Gleeman’s Top 40
Almost as good as Kasey Kasem’s American Top 40, Aaron Gleeman has been producing a list of the top 40 prospects in the Twins farm system. He came out with his top 10 this week. Not surprisingly, it was VERY pitching heavy, as we all know the Twins don’t have much in terms of young hitting talent. They are starting to amass some in the lower ranks, but not much that is major league ready. I was happy to see that probably for the first time since Joe Mauer was a prospect, the number 1 prospect in the Twins system was a position player. Carlos Gomez took the spot this year, which isn’t surprising. I am very excited about this guy, and blame his terrible numbers with the Mets last year on being rushed through the system and the Mets below average minor league talent developers. The Mets have really only had two good home grown players in recent memory: David Wright and Jose Reyes. Three if you count John Maine. With a half or full season of, well seasoning, Gomez has the opportunity to be a very exciting Jose Reyes type player. He already has excellent baserunning ability, this is NOT the same thing as speed, and defense. His OBP has steadily increased over his career at various minor leauge levels, so that is encouraging. I would say give him a year (or half) in Rochester away from Gardy’s terrible treatment of youngsters, and he will be making us say Torii Who? in no time.
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The problem with that is that Gomez is looking pretty good in Spring Training; he looks like he could win the spot outright.
I think he would probably benefit from some more time at AAA, but if he demonstrates the ability to get on base (where he’s been showing that he can steal bases at will), we can’t keep him out of the lineup.
Maybe he will tank it and they can just give the job to pridie, since I care the least about his long term development as a player. I don’t care if we rush him. Although i bet they go with Craig Monroe or something in CF. At least that way Kubel will get all the ABs at DH.
It is interesting to see that today Garret Jones hit a two run homer off Joba Chamberlain. Chamberlain had a great stint last year with the Yankees however I’m glad that the Twins did not get him in a trade from NY (even though I think he was off the market anyway). Getting a chance to watch him pitch at Nebraska several times, I (and all my scouting talent) was never overly impressed with him as a pitcher. It seemed that batters improved greatly against him every time he pitched. Even Creighton University hitters had success against him. He may prove me wrong and turn out to be a great MLB pitcher, however I personally don’t think he is worth the hype he received last year. I guess time will tell.
That’s an excellent observation, Grizz.
Everything you hear about Joba is that he “throws 100 MPH!!!!” and is large around the waist, therefore is “the next Roger Clemens!!!!”
But Clemens was more than a guy who threw the ball hard. He knew what he was doing on the mound; if college hitters improve against you the more they see you, it shows you’re not making the necessary adjustments. Those adjustments are what makes a great pitcher.
You can’t throw a fastball hard enough that major leaguers can’t hit it.