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djskillz -> RE: Players and prospects III (5/5/2015 10:25:12 AM)
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I can't tell you guys how happy I am that Chattanooga is Twins territory now. Great to see and only about a 90 minute drive from my house. I've made a few games already and I will probably make 20-25 this year there I'm guessing. Honestly, they probably have the best collection of talent in the minors right now, so it's been fun to see. A few thoughts on there and other prospects in the system. I'll probably continue my annual trek to visit each affiliate at least once this year:
Buxton: still oozes superstar. He is the fastest man in baseball and remains the best pure "talent" I've ever seen on a baseball field. I fully realize that praise, but I stand by it. Doesn't mean he will pan out to be better than Trout, Bonds, ARod, etc., or even close, but he does have the talent. Early in the year he was clearly pressing, but you could tell it was mainly a rust/timing issue. The skills were all still there: world class speed, recognition, great arm, quick wrists, etc. He's got that timing back now, and the world should watch out. Could rise very, very quickly. And the speed is just a joy to watch. He almost ran over the guy in front of him in the game I saw Sunday running home from 1st. I'd still bide my time with him and make sure he shakes off all rust while giving Hicks/Rosario the gigs in the majors, but he shouldn't be far behind. And for good. He'll be our best player and one of the very best players in baseball within 2-3 years. Nothing has dissuaded me from that belief.
Sano: rusty, but the skills are still there. I've seen him make fairly athletic plays at 3b, but continue to believe he will have to switch very soon. I've thought that for about 5 years now I guess. History is just not on his side for a guy that weighs 250-260 this young. DH or RF (or 1b with Mauer moving to RF) has to be the option.
Walker: I've not been quite as high on him in the past, but I could still see him making it. He's still incredibly strong. When he hits one, he REALLY hits one. I've seen him crush three absolute bombs at Chattanooga. Still the K's are concerning. To me he's probably the next Chris Carter in the bigs. Defense is bad for him in LF/RF.
Harrison: been pretty impressed with him so far this year. Still just 22 but he has skills. Power hasn't translated yet in terms of HR, but he hits the ball hard. Maybe a poor mans Helton-type. Lots of doubles and hopefully he finds a niche. Too bad he can't play 3b anymore.
Michael: been quietly solid. OPS of .862 this year so far I believe. Hit a walkoff single on Sunday that was fun to see. He's a small guy; Pedroia-esque, but he was a top pick for a reason. I still think he's got a chance, but he has to stay healthy. Hopefully he can continue and if nothing else we have another solid trade option. Or Escobar is dealt and he takes his role.
Polanco: still very solid. Probably ready in a year or so. Will be interesting decision time then. Defense a bit of an issue.
Kepler: still has the tools, still young for his level, still has to translate into production. But also still a chance to be something.
Dalton Hicks: has been solid, but I still don't see anything from him. AAAA player.
Berrios: still a stud. Ultimate faith in that kid. Ready by the end of this year if we're ready for him.
Meyer: he's had issues, but I'd still have in the majors. Can't keep wasting his bullets in the minors. Call him up and have him sink or swim. I think he'll swim.
Reed: still not completely sold, but his movement is very good. I could see him being a key bullpen piece.
Zack Jones: this is still my guy. He's been great this year. I still see him as our future closer. Good movement, great stuff.
Burdi: saw him for the first time since college on Sunday. Was unimpressed actually. Great velocity but straight with little movement. And a very awkward, over the top delivery. I don't see it with him. Or I at least see a lot of streakiness and injuries. Which is often the case for guys that throw that hard.
Turner: eh. Could be "solid" but that's his ceiling to me at C. We still need a new guy if they're not going to trust Pinto.
Aaron Hicks: he's ready and has earned it. Let him play.
Eddie Rosario: hasn't quite earned it yet, but I still like him. Beats the hell out of Robinson/Schafer.
Pinto: ZERO left to prove in the minors. Other than how willing he is to be sh*t on by the big club.
Others:
Thorpe/Stewart; highly disappointing their injury issues. Hopefully Stewart is okay.
Hu/Gonsalves: awesome to see. 2 of the best stories of the season thus far.
Oliveros/Tonkin: you guys know my thoughts on them.
Anyway, overall things are still looking very much up for this system. Ya, a couple of the "good" prospects won't make it. But we have so many that there's strength in numbers. So Rosario doesn't pan out? OK, we still have Walker/Harrison/Michael/Kepler, all of which have the talent to. So we get a couple derailments on pitching? Hu/Gonsalves step up. Just really great depth in the system, and that's before another class in June. Fun to watch.
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