Minnesota Twins: Day 2 and notable Day 3 draft selections

5th Round: Cole Sands, RHP, Florida State

At first glance, Cole Sands doesn’t look that impressive based on the numbers he has churned out in college. In 2018 he is 7-4 with a 4.54 ERA IN 14 games started. Even as a pitcher who isn’t going to miss a lot of bats, he does have a 88/25 K/BB ratio and .225 batting average against. Even if the numbers don’t show it, there is promise in the right-hander and brother of Chicago Cubs minor leaguer Carson Sands.

The younger Cole Sands has been a solid starting pitcher for three seasons with a good college program which has something to say for itself. Coaches always are going to say the best about their own players around draft time, but Florida State associate head coach Mike Bell had an especially encouraging comparison for Sands. Bell said,

"“I kind of compare him to a gentleman I had the pleasure of coaching when I was at the University of Oklahoma by the name of Garrett Richards. Garret was, I don’t wanna say a late bloomer, but he was a guy who always had potential, always had the stuff. And really it wasn’t until his junior year that he put the whole package together. I think you’re gonna see Cole’s career take off at the next level.”"

The Twins would be very excited if Sands could develop into a Richards level pitcher and be a solid 3-5 starter in a future Twins rotation.

6th Round: Charles Mack, SS, Williamsville East HS (NY)

In the sixth round and 184th overall, the Twins went with a high school shortstop. Mack is considered to be fairly athletic but may not have quite enough range to stick as a shortstop. What is a plus is Mack’s arm which will allow him to be able to play at positions like third base, second base, or even a corner outfield spot. Mack also shows the ability to grow as a hitter, especially in the power department. Something that will be essential for him if he lands in a corner position professionally. Mack is committed to Clemson and was ranked as the 133rd prospect by MLB.com.