If he keeps hitting at this pace, he's bound to enter some top 100 lists, mid-season or next off-season, and one would have to think he'd be projected to making the Twins roster no later than 13 months from now.

 

Problem is none of the stats quoted in this thread really address the key question: Does he have a hole in his swing that major league pitchers are good enought to exploit and minor league (or at least AA) pitchers in general aren't? We don't know that, but his coaches do. If he doesn't, then I'd think they'd want to promote him up to AAA at midseason, although I can also see a possible argument that says keep him where he is so that NB isn't completely bereft of offense. And in that event and if he keeps on performing the way he has, I think there's a chance that he comes up in September just to get a taste of major league pitching and an idea of things he needs to work on to have a chance for a "permanent" promotion.

 

But if he does have a hole, then the question becomes what environment is best for him to work on correcting the hole, and I have no idea as to the answer to that.

 

I guess another question would be whether he's gained enough maturity that his past "troubles" won't recur when he has the freedom and money of a major leaguer. It's not just talent that allows one to be successful in the bigs--it's also self-discipline.

"Everybody knows Big Papi, but his personality is better than he shows in the media.

 

I always thought his personality played vey well with the media. Did I miss something?