Four Years Of Futility: How Did The Twins Get Here?
Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Eddie Rosario against the East during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Twins 2010 MLB Draft Highlights (1st pick 21st overall)
- Alex Wimmers (21)
- Niko Goodrum (71)
- Pat Dean (102)
- Eddie Rosario (135)
- A.J. Achter (1395)
In the 2010 draft, the Twins once again found themselves in the midst of a solid season, and coming off of a good one in 2009. With a pick in the bottom third of the first round, the Twins would have to rely on hitting on each of their top picks. Unfortunately, they missed more often than they didn’t.
Now 2015, Alex Wimmers is 26 years old, and has yet to appear above the Double-A level. He owns a 4.13 career ERA across five professional seasons. He does have an impressive 10.1 K/9 ratio, but has struggled mightily with consistency. In 2014, Wimmers posted his best mark at 3.96, but started only eight of the 31 games he appeared in. Should he ever reach the majors, seemingly a long-shot now, it would appear to be in a relief role.
Goodrum was selected out of high school, and played his first professional season at the age of 18. Now nearing 23, he has yet to surpass Single-A Fort Myers. He regressed a season ago, slashing just .249/.337/.336, and his career line isn’t far off from that. At this point, Goodrum would need a massive turnaround to be able to crack a major league roster.
The Twins will watch Dean turn 26 this season, and the hope would be that he can get back to Triple-A Rochester. After making six starts in 2013, Dean stayed at Double-A New Britain last year. His 4.81 ERA was a step back, and he doesn’t miss enough bats to be that ineffective. In 2014, he also served up a horrid 20 home runs in just 144 innings.
Looking like the lone gem of the list, Eddie Rosario appears poised to crack the major leagues in 2015. He tore up the Arizona Fall League this season, and had he not been suspended a year ago, he could have pushed for playing time in 2014. Now shifted to outfield, his .294/.343/.485 career line should be ready to be an outfield option for the big club.
Only Achter was able to reach the majors of this group thus far. Last season, he appeared in seven games for the Twins down the stretch. He compiled a 3.27 ERA at the MLB level in 11 innings pitched. Although too hittable in 2014, his 2.92 career ERA in the minors suggests he could prove to be a relief option again in the future. As a 46th round pick, Achter definitely deserves a tip of the hat.