Good news amidst the Twins current skid regarding Sano and Buxton

[jokin]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Tt8EOGNHFI/UugHpWd7XnI/AAAAAAAAFKI/3IZs1EgygKA/s1600/Miguel+Sano+Byron+Buxton+TwinsFest.jpg

 

 

 

LEN3 got some good news from Terry Ryan, in classic cheshire cat TR style

 

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/blogs/265009681.html#bBtpY2sCSHmxPhwJ.97 :

 

 

BUXTON: Terry Ryan wasn't sure, but he thought Byron Buxton took batting practice on Wednesday. If not, then he's real close. That means he needs a few days of batting practice/full pre-game work then he'll probably play in a few camp games before the Twins will be ready to send him to a farm team. But it appears that he's getting closer to getting on the field.

 

He only "thought" that Buxton took BP?....uhh, riiight....

 

So it appears that, finally, Buxton is close to taking live BP. [My source in Ft Myers was at the rained-out game on Thursday and said he saw no sign of either Buxton or Sano approximately 1.5 hours before game time.]

 

Mike Berardino took his turn at quizzing Ryan on Friday evening, as well, and got this additional nugget of good news http://blogs.twincities.com/twins/2014/06/27/twinsights-miguel-sano-could-soon-be-swinging-a-bat/:

 

Miguel Sano could soon be swinging a bat

 

Sano has a July 7 appointment in New York City with Mets team physician Dr. David Altchek, who performed his Tommy John surgery in mid-March.

Typically at four months following surgery, position players are able to resume taking light swings....

“We’ll see whether (Altchek) will give him the OK to make the next step,” Twins general manager Terry Ryan said. “I’m guessing he’s anxious to get out there and start doing something.”

Ryan sounded pleased with Sano’s conditioning during this long layoff from baseball activities.

“He’s in shape,” Ryan said. “He’s a big man.”

 

Our long Twins nightmare may soon be over.

[Steven Buhr]

If both these guys are playing games that matter by the end of the season and doing well, it will be a lot easier for Twins fans to smile during the off-season.

[old nurse]

Light swings for Sano is different than full swings. I thought it was 7 months post procedure before they let Crawford go to full activities. Sano might see live games in winter ball at that pace.

 

Would light swings be like a whiffle bat?

[jokin]

Light swings for Sano is different than full swings. I thought it was 7 months post procedure before they let Crawford go to full activities. Sano might see live games in winter ball at that pace.

 

Would light swings be like a whiffle bat?

 

There were already rumors out there since ST that the AFL might be an option, if things progressed well. I don't think anyone has said anything about him playing next week, or anytime very soon. You have to walk before you can crawl. But, more importantly, Klaw and others have speculated recently that he, indeed, might be ready for the AFL. Earlier this month, LEN3 was quoted in this report on how Sano was progressing:

 

Sano also had an injury update over the weekend, with LEN III reporting "There's a real chance that Miguel Sano will be able to DH some minor league games before the end of the season."

 

The difference now, is that Terry Ryan is forthcoming in attaching his name towards specific progress landmarks for Sano.

[kdrupp09]

Even if Sano doesn't get any game time in at AFL, at least he will have a full offseason to prepare regularly, not with rehab mixed in. Thus making him full strength and ready to go for 2015 Spring Training.

[Tibs]

Light swings? So you're saying this is my chance to beat Mr. Sano in a power hitting contest?

[jokin]

Even if Sano doesn't get any game time in at AFL, at least he will have a full offseason to prepare regularly, not with rehab mixed in. Thus making him full strength and ready to go for 2015 Spring Training.

 

The good thing about the AFL as an additional option for offseason play is that Sano would get quality at-bats against the best pitching prospects, while the Twins would have more direct say and control about where, and how much, Sano plays.