The Minnesota Twins have had a boatload of their top prospects featured in publications throughout the entirety of this offseason. As they near the beginning of Spring Training 2015, injuries are something the organization will be looking to avoid. Australian prospect Lewis Thorpe had a significant scare this offseason, but appears to be progressing nicely.
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Thorpe was dealing with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament, a potentially serious injury should a tear occur. UCL injuries are the root of Tommy John surgery, and the scare cause Thorpe to hold off from pitching this offseason. Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press spoke with Twins director of minor league operations Brad Steil, and the Twins believe Thorpe will be ready to go.
Steil said, “He’s doing fine. He got to Fort Myers last week. He’s picking up where he left off in the fall. Right now he’s just in a throwing program. We’ll see how that goes and get him on the mound as soon as we can. We’re pretty confident he’s good to go. It’s just a matter of ramping him up again on the mound.” Just 19, Thorpe looked strong in Cedar Rapids a season ago, and could figure to be right in the thick of things for Fort Myers this season.
In other news regarding the state of the Twins minor league system, Jorge Polanco had an interesting offseason in the Dominican Winter League. Despite playing all but one game at second base, Steil told Berardino that Polanco “will be playing shortstop” for the Twins. With Brian Dozier firmly entrenched at second base, that would seem like the best plan of action. Dozier is a candidate for a long-term extension, and Polanco could be an upgrade at the major league level if Danny Santana and Eduardo Escobar don’t work out.
Looking at a former first round pick, the Twins appear hopeful that this is the season Levi Michael starts to put things together. Despite dealing with a few injuries a season ago, Michael hit .313 in the minors last season and finished the year at Double-A New Britain. He has failed to impress thus far in his professional career, but 2014 provides some hope that a utility infield position could potential be salvaged out of the Twins miss on the former first round pick.
We are now just two days away from the Twins getting things underway at the newly renovated Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. Minnesota will have more buzz than they have in recent memory, and with a team that looks to compete in 2015, it is more than warranted.
Next: Twins Picks: Where Are They Now?
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