Byron Buxton Appreciation Thread

[John Kelsey]

This season has gotten really, really pathetic. The team sucks, the manager sucks, leading to a nearly unwatchable product. Literally the only reason I am watching this team anymore is because of Byron Buxton. He's been doing things on a nightly basis that very few players in the game are capable of. I mentioned it in the game thread tonight but I honestly can't remember a more entertaining Twins player in my (somewhat short) lifetime. 

 

On top of this, he always hustles and just seems like a genuinely nice, likable kid. I'm incredibly happy to see him turning things around. 

 

Here are some recent highlights that can function as eye bleach after watching that Grossman double error. 

 

Defensive highlights:

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/51231442/v1183651283/seamin-buxton-makes-an-amazing-grab-to-rob-a-homer/?player_id=621439

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/vtp_outstandings/v1178023183?player_id=621439

http://m.mlb.com/video/v1181935983/detmin-cabrera-beats-buxtons-throw-to-second/?player_id=621439

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/51231442/v1131831883/cwsmin-buxton-robs-a-garcia-with-diving-catch/?player_id=621439

http://m.mlb.com/video/v1127387383/cwsmin-buxton-makes-an-excellent-running-grab/?player_id=621439

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/51231442/v989238383/cwsmin-buxton-sprints-and-lunges-for-great-catch/?player_id=621439

 

 

 

Offensive highlights: 

http://m.mlb.com/video/v1182074583?player_id=621439

http://m.mlb.com/video/v1172892783/minnym-buxton-slugs-a-goahead-homer-in-the-11th/?player_id=621439

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/182435092/v1167276283/mindet-buxton-scorches-a-triple-into-the-gap/?player_id=621439

http://m.mlb.com/video/v1152723783/clemin-buxton-crushes-a-tworun-home-run-in-the-5th/?player_id=621439

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/182435092/v1147752983/kcmin-buxton-scores-from-second-on-infield-grounder/?player_id=621439

http://m.mlb.com/video/v1148160383/kcmin-buxton-adds-some-insurance-with-solo-jack/?player_id=621439

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/82574482/v1134833683/cwsmin-buxton-clubs-a-grand-slam-to-center-field/?player_id=621439

http://m.mlb.com/video/v1131619683/cwsmin-buxton-blasts-upper-deck-tworun-homer/?player_id=621439

http://m.mlb.com/video/v1124780183/cwsmin-buxton-returns-to-bigs-with-mammoth-homer/?player_id=621439

 

[John Kelsey]

I should note, I didn't start this thread to discuss his results and whether they are sustainable as that has been beaten to death and I think it's hard for us to know at this point. 

[Post-Concussive Blues]

I'm so depressed, I half expect news to break that Buxton and Sano are going to jail for running an illegal child fighting ring under Target Field...

 

But that was a nice catch to rob a homer last night!

[twinssporto]

I think Buxton is going to turn out just fine.  He really does look more confident and at ease playing the game.  He will do well next year.

[snepp]

I appreciate the appreciation thread.

[DaveW]

Buxton will be a hall of fame type if he can stay healthy, I look forward to his 2017 big time.

 

25 HR and 5-6 WAR is certainly not out of the question.

[goulik]

I appreciate the appreciation thread.

I appreciate you voicing your appreciation for an appreciation thread.

[bluechipper]

Great thread. Buxton does seem like a really modest, hard-working guy. That, along with his elite athleticism, is a great combination.

[laloesch]

Shake the dust off the palm palms. 

[Loosey]

Whether he turns out to be a 2 WAR type player or a 6-8 WAR player, I think we can all agree he will be a fun player to watch.  And at this point of Twins baseball, I think having something fun and exciting to watch is all I really want.

[laloesch]

 

Whether he turns out to be a 2 WAR type player or a 6-8 WAR player, I think we can all agree he will be a fun player to watch.  And at this point of Twins baseball, I think having something fun and exciting to watch is all I really want.

 

when was the last time we've had a starting pitcher like that?

[Monkeypaws]

Thanks for the nice highlight package there - considering most of those are from the last month or so, there is much to be encouraged about with Buxton's future.

[John Kelsey]

 

when was the last time we've had a starting pitcher like that?

 

Johan was the last truly exciting pitcher to watch, Berrios kind of is, but in a nervous excitement sort of way. 

[Loosey]

 

when was the last time we've had a starting pitcher like that?

Johan, and Francisco Liriano for 2 months.

[John Kelsey]

Nice video of his standup triple to left center last night: http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/73955164/v1196109683/minkc-buxton-reaches-214-mph-on-standup-triple/?game_pk=449249

[70charger]

God, that stride. It's like he takes five steps between first and third.

[FireFalvey]

I have owned three Twins jersey/shirsies in my life. The first two were Dustan Mohr and Oswaldo Arcia. I bought a Buxton one when he was first called up. Really hoping I can get good, prolonged and proficient use out of that third one!

[Pardon My Dinger]

I have owned three Twins jersey/shirsies in my life. The first two were Dustan Mohr and Oswaldo Arcia. I bought a Buxton one when he was first called up. Really hoping I can get good, prolonged and proficient use out of that third one!

I have a Puckett jersey. I had a Nishioka Shirsey. I am what doctors call 'a little slow.'

[DocBauer]

Late to the party but a nice thread and a good idea. Right before our eyes, we're seeing a top talent begin to mature and grow in to a top ML talent.

 

There is no question all but 1 of the past 5 seasons has Ben frustrating and sometimes painful as a Twins fan. And for most of that time, we've all been very impatiently waiting for all these top prospects like Buxton, Sano, Rosario, Kepler, Berrios and others to arrive. But when they don't arrive a ML ROY and all-star candidates at 22-25yo, some get frustrated immediately and want to scream words like disappointment or bust. This is just ridiculous! These, for the most part, are top rated talents by people in "the know" who have seldom, if ever, repeated levels, have shown real ability and potential, and have all of a season to a season and a half under their belts, if that.

 

Not only is Buxton all of 22, and a rookie, but he's advanced through the minors rather quickly despite some injuries to rob him on development time and experience. But he just oozes talent and ability. Here, later in the season, we're starting to see how finally get comfortable. A comment he recently made, on the Twins website if I'm not mistaken, had him comment that he's finally feeling relaxed and things are slowing down for him now. He, Polanco and a couple others, are the only reasons I'm feeling bad this season is dealing to a close.

 

Buxton is going to be A-OK. And eventually, probably soon, way better than that!

[John Kelsey]

http://m.mlb.com/video/v1199066983/mincws-buxton-sends-a-linedrive-homer-to-left/?game_pk=449276

 

http://m.mlb.com/video/v1199142183/mincws-buxton-makes-the-catch-amidst-a-collision/?game_pk=449276

[John Kelsey]

This was fun: http://m.mlb.com/video/v1200954583/mincws-buxtons-1405second-insidethepark-homer

[Han Joelo]

A lead off inside the park home run from Buxton.  Man, Molitor should have tried that a bit sooner.

 

Pleasant winter dreams, everyone.

[Guest]

Great thread Jaykay!  I could not agree more with your sentiment.  I'm just pulling for the kid, and really enjoying the show.  I saw Byron go first-to-third in a spring training game two years ago, and I immediately texted a friend that I've never seen someone run so fast they get blurry.  Let's hope he's able to carry over the comfort and confidence into next year, because he can make a huge impact!

[Monkeypaws]

I remember watching Christian Guzmann just run mad around the bases, and was fast and looked fast, but it looked max-effort, short quick strides. 

 

Buxton runs like a sprinter, such long strides he makes it look so elegant/effortless. I did see the look on his face as he rounded third, which blew the illusion somewhat, but wowza what a stride that kid has, 20+mph.

 

This last month has been a blast to watch, 103 losses be damned.

[twinssouth]

Buxton's 360' around the bases yesterday at 14.05 seconds. Fastest time recorded since 2015. Unreal. 2 things; White Sox CFer had ball go over his head, a big mistake with Bux. 2 nd; ball arrived at home plate same time when Bux was closing in on the dugout. This inside the park homer was not close His speed is really something and he finished up the year strong offensively. Next year is going to be fun to watch.

[Brock Beauchamp]

My preseason prediction for Buxton was a .700 OPS. Struggle early in the season, gradually improve and post a respectable number at season's end.

 

Well, he finished the season at .714. I didn't expect the horrific struggles, the multiple demotions, or the bonkers September, but he ended up in a pretty respectable place for the season.

 

1.6 fWAR in 331 PAs. That's "solid everyday player" material from a 22 year old who was so bad we started to question everything about him and the organization.

 

On to next year. Buxton has gone from massive disappointment to promising young star in the course of a month. Hopefully he can take this September, gain some confidence, and focus on 2017 with the goal of becoming the elite player we all know he can be.

 

[Vanimal46]

I know it's only a month... but I can certainly appreciate this stat line from Buxton in Sept/Oct.

.287/.357/.653 9 HR 24 RBI 17(!!) XBH.... 

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

I know it's only a month... but I can certainly appreciate this stat line from Buxton in Sept/Oct.

.287/.357/.653 9 HR 24 RBI 17(!!) XBH.... 

It's a great stat line. However, we cannot rely on those XBH numbers going forward. That's a 50 HR season pace.

 

Buxton still has a lot of work to do. Of all things, I'm most excited about his 10 BB in his final 113 plate appearances. That's a good building block from which to start.

 

He also had a .370 BABIP in the final month of the season. We can't expect that going forward but given his speed, something in the .330-.340 range might be a reasonable expectation if he continues roping the ball.

 

To open the 2017 season, I'd be happy if Buxton comes out of the gate with an OPS around .750 with a goal of approaching .800 as the season progresses.

 

If he can reach .800, he's probably a 5 WAR player with that defense in center. He doesn't have to post gaudy offensive numbers to be the kind of player you build a team around, at least for the first few years. Ultimately, you want that bat to become an .800+ OPS fixture in the lineup once his defense begins to fade but we're still 3-4 years from the guy's prime. Lots of time.

[HitInAPinch]

This is the "patience"  stuff I've been mentioning this season.  No, I won't post the link to that Red Sox article again.

 

IDK:  Sano, Kepler, Polanco, Buxton, and maybe Berrios, Rogers, Chargois, Pressley and Centeno?

Pretty nice start and a nice group of young veterans.  I would say things are looking really, really bright, if only we had some semblance of a MLB starting staff.

[Vanimal46]

 

It's a great stat line. However, we cannot rely on those XBH numbers going forward. That's a 50 HR season pace.

 

Buxton still has a lot of work to do. Of all things, I'm most excited about his 10 BB in his final 113 plate appearances. That's a good building block from which to start.

 

He also had a .370 BABIP in the final month of the season. We can't expect that going forward but given his speed, something in the .330-.340 range might be a reasonable expectation if he continues roping the ball.

 

To open the 2017 season, I'd be happy if Buxton comes out of the gate with an OPS around .750 with a goal of approaching .800 as the season progresses.

 

If he can reach .800, he's probably a 5 WAR player with that defense in center. He doesn't have to post gaudy offensive numbers to be the kind of player you build a team around, at least for the first few years. Ultimately, you want that bat to become an .800+ OPS fixture in the lineup once his defense begins to fade but we're still 3-4 years from the guy's prime. Lots of time.

Absolutely agree. I'm just happy that we saw a very hot month out of Buxton after seeing him swinging at everything in April/May. 

Who knows, we've been projecting him to be a leadoff type of guy.. Maybe he turns into a 20-25 HR #5 or #6 hitter. That wouldn't be a bad thing either!