Should Sano Get Demoted?

[Vanimal46]

He's played 26 games at 3B so far in his MLB career.. Of course his defense is going to be raw. Keep him there and let him take his lumps along the way. 

 

[Squirrel]

Moderator warning: If you don't like the topic, don't post. Stop with the eye rolling and the over-expressed incredulity over a topic someone wants to discuss. If you disagree with the OP, then make your claims and have a reasonable discussion. If you can't do so without getting disrespectful of other posters, management or players, don't post. 

 

If you don't think Sano should be sent down, then say why. If you do, then say why. And discuss that. Stick to topic and drop the disrespect, please. Most are doing fine, but a few need to check it at the door.

[wickedslider]

 

Batting practice isn't going to increase or decrease his strikeout rate.  Sano can hit with or without BP.  "Skipping" it as the Strib says isn't that big of a deal, especially if the coaching staff told him he was sitting that game or if it was to just have him clear his head.

 

More of a general TD tone than you specifically

 

I guess I just question the efficacy of those reports because it's so hard to understand what is really happening. The Twins are a young team and there are going to be hiccups as guys get used to performing every day on the big stage. Torii Hunter* struggled out of the box, Carlos Gomez was called a headcase**, Trevor Plouffe struggled for years - it's time we give the young guys a chance to play, sit them down when they make mistakes and keep the negativity down. Sano is fun to watch and for all the boneheaded moments, he has amazing moments that I choose to focus on.

 

* I feel contractually obligated to note that Torii Hunter was a homophobic narcissist who is unworthy of our love and adoration.

 

** Carlos Gomes is still called a headcase but you get my point

Here's an interesting quote from Molitor;

Sano sat out three of the previous five days, during which the Twins went 3-0, Molitor noted.

“I’m trying not to put people over other people just because of name and reputation,” Molitor said. “We have people I’ve been trying to get a good look at here, especially as we get into the last two months. I’d like to play him as much as I can, but there are days when it makes sense for me to get him to sit back and watch the game. Sometimes that can be good.”

Molitor went on to suggest competition is good for all involved.

“We’ve got to keep these guys hungry and not (let them) get comfortable,” Molitor said. “(Sano) is not the only one that we’re going to have to continue to do that with.”

[laloesch]

Let him play.  Worst case scenario he starts a few games at DH and Polanco slides over to third.

[ThejacKmp]

 

Here's an interesting quote from Molitor;

Sano sat out three of the previous five days, during which the Twins went 3-0, Molitor noted.

“I’m trying not to put people over other people just because of name and reputation,” Molitor said. “We have people I’ve been trying to get a good look at here, especially as we get into the last two months. I’d like to play him as much as I can, but there are days when it makes sense for me to get him to sit back and watch the game. Sometimes that can be good.”

Molitor went on to suggest competition is good for all involved.

“We’ve got to keep these guys hungry and not (let them) get comfortable,” Molitor said. “(Sano) is not the only one that we’re going to have to continue to do that with.”

 

Yeah. Sitting Sano for a few days tells not just him but everyone on the team that they are accountable for their performance.

[jimmer]

 

Let him play.  Worst case scenario he starts a few games at DH and Polanco slides over to third.

or maybe BEST case scenario.  the part about him DHing and Polanco manning 3rd.

[ashbury]

or maybe BEST case scenario.  the part about him DHing and Polanco manning 3rd.

I am concerned that only by combining the skills of Sano and Polanco could you have a good fielder at third for the present. Polanco would surely handle the popups better and likely deal with the screaming liners destined to go through the legs better; but I think his arm will be as disappointing to purists as it has been at short. Routine plays will have you holding your breath until the ball reaches the first baseman, and slow rollers or bunts will likewise be an adventure.

[laloesch]

 

Here's an interesting quote from Molitor;

Sano sat out three of the previous five days, during which the Twins went 3-0, Molitor noted.

“I’m trying not to put people over other people just because of name and reputation,” Molitor said. “We have people I’ve been trying to get a good look at here, especially as we get into the last two months. I’d like to play him as much as I can, but there are days when it makes sense for me to get him to sit back and watch the game. Sometimes that can be good.”

Molitor went on to suggest competition is good for all involved.

“We’ve got to keep these guys hungry and not (let them) get comfortable,” Molitor said. “(Sano) is not the only one that we’re going to have to continue to do that with.”

 

I think I understand the sentiment being articulated here.  The perception is that he's a happy go lucky kind of player and that he has no sense of urgency and does not concentrate.  That could explain the boneheaded errors and crazy number of strikeouts.  

 

It's also been suggested in the comment section of the star tribune that he is frustrated, pouting and not listening to the coaches.

 

Molitor is right to sit him to clear his head.  If it continues maybe he does need to get sent down.  He likely does have some maturing to do at 23 years old, but I am far less concerned about him in comparison to Buxton.

[diehardtwinsfan]

Well, I take everything in the strib with a grain of salt. The team is notorious for 'leaking' crap like that when it suites their needs, and quite frankly I'm not a fan.

 

He's what, 23?  At that age, he's going to make boneheaded mistakes in the field, and his case more so given that he didn't play in 2014 and was mostly a DH in 2015, and an 'outfielder' in 2016.  He has had very few reps at 3B in the last 3 years, and whether he's lazy, hardworking, or somewhere in between, he's going to make those types of mistakes.

[laloesch]

 

Well, I take everything in the strib with a grain of salt. The team is notorious for 'leaking' crap like that when it suites their needs, and quite frankly I'm not a fan.

 

He's what, 23?  At that age, he's going to make boneheaded mistakes in the field, and his case more so given that he didn't play in 2014 and was mostly a DH in 2015, and an 'outfielder' in 2016.  He has had very few reps at 3B in the last 3 years, and whether he's lazy, hardworking, or somewhere in between, he's going to make those types of mistakes.

 

Agreed.  The important thing is progression.  If's he's still striking out at this pace next season and continues to make tons of errors then there is valid reason for concern.  But at 23 years old he's just getting started and we've seen short bursts of what he's capable of and that is promising.  Kenny Vargas whose 3 years older and has the DH build similar to Sano appears to have progressed and that is a good thing.  Hopefully Sano emulates him a works his way through this.  

[HitInAPinch]

One more time:  

 

http://www.startribune.com/phil-miller-s-sunday-insider-red-sox-show-how-patience-with-prospects-can-be-rewarded/383534181/

[drivlikejehu]

Sano is the team's 4th best position player by WAR, one of the team's youngest players, has high upside, and has already destroyed the minors, and is struggling at 3B after being told to play the outfield for the first half of the season.

 

He should not be demoted. It is a unjustifiable, horrible, and yes, borderline comical idea. It is frightening that the Twins consider it even a remote possibility. 

 

Again, he is one of the team's best players EVEN WHILE UNDERACHIEVING AT THE PLATE AND STRUGGLING IN THE FIELD. 

 

But the Twins should demote him to "teach him a lesson?" That would be an interesting lesson: the Twins will sabotage you and then demote you even when you are one of the team's best players. Brilliant. Sign me up.

[Jham]

http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/f8/f8b00ba3e591b374cea868927f8512ee45d6f5ed3ff4198f2e3d3a0101f24a24.jpg

 

 

[Mr. Brooks]

Here's an interesting quote from Molitor;

Sano sat out three of the previous five days, during which the Twins went 3-0, Molitor noted.

“I’m trying not to put people over other people just because of name and reputation,” Molitor said. “We have people I’ve been trying to get a good look at here, especially as we get into the last two months. I’d like to play him as much as I can, but there are days when it makes sense for me to get him to sit back and watch the game. Sometimes that can be good.”

Molitor went on to suggest competition is good for all involved.

“We’ve got to keep these guys hungry and not (let them) get comfortable,” Molitor said. “(Sano) is not the only one that we’re going to have to continue to do that with.”

That's fair enough, but doesn't seem consistent.

If he's trying to keep guys hungry and uncomfortable then why is DanSan in the lineup everyday, despite being the worst position player in baseball the last 2 years?

[Jham]

I'm not sure how to send a message to Sano.  I'm not sure whose opinion he respects in the clubhouse.  I don't know if any of the players have enough clout to keep him in check.  I don't think sending him down is the answer, but I'm not positive it's not.  

I'd play out the year at DH, with occasional days at 3rd and 1st, where I ultimately believe he'll end up, and if I don't see some improvement, I'd send him to winter league to work on D and having a better plan.  He's been swinging at breaking balls in the dirt with 2 strikes, but letting thigh high fastballs go by to open his at bat.  I'd let him know that if he opted out of Winter Ball, and came into camp out of shape again, he may start the year in Rochester.  Vargas, AB3, Palka, are out of options.  Park is probably a major leaguer.  I believe Sano has 1 more option season.

[Jham]

 

That's fair enough, but doesn't seem consistent.
If he's trying to keep guys hungry and uncomfortable then why is DanSan in the lineup everyday, despite being the worst position player in baseball the last 2 years?

Santana has been moderately playable the last month or so.  But I think you've hit on a big problem for this group in general.  So called scholarships for big prospects and big contracts have hurt this team.  I think it started with Joe Nathan rolling in to spring training out of shape, throwing 85, telling everyone it was ok, then throwing 94 come April.  That's fine for Joe because that's (supposedly) what he needed, but that mentality became the norm for all vets.  Special treatment for veterans and prospects not based on actual ability or health or anything sends a horrible message that it doesn't matter how hard you work or how well you actually play, so long as your old and adequate or highly touted and adequate.

I would like to ask those with more knowledge of the situation, who was the leader of those Kernals/Miracle/Snappers/Lookouts squads when Buxton and Sano were on the rise?  Based on their personalities, I doubt it was either of them.  AB3 maybe?  We need someone these kids will listen to and follow.  Moli isn't him.  Mauer isn't him.  I doubt Dozier is him.  Hunter is gone.

[USAFChief]

Batting practice isn't going to increase or decrease his strikeout rate.  Sano can hit with or without BP.  "Skipping" it as the Strib says isn't that big of a deal, especially if the coaching staff told him he was sitting that game or if it was to just have him clear his head.

Skipping batting practice isn't that big of a deal?

 

If in fact he skipped work, It's a huge deal. Enormous.

 

There have been multiple troubling reports on Sano's work ethic, maturity, commitment etc etc since last winter. Where there's that much smoke, coupled with declining play, there's likely some fire.

 

Misplaying some chances is one thing. Struggling somewhat in your sophomore year can be explained.

 

Not doing much to fix those issues is a whole new level of problem.

[Platoon]

Or it could just be that the coaching staff thought he was pressing too hard and instructed him to skip batting practice because he needed a day off. It's pretty common for coaches to tell guys to take a day off and chill in baseball.

 

This seems like people looking around for something to get complain about because the Twins are actually playing good ball and there's no more Ricky to kick around anymore.

This from Molitor in the Trib piece on Sanos "approach". ...............

 

“I’m trying not to put people over other people just because of name and reputation. We have people I’m trying got get a good look at here, especially as we get into the last two months,” Molitor said. “You’ve got to keep these guys hungry and not get comfortable, and he’s not the only one we’re going to have to do that way.”

 

The Twins remain uneasy about Sano’s inconsistent approach, too. Molitor praised Sano’s work ethic at third, but a Twins source also noted Sano skipped early batting practice Monday, amid a 2-for-18, 11-strikeout skid.

 

One could assume that said 'source' would have mentioned the team suggesting Sano skip early BP. Add this to the many articles suggesting Sano didn't exactly battle his tail off this winter in prep for his move to RF, and there seems a pattern here. I am a Sano fan, and am not bashing him. He's awfully young, and has always gotten by on pure ability. I hope he understands more is now involved, and puts in the time.

[MileHighTwinsFan]

To be clear.  My intention with this post was not that Sano should be "punished" or "sent a message" with a demotion, but merely that he go down to Rochester and get his game back together.  With Plouffe about to come off the DL, it would appear to be a sensible option.  

 

Also, when you consider that Polanco has been playing well, I think he deserves an opportunity to stay with the big club.  I would be shocked if the team DFA'd Santana - although a waiver wire deal is possible. Who else should be sent down?

 

I completely agree that Sano is a rare talent - but if the club is not going to stick it out and play him everyday at 3b, I think time in Rochester makes some sense. 

[Vanimal46]

D Santana sure as hell should be the one DFA'd / sent down when Plouffe comes back. 

[drivlikejehu]

 

To be clear.  My intention with this post was not that Sano should be "punished" or "sent a message" with a demotion, but merely that he go down to Rochester and get his game back together.  

 

OK, so what should the Twins do with the 9 position players on the roster worse than him?

[Brandon Warne]

 

If Molitor thinks that Sano isnt one of our 9 best players than perhaps it's Mollie who should be sent to Rochester.

 

You don't handle players this way. 

 

It's not "is Miguel better than player x" but rather "is Miguel as good as Miguel can/should be in this moment of his development?" 

 

So if he's playing at say, 60 percent of how good you think he should be, you consider making a move. 

[laloesch]

 

D Santana sure as hell should be the one DFA'd / sent down when Plouffe comes back. 

I don't agree that he should be DFA'd.

[Brandon Warne]

 

I don't agree that he should be DFA'd.

 

.314/.364/.431 since July 1 while playing LF, RF, 3B, CF, 2B and SS defensively? No way. 

[alarp33]

 

D Santana sure as hell should be the one DFA'd / sent down when Plouffe comes back. 

 

We can only dream

[Mike Sixel]

 

.314/.364/.431 since July 1 while playing LF, RF, 3B, CF, 2B and SS defensively? No way. 

 

Not playing them well.....and I guess we should ignore the last two years? Do people really think Santana is a good MLB player now?

[jimmer]

 

Not playing them well.....and I guess we should ignore the last two years? Do people really think Santana is a good MLB player now?

Um, no would be my answer to that.

[alarp33]

 

.314/.364/.431 since July 1 while playing LF, RF, 3B, CF, 2B and SS defensively? No way. 

 

55 plate appearances certainly seems like a relevant sample size.  

 

It's too bad the previous 427 PA led to a 49 wRC+ and .224/.255/.309 line.  Or else we could have another Mike Trout on our hands 

 

I could play all of those positions as well, it doesn't mean I would be any good at them

[jimmer]

 

Not playing them well.....and I guess we should ignore the last two years? Do people really think Santana is a good MLB player now?

what is two years going to tell you that the last 55 PAs won't? :-)

[Brandon Warne]

 

55 plate appearances certainly seems like a relevant sample size.  

 

It's too bad the previous 427 PA led to a 49 wRC+ and .224/.255/.309 line.  Or else we could have another Mike Trout on our hands 

 

I could play all of those positions as well, it doesn't mean I would be any good at them

 

I'm saying he's a useful player who, when used right, has value. At his age, are you really going to cut him when you could demote Polanco or someone for a couple weeks to let Plouffe regain value?