ESPN Insider Keith Law Big On Six Twins Prospects

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Jul 13, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; World pitcher Jose Berrios throws a pitch in the first inning during the All Star Futures Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

#97 Jose Berrios

Prior to the outrage from Twins fans, let’s all pump our breaks here a little bit. Although Jose Berrios shot up the system for the Twins last season, and played in the Future’s Game, and wants to make the starting rotation, context needs to be added. At this time last season, he was an unranked prospect. The recently released ZiPS ratings also have J.D. Durbin as a Berrios comparative player.

While we can hope those things only continue to fuel Berrios’ fire, a 2015 proving that last season was no joke needs to be in store for Jose. Law is very cautious with Berrios saying, “I’ve seen Berrios a number of times, dating back to the Excellence Games in his native Puerto Rico in 2012, and I’ve always had a sense Berrios’ height and lack of life or plane on his fastball would push him to the bullpen. He has the ceiling of a third or fourth MLB starter if he keeps missing bats and can tighten up both off-speed pitches.”

Twins fans certainly are hoping for more out of a player they grew so drawn to a season ago. That being said, if Berrios does keep the ball up in the zone, and lack movement at the higher levels, Law is correct in stating it will continue to burn him. Berrios also dealt with a brief bout of shoulder soreness last season and will need to hope that is behind him. With a full season to prove it, Berrios should be looking at a chance for a September 2015 call up.

Considering that six out of 100 of the top prospects across 30 teams all come from the Twins organization, you have to feel good about the future. When these players get it done at the major league level, everything becomes more real. Are there some players you expected to be included who weren’t, or maybe thought some prospects deserved higher recognition? Let us know!

Next: Top 10 Twins Prospects To Watch In 2015

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