Powers: When it comes to prospects, there are no sure things

[Seth Stohs]

Tom Powers, from the Pioneer Press, wrote a column on the reality that when it comes to prospects, there really are no sure things.

 

The timing of the article, of course, coincides with the arrival of Byron Buxton in the big leagues. 

 

It's a nice reminder that it isn't always the big prospect that becomes the big stars. Many times, the players that don't get as much fanfare wind up being the ones with the long, memorable careers. That's not to say it is always the case. Some top prospects do make it.

 

This story, however, is a good reminder of some of the names of the top prospects of the past who didn't make it. Joe Mauer would be the best example. I don't know that any were as highly touted as Byron Buxton. 

 

It's part of my mission with Twins Daily to not just talk about the top prospects, but familiarize Twins fans with the lesser known minor leaguers as well. You never know who will get a cup of coffee, and you never know who will become the next high-quality big leaguer. 

[HitInAPinch]

Hang on here:  Seth, is it a misprint or are you actually saying Joe Mauer didn't make it?  He was an elite catcher.  And I'd go on to say far beyond any catcher we've ever seen before.  He is the only catcher in MLB history to win three batting titles, and the only catcher to ever win a batting title in the American League. He also won three consecutive Gold Glove awards (2008–2010), and the 2009 American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.  Then the injuries started piling up.....

 

Personally, I've been consistent on my evaluation of Buxton, starting with my comment

"Beware of the 5-tool player".  I blame Sabermetrics as part of the problem.  It's a nice set of statistics to slice and dice a players performance.  But in the end, my belief it only servers the purposes of the fantasy leagues.  i.e.  making them seem better than they really are. 

 

Beyond that, I personally really appreciate the work you do in keeping us informed on ALL of the Twins players and prospects in the MiLB.  It's refreshing!

[Platoon]

First of all Mauer likely preceded much of the social media hype available now. And second if being the only catcher in history to win three batting titles, and the only AL one plus being an excellent defensive catcher is not making it, what is? Mauers biggest mistake was hitting all those home runs one year in the Dome Box. That fluke year made him a lot of money, but raised the bar to an unrealistic level for any catcher. For roughly ten years he was the gold standard for MLB catchers. That would make him a success!

[Dantes929]

Mauer is proof that top prospects DO make it.   He is also proof, along with Nolasco, E Santana so far, Morneau, and countless others that When it comes to free agent signings and contract extensions, there are no sure things.     To sum up yours and my positions, when it comes to baseball, there are no sure things.