Buxton is a DH who might play some CF on occasion w/a bad knee.

Having been scoped 3 times and ultimately a knee replacement, I would suggest once the knife goes in, a 2nd procedure isn't far behind.

Works about 15% of the time. https://www.bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j1982

Too bad that he isn't really a good DH.  Takes a special mindset to be a bat only guy, sitting on bench, hitting off a tee in cage and then walking to the plate.  His K pace has him walking back to dugout way to often.  So he really shouldn't be taking so many days off or rest days, has been getting them rest a plenty at DH.  

Dynamic player who is now really a one tool guy.  Doesn't steal bases, doesn't play defense, just a hitter isn't what we are paying him for but is what we will be getting

They said he'd be primarily a DH until May. I'll wait at least until mid May to decide whether to expect him back in the field. As for the anemic offense so far... it is still April and he has always been streaky. Last year his offensive numbers were pretty close as DH as CF. Let's hold tight a bit and wait until summer before we start getting antsy. 

I think it's too early to say he's being moved to DH on a permanent, or semi-permanent basis. Over time this season, and going in to next year, the "time off" from playing the OF just might get the knee and hip feeling really good and we see him there again. But I don't know that he's ever going to be a full time CF again.

Is that such a bad thing? 

I've always preferred the DH to just be a rotating spot for a deep and talented roster. I've only liked a full time DH when he was a special bat, think Molitor, Ortiz, Cruz, etc. But couldn't Buxton make a "Molitor like" move to DH and be special? He's not "used" to being one at this point. And most quality DH have stated there was an adjustment to be made both mentally...staying sharp...as well as physically...keeping your body warmed up. And not everyone can make that transition. But what if Buxton can? He's got a hell of a dangerous, powerful bat. He runs the bases well. If DH keeps his legs fresh, he can not only leg out tons of doubles and some triples, but could even potentially steal a key base here and there.

In an ideal world, of course, I'd love to see Buck as the primary CF for another 4-5yrs. But reality says that might not happen. And again, having a full time DH does limit your roster and lineup some. But that's also OK if you have a special bat there. If Byron can make the mental and physical adjustments needed to embrace that role, the roster and lineup could remain excellent, while still providing opportunity for a deep and versatile roster/lineup at the other 8 spots.

Again, I have to think about Molitor. He was a special player who, like Buxton, had a series of injuries that kept him off the field all too often. Could Buck make a "Molitor move"?

Without a major trade or FA move, SHOULD Buxton move to DH, Taylor could be brought back. Lewis and Martin could be long term solutions. A healthy Celestino, being allowed to get a good AAA season under his belt to realize his potential, is a solid 4th OF/CF alternate who might be a dark horse starting candidate. I wouldn't be shocked at all if Helman has a great 2023 and surprised people with a future roster spot.

And there's a couple kids lower in the system that might eventually contend for the CF spot as well, but I can also see the likes of Taylor, Lewis, and Martin taking over that spot short and long term.

While it's certainly a disappointing outcome to not see Buxton as the primary CF, his embracing the DH role and a group of potentially very good players taking on 2B, all 4 corner spots, and Correa at SS could still be very, very good.

This conversation seems very premature.  Could it be the case?  Sure, but it's still premature in my opinion.

Why not think about him playing some first base?  The Twins do not have a good first baseman and it should be a safer place for him to play. Many players seem to hit better when they play in the field. With Buxton's talent it would seem that he could play first base well.

I think he would be against being a full time DH considering the way his contract is constructed. How many Dh's get MVP votes? He seems driven to be the best he can be, and I can't see him accepting this role. If he does then I think it must mean his knee and or hip are a lot worse than is publicly known.

It reminds me a lot of Mauer. Great hitting catcher, average hitting first baseman. Sad, if true!

Perhaps, the contract impact would be different and their team histories' don't quite compare.

That's like not calling Joe Mauer a catcher anymore. Sigh.

On 4/25/2023 at 5:22 PM, umterp23 said:

Too bad that he isn't really a good DH.  Takes a special mindset to be a bat only guy, sitting on bench, hitting off a tee in cage and then walking to the plate.  His K pace has him walking back to dugout way to often.  So he really shouldn't be taking so many days off or rest days, has been getting them rest a plenty at DH.  

Dynamic player who is now really a one tool guy.  Doesn't steal bases, doesn't play defense, just a hitter isn't what we are paying him for but is what we will be getting

It’s April 28. He’s going to play 30 games or so in CF through the remainder of the season.

We have a Gold Glove CF playing nearly every day now.

His stats this year are nearly identical to his career stat line after 8 seasons. Do we really think that if he played CF he would be surpassing the norm for his first EIGHT seasons?

He’s stolen 36 bases in the past 5 seasons……14 of those were in one year. That’s an average of 4.5 steals per year in the other 4 seasons. As much as people wish think his speed = base stealer, it’s never been real.

           Career ………. 2023

BA       .244. ………..  .244

OBP      .301  ………..  .305

Slg.%    .473.  ……….  .488

OPS.       .774. ……….   .794

5 HR at this point projects to 29 HR for season.

Last year he played 92 games & hit 28 HR……….he projects to play 85% of games this year or 138 games. I like his chances to hit 30 plus HR.

What’s the problem?

Oh btw, he’s played 23 of 26 games = 88% of games…………outside of 2017 season, he’s averaged 46% of the games per season over 7 seasons. Gotta do something different!!

Are we getting our money’s worth if he steals 1 base per month - plays 13 games per month, 10 in CF & 3 at DH - and sits out 88 games injured - that’s his history.

If he gets hot for 5-8 days at a time for 3 stints during the year it’s worth watching him sit in the dugout when we are in the field. He’s been in the line-up 9 of 10 games so far in 2023 & that’s his value!

On 4/26/2023 at 8:30 AM, John Belinski said:

Why not think about him playing some first base?  The Twins do not have a good first baseman and it should be a safer place for him to play. Many players seem to hit better when they play in the field. With Buxton's talent it would seem that he could play first base well.

They have Joey Gallo at first, and Alex Kirilloff waiting to come play there, too. Both of them are good first basemen. Gallo could very likely find himself with some gold if he keeps 80% of his current plate production up.   

On 4/25/2023 at 4:22 PM, umterp23 said:

Too bad that he isn't really a good DH.  Takes a special mindset to be a bat only guy, sitting on bench, hitting off a tee in cage and then walking to the plate.  His K pace has him walking back to dugout way to often.  So he really shouldn't be taking so many days off or rest days, has been getting them rest a plenty at DH.  

Dynamic player who is now really a one tool guy.  Doesn't steal bases, doesn't play defense, just a hitter isn't what we are paying him for but is what we will be getting

Bux is on a pace for 2.8 WAR as a DH. That includes the terrible slump in NY. Now that he's hot, who knows where that number could get to. Obviously, we want him in CF playing healthy cuz then he's an MVP candidate. But he is functioning well as a DH. 

On 4/26/2023 at 9:30 AM, John Belinski said:

Why not think about him playing some first base?  The Twins do not have a good first baseman and it should be a safer place for him to play. Many players seem to hit better when they play in the field. With Buxton's talent it would seem that he could play first base well.

Two of the top 6 hitters on the team are the guys that have been playing 1B in ‘23………our best potential hitter in our system that’s currently not on 26 man roster is Kiriloff - first baseman.

His stats/metrics for this year are at or slightly better than career & he projects to hit 30 HR. Don’t see a problem.

Last & arguably the most important stat is that he’s playing 88% of games - his average games played over 7 of his 8 seasons has been 46% of the time. Not getting any value with him sitting on the IL.

5 minutes ago, August J Gloop said:

They have Joey Gallo at first, and Alex Kirilloff waiting to come play there, too. Both of them are good first basemen. Gallo could very likely find himself with some gold if he keeps 80% of his current plate production up.   

Bux is on a pace for 2.8 WAR as a DH. That includes the terrible slump in NY. Now that he's hot, who knows where that number could get to. Obviously, we want him in CF playing healthy cuz then he's an MVP candidate. But he is functioning well as a DH. 

Love to see Sanity represented!!

Fresh perspective on DH:

20 players in MLB had more than 30 HR in 2022 - Buxton had 28 in 96 games played. He’s on pace for 138 games this year. His current 5 HR project to 29 over rest of games.

With Buxton & Joey Gallo on the roster we will have 2 of Top 20 HR guys in the league.

Again, don’t see a problem.

If center is too much for Buxton's knees, why couldn't he be moved to right or left?  And as far as "acrobatic catches" go, I'd rate another ex Twin ahead of Buxton,  I forgot the guys name, He was a little guy, about 5' 7", with a great smile.  What the hell was his name? I'm thinking Dean Meminger, but that's a different guy from a different sport from a different time from a different city.  ,

On 4/28/2023 at 8:38 PM, Fat Calvin said:

If center is too much for Buxton's knees, why couldn't he be moved to right or left?  And as far as "acrobatic catches" go, I'd rate another ex Twin ahead of Buxton,  I forgot the guys name, He was a little guy, about 5' 7", with a great smile.  What the hell was his name? I'm thinking Dean Meminger, but that's a different guy from a different sport from a different time from a different city.  ,

Right away I thought of Ben Revere, he was a little taller than that though. He could go get it in center, just didn't have a throwing arm or much of any power. 

Man, it is sad to think of Buxton not playing in CF. Watching him run down balls in the gap is amazing, Hoping he can return to playing CF on a regular basis. I know Taylor is a great CF but Buxton is a level above. 

Rocco pretty much confirmed the other day that there are no plans to play Buxton in the field. 

1 hour ago, Reptevia said:

Rocco pretty much confirmed the other day that there are no plans to play Buxton in the field. 

This seems improbable, yet I have no knowledge of what thoughts the Twins actually have for Buxton. Taylor has been pretty solid in centerfield but there is a reason he was easy to acquire and has a relatively low salary. 

The calendar turns to May tomorrow and it feels like everyone expects Buxton to get hurt any day now. Bremer has made several comments about Byron getting up slowly and hoping he is alright on normal inconsequential slides. 

Now that i think about it, has anyone seen or heard anything about Buxton shagging fly balls in Florida or before games?

On 4/30/2023 at 11:43 AM, sftwinsfan said:

Right away I thought of Ben Revere, he was a little taller than that though. He could go get it in center, just didn't have a throwing arm or much of any power. 

Yeah, that was his name, Ben Revere.  He made one catch in center field that was beyond belief.  I can't remember if that catch was made with the Twins or with a different team after he was traded.  He was highlight reel.  A number 1 draft pick, I think.

I'm ok with Buck being in the DH role as long as Taylor is healthy and playing well.  If Taylor gets injured, I feel thats the time to put Buck in CF instead of any other options.  For now, things are going fine.

13 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

This seems improbable, yet I have no knowledge of what thoughts the Twins actually have for Buxton. Taylor has been pretty solid in centerfield but there is a reason he was easy to acquire and has a relatively low salary. 

The calendar turns to May tomorrow and it feels like everyone expects Buxton to get hurt any day now. Bremer has made several comments about Byron getting up slowly and hoping he is alright on normal inconsequential slides. 

Now that i think about it, has anyone seen or heard anything about Buxton shagging fly balls in Florida or before games?

Really?  “I don’t think anyone truly knows the answer to the question,” the manager said. “I am enjoying the fact that I get to write his name in the lineup virtually every day right now. And at this point, I’m not going to do anything to jeopardize that, because I think that’s the most important thing.”-Rocco

I'm going to be worried about this more as we approach September. The operators affecting that opinion will be Buxton's sustained health, and Taylor's offense because with that number of Ks, a couple of dips could start looking kind of ugly. That said, his defense is such that we can sustain some sub-standard CF offense. 

My brother and I debated yesterday if Buxton might be playing CF in more meaningful games/playoffs to allow for a big bat at CF and DH where Taylor could be subbed in for someone defensively and move Buxton to DH?. I guess my fear would be getting him reps in CF while minimizing risk of injury. 

As others have noted, I'd suspect Baldelli is just happy to have the offense clicking and there's no reason to fix what ain't presently broke.

Buck is a DH or a DH platoon. Considering his history it is unreasonable to plan for anything different.