Twins Transactions: Buxton Activated, Optioned to AAA

Been mentioned elsewhere, but the corresponding move was that Nate Hanson was released. A MN guy, a nice guy, a player of many positions and a team-first guy. So, bummer for Nate.

I think the real question is: Can Buxton stop getting hurt?

I would start by giving him the 71 games where Nunez, Robinson, and Escobar started as either the DH or a corner outfielder. Hicks still can't hit left handed pitching so there's a few ABs there as well.

 

If a 40 year old Hunter is taking significant playing time from the the #1 prospect in the league then you have issues. If a 40 year old Hunter is taking playing time away from a team that the GM quit on and is a dozen games under .500 after the break, that's malpractice. 

 

I just don't buy that at bats are at such a premium that you have to stash your top talent at AAA when 29 other teams figure it out.

Well seeing as how Nunez hasn't played in the outfield since 4/25 and Escobar since 7/7 that point is basically null.  Escobar basically hasn't played in the outfield since Hicks returned from AAA.  So neither of those players are taking playing time away from Buxton.  It makes absolutly so sense in rushing Buxton back up to the majors.  He missed a month and a half with a thumb injury and has only played in 3 games. The Twins aren't going to win the world series this year and even bringing Buxton up will not make the Twins world series contenders.  Basically all three major groups (SP, BP and hitting) have been awful since the all star break.  They aren't stashing the best prospect in all of baseball in AAA.  They are letting him play a handful of games to get his confidence back up, so when they do call him up (likely in September) he can build off of what he's doing in AAA and be ready for next season.

Really?  On a rebuilding team we should be making sure we give our 40 year old playing time over the #1 prospect in the game?  That's hilarious.  Why on earth would we do that, especially on a sinking ship of a season and on a team that is supposed to be building for the future? And we think a guy with an OBP barely over .300 is a top of the order guy.  Cracking me up.

I can sort of buy the 'not rushing him back from injury' excuse, though.  That's been tossed around on a few threads.

Ryan already gave up on his team at the deadline, now he's holding back valuable experience for Buxton and May (and Berrios too,probably) which is vital for rebuilding.  Keep delaying the adjustment period in a year like this?

I think the real question is: Can Buxton stop getting hurt?

One encouraging thing is the rise of Bryce Harper. In his first year, some were wondering if Harper could avoid nagging little injuries, much like Buxton. I derive some hope from Harper's progress in that area. Buxton is a smart guy. I'm sure he's aware that if he keeps breaking fingers and whacking heads with teammates, he's not going to do the Twins much good.

I think the real question is: Can Buxton stop getting hurt?

I've been comparing him to Eric Davis since the first few times I saw him play.  Through the roof talent on both sides of the ball, always getting hurt.

For me the only head-scratcher is why option him now instead of letting him continue on rehab for 10-15 days.  I'm totally on board though with giving the kid more than 3 games after being out for 6 weeks before calling him back up.  Major League veterans can probably get back up to speed after an injury break with only a few rehab games, but we're talking about a kid with barely 50 PA above AA ball - a week or two teeing off on AAA pitching isn't going to hurt him or the team.

I agree with Jimmer. We are now basing our developmental decisions for next year on a 40 yr old OF vs an important cog in any chance of future team success? And for the record, what exactly does a top of the order hitter look like? Frankly we currently do not have one. And if someone can think of anyone on this team that would fill any batting order of a contending teams 1, 3, 4, or likely 5 spot please list them. Doziers power in the 2 hole might play, but he's is the only one.

If we are worring abiut Buxton's options something went terribly wrong in his career path.

Its 20 days. Its fine.

I have a hard time applauding the team for having a 40 year old poor defensive RF with a .303 OBP. That's a guy who has zero business blocking anyone.  If the argument is about not being able to find a place to play Buxton, it's easy.  You sit the 40 year old poor defender who can't get on base and has no future with the team.