ewen21

WHy is that a bad thing? It's a theory. You say it is OK until a person who also "claims to know" what goes on between his ears comes to a different conclusion. THat is fine. Then we discuss it civilly and present evidence. I am offering my opinion based only off reading, listening, watching. It took a couple of years for me to get there on this. There is a difference between where I am coming from and being a "hater". I am not a hater., And just so you know, I am not going to have a problem with someone offering a differing opinion so long as they aren't snarky or condescending. Even then I will try to reach out with a PM in attempt to prevent problems on the board. I happen to think it's healthy to have discussions like this. Buxton started off the last three years horribly. He talked about being nervous last year and the year before. This year Paul tried to "assure him" that he was not a bad hitter. I don't think it is off base to wonder about where he stands as far as the mental part of hitting goes. Lots of people were sure he "figured it out" after last year. It would appear that was an assumption (or wishful thinking) at this point. Eventually he is going to need to figure this out and it just might go deeper than mechanics. I am not going to write a dissertation on mechanics. I will leave that to the staff writers here. I am not good with graphics, ect… I appreciate those articles a whole lot. However, to assume mechanics is the only possible reason really is closed-minded thinking, in my opinion. An entire field is dedicated to this kind of thing. It is called sports psychology and there most certainly is a psychology to the game. I don't think it is a mere coincidence (or can be explained away by "small sample size") that Buxton is 1-27 vs the Yankees with 17Ks. He looks and acts very uptight in the box against them. I literally read everything there is to read about the Twins, for better or worse. I have read direct quotes from Buxton citing his own "anxiousness" to the point where it is considerable with him compared to so many other young players I have seen come up with the Twins over the years. I am not pulling this out of the thin air or pretending to know something. I am reading what he is saying and watching him. If someone doesn't agree with me then OK. I took the time to do some searches and in 15 minutes I came up with a number of quotes on his "nervousness" in the box LeVelle last year with a quote from Molitor: Buxton is going to be a power-speed combo guy, I have no doubt of that. But the Twins have to help him settle down, relax and be a little more selective at the plate. "We're trying to get him to just settle in," Molitor said. http://www.startribune.com/twins-postgame-thoughts-on-polanco-buxton-and-the-royals/418580463/ He was a little anxious, trying to see the ball and battle with two strikes. They got him to chase a couple times,” Molitor said http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/sports/professional/story/2015/may/05/sizzling-starlookouts-center-fielder-byrbuxtr/302426/ "He stopped pressing and is not worrying about every swing or every at-bat," Mientkiewicz said. Buxton prefers his speed on defense -- "I like taking base hits away from anybody," he said http://lacrossetribune.com/sports/local/pro/shipley-no-need-to-bury-twins-buxton-yet/article_2914ec8d-7264-527b-93d6-bdb10be0cf0f.html “I think I let the game speed up on me a little bit, which causes me to chase more pitches out of the zone. I just told myself to slow down,” he explained. “It’s tough,” Buxton said. “It’s very tough. That’s why I’ve got these teammates behind my back to pick me up, but it’s definitely tough starting off the way I do, and then you try to battle and figure things out. ... I’m just too jumpy, too anxious to want to get a hit. I need to slow the game back down and let it come back to me.” https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/MLB/2018/05/21/Byron-Buxton-hopes-to-get-going-as-Twins-host-Tigers/9411526915237/ "Just tried to get a feel of where he was at and I tried to affirm him about his ability to hit," Molitor said. "I think he knows it. He knows when he puts too much pressure on himself and tries to do too much and overthinks his at-bats." With regards to what Thrylos said, yeah.....he made sense to me. He was not under duress here in a sit down with Torii and he was asked that same question. What do I read into it? I don't know, other than he seems to like talking more about his defense. He explicitly stated it more than once and this time in a very comfortable setting. IN fact, I would not be shocked if he already saw the questions before TOrii asked. Maybe, just MAYBE Thrylos is onto something. Maybe not....but to shut him down completely and tell him he can't think like that? Do we really need to do that? I guess the mods can control that, but I don't encourage that. Another video..... Sitting down with Torii and Trout again, and not under duress, both were asked about a weakness.... and Buxton answers his throwing arm? He LOVES talking about the circus catches, too. Buxton even mentions "shyness" and overcoming that. I like that he admits it, but I sure hope that someday he isn't hampered by being "jumpy" in the box What is this all about? It is just a sample things to show that Buxton really does pride himself on his defense. He is also battles through shyness and nervousness and that shows up in his hitting. He can rely on his athleticism in the field, but hitting is a science and a psychology. He is having trouble with it for several reasons. Part of it is his struggle with mechanics, but no one can tell me that a decent chunk of it CAN'T be mental. That would be one heck of an assumption, imo. I hope you don't mind that I tried to explain where I am coming from and why I think concern for Buxton is warranted. HE has explicitly stated that he is "pressing" "shy" "jumpy" "nervous" "overthinking" THat kind of mindset and inner turmoil effects mechanics. Mechanics are tough to execute as it is. If you are stepping into the box in a panicked state your mechanics will not be as they should be. Rhythm, timing, focus, body awareness....all of those things are messed up if you step in the box all choked up.

I was ready to say.....That's a cheap shot! ....then I read the article

Unfair logic would be whatever thought process you used to accuse him of attacking Buxton personally. I saw it as "he needs to concentrate more on hitting than making circus catches". He can make a circus catch once every ten games, but he takes 25 to 30 at bats a week. As far as my favorite family member goes, I have no favorite. Simple answer. Just as it should have been for Buxton. How about this: "We won the game. Any way I can help is a good thing" And if they press him he could say: "Doesn't matter, we win" I do think Buxton needs to get the mental part of the game down. HIs mindset seems to be somewhat of a problem. Is that a bad thing to say?

I wouldn't think twice about the comment, but Thrylos made me think about it. I can see what he is getting at and that doesn't mean I support the comments. I don't think what he said is nonsense, but I am not required to defend it. I just think characterizing what he said as a "personal attack" is a bit much. The only reason I said the home run would be a better answer was because that isn't a strength of his. Notice also I followed that statement up with ………."but whatever. Personally, I don't see Buxton's comment as a big deal"

See, I don't know if that is a personal shot at all. Buxton himself said he would be more satisfied with making a game saving catch than a game winning homer. I guess, like me, Thrylos wonders, what would be the difference so long as the team wins? That SHOULD be what any player says, in my opinion. Buxton gave his preference. Certainly, Buxton is a much better fielder than he is hitter. I would actually think that hitting a home run would be the better answer for him, but whatever. Personally, I don't see Buxton's comment as a big deal, but I can see what Thrylos is saying. He never said Buxton "doesn't care". He questioned the rationale behind Buxton's answer. That's all. I don't read anything mean-spirited in his post.

OK so now what? Does Nick get punished!

Lighten up? Maybe you should follow your own advice. This is professional sports where men play for pay. Buxton and Dozier are both playing well below expectations. If you asked either of them they would tell you as much. As far as leaders go? How can Buxton be expected to lead with his level of performance? And for a guy who says, "You aren't there. You don't know" on one hand, on the other you boldly proclaim "Dozier is a leader" Oh is he? Is he still in 2018??? His leadership cred has taken a huge hit if you ask me based not only off performance, but off things he has said. He clearly was not happy about not getting an extension over the winter and talked about being excited for free agency. He's also fondly reminisced about both Gardy and Terry Ryan. Not exactly relevant to anything a leader wants to accomplish here since most of the roster has turned over already. No one has to be in the clubhouse to have an opinion about this team. MOst all of us watch this daily and some of us follow this team more than we care to admit. I hate to tell you, but not everything is going to be gumdrops and lollipops, especially when you are talking about a team that has 19-23. Nobody gets hurt here, so please..... There were no cheap shots in that article.

YOu are correct about that and I will take it a little further..... No fan should be accused of "buying the hype". Whether anyone did or didn't means absolutely nothing. What is important is that it is 2018 and just about anyone associated with this team had big expectations for this kid by now. It isn't your fault or any other fan's fault that he is playing well below expectations. I think a big thing with Buxton is the psychological part of the game. He is almost deferential out there. Kind of like he is still in the apprentice stage.

When you come to this site or even the mlb site for the Twins Buxton is prominently featured in marketing statements. Even on television he is prominently featured, assumed to be a star. Bremer, Hunter and whomever else sits in the booth heap accolades on him. Articles were written about his wonderful talents and amazing potential were for a number of years even after his shaky start. He was the 2nd pick in the 1st round and was compared to some great players. Tom Kelly, among other "sages" in the Twins organization professed an unlimited ceiling. On and on it went...… Is it any fan's fault to start wondering what the Hell is going on with this guy? I am being serious. He doesn't just look bad. He looks Brian Buchanan bad in some at bats. So bad, that the speed and defense could hardly justify a place in the batting order any longer. I never hyped him up or had super high expectations. I just don't get that way. I wanted to wait and see what the guy would do as a major leaguer and thus far he has instilled ZERO confidence in me.

I will remain cautiously optimistic

I don't see how great defense cancels out a sub .200 bat. The fact is a player usually makes four or five trips to the plate every game. They might have a few put outs per game, but almost all of them are fairly routine and there aren't many opportunities for great defenders to make great defensive plays (only THEY can make). There could be 25 plate appearances (or more) in between those events great plays and even then he is competing against other CFs who can also make great plays. For him to be a player with a lot of value he is going to need to start hitting. What he is doing now to start every season is not acceptable. Something is amiss and he needs to figure out what it is because the all-world speed won't be there as time goes forward. At that point he will be another fast guy who hits .240 and doesn't get on base. Unless he becomes a better hitter and that is questionable with what I have seen.

That's nice, but if we are having a discussion about the offensive part of his game we need to be honest. I never made the comparison to MIke Trout, but that certainly happened. Baseball America ranked him the #1 prospect, not me or any poster here. A lot has been made about him for a bunch of years already and his offense just is not very good. Can he turn it on and become an above average offensive player? That is becoming harder and harder to believe for me. I am concerned about two things: 1. His approach and results from the batter's box and 2. The mounting of injuries Is it unreasonable for fans to have a discussion about their concerns on these things? Are we only suppose to praise him for his speed and simply "accept" this kind of offensive performance? Not me.

I agree with you. THis idea that his speed and defense is so marvelous that he makes an impact is all well and good, but I have to be honest about his bat and that is a large part of a position player's game. HIs bat is just not good. Period. I am wondering and waiting when it will come around because his sub .700 career OPS and .230something lifetime average at this point is making me question that part of his game. Not sure how it is a bad thing or a "negative thing" to discuss this honestly as fans. Are we to not discuss this because it is "negative"??

I didn't see where anyone was ripping him. I get what you are saying about slumps, but Buxton is a sub .700 OPS for his career right now. People are concerned (and rightly so) about his propensity for injuries and his unreliable bat.

This has been coursing through my brain the last few days. Can't say I am too upset about that

Warming his hands by the fire at that

Mr. MOJO RISIN

Hawk hilarious like him or not. I will never forget watching the Royals taking out the White Sox for us at the end of the 2006 season. However, there was a game earlier that September where Mark Redman pitched for the Royals and he (inexplicably) shut down the White Sox for seven innings. The White Sox came up the next inning and I believe they tied the game on a Thome home run. When the Royals got up in the bottom of the 8th they staged a ridiculous rally where nothing was hit hard. A walk or two, maybe an error, a miscue, some humpback singles.....with the game slipping away, Hawk was losing his mind. It all came to a head when Paul Bako came up with the bases loaded and two outs. He fisted a ball that gyroed just over the pitcher's head and landed safely on the infield grass just before second base. It couldn't be fielded cleanly and two runs scored. I will never forget this. This took place at my friend's house (he was an early MLB TV guy)after we'd golfed earlier in the day so we were coasting down beers and feeling good, but what Hawk said after the replay stands out as one of the last pee in the pants moments I have had. They played the replay and there was a five second pause of silence, but then Hawk mumbled in disgust...... "THAT is the epitome.....of a Sporting News base hit" For whatever reason my friend ran out of the room into his kitchen because he just couldn't stand it. I spit out some beer and we laughed for a solid two or three minutes straight. Even to this day, I only need to say "Paul Bako" to my friend and it throws him. A true "you had to be there" moment

No one says it is HIS FAULT, but can we admit he has tailed off since he became Mr. 2,000? (6 for 35 with no runs driven in) And if you want to talk about what he's done in the last eight games how about what he has done with his bat? Everyone knows he loves to walk, but it is getting a little old watching him go up there with the being his primary objective. Since the losing streak he is 4 for 25 with one extra base hit and no RBI. Last night he walked the first three times he was up. In his fourth at bat he took the first two pitches for strikes with two runners on and two out. The game was getting away from us and he was in take mode until he had two strikes on him. That to me was a very hard at bat to watch. Why even take a bat to the box?

He needs to every once in a while acknowledge the circumstances and adjust accordingly. If he cannot/will not do that then he deserves criticism just like any other player who can't or won't adjust to the circumstances.

It was boiling inside of me for the last 48 hours. I just could not take it anymore. Things are what they are and I don't see it as a positive to use a "glass half full" perspective today. Why not just discuss what is real? When the team is in an 8 game losing streak and things go down the way they have no sense beating around the bush. These players made the point for me. I did not go out of my way to be a "Debbie Downer". Just calling it like it is.

I am beyond frustrated with a lot of this young talent right now. Rosario is going to be a guy who chases pitches and has a big looping swing. He's looking more like Jacque Jones everyday. Not a bad player but.....He and Sano are going to be feast or famine guys and there has been plenty of famine thus far. They are not kids anymore. Rosario is 26 and Miguel is soon to turn 25. Sano has been in the league long enough now to know better and he seems to be stuck in a holding pattern. It doesn't seem he is going to hit for any kind of average, he is way too heavy and he strikes out way too much. Add to that the offseason allegations and it is very concerning. I am very disappointed in Polanco. I thought the guy was a polished player. He seemed smart and yet he is busted for STEROIDS? So now he misses half a season. Brilliant job. What kind of BS is that?? And then there is Byron Buxton. I don't know what it is, but so many Twins fans look the other way with this guy because he has already been anointed. I see so many holes in his game and to not be worried about him at this point is irrational to me. The guy's game is predicated on his speed and that isn't going to last. He isn't going to last long playing defense like a Kamakaze and that kind of thing seems to be a source of pride for him. He really needs to reign it in or his career will come to an end fast. The injuries are already mounting and he just cannot seem to pull it together offensively. Sure, he has had a few streaks that lasted a month or so, but on the balance his bat has been subpar (and that is being kind). He was billed as a five tool player. He is most certainly not that. I don't care how many circus catches he makes and how fast he is. If his OPS is going hover around .700 he is not a complete player. These four players were supposed to be an integral part of this lineup and in my view, these four are a major MAJOR disappointment thus far. I don't like to lump players together like this, but when people were talking about this offense and what it could do a lot of weight was put on these four. Molitor and his staff inherit a lot of the blame for this, in my opinion. I think the mindset in that clubhouse is way WAY off. When you have your longest tenured veteran deciding to bunt in his first at bat in a series at Yankee Stadium you have problems. There was literally no dialogue about that for some reason. The chances of Joe successfully laying down a bunt there was less than 20%, I guarantee you that. I'll eat my hat if he has more than a handful of bunt hits in his entire career. He had a much better chance just standing in there giving a professional at bat. Instead he did that and all his teammates got to see just how mentally invested he was in turning around their fortunes. After all the years of losing there THAT is what he does. Not a good tone setter. And for Molitor to not openly question that is wrong. He could have said, "I wish Joe would have given us an at bat there rather than attempting a bunt" Simple constructive criticism you would expect from a manager. It makes you wonder if he is anything more than a figurehead. If you are trying to bring along young players that is the last thing you want. This is a very confused bunch under Molitor. Seems he can only shrug his shoulders. He and his staff has done a very poor job this year. A very poor job.

That and Votto's OPS is just weee bit higher than Joe's the last eight seasons or so. Just a little. But they both walk and are both named Joe so...ya know

He already walked three times and here he is with a chance to do something with his bat. Nope. He is going to take strikes until he gets two strikes on him. Sheesh

Walks nice, but RBIs are better right now Joe