Twins prospects up the ante in arms race

Three pitchers crack playoff roster, Lewis earns AFL MVP nod

Across two Minor League levels, Devin Smeltzer compiled a 1.04 WHIP with 104 strikeouts in 104 1/3 innings. (Pensacola Blue Wahoos)

By Duane Cross | November 18, 2019 10:16 AM ET

Twins pitchers Randy Dobnak, Devin Smeltzer and Cody Stashak worked their way through the Minors to earn big league callups, spots on the postseason roster and Organization All-Star nods.

Duane Cross is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @DuaneCrossMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Twins' Costello found dead in New Zealand

Infield prospect was set to play in Australian Baseball League

Ryan Costello homered in Game 3 of the Southern League semifinals on Sept. 6. (Daniel Venn/Pensacola Blue Wahoos)

By Daren Smith | November 18, 2019 1:43 AM ET

Minnesota Twins infield prospect Ryan Costello died overnight in Auckland, New Zealand, his Australian Baseball League team announced early Monday. He was 23.

Daren Smith is an editor for MiLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Legend has it: Vibes get spooky for Copa

'Lloronas de Montaña Rocosa' celebrates folkloric ghost mother

The Rocky Mountain Vibes' Copa de la Diversión identity pays tribute to the iconic Mexican ghost story of La Llonora.

By Benjamin Hill | November 15, 2019 10:46 AM ET

Of the 22 teams who unveiled Copa de la Diversión identities on Nov. 14, the Rocky Mountain Vibes were the spookiest. Ben Hill looks into Las Lloronas.

Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Supak, Ashby headline Brew Crew future

System sent Dubon, Grisham, Hiura up to Milwaukee in 2019

Trey Supak was named Southern League Pitcher of the Year after he was promoted to Triple-A. (Ed Gardner/MiLB.com)

By Brian Stultz | November 15, 2019 10:23 AM ET

While top prospects like Mauricio Dubon and Keston Hiura graduated to the big leagues, right-hander Trey Supak headlines a deep talent pool waiting its turn in the Brewers farm system.

Brian Stultz is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @brianjstultz. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Toolshed: Class A Advanced park factors

Third-highest level featured extreme environments at both ends

Rockies No. 2 prospect Ryan Rolison posted some extreme home-road splits in the California League this season. (Lancaster JetHawks)

By Sam Dykstra | November 15, 2019 10:22 AM ET

New stadiums in Dunedin and Fayetteville -- as well as extreme environments in places like Lancaster and Wilmington -- affected statistical performance at the Class A Advanced level in 2019.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

D-backs' Varsho sidelined with ankle sprain

Arizona's No. 5 prospect suffered injury in Premier12 tournament

Daulton Varsho has crushed 37 home runs since being drafted in 2017. (Danny Parker/MiLB.com)

By Andrew Battifarano | November 14, 2019 8:20 PM ET

Fifth-ranked Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Daulton Varsho suffered a Grade 3 ankle sprain and is expected to be in a walking boot for two weeks, Arizona general manager Mike Hazen told reporters Thursday.

Andrew Battifarano is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter, @AndrewAtBatt. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Copa ready to reach higher in third season

More than 20 new teams join Hispanic fan engagement program

With 22 new participants next season and four updated looks, the Copa de la Diversión initiative has nearly tripled in size since 2018.

By Tyler Maun | November 14, 2019 12:58 PM ET

Minor League Baseball's award-winning initiative of cultural engagement with Hispanic and Latinx communities, Copa de la Diversión will return bigger than ever for its third season in 2020.

Tyler Maun is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @TylerMaun. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

It's a breeze: Wind Surge blow into Wichita

Kansas' only MiLB team, debuting in 2020, unveils name, logos

On Nov. 13, Wichita's new Pacific Coast League team unveiled its name: the Wind Surge. Todd Radom designed the logos.

By Benjamin Hill | November 13, 2019 7:11 PM ET

Wichita is fielding a new Pacific Coast League team in 2020. On Wednesday, the team's name was unveiled: the Wichita Wind Surge. Ben Hill has details.

Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Diaz, Cabrera signal turning of tide in Miami

Sluggers, pitchers abundant in much-improved Marlins system

Isan Diaz launched a career-best 26 homers at Triple-A before being promoted to the big leagues. (Dave Wegiel/MiLB.com)

By Katie Woo | November 13, 2019 10:15 AM ET

Isan Diaz bashed his way to the bigs, J.D. Orr made a smashing debut and Edward Cabrera took a leap forward. They are Miami Marlins Organization All-Stars.

Katie Woo is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow her on Twitter @katiejwoo. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Toolshed: Assessing 2019 Double-A park factors

Amarillo addition provided Texas League with offensive infusion

In its inaugural season, Amarillo's HODGETOWN was a veritable launching pad compared to other Texas League stadiums.

By Sam Dykstra | November 12, 2019 10:21 AM ET

The Texas League added Amarillo in 2019, and the home of the Sod Poodles instantly became one of the level's most hitter-friendly environments. Toolshed's series on park factors turns to Double-A.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.