25 Minnesota Twins Drafts in 25 Days: 1994

The Twins had a very successful draft in 1993, adding one of the biggest pieces to the future mini-dynasty teams of the 2000s, in Torii Hunter.  In 1994, the Twins would add two more pieces, but also make some missteps along the way.  Guess which I focus on?  Missteps or pieces?  Both?  Find out now.

1st Round Picks

The Twins had two first-round picks as they received an extra pick because Jason Varitek hates Minnesota and wouldn't sign to play here.  Travis Miller was drafted with the compensation pick the Twins received.  He won seven games in his career.  With their original pick, the Twins selected future malcontent Todd Walker.  Walker had some good times with the Twins but ultimately left on bad terms but did not have batteries thrown at him like the Twins' previous second baseman. 

Ah, but what if? 

Nomah!  Nomar Garciaparra was drafted 12th overall and had a really great career.  If you are into masochism, Jason Varitek went 14th overall, and the Twins could have went another go-round with him.  He hates us, so he probably would have just retired to a life of sales or something.

Best Player Drafted

The Twins drafted A.J. Pierzynski in the 3rd round and Corey Koskie in the 26th round.  Koskie wins best player because he has a slightly higher WAR and because the degree of difficulty was higher with where he was selected.  Pierzynski is still very popular around these parts, I believe. 

Worst Player to Reach MLB

One round after Koskie, the Twins drafted Brandon Puffer.  He posted some Sam Deduno style numbers, with a walk rate around five and a strikeout rate below six.  He did make the majors, but never played with the Twins.  Tragic stuff.

The One Who Got Away

The Twins drafted David Dellucci in the 11th round and he eventually made it to the Majors.  He led the league with 12 triples for the Diamondbacks in 1998.  Can Cleatus Davidson make that claim?  I'll check.  Nope, he just played 12 games.

Best Name

Puffer, but only because I like Puffer Fish.

Fun Facts

•          Twins second-round pick Cleatus Davidson (who you just learned about) played those 12 games at age 22 and then never made it back to the Majors.
•          Jason Meyhoff, selected in the 20th round, probably got picked on a bit in middle school. 
•          Walker Chapman, selected in the 6th round, has two last names. 
•          Antuan Sunkley, selected in the 7th round, was the runner-up for Best Name.
•          Todd Walker hit 107 career home runs and batted .289.  The Twins traded him for fan-favorite Todd Sears.  Well, I loved Todd Sears.

All those drafted who made it to the Bigs

Corey Koskie, A.J. Pierzynski, Todd Walker, Brian Lawrence, Travis Miller, David Dellucci, Cleatus Davidson, and Brandon Puffer

One Sentence Summary

The Twins added two more pieces to their core, both of whom would contribute to the next good Twins team.