Minnesota Twins: Breaking Down the Top 5 Prospects in the Twins' Farm System

Last season was a disaster for the Minnesota Twins in every possible way. Not only did the big-league club lose 99 games, they lost top pitching prospect Kyle Gibson in the middle of the year to Tommy John surgery. 

The farm system, which used to have good depth at the upper levels to plug in pieces when necessary, has been declining due to injuries, poor performances and an unwillingness from the front office to go after high-upside players who will cost a little more money. 

They have done well on the international market in recent years and could develop a couple of stars from that group, but those players aren't close to contributing to the big-league team. 

While the Twins used to be the model of consistency in the American League Central, they could be battling Chicago for fourth place for a couple of years. 

In the meantime, you can look to the future with our analysis of the top five prospects down on the farm. 

1. Miguel Sano, 18, Third Base

Sano has been the most-talked about Twins prospect since they drafted Joe Mauer out of high school. The team signed him out of the Dominican Republic for just over $3 million in 2009. He has one of the best bats in the minors. It is going to take some time, but he should turn into a star. 

Strengths: Despite being just 18 years old, Sano has incredible power thanks to a strong lower half that lets him drive through the ball. He has bat speed and excellent loft in his swing. He is still improving as a hitter, but did show improved plate discipline at various points last year. He has a strong throwing arm that will play at third base. 

Weaknesses: As pretty as Sano's home run swing is, he has had problems making contact. He is an aggressive swinger and doesn't take a lot of walks. He is growing rapidly and could end up moving off third base due to his size, poor instincts and range. His speed is virtually gone because he has gotten so big. 

Report: Sano needs to learn how to cut down his swing to make more contact and improve his plate discipline, but the power is already there. He should hit at least 30-35 homers a year in the big leagues. He is just 18 years old, so there is no reason to think he won't learn how to hit. Because of his size and defensive issues, I think he will eventually be moved to first base. 

ETA: 2015

2. Eddie Rosario, 20, Outfield

While the Twins don't always go for upside in the draft, Rosario was too good to pass up in the fourth round two years ago. He had a solid debut in 2010 and exploded last season with a .337/.397/.670 line in the Appalachian League. 

Strengths: Rosario has good bat speed and is incredibly quick to the ball. He will not hit for as much power as he showed last year, but he could approach 20 homers in the big leagues. He played at center field last year and is good enough to handle the position if the Twins want to keep him there. He has a good throwing arm, speed and instincts. 

Weaknesses: His power production remains to be seen. I like his ability to make contact and think he should hit for solid numbers, but he still has to fix some flaws in his swing mechanics. He is still more projection right now, but the results last year were definitely encouraging. 

Report: Rosario can be a star if he makes some adjustments in his swing and the Twins let him stay in center field. He has the speed to steal at least 10 bases per season. Like Sano, he is going to need a few years to develop. 

ETA: 2015

3. Oswaldo Arcia, 20, Outfield

Another product of the Twins' presence on the international market, Arcia is another dynamic hitting prospect. He does not have the ceiling of Sano or Rosario and is still figuring professional pitching out, but he is closer to the big leagues than the two players he is ranked behind. 

Strengths: Arcia is a terrific hitter, boasting an easy left-handed swing that allows him to make contact with the bat speed and strength to drive the ball out of the park. He does have a strong throwing arm that he can showcase in right field, but he did have some elbow problems last year that also affected his bat. 

Weaknesses: He has never been a patient hitter and does not like to take walks—he has just 68 free passes in 947 career minor-league at-bats. He does not read the ball well off the bat in right field, nor does he have the speed to make up for it. He could end up as a designated hitter. 

Report: He has to improve his plate discipline and pitch recognition, but the power and swing will play in the big leagues. His defense is a work in progress, and he must learn to take better routes to the ball if he wants to stay in the outfield. He is just 20, so there is time for him to adjust. 

ETA: 2014

4. Levi Michael, 20, Shortstop

Michael's stock fell prior to last year's draft due to a hip injury that affected his stats at North Carolina, but the Twins were happy to see him available when they made their first pick. He should be healthy and make his debut in low Class-A. 

Strengths: A three-year starter at the University of North Carolina, Michael is already a polished hitter. He has a good feel for the strike zone, and a short, compact swing that allows him to make consistent contact. He is a good baserunner and has enough speed to steal 15-20 bases. He was a versatile defensive player in college, playing three different positions, but he has the instincts, arm and glove to stick at shortstop. 

Weaknesses: Michael does not boast a lot of power in his 5'10" frame. He is more about contact than driving the ball, though he could develop doubles power with 10 homers. The team will have to monitor his health in spring training to make sure his hip injury isn't a lingering problem that changes his swing. 

Report: A fast mover, Michael could end up at second base to take pressure off his hip and play up his throwing arm. He projects to hit for average and get on base with solid defense and doubles power in the big leagues. 

ETA: 2013

5. Aaron Hicks, 22, Outfield

One of the most disappointing players in the minors, Hicks has all the tools to succeed. He just hasn't been able to put them on display in game action. When you look at what he can be, it is astounding to think he is as low as he is. This will be a crucial season for him.

Strengths: The best all-around set of tools in the system. He has all five tools—hitting, power, speed, defense, arm strength—and should be one of the top 20 prospects in the game. He plays great defense in center field already, and could win some Gold Gloves in the big leagues. 

Weaknesses: He doesn't know how to hit, or better yet he hasn't made adjustments to professional pitching. He can hit, he has bat speed, power and can hit the ball a long way when he makes contact. His on-field performance has regressed since arriving on the big-league scene in 2008. 

Report: If you want to keep dreaming on Hicks, you can project him to be a five-tool star who can be a regular All-Star. He has hit the age where the results have to start matching the projection, or else he is going to flame out. 

ETA: 2015

Follow @adamwells1985