Handling Byron Buxton

[Brock Beauchamp]

5 minutes ago, Squirrel said:

Work hardening is a thing. This can't be managed on the IL. And if he goes on the IL, who comes up? There's no one. So, let's work it this way. Work hardening is what my work does when a player comes off an injury and needs to rebuild strength without worry of reinjury. Just like pitchers build up to going more innings, maybe Buxton has to build up to play more games. However they manage to get him out there as many times as possible, I guess that's the answer. As frustrating as it is. I wanted to hope that we'd see him in 130 games this year. I guess that was an unrealistic goal. It is what it is. Thankfully, we seem to have adequate subs this year. And hopefully Buxton contributes to a win each and every time he is on the field. If we win the games he plays in and he plays in 100 games, that's a pretty good season, imho.  

Exactly. The Twins need Buxton but they really need Buxton in September and October. Whether he plays 100 or 130 games is less important than the fact that the Twins need him to manage his workload and be ready for the games that really matter.

[stringer bell]

We have more information about Buxton's situation than we did before the game Saturday. Here is Jim Souhan's take.

https://www.startribune.com/twins-byron-buxton-injuries-plan-100-game-derek-falvey-healthy-jim-souhan/600173541/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=twins

I hope that Buck can reach that number. Actually, my hope is that he exceeds the number, but something nearing a game a series of rest days looks baked in for now. 

[MABB1959]

I was super frustrated on on Saturday and other "resting" games are the games we will regret in October when we are one game shy of winning the division and have to play the one game elimination.  I bet you could add on 5 wins that would be a difference maker.    It makes no sense and absolutely the fans buy tickets to see certain players.  I bought tickets to the Houston series to see Correa play and I think he certainly could have played.  They are being cautious again and again!  Not having the ability to watch games because of Bally is hurting all of our professional teams when it comes to getting to know and support your team.  I was able to watch the first round of the playoffs and got to know the players, Now I have to wait a year to watch again?  They need to put their foot down and televise the games on a local channel or get rid of Bally's all together.  It is killing the fanbase to not be able to watch them play.  Even the free MLB games seen to get blacked out.  

[jorgenswest]

9 hours ago, MplsFan said:

Good thread and it’s interesting to think about.  What I’ve gotten from Buxton and Baldelli’s quotes is that there’s a plan.  And it’s to get him to 100 games and they’re sticking to the plan.  I guessssss I’m ok with that though it really, really stung not to have him pinch hit in Saturday night’s game especially in the 10th inning when one hit would’ve either tied or won it.  Just feel like you gotta throw anything at it you can to try to win in a situation like that.

Once we saw Rocco’s quote from Gleeman about the way they are managing the swelling in the knee it made sense to me. Pinch hitting is going to stress the knee. On the nights he needs to manage that swelling he won’t be available in any form.

It seems reasonable to wonder why the medical team recommends this path other than an IL stay. I am guessing that he will end up there. Meanwhile his bat (1027 OPS) has won  us some games since April 21 when he first returned from injury. It is hard to argue about the part of the plan where he is on the field.

[Trov]

I have not caught up on this thread, hardly get on during weekends.  I get there is a plan, and I am not expert in the area.  However, what is frustrating is the continued DH of Buck, when his two injuries he got was from running bases and he gives so much value on defense.  Maybe, the experts say just reducing running generally is best but even when he is not on DL he still can only play 2 out of 3 games.  If the plan is is to play 100 games that means he will play less than 2 out of 3 games this year.  Better than a typical season, but good thing our backups are competent. 

[Drunk_Goose]

I have faith they will not over use him as it were. Obviously he is important to us. However, I would rather him not be in there versus getting hurt and being out for an extended period of time.

[Vanimal46]

Sounds like they worked out a plan pre-season to manage his workload. As long as Buxton isn’t upset with the plan, I’m not upset with the plan. 

[jud6312]

On 5/14/2022 at 10:43 PM, shortround81 said:

Why are they obligated to tell us anything? Because we want to know?

Because we're their paying customer base? if they're only going to trot their best player out there 2/3 of the time, and the 1/3 of the time he's out it's a substandard product, I'd want information before paying money to see the product.

[Schmoeman5]

Is it possible that Buxton just wants to get out of Minnesota? Remember, he signed his new deal to the tune of roughly 15 million per. The Trouts, Betts Harpers are making double that. Although these guys have a better track record regarding health they have all missed si

Just now, jud6312 said:

Because we're their paying customer base? if they're only going to trot their best player out there 2/3 of the time, and the 1/3 of the time he's out it's a substandard product, I'd want information before paying money to see the product.

That's the reason why they don't tell you. They also don't post their lineup till 3 hours before game time. That way you still come and spend your hard earned dollar in the hope of seeing your favorite player

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, jud6312 said:

Because we're their paying customer base? 

Sure, just like Walmart willingly tells us how much overseas sweatshop employees get paid for making their products, Apple tells us every piece of information they gather on us and McDonald's tells us what's actually in their chicken nuggets.

Comparatively, this isn't exactly significant public need-to-know stuff.

[mnfireman]

5 minutes ago, Schmoeman5 said:

Is it possible that Buxton just wants to get out of Minnesota? Remember, he signed his new deal to the tune of roughly 15 million per. 

Ummm, no. He and his agent negotiated escalating bonus clauses into his contract that could make the contract worth up to $23-25 MM per year

[Schmoeman5]

Cont. Harper Betts and Trout have all missed significant time in the past as well. NO way Buxton reaches any incentives. A very team friendly deal. Smart business, but frustrating for players and fans. Remember those guys with the 10 and 12 year contracts will still be paid handsomely even as their production falls due to age. Aren't the Mets still paying Bobby Bonilla

[shortround81]

1 hour ago, jud6312 said:

Because we're their paying customer base? if they're only going to trot their best player out there 2/3 of the time, and the 1/3 of the time he's out it's a substandard product, I'd want information before paying money to see the product.

The customer isn't always right. More often than not the customer always wins because they b*** and moan when they don't get what they want.

"I'd want information before paying money to see the product""???  Byron Buxton, and every other MLB player for that matter, is a human being. He doesn't owe his health and career to any of us.

[shortround81]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

Sure, just like Walmart willingly tells us how much overseas sweatshop employees get paid for making their products, Apple tells us every piece or information they gather on us and McDonald's tells us what's actually in their chicken nuggets.

Comparatively, this isn't exactly significant public need-to-know stuff.

THANK YOU!

[walkstar89]

Ready the Souhan article. He has tendinitis. That needs to be managed, and there's no quick fix for it (such as an IL stint). Anthony Edwards struggled with it most of the season too. It's a separate issue from the hip. Yes, playing center field can be more taxing on it than DHing. Yes, Buxton wants to play every game. Athletes usually do even to their own detriment. You, the casual fan, being confused and not understanding the Twins' plan with Buxton means absolutely nothing. When things aren't perfect we all want someone to blame, but in this case the only thing I can find to blame is Buxton's genetics. Or dumb luck. 

[CRF]

Just saw that he's in the line up tonight out in Oak. Two games in a row!

[Squirrel]

23 minutes ago, walkstar89 said:

Ready the Souhan article. He has tendinitis. That needs to be managed, and there's no quick fix for it (such as an IL stint). Anthony Edwards struggled with it most of the season too. It's a separate issue from the hip. Yes, playing center field can be more taxing on it than DHing. Yes, Buxton wants to play every game. Athletes usually do even to their own detriment. You, the casual fan, being confused and not understanding the Twins' plan with Buxton means absolutely nothing. When things aren't perfect we all want someone to blame, but in this case the only thing I can find to blame is Buxton's genetics. Or dumb luck. 

Great first post … welcome to TD!

[Muppet]

They have this guy for what... 5 years? They have to manage him for that entire span, not just this year. If they get 100 games out of him, then that's what they get. If you have a problem with that... fine. Stop watching baseball games. Nobody will miss you. Go ahead and get into football and hockey where people are still expected to sacrifice their bodies and minds for your enjoyment. 

Buxton has to spend the remaining 2/3 of his life after baseball with the lingering injuries he sustains within the coming years, so we are all lucky he is willing to sacrifice his body for our enjoyment. 

This might not be a great team (yet)... but it is an exciting team. Royce and Celestino are the best temporary replacements for Buxton and Correa that we could hope for. If the twins end up in the playoffs this year it would be a bonus. If they make it in the next two or three years, it will be because of the rookie stock we currently have and a Buxton that can play 100-120 or more games because they didn't burn him out early. 

[jud6312]

2 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

Sure, just like Walmart willingly tells us how much overseas sweatshop employees get paid for making their products, Apple tells us every piece of information they gather on us and McDonald's tells us what's actually in their chicken nuggets.

Comparatively, this isn't exactly significant public need-to-know stuff.

This is more like McDonald's, Apple, or Walmart being out of stock on things, which they readily report. Your comparison is apples and rubber dog poo.

[nicksaviking]

1 minute ago, jud6312 said:

This is more like McDonald's, Apple, or Walmart being out of stock on things, which they readily report. Your comparison is apples and rubber dog poo.

You are not required to be their paying customer. Just like the other companies, if you're disappointed in the lack of transparency, you are more than welcome to no longer follow the team.

[shortround81]

2 minutes ago, jud6312 said:

This is more like McDonald's, Apple, or Walmart being out of stock on things, which they readily report. Your comparison is apples and rubber dog poo.

Uhhhh . . . so these companies being out of stock due to supply chain issues negates the fact they tell us only a fraction of how they're doing business??

Your comparison is apples and rubber dog poo

[SwainZag]

Alright guys, that's enough.  Let's get back on topic.

[Nine of twelve]

Cripes. I just can't ****ing stand it. I think everybody on this site and everybody in the Twins organization wants Byron Buxton to play as much baseball as possible this season. I have absolutely no doubt that that's what the team is trying to accomplish. If he needs a certain amount of time off in order to maximize his contribution to the team then that's what must be done. So please just stop with the unfounded conspiracy posts regarding the front office, please just stop with the Baldelli-is-an-idiot posts, and most of all please just stop with the Buxton-is-a-wimp posts.

[RickOShea]

21 hours ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

I'm going to be a bit harsher than is necessary right now but this **** needs to die.

Right now.

Byron has never been anything but "I'm ready, coach" throughout his career. It has been the Twins coaching staff that keeps him off the field because Buxton throws himself out there while injured to his own detriment.

Byron Buxton is perhaps the best baseball player on the planet The only two other people in the mix are Trout and Ohtani.

And Byron is "soft"?

Get out of here,

Does anyone really know the situation with Buxton?  Is he just a chronically prone to injury athlete?  I see all these posts, like everyone knows.  The truth is, maybe we don't really know ****.  Til, Buxton, the FO, or his mommy can give us the true facts, it's a guessing game.

[ashbury]

1 hour ago, Nine of twelve said:

So please just stop with the unfounded conspiracy posts

How much did they pay you to write this?  How.  Much.  Did.  They.  Pay?

[Nine of twelve]

Carlos Correa has something to say on this matter:

https://www.startribune.com/carlos-correa-in-byron-buxtons-corner-when-it-comes-to-staying-healthy-for-long-run/600173841/

[shortround81]

This thread is like tendonitis for the brain. AmIright, @SwainZag?

[tony&rodney]

A week ago there was confusion about the extent of Buxton's injuries. The explanation was quite clear to me. Everyone within the Twins circle, such as players and coaches, already understood the situation. Clarity helps and I can't think of any reason to question the plan for Buxton's playing time going forward. 

[Number3]

I like seeing Buxton's name in the box score better than on the IL. Even if he is a bench player in a game he is at least available and the opposition is aware. It has to be accepted that Byron is susceptible to injury and probably will be for his career. Unfortunately, the only way to find out how hard to push him is when it is too late. Bottom line is that the Twins have been winning close low scoring games against teams they need to beat, last night being a classic example. As long as the team is winning ball games I would manage Buxton's playing time for the long haul as they are doing.

[stringer bell]

1 hour ago, tony&rodney said:

A week ago there was confusion about the extent of Buxton's injuries. The explanation was quite clear to me. Everyone within the Twins circle, such as players and coaches, already understood the situation. Clarity helps and I can't think of any reason to question the plan for Buxton's playing time going forward. 

I certainly agree that there is more clarity now. Prior to Baldelli's postgame comments on Saturday (from team and media reports) there wasn't much information at all about Buxton's injury status.

I think it is still debatable that the course of action is proper. If Buxton misses dozens of games and still ends up on the Injured List, second guessers will have ample ammunition to blame management (and they might be right).

We fans don't have all the information that the club and medical consultants do and I will believe they are doing the right thing, but by no means does saying that this is the plan make it the right thing.