Officials get first look at prospects

This is the time of the year when team officials are interested in the short-season leagues. They've heard reports and maybe even seen some video of the players they discussed in draft war rooms, but this is the first time many have to eyeball their picks.

Rob Antony, the Twins' director of baseball operations, spent a few days last week checking out prospects at rookie league Elizabethton, Tenn. Here are some of his observations.

Outfielder Deacon Burns, a 26th-round pick: "He's a mini-Puckett, a short, little guy with defined calves and arms. Stocky and strong. He hits a lot of balls on the barrel back up the middle. Turns on balls. He is a threat."

First baseman Johnny Woodard, a third-round pick in 2003: "He had to improve his fielding. His swing is fine but he still isn't hitting for power, which I think will take a little time. His defense is better. He's a low-gear guy we have to get a little more life out of."

Shortstop Trevor Plouffe, a first-round pick: "He's a really good shortstop and he is going to be a really good shortstop. He gets to the ball, makes throws and throws accurately. He's 6-foot-2, but thin and will have to get stronger and will probably have to change his swing. I don't think he can get to some balls. It is not a professional-looking swing."

Righthander Steven Duguay, a 12th-round pick in 2003: "He has a good breaking ball and has life in his fastball. I think he's going to be a reliever."

First baseman David Winfree, a 13th-round pick in 2003: "A big, strong guy. When the ball comes off his bat it sounds different than anyone else here. He's got power."

Outfielder Jeremy Pickerel, a 10th-round pick: "I liked what I saw of him the first week, then he tweaked his hamstring. He's a strong kid with good size and there's some pop in that bat."

System check

First baseman Justin Morneau and outfielder Jason Kubel will leave Rochester to play in the All-Star Futures game today in Houston.

Righthander J.D. Durbin, back in action at Class AA New Britain following shoulder surgery, threw 96 miles per hour in a recent outing.