Twins Top Ten Prospects Update

Now that all levels of the Twins farm system are in action. It's time to rank the top ten prospects in the organization.

I don't like ranking players who have little professional experience. I like to see production before they earn such status. But the Twins are in unique situation because they've added three players in Miguel Angel Sano, Max Kepler and Jorge Poland who are considered to be pretty impressive prospects.

One of the three made the top ten but, by the end of the year, all three might deserve to be ranked. I plan to adjust the ranking every few weeks or so through the end of the season.

Without further delay, here's my Top Ten:

Rank Player Age POS Level ETA

1. Aaron Hicks 20 OF Beloit Late 2012

Stats: .256/.378/.403

vs. lefties: .361/.422/.611
vs. eighties: .211/.361/.313

His walk rate vs righties is much higher than vs lefties (39-9) even if you factor in fewer plate appearances against lefties. His defense has been fine, and the Twins are having him play all around the outfield for experience.

2. Wilson Ramos 22 C Rochester 2010

Stats:.218/.350/.330,

No one doubts his offensive potential. Ramos offered a glimpse of his talents during a brief visit with the Twins earlier this season. Fact: He can catch, throw and hit 450-foot homers. That makes him a top catching prospect.

3. Kyle Gibson 22 SP New Britain Mid 2011

7-4, 3.31 at Fort Myers and New Britain, 23 walks, 73 strikeouts in 84.1 innings

The Twins' top starting prospect has had a a rough last three outings at New Britain. Jim Rantz, the Twins minor league director, said the stuff is still there but he's nibbling instead of pumping strikes over the plate. Still, Gibson has showed just how talented he is, and still could debut sometime next season.

Look for Gibson to be skipped in the rotation soon, which the Twins like to do with many of their starters. And, in about 65 more innings, Gibson - who has a stress fracture in his forearm last year - will be taken out of the rotation and used sparingly out of the bullpen.

4. Ben Revere 22 OF New Britain Early 2011

He's criticized for his below average arm and lack of power. But he can hit and he can fly. That makes him a potential leadoff hitter in a sport where there teams are always looking for a table-setter.

He just needs to avoid getting hit in the knee by his own pitchers' pitches. Or kneed in the eye. Or spiked in the arm. He's missed games this season because of all of three issues. He also needs to improve his jumps and routes in the outfield.

5. Carlos Gutierrez 23 RHP New Britain Late 2010

3-5, 4.65 28 walks and 52 strikeouts in 81.1 innings.

The Twins still have Gutierrez in the rotation so he can work on developing his other pitches. ``He has a changeup, he just has to use it," Rantz said. Gutierrez has used his other pitches more this season, which will benefit him down the road.

6. Miguel Angel Sano 17 3B Dom. Summer League Late 2015

.341/.444/.636

I should have Sano higher. But it's hard for me to rely on short-season stats produced by teenagers. Sano, however, looks to be quite a talent. He projects to have plus power with a chance to have plus-plus power. He has three home runs in 14 games played so far.

He's 17 with the body of a 21-year old. In person he comes across as a 14-year old, based on the couple times I've dealt with him. Not to rip him, he just needs time to mature and become a pro. That's one reason why the Twins have him playing in the DSL, where he can be close to his family for awhile.
The plan, however, is for Sano (and SS Jorge Poland, another kid worth tracking) to move to the Gulf Coast League during the first week of July.

7. Angel Morales 20 OF Beloit Late 2012

He was recently moved to Fort Myers after being named Midwest League offensive player of the week while with Beloit. Has only four homers but is expected to develop solid power and runs well. Has played the corner outfield spots but can be used in center field if needed. The thing that jumps out is that his on base percentage was nearly 100 points better than his batting average at Beloit. Power,patience and good speed - three good things to have,

8. David Bromberg 22 RHP New Britain Mid 2011

4-4, 3.62 34 walks and 46 strikeouts in 74.2 innings

If you're looking for a prospect who can miss bats, then Bromberg might be your guy. A former 32nd round pick, Bromberg throws a nasty curve to go with a low 90's fastball, slider and change. He's used the change up more the last couple of seasons. His K-rate is down this season, but if he continues to work on changing speeds and harness his curve, the walks should turn to strikeouts.

9. B.J. Hermsen 20 RHP Beloit Late 2013

He combined on a no-hitter last year. Last week, he had a no-hitter for 7.2 innings before giving up a hit.
He doesn't have overpowering stuff. But he pounds the strike zone and makes opponents put the ball in play.

10 Joe Benson 22 OF New Britain Mid 2012

.265/.363/.522 at Class A Fort Mayer and Class AA New Britain.

Benson started the season at Class AA New Britain but was demoted to Fort Myers - which might have been a wake up call. Now back at New Britain, he's gone .333/.404/.690 in ten games. He's got speed, some pop and will take his walks. Like Hicks, he's got to do better against eighties (.204/.336/.355) but at least he has showed enough to get back to New Britain.