Tuesday May 1st, 2012

Sam Evans: The Twins have made it obvious they have no plans of contending this year. Their whole infield is pretty depressing and the pitching staff has looked awful. Minnesota doesn’t have an amazing farm system, but they do have some pitchers that probably will be in the majors in the coming years. Here is a review of a couple of the top Twins pitching prospects.

Madison Boer, RHP, A-Ball: Madison Boer is a twenty-two year old right-handed throwing starting pitcher. He was drafted in the 2011 2nd round out of the University of Oregon but he was born in Minnesota. His fastball sits in the low-90’s and he also has a slider and a splitter. Last year, in fifteen games pitching in relief in Rookie ball, Boer struck out thirty-one of the sixty-seven batters he faced.

In 2012, Boer has gotten off to another hot start. Facing A-Ball hitters, Boer has posted a 3.31 FIP. Unfortunately, his strikeout rates have not been close to where they were in 2011. This year, Boer has faced one hundred and sixteen batters, and only struck out twenty. He’s only had five starts, but his strikeout rates will definitely be something to watch this year. Overall, Boer could turn into a solid #3 starter for the Twins. I’m sure the Twins would be thrilled if they could get that kind of value from a second round pick.

Hudson Boyd, RHP, Extended Spring Training: The Twins selected Boyd with the 55th pick and had to give him a $1 million signing bonus not to go to college.  In high school, Boyd flashed above-average velocity at times hitting 97 MPH. I’m not as high on Boyd as others. For a high school pitcher who can throw 97, he didn’t exactly live up to expectations. Boyd could still become a #2 starter for the Twins, but I think it’s more likely that he is a set-up man.

Alex Wimmers, RHP, AA: Alex Wimmers was drafted by the Twins in the first round of the 2010 draft. While it is still too early to tell, the Wimmers pick isn’t looking great for the Twins right now. Players such as Christian Yelich and Gary Brown were both taken a couple of picks after the Twins took Wimmers. Wimmers is a 6’2” 200 lbs righty whose fastball sits in the lower-90’s. Coming into the draft, Wimmers was lauded for his above-average command poise on the mound. It’s a bummer that Wimmers hasn’t shown that great command in the minor leagues so far.

In 2011, Wimmers only pitched forty-one innings, and started a mere four games. The reason he pitched such a small amount of innings is largely due to his control issues. Early in the year, Wimmers struggled to throw strikes so the Twins kept him in Extended Spring Training.

Heading into 2012, Wimmers appeared to be the only pitcher on this list that could see time in the majors in 2012. Unfortunately, after just one start in AA, Wimmers was placed on the disabled list with a right elbow strain. Hopefully, Wimmers can get back on the mound soon, but pitchers almost never miss just fifteen days with elbow strains. An injury is awful news for Wimmers because he needs to throw a lot of innings this year more than anything. If Wimmers can reach his potential, he could be a back-end starter for years to come in Minnesota.

The Twins do have some pitching help on the way. Wimmers, Boer, and Boyd all have the chance to be above-average major league regulars. We haven’t even included Kyle Gibson, the Twins top pitching prospect  until undergoing Tommy John surgery last September. As Twins’ fans have learned in the past, pitching prospects are a risky business. If just one of these pitchers can become an above-average pitcher, the Twins should be thrilled. Minnesota’s starting pitching has really hurt them this year, and unfortunately, help is a long ways away.

**Today’s feature was prepared by our Baseball Writer, Sam Evans.  We highly encourage you to leave your comments and feedback at the bottom of the page and share in the discussion with our readers.  You can also follow Sam on Twitter. (@RJA206)***

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