also available at www.SethSpeaks.net -
The Twins have signed 18-year-old right-handed pitcher Kuo-hua Lo from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. He is believed to be the top high school pitching prospect in the country. At 5-11 and 170 pounds, he throws a fastball that touches 94 on occasion. He has a slider and a split-finger fastball that have good speed differential from the fastball. He is working on a curveball. He has a very good makeup and he has been very successful in international competition.
He was signed by Twins International Scout Cary Broder and International Scouting Director Howard Norsetter. Last year, the same combination signed another right-hander from Taiwan, Hung-yi Chen. Chen made his first start last week for the GCL Twins and threw four shutout innings. He gave up two hits, walked none and struck out six. Also, outfielder Wang-Wei Lin signed with the Twins in October of 2006 out of Taiwan and is currently hitting .276/.380/.392 with 16 doubles, a triple and three home runs.
Another quick note, the Twins have signed their 6th round pick, OF Dereck Rodriguez, from high school in Florida. He is the son of Nationals’ catcher and future Hall of Famer Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez. He is making his debut today for the GCL Twins in centerfield.
Looks like another terrific international signing for the Twins. Any comments?
Agreed. The Twins seem to have a lot of success finding and signing pitchers from outside the states. Has anyone done a recent update on which drafted kids have signed and what the prospects are for the others?
Seth,
The Rodriguez signing was reported last week on some other sources as well. I also read earlier this week that the Twins have signed 4th round selection, Matt Summers, rhp, from Cal, Irvine and that he is to report to the Gulf Coast Twins. Had you already reported this signing?
Thanks for the updates – great work as always Seth!
Agreed. Thanks Seth.
Looking forward to seeing these guys play. Twins need someone to dominate.
Thanks for the info, Seth.
Any idea if Kubel is still on schedule to go to AA New Britain this weekend? I bought tickets for Saturday’s game (near my house), so hopefully he’ll make the trip.