Well, 2010 is about to come to an end. As the Twins start preparing for their 2011 season, it is time to take a look at the prospects. Some are high on talent, low on experience, some will help the team in 2011, other will never get a sniff at the majors....
For now, we'll rank them based on age and ability, guys lower in the top 50 may make an impact with the Twins sooner than some high prospects, but the guys higher on the list have a greater chance of doing something special.
50. Jair Fernandez Catcher 12/10/1986.
He was traded from the Mariners for R.A. Dickey in 2008. (Ya know, before the Twins re-signed Dickey in 2009) He had a .241/.332/.347 line at 3 levels, including a .267/.326/.409 line at AA New Britain. He's a decent defensive catcher (he's thrown out 43% base-runners in his career) , though, not a third baseman (I saw him play a poor third base this past season). He could be a useful backup catcher someday.
- 2011 Outlook: With the Twins lack of Catching depth, Fernandez could be near the top of the backup list, but will probably start the year in AA.
49. Yangervis Solarte Infield/Outfield 7/7/1987.
He was signed out of Valencia, Venezuela in 2005. He had a combined line of .292/.328/.401 line at 3 levels, including a .320/.371/.419 line at High A Fort Myers. He's very versatile, playing 4 different positions in 2010.
- 2011 Outlook: Utility man, most likely for AA New Britain.
48. James Beresford Short Stop 1/19/1989.
He was signed by the Twins in 2005 out of Glen Waverly, Australia. He had a .297.349/.363 line at low A Beloit. He also stole 14 bases in 28 attempts. 2010 was his second year in Beloit. He's pretty young, has some ability and is on the short list of middle infield prospects in the system. As mentioned here, the Twins don't have a lot of SS (or 2B) position depth in the system.
- 2011 Outlook: Should spend the full season at High A Fort Myers.
47. Deolis Guerra Starter 4/17/1989.
He was acquired by the Twins in 2008 as part of the Johan Santana trade. After a couple of ordinary seasons since coming over, he had a terrible year in 2010. He went 2-13 with a 6.36 ERA, for AA New Britain and AAA Rochester. He struck out 85 and walked 45 in 127.1 innings. His K rate dropped and walk rate increased in 2010, but he was also unlucky. His hit and HR rate really soared in 2010. He is still young for his level, but he isn't THAT young anymore, he hasn't progressed. I have seen him in person and he has a nice breaking pitch and change up, his fastball tops at around 89. It doesn't look like his fastball will get to the 95 he had in the Mets system again. He has some skill, but no longer looks close to the top prospect he was in 2008. I had him at #19 last year.
- 2011 Outlook: May start a third year in AA.
46. B.J. Hermsen Starter 12/1/1989.
He was a Twins 6th round draft pick in 2008 out of Masonville, Iowa. He went 4-6 with a 5.00 ERA in 12 starts for Beloit after going 2-2 for Rookie League Elizabethtown. He struck out 85 and walked 19 in 110 innings. He doesn't walk many, but his strikeout rate dropped a lot after he was promoted to A ball. He profiles as a back of the rotation starter. I had him at #13 last year based on a .68 WHIP and .68 BB/9 rate in GCL.
- 2011 Outlook: Should start the season in Beloit.
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