Thread: La Velle: Is Sano Too Big For Third Base?

Originally Posted by Brock Beauchamp

Attachment 3159

That's A-Rod as a rookie. I don't think it takes much "projecting" to look to the left and see the picture of Sano and realize that he's going to be a very big dude. The guy isn't even 20 yet and has crested 200 lbs.

That doesn't mean he can't play third base but it does mean it's a bit of a longshot.

Actually, the picture is of A-Rod as a high school player at Westminster in Miami.

Originally Posted by USAFChief

Actually, the picture is of A-Rod as a high school player at Westminster in Miami.

Yeah, grabbed the wrong one and didn't notice. Still, he didn't look much different as a 19 year old with the Mariners.

1994-Upper-Deck-Alex-Rodriguez-Rookie-Card-213x300.jpg

Originally Posted by kab21

I'm not sure that you really understand how the human body works.

His current size is as big as ARod and Cabrera (possibly a little tubbier now) currently are. Both of these players were skinny when they were Sano's age. This is not a conditioning issue. Sano is absolutely ripped right now. The issue is that he is a big kid and it wouldn't be a surprise if he put on 20-30+ more lbs (of muscle) in the next 5 years.

Help me out here. Athleticism isn't dependent on size. Reaction speed isn't dependent on size. The mechanics of throwing a ball isn't dependent on size. So what about size matters if you have the athleticism?

Premature. He should spend all of 2013 at 3B.

Help me out here. Athleticism isn't dependent on size. Reaction speed isn't dependent on size. The mechanics of throwing a ball isn't dependent on size. So what about size matters if you have the athleticism?

Actually athleticism typically declines with size and age.

People are acting like I don't think he should play 3B for the next couple of seasons. I haven't said anything like that. I am simply being realistic about where he is likely to play most of his career.

As long s they do not keep his bat in the minors for years while he learns to play defense.....if he is a great MLB hitter, I want him up, not learning to field for four years....but I doubt you all agree.

Judging by what's on the field at the MLB level, the Twins would be hypocritical to stiffle promotions based on defense.

Originally Posted by kab21

I'm not sure that you really understand how the human body works.

His current size is as big as ARod and Cabrera (possibly a little tubbier now) currently are. Both of these players were skinny when they were Sano's age. This is not a conditioning issue. Sano is absolutely ripped right now. The issue is that he is a big kid and it wouldn't be a surprise if he put on 20-30+ more lbs (of muscle) in the next 5 years.

I guess I look at true athletes like Matt Kemp who lost 20 pounds while in his 20's and had an all star caliber 2011 & 2012 season.
That's how I look at the human body working. It's about the "Want to". If you want to be special you will do the necessary work to stay in peak condition and shape.

Originally Posted by Brock Beauchamp

Attachment 3159

That's A-Rod as a rookie. I don't think it takes much "projecting" to look to the left and see the picture of Sano and realize that he's going to be a very big dude. The guy isn't even 20 yet and has crested 200 lbs.

That doesn't mean he can't play third base but it does mean it's a bit of a longshot.

It is a different world than when A-Rod came into the league. There is so much more of an emphasis on health and conditioning. Players are staying in better shape than they would have in the past. Players are going to pre-spring training workout facilities to get in shape for Spring Training. Guys in the past didn't put as much work into conditioning as they do now. That in itself should and could keep a guy like Sano at 3rd base longer throughout his career.

6-4 230 and growing. This guy should be going into his Sophmore year playing OLB/DE hybrid for the Alabama Crimson Tide. This guy needs to be a football player instead. Clowney who? This guy is going to be 6-5 250 and freakishly cut. If he doesn't pan out for the Twins I know a team that could use a pass rusher across from an all-pro DE in the same town.

I guess I look at true athletes like Matt Kemp who lost 20 pounds while in his 20's and had an all star caliber 2011 & 2012 season.
That's how I look at the human body working. It's about the "Want to". If you want to be special you will do the necessary work to stay in peak condition and shape.

Have you looked at Sano? he is a true athlete. The kid is ripped and he's not carrying around any baby fat. He's a big guy (as a teenager) and that isn't going to change no matter how much 'he wants it to change'.

Originally Posted by kab21

Actually athleticism typically declines with size and age.

Wait a second, so you are telling me, that when I am 40, I will be less athletic than I was at 20. I think you are in line for a noble peace prize for this astonishing discovery. Congratulations!

Originally Posted by mike wants wins

As long s they do not keep his bat in the minors for years while he learns to play defense.....if he is a great MLB hitter, I want him up, not learning to field for four years....but I doubt you all agree.

Um. This is easy to agree with. His bat is his asset, if he can play a defensively more "premium" position (i.e. 3rd base over 1st base), then that's gravy. So he should work on it.

Agreed and probably the prevailing opinion here.

OK folks, all you who are worried that an apparently very fit and athletic Sano will become too big to play 3B (presumably because he would lack the necessary quickness and range) but are OK with Plouffe at 3B, raise your hands.

Originally Posted by Kwak

OK folks, all you who are worried that an apparently very fit and athletic Sano will become too big to play 3B (presumably because he would lack the necessary quickness and range) but are OK with Plouffe at 3B, raise your hands.

I'm OK with any player that can field the ball well and hit, problem is right now Sano can't help us and Plouffe can't play 3B...lol. Nothing to do with either being too big, though if Sano is getting as big as they say he's almost for sure going to be the biggest 3B in the league.

Originally Posted by Brock Beauchamp

Frank Thomas was the best right-handed hitter I've seen in my lifetime...

Cough...Pujols...Cough....

Originally Posted by ThePuck

Cough...Pujols...Cough....

Food for thought, through age 32, OPS+

169 - Frank
168 - Pujols