Not only does Twin Cities destroy their own prospects...sometimes they destroy yours too
When the Twin Cities River Monsters selected Ace 'Hollywood' Young, Jr. with the number one overall pick in the Rule 5 draft, they truly believed that they had pulled off a coup. Young had all the tools. Number 51 prospect in the BBA, 23 years old, 10/6/8 potential, great work ethic, even better person, rock star name. Young had everything you could possibly want in a young pitcher. He was figured to be part of a future staff that included 25 year old Thomas Turner, 25 year old Frank Walbourne, and 21 year old Erik Brooks. Four young starters that would build a solid foundation for the rebuilding River Monsters.
Yet here we are, not even a month into the season and Twin Cities is likely to announce that they are returning him to Montreal as damaged goods. No, Young did not sustain a nasty injury. The damage was done by a reckless River Monsters team. You see, Ace had never pitched above short season A-ball. His current ratings were a mere 8/5/5. Ace was not ready for the show. Twin Cities haphazardly selected Young and hoped they could hide him in the bullpen for a year, then place him in the minors in 2051 to build his confidence back up.
While most of his stats(1-1, 3.50 ERA, 12 k/9) suggest he was adapting well, scouting reports suggest differently. His stuff potential had dropped from 10 to 8, control 8 to 6. The projected 10/6/8 is now a 8/6/6. With the River Monsters recent fetish for fan favorite pitchers there is no longer room for Young. He will now be sent back to Montreal... torn, broken and frail. You're welcome.
