Nice Story about Plouffe's Defense

[stringer bell]

Here's a nice little story from the PP.  Pretty complimentary to Plouffe.

 

http://www.twincities.com/twins/ci_26509192/twins-trevor-plouffe-seeks-gold-improved-play-field

[Kirby_waved_at_me]

Gold Glove awards are often given to guys that also have big offensive numbers too - I think this year Josh Donaldson will win it for Third Basemen (and he's had a great year defensively as well). 

 

Plouffe is better than he used to be, that's for sure - the defense is improving and the doubles have been nice on the other side of things.

[Linus]

I've never been a big believer in Plouffe but I really give him credit for getting better in all facets of the game when it looked like he might play himself out of the league.

 

The thing I've noticed is that his throwing is so much better than it was before.  If he can continue to improve (and at his age it certainly is possible) he could be a valuable commodity if / when Sano needs a spot.  While he is never going to hit homers like he did for that month a couple years ago, he certainly looks like a guy who can hit close to 20 homers, a bunch of doulbles and get on base at an acceptable level.

[iTwins]

I'm on record as being a big Plouffe supporter, so obviously I've loved watching his defense grow at third this season. He's gone from a prospect with no place to play to a real major league third baseman. He's changed his approach at the plate so he's not as pull happy - the result has been better contact, more doubles and a better rounded offensive threat.

 

His biggest detraction has always been the defense. This season, he's looked much more comfortable out there than he has in the past. He's made some very difficult plays look routine this season - plays that 2012 / 2013 Plouffe wouldn't have made.

 

I don't know that he'll ever win a Gold Glove, but if he keeps improving like we've seen, Plouffe can certainly be a valuable piece on the next contending Twins team.

[Physics Guy]

Plouffe has turned himself into an adequtate to slightly above average all-around 3B (hitting and fielding).  While a playoff caliber roster should not have him in the top half of its lineup, he certainly can have a role as the team gets better (hopefully).  His production is pretty similar to what the '91 Twins received from Pags and Leius.

[Monkeypaws]

From that article, it sounds like Plouffe is well-grounded in reality about his abilities, and works hard to make up for his shortcomings. I like that brand of professionalism.

[Riverbrian]

I've spent the last two years criticizing his defensive play. 

 

So Much so... That I won't criticize him this year. I'm not looking at defensive WAR... I'm just using my eyeball. He's moving right and he's moving left. He's getting to baseballs that he didn't get to last year. He's getting dirty when his uniform was clean in years past. He's making the majority of plays he should make and he's making a few plays that he shouldn't make.     

 

In order to fair... If he deserved criticism in past years and I think he did deserve it. In my mind... He deserves praise this year.  

 

The work that he has put in this year is noticeable to me.

 

I've always felt that players can and do get better. Trevor is an example of that.