Minnesota Twins Top 5 Prospects
The Twins have always been among the best teams in baseball when it comes to scouting and development. Occasionally, they’ve succumbed to Dodger-itis, in that they often don’t know what to do with the talent they have. (Letting Ortiz walk for nothing, putting terrible veterans in the rotation above good youngsters), and the farm system has been rather dry for a couple of years. Still, this list isn’t based on the probability that they will be used right, and good picks at the top of the draft in the last couple of years seem to be getting the Twins’ system back on track.
1. CF Ben Revere
Who?: Revere was a surprising and much-maligned pick last year, with many saying he was only drafted because he would be cheap to sign. He’s certainly made those people look pretty dumb. Revere is one guy who you know the Twins won’t be hesitant to give any playing time to when he gets to the majors. Revere was made for the Twins. He’s a lightning-fast centerfielder who plays top-notch defense, makes contact at an excellent rate (8.8 K% for his career so far), and has surprising gap power. (43 XBH in 121 games, only 1 a HR).
Projection: Revere is 20 and in Low-A, so barring a fast-track to the majors, certainly not out of the question with his level of refinement, Revere is likely about 2-3 years away. When he gets here, he’s likely to be a Jacoby Ellsbury type… a productive Ellsbury, anyway.
2. RHSP Shooter Hunt
Who?: Hunt was the first pick in the 1st compensation round, 31st overall, and the 13th overall player on my value board. I believe that this is the first instance of a difference between the Top 5 lists and the mid-season list, brought on by Hunt’s hot streak and Robertson’s issues - see #3. Hunt throws a plus FB/curve combo and mixes in a change, with his only problem being that he’s wild at times, with 56 walks in 100.2 innings in his last year of college. For whatever reason, the Twins decided to start Hunt in the rookie league, where he struck out 34 batters in his first 19 innings, and earned himself a jump to Low-A. He’s had two five-inning starts, striking out 9 in each, with 2 walks in one and 5 in the other. He’s given up 9 hits and zero home runs all year. Hunt is a college pitcher at low levels, so you can’t get TOO excited, but he’s been very impressive.
Projection: Hunt definitely has the stuff to project as a #2-type pitcher. He’ll probably spend next year at High-A, the following year at AA, and be ready for a major league shot in September 2010 or early 2011.
3. LHSP Tyler Robertson
Who?: Robertson has a bit of a herky-jerky delivery, which often led people to worry about future injuries. This year, he pitched a complete game, and immediately went on the disabled list for 3 weeks with shoulder tendinitis. He pitched 4 games, never going more than 5 innings, and is back on the DL. Perhaps those injury concerns were valid. When healthy, Robertson is a control pitcher who shows excellent command of a high 80’s-low-90s FB, a plus slider and a decent change.
Projection: A starter at the back end of somebody’s rotation.
4. CF Aaron Hicks
Who?: Hicks was the Twins’ first round pick before Hunt this year, and the 15th player on my value board. Hicks is the epitome of a toolsy high-school CF. Hicks was also a power-pitcher in high school, so he possesses about as good of an arm as you’ll see a CF have. He has plus speed and plus range, so there’s really no doubt that he’ll be a great defender. Hicks has a lot of bat speed and raw power, plus he’s shown an excellent plate approach. In his rookie league debut, Hicks has hit .331/.426/.517 with 24 K and 21 BB in 142 PA.
Projection: The sky’s the limit, but it’ll be a few years before he reaches it. Hicks will be one of those guys who’s on the top prospect lists for seemingly forever.
5. RHSP Jeff Manship
Who?: Manship is a sinker-curveball guy without a ton of velocity who makes his living off of control and groundballs. He won’t strike anyone out - 18.4% this year, but he’s only walking 6.5% and has a 54.4 GB%.
Projection: An innings-eater at the back of the rotation.
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