TWINS FIRST-DAY PICKS
15. Alex Kirilloff
OF, Pittsburgh Plum High School
Stats: .554 average, three home runs, 23 RBI
• The Twins like his hitting now and his power potential down the road. Some officials have compared him to the Marlins' Christian Yelich, others to former Rockies star Todd Helton. A good athlete who should stick as a corner outfielder but also plays first base. Son of a hitting coach who runs an indoor facility, so he's got some gym rat in him.
56. Ben Rortvedt
C, Verona (Wis.) High School
Stats: .406, five doubles, three triples, 10 RBI
• A lefthanded hitter, Rortvedt is ranked as the 55th-best prospect in the draft by Baseball America. He will have to work on his skills behind the plate, but scouts feel he has the tools to remain a catcher. Has signed with Arkansas. Hit .437 with five home runs and 29 RBI as a junior.
73. JOSE MIRANDA
SS, 6-2, 180, Leadership Christian Academy, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
Stats: not available
• Not speedy and likely will end up at third base. But he has good hands and can field. The Twins really like his swing and aggressiveness at the plate. Ranked as third-best prospect out of Puerto Rico and 113th overall by Baseball America.
74. AKIL BADDOO
OF, 5-11, 184, Salem High School, Conyers, Ga.
Stats: not available
• A speedy outfielder who reminds some officials of Jacque Jones. The Twins like his bat and feel he can develop a little power. The Kentucky commit doesn't have a strong arm and could wind up in center or left field.
La VELLE E. NEAL III
