What Will The Twins Do in Center Field?

[Cody Schoenmann]

7 hours ago, PopRiveter said:

The Twins OPS at DH ranks 8th of 15 teams in the AL. Exactly middle of the pack.

The Twins OPS at CF ranks 14th of 15 teams. Thank God for KC.

If Buxton is hobbled, this might be the best compromise, but if it is a strategy, it is failing. 

When he’s limited to DH, he’s a moderately valuable asset-similar to a Joey Gallo. What a shame it will be if that’s his career going forward.

I appreciate you bringing up where the Twins rank in the AL as it pertains to both DH and CF in the AL as it puts into perspective how much the Twins have been struggling in CF and also why Taylor might not be a good option for next year if he continues to struggle at the plate as much as he actively is. When you wrote, "What a shame it will be if that's his career going forward," I think we are already at that point. The three options the Twins have at this point are to have Buxton be the full-time DH, have Buxton be a rotational DH, or have Buxton not play at all. Sadly, I don't think centerfield is even an option at this point. 

[Cody Schoenmann]

6 hours ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

In an ideal world the Twins would draft Paul Skenes, who probably will not be available when the number five draft pick is ready to be made. I'd rather have Lewis at SS, Correa at 3B, Lee at 2B and Willie Mays in CF. I know Mays is 92, but he was so good when he was playing CF. 

Paul Skenes would be my number one choice as well!

[Possumlad]

1 hour ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

I appreciate you bringing up where the Twins rank in the AL as it pertains to both DH and CF in the AL as it puts into perspective how much the Twins have been struggling in CF and also why Taylor might not be a good option for next year if he continues to struggle at the plate as much as he actively is. When you wrote, "What a shame it will be if that's his career going forward," I think we are already at that point. The three options the Twins have at this point are to have Buxton be the full-time DH, have Buxton be a rotational DH, or have Buxton not play at all. Sadly, I don't think centerfield is even an option at this point. 

What is this based on? We've seen Buxton run the bases well enough. His speed is well-above league average. Do you have some inside information indicating that the Twins can't or won't ever again play Buxton in the field? Or or is it speculation? 

[TopGunn#22]

I'd do that deal umterp23!  Even at a slight overpay.  

[Cody Schoenmann]

1 hour ago, Possumlad said:

What is this based on? We've seen Buxton run the bases well enough. His speed is well-above league average. Do you have some inside information indicating that the Twins can't or won't ever again play Buxton in the field? Or or is it speculation? 

I'm just speculating. I think the Twins plan is to have Buxton healthy and in the lineup as often as possible, and if he plays CF I feel as if it is inevitable that he will end up on the IL. Buxton was incredible on the base paths while the Twins were out west during their series with the Dodgers and Angels a handful of weeks ago, but, as you probably saw as well, almost every time he stole second or went from first to third he was in obvious pain while getting up. If he is struggling that much while trying to get back up after sliding into second or third base, I feel like standing in centerfield for nine innings and chasing after balls in the gap is just a non-starter. I wish Buxton could play CF, stay healthy, and contribute both offensively and defensively but I just don't think that's an option for 2023.