Minnesota Twins Minor League Report: Who Could See Time at Target Field in 2011

The Minnesota Twins have always prided themselves on the amount of talent available in their minor league system. The organization has also always been known for developing their players at a conservative pace.

Current Twins third baseman Danny Valencia spent a full four seasons in the minor leagues before getting the call to the majors this past season.

He made the best of his opportunity, solidifying his place as the team's starting third baseman for the remainder of the season, and will likely remain there for the foreseeable future.

After seeing Valencia succeed at baseball's highest level, who else might have a chance to make Minneapolis home in 2011?

Kyle Gibson

During the 2010 season, the Twins starting rotation saw its fair share of struggles. There were points in the season where many were wondering whether upstart pitcher Kyle Gibson would get a chance to prove himself with the club.

Gibson started the season with the organization's Single-A team, but solid performances throughout the summer earned him a spot in the rotation at Triple-A Rochester by season's end.

Between the three clubs, Gibson earned himself an 11-6 record in 26 starts. He struck out more than seven batters per nine innings while walking two per nine.

Depending on how the Twins rotation looks as the spring unfolds, whether due to free agency or injury, Gibson could find himself making some starts with the Twins in 2011.

Ben Revere

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ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 11: U.S. Futures All-Star Ben Revere #7 of the Minnesota Twins at bat during the 2010 XM All-Star Futures Game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 11, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Ben Revere spent the majority of the 2010 season with class AA New Britain, batting .305 in 94 games. Revere proved to be an asset on the basepaths, stealing 36 bases in 49 attempts.

Revere's September call-up was in itself almost a miracle. Not because of his ability, but because just a month earlier, on Aug. 3, a 95-mph fastball broke a bone in Revere's face.

While Revere may have performed like a September call-up during his time with the Twins, further development of his hitting and defense during the offseason could win him a spot as a reserve outfielder at some point in 2011.

Anthony Slama

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ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 11: U.S. Futures All-Star Anthony Slama #24 of the Minnesota Twins throws a pitch during the 2010 XM All-Star Futures Game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 11, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Anthony Slama was very effective with Triple-A Rochester in 2010, pitching 65 innings while maintaining an impressive 2.20 ERA.

For a brief period of time, Twins fans got a chance to see Slama at the major league level this past summer.

In five relief appearances, Slama garnered a 7.71 ERA while striking out five over 4.2 innings.Slama's performance was disappointing in many regards, as there was a large contingent who thought that Slama was the heir apparent to the closer role.

There is still plenty of hope for Slama in 2011, however, as a great deal of uncertainty in the Twins bullpen could lead to a second chance for the young right-hander.

Aaron Hicks

The No. 14 overall pick in the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft, outfielder Aaron Hicks has been a work in progress. A .269 average in two seasons playing for Single-A Beloit is below the expectations of some scouts, and his 112 strikeouts in 2010 show that he still needs to work on his patience at the plate.

Hicks shows remarkable speed in the field and on the basepaths. He has drawn comparisons to Torii Hunter, possessing a seemingly endless range in center field.

His speed on the basepaths is an asset, but his decision-making will need some work, as he is caught stealing almost as often as he makes it in safely.

Hicks will likely spend the 2011 season in Double-A, but don't count out an appearance with the Twins in September. His debut could possibly be expedited if injuries or a lack of production at the major league level require his services.

Rob Delaney

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FORT MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 23: Rob Delaney #56 of the Minnesota Twins poses during photo day at the Twins spring training complex on February 23, 2008 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images)

Another September call-up, relief pitcher Rob Delaney only made one late-season appearance with the Twins. While Twins fans may not have had much of an opportunity to see Delaney in action, there is reason to believe that 2011 will be a different story.

Delaney spent the 2010 season with the Rochester Red Wings of the International League, appearing in 61 games and amassing a 7-9 record with an ERA of 4.73.

In the 80 innings Delaney pitched with Rochester, he struck out a total of 92 batters, potentially giving the Twins an option for a strikeout pitcher in the late innings of ball games.

Given the number of relief pitchers entering free agency, the uncertainty in the bullpen could open a spot for Delaney to make some appearances at the major league level in 2011.

Joe Benson

Joe Benson may not have been as highly touted in 2010 spring training as other outfielders, such as Ben Revere or Aaron Hicks, but Benson spent much of the 2010 season ensuring that people would soon know him.

During his 123 game stint in Single-A Fort Myers and Double-A New Britan, Benson hit 27 home runs, driving in 61 runs.

Benson's positive performance in the Arizona Fall League will certainly give him confidence heading into spring training, as he has since earned a place on the Twins 40-man roster. However, the Twins' current depth in the outfield may keep Benson in the minors for another season or two.