Levi Michael

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Minnesota Twins #16 prospect in 2013
  Minnesota expected more from its 2011 first-round pick than 20 extra-base hits, and it hopes for more return on its $1.175 million investment in Michael in the future. Assigning him to high Class A for his pro debut last year was a surprise on multiple levels: Michael enrolled at North Carolina a semester early and was just 20 when drafted, and injuries to his lower half prompted him to struggle as a North Carolina junior and fall to the 30th overall selection. His injuries to his groin and, according to the Twins, virtually every joint below his waist kept him from playing even in instructional league in 2011, making it even more curious that the traditionally patient organization pushed him. Michael's polished plate approach and defensive ability prompted the decision, and his .339 on-base percentage exceeded the Florida State League average. However, he lacked the burst he'd shown when healthy in college--in his swing, on the bases and on his throws. Scouts consistently commented that Michael didn't stand out physically, and the Twins agree. In the past, Michael was a plus runner with the arm and range for shortstop and pop from both sides of the plate. He looked better after taking a couple of weeks off and getting back in action in instructional league, where club officials say he ran and threw better than he had since signing. If Michael doesn't hit, though, he'll be relegated to a ceiling as a utilityman. He figures to return to Fort Myers in 2013.
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  Ranked Minnesota Twins #6 prospect in 2012
  Michael graduated high school a semester early, bypassing the 2009 draft and playing second base in an infield with future big leaguers Dustin Ackley and Kyle Seager on North Carolina's College World Series team that spring. Michael shifted to third base as a sophomore and shortstop as a junior, He helped lead the Tar Heels back to Omaha in 2011 despite an ankle sprain and a more serious hip/groin soft-tissue injury that initially was misdiagnosed. His maladies helped drop him to the Twins' pick at No. 30, where he signed for $1.175 million. A polished switch-hitter, Michael has a disciplined approach that helped him walk more than he struck out in each of his final two college seasons. He has enough power to keep pitchers honest, projecting to hit plenty of doubles with 10-12 homers annually. Michael is both quick and fast when healthy, with the ability to steal bases and the footwork and agility to stay in the middle infield. He has smooth actions to go with solid arm strength and range. Some scouts consider him better suited for second base, but Minnesota likes him as a shortstop. Michael's injuries were significant enough to keep him from making his pro debut and playing in instructional league. Assuming he's healthy in the spring, he'll play shortstop in a talented Beloit infield that also will include Miguel Sano at third base and Eddie Rosario at second. Michael is the Twins' best long-term answer at shortstop.

• December, 2011 Scouting Report
  Background: Michael graduated high school a semester early, bypassing the 2009 draft and playing second base on North Carolina's College World Series team that spring. Michael shifted to third base as a sophomore and shortstop as a junior. He helped lead the Tar Heels back to Omaha in 2011 despite an ankle sprain and a more serious hip/groin soft-tissue injury that initially was misdiagnosed. His maladies helped drop him to the Twins' pick at No. 30, where he signed for $1.175 million. Scouting Report: A polished switch-hitter, Michael has a disciplined approach that helped him walk more than he struck out in each of his final two college seasons. He has enough power to keep pitchers honest, projecting to hit plenty of doubles with 10-12 homers annually. Michael is both quick and fast when healthy, with the ability to steal bases and the footwork and agility to stay in the middle infield. He has smooth actions to go with solid arm strength and range. Some scouts consider him better suited for second base, but Minnesota likes him as a shortstop. The Future: Michael's injuries were significant enough to keep him from making his pro debut and playing in instructional league. Assuming he's healthy in the spring, he'll play shortstop in a talented Beloit infield that also will include Miguel Sano at third base and Eddie Rosario at second. Michael is the Twins' best long-term answer at shortstop.