LloydInMN

The idea of "celebrating" a player suiting up for 100 games in a 162-game season, is straight up ridiculous. Additionally, as the author documents, Buxton's 100 game "season" is a high-water mark for his appearances over the past several years. How many readers would be allowed to miss work 40% of the time they're supposed to be on the job over many years? Try ZERO. Looking for a guy who is worth the money he's being paid? Try Freddie Freeman and at least two dozen others. Sano was a lingering mistake and Buxton's part-time visits to the ballpark have become a running joke throughout the game. Sure, he's an important contributor when he shows up but his "guest star" status throughout the 2024 season greatly enabled KC and Detroit to stay within striking range and send the Twins down the tubes.

Why is it that whenever I look at the Twins pitching roster I'm reminded of one of those "Buy Here-Pay Here" Used Car Dealers? I wouldn't leave the lot with any of the clunks that are for sale but the Twins drive away hoping they've discovered lightning in a bottle. Perhaps the problem is a shortage of decent arms beginning on draft day?

Sano? Don't waste even a rookie league roster spot on this guy. Instead, invest in a guy willing to work on his defensive skills, offensive skills and physical condition. There are lots of available fast-food restaurant jobs open in the Dominican Republic where he'd be more comfortable, eligible for free meals and a uniform that fits.

In spite of an improved W-L record and (very) momentary flashes of offensive prowess following the All -Star break, our boys have managed to maintain their hold on the top position in the MLB strikeout category. New players, guys off the IL and veterans are all contributing equally to the race to the "Kings of Whiffers" Booby Prize and, based on this past week's performances, all appear equally dedicated to maintaining and even increasing the team's hold on the top spot. If we believe the PR message fed to us by commentators, especially by the more frequently Bumbling Bremer, the Front Office anticipated more K's than in prior seasons but it would all work out just peachy because the numbers of bases clearing HR's (and presumably runs) would contribute to an offensive powerhouse centered in downtown Minneapolis. At this writing, our Twins are swimming in 9th place (of 15 A.L. teams) in Runs Scored, On Base % and RBI's. Let's face it; the Front Office plan has been less successful than the city's efforts to reduce the number of carjackings. By the way, please don't leave your keys in the ignition when you run into Kwik Trip for a fresh pack of Ding Dongs. That's unless you drive a Kia or Hyundia because then you might as well leave the car running with the windows down and a $100 bill taped to the steering wheel. Changes are needed in the philosophy of hitting within the organization. We're told (Bremer again) the team's mantra was to take advantage of opposing pitcher's "mistakes." No kidding. Isn't that what every 8 year old is told on their first day of Little League? Of course professional ballplayers are schooled to hit "mistakes" from day one but that overriding philosophy has apparently caused our guys to freeze and pass on pitches that were formerly fair game during their talented past. In our case, the "wait for a mistake" philosophy has generated more called strikes than anyone should be forced to endure. As each of you know NONE of the current roster possesses anything close to Carew or Mauer-like skills (ahhh...remember Luis Arraez?) so let's not handicap them with the wait and see philosophy that's contributed to such dismal run production. Last thing: if the organization's hitting coaches don't follow a more aggressive hitting philosophy dictated by current (or maybe new) math nerds, encourage them to accept positions with the many teams who are ahead of us in the battle of W-L's. Perhaps then we'll have a chance of winning a series from someone other than Detroit and Oakland. Sorry for the drone guys.

nicksavaking communicates excellent points in his post. I could care less about the "intimate" details of Buxton's knee (back/hand/shoulder/head...pick a body part!) but I do wish the Twins would throw us a bone. This on-going mystery re: Buxton has and continues to dilute fan loyalty and trust, He can be the primary "face" of the team in advertising all day long but eventually, even the most fervent fan will lose interest in the team and its poster boy if they feel misled or duped by the club. Roll out a simple 15 minute press conference and give the fans something they feel is the real deal. Don't rely on the manager's pre and post game. Those have become trite and way too predictable.