I'm not sure what the argument is here; Thomas wasn't good by any measure for the Twins.
It's sad that Hicks is reaching his potential after leaving MN. For reference, Buxton's WAR last season is higher than Hicks has ever put up, including this season. The Twins are quite literally choosing Field over Buxton to end the season. We know it isn't about MLB performance. We know it isn't about injury or rest. We know it isn't about where either player fits into the future of this team. That doesn't leave a whole lot else to point to other than service time manipulation.
Was it is a really difficult concept . GMs like certain players and give them one more shot.The guy from Texas knew of Field from his amateur days.It still really isn't a Field versus Buxton sort of thing. I do not see anywhere that somebody thinks Field could be a CF of the future. What they need to figure out is does he slot above Cave, Grossman, or Wade They have to figure out if they want none, one or more of them. The management isn't as smart as the regular fan because they have to be worried about what a player could be, and why they are not.