I remember this generating a lot of posts last year, and early this year.  They are similar pitchers who rely on control, and both had good minor league numbers.

Andy Sonnanstine  (13-7)

IP 175

197 hits allowed, 30 bb, 108 k's

4.47 era, 1.3 whip, .285 opponent batting average

Kevin Slowey  (12-9)

IP 146 ( missed a little time with injury)

140 hits allowed, 19 bb, 111 k's

3.63 era, 1.09 whip, .250 opponent batting average

It's safe to say that Sloweys numbers across the board in every category except wins have been better, and wins are usually team based.  This is not meant to rip Andy Sonnanstine, as I think he's a quality pitcher, and the Drays have had a better year than the twins.  I just think Slowey has clearly put himself in a better class than Sonnanstine.  His K ratio is marketably better, as is his hits per inning.

I think slowey is making a case for a #2 type SP in the AL, while Andy Sonnanstine projects more as a #4.

He was a third round draft pick by Minnesota in 2007, he is from Puerto Rico.  He's a speedy CF who is 6"1 about 180.  Before the draft most the publications said he lacked power.

Angel who is only 18 years of age, in the Appy League, one of the younger guys in the league now leads the league in Home runs with 15, after hitting 4 Homers in his past 3 games, including 2 tonight.   He has had some problems with strikeouts but still maintains a .420 on base % and .330 average.

The twins must be thrilled with this pick so far, if he can clean up his strikeouts a bit he looks to have unlimited potential as 5 tool prospect.

Twins depth in CF is pretty nice in the minors ( ben revere, angel morales, aaron hicks) all in the lower levels.  Watch out Carlos Gomez.....

and yes i know it will look nothing like Johns.

1.) Ben Revere - Hitting roughly .400, very good contact hitter good speed, future lead off.

2.) Shooter Hunt- Yes I know we just drafted him, but I see him being the next big Twins pitcher. I loved him before the draft, and was stoked to see us land him. He hasn't let me down at all with his hot start.

3.) Aaron Hicks- This pick is based more on potential. He's a terror on the bases, he has some pop and is considered by all to be a 5 tool talent. With a unlimited upside. He's doing well in GCL ball.

4.) Michael Mccardell- Big tall, righty who is with Beloit. I got the chance to see him live this year and he just dominated. A solid fast ball, with devestating off speed stuff. I'm telling you this kid is one to keep your eye on.

5.) Anthony Slama- He has been virtually unhittable as the closer for Fort Myers. Baseballamerica rated him top closer recently in minors so far this year. His stat line is just silly.

6.) Luke Hughes- He really has emerged as a prospect this year. He hit a big homer at the all star game for AA tonight, and has really come on this year. Twins will give a look next year i'd imagine. We could use an Aussie!

7.) Tyler Robertson- He's currently injured but this kids really good. He is repeating the success he had last year, with another big season. He is tall, and a lefty and projectable. We could see him in 2010 or 2011.

8.) Carlos Gutierrez- Twins just drafted this kid out of Miami where he had a excellent career. He could either be a future RP or a SP. He throws 93-94 with great sink. He could be fast paced to the bigs

9.) Jonathan Waltenbury- Big Canadian 1st basemen....hmmm we've done okay with those! This kid can hit too, he's hitting around .350 in Appy ball and showing some doubles/HR power. Twins brass is said to be very high on this kid as a hitter also. Possibly a future DH as well.

10.) Dan Valencia- I've always been high on this kid. 3rd basemen who tore up FSL this year and is holding his own in New Britain, he's got pretty hot as of late. I think he could push for a position next year possibly.

11. ) Kevin Mulvey- . I see him as a back of the rotation starter, who can give you innings. We all know he came over in the Johan trade. He's not exactly dominating AAA, but he's doing okay.

12.) Angel Morales- We drafted him the other year out of Puerto Rico I believe it was. He's another one who plays CF but probably projects more to LF. He is in the Appy league this year, and surprisingly is showing major pop with 6 Hr's already and a great batting average. He needs to cut down on his K's a bit, but looks promising forsure.

13. ) Trevor Plouffe- This kid is still young. Former first round draft pick back in 2004 I believe it was. He's now in AAA and holding his own. I think he will have a legit chance at some point next year to make the twins. He's not exceptional at anything, but very solid in most aspects of the game. I think he'll have a long MLB career, maybe with many teams, but he'll play ball somewhere.

14.) Wilson Ramos- He plays catcher for the Miracle. He is great defensively. He needs some work at the dish, his average is only around .250 but he does have some pop with 8 homers or so. I can see him making a future great back up catcher with Mauer of course the main guy. It would be nice to keep the great defensive catcher tandems going.

15.) Deolis guerra- Another SP we got in the trade for Johan. He is currently in Fort Myers, with the miracle. He's having a solid year, but not spectacular. He's been inconsisent. Shows lots of flashes. People need to remember he was born in 1989, so he's a very young kid still. I think he could pan out, he may not be the ace some thought, but should be a MLB pitcher.

16. ) Chris Parmelee- This kid really needs to get going. He does show lots of pop, but K's too much. He has around 15 hr's this year in Beloit. He could be a future DH type, but by no means is he going to have a career at 1st base where he currently plays. I still hold out hope for him, but he needs to fire it up soon.

17.) Jeff Manship- Had a pretty good year at High A ball, with the Miracle, however is struggling a bit in AA, but that's too be expected. I think he'll turn it around.

18.) Michael Gonzalez- Big 6"6 Juco kid drafted this year, from California area. He's only hitting .450 + with the GCL team. He's one to watch!

19.) Bradley Tippet- Starting pitcher for the Appy team. Has some pretty dominant numbers so far this year, and twins brass I've heard likes him a lot as well.

20.) diebenson romero. 3rd basemen from Beloit. Has a pret

his last 2 starts he has shown signs of dominance.

Last start he went 7 innings, 3 hits, 9 k's with a walk, 0 runs

Today he went 6 innings, 3 hits, 7k's, 0 runs

This would be big for the Twins down the stretch if his arm is indeed ready.  They could trade that slug Livan Hernandez who is on pace to give up like 280 hits this year.  Yeah I know his record looks okay, he's just lucky he's got some pretty good run support.

Baker, slowey, blackburn, liriano, perkins could be pretty good.  Lets hope Liriano has no setbacks this time!!!!

Hit a homer, then a triple, then double then single....did it backwards.

It's safe to say this kid is a keeper and minnesota fans are liking the trade more and more. 

He's fun to watch, last twins player to hit for the cycle since the deceased Kirby Puckett. I think he can become a 20 homer guy who hits around .300 and also scores 100 runs with 60 + sb's a year.  He's going to have his ups and downs of course, but in his prime he could be a special talent.

Congrats Carlos

I was researching the Snappers pitching staff a bit and was a little blown away with how tall on average their pitchers were.

Can anyone find me a staff of pitchers ( beloits 14 pitchers ) that were as a group taller in the majors or minors.

1.) Loek Van Mil - 7"1

2) Mike Tarsi - 6"8

3.) Dan Berlind- 6"7

4.) Henry Reyes- 6"7

5.-8 David Bromberg/Brian Kirwan, steven hirschfield/mike mccarddell - 6"5

9 ) 6"3

10-13 - 4 guys at 6"2

14) 6"1

Sorry if this is a dumb post, but this looks like a freaking basketball roster to me.

Kevin slowey
Kevin mulvey
Anthony swarzak
Nick Blackburn
Scott Baker ( i know he's more then a spect )
Phil Humber

I rate Tyler robertson and Deolis guerrera at the top of the pack as far as potential goes.

Also, what kind of pitcher is Kevin Mulvey? Can any mets fans add something here? Is he a "smart" pitcher like Slowey, who doesn't have unreal stuff but can get batters out.  Does he have a out pitch or what.

I know about Deolis, he's young, projectable great fastball and change up, but wayyyyy off.  I'm trying to get a feel on Mulvey..

it clearly seems the writing is on the wall and he will be dealt fairly soon.

Is it the Yankees, they got some pieces with young talent like Cano, Hughes, Joba, Kennedy and the twins could even use a guy like Melky....

Is it the Boston Red Sox....Pair Johan with Beckett and whoever else and they will go on a patriots type run.  Boston has some young talent in Ellsbury, bucholz, bowden, and a few others of course.

Is it the Dodgers?  Torre I'm sure would love to have this guy, and they must counter the Angels big spending, to keep the fans.  Johan would be a great fit.  Dodgers have a ton of young pieces...  Kemp, Looney, kershaw, billingsley....

What is your vote...

first off I'm a huge twins fan, and I'll miss Hunter ( at least the contract year torii ) dohhhh

But wow, 18 mill a year for Hunter, ummmmm yeahhhh......thats absurd.

I'm glad he signed with angels and not chisox or texas...better draft pick compensation!

Goodby mr. Hunter

filler filler filler

in 2010, the year of the new ballpark.

C- Joe Mauer
1- Justin morneau
2nd- Alexi Casilla
SS- Trevor Plouffe
3rd- Deibenson Romero or valencia RF- Michael Cuddyer
CF- Ben Revere
LF- Chris Parmeele
DH- Ozzie Lewis/Rene Leveret Utility man- Brian Dinkleman

SP's
1.) Johan Santana - lefty (ace of aces)
2.) Franky Liriano  -lefty ( pure ace if healthy)
3.) Matty Garza - #1 type stuff, good #2
4.) Anthony Swarzak  - Doing well in AA
5.) Tyler Robertson -lefty  loads of upside/doing well in Beloit

Bullpen

Cl- Pat Neshek
#1 set up- Eduardo Morlan
**lefty reliever- Glen Perkins

and a million other pitchers i could list for SP and RP candidates will go unmentioned.

The bulk of the money in this lineup will go to santana/morneau/mauer is locked up through 2010, neshek could be well paid, and possibly garza and liriano although they got some time left, cuddy will do alright also.

I think Nathan will be dealt and Hunter will be either signed and traded in the coming years, or leave in FA.  

Pitchers like Silva, baker, bonser, slowey...all have value so there might be some solid return if they decide to move those players.