Article: Minnesota Twins Top 50 Prospects: 1-5

[YourHouseIsMyHouse]

But see, I am not so certain that Buxton's long-term is in the lead-off spot. Like Mike Trout, he could start out leading off, but he's a natural #3 hitter (if you believe that a team's best overall hitter should be #3). Ideally Hicks gets back to being great at getting on base, I'd like to see this:

 

Hicks RF

Mauer 1B

Buxton CF

Sano 3B

Arcia DH

Pinto C

Rosario LF

Dozier 2B

Florimon/Santana SS

 

This is closer to what I expect than the others. Arcia should be a full time DH, no doubt in my mind. He doesn't have any fielding ability and we need a DH anyway. I don't think Buxton should bat leadoff because you're wasting his power. Mike Trout batted 2nd for most of this season and I think that is a perfect spot for Buxton because you have Mauer protecting him and not clogging the bases. I would just flip Mauer and Buxton.

[Dman]

Granted I haven't seen Buxton in person but I just don't see him being with the big club in July. I think the Twins will give him a cup of coffee as a September call up next year and based on that performance he we will either make the team out of Spring training or by July 2015. He is so young and we need to make sure we get the best out of him before LA or NY snap him up after his arb years. We shouldn't waste his talent or MLB service time with the 2014 team. Just my two cents.

[Seth Stohs]

If the Twins don't call him up in July or early August, there is no reason to call him up in September because he doesn't have to be added to the 40 man roster for another offseason or two. No need to take up a 40 man spot at that point for someone who doesn't need to be added. He may not be up in July, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is. If they're not in contention (and they won't be), I don't disagree with the sentiment of leaving him down until 2015. And then it's the Sano/Hicks question. Do you bring him up Opening Day, or wait until mid-May? So yeah, I think he'll either be up in mid-July 2014 (after All Star break) or he'll be up in early May of 2015.

[Otwins]

But see, I am not so certain that Buxton's long-term is in the lead-off spot. Like Mike Trout, he could start out leading off, but he's a natural #3 hitter (if you believe that a team's best overall hitter should be #3). Ideally Hicks gets back to being great at getting on base, I'd like to see this:

 

Hicks RF

Mauer 1B

Buxton CF

Sano 3B

Arcia DH

Pinto C

Rosario LF

Dozier 2B

Florimon/Santana SS

 

Think about that. If you've got an 8 hitter who is playing great middle infield defense and hitting 20 HR a base while getting on base, that's a lineup that now is terrific 1-8. Florimon's lack of offense in the 9-hole suddenly isn't a big deal because you're solid the rest of the way.

 

As has been mentioned though, pitching is going to be a big thing too. Meyer 'can' be a 1/2, Gibson 'can' be a solid 3. May 'may' be a solid 4. Couple in a free agent that can be classified as a 2. You're looking pretty good in not too long.

That would be a very good defensive team also. Athletic outfield with good arms, Mauer would be good at 1b if they leave him there. Dozier Floriman solid. Sano Pinto?

[mnfanforlife]

But see, I am not so certain that Buxton's long-term is in the lead-off spot. Like Mike Trout, he could start out leading off, but he's a natural #3 hitter (if you believe that a team's best overall hitter should be #3). Ideally Hicks gets back to being great at getting on base, I'd like to see this:

 

Hicks RF

Mauer 1B

Buxton CF

Sano 3B

Arcia DH

Pinto C

Rosario LF

Dozier 2B

Florimon/Santana SS

 

Think about that. If you've got an 8 hitter who is playing great middle infield defense and hitting 20 HR a base while getting on base, that's a lineup that now is terrific 1-8. Florimon's lack of offense in the 9-hole suddenly isn't a big deal because you're solid the rest of the way.

 

As has been mentioned though, pitching is going to be a big thing too. Meyer 'can' be a 1/2, Gibson 'can' be a solid 3. May 'may' be a solid 4. Couple in a free agent that can be classified as a 2. You're looking pretty good in not too long.

 

 

I agree that Buxton has the ability to be a 3-hole guy. But Mauer is used best in the 3-hole, IMO. And Eddie can really hit. Why plug up the base-paths with an aging Mauer at #2 and the speeding bullet (Buxton) hitting 3rd? I would rather provide RBI opportunities for Mauer. Maybe HIcks would work in the 2-hole and Rosario could then hit 6-7th?

[mnfanforlife]

We do agree on Sano and Arcia's spot in the order.

[orangevening]

Seth, just caught the "almost moved Meyer to #2" (finally got time to properly read the article than just skim it). That's the most provocative thing you said in the whole series. I'm just wondering why? I thought The top 3 were certain locks in their position. Meyer has been too injured and inconsistent to be even be considered over Sano, atleast in my thinking. Is it ceiling? Or quality pitching over batting?

[Gene Larkin Fan Club]

I know it's a bit sketchy to mess with a guy who just had a breakthrough season, but given our second base depth, is it impossible to think that Dozier could get another chance at short? I know it's unlikely, but does anyone think it's possible?

[Dman]

If the Twins don't call him up in July or early August, there is no reason to call him up in September because he doesn't have to be added to the 40 man roster for another offseason or two. No need to take up a 40 man spot at that point for someone who doesn't need to be added. He may not be up in July, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is. If they're not in contention (and they won't be), I don't disagree with the sentiment of leaving him down until 2015. And then it's the Sano/Hicks question. Do you bring him up Opening Day, or wait until mid-May? So yeah, I think he'll either be up in mid-July 2014 (after All Star break) or he'll be up in early May of 2015.

 

Good point on the 40 man spot. I wasn't thinking clearly there. You are right it is either July 2014 or 2015 depending on how things play out. I certainly agree with you that he is good enough to play in 2014 but I think a bit more seasoning and spreading out Sano\Hick\Rosario\Buxton as much as we can needs to be thought about as well. I realize if they all as good as we think they will be we won;t be able to hang onto all of them forever but I definitely want them to be truly ready before we bring them up and start using their MLB service time.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I know it's a bit sketchy to mess with a guy who just had a breakthrough season, but given our second base depth, is it impossible to think that Dozier could get another chance at short? I know it's unlikely, but does anyone think it's possible?

 

I'm with you here, but we are in a minority. If the bat is for real, I'd move Dozier to short before I moved Rosario to the OF. That's my 2 cents at least.

[70charger]

I know it's a bit sketchy to mess with a guy who just had a breakthrough season, but given our second base depth, is it impossible to think that Dozier could get another chance at short? I know it's unlikely, but does anyone think it's possible?

 

I do. I just don't think Dozier's rookie campaign is going to mean much to his long-term abilities at any position. Granted he wasn't very good in 2012. But he was excellent in 2013 (or at least the second half), he looked so much more relaxed, he didn't take his at bats into the field, and knew that he belonged. That will work wonders for you, whether you're at 2B or SS.

 

In any case, I think it might happen, not necessarily because of Rosario being better than Dozier but because Florimon's bat might open up a spot at short.

[PseudoSABR]

That number three guy goes five and a third, gives up a hit, a walk, and strikes out seven in the AFL on Friday.

[jokin]

That number three guy goes five and a third, gives up a hit, a walk, and strikes out seven in the AFL on Friday.

 

Actually 5 and 2/3- pretty clean score sheet- and almost a 2 to 1 ratio on strikes to balls, very encouraging while hitting his typical high velocity numbers. (AJ Acther also pitched 1 and 1/3 innings of scoreless relief with one K.)

 

[TABLE=class: pitching_data]

[TH=colspan: 12]Glendale Desert Dogs[/TH]

[TR=class: hed]

[TD=class: player_name]Player[/TD]

IP

H

R

ER

BB

SO

HR

ERA

[/TR]

[TD=class: player_name] Alex Meyer[/TD]

5.2

1

0

0

1

7

0

2.74

[/TABLE]

[jokin]

2015 can't come fast enough:

 

Buxton CF

Rosario LF/2B

Mauer DH/C/1B

Sano 3B

Arcia 1B/RF

Dozier 2B/OF

Pinto C/DH

Santana SS

Hicks RF/LF

 

man....

 

I like the lineup, but I think Arcia is going to end up getting a lot of time at DH when it's all said and done.

 

Dozier might also get another shot at SS to open up a spot for Rosario.

 

Sano's elbow situation also might end up precluding him from being anything other than 1B/DH over the mid-term especially if he doesn't respond to rehab and has to undergo surgery.

[diehardtwinsfan]

UCL injuries for hitters are not the ordeal that they are for pitchers. Not to mention that it was just a strain. I think this is a situation where resting it is probably the right choice.

[Seth Stohs]

UCL injuries for hitters are not the ordeal that they are for pitchers. Not to mention that it was just a strain. I think this is a situation where resting it is probably the right choice.

 

Absolutely correct.

[Sleestax]

I'm glad everybody is giving Dozier his due and keeping him as our 2b!