Minnesota
Twins Rookie, Errol Simonitsch was born on August
24, 1982 in Glendale, California. He graduated
from St. Francis (La Canada, CA) High School in
2000. He attended Gonzaga University where he
was named honorable mention Louisville Slugger
Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball in
2001. As a sophomore, he led the team in starts
(15), innings pitched (81), and strikeouts (66).
In 2003, Errol was 2-0, 0.00 (11 ip, 6 h, 14 k),
in just 2 starts. He was named the Twins’
Minor League Player of the Week, July 19-25 and
then the Twins’ Minor League Pitcher of
the Month for July, going 3-0, 1.09 (24.2 ip,
16 h, 31 k). In 2004, he was named to MWL All
Star Game.
He is a crafty left-hander, but has a below average
fastball. He throws anywhere from 85 to 89 (mph).
He does have a solid curveball and uses it as
his 'out' pitch. He spots the ball well and moves
it around. He also has a good changeup. He is
a big strong kid who throws a lot of strikes.
Rob Antony, the Twins' director of baseball operations,
said. "He has all the requisites to be a starter.
He's got the pitch mix and the mentality. He goes out
there and goes six, seven, eight or nine innings every
time. If you're going to project a guy as a No. 1 or 2
starter, usually it's a guy that makes you go, 'Wow!'
when you see him. He isn't that type of guy, but he's
the type of guy who can go out there without his best
stuff and get people out." Errol is projected to
be a starting pitcher in the big leagues. Because he isn't
overpowering, despite his 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame, he
likely will be a No. 3 or 4 starter if he makes it to
the highest level.
Errol went 5-1 at short-season with
Elizabethton, striking out 57 and walking six
in 46 innings of work. In 2005, he struck out
64 and walked 20 to help lead the Quad-City pitching
staff. Additionally, he has shown the development
need to get him moved onto the Twins 40-man roster
for spring training in 2006. Errol says, “I’ve
been able to put my fastball where I want it and
use it when I need to, and I’m starting
to get a hold of my changeup and curve. Being
able to throw three pitches for strikes any time
I need to is a big advantage."
Errol is a self-described tough competitor and
very durable. He needs to stay healthy and continue
working on varying his moves, but overall is a
decent player for the Twins to continue to groom
for the big leagues.
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