SethSpeaks.net

Talkin’ Twins Baseball

Twins Pick Up Cuddyer Option

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The Twins had until Monday but to no one’s surprise, the Twins have picked up the 2011 option on Michael Cuddyer’s contract. He will make $10.5 million in 2011 after he makes $8.5 million in 2010. This was an easy decision. It allows them to continue to negotiate a potential extension, but after a strong 32 home run season in which he carried the team for the final month of the year, this was an easy choice.

Any thoughts?

November 7, 2009 Posted by Seth | Michael Cuddyer, Minnesota Twins | | 3 Comments

Wilson Ramos Injures Knee

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According to Baseball America’s John Manuel, Twins catching prospect Wilson Ramos hurt his knee playing in the Venezuelan Winter league. The article states that Bill Smith is aware of the injury, but at this point they are not aware of the severity.

November 6, 2009 Posted by Seth | Minnesota Twins, Twins Minor Leagues, Wilson Ramos | | 6 Comments

Twins Acquire JJ Hardy for C Gomez

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The Twins just acquired JJ Hardy from the Milwaukee Brewers in exhance for Carlos Gomez. More details are sure to come!

November 6, 2009 Posted by Seth | Carlos Gomez, JJ Hardy, Minnesota Twins | | 46 Comments

NFL “Expert” Picks – Week 9

In Week 8, the Vikings beat the Packers, and that’s all that matters, right? Well, not to our fearless panel of pigskin prognosticating prowess. Kyle Gibson, along with Phil Mackey, Doogie Wolfsen, John Bonnes, Nick Nelson, John Meyer, Blake Meyer and Mike Brasel led the way last week with 10-3 records. Here are our Week 9 picks.

November 6, 2009 Posted by Seth | Minnesota Twins, NFL Picks | | No Comments Yet

Thursday Night Blogging

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Hey everyone, I am going to be updating this blog throughout the night. I happened to be in a hotel room that did not provide me with internet access the last three nights, so I am certain I have fallen somewhat behind. So, I’ll be updating SethSpeaks.net throughout the night with any news, relative to the Twins or just interesting. I’ll start with a few, but be sure to check back throughout the night:

  • First of all, you may have noticed last night that the TwinsCentric Offseason GM Handbook is now available in a print version. If you would like a copy, you can order it here.
  • The Elias Rankings are officially out now.
    • To no one’s surprise, Orlando Cabrera is a Type A free agent. As we know, that means that the Twins can’t offer him arbitration. It does not mean that they won’t sign him though, and too many reports are indicating that the Twins are very interested in bringing him back. Again, he was a nice spark down the stretch. He is a veteran. He showed some leadership skills. But his offense does not warrant more than $4 million a year, and his defense should only drop that number down!
    • Although not really surprising, it was great to see that Carl Pavano officially is a Type B free agent. If the Twins can work a fair deal to bring back the 31 year old, OK. If not, offer him arbitration and get a free draft pick. If he accepts arbitration, you’re only out one year, and that’s bearable. If you trade Yohan Pino for 2 months of Carl Pavano and a first round pick, you have to be absolutely thrilled.
    • Mike Redmond, Joe Crede and Ron Mahay are not Type A’s or Type B’s, so they would bring back no compensation.  
  • Two former Twins minor leaguers, Alex Romero and Trent Oeltjen, were taken off of the Arizona Diamondbacks roster. Now, not big news of course, but I have to admit that I would be very happy if the Twins were able to bring back Oeltjen on a minor league contract. In fact, if it meant taking Jason Pridie off of the 40 man roster to put Oeltjen on it, I would much prefer that. Oeltjen is fast, can play all three outfield positions well, and can hit to his skills, meaning but for hits, beat the ball into the ground and run and a lot of triples. To me, that is a guy that I would really like to have as a fourth outfielder. Now, Romero has the right to become a free agent. Oeltjen does not, but again, I would happily give up Jason Pridie or Brandon Roberts, and a Type D prospect for Oeltjen.  
  • In an AL Central move, the Kansas City Royals traded Mark Teahen to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Josh Fields and Chris Getz. It is an interesting move. Fields had asked to be traded late in the 2009 season. Getz had lost playing time at 2B. But both of them have solid potential. Just two years ago, Fields hit 27 home runs. Teahen is a good, but certainly not great, player. You know what you’re getting with him. He can play RF, 3B, 2B, and probably wherever you put him. But if you’re a Royals fan, you have to be very happy with this deal.
  • The Angels signed Bobby Abreu to a two year, $19 million contract extension. He will get $9 million in 2010 and $2011 with a $9 million option for 2012, with a $1 million buyout. What does this have to do with the Twins? Very little, and yet, a lot. Think about it. As good as Michael Cuddyer was in 2006, 2007 and 2009, Bobby Abreu has been excellent for a long time. He’s older than Cuddyer, but does have more history. Defensively, as bad as Cuddyer was in RF in 2009, he is still better out there than Abreu. The Twins have to decide in the next few days whether to pick up the 2011 option on Michael Cuddyer’s contract. Although it seems obvious that the Twins should pick up the option, last week, I wrote that the Twins could decide to decline it and work on a contract extension. Maybe Cuddyer and the Twins could work out an extension at the same dollar value as Abreu. So, after making $8.5 million in 2010, he could make $9 million in 2011 and 2012, and they could still give him an option for 2013. Cuddyer comes out fine. The Twins aren’t overpaying at all. And, I’m almost always in favor of adding an option yet.

Alright, be sure to continue to check back at www.SethSpeaks.net throughout the night for more updates. If you have any questions, comments, or topics or rumors that you think are important, send me an e-mail or leave some comments.

November 5, 2009 Posted by Seth | Bobby Abreu, Carl Pavano, Mark Teahen, Michael Cuddyer, Minnesota Twins, Orlando Cabrera, Trent Oeltjen | | 6 Comments

Q&A with Jeff Manship

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Good morning! If you have a chance, please be sure to listen to last night’s SethSpeaks.net Weekly Minnesota Twins Podcast. About five minutes into the show, Twins first round pick from 2009, Kyle Gibson called in. The two of us talked for almost 30 minutes on topics including what happened the night he signed, his Instructional League experience, his offseason, working out, getting bigger, his football picks, goals and so much more. The podcast actually ended shortly after the interview. So, if you missed it, and you’re at a computer at work, at home, or you have an iPod, be sure to download the episode and listen in. As you’ll hear me mention, there was a problem with the chat room, so if anyone left questions there, I am sorry, I didn’t get them. But please feel free to e-mail me questions for Kyle, and I’ll be sure to get them to him and post them here at a later time.

With that, I am thrilled to present for you another Q&A. Like Kyle Gibson, Jeff Manship is one of the more classy members of the Twins organization that I have had the opportunity to meet. He has been part of the NFL “Expert” Pick panel the last three years, done several Q&As and been on a podcast. He began the 2009 season at AA New Britain, and when he was promoted to AAA Rochester in June, he was very excited, figuring he was that much closer to his dream of reaching the big leagues. Little did he know that just six weeks later, that dream would become a reality. In mid-August, the Twins were in need of a pitcher because Glen Perkins was going back on the Disabled List. They called on Manship. Today, I am happy to bring you his first SethSpeaks.net Q&A as a big leaguer. These are always fun because it’s great to see good people so excited to have fulfilled their dreams. So, it’s fun to hear what they’re thinking and what they’re doing.  

So this morning, I bring you a Q&A with Twins pitcher, Jeff Manship! (To see all previous SethSpeaks.net Q&As, click here)

…Let the Questions Begin!

SethSpeaks: Your first Q&A at SethSpeaks.net came in May of 2007. The final question I ask was what it would be like to put on a Twins uniform in a regular season game. Your response was, “The feeling will be surreal.  It has been a lifelong dream to play professional baseball and to finally accomplish that dream will be amazing.” Well, a little over two years later, it happened for you. What was it like to put on a Major League uniform for the first time?

Jeff Manship: The feeling was almost exactly like I had envisioned. It felt great to fulfill a dream that required so much of my time and effort throughout the years.

SethSpeaks: How did you find out that you were getting called up to the Twins? Who called you? What was your response, and who did you call first?

Jeff Manship: I found out at about 1 am the night before one of my supposed starts in Buffalo, NY. I had just fallen asleep when the hotel phone rang and it was Stan Cliburn. At first I figured it was a prank call because of the time. Stan informed me that my flight was going to leave Buffalo at 7 am and to try and leave the hotel at 4 to give myself enough time. After hanging up I went through my phone and let just about everybody know through texts because it was so late. I did call my parents, though, and made sure they could get a flight out to see me.  Needless to say, I got no sleep that night.

SethSpeaks: The Twins needed someone in the bullpen, and someone who could provide more than three outs. You fit that need. But you had very little bullpen experience, what was the adjustment to the bullpen like, particularly in the big leagues?

Jeff Manship: I didn’t find the adjustment to be too tough.  I liked that I was able to go all out for those couple innings instead of trying to conserve my energy for a whole game.  After my first start against Chicago was when I noticed a difference.  I was much more sore than normal in my back and legs and felt tired much earlier in the game.

SethSpeaks: Over time, you were put into rotation, and then to the bullpen, and then another start. Was that tough, or were you simply in the “Whatever the Team Needs” mode?

Jeff Manship: That was probably a bigger adjustment for me to make because there are different routines and preparations for being a starting pitcher and a relief pitcher.  As I said in the previous answer, I felt tired quicker in my first start after being in the pen for three weeks.  It didn’t take too long to work myself back into starting pitcher shape.  I really had no problem being in any role, though.  Just as long as I was able to be a part of the team and contribute.

SethSpeaks:  That final weekend at the Metrodome had to be incredible. And it started on Friday night with a big win. And you were the winning pitcher and threw your best game in the big leagues. How did it feel to really step up in such an environment?

Jeff Manship: That is easily my greatest baseball moment in my life so far.  The atmosphere that weekend was so intense and just to be able to provide any contribution to the team was amazing.  The evening and morning before were definitely more stressful than I’m normally used to, but I’m so grateful to now have experienced a situation like that where so much was on the line.

SethSpeaks: Talk a little about that weekend, all the former players being around, and yet still being in such big games. Did you have a chance to talk to any of the former players?

Jeff Manship: I did have the chance to talk to a few players, which was a great experience.  A week or so before when we were in Kansas City, I traveled to visit my cousin, aunt, and uncle who were at the University of Kansas for parents’ weekend.  My cousin is a sophomore catcher at Kansas and is actually roommates with Tom Brunansky’s son so I was able to meet him there.  Such a small world that a player who was such a great player with the Twins’ son is my cousin’s roommate and good friend.  Tom is a great guy and shared some funny stories and memories from his experience with Twins.

SethSpeaks: That ceremony following game 162, the “final” game in the Metrodome, had to have been an emotional, exciting thing to be a part of. What were your thoughts on it?

Jeff Manship: That was one of the most unbelievable and stressful games I have ever seen.  I have never been part of a game where the lead kept changing with such dramatic fashion and where the outcome of the game was so important.  Even though I didn’t throw it was still great to be a potential pitcher in the game.

SethSpeaks: Alright, let’s take a step back since we haven’t done a Q&A for awhile… you began the season back in New Britain. Were you surprised or disappointed to start your season there?

Jeff Manship: I wasn’t too surprised or disappointed really.  I only had a half season there in 2008 and didn’t throw great so I sort of expected it.

SethSpeaks: When you began the 2008 season back in Ft. Myers, you mentioned here were things you needed to work on at that level before being moved up to New Britain. Were there things you need to work on at AA before being promoted to AAA?

Jeff Manship: As I always say, I needed to continue to develop my change-up and gain complete confidence in the pitch.  I can definitely say now that it is one of my favorite pitches to throw in any count.  I really feel like that pitch was the key to my success this year.  When I threw more change-ups in a game, the results were typically much better.  Just being able to see that trend makes me want to throw change-ups all the time.  In addition, I needed to control my sinker better.  I feel that pitch moves much more than it did when I first signed so I’m still trying to gain complete control over that pitch.  I struggled early on in the season at AA because I was falling behind hitters way too often.  Once I was able to get ahead more often I began pitching much better. 

SethSpeaks:  Near the end of June, you were promoted from AA to AAA, a day after Danny Valencia was promoted. How did you find out about the promotion to AAA? I remember how excited you were when you mentioned it to me!

Jeff Manship: I remember being called into Tom Nieto’s office after a game and he was on the phone with Jim Rantz.  As you said, Danny had been promoted the day before so I kind of had an idea of what was going on.  Tom informed me that I needed to leave early in the morning and drive to Rochester.  It was a great feeling knowing that I was one step away from making it up to the Twins.  It’s always fun to be in a new environment with new challenges.

SethSpeaks: In general, what are the differences that you found between the AA Eastern League and the AAA International League? Specifically, discuss the hitters you face in each league.

Jeff Manship: The biggest difference I noticed was that hitters were more patient in AAA.  You face many veteran guys who are much older and not afraid to hit with two strikes.  At the same time, though, if you mix your pitches up and throw strikes you will have success.  Mistake pitches are hit much more often too.

SethSpeaks: You were only in AAA for about six weeks before your promotion to the big leagues. Talk about the differences in the hitters from AA to AAA to the Major Leagues.

Jeff Manship: Again, hitters are more patient and have the capability to foul off good pitches until you make a mistake.  You also have to be quick to get over the awe factor when a big name guy steps up to the plate.  If you make a solid pitch you can get those guys out just like any other hitter. I was told that the game between AAA and the Majors is still the same by multiple people.  The plate is still the same distance away from the rubber and a strike is a strike.  As simple as that philosophy is, it’s entirely true.  You can’t try to change your game because you’re at a new level.  Once you do that you get away from your own personal style that has made you successful in the past and got you to that level in the first place.

SethSpeaks: Through 444.2 innings, you averaged just 2.4 walks per nine innings. In your 31.2 innings with the Twins, you averaged 4.3 walks per nine. Can we attribute that to nerves and excitement, or to smaller strike zones, maybe more disciplined hitters, or something else?

Jeff Manship: I definitely don’t think that is a trend that will continue for the rest of my career.  Baseball is all about adjustments from level to level and this is one that I feel I can figure out.  Everything that you mentioned are all factors.  I feel that once I get more comfortable out there the walks will decrease.

SethSpeaks: I’ve asked you this before and Gardy talked about it frequently, but were you able to enjoy and take in all that you got to experience over your two months with the team?

Jeff Manship: The two months with the Twins were unbelievable.  I really don’t think that I could have been called up at a better time and implemented into a better situation.  The race with Detroit to win the division was just about as exciting as they come.  Its amazing to be in the presence of some of the big name guys and see how they carry themselves on and off the field.  You really cant be surrounded by a better group of players than the Twins players.  Not only does everyone have talent, but they all have class.  It made the transition much easier for me, personally, and I really felt like I was part of the team from day one.

SethSpeaks: Have you kept up with the baseball playoffs since the Twins were eliminated, or do you try to get away from baseball for awhile?

Jeff Manship: I’ve watched some of the games.  I watched almost all of the ALCS between the Angels and Yankees and have seen a good amount of the World Series so far.

SethSpeaks: Any exciting offseason plans? What are some of the non-baseball things that you like to do away from the baseball field?

Jeff Manship: I plan on taking a few trips with friends and have a couple weddings that I will attend.  I’m also going to try and hunt both here in Texas and in Arizona with my cousins and uncle. 

SethSpeaks: At what point do you start thinking about the 2010 baseball season? When will be begin your workout and throwing programs?

Jeff Manship: I’ve already started to work out.  Right now I’m doing lighter workouts and shorter runs to ease myself back into shape.  Its amazing how quickly you get out of shape after just a few weeks of inactivity.  I won’t start throwing again ’til about mid December.

SethSpeaks: The Twins starting rotation seems full of intelligent pitchers who make adjustments and learn quickly. Without giving away trade secrets, were you able to pick up on any of the adjustments that you will need to make going forward?

Jeff Manship: I definitely have.  Everyone is very open and willing to share tips.  Having a guy like Carl Pavano around was very helpful.  He has experienced so much in his long career and is quick to help younger players out.  I tried to learn as much as I could in my two months. 

SethSpeaks: Now that the season is over, have you had a chance to sit back and think, a little over three years ago, you got drafted, and now you can forever call yourself a big leaguer?

Jeff Manship: It’s an amazing feeling.  The way this season started for me I never would have thought I’d make it to the big leagues.  I’m so thankful that I’ve gotten my feet wet and can now come into spring training in February already having a solid idea of what to do.  I won’t have the nerves and can completely focus on trying to earn a spot either in the rotation or bullpen.

SethSpeaks: Can’t have a Twins-related Q&A without mentioning the name Joe Mauer. We won’t talk contract, although that ought to be a fun topic for the offseason. I want to ask you what it was like throwing to him, and how much you could learn from him, particularly in-game.

Jeff Manship: Throwing to Mauer is unlike any other catcher that I’ve thrown to.  His combination of size and smarts adds comfort to my job.  Pitching to a bigger target is always easier, and Mauer is about as big of a target as they come.  When I stated earlier in the Q&A that I had been told that the game between AAA and the Majors is still the same, Mauer was one of those guys who mentioned it.  He told me that before my start against Kansas City.  He definitely knew that it was the biggest game I had ever thrown in and that I’d have extra nerves.  He has a way of calming you down when the pressure rises.  It’s always great to have a guy like Mauer in the clubhouse, especially for younger guys tryin to figure out the Majors. 
 

Thanks again to Jeff Manship for taking the time out of his offseason to answer all of these questions. Again, it’s great to see people get an opportunity to get to the big leagues, and Jeff Manship deserved it and hopefully he enjoys his offseason and is ready in February to compete for a job with the Twins.  Send me an e-mail, or leave your questions or comments for me or Jeff here. Who knows? Maybe Jeff will even read them and reply??? Have a great weekend!

November 3, 2009 Posted by Seth | Jeff Manship, Kyle Gibson, Minnesota Twins | | 4 Comments

Kyle Gibson on Twins Podcast Tonight!

also available at www.SethSpeaks.net -

Tonight at 9:00 central time, I will return to the SethSpeaks.net Weekly Minnesota Twins podcast where I will be joined by Twins 2009 first-round draft pick, Kyle Gibson. We have not talked to Gibson since less than two hours before he signed with the Twins. It will be fun to catch up with him on how things went down in those final minutes, how his arm is feeling, how Instructional League went for him, and what he’s got planned for his offseason. There is a good chance that I will be joined by at least one other guest as well, so be sure to tune in.

Are there any questions you would like me to ask him? Leave your questions in the Comments, e-mail me, or there will be an open chat room at the site, or an open phone line. So, check it out tonight!

November 3, 2009 Posted by Seth | Kyle Gibson, Minnesota Twins | | 2 Comments

SethSpeaks.net Live Twins Chat at 11 Today!

 

At 11:00 a.m. today, I will be live chatting on the Twins or any other topics you’d like. To sign up for an e-mail reminder, watch the live event or read the transcript later, Click Here.

Also, if you would like to see our NFL “Expert” Picks for Week 8, click here.

October 30, 2009 Posted by Seth | Minnesota Twins | | 1 Comment

Bullet Point Blog

also available at www.SethSpeaks.net -

I am really trying to figure out a manageable schedule for me and for SethSpeaks.net over the postseason. One thing that I think it is very important to do is link to other Twins blogs. I remember in May or June of 2003 when I started, I would get 10, maybe 20, hits a day. Then The Twins Geek and Aaron Gleeman linked to me, and the numbers would jump up. Their support helped this site gain some readership and I greatly appreciate it. There are a ton of really good Twins bloggers. I appreciate you reading my site each day, but I hope I can also send you to other blogs and sites that discuss the Twins. So for today, I am going to have a bullet point blog with updates on this site, links to Twins blogs, and other notes. I hope that I am able to provide you with information that you find worthwhile. Please feel free to comment here.

SITE UPDATES

  • My intention is still to post something each day at SethSpeaks.net. I’m sure there will be times that it just won’t work. I mean, I do have a regular job too and sometimes, I just can’t justify it. I hope to provide notes on the goings-on with the Twins. If they make transactions or statements, I’ll be sure to take a look at those decisions. I hope to do a Q&A almost every week, if at all possible. The NFL “Expert” Picks will remain.
  • The SethSpeaks.net Weekly Minnesota Twins podcast is going to move to Tuesday nights at 9:00 p.m. central time. During the second half of the season, I moved it to Monday nights, but now that the Twins season is done, I would guess my ratings might suffer going against Monday night football. I have not had a podcast since the Twins season came to an end. After three weeks of podcasting every single night, it has been a nice break. But again, starting next Tuesday, the Twins podcast will be back. I hope to have at least one Twins player (or minor league player) each week, probably a Twins blogger and of course welcome your questions in the chat room, or calling in to the show. During the Winter Meetings, we may have to have a nightly podcast, but that will be determined.
  • I will try to have a Live Chat about every week. Those are always fun, so continue to check here for when they will occur. It is possible that I could do one-hour chats during my lunch hour as well.
  • I am supposed to post one article a week on my Star Tribune Your Voices blog. I’m always looking for topics to discuss, so if you ever have any ideas, please let me know. The topics are supposed to be somewhat local/Minnesota related.

TWINSCENTRIC

  • As you know, it was a little over two weeks ago that the Twins season ended. That night the TwinsCentric Offseason GM Handbook was released. Sales to this point have been at least as good as expected, and we certainly thank all of you who have purchased your copy of the electronic book. Many of you got your Free Sample, which was almost half of the book, and we hope that you found it entertaining and informative, and if you would like to step it up to the full copy, you can do so at www.TwinsCentric.com. Here are a couple more updates:
    • We have been asked several times about a hard copy, a print version of the Offseason GM Handbook. We had hoped to have it available at the same time as the electronic copy, but we are self-publishing it and ran into a couple of snags. The best update I can give you right now is that the print version will likely be available within the next two weeks.
    • Yes, the entire transcript of the Bill Smith interview has been sent to those of you who purchased the electronic book. If you buy a copy from this point forward, it will be included. Also, it will be included in the print version.
    • Finally, be sure to head back to TwinsCentric.com, bookmark it, and be sure to check out the new Twins GM Contest. We are looking at a couple of different prizes for the winner, but the concept of the contest is simple. Now that you’ve reviewed everything in the Offseason GM Handbook, we want to know what you think. The contest is for you to pick who you think will be on the Twins Opening Day roster in 2010, and to pick the Opening Day payroll. There is also an area for you to comment on how you came to that roster. What trades would you make? What free agents would you sign and for how much? What other decisions would you make? On Opening Day, we will go through all of the submissions and whichever is closest to the actual roster and payroll will win. So, head over the TwinsCentric.com and submit your roster!

WORLD SERIES

Who will win the World Series? Before tonight, I would have said Phillies in SIX Games. After watching Cliff Lee dominate the Yankees last night, I may have to change that to Phillies in FIVE. What do you think?

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE

I have done a very poor job of updating what is going on in the Arizona Fall League this year. So, here is a quick update on the Twins prospects that are participating:

  • Steve Singleton – With a 1-4 (with a double) day on Wednesday, he is hitting .303/.314/.485 with three doubles and a home run. He is 10-33 with one walk and three strikeouts.
  • Chris Parmelee – He started the season by going 0-10. Since then he is 9-24 (.375). Overall, he is hitting .265/.366/.618 with four doubles, a triple, two home runs and 11 RBI. He has walked five times and struck out nine times.
  • Rene Tosoni – Like Parmelee, Tosoni is 9-34 on the AFL season. He is hitting .265/.359/.471 with two triples and a home run. He has five walks and nine strikeouts.
  • Mike McCardell – In three starts, he has gone 0-0 with a 7.27 ERA. In 8.2 innings, he has given up nine hits, five walks and struck out 11. Of course, the ERA is thrown off by his third start in which he gave up five runs in 3.2 innings.
  • Spencer Steedley – He has pitched five innings in five games. He has given up six hits, walked nine and struck out three. He is 0-0 with a 5.40 ERA.
  • Alex Burnett – After a scoreless inning of relief Wednesday, he has now thrown 4.2 innings in his five games. He has given up four hits, walked five and struck out four. All three of the runs he allowed came in one outing that lasted just 2/3 of an inning.
  • Steve Hirschfeld – Hirschfeld is 0-1 with a 20.77 ERA. He has thrown 4.1 innings in five appearances. He has given up ten runs on ten hits (3 home runs). He has walked two and struck out seven. Again, the ERA is what it is primarily because of an outing in which he gave up six runs on five hits and a walk in just 1/3 of an inning.  

VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE

Several Twins players are playing in the Caribbean this winter. Here is a quick update on the Twins prospects that are participating:

  • Wilson Ramos – Ramos is certainly the Twins minor leaguer who is making the most noise. He is 23-58 (.397/.463/.793) with six doubles, a triple, five homers and 21 RBI. He has walked seven times (2 intentional) and struck out 12 times.
  • Dustin Martin – Martin has gone 11-46 (.239/.368/.391) with a double and two home runs .He has walked ten times (3 intentional) and struck out 12 times.
  • Justin Huber – Huber is 12-42 (.286/.388/.357) with three doubles.
  • Frank Mata – Mata is 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA in six outings. In 9.1 innings, he has give up 13 hits, walked four and struck out four.
  • Pedro Guerra – Guerra has also pitched in six games. He is 0-1 with a 6.48 ERA. In 8.1 innings, he has given up 11 hits, walked four and struck out eight.
  • Jason Jones – Jones has started four gaems. He is 0-0 with a  5.00 ERA. In 8 innings, he has given up 21 hits, walked four and struck out eight.
  • Winston Marquez – The lefty has made three starts and is 0-0 with a 4.73 ERA. In 13.1 innings, he has given up 13 hits, walked 10, and struck out seven.
  • Others playing in Venezuela – Jonathan Goncalves, Edgar Ibarra, Miguel Munoz and Oswaldo Sosa.
  • Playing in Dominican Republic – Estarlin de Los Santos (7-27), Juan Portes (1 game), Jose Lugo and Juan Morillo.

TWINS BLOG SPOTTING

Here is a quick sampling of some of the many Twins bloggers:

WOMEN’S OIL WRESTLING?

Judd Spicer is a terrific guy, and he’s a terrific writer for the sports pages of City Pages. What kind of wrestler is he? Well, we can find out on Friday night! Check out the below press release:

For immediate release–

This Friday, October 30th, City Pages sportswriter Judd Spicer will be participating in an evening of women’s oil wrestling, battling for the universal pride of those who cover sports for a living.  Spicer’s aim is to “dispel the notion that sportswriters are tubby, hot-dog-eating, booze-hounds that write about sport instead of participating in the field of battle.”

His opponent in the exhibition match: The tenacious Amanda Hansen, former contestant on ABC’s “Big Brother” and current finalist for 93x’s “Ultimate Xgirl” competition.  To learn more about Amanda and her Xgirl quest, please visit and vote for her here:  http://www.93x.com/Article.asp?id=1505566

The Event: An Evening of Women’s Oil Wrestling, sponsored in part by “Seconds Out Boxing Promotions” 

Start Time: Friday, October 30, 2009 at 8:00 p.m.
 

 
Location: Robert Bar in Mounds View
Street: 2400 County Road H2

Tickets: $15 for General Admission

Special Guest Judge: “Golden” Caleb Truax
Get your pre sale tickets at www.vitalculture.com

Spicer vs. HanseN

Never Question The Power of the Pen

Did anything stand out? What do you think? Please feel free to Send me an e-mail, or leave your questions or comments here.

October 28, 2009 Posted by Seth | Minnesota Twins, Twins Minor Leagues, Wilson Ramos | | 1 Comment

SethSpeaks Prospect History

also available at www.SethSpeaks.net -

Last Friday, I completed my Top 50 Twins Prospects list by posting my choices for the Top 10 Twins prospects. In looking back at my Archives, I have been doing Top 50 lists since right after the 2005 season. Following the 2004 season, my first attempt was just a Top 25. I have been right on a few of them. I have been wrong on a few more. Of course, when you rank and recognize 50 prospects, it’s a given that not all of them will pan out. But it is fun to do. And it is fun to look back at. Last night, I looked back at all of my Top 50 lists and put together the below list of all of the players who have shown up on one of my post-season prospect lists. (eventually, I may add my mid-season Top 50 rankings to the chart as well). This posting is really just for fun and a nice look back to some names from the past.

 

 Post-2009 Post-2008 Post-2007 Post 2006 Post-2005 Post-2004 (25)
Arcia, Oswaldo 27 NR NR NR NR NR
Arias, Santos 33 51 NR NR NR NR
Aselton, Kyle NR NR NR NR 34 NR
Baker, Scott NR NR NR NR 2 2b
Barrett, Ricky NR NR NR NR 44 22
Bartlett, Jason NR NR NR NR NR 9
Benson, Joe 11 17 9 20 NR NR
Beresford, James 46 NR NR NR NR NR
Berlind, Dan NR NR 45 NR NR NR
Bigley, Evan 44 43 NR NR NR NR
Blackburn, Nick NR NR 27 NR 12 NR
Bonser, Boof NR NR NR NR 17 14
Bowyer, Travis NR NR NR NR 11 NR
Bromberg, David 6 25 21 NR NR NR
Bullock, Billy 31 NR NR NR NR NR
Burnett, Alex 21 30 8 32 NR NR
Burns, Deacon NR NR NR NR 39 NR
Buscher, Brian NR NR 41 NR NR NR
Casilla, Alexi NR NR NR 3 NR NR
Crain, Jesse NR NR NR NR NR 3
Crawford, Tristan NR NR NR 45 NR NR
De Los Santos, Estarlin NR 49 NR NR NR NR
Deeds, Doug NR NR NR 30 24 NR
Delaney, Rob 37 24 NR NR NR NR
Devries, Cole NR 34 42 NR NR NR
Dinkelman, Brian 28 33 20 35 NR NR
Dozier, Brian 41 NR NR NR NR NR
Duensing, Brian NR 20 4 13 35 NR
Duguay, Steven NR NR NR NR NR 13
Durbin, JD NR NR NR NR 22 2a
Gabino, Armando NR NR 50 NR NR NR
Garcia, Martire NR 38 NR NR NR NR
Garza, Matt NR NR NR 1 18 NR
Gassner, Dave NR NR NR NR NR 21
Gibson, Kyle 5 NR NR NR NR NR
Guerra, Deolis 14 12 NR NR NR NR
Gutierrez, Carlos 23 10 NR NR NR NR
Guzman, Garrett NR NR 22 21 NR NR
Harben, Adam NR NR NR NR 10 8
Hawes, Adam NR NR NR 48 43 NR
Hendriks, Liam 42 NR NR NR NR NR
Hermsen, BJ 13 NR NR NR NR NR
Herrmann, Chris 40 NR NR NR NR NR
Hicks, Aaron 1 1 NR NR NR NR
Hirschfeld, Steve 39 44 NR NR NR NR
Hughes, Luke 20 9 NR NR NR NR
Humber, Philip NR 36 NR NR NR NR
Hunt, Shooter 51 16 NR NR NR NR
Jones, Garrett NR NR NR 36 25 5
Jones, Justin NR NR NR 43 15 NR
Kelly, Paul NR NR NR 23 31 NR
Kepler, Max 29 NR NR NR NR NR
Kirwan, Brian NR NR 44 34 NR NR
Kubel, Jason NR NR NR NR 3 1
Ladendorf, Tyler NR 50 NR NR NR NR
Lahey, Tim NR NR 51 NR NR NR
Leatherman, Dan NR NR NR 50 NR NR
Leveret, Rene NR NR 29 NR NR NR
Lewis, Ozzie NR NR 33 NR NR NR
Liriano, Francisco NR NR NR NR 1 4
Lis, Erik NR 26 10 27 46 NR
Lobanov, Andrei 35 NR NR NR NR NR
Macri, Matt NR NR 49 NR NR NR
Manship, Jeff 15 14 5 NR NR NR
Marquez, Winston 47 NR NR NR NR NR
Martin, Dustin NR 21 25 NR NR NR
Matienzo, Danny NR NR NR NR 36 NR
Maza, Luis NR NR NR NR 29 19
McCallum, Derek 43 NR NR NR NR NR
McCardell, Mike 25 18 36 NR NR NR
Mijares, Jose NR 22 35 NR 30 NR
Miller, Colby NR NR NR NR 42 NR
Miller, Jason NR NR NR NR 38 NR
Molina, Felix NR NR NR 41 NR NR
Moore, Caleb NR NR NR 49 NR NR
Morales, Angel 2 3 32 NR NR NR
Morales, Jose NR NR 43 NR NR NR
Morlan, Eduardo NR NR 11 6 21 NR
Moses, Matt NR NR 40 15 5 10
Mullins, Ryan NR 48 15 NR 23 NR
Mulvey, Kevin NR 8 NR NR NR NR
Neshek, Pat NR NR NR NR 26 NR
Oeltjen, Trent NR NR 48 9 27 25
Olson, Garrett NR NR NR 33 NR NR
Olson, Justin NR NR NR NR 48 NR
Ortiz, Daniel NR 29 NR NR NR NR
Osterbrock, Dan NR 32 NR NR NR NR
Ovalle, Edward NR 46 NR NR NR NR
Parmelee, Chris 12 13 6 11 NR NR
Perkins, Glen NR NR NR 5 14 6
Peterson, Brock NR 42 18 17 47 NR
Pino, Yohan NR 40 23 28 NR NR
Pinto, Josmil 26 NR NR NR NR NR
Plouffe, Trevor 16 11 3 19 13 11
Portes, Juan NR 37 16 44 19 NR
Pridie, Jason NR 31 NR NR NR NR
Rabe, Josh NR NR NR NR 50 NR
Rainville, Jay NR 35 19 18 6 24
Ramos, Wilson 3 7 31 NR NR NR
Rams, Danny 17 NR 28 NR NR NR
Revere, Ben 7 2 13 NR NR NR
Robbins, Whit NR 47 NR 22 NR NR
Roberts, Brandon NR NR 39 14 NR NR
Robertson, Tyler 18 6 1 47 NR NR
Romero, Alex NR NR NR 10 7 17
Romero, Deibinson 45 39 24 NR NR NR
Salcedo, Adrian 10 NR NR NR NR NR
Sanchez, Henry NR NR NR NR 33 NR
Sano, Miguel 8 NR NR NR NR NR
Santana, Ramon 38 NR NR NR NR NR
Santiesteban, Danny NR NR NR 29 NR NR
Sawatski, Jay NR NR NR NR NR 23
Simonitsch, Errol NR NR NR 39 28 NR
Singleton, Steve 24 28 NR 46 NR NR
Slama, Anthony 22 27 NR NR NR NR
Slowey, Kevin NR NR NR 2 9 NR
Smit, Alexander NR NR NR 8 32 20
Sosa, Oswaldo NR NR 12 26 NR NR
Soto, Alexander NR 45 NR NR NR NR
Span, Denard NR NR 30 12 8 16
Stuifbergen, Tom 30 NR NR NR NR NR
Swarzak, Anthony NR 5 2 4 4 NR
Taylor, JR NR NR NR NR 49 NR
Testa, Joe 50 NR NR NR NR NR
Thompson, Drew NR NR NR 31 37 NR
Tiffee, Terry NR NR NR NR NR 12
Tintor, Eli NR NR NR 25 NR NR
Tippett, Brad 48 NR 47 NR NR NR
Tolbert, Matt NR NR 34 38 NR NR
Tolleson, Steve 32 19 37 NR NR NR
Tonkin, Michael 34 NR NR NR NR NR
Tosoni, Rene 9 15 26 NR NR NR
Tyler, Scott NR NR NR NR 45 15
Valencia, Danny 4 4 7 24 NR NR
Van Mil, Loek NR NR NR 42 NR NR
Waldrop, Kyle NR NR 17 16 16 7
Waltenbury, Jon NR 41 NR NR NR NR
Ward, Zach NR NR 38 40 NR NR
Weller, Blayne 19 NR NR NR NR NR
West, Kevin NR NR NR NR 40 18
Williams, Reggie 49 NR NR NR NR NR
Winfree, David 36 23 14 7 20 NR
Woodard, Johnny NR NR NR NR 41 NR
Yersich, Greg NR NR 46 37 NR NR

Did anything stand out? What do you think? Please feel free to Send me an e-mail, or leave your questions or comments here.

October 27, 2009 Posted by Seth | Minnesota Twins, Top Prospects, Twins Minor Leagues | | 16 Comments

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