System overview
The Twins built their 2002 American League Central Division title almost entirely through the farm system. Of the 11 players who appeared in 90 or more games for the Twins last year, eight were originally drafted or signed by the Twins, and the others came in through trades. The farm system is deep, and features the best catching prospect in the game, one of the best first baseman, and several potential regular outfielders. Power, a weakness of the system in the late 1990s, is now found in abundance.

The team has been a bit less successful developing pitching, and most of the best young arms won't be ready for at least a year. There is also a distinct lack of middle infield talent. But GM Terry Ryan, and the scouting staff directed by Mike Radcliff, own a proven track record of fixing problem areas as they arise. The Twins are fairly conventional in their draft approach, but have developed a firm foundation in Venezuela, are quite active in Australia, and have even taken a few dips into the European baseball market. They don't have the financial resources to compete for the Jose Contreras types on the international market, but have proven they can win without doing so.

The Twins were recently named 2002 Organization of the Year by Baseball America, an honor well deserved. The team is poised to compete for the long haul, and the thriving farm system is the biggest reason.

2002 amateur draft
The Twins went with a mixture of high school and college talent in 2002. Picking 20th overall, they selected Tampa high school outfielder Denard Span in the first round. He signed too late to play, but draws comparisons to Kenny Lofton, due to his speed and gap power. He could replace Torii Hunter down the road in center field, but we need to see what he does at higher levels of course. Second-round pick Jesse Crain, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Houston, has blistering stuff, and is expected to move quickly up the ladder as a future closer. Third-round pick Mark Sauls, a high school pitcher from Florida, didn't sign. Similar problems were encountered with coveted high school picks in the fifth, 11th, and 14th rounds.

A pair of college pitchers to watch closely is sixth-rounder Pat Neshek of Butler, and seventh-rounder Ricky Barrett of San Diego. Both pitched extremely well in their debuts, Neshek especially, and add to system depth.

The inability to sign several picks hurt, and first-rounder Span will need some development time. But Crain, Neshek, and Barrett are college types who could pay quick dividends on the mound. All in all, this is an average draft on first impression.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see significant major league action in 2003. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '04 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically. No 2002 draftees are listed.

WILL HELP SOON
Mike Cuddyer, OF: Still rookie eligible, and will likely start in right field in '03. Few weaknesses as a hitter, and the Twins love his makeup. Should hit .270+ with good power, with potential All-Star numbers down the road.

Adam Johnson, RHP: 5.47 ERA in Triple-A was a disappointment, but he'll still be given a shot at earning a bullpen role in '03. Works at 90-94 mph, with a good changeup, but he's had problems with his breaking ball.

Mike Restovich, OF: Behind Cuddyer on the depth chart, but a good player to have in reserve. Excellent raw power, but problems with contact against good pitching resulted in 151 Triple-A strikeouts. No need to rush him.

Lew Ford, OF: Hit 20 homers, stole 28 bases between Double-A and Triple-A. Blocked from being a regular in deep Twins outfield, but will give Dustan Mohr a run for his money on the bench.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
J.D. Durbin, RHP: Went 13-4 with 3.19 ERA and 163/51 K/BB ratio in 161 innings in the Midwest League. Works in the low 90s, is a fine overall athlete, and brings a fierce demeanor to the mound.

Beau Kemp, RHP: Saved 29 games with a 0.61 ERA at Class A Fort Myers. A better prospect than many A-ball closers, due to his lively fastball and nasty slider.

Joe Mauer, C: Best long-term catching prospect in baseball. Hit .302 with great strike zone judgment in the Midwest League. Power should come shortly, and his defense is sound.

Colby Miller, RHP: Like Durbin, he was successful in the Midwest League (3.78 ERA), can strike people out, and is a good athlete. Less refined in other ways, though.

Justin Morneau, 1B: Powerful first baseman, just tapping into his natural ability. Hit .296 with 15 homers at Double-A New Britain despite being weakened by a virus. Will threaten Doug Mientkiewicz at first base in 2004.

Scott Tyler, RHP: Watch this guy. Hits 95 mph, has a potentially evil breaking ball, and fanned 92 in just 68 innings at Rookie level Elizabethton, going 8-1, 2.93. Full-season debut in '03 should be tracked closely.

KEY SLEEPER
Jason Kubel, OF: Hit .321 with 17 homers, 41 walks, and just 48 strikeouts in the Midwest League. A 12th-round pick from a California high school in '00, he's got a lot of pop and is surprisingly refined at the plate.

Other names to know
Grant Balfour, RHP; Jason Miller, LHP; Brad Thomas, LHP; James Tomlin, OF; Dusty Gomon, 1B; Sandy Tejada, RHP; Matt Vorwald, RHP; Alex Romero, OF; Trent Oeltjen, OF.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 Minor League Scouting Notebook, and is now working on the 2003 Baseball Prospect Book. His biography of Bob Feller will be published next spring. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at JohnSickels.com.