Minnesota Twins top prospect, Jose Berrios tops list of minor league players of the week after logging two impressive starts.
The Minnesota Twins (13-11) are off to a surprising start to the season, with many of the regulars off to hot starts. The Twins have also been able to avoid the injury bug. This has resulted in in few transactions for the team to this point.
This, however does not mean that there are not several players in the minor league system who would be more than ready if they receive the call. Chief among them being Jose Berrios, who is not only my Twins AAA pitcher of the week, but also was named the International League pitcher of the week.
The Twins top two levels performed well this week. The Rochester Red Wings post a record of 12-9, while the Chattanooga Lookouts sit at 11-13. Both teams had several players with standout performances making this weeks choices difficult.
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Rochester Red Wings (AAA)
The Red Wings went 4-2 this week, on the backs of 2nd baseman Tommy Field and starting pitcher Jose Berrios.
Tommy Field– Field hit for a .411 (7/17) average last week. Field hit 5 doubles, 1 home-run, drove in a run, scored 6, and drew 2 walks. The 30 year old Field, doesn’t figure to be part of the Twins long term plans but its still encouraging to see a guy put together a week like this.
Jose Berrios– In 2 starts this week, Berrrios pitched 14 innings, allowing 1 earned run on 6 hits, and striking out 17. The Twins know what they have in Berrios and are probably doing him a disservice by leaving him in AAA this long. The kid has nothing left to prove, his issues always strike at the Major League level and an extended stay is going to be the only way he can work through those issues.
Chattanooga Lookouts (AA)
The Lookouts didn’t have their best week going 2-5. The record shouldn’t fool you though, there were still several performances that stood out.
Lamonte Wade– Wade hit .380 (8/21) last week. Wade hit 3 doubles, drove in 4 runs, scored 6 runs, and drew 2 walks. Wade (23), who has the versatility to play multiple OF positions, has been steadily progressing trough the Twins minor league system since being drafted in the 9th round in 2015. This season he started in AA. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him end up in AAA before seasons end.
Fernando Romero In 2 starts this week Romero posted a 1-1 record. Romero pitched 12 1/3 innings allowing 11 hits and 1 earned run, while striking out 12. Twins fans, if you haven’t already, do some research on Romero. Romero, just 22, posts a career minor league ERA of 2.44 and strikes out about a batter per inning.
Honorable Mentions
Nick Gordon 7/24. That sound you hear is Gordon’s MLB arrival date being pushed up, it happens almost daily.
Dan Gamache 7/21. A strong week for the 26 year old.
Ehire Adrianza 7/23. Adrianza, finally healthy, put together a great first week of action in AAA.
Adalberto Mejia 7 innings, no runs, 6 strikeouts. He’s going to be fine folks, just a little more polish.
Next: Home-run Derby Comes Early for Twins
Forward Thinking
The Minnesota Twins have an open spot in the rotation on Friday as they only have 4 starting pitchers on their Major League roster. If you listen to Paul Molitor, he’s preaching patience when it comes to Berrios. It could be time though. With the Twins playing well above expectations, Berrios could be the shot in the arm they need to continue the strong play.