Sano won't play 3B AT ALL this year.

[formerly33]

What apocalypse means to most people: Something ISIS jihadist maniacs believe they are a key agent in bringing about.

 

What apocalypse means on Twins Daily: Miguel Sano moves to the outfield.

[Hrbowski]

Good decision.

[SF Twins Fan]

I don't see how this is even news worthy.  I could care less where Sano plays in the field as long as he doesn't completely suck and as long as hit bat is still in the lineup.  I mean Arcia and the Hammer have both played in the outfield recently and by all accounts Sano blows both of them out of the water in terms of athletic ability. I'm not saying he's going to be a gold glove winner but as long as he doesn't royally mess up it doesn't matter.  There is no way the Twins are going to sign Plouffe to an extension (Well almost no way), so right now Plouffe is the best option at 3B.  If he gets injured or is traded I'm assuming they would move Sano to 3B especially if it's a long term injury.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

 

No one has said he can't play 3B.

True, neither you or the team have said that, but plenty of posters on here are saying that.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

 

OF is much easier than 3B.

I don't disbelieve you, but they seem like completely different skills. I would love to see links of analysis or opinion on this but wouldn't know where to look (Bill James?)

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

 

Yeah, this seems like a made up reason to bitch.  It was pretty clear the Twins don't think he's going to be a third baseman and it doesn't make much sense to have him worry about playing third while learning a new position.

 

It also didn't make sense for the Twins to throw him straight into the OF in his year back from TJ surgery.  They're handling this all right. 

How would you handle the Kepler angle?

[Riverbrian]

I don't Believe this means The Twins don't think Sano can play 3B.

 

I think it means the Twins believe that he can play RF.

 

With that said... Please Mr. Molitor...don't deliver absolutes like that.... Eliminating options can be counter productive.

 

There was no reason to say that publicly.

[nytwinsfan]

 

They've never said that he can't play 3B. I'm sure they believe he can. But we also know that he can't play it as well as Plouffe. It's really that simple.

 

There is no question Sano can't play 3B as well as Plouffe RIGHT NOW. No question. But as many people have pointed out, Plouffe was a mediocre 3B when he started in the majors and playing every day made him an average if not above average defensive 3B over the course of 2-3 years. The problem with this strategy with Sano is that a year of Sano away from 3B (even in practice!) will make it very very difficult for him to ever move back there. So then in 2018 when Plouffe leaves there will be nobody to take over at 3B.  So my position is that unless they really think Sano can't play 3B at the majors level, they should have traded Plouffe. Yes, I understand the return would have been light, but it would have still been better than a decent likelihood of wasting an opportunity for Sano to be a 3B for his controlled years with the Twins, which is what I think a year completely away from 3B will do to him. Again, all this assumes that the Twins have not determined that Sano cannot play 3B. But based on everything they have said, they still think he can.  By trying to have their cake and eat it too (Plouffe and Sano) they are going to hurt their 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 teams significantly. Big big mistake in my opinion.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

 

With that said... Please Mr. Molitor...don't deliver absolutes like that.... Eliminating options can be counter productive.

There was no reason to say that publicly.

I agree. I wonder if Molitor is as unhappy about this as many posters are here. Again like you said, why else would he come out and say it in such a way at this time?

 

ugh

[Craig Arko]

In the end, the only thing that's actually going to matter is Sano getting his 4-5 at bats every game. I sure wasn't planning to buy tickets to watch him field, no matter what position he plays.

 

Buxton, on the other hand...

[nicksaviking]

If that's the case, don't say anything. Punt on the question, mumble something about "lots of options" and then move on to the next reporter.

Saying this in February makes no sense.

That would probably be wise, but Molitor seems to say what's on his mind.

 

This shouldn't be surprising, of course they aren't going to yo-yo their star player with defensive concerns all over the field, they'll have their hands full learning one position. Sano will get reconsidered at 3B when Plouffe is gone.

 

Heck, he's only in RF because of the crowds at DH/3B/1B and the team is trying to wedge it's best offensive lineup together. I'd bet if Kepler or Arcia force the issue, Sano would be reconsidered at DH/3B/1B depending on which vet isn't pulling his weight. He's just not going to be what we would think of as position flexible.

[spinowner]

 

With that said... Please Mr. Molitor...don't deliver absolutes like that.... Eliminating options can be counter productive.

There was no reason to say that publicly.

Here's what he should say in his next presser:

"Oops."

[Danchat]

So, if Plouffe gets injured, does this mean Sano won't slide to 3B? So they'd just play Nunez there? It'd be better to use Sano as a backup 3B and have Arcia or Kepler play RF for the time. (not to mention, if Park flounders, Sano should move back to DH.)

 

The Twins have to know Sano's long-term position is not RF. If it isn't 3B, then it's probably 1B. What I'm saying is that if either Plouffe gets injured or Kepler proves himself ready, Sano should be ready to move from RF. Miguel should not play the whole season at RF.

[stringer bell]

I have predicted this as soon as the club announced that Sano was going to the outfield. They aren't going to move him around (2 games at third, two in right, a game at DH and another at first or some such), he's going to play outfield and perhaps DH occasionally. Once a guy is ensconced as a regular he doesn't move around in Twins Territory, but really almost everywhere.

 

How much will Escobar play other positions? I assume if Dozier gets a day off DanSan or Nuñez will take his place. If Plouffe has a day off, maybe they move Esco over and put Santana at short (as they did last year) or more likely they try to make Santana a third baseman.

[Willihammer]

I have predicted this as soon as the club announced that Sano was going to the outfield. They aren't going to move him around (2 games at third, two in right, a game at DH and another at first or some such), he's going to play outfield and perhaps DH occasionally. Once a guy is ensconced as a regular he doesn't move around in Twins Territory, but really almost everywhere.

 

How much will Escobar play other positions? I assume if Dozier gets a day off DanSan or Nuñez will take his place. If Plouffe has a day off, maybe they move Esco over and put Santana at short (as they did last year) or more likely they try to make Santana a third baseman.

If Escobar is the regular SS wouldn't he stay put as well?

 

Someone tweeted earlier in the offseason that DanSan would be an OF-er. Did not rule out all infield duty but you might be able to read that between the lines if you wanted to. In either case, I think its clear next in line for 3B is now Nunez.

 

I just do not understand what is to be gained by this or the Santana-is-an-OFer statements. Why handcuff yourself.

[stringer bell]

 

If Escobar is the regular SS wouldn't he stay put as well?

Someone tweeted earlier in the offseason that DanSan would be an OF-er. Did not rule out all infield duty but you might be able to read that between the lines if you wanted to. In either case, I think its clear next in line for 3B is now Nunez.

I just do not understand what is to be gained by this or the Santana-is-an-OFer statements. Why handcuff yourself.

I assume Esco will stay put, but his calling card was versatility. I don't think Santana has been ruled out as an option in the infield.

[kab21]

This thread is a whole lot about nothing.

 

Sano was always going to be a poor 3B defensively and many had long predicted a move from the position.  Just let him hit.  That is all he needs to do.

 

The more interesting dilemna will be if he plays 1B if mauer's injuries strike again and he is sidelined for a significant period of time.  Park of course can also play 1B but would they want Sano in the field some instead of DH'ing full time.  Let's say the OF is Buxton, Rosario and Kepler by that point and all of them are far superior OF'ers to Sano.

[bird]

Why are we so sure the decision indicates a belief on the part of the Twins that Sano can't play 3B?

 

Is it not possible that they decided they want both Sano's and Plouffe's bats in the middle of the order while simultaneously concluding that Sano would be better served by playing two ways rather than sitting? Maybe it's not an "accommodation" move at all.

 

Why the retroactive angst about past position changes, i.e. Plouffe to 3B and Dozier to 2B? Haven't they worked out pretty well?

 

 

 

 

[Old Twins Cap]

Sano to RF for now.  All else will happen as exigencies arise.

 

My bet:  He plays outfield and DH until the Twins need a 1B.  Then he plays 1B and DH from then on.

 

He was a big man to play 3B.  He's a big man to play RF.  He is the Goldilocks size for 1B.

 

But, we got Mauer.

[nytwinsfan]

 

In the end, the only thing that's actually going to matter is Sano getting his 4-5 at bats every game. I sure wasn't planning to buy tickets to watch him field, no matter what position he plays.

Buxton, on the other hand...

No that IS NOT the only thing that matters. If Sano can play 3B (a place where not many hitters of his caliber can play even mediocre defense) then that makes room for an additional big bat in the corner OF or DH or 1B. In 2018-20 when Plouffe is gone and we are trying to fit Kepler, Park, Walker, Diaz, Arcia, Vargas, and/or any number of available DH, corner OF, or 1B free agents into the corner OF/1B/DH part of the lineup, the Twins are going to be stuck with one fewer such big bat, and instead will get a light-hitting 3B. That is going to take away drastically from our lineup.

 

I'm not sure if people don't understand/agree with the above point, or they just don't care if the team is somewhat worse overall. I can't imagine it is the latter. So why don't you agree with/believe in the concept of positional value?

[Platoon]

Molly should go out to one of Buds garage sales, and ask Bud about making decisions before you have to. And announcements. Both the Santana OF one, and this one were unnecessary. If you have to change things, it just makes you look wishy washy. Comparing Sano to Plouffe should be based on Plouffes first year, not last year. I could easily see them extending Plouffe, there was no real reason to do it with Dozier, but that didn't stop them.

[ScrapTheNickname]

 

Yup, they definitely need some games. I don't feel like this is news. For the foreseeable future he is a RF. The Twins are committed to that... It says nothing about their belief in his ability to play 3B. Guys can come up playing one position, but at the end, it's about finding an opportunity. For Sano right now that's right field. 

 

If Plouffe were to be traded in July, the situation changes. But if Sano is going to be the right fielder, he needs as many reps and as much time out there as they can get him. 

We can rely on you, Seth, to think from a couple of angles at once. Thank you, thank you.

[DaveW]

The only way I will support this move is if the Twins bring Punto or DeRosa out of retirement to back up 3B.

[Vanimal46]

That would probably be wise, but Molitor seems to say what's on his mind.

This shouldn't be surprising, of course they aren't going to yo-yo their star player with defensive concerns all over the field, they'll have their hands full learning one position. Sano will get reconsidered at 3B when Plouffe is gone.

Heck, he's only in RF because of the crowds at DH/3B/1B and the team is trying to wedge it's best offensive lineup together. I'd bet if Kepler or Arcia force the issue, Sano would be reconsidered at DH/3B/1B depending on which vet isn't pulling his weight. He's just not going to be what we would think of as position flexible.

What crowd at 3B? If Sano is indeed a FT OF, the depth all of a sudden becomes Plouffe and Nunez on the 40 man. If Plouffe unfortunately finds himself on the DL, it's going to be extremely disappointing to watch games with Nunez at 3B instead of Sano there...

[DaveW]

 

No that IS NOT the only thing that matters. If Sano can play 3B (a place where not many hitters of his caliber can play even mediocre defense) then that makes room for an additional big bat in the corner OF or DH or 1B. In 2018-20 when Plouffe is gone and we are trying to fit Kepler, Park, Walker, Diaz, Arcia, Vargas, and/or any number of available DH, corner OF, or 1B free agents into the corner OF/1B/DH part of the lineup, the Twins are going to be stuck with one fewer such big bat, and instead will get a light-hitting 3B. That is going to take away drastically from our lineup.

 

I'm not sure if people don't understand/agree with the above point, or they just don't care if the team is somewhat worse overall. I can't imagine it is the latter. So why don't you agree with/believe in the concept of positional value?

I can't agree with this enough.

[darin617]

So what happens now with Max Kepler? If you have a healthy Buxton, Eddie Rosario plays like last season and improves and now Sano.

[Jham]

 

I can't agree with this enough.

 

Your premise assumes studs at all positions.  Few if any teams can field a line-up like that.  Virtually every team will have to make decisions sacrificing offense for defense at any number of places around the field.  Basically, you can try to balance your strengths and weaknesses around the field.  Sure you can say that Sano at 3rd would allow you to move in another Sano in right, but we don't have any more Sano's.  The player we'd move into right would have to outhit Nunez by a wide enough margin to compensate for Sano's defense at third.  Nunez hit well enough last year, and Sano fielded poor enough (ok in limited big league duty) to make that possibility far from a guarantee such that it warrants moving Sano back to the infield.  

[Reider]

This is about getting Sano's bat into the line up. There's no doubt in my mind that the Twins considered their options in the off season regarding Plouffe and decided that they didn't want to give him away. I have no problem with that.

 

For those saying that Sano can't play 3rd base at the MLB level and for those saying that this move is going to ruin the Twins in 2018 and beyond, I say lets not get ahead of ourselves here! Sano is young and a lot can happen over the next couple of years. I believe in Sano's athletic ability and I think the Twins will be just fine wherever he plays. If something happens and they decide to move him back to 3rd base, I think he'll be able to make the transition back to 3rd a lot easier than learning a brand new position (RF).

 

If there's anything to be concerned about, it's moving Sano to a brand new position (RF) in the first place. Even so, it might take some time and a lot of hard work, but in the long run, i'm sure he'll be OK out there. I"m definitely staying positive on Sano's future. I think he has a great future ahead of him.

 

And I"m definitely not worrying about 2018 and beyond!

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

So what happens now with Max Kepler? If you have a healthy Buxton, Eddie Rosario plays like last season and improves and now Sano.

Let me know if anyone follows up with you on this question!

[Seth Stohs]

 

If that's the case, don't say anything. Punt on the question, mumble something about "lots of options" and then move on to the next reporter.

Saying this in February makes no sense.

 

That would probably be for the best, but they speak to the media every day, and they probably get the same questions over and over, and they have to say something. There could be something about pushing Sano. Could be something about giving Sano the confidence or push or whatever that this is going to happen. Of course, everything is subject to change with any change of circumstances.