Rantz keeps Twins harvesting talent
Rantz keeps Twins harvesting talent
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/baseball/9725719.htm
Posted on Wed, Sep. 22, 2004
Tom Powers
Watching a minor league baseball game with Jim Rantz is a unique experience.
Rantz, the longtime Twins farm director, could find a silver lining in
Hurricane Ivan.
His perpetual optimism was put to the test during the dark days of the mid-
'90s, however. Once, the two of us were watching a Class AAA game at Portland,
then a Minnesota affiliate. The motley crew of Twins', uh, prospects looked
terrible.
Yet Rantz would point to a slow-footed, bespectacled outfielder and declare,
"He's got a lot of upside." Or he would single out a shortstop who appeared to
be suffering from some sort of balance disorder and say, "This kid is a real
hustler."
Finally, even Rantz's sunny mood darkened when the team brought in a jittery,
emaciated-looking relief pitcher. This fellow, when he threw the ball, led with
his elbow, which tucked in close to his body. Then he followed through with his
wrist.
It looked as if someone had gotten right in his face and he was trying to slap
him on top of his head.
I cocked an eyebrow and looked at Rantz. And for the first and only time in my
life, I heard Rantz utter a discouraging word. Even he couldn't sugarcoat this
one.
"Not a prospect," he said flatly.
I was shocked.
"If you ever see him with the Twins," he added with a chuckle, "we've got
problems."
Three months later, this fellow was pitching at the Metrodome. Badly.
The Twins had problems.
"We went through some tough times," Rantz said Tuesday, laughing at the
recollection. "There's no doubt about it."
I promised Jim I wouldn't mention the pitcher's name. He doesn't want to insul
him. Twins fans would just groan and maybe break out in a rash if they saw it
in print anyway. Fortunately, he wasn't around long.
Ten years later Minnesota's player development system is the envy of baseball.
It took a while to rebuild. But three straight division titles are a tribute to
the Twins scouting and minor league personnel. They continue to draft and
develop the right players.
As important, they scout other teams' young players and always are looking to
pry the good ones free. Remember that Johan Santana, Lew Ford, Cristian Guzman
and Kyle Lohse, to name a few, were swiped from other organizations when they
were very young.
Sometimes it is highway robbery.
"I don't just pick these names off a sheet of paper," general manager Terry
Ryan said. "You have to give credit to the scouts that recommended them.
"Cal Ermer on Lew Ford. Larry Corrigan on Kyle Lohse. Jose Marzan on Santana."
One reason the Twins have excelled at developing players is the stability
within the organization. Mike Radcliff is in his 11th year as scouting
director. That's the longest tenure of any scouting director in baseball. Rantz
has been at his post since 1986. Capable managers and coaches are moved onward
and upward as they gain experience.
"Every scout has his territory. Every scout is accountable," Rantz said. "Our
minor league managers have to write up reports, not just on their own people,
but on the ones they play against. Terry reads every one of them."
Marzan, who strongly recommended Santana, was managing in the Midwest League at
the time.
"Now if you look at our major league staff," Rantz said, "they've all come up
through our system, too. Gardy, Scott Ullger, Rick Anderson, Newmie, Stellie,
Jerry White, the trainers... "
Rantz says it is his goal to send three or four players to the majors every
year. Nothing is more satisfying than drafting a kid, developing him and then
watching him become a solid major leaguer. Of course, being Minnesota Twins the
staff loves a good bargain, too.
Twins scouts had their eye on Garrett Jones, a left-handed hitting first
baseman, when he was in the Braves organization. After three non-descript
seasons, Atlanta let him go. The Twins pounced on him. His first two seasons in
the Minnesota system didn't amount to much. Then, bang!
"Last year he hit 31 home runs in double-A," Rantz said. "He had a breakout
season. He's still only 23 years old."
After the Twins clinched on Monday night, the calls came in. Ryan, Gardenhire
and team president Dave St. Peter all called Rantz to say thanks for the
contribution.
Rantz's minor league staff and Radcliff's scouts are the real heroes of three
straight division titles.
There isn't even one pitcher in the minors these days who throws like he's
flicking a homer hankie.
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