Thread: Byron Buxton

Much has been - and will continue to be - written about 2012 #2 overall pick (but owner of the highest bonus at $6m) Byron Buxton. I'll start this thread off with links to a bunch of different stories about the prospect who is expected to make his professional debut in the next 3-5 days.

Baseball America names Buck the HS POY

Video from BA

News Press article (following initial press conference in FM)

Naples Daily

CBS News

KSTP interview with Joe Schmit (would love to read a transcipt... listen closely as Buxton says "spring training and all that.... what?!)

Buxton made his pro debut yesterday and went 0-for-4 with a K.

Today was more of the same: F9, F8, 6-4 FC (and made it as far as 2B), F9.

Though it's far too early to be alarmed, it is encouraging that he's getting wood on the ball and putting it in play. It's hard to be sure what kind of fly outs these were, but it's a much better sign that a bunch of 1-3s or 4-3s or Ks.

Yea, it's way, way too early to be making anything of these games. Like months too early.

This is an extremely crazy time in Buxton's life. I know from talking to some of the Rock Cats guys that, at the beginning of the season, their housing, car and life situations are all in major states of flux. And to have to go play games and treat baseball as a full-time job on top of everything is probably pretty stressful for an 18 year old (though I'm sure the $6 million in the bank account makes things just a little bit better!).

I'm just happy the Twins have him in uniform and getting playing time just a few weeks after the draft.

I would like to think that some of his fly outs are pretty well hit

In light of his pitching success in high school and his velocity, I wish that they would let him pitch a few games just to see what he can do.

Originally Posted by glunn

In light of his pitching success in high school and his velocity, I wish that they would let him pitch a few games just to see what he can do.

No way, they want him focusing 100% of his attention on hitting/fielding, but mainly hitting.

This morning in the GCL, Buxton went 2-4 with his first professional home run. He also stole a base.

Buxton left the game after stealing a base in GCL's game today. Play-by-plays says injured leg.

For $6 million, you can get a pretty nice apartment, or live in a hotel while you are on-site. Hell, you can buy a nice little condo in Ft. Myers and rent out other rooms to players. Have your own swimming pool and a pool table in the dining room. The minors can be a pain (does Byron go to Eliza). ut when you are young and get to play baseball all day, you basically need a nice locker room and a sleeping room.

Originally Posted by Mr. Ed

Buxton left the game after stealing a base in GCL's game today. Play-by-plays says injured leg.

Pulled Hamstring.

Better than broken ankle i guess....hopefully more of a tweak

Buxton back in the lineup today. Walked in his 1st PA

Wimmers lasted 2/3IP 4H/3R/BB

Buxton rbi triple in 2nd at bat. Hitting 3rd today.

3 run HR for Buxton today in GCL Win. #2

Bux is probably 5 years from the bigs but it will be fun to watch him grow. If he can develop the hit tool, he could be a star.

Since Buxton returned from hamstring injury:

5 games (5 game hitting streak): 5-for-14 (.357), 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB, 7 K. Today's game (in which he led it off with a home run) is still underway.

What also shouldn't be forgotten in all of this is that your typical high-drafted rookies (up until this year) probably wouldn't be getting into games until August, or mid-August, at the earliest.

If I was running the system, I would promote Buxton to Elizabethton now that's he settled down (or probably after another week or two) and let him enjoy playing baseball under the lights and into the playoffs.

Originally Posted by Jeremy Nygaard

If I was running the system, I would promote Buxton to Elizabethton now that's he settled down (or probably after another week or two) and let him enjoy playing baseball under the lights and into the playoffs.

That makes very good sense to me.

As long as he's not in Elizabethton past June of next year.....but if they slow track him, I will continue my disgust at this "process".

I agree. They allowed Sano to be in Beloit at 19....Buxton should absolutely be there next yr. Hicks & Revere spent their 19 yr old seasons in Beloit also, so that should be where he ends up. Cant imagine how strong ELIZ would be with him also, but they may need to promote an OF to get a spot. Didnt think about the lights, but thats a big adjustment also.