 5.46 ERA 12 K
Finally had a good start in AA giving up 1 hit in 5 innings. Problem is that it was probably his last start of the year as they are moving him to the bullpen to limit his innings this year.

7. RHP Anthony Slama AA - New Britain
Age: 25
Stats: 46.2 IP 2.70 ERA 65 K
Should be in Rochester. Should be in Rochester. Should be in Rochester.

8. OF Rene Tosoni AA - New Britain
Age: 23
Stats: .273 10 HR 47 RBI
Watch for him representing the World team on Sunday in the Futures Game.

9. RHP David Bromberg High A - Fort Myers
Age: 21
Stats: 86.1 IP 2.71 ERA 76 K
Has only given up 4 home runs so far on the year and has an impressive 1.29 WHIP.

10. RHP Billy Bullock Rookie - Elizabethton
Age: 21
Stats: 5.1 IP 1.69 ERA 7 K
His professional career has gotten of to a very good start as the closer for Elizabethton.

Honorable Mention 1B/C Danny Rams Rookie - Elizabethton
Age: 20
Total Stats: .382 6 HR 23 RBI
Rookie Stats: .405 6 HR 20 RBI
Is not currently in my top 10 but needed a mention given the damage he is doing in Rookie ball. The second round pick in the 2007 draft is coming on strong. In only 11 rookie games he has 6 home runs, 20 RBI and an OPS of 1.486. The only issue is that he has struck out 17 times in 49 plate appearances. Another week or two of this and he will be in Beloit and on this list.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Twins Prospect Power Rankings

1. Danny Valencia AAA - Rochester
Age: 24
Stats: .301 8 HR 33 RBI
Has shown that he was deserving of promotion to AAA on June 22 by hitting .500 (9-18) 1 HR 3 RBI in his first week. He is looking like a September callup.

2. OF Ben Revere High A - Fort Myers
Age: 21
Stats: .318 2 HR 30 RBI 28 SB
Is a model of consistency. There are some rumblings about moving him to second base because of his weak arm and a logjam in the outfield.

3. OF Aaron Hicks Low A - Beloit
Age: 19
Stats: .235 0 HR 3 RBI 1 SB
I have no idea why the Twins waited until the short-season started to move him to Beloit. Either he has a great eye or pitchers are pitching around him to get to the otherwise weak Beloit lineup because he has 5 walks in only 22 plate appearances.

4. C Wilson Ramos AA - New Britain
Age: 21
Stats: .308 3 HR 18 RBI
Was on an absolute tear in June hitting .400-2-6 but then strained his hamstring and is out for a month. He has only played in 36 games so far this year.

5. OF Chris Parmelee High A - Fort Myers
Age: 21
Stats: .264 9 HR 41 RBI
This may be a little high for him, but there is a large gap between the top 4 and the rest. He is the best power hitting prospect in the system as evidenced by him winning the Florida State League Home Run Derby. The best thing he has done is cut down on the strikeouts this year. In roughly the same amount of at-bats this year he has 57 strikeouts compared to last years 83.

6. RHP Carlos Gutierrez AA - New Britain
Age: 22
Stats: 73.2 IP 2.32 ERA 41 K
He has struggled in the promotion to AA by going 19 IP 5.21 ERA 8 K in four starts. AA batters are hitting .284 with 4 home runs against him while in High A they hit .192 and only 1 home run in 54.2 innings.

7. RHP Anthony Slama AA - New Britain
Age: 25
Stats: 39.2 IP 2.50 ERA 55 K
With the rash of promotions around the minor league all-star games I have no idea why he is still in New Britain. He needs to be in Rochester if the Twins want him to help the bullpen next year.

8. OF Rene Tosoni AA - New Britain
Age: 22
Stats: .271 9 HR 45 RBI
Is the Twins representative in the Futures Game in St. Louis for the World team (He is from Canada). He is showing his potential after finally being healthy. One problem: he is hitting .143 against left-handed pitching.

9. RHP David Bromberg High A - Fort Myers
Age: 21
Stats: 74.1 IP 2.66 ERA 69 K
Last start was a little rough but he is still a very good pitcher and has very good stuff.

10. RHP Billy Bullock Rookie - Elizabethton
Age: 21
Stats: 1 IP 0.00 ERA 2 K
Highest signed 2009 draft pick after being the Twins 2nd Round selection. Has a 96-98 mph fastball and needs to work on his second pitch, but as a college reliever he should move quickly up the system and could end this year in Beloit and will likely start 2010 in Fort Myers.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Twins Prospect Power Rankings - Week 9

1. 3B Danny Valencia AA - New Britain
Age: 24
Stats: .284 6 HR 26 RBI
He is mired in a horrific slump hitting .074 in the month of June. He is still a top-notch prospect and the slump may be due to the fact he should be in AAA right now.

2. OF Ben Revere High A - Fort Myers
Age: 21
Stats: .327 1 HR 23 RBI 24 SB
Yes he has some issues with a slugging percentage of only .381, but he deserves a promotion to AA after the All-Star game that he will be participating in. He appears to a be a Denard Span carbon-copy.

3. C Wilson Ramos AA - New Britain
Age: 21
Stats: .292 1 HR 14 RBI
Has come back from his injury swinging. Since coming back he has hit .370 with 4 doubles and 5 RBI in 7 games. He will be in AA the entire year especially with Jose Morales in Rochester.

4. OF Aaron Hicks Rookie - Elizabethton
Age: 19
Stats: N/A

5. RHP Carlos Gutierrez AA - New Britain
Age: 22
Stats: 59.2 IP 1.96 ERA 36 K
Not a very good first start after getting a much deserved promotion from Fort Myers. He went 5 innings giving up 5 runs on 7 hits. This will be as far as he moves this year as there is talk of limiting his innings this year to 100 because he has never pitched that many innings before.

6. RHP Anthony Slama AA - New Britain
Age: 25
Stats: 31 IP 2.90 ERA 47 K
Still strikes out an amazing amount of players but gives up a little too many hits and walks with a WHIP of 1.52. It would still be a crime if he is not in Rochester by the end of June.

7. 1B-OF Chris Parmelee High A - Fort Myers
Age: 21
Stats: .249 5 HR 28 RBI
Has not hit a home run in a long time but has a decent OBP of .327. He will spend the whole year in Fort Myers. The question is whether he will perform well enough to make it to New Britain next year.

8. 2B Brian Dinkelman AA - New Britain
Age: 25
Stats: .330 3 HR 32 RBI
Not alot of power but he has 14 doubles and is doing well driving in runs in the 3 hole for New Britain. They need to clear the logjam in Rochester to make room for him so he can be challenged.

9. OF Rene Tosoni AA - New Britain
Age: 22
Stats: .272 8 HR 32 RBI
Continues to produce hitting .379 in the last 10 games. He will likely spend the season in New Britain.

10. RHP David Bromberg High A - Fort Myers
Age: 21
Stats: 56.2 IP 2.06 ERA 50 K
While a lot has been made of Carlos Gutierrez in Fort Myers, Bromberg has quietly been producing and stiking out more batters. With a lack of quality starters in New Britain outside of Gutierrez he should get a call up at some point this year but probably not until at least July.

With the MLB Draft tommorrow, I will post a very uninformed reaction to the draft, but it will list who was drafted. Who knows by the end of the year, one of those players may be on this list.

A site I like is TFLN (Texts From Last Night). Here is your TFLN of the Day:
(315): I told him to come back in 5mins cause i needed to take a few more shots before i could talk to him

Monday, June 1, 2009

Twins Prospect Power Rankings - Week 8

1. 3B Danny Valencia AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 1
Age: 24
Stats: .324 6 HR 24 RBI
Only 6 home runs may not be impressive but he has an impressive slugging percentage of .570 thanks to 9 doubles and 4 triples.

2. OF Ben Revere High A - Fort Myers
Previous Rank: 2
Age: 21
Stats: .346 1 HR 23 RBI 21 SB
The dude just makes contact. When you have more stolen bases than strikeouts (15) in 179 AB you are doing something right.

3. C Wilson Ramos AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 3
Age: 21
Stats: On Sunday he appeared as a defensive replacement for the first time since May 8th when he broke his finger.

4. OF Aaron Hicks Rookie - Elizabethton
Previous Rank: 4
Age: 19
Stats: N/A
The wait for Aaron Hicks is near the end as Elizabethton starts their season on June 23.

5. RHP Anthony Slama AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 5
Age: 25
Stats: 27 IP 3.00 ERA 41 K 10 SV
Had a couple bad appearances but still ready to be moved to AAA and I don't see why he hasn't been moved yet.

6. RHP Carlos Gutierrez High A - Fort Myers
Previous Rank: 6
Age: 22
Stats: 49.2 IP 1.09 ERA 32 K
I guess that is one way to keep your ERA low in his last start 7 runs were scored in 3.2 innings but he was only charged with 1 earned run because of 7 errors in the game. The problem is that 2 of them were his.

7. OF Chris Parmelee High A - Fort Myers
Previous Rank: 7
Age: 21
Stats: .260 5 HR 27 RBI
Has gone a while without a home run but he is in a very pitcher friendly league as he is tied for 12th in home runs. Good news is that he is hitting .297 in the last 10 games and hit .318 in May.

8. 2B Brian Dinkelman AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 8
Age: 25
Stats: .337 3 HR 30 RBI
Despite his numbers the Twins promoted Steve Tolleson who was hitting .258-2-13 in AA to replace Alexi Casilla in Rochester. Yeah that makes sense.

9. DH Luke Hughes AAA - Rochester
Previous Rank: 9
Age: 24
Stats: .261 6 HR 28 RBI
Has not played since May 22 and I have not been able to find out why. It must not be a big injury as he is not on the disabled list.

10. OF Rene Tosoni AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: NR
Age: 22
Stats: .266 8 HR 30 RBI
Struggled with injuries last year but showed enough to get moved to New Britain and has started to show why. In his last 4 games he has gone 6-13 with 2 HR and 8 RBI. Of those 6 hits only 1 is a single.

Demoted of List: OF Evan Bigley

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Twins Prospect Power Rankings - Week 7

1. 3B Danny Valencia AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 1
Age: 24
Stats: .339 5 HR 22 RBI
The Twins need to solve the logjam at 3rd base in Rochester because Valencia is wasting everyone's time dominating AA.

2. OF Ben Revere High A - Fort Myers
Previous Rank: 3
Age: 21
Stats: .335 1 HR 20 RBI 18 SB
He clearly is a very good hitter but he is strictly a singles hitter. It is also a little concerning that he is only 18 for 28 on stolen base attempts. I think the Twins should still push him to AA at some point this year.

3. C Wilson Ramos AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 2
Age: 21
Stats: .269 1 HR 10 RBI
Has not played since May 8th due to a broken finger.

4. OF Aaron Hicks Rookie - Elizabethton
Previous Rank: 4
Age: 19
Stats: N/A
Many fans are growing impatient of not seeing him play.

5. RHP Anthony Slama AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 5
Age: 25
Stats: 24.1 IP 2.59 ERA 38 K 9 SV
The Twins have determined he isn't ready yet for the Majors but why he is still in AA is beyond me. He is already 25 and dominating AA.

6. RHP Carlos Guetierrez High A - Fort Myers
Previous Rank: 7
Age: 22
Stats: 46 IP 0.98 ERA 29 K
All indications are that he will be moved to AA by June. He does not strike out a lot but batters are hitting .159 against him.

7. 1B/OF Chris Parmelee High A - Fort Myers
Previous Rank: 9
Age: 21
Stats: .267 5 HR 26 RBI
Is in a little of a home run drought but is hitting .324 in his last 10 games and has an OBP of .346

8. 2B Brian Dinkelman AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 10
Age: 25
Stats: .343 3 HR 29 RBI
Is another player in AA who should be in AAA. The Twins have got to make room for him, Valencia and Slama to move up in June. Could be called up once they move Casilla back up.

9. 3B Luke Hughes AAA - Rochester
Previous Rank: 8
Age: 24
Stats: .261 6 HR 28 RBI
Yes, he can hit, but he has no position to play and his main function right now is to block Valencia at 3rd base.

10. OF Evan Bigley High A - Fort Myers
Previous Rank: NR
Age: 22
Stats: .308 2 HR 22 RBI
Has not slowed down after getting called up from Beloit in the middle of May going .311-0-4 in 12 games at Fort Myers.

Promoted off List: RHP Anthony Swarzak

Players of Interest
2B Alexi Casilla: .328 0 HR 7 RBI 6 SB
C Jose Morales: .267 0 HR 5 RBI
RHP Phillip Humber: 25 IP 6.12 ERA 19 K
RHP Juan Morillo: 15 IP 3.00 ERA 19 K 7 BB
RHP Deolis Guerra: 46.1 IP 5.05 ERA 32 K
OF Angel Morales: .223 5 HR 20 RBI

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Twins Prospect Power Rankings - Week 5

Note: With a lot of recent demotions by the Twins there are a lot of players in the minors that I do not deem prospects (prospects to me mean players that have yet to be on the teams 25 man roster). To cover them I have also added a section of players of interest.

1. 3B Danny Valencia AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 1
Age: 24
Stats: .275 3 HR 9 RBI
Did not play this week due to a sore wrist but should be back at any time.

2. C Wilson Ramos AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 2
Age: 21
Stats: .269 1 HR 10 RBI
Is struggling a little on offense with a .289 OBP and a .344 SLG with only 5 extra base hits.

3. OF Ben Revere High A - Fort Myers
Previous Rank: 3
Age: 21
Stats: .308 1 HR 17 RBI 15 SB
Basically a singles hitter with only 3 extra base hits but he gets on base and steals a lot of bases when he does.

4. OF Aaron Hicks Rookie - Elizabethton
Previous Rank: 4
Age: 19
Stats: N/A

5. RHP Anthony Slama AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 5
Age: 25
Stats: 15.1 IP 2.35 ERA 26 K
Has struggled a little recently but 26 strikeouts in 15 innings is a very good rate.

6. RHP Anthony Swarzak AAA - Rochester
Previous Rank: 6
Age: 23
Stats: 31 IP 2.03 ERA 23 K
A sign he is favor with the Twins brass. He has only walked 6 batters in 31 innings.

7. RHP Carlos Guetierrez High A - Fort Myers
Previous Rank: 7
Age: 22
Stats: 30 IP 1.50 ERA 19 K
Had his worst start of the season this year and it still was a quality start at 7 IP 3 ER and 6 K. Batters are only hitting .162 against him.

8. 3B Luke Hughes AAA - Rochester
Previous Rank: 8
Age: 24
Stats: .286 5 HR 20 RBI
Had a big week taking the organization home run lead from Parmelee. Has a very respectable OPS of .903.

9. 1B/OF Chris Parmelee High A - Fort Myers
Previous Rank: 9
Age: 21
Stats: .241 4 HR 21 RBI
Has done a good job recently cutting down the strikeouts striking out only 6 times in the last 30 at-bats. That may not sound impressive but before that he had struck out 15 times in 57 at-bats.

10. 2B Brian Dinkelman AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 10
Age: 25
Stats: .337 1 HR 17 RBI
Is hitting .436 in the last 10 games but only one extra base hit which was a double.

Players of Interest
2B Alexi Casilla - .429 (6 for 14) 0 HR 4 RBI 2 SB
C Jose Morales - .300 (6 for 20) 0 HR 4 RBI
RHP Phillip Humber - 10.2 IP 5.06 ERA 8 K
RHP Juan Morillo - 8 IP 3.38 ERA 10 K 4 BB

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Twins Prospects Power Rankings

1. 3B Danny Valencia AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 1
Age: 24
Stats: .275 3 HR 9 RBI
Is just consistent but has yet to make a huge push and might spend the entire year in AA.

2. C Wilson Ramos AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 2
Age: 21
Stats: .275 1 HR 8 RBI
Not a bad start for a 21 year old catcher in AA, but he has not hit for much power with 5 extra base hits in 80 at-bats.

3. OF Ben Revere High A - Fort Myers
Previous Rank: 3
Age: 21
Stats: .283 1 HR 14 RBI 12 SB
Batting average may not be as impressive as last year but a 12 walks and only 7 strikeouts is likely to impress the Twins brass.

4. OF Aaron Hicks Rookie - Elizabethton
Previous Rank: 4
Age: 19
Stats: N/A

5. RHP Anthony Slama AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 5
Age: 25
Stats: 11.2 IP 2.31 ERA 20 K 3 SV
Struggled a little this week giving up his first runs, but the Star Tribune mentioned that Gardenhire has asked about Slama with the struggles of Dickey, Breslow and Ayala.

6. RHP Anthony Swarzak AAA - Rochester
Previous Rank: 7
Age: 23
Stats: 24 IP 2.25 ERA 17 K
Looks to have finally realized his potential the 2004 2nd round pick and has put the Banned Substance suspension of 2007 behind him.

7. RHP Carlos Guetierrez High A - Fort Myers
Previous Rank: 8
Age: 22
Stats: 23 IP 0.78 ERA 13 K
Somehow has yet to get a win despite a WHIP of 0.65 and batters are batting only .135 against him. He will be in New Britain by June if he continues.

8. 3B Luke Hughes AAA - Rochester
Previous Rank: 6
Age: 24
Stats: .246 3 HR 15 RBI
20 strikeouts in only 70 at-bats is not a good sign. Combined with the 5 errors he has a lot of work to do if he wants to be the Twins third baseman of the future.

9. 1B/OF Chris Parmelee High A - Fort Myers
Previous Rank: 10
Age: 21
Stats: .239 4 HR 16 RBI
Has actually hit .282 in the last 10 games. He is the only Twins minor leaguer with 4 home runs so far and is tied for 6th in the FSL in home runs.

10. 2B Brian Dinkelman AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: NR
Age: 25
Stats: .343 1 HR 15 RBI 2 SB
Has adjusted to AA very well and continues to produce. The problem for him is that he lacks power and speed that will make the Twins make room for him in the future. He is very similar to Matt Tolbert.

Fell from Rankings: Joe Benson

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Twins Prospect Power Rankings - Week 3

1. 3B Danny Valencia AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 1
Age: 24
Stats: .309 2 HR 6 RBI
Was a single short of the cycle on Sunday. He has an OPS of .978 so far. He has all the look of the perennial .300 hitter.

2. C Wilson Ramos AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 2
Age: 24
Stats: .250 1 HR 7 RBI
He is struggling a little at the plate, so far but he still has the talent. The success of Jose Morales for the Twins is creating even more of a logjam at the catcher position.

3. OF Ben Revere High A - Fort Myers
Previous Rank: 4
Age: 20
Stats: .290 1 HR 12 RBI 7 SB
Has continued to hit and steal bases in a very pitcher-friendly league. He is the real deal.

4. OF Aaron Hicks Rookie - Elizabethton
Previous Rank: 3
Age: 19
Stats: N/A

5. RHP Anthony Slama AA - New Britain
Previous Rank: 5
Age: 25
Stats: 7.2 IP 0.00 ERA 15 K
He is an absolute stud only giving up 4 hits and 2 walks so far this season. He will be in the majors at some point this season.

6. 3B Luke Hughes AAA - Rochester
Previous Rank: 7
Age: 24
Stats: .245 3 HR 14 RBI
His average may not be ideal but he is doing very well as a force in the middle of the Rochester lineup.

7. RHP Anthony Swarzak AAA - Rochester
Previous Rank: 6
Age: 23
Stats: 17 IP 1.59 ERA 11 K .88 WHIP
His team must hate him because he is 0-3 in 3 starts with a 1.59 ERA. With Humber clearing waivers it is unlikely he will get a call to the majors this year, but he is on track to get a chance as a starter down the line.

8. RHP Carlos Guetierrez High A - Fort Myers
Previous Rank: 9
Age: 22
Stats: 18 IP 0.50 ERA 9 K 0.56 WHIP
Strikeout rate is not very high, but he is dominating High A ball and should get moved up to New Britain by June.

9. OF Joe Benson High A - Fort Myers
Previous Rank: 10
Age: 21
Stats: .314 1 HR 8 RBI 2 SB
Continues to hit for a good average and the important thing is that he is still healthy given his history.

10. 1B/OF Chris Parmelee High A - Fort Myers
Previous Rank: NR
Age: 21
Stats: .182 3 HR 9 RBI
Is very similar to Adam Dunn. He is either going to hit a home run, strikeout or walk and each is equally likely. Hitting 3 home runs in the FSL is an accomplishment. He far and away has the most power in the Twins system, but in the Twins system he will need to improve the average.

Promoted off List: Jose Mijares

Friday, February 20, 2009

Pre-Season Top 10 Twins Prospects

This is my pre-season top 10 prospects in the Twins organization. It is a combination of potential and how soon they can contribute. Unlike most years the Twins don't have much for starting pitching in the minors. The two of the best starting pitchers were drafted this past June. The Twins do have so good prospect however. I will update these rankings throughout the 2009 season.

1. Danny Valencia 3b Age: 24
Last year: .311 15 hrs 76 rbi in High A and AA.
This year: Will start in AA but could end up in AAA
When will we see him: Could be the starting 3b opening day in Target Field in 2010.
Best case pro potential: Mike Lowell
Notes: He doesn't have prodigic power but could be a 20 hr guy in the majors. He has hit for good average and will compete with Luke Hughes for the 3b spot in 2010.

2. Aaron Hicks OF Age: 19
Last year: .318 4 hr 27 rbi 12 sb in rookie ball
This year: Will be the everyday CF for Beloit - Low A
When will we see him: 2013
Best case pro potential: Grady Sizemore
Notes: Has the most potential of any Twins prospect. Was the Twins 1st round pick last year. Baseball America labeled him the best player in Rookie ball last year. He only has a half year of experience so this year will be big to see if the hype is real or if he has a lot of work to do still.

3. Jose Mijares LHP Age: 24
Last year: 0.87 ERA with Twins as September call-up in 10.1 IP. 2.70 ERA, 36.2 IP and 41 SO in minors:
This year: Will be in the Twins Bullpen
When will we see him: 2009
Best case pro potential: Eddie Guardado before injuries
Notes: Excelled as a September call-up last year and should get a lot of work this year as a lefty and will see most likely the 7th inning. With Neshek's injury Mijares could be the closer in waiting.

4. Luke Hughes 3B Age: 24
Last year: .309 18 hr 61 rbi with AA and AAA
This year: Starting 3B in AAA
When will we see him: September 2009
Best case pro potential: Mark Reynolds
Notes: This is a telling year for Hughes. He came out of nowhere last year for a breakout year. This will tell if he was a fluke last year or a developing prospect. He will likely be a September call-up this year and will compete with Danny Valencia for 3B next year. Needs to work on defense and cut down on strikeouts.

5. Anthony Slama RHP Age: 24
Last year: 1.01 ERA, 71 IP, 110 SO, 25 Saves with High A
This year: Will be closer in AA New Britain
When will we see him: 2010
Best case pro potential: Joe Nathan
Notes: Dominated the Florida State league last year. Was named the best reliever in Class A. Could follow track similar to Mijares. Will be in AA next year and could be in the bullpen in 2010.

6. Ben Revere OF Age: 20
Last year: .379 1 hr, 43 rbi 44 sb for Low A Beloit
This year: Starting CF for High A Fort Myers
When will we see him: 2012
Best case pro potential: Willy Taveras
Notes: Had a great year last year flirting with hitting .400 before dealing with injuries. His potential is limited though has he has no power and has a limited arm. Plays very similar to Denard Span. I think he will get passed by Aaron Hicks in the organization.

7. Anthony Swarzak RHP Age: 23
Last year: 1.80 ERA, 7 starts, 45 IP, 26 SO in AAA
This year: Starting Pitcher in AAA
When will we see him: September 2009
Best case pro potential: Scott Baker
Notes: Is the first starting pitcher in the rankings which is unusual for a Twins organization. Was struggling in AA but got called up to AAA and excelled. Was a 2nd round pick in 2004. He could go either way has he lack consistency. He won't be a starter until there is an injury or opening in the rotation. Could help the bullpen in September.

8. Shooter Hunt RHP Age: 22
Last year: 3.58 ERA, 11 starts, 50 IP, 68 SO in Rookie and Low A
This year: Starting Pitcher in Low A Beloit
When will we see him: 2012
Best case pro potential: Matt Garza
Notes: Dominated Rookie ball in 4 starts with a .066 Opp batting average. Tired at the end of the year after pitching in college and minors in the same year. Struggled with control in Low A. Could follow the Matt Garza track and fly through the minors. I don't expect him to end the season in Beloit. I want him to succeed just because he has a great name. This name puts Boof to shame.

9. Wilson Ramos C Age: 21
Last year: .288 13 hr 78 rbi
This year: Starting C for AA New Britain
When will we see him: 2011
Best case pro potential: Bengie Molina
Notes: Has very good power for a catcher hitting 13 home runs in the pitcher friendly FSL. He might need to find a new position as it is currently blocked by Joe Mauer. He could replace Redmond or catch if Mauer needs to change position as he hits 30. They will try to find a way for him if he keeps producing.

10. Angel Morales OF Age: 19
Last year: .301 15 hr 28 rbi in 183 Ab in Elizabethtown.
This year: Starting OF in Low A Beloit
When will we see him: 2013
Best case pro potential: Jason Bay
Notes. Hit a home run every 12.2 Ab last year. Still very young not turning 20 until November. Has a long way to go but should be very interesting to watch him and Hicks in the OF in Beloit this year.

Honorable Mention: Chris Parmalee 1B/OF, Carlos Gutierrez RHP, Kevin Mulvey RHP, Deolis Guerra RHP