2015 mid season look at Twins '16 OF........

[DocBauer]

......and possibly Torii Hunter.

 

ToriiHunter? For 2016? Hold on. We'll come back around to this again. This is the kind of thread that will die a quick death after 6-8 responses, or will blow up to multiple pages. I hope it's the latter as I think this is a very interesting topic.

 

Rosario seems to be on the cusp of being the player we've all been hoping for and expecting. Let's be honest, next to Buxton and Sano, this was THE GUY in the organization we all felt was the potential big bat in the organization. A quality defensive player who is a hitting machine with HR potential who would spray line drives all over the place with multiple doubles. Then he ran in to the suspension in 2014, a rather poor season, and sudden rumors of a bad attitude and a potentially troubled young player who might never realize his ability. Instead, this still very young player had a nice AFL, impressed the Twins and Molitor during ST, came up quickly, and has performed quite well this far.

 

There are holes in his swing and approach, and probably always will be. We hope for the best, but I think we all expect a quality, high BA player who will never excell at OB%, but who we hope will always maintain one somewhere in the .320-.330 area. He should be a doubles machine with a nice handful of triples, double digit HR's and double digit SB's. Over time, I could see HR power increase as speed decreases slightly. What has impressed me most about him thus far is his comfort level and baseball instincts. He has played mostly excellent defense in both corners, and stepped in to CF recently for a few games with no sweat. He makes grabs, throws to the right base, takes the extra base, as if it's all just natural to him. He honestly might be up to early, but you can see the ability and potential. And it's exciting.

 

Buxton: I argued that if the Twins were to promote him, which they did, they should wait another couple weeks as he was on a hot streak, and his confidence would only continue to build if they waited. Of course, they didn't. Of course, injury helped usher his promotion. Of course he didn't dominate before becoming injured himself. But the amazing talent level and potential is undeniable. He will be back. It will be soon. And it will probably be permanent next time.

 

Hicks: I may be wrong, but his first two seasons there seemed to be almost a 50-50 split whether he was victim or bad guy in make it/wash out CF conspiracy. I will tell you that the new stance, new approach at the plate I saw in ST seemed to be paying off for Hicks in Rochester. Much like Buxton, I thought the Twins moved Hicks up too early. But I also have to say he is absolutely, positively, playing the best defense I have ever seen him play. And while his bat still hasn't been anything great, it's been better, and he just has the look of a ML caliber player, something I don't always think he has shown before.

 

Kepler: A supremely talented youngster who is finally coming in to his own. "Finally" being relative to being multi talented and only 22 yo. To be cliche', he is the tip of the iceberg at this point based on ability and potential. But this is the first year where the cream has risen to the top of the cup of expensive coffee. I hesitate promoting him too quickly and risking regression. But I also believe he is more than ready for the next challenge, and should be at Rochester immediately. I don't know at this point, nor could anyone, whether or not he projects as a starting OF for the Twins in '16. But he absolutely has to figure in the eventual equation.

 

Robinson: might not return, his choice or the Twins. Yet he might. He can fit as a 4th OF, but might be best as a 5th OF option. He can play defense. He's scrappy. He has exceeded anything anyone could have expected this season. Has he found a home as a nice, scrappy AAAA player in Minnesota? Maybe. But the Twins 2016 season will probably not revolve around Robinson in any way.

 

Arcia: complete enigma. Please understand, I've been a big fan for years now. I thought Arcia was really growing both offensively and defensively the second half of last season. He could be a starting corner OF next season for the Twins....easily....with an impact LH bat and OK defense....or a nice 4th OF, (doesn't have to play CF)...and primary DH, or potential trade bait, or part of a trade.....or stuck in AAA trying to find himself. Enigma. The next 3 months, and winter ball, could determine a lot for Arcia. As much as I want him to stay here and succeed, I think he could be an important and intriguing trace piece.

 

Santana: I'm not smart enough to tell you what to do with him. What I do know is this kid has a ton of talent. He has the ability to play ML SS on an every day basis very well. He has the ability to also play a quality ML OF. He may never be a disciplined hitter, but he has hit ability, pop/power ability and real speed/SB ability. He could be anything from a starting ML SS, or LF, or CF, or nice utility inf/of with a wide variety of ability. Someone needs to figure out where to put this kid

 

Plouffe: have to list him. He is a top defensive 3B. He can also play 1B. Of course he can DH once in a while. (Duh) Honestly, truly, scouts honor, can he, should he play OF? I think he's a good enough athlete to continue the Cuddyer SS/2B/3B/1B/OF MLB wagon train of a career. I'm not saying he should, but he could. Like Cuddy, he might even excell greater in the OF. Between 3B, 1B, DH and occassional day off, there still could be more than enough AB's, potentially, between him, Sano, Mauer and possibly Vargas.

 

He could also be amongst the top 1-3 veteran Twins tradeable assets with real value to bring in bullpen or catching help.

 

Danny Ortiz: probably not a real threat to break ST with the Twins at this point. Nevertheless, he shouldn't be ignored in the Twins 2016 OF equation. Seth and others could speak more accurately than I could about his potential ML ability and potentiL role. But by all reports, he can play both corners as well as some occassional CF. Based upon his milb career, the young LH hitting and throwing OF has only average hitting, OB and power ability. Still, he has been consistent in his milb career, has some ability, and could develop in to an interesting 4th or 5th OF. (.263/.305/.427/.732 quad slash milb career. Nothing great. But useful and functional?)

 

Torii Hunter: Here we go! Debate time! Big time! "Ladies and Gentlemen......in this corner...."

 

Reality check: Torii has been a HUGE offensive lift for the team this season. Thus far; .270/.325/.459/.785 quad slash with 44 RBI. His career OPS is .798. He is 39 yo! He will be 40 next year. Honestly, his defense has slipped tremendously from what it ONCE WAS. (Another captain obvious comment) But his defense this season has not been as poor, as devestating, as prophet looking in to the endless pit, as expected. But for love and goodness in all things that are sunshine, green grass, good beer, sweet BBQ and funny-cuddly puppies would SOMEONE tell Hunter to play JUST 2 STEPS BACK defensively! I can live with a ball or two or 10 hit in front of him if necessary. But sooner or later the tape has to meet reality indicating how many over the head and outstretched glove extra base hits could be prevented if he was just positioned 2 STEPS BACK. ( not unlike the 2 steps back and 2 steps to his right I advocated regarding Arcia last season)

 

The simple truth is, I love and believe in a good story. Thus far, Torii has found that Fountain of Youth mystique vs journalism reality in 2015 and played the part of hero. I even predicted it. Now, the next 3 months of the '15 season could and should have a great impact on the '16 season. And Hunter himself will have a lot to say about '16 based upon on what he does the second half of this season. I am not a betting man. And I believe in the satisfying and happy end before the story goes too long. (vs just about anything JJ Abrahams has ever touched) But if the next 3 months are the same, more or less, as the first 3 months, I have to wonder about bringing Hunter back for a final-final season next year. NEVER thought I'd say or think that. But his impact, half a season thus far, offensive, and clubhouse/team/attitude wise has been unmistakable and unarguable. However, reality simply has to dictate even subtle changes, yes, for next season? If Hunter would be re-signed it would have to be for fair price and expectation of being a primary DH and backup only OF, yes?

 

Weigh in on your next OF sports fans. Have I missed anything?

[beckmt]

Looks about right, Walker is probably too far away to be included. Logjam needs to be worked out. This and starting pitching is a good problem to have. Expect it will be Rosario, Buxton, and Hicks/Hunter(?) with possibly Arcia. Looking forward to the rest of the year.

[blairpaul715]

I know i have seen the comparison of Plouffe to Cuddyer, but , even tho Cuddyer was no speedster, he was certainly faster than Plouffe, so keep Plouffe in the infield or trade him...........My OF for next year would be, LF Rosario, CF Buxton, RF Hicks, 4th OF Arcia, and Hunter DH-5th OF. And Kepler waiting in the wings at AAA.

[GMinTraining]

Minor league numbers have to matter at some point in your evaluations:  Walker's positive stat line numbers over the average of an 162 game season overwhelm his negatives numbers.  At some point I want to see how his numbers and skill set translate into a MLB game.   Many of you might be right about his limited chances at the MLB level because he doesn't walk as it relates to his strikeouts, but it makes no sense not find out in 2016.

 

Walker's AVERAGES PER 162 GAME SEASON  (he has actually played 392 minor league games):

105  RUNS;  164  HITS;  317  TOTAL BASES;  31  DOUBLES;   6  TRIPLES;   37  HOME RUNS;  74 XBH;  131        RBI;  -  THESE ARE AMAZING NUMBERS

 

Who else in our system or any system for that matter even comes close to averaging those kind of numbers????????????

 

Don't you want to see how much of a fall off Walker will have in 2016?  These are his estimate average numbers with a 30% drop off because of MLB level:

74  RUNS;     115  HITS;     222  TOTAL BASES;  22  DOUBLES;   4  TRIPLES;   26  HOME RUNS;  52 XBH;  92  RBI;

 

Are most of you expecting more than a 30% drop off and would you be satisfied with the above 30% drop off numbers?  

 

I suspect that Walker has had success at every level in his career and will overcome his short comings.  Even in his worse season (Cape Cod League - summer 2011), which pretty much dropped him from any first round draft consideration (led Cape in strikeouts) - His team won the Cape Cod regular season championship for the first time in 23 years.  He led that team in HR and RBI as well (starting to see a pattern here......).

 

[diehardtwinsfan]

Hunter was a one year thing.  I don't see him around next year when Rosario, Hicks, Buxton, and Arcia are all looking for regular playing time with Walker, Santana, and Ortiz all a phone call away. 

[Platoon]

Hunter was a one year thing.  I don't see him around next year when Rosario, Hicks, Buxton, and Arcia are all looking for regular playing time with Walker, Santana, and Ortiz all a phone call away.

 

Unless TR is no longer GM, Torri Hunter will be back! Probably at the cost of Arcia. And we will get to see Arcia finally mature somewhere else. He's already just turned 24, so there's no reason for the Twins to keep him.. Torri on the other hand will be a young man of 40, and has a long and bright future of mentoring ahead of him.

[jimmer]

 

Hunter was a one year thing.  I don't see him around next year when Rosario, Hicks, Buxton, and Arcia are all looking for regular playing time with Walker, Santana, and Ortiz all a phone call away. 

why no Kepler in that group?

[twinssouth]

I'd prefer to rank our outfield depth based on Hunter not coming back, he may retire.

 

1st tier, can play defense and offense, most potential

Buxton

Rosario

Kepler

 

2nd tier, defense is strength

Hicks

 

3rd tier, offense is strength

Arcia

 

4th tier, ways away, have potential

Walker

Harrison

 

5th tier, 4th or 5th 2 way outfielders

Ortiz

Robinson

 

Based on what I see, we could use another MLB caliber outfielder if Torii doesn't come back next year

[RealTwinsFan357]

I've been giving this a lot of thought, actually, so here's my two cents:

 

Buxton: No reason he doesn't start in CF for the Twins next year. He might still be rough around the edges, but his potential is too high to start him in the minors and his defense will help regardless. Although I hope he sticks, he might have to be sent down sometime next year if his hitting doesn't start to improve.

 

Rosario: I'm a big fan of Eddie Rosario, but I have to point out that he's not a great player yet (not saying I'm disappointed, Rosario is one of my favorite players to watch this year). Fangraphs gives him a wRC+ of 95, right around league average, while giving him a negative rating on defense. He does pass the eye test, but I would like to see his stats (offensive and defense) improve a little bit. That being said, I would definitely want him starting in LF next year. If his offense improves, he will be a great asset in the corner outfield and if Buxton needs to be sent down, Rosario is a legitimate backup plan in center.

 

Arcia: Arcia needs to start in RF for the Twins next year. Left handed power is perhaps this team's biggest need on the offensive side. He has done some good things at the MLB level before, and I hope he gets a callup soon and continues to build off of it this year. He won't be worse than Torii in RF (defensively) and with Buxton and Rosario playing the other two positions, the team can afford a below average defender in one of the corners.

 

Hicks: I see a lot of people suggesting Hicks should be the starting right fielder for the Twins, but I don't see it. Hicks still can't hit. His average may be up from last year, but he has a wRC+ of 59 this year according to fangraphs. That's not acceptable for a corner outfielder. Because of his defense and speed, Hicks would make a nice 4th OF. He can pinch run, sub for Arcia come the 7th inning, and play all three positions well (although I haven't actually seen him in left). As much as it pains me to say it, I think Hicks's opportunity to be a long-term starter is gone.

 

Kepler: I absolutely love what Kepler is doing in the minor leagues right now. An outfield of Rosario, Buxton, and Kepler would excite me both offensively and defensively. The biggest problem I see with that is our corner players would then be Mauer, Plouffe, Rosario, and Kepler. There isn't much in terms of power threat amongst those four. Certainly Sano could DH, but that would give the team only two bats with legitimate HR potential (Sano and Dozier). If Plouffe were traded, allowing Sano to play third and moving Arcia or Vargas into the DH role, I would feel better about the team's power potential. It is also worth mentioning that Kepler is having a breakout season and hasn't been consistently this solid in the minors. Because of this, I would probably start Kepler in AAA with the idea that he's the first one up if he's hitting and somebody else is floundering or gets injured.

 

Walker: I understand the argument that Walker's stats are (and have been for quite some time) amazing in the minor leagues. I also agree that he will probably strike out almost 50% of the time against MLB pitching. Because of this, I look to let Walker finish the year in AA and start him in AAA next year. If he manages to punish AAA pitching, I place him behind Kepler on the waiting list for an MLB audition. the power potential is real, but unless the strikeouts improve, I have my reservations.

 

Hunter: Torii Hunter is a time bomb at this point. Sure, he's putting up solid numbers this year, but I have a feeling that his ability will plummet at any time (whether it be this year or in the future). We have candidates to play the corner outfield spots and DH, so we have no place for Hunter next year. Even if it would win us a couple of additional games in the short term, it would come at the cost of giving Arcia/Kepler/Walker/etc opportunities to prove they are MLB caliber players.

 

Harrison: Travis Harrison doesn't excite me as much as some other prospects. I don't see him getting much of a shot next year unless he really breaks out or there are a lot of injuries.

 

Santana: I really don't see Danny Santana as a long term solution in the OF, but if the team doesn't think he will be their SS, he should learn LF, RF, 2B, and 3B. He has the tools to be a useful utility player with some pop.

 

Plouffe: The Twins are not going to move Plouffe to the outfield. I honestly think they should trade him as part of a package to find a solution at catcher. The trade deadline might be too soon, but if Sano performs well for the remainder of the season, I could see Plouffe being traded during the offseason. I also think the fact that Plouffe's offense has taken a hit since the start of June could mean that Sano outperforms him as early as this year.

 

Robinson: I don't think the Twins need Robinson anymore after this year. If the Twins open with Buxton, Rosario, Arcia, and Hicks as their outfielders with Santana also on the team, they should be set on backups. If need be, they would still have players like Danny Ortiz in AAA in addition to Kepler and Walker.

[DocBauer]

At this point, with health, I think you have to write Rosario and Buxton in the lineup with ink. Then it gets interesting. If Walker gets up to Rochester soon, and can have a strong last couple of months, along with maybe some winter ball, he could be in line for the third spot. But that's a lot of pressure and expectation to be placed on him so soon.

 

I'm going with Hicks and Arcia both. Arcia as a DH and occassional OF and Hicks as a multi-purpose starter, defensive replacement. i know we're all a little down on Arcia right now. And his season thus far has been almost inexplicably bad. But the ability is still there. He seems to be coming alive at Rochester lately. He may still play an important role.

[Craig Arko]

At this point, with health, I think you have to write Rosario and Buxton in the lineup with ink. Then it gets interesting. If Walker gets up to Rochester soon, and can have a strong last couple of months, along with maybe some winter ball, he could be in line for the third spot. But that's a lot of pressure and expectation to be placed on him so soon.

I'm going with Hicks and Arcia both. Arcia as a DH and occassional OF and Hicks as a multi-purpose starter, defensive replacement. i know we're all a little down on Arcia right now. And his season thus far has been almost inexplicably bad. But the ability is still there. He seems to be coming alive at Rochester lately. He may still play an important role.

This team desperately needs left-handed power. If Arcia has his head together now he'll have a role to play.

[lightfoot789]

SOUTHERN LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Definitely one of my 2016 Corner Outfielders.

 

http://www.milb.com/documents/2/9/6/135045296/Walker_Named_Player_of_the_Month_89m02y48.pdf

 

70 RBI already with 20 doubles and 23 home runs and leads the team in runs scored = A lot more All than Nothing

 

And that is every year

[DocBauer]

SOUTHERN LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Definitely one of my 2016 Corner Outfielders.

 

http://www.milb.com/documents/2/9/6/135045296/Walker_Named_Player_of_the_Month_89m02y48.pdf

 

70 RBI already with 20 doubles and 23 home runs and leads the team in runs scored = A lot more All than Nothing

 

And that is every year

Hey, I'm a huge fan and very hopeful for young Mr Walker. I think what impresses me most about his performance this year is not his numbers/production itself, but rather how he has not only rebounded from a rough start, but also how he has chosen this year, at the AA level, the highest and hardest level he has faced so far, to have his best and most productive year.

 

But there are still holes we don't need to magnify too soon. And there is defense to work on,(though I believe the tools are there) And right now, frankly, there are other worthwhile or better youngsters a notch ahead on the totem pole of seeming readiness. That's not a knock, just a crowded reality.

[TNLooky2015]

Would love to see what he can do with a September call up.  Truly see if he is for real as a mistake hitter and provide some runs for the Twins.  An impressive spring training and a great start in AAA next year and I can see a Twins need for a Walker, even with a crowded OF already.

[Bark's Lounge]

Hunter will be back if he ends the season as the first half has started. That would probably equate to 22-25HR's, 260-.270BA, and a suspect OBP .310.-.320 over a full season.

 

Here's the deal, rebuilding a ball club is not just the art of bringing up prospects to replace obsolete veterans. A team needs a philosophical change. I think the Twins have started this in good fashion, whether that be Molitor, new coaches, or Hunter.

 

Hunter, in my opinion has made a great difference in creating a new clubhouse culture with this ball club. It takes more than one year to make a chemistry change. Dozier is more hard charged as a leader, Joe Mauer has a smile on his face when celebrating the victories - these are the result of something we are not privy to.

 

I am no expert, but I believe Torii to have been a difference maker this year and one of the causes of my above words.

[curt1965]

At this point, with health, I think you have to write Rosario and Buxton in the lineup with ink. Then it gets interesting. If Walker gets up to Rochester soon, and can have a strong last couple of months, along with maybe some winter ball, he could be in line for the third spot. But that's a lot of pressure and expectation to be placed on him so soon.

I'm going with Hicks and Arcia both. Arcia as a DH and occassional OF and Hicks as a multi-purpose starter, defensive replacement. i know we're all a little down on Arcia right now. And his season thus far has been almost inexplicably bad. But the ability is still there. He seems to be coming alive at Rochester lately. He may still play an important role.

After watching Sano perform, I certainly do not put Buxton in the "starting" lineup next year in ink. I absolutely love his potential, but IMHO he is not ready right now, and might not be for the first part of next year either.

When he is ready, look out!

I think we have to consider the possibility of Sano going to the OF. Not the best option, but it might happen.

I could see Rosario, Hicks, Arcia, and maybe somebody like Harrison in the 4th OF spot with Sano and Santana available. Now if Kepler is ready next year, and Buxton is too, well then.....there is going to be some excitement around Target Field!

Then my outfield for next year (and possibly the next 10 years) would consist of: Rosario, Buxton, Arcia, Kepler, and Hicks with Arcia getting some major time at DH.

Not Hunter. Torii is going to be 40 on July 18 of "this" year, not next year. I don't want him to block any of the 5 I have listed. He's been great this year, but his skills are going to erode at some point.

[SwainZag]

I don't see why we should be looking at Sano in the OF and not at 3B.  I know we have Plouffe there, but with the athleticism of Buxton, Rosario, Hicks, Kepler and toss in Arcia......there's not much room for a 3B who has never played the OF before.

[DocBauer]

 

After watching Sano perform, I certainly do not put Buxton in the "starting" lineup next year in ink. I absolutely love his potential, but IMHO he is not ready right now, and might not be for the first part of next year either.
When he is ready, look out!
I think we have to consider the possibility of Sano going to the OF. Not the best option, but it might happen.
I could see Rosario, Hicks, Arcia, and maybe somebody like Harrison in the 4th OF spot with Sano and Santana available. Now if Kepler is ready next year, and Buxton is too, well then.....there is going to be some excitement around Target Field!
Then my outfield for next year (and possibly the next 10 years) would consist of: Rosario, Buxton, Arcia, Kepler, and Hicks with Arcia getting some major time at DH.
Not Hunter. Torii is going to be 40 on July 18 of "this" year, not next year. I don't want him to block any of the 5 I have listed. He's been great this year, but his skills are going to erode at some point.

My apologies, I actually meant Kepler when I said Walker in regard to moving up to AAA soon, doing well, having a nice winter, and competing for the 3rd starting spot next season, but expectations maybe being too high, pressure, etc. Now, my words could pertain to Walker as well, but I meant Kepler, and honestly, with an all around game being considered, Kepler is ahead of Walker at this point.

 

Once again I state, I'm not knocking Walker who I rave a lot of love for, belief in, and growing belief in how well he has adapted this year. But as a finished product in the making, he is further behind. And that's OK. There is NOTHING WRONG with a quality player/prospect playing a full season at a level. In fact, it's how most prospects reach the majors. 

 

I dont think comparing Sano's early success, SSS, to Buxton's is fair. They are both potential generational talents and difference makers. Both had a really rough 2014. Both have rebounded extraordinarily well. Buxton, I felt, should have been held back another week or two. He was on a nice roll, and I thought we should have given him that extra week or two to continue that roll before promotion. Regardless, his results were not only iffy and ishy, but it was, unfortunately, a very SSS. But offensively and defensively, despite the SSS, he flashed!  He just needs to get healthy, get back...(I'm telling you---bubble wrap)...and get these last few months in as part of his experience/building program.

 

I like Hicks. I really do. I think anyone down on him at this point is simply not paying attention. The Hicks playing CF now, and batting now, is simply not the same AH we saw the last couple of seasons. This 3.0 version actually looks like a young ML ballplayer with skills and potential who is starting to "get it". The light bulb may not be on all the way yet...but the someone has definately been turning the dimmer switch up towards bright. And if Buxton actually needs some time, and Hicks needs to fill in, I guess I'm OK with that. I just don't think it's going to be necessary.

[DocBauer]

 

I don't see why we should be looking at Sano in the OF and not at 3B.  I know we have Plouffe there, but with the athleticism of Buxton, Rosario, Hicks, Kepler and toss in Arcia......there's not much room for a 3B who has never played the OF before.

This! Can we finally just drop the whole Sano to the OF thing? I mean, I can almost understand the fuzzy logic scenario of desperate fans who believe his moving to the OF would help him reach the majors sooner. (as if he's disappointing by making it at age 22 and looking good thus far)

 

The guy is a 3B. TOP 3B don't grow on trees. I EXPECT him to not be as good as Plouffe at 3B right now. But then again, Plouffe at 3B two seasons ago is not the Plouffe we see at 3B now. Gaetti had hands of stone when he arrived to the bigs, stopping as many balls with his chest and various other body parts as he did with his glove. Koskie was too big, too tall, and too stiff. All these guys did was win Gold Gloves, go to All Star games, garner Silver Slugger awards, play on WS and winning teams, set benchmark type numbers, and become a couple top all time Twins. 

 

But because Sano is a big kid, commited some errors in the minors, (like all infielders do), and some guy somewhere conjectured he might outgrow 3B and not be able to play it...despite the fact that most scouts feel he has what it takes to play the position...at the very least early in his career...he should be moved to 1B or the OF.

 

He is a 3B and will be a 3B for some time. I don't object to him learning 1B to increase roster depth and flexability....but he is a 3B.

[GMinTraining]

I can understand how some people like other outfielders as opposed to Walker, but................

 

Walker has 40+ more RBI than the next closest teammate on the Lookout squad (Kepler; Harrison; Gonzales; etc.).  RBI can be looked at as a meaningless stat, but a difference of 40 halfway thru the season is again crazy.  74 RBI in 79 games is worth the risk of finding out in 2016 IMO.  

 

Torii Hunter leads the Twins with 46 RBI.  

[drjim]

 

This! Can we finally just drop the whole Sano to the OF thing? I mean, I can almost understand the fuzzy logic scenario of desperate fans who believe his moving to the OF would help him reach the majors sooner. (as if he's disappointing by making it at age 22 and looking good thus far)

 

The guy is a 3B. TOP 3B don't grow on trees. I EXPECT him to not be as good as Plouffe at 3B right now. But then again, Plouffe at 3B two seasons ago is not the Plouffe we see at 3B now. Gaetti had hands of stone when he arrived to the bigs, stopping as many balls with his chest and various other body parts as he did with his glove. Koskie was too big, too tall, and too stiff. All these guys did was win Gold Gloves, go to All Star games, garner Silver Slugger awards, play on WS and winning teams, set benchmark type numbers, and become a couple top all time Twins. 

 

But because Sano is a big kid, commited some errors in the minors, (like all infielders do), and some guy somewhere conjectured he might outgrow 3B and not be able to play it...despite the fact that most scouts feel he has what it takes to play the position...at the very least early in his career...he should be moved to 1B or the OF.

 

He is a 3B and will be a 3B for some time. I don't object to him learning 1B to increase roster depth and flexability....but he is a 3B.

 

No. If Plouffe is still on the team it's the right move for the organization to at least get Sano some reps in the outfield.