Byron Buxton Appreciation Thread

[HitInAPinch]

 

 

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.

Great stuff, Brock.

 

When reviewing young players, I don't really look at stats that much.  I look at mechanics. 

Buxton's been through a few changes in hitting mechanics this year.  This last one ( more open stance, controlled leg kick, the death of the 'twisty foot' thingy ) seems to be the one that will enable Buxton to be the guy we're looking for.  Leadoff hitter?  IDK.  May not have the OBP.  #3 type hitter?  Yeah, why not?

 

Berrios has been in the same boat, mechanics-wise.  Looks like the windup is set.  Pitching from the stretch still needs some work.  What happened to Berrios and Meyers in Houston was an abomination. Why the catcher never went to the mound to calm them down still really bugs me.  Sending  Sano and others to the mound yesterday is a step forward.

 

The future is bright     

[alarp33]

 

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.... 

 

9 home runs and 17xbh in a month is nice and all, but I know a lot of posters were concerned with his bunting, did he address that? 

[Willihammer]

After the second demotion I expected/hoped Buxton would finish with an OPS in the 5s. Very nice way to wrap up the season and hope for next year. God this team needs him.

[nicksaviking]

 

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.

 

Buxton has been a slow starter every year, I wouldn't expect anything different next season; for some guys it's just a rite of spring.

 

If it happens again I'd hope everyone remembers not to panic. Also, I'd hope he snaps out of any early season funk in May, not September.

[John Kelsey]

Time to bump this thread!

 

#1: http://m.mlb.com/video/v1255209183/kcmin-buxton-lays-out-to-make-marvelous-catch/?game_pk=490103

 

#2: http://m.mlb.com/video/v1255308883/kcmin-buxton-robs-orlando-with-another-great-grab/?game_pk=490103

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Time to bump this thread!

 

#1: http://m.mlb.com/video/v1255209183/kcmin-buxton-lays-out-to-make-marvelous-catch/?game_pk=490103

 

#2: http://m.mlb.com/video/v1255308883/kcmin-buxton-robs-orlando-with-another-great-grab/?game_pk=490103

He certainly started '17 on the right foot defensively.

[diehardtwinsfan]

The second one, in particular, was impressive.