Although the season is just around the corner, there is still plenty of time to start a mini-series, isn’t there? As we follow the latest (and most likely inaccurate) Joe Mauer rumors, here is a review of the first round of the 2000 draft, along with a few other notable picks.
1st Round (2nd overall) – Adam Johnson, RHP
With the highly-coveted 2nd overall pick in the draft, the Twins selected right-handed pitcher Adam Johnson, from Cal State Fullerton. Johnson dominated collegiate batters, and was a candidate to go first overall, but signability issues pushed him down to No. 2.
The Twins aren’t known to rush prospects, but they indulged themselves with Johnson after the young righty enjoyed a good season in both High-A and Double-A. At this time, it wasn’t known whether Johnson could remain a starter, or if he would be forced to the bullpen. Either way, most were convinced Johnson would be a star.
After seven appearances with the Twins in 2001, Johnson amassed an ERA of 8.25 through 25 innings. He was quickly returned to the minor leagues, where he toiled in Triple-A for the rest of his career. He left baseball after the 2008 season, which he spent with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, an Independent League team.
Johnson was ranked by Baseball American as the Twins’ top prospect heading into the 2001 season, but slipped to 5th in 2002, and 10th in 2003, before falling off the map.
Unnecessary hype was a major reason Johnson was a failure at the major league level, but not being allowed to fully develop in the minor leagues could be another contributing factor. The Twins gave Johnson a signing bonus of $2.5 million, which was outrageously high at the time.
It is disappointing to notice how many other major-league stars were taking after Johnson in the 1st round of the 2000 draft. Adam Wainwright, Chase Utley, and Rocco Baldelli were all first-round selections in the 2000 draft. Adrian Gonzalez was the first-overall selection of the Florida Marlins.
Heilman enjoyed a successful major league career, but he wasn’t signed after the Twins drafted him in 2000. He re-entered the draft in 2001, and was drafted by the New York Mets. Heilman was in the Chicago Cub’s bullpen last year, where he put up a 4.11 ERA in 72.1 innings. His ERA+ was 109.
12th Round (342nd overall) – Jason Kubel, OF
2000 was a relatively unsuccessful year for the Twins’ scouting and drafting departments, but they did find a late-round gem in Jason Kubel. A right-handed outfielder (although Kubel did pitch in high school with decent results) they drafted out of high school, Kubel lit up just about every minor league level he was at.
Up until 2004, Kubel was probably considered as an average minor league outfielder: below-average base running abilities and no power to speak of, he wasn’t especially valuable. In the 2004 season with New Britain and Rochester, though, Kubel’s slugging percentage shot up almost 70 points higher than his previous career high. Hitting a total of 22 home runs in the 2004 season between Double-A and Triple-A, Kubel instantly became a top prospect.
As we are all now aware, Kubel’s selection in the 2000 draft was a wise decision. As one of the best offensive outfielders in the league, Kubel is no doubt a source of pride for Minnesota’s scouting department.
While we sit and wait for some meaningful news to float out of the Twins’ offices in Target Field, anticipating the future is one of the best ways to pass time.
As we saw last week, the Minnesota Twins have no shortage of elite outfield prospects. From the stars like Aaron Hicks and Ben Revere to the lesser-known Joe Benson, Angel Morales, Max Kepler, and Rene Tosoni, there is plenty of outfield talent in the Twins’ system.
Most of these guys are still quite a ways away from breaking into the major leagues, but by 2012, the Minnesota outfield could conceivably be bursting at the seams.
Currently, Denard Span and Michael Cuddyer are the best outfielders on the active roster, with Delmon Young and Jason Kubel close behind. Cuddyer is nearing the end of his contract, and will most likely finish his career with the Twins before Hicks reaches the Bigs. And Kubel is obviously better-suited for the role of a designated hitter.
That leaves Span and Young as the outfielders of the future, along with the hordes of minor league talent. Will all of these prospects find regular playing time? If so, where?
Most probably, Revere will be an offensive-minded corner outfielder with average defense. Hicks should be above-average both offensively and defensively, which makes him an ideal candidate for center field. Morales and Benson also have great defense, but their size and power may eventually push them to a corner. Tosoni’s lack of defense will relegate him to a corner, while Kepler is a complete wild card as this point.
(As a side note, you won’t necessarily see these guys playing in their designated/predicted spots this year in the minor leagues. I’m sure Hicks will get some time in the corner, while Revere, Morales, and maybe even Tosoni could get some reps in center field.
As a minor-leaguer, Span played almost exclusively in center field, but had to learn a corner position when he was promoted to the Twins because of the presence of Carlos Gomez. Hopefully Minnesota learned their lesson.)
The estimated-times-of-arrival for these players vary. Revere and Benson will beat Hicks and Morales to the major leagues by a year, Tosoni could be a September call-up as early as this season, while Kepler’s primary objective should be to finish his junior year of high school.
Outside of Tosoni, none of these prospects should be ready by the 2011 season, which very well could be Cuddyer’s last. Minnesota will most likely be forced to deal with an extremely crowded outfield for the 2012 season.
Span will most likely be shifted to the corner position opposite Revere, while Hicks will roam center field in Target Field in 2012. Admittedly, I have no idea what will happen with Young during these upcoming years. He could very well use the momentum he finished the 2009 campaign with and exceed all expectations, but he could just as easily fall flat on his face.
I do know, however, that not all prospects will pan out as expected. The scenario I just presented (an outfield of Revere/Hicks/Span) leaves out Morales, Benson, and Tosoni.
While they have serious issues to work out (strikeouts for Morales, left-handed pitchers for Tosoni) they are incredibly talented and could be potential trade chips.
This over-crowded outfield is certainly a good problem for the Twins. If one prospect gets injured or simply doesn’t live up to expectations, another one will be waiting in the wings.
What will the Minnesota outfield look like in 2012? Which top prospect am I too high on? Which one am I under-valuing? Be sure to let your voice be heard in the comment section!
In their third game pitching head to head this year, Francisco Liriano and Felix Hernandez battled for six and seven innings respectively in a 1-1 ballgame. After a couple solid bullpen innings from both clubs the 10th inning was nothing close to solid.
The top of the 10th got off to a good start with a Joe Mauer double and then an intentional walk to Justin Morneau. I thought the game would soon be over when Jason Kubel ripped a pitch slicing toward the left-center wall when Franklin Gutierrez made a spectacular play to rob Kubel of a possible homerun. After an incredibly futile attempt at a suicide squeeze from Matt Tolbert, Joe Mauer was forced into a rundown and all of a sudden the Twins had two outs with a runner on second base.
Tonight’s 643 Radio podcast with John Meyer and Andrew Wright takes a look at the Twins sweep of the Angels, Jason Kubel’s cycle, Torii Hunter’s desire to retire as a Twin, and much more…
As opposed to last year on this blog, I decided to take Thanksgiving off and instead celebrate Black Friday! Now let me assure you I do not celebrate this holiday constructed by consumerist America. You will not find me waking up at 3:00 am to get in a long line waiting to buy at flat screen TV at 30% off, but rather in the comforts of my chair I will write about which Twins I’m buying on great deals for 2009.
1. Kevin Slowey – This kid really impressed me in 2008 and I think he still has much improvement ahead of him. Buying Slowey is like purchasing that new grill for the family, it’s an investment that will only get better with time. Slowey went 12-11 with a 3.99 ERA last year and given his pitching style surprisingly struck out 123 batters in 160 innings. He’s a fly ball pitcher who gives up a fair amount of homeruns but makes sure he does it without runners on base. Most of all Slowey has great control walking just 24 batters and simply throwing strikes and letting his defense help him out. With Denard Span and Carlos Gomez both behind him for an entire season look to Slowey to post great numbers.
2. Jose Mijares – Mijares is like the new gadget that everyone has read is really cool, but haven’t seen it yet. The 24 year old lefty pitched just 10 innings in the big leagues this year but made a big impression. His 10 innings were in pressure packed situations and the young Venezuelan not only showed great composure but the tenacity and confidence to go after hitters and trust his stuff. I know this is a risk with such little pro experience, but I think it’ll be a good buy. Mijares will be in a good situation pitching in front of Joe Nathan and should have great success in his role if he keeps his confidence and nerves of steel.
3. Jason Kubel – Like Tickle Me Elmo it seems like Kubel is on this list every year, but last year he made sure his value was known and I expect nothing less in 2009. Kubel finally established himself with a healthy season getting 464 at bats in 141 games. Kubel had an 08 line of .272 with 20 HR and 78 RBI. Despite what seems like many disappointing seasons, Jason will still be just 26 at the start of the 2009 season. Kubel will have control of the DH position and should get to hit behind Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. Look for the native South Dakotan to build on his 08 success with another solid year. I’m not expecting any ridiculous breakout year, but I think a .280/25/85 year is within reach.
4. Michael Cuddyer – If you can afford big purchases this holiday season you can’t go wrong with a Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, or a Joe Nathan. With the poor economy I also can’t afford a young project with high potential like a Carlos Gomez or a Delmon Young. So to do some discount shopping look to pick up a Michael Cuddyer at a reduced rate for 2009. His 2008 campaign was nothing less than a disappointment playing in just 71 games while batting .249 with just a .369 SLG%. However, I think Michael Cuddyer is too competitive and too good of an athlete to allow another disappoint year to drag him down. Yes, I agree that he’ll never have seasons like 2006 year after year, but I expect a solid comeback in 2009. As long as Cuddyer is still in Minnesota and gets his fair share of at bats I think he’ll start to produce some value based on his big contract.
That’s my shopping list for great deals in 2009. Let’s hope I get a good return on my investments!
What a win last night! The Twins not only took the most important game 1 of the series but made a big statement in doing so.
Jason Kubel was the star of the game smacking two homeruns, hitting a triple, and picking up three RBIs. After a homer in his first at-bat and a triple in his second at bat, Kubel had me thinking cycle, but he chose to hit another homerun instead! Here Thor Nystrom of MLB.com writes, Kubel nearly didn’t even start.
Delmon Young used the energy from the crowd and from Kubel’s homerun immediately after to go back-to-back with a homerun of his own. Scott Baker pitched a very solid seven innings with one earned run and Justin Morneau set a new Twins record with his 47 double of the season while receiving incessant MVP chants from the crowd everytime he stepped up to the plate.
Last night’s game one win was huge keeping the chances alive for a potential sweep and giving the Twins a good chance to win the essential two out of three. Tonight’s matchups may be the toughest with Twin Killer Mark Buerhle (14-11) going against Nick Blackburn (10-10) who is 1-2 with a 7.58 ERA in four September starts. Blackburn has looked tired as of late, but hopefully the Metrodome crowd will pump him up to pitch a gem like Baker.
The Twins grabbed a very badly needed win last night agains the Cleveland Indians. The offense came to life scoring six runs with a big five run third inning. Jason Kubel smashed his 8th homerun of the season and Justin Morneau had a solid game driving in three runs.
Nick Blackburn returned to form allowing just two runs over seven innings and striking out five. Blackburn struggled in his first start after being hit in the face off of the bat of Bobby Abreu in the Yankees series. All and all it was good win, the bullpen still looked exhausted and allowed three runs to make the game close in the 7th inning, but Joe Nathan came in and shut the door for his 17th save of the season.
Livan Hernandez takes the mound tonight and hopefully the Twins can win a series on the road in Cleveland.
In other Twins news…
Kelly Theiser of MLB.com reported that Francisco Liriano could soon be called up from AAA Rochester to join the big league club. Liriano allowed only one run over six innings striking out seven batters. The lefty has been regaining both his control and his confidence. In his past three starts, the former All-Star has gone 2-0 posting a 2.45 ERA.
Manager Ron Gardenhire stated that if Liriano returns it will certainly be in the rotation and not in the bullpend under any circumstance. The timing of Liriano’s return could be nearly perfect. The rotation has been struggling a bit lately and if the Liriano of old returns and claims the role of staff ace it would be a huge addition for this team. Since the departure of Johan Santana the Twins have lacked that shut down starter to help stop losing streaks like the six-game streak the Twins just suffered.
Despite Thesier’s report, I would forecast about two more weeks before Liriano’s return. It would be great to see him by the end of the month, and if not I would certainly expect to see him after the All-Star break. Here’s to hoping….
A 12-5 victory over the White Sox last night was filled with highlights for the Minnesota Twins.
In the 6th inning Jason Kubel broke a 7-3 lead into an 11-3 rout with a grand slam. Kubel went 2-6 with 6 RBIs in the game. Brendan Harris went 3-4 and scored 3 runs. Scott Baker pitched solid, not great, but he did strike out 7 in 5 innings and gave up 3 runs.
Ron Gardenhire said before the game, All we’re looking for is some more consistent swings throughout the lineup. We’ve had a guy hot here and there. We haven’t really clicked as an offense yet.
Gardy got what he was looking for as the Twins set season highs scoring 12 runs and collecting 13 hits.
Of all the highlights, Carlos Gomez may have stole the show in the first inning. Gomez had a phenomenal diving catch in the center/rightfield gap. The play won himself a Web Gem and a #1 spot on Sportscenter top plays!
Tonight’s game in Chicago has already been postponed due to heavy rain, so the team will move onto Kansas City for the weekend and the off day should actually help the rotation out. With Kevin Slowey unable to start Sunday and Francisco Liriano appearing unprepared to be called up, the rotation will get pushed back a day and everything should be fine.
Justin Morneau and the Twins agreed this morning to a one-year deal avoiding arbitration between the two parties. Morneau signed for $7.4 million which is a $3 million raise from the $4.5 that he made last year. Morneau isn’t eligible for free agency until after the 2010 season but this offseason is an indication of why the Twins must sign their star players to long-term contracts. I understand simply avoiding arbitration and giving the 2006 MVP a fair deal, but I don’t understand why the Twins are so hesitant to give Morneau the $4 million more that separated them last time they attempted to lock him up long-term. This is a top priority!
In related news, yesterday the Twins avoided arbitration with Jason Kubel and locked the 26 year-old outfielder to a one-year deal worth $1.3 million. After these two signings, this leaves RF Michael Cuddyer and pitchers Matt Guerrier and Juan Rincon as the remaining players who could possibly enter arbitration.
Joe Sheehan of Baseball Prospectus writes in his column that Jason Kubel is one of the nine players in baseball poised to have a breakout season in 2008. Here’s to Sheehan’s projections coming true. Kubel was destined for great things in 2004 when he flew up the minors all the way to the Twins playoff roster. After a devastating injury caused him to miss the entire ‘05 season and took him two more seasons to regain his swing, Kubel seems ready to establish himself as one the Twins’ top hitters. If Kubel emerges, Delmon Young improves on his rookie season, and Joe Mauer can stay healthy the middle of the Twins’ order along with Morneau and Michael Cuddyer could be very dangerous and solve our “run problem” from last year.
What do you think of the possibility of Kubel breaking out in 2008?
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