Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Last week I reported on the origins of the Pleiss brothers’ Twins prospect challenge. A year into the process, a year that saw eight Twins make their MLB debuts, Eric and I decided to make a change to the prospect challenge.  A quick review of the rules for the prospect challenge, in case any of you here on the Pond want to join: Each person gets to select a position player for each position, three RHP and three LHP. Any player chosen who debuts in MLB within three years of selection will earn one point.  The person with the most points each year is declared the winner.  Last year I picked Scott Diamond as one of my selections, and as a Rule-5 draft pick, he was virtually guaranteed to get called up to the Twins for his MLB debut when theyheaded north out of Ft Myers. To prevent easy pickings like this, and to put more emphasis on projections and predictions we made a very simple, and yet very challenging rule change. Going forward, no prospect who has played above AA is elligible for selection in the prospect challenge.  In addition to the rule change, a year of following prospects and REALLY following the Twins from the top of the organization on down, I learned a lot that I’ll be putting to use for this year’s prospect challenge.   (more…)

Rochester Red Wings (AAA):

The Red Wings were set to host the opening game of a series with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs but the weather wasn’t on the same page. Due to the rainout, the game will be made up tomorrow as a part of a doubleheader.

Current Record: 2-4

New Britain Rock Cats (AA):

Won 4-3 over the Harrisburg Senators (Box Score)

OF Yangervis Solarte led the offensive charge for the Rock Cats going 3-5 with a 2B, 3B, SB, 2 R and 1 RBI. The 23-year old Venezuelan is now hitting 0.320/.320/.520 in 25 at bats. (more…)