Article: Correa Just Opened The Door For Buxton

[Lefty]

If the Twins begin to slip a little bit in the standings, I'd like to see him brought up to see if he could help.   Maybe he'd give the team a little shot in the arm.  I don't think that we should compare batting averages or slugging percentages with guys like Bryant because I don't think he's going to be that type of a player, but he will bring things that these other guys can't.

I don't think that he needs to be rushed because of Bryant or Correa.  I think the Astros have really pushed a lot of their prospects, because they didn't have any major league talent in the last couple of years until now.  Cubs haven't either.  But then again, maybe the Twins don't either!  We've been super conservative on how fast we bring guys up, other than with Hicks.  I think that experiment may have them a little gun shy.  

I want him up.  We all want that shiny new toy, and this one could be fun.

[COtwin]

 

Hopefully, Santana has gotten the message- 4-5 today.

Sweet!

Last night didn't make me feel a lot better watching Vargas and his pitch recognition.  Of course everyone looked foolish with a bat in their hands last night.

 

Do you really think Hicks is only good with the glove?  Honest question.  I feel like his routes are solid except for that line drive single that he appeared to step sideways on before charging.  He has even added a second hand to most of his flyball catches.  

 

I actually think that Hicks would be an awesome 4th OF, and on the Rosario point, he has always been a much better hitting prospect.

Edited June 10, 2015 by COtwin

[jokin]

Sweet!

Last night didn't make me feel a lot better watching Vargas and his pitch recognition.  Of course everyone looked foolish with a bat in their hands last night.

 

Do you really think Hicks is only good with the glove?  Honest question.  I feel like his routes are solid except for that line drive single that he appeared to step sideways on before charging.  He has even added a second hand to most of his flyball catches.  

 

I actually think that Hicks would be an awesome 4th OF, and on the Rosario point, he has always been a much better hitting prospect.

I have been extremely pleased with Hicks 3.0. The Twins had the exact right plan for him this year- I'm gratified they finally listened to all of us sideline GMs, after two seasons of "the kindest thing to do for him is to kill him to take him out of his misery" level of futility . He looks much more relaxed and he looks much more like a major leaguer both at the plate and in the OF.

 

Regarding his routes, he's always been pretty good at most anything in front of him (with an occasional exception of letting the ball play him, as you mentioned), but no question, his new level of confidence and solid fundamentals has yielded even better results in that regard this year. And no question, he's got a powerful cannon for an arm. I still see him a little hesitant at being willing to take complete charge over whomever is flanking him. This is a bit understandable in RF, what with his idol and mentor out there, but he never should defer to the LF, or when someone else is playing in RF. And the biggest problem in CF is still his judgement, jumps and routes to anything hit over his head.

 

We seem to be in agreement about Hicks as potentially an ideal 4th OF. If he can embrace the role, it would make for an outstanding alignment in all 3 OF spots in certain situations, something to think about, especially when the heavy FB guys like Hughes, May and Nolasco are on the mound.

Edited June 11, 2015 by jokin

[Vanimal46]

Not my argument at all.  My argument is don't call for the CF fix, if you aren't going to call for the fix at 1B and C as well.  Buxton might bring us a few WAR this year if he does well right?  These other problems are actually replacement level or lower.  Chris Herrman has a higher WAR than Kurt Suzuki.  At least those two are positive WAR, Joe is a negative.  Hicks is higher than both Joe and Kurt.  

I am not arguing against Buxton up, or even benching Hicks if needed.  I am saying that there are a few players who are really hurting this team and Buxton won't fix  that, and neither will Sano (without a position change).

While I do agree with you that 1B & C are problems, the way the roster is currently constructed there are no solutions in place. That could change with a deadline trade, but for the time being it's the best options we have. The Twins still have to make upgrades where they can, and Buxton is a definite upgrade to make in the OF.

 

When will we see Buxton wearing a Twins jersey? I've given up guessing for now. I'm a member of the Bring Buxton up ASAP club since early April. As long as we don't have to see Jordan Schafer in a Twins jersey ever again, I'll be happy.

[COtwin]

I get your point about taking charge.  I think I can recall a few times with Escobar making a play that maybe Hicks should have owned.  I like how he took charge last night one the catch and throw to home.  I actually thought Hicks and Rosario looked like a very seasoned and fluid pair on that play.

 

 

Would definitely like to see Buxton cut back some on the Ks and start driving the ball a bit again.  Only a few extra base hits in the last 3 weeks

 

Edited June 11, 2015 by COtwin

[mikelink45]

If Rosario can make the adjustment and if Buxton is the player we have all anticipated I would bring him up - give him a few at bats - send him down if needed.  Polanco comes up twice for quick shots at the majors, can't we give Byron a small taste too?

[nater79a]

 

Buxton comes up... the Twins go from "good" to elite in CF. And he solves the problem of the hole in the lineup at leadoff. Big difference.

 

Exactly. Just watch how much better hitters like Dozier, Mauer, Hunter and Plouffe are when Buxton is on the base paths. It changes the entire pitch selection when you have to worry about a base runner with elite speed.  You'll be seeing a whole lot more fastballs down broadway. 

 

Buxton should be hitting leadoff.

[Ncgo4]

Yes, Buxton at lead off and Mauer coaching 1st base.