Minnesota Twins: Minor League Report 4/16 – 4/22
By Tyler Comer
In a week where the Minnesota Twins struggled on the mound and at the plate, several of the teams top prospects shined in the Minors.
It’s no secret, the Minnesota Twins have struggled for much of the last decade. The one positive to being a below average ball club is the high draft pick acquired in doing so.
As the Twins have struggled, many fans’ patience has worn thin and understandably so. Outside of 2015 (83-79), the Twins have’t won more than 80+ games since 2010. They also had lost 90+ from 2011-2014 including 103 losses last season.
All that to say, it’s been a long patience wearing ride. Ask the Cubs, Pirates and Royals fans though, often times a rebuild of the minor league system leads to a team that becomes, at the very least, a perennial playoff contender.
The Minnesota Twins have an abundance of talent at their AA and AAA affiliates right now, hopefully signaling brighter days ahead for the major league club. Let’s take a look at how some of the top prospects performed last week.
Rochester Red Wings (AAA)
The Red Wings sit in 2nd place in the International League’s North division at this point in the season with a record of 8-7.
This week’s hitter of the week was a split decision between OF/1B Daniel Palka and OF JB Shuck. Both Palka and Shuck had 3 multi-hit games apiece last week.
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Palka had a huge three day stretch from the 16th -19th that saw him go 8 for 12 with 3 HR, and 7 RBI. Palka has always had major league power, but to this point in his career has lacked the consistent ability to make contact resulting in a high strikeout rate.
Shuck, a winter FA addition to the team, also enjoyed a good week. Shuck had 3 multi-hit games. In those, he went 6 for 14 with 2 doubles, a triple, a home-run and 3 RBI’s. Shuck is an MLB vet, who’s seen his fair share of time in the majors. It wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see him called up if an injury hit one of the big league outfielders.
This weeks pitcher of the week goes to Jason Wheeler. Wheeler started on 4/21 and went 7 strong innings. Wheeler generated 11 strikeouts, a welcome site for all Twins fans, and allowed 2 earned runs on 5 hits.
Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)
The Lookouts sit in 3rd place in the Southern League’s Northern Division, with a record of 8-7.
This week’s hitter of the week is Twins top prospect SS Nick Gordon. Gordon had 3 multi-hit games last week. During that three game stretch Gordon went 8 for 12 with 2 doubles, a triple and 3 RBI. The bat should be of no concern to Twins fans, however, three errors at shortstop already this season could be feeding the position change fire.
This week’s pitcher of the week goes to 29 year old, Paul Clemens. Clemens pitched 11 1/3 innings, yielding only 1 earned run in two starts this week. Clemens earned a win and a no decision for his efforts.
Next: Minnesota Twins Fall in MLB Power Rankings
Keep your head up Twins fans; help is on the way!