2010 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #12 | BJ Hermsen
Position | Pitcher
Bats/Throws | Right/Right
Born | December 1, 1989 (Masonville, Iowa)
School | West Delaware High School
Height | 6'6''
Weight | 230 lbs.
2009 Ranking | 38
Breakdown
Considered one of the best steals of the draft, the Twins went above-and-beyond to sign Hermsen away from a baseball scholarship to Oregon State. Taken in the sixth round in 2008, the Twins signed Hermsen to a $650,000 signing bonus, which was more than what they gave to Bobby Lanigan, Danny Ortiz, or Nick Romero, all of whom were taken higher than Hermsen.
Due to signing at the deadline, Hermsen didn't make his professional appearance until last June. After beginning the season in Extended Spring Training, Hermsen reported to the Gulf Coast League in June where he completely baffled hitters with a 0.68 WHIP in 10 starts. With exception to one start where he gave up four runs in four inning, Hermsen was close to perfect last year. Without the one start, his ERA would have be lowered to 0.72.
Hermsen doesn't have over-powering stuff, but he has outstanding control and scouts believe his good mechanics and size will allow him to gain some velocity as he matures. His 2009 season was somewhat diminished by the fact that both Blayne Weller and Adrian Salcedo had very similar numbers. Hermsen may have been the best of the three-headed monster, but it's too hard to say one way or the other.
2009 Statistics
Level W L ERA IP K BB WHIP FIP
R (GCL) 6 2 1.35 53.1 42 4 0.68 2.30
2010 Outlook
Hermsen will likely remain in Extended Spring Training to begin the season, but if he's needed in Beloit, I can certainly see him fit in well with the Snappers. If not, he'll latch on with the Elizabethton Twins in June.
Pitching Repertoire
- Fastball (2 & 4 seam) (86-89)
- Curveball
- Change-up
Video
B.J. Hermsen, Gazette Athlete of the Year from GazetteOnline.com on Vimeo .
Estimated Time of Arrival
2014
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