1.  Buxton CF

2.  Rosario LF (Hicks has better arm, put Aaron in right - keep runners from going 1rst to 3rd)

3.  Dozier 2B

4.  Hunter DH

5.  Mauer 1B

6.  Plouffe 3B

7.  Suzuki C

8.  Escobar SS

9.  Hicks RF

 

Bench -  Vargas, Nunez, Hermann (and one more, Robinson? -   unless 13 pitchers, then Robinson released)

Edited June 14, 201511 yr by strumdatjaguar

Yes - I'd move Mauer down to 5th and move Rosario up to 2nd!!!!!!!

I'd flip Mauer and Plouffe. Otherwise, I'm on board 100%

Sounds like Molitor wants to stick with Dozier in the leadoff spot, which means Buxton will likely bat second.

1.  Buxton CF

2.  Rosario LF (Hicks has better arm, put Aaron in right - keep runners from going 1rst to 3rd)

3.  Dozier 2B

4.  Hunter DH

5.  Mauer 1B

6.  Plouffe 3B

7.  Suzuki C

8.  Escobar SS

9.  Hicks RF

 

Bench -  Vargas, Nunez, Hermann (and one more, Robinson? -   unless 13 pitchers, then Robinson released)

Great suggestion. Molitor dissuaded the writers from assuming that Buxton is automatically going to be around for long, let alone that he was ready to put him at the top of the order. And defended Dozier in the leadoff spot, as well. Moltior said he'd sleep on it before making a decision in the morning. He very well might ease Buton in tomorrow at the bottom of the order.

 

Regardless, it's definitely time for a changing of the guard atop the order, although IMO, it might be best in considering moving Mauer even lower than 5th,.

 

I could see where the Twins could eventually convince themselves that R-L-R at the top of the order could help Mauer save face, and still make a little sense in terms of PR and baseball logic in having Mauer, rather than a rookie, "protecting" Buxton at the top of the order.

Edited June 14, 201511 yr by jokin

Here is my 2 cents for what its worth... immediately after the all star break

 

1.Buxton CF
2.Dozier 2B
3.Rosario LF
4.Hunter RF
5.Varges DH 
6.Sano 3B
7.Mauer 1B
8.Polanco SS 
9.Suzuki C

 

I could see swtiching Rosario and Mauer in this line up and if you do that then switch Rosario and Varges after that. 

 

That leaves us with a terrible bench but here it is... mostly just better defense. 

 

Bench: Hicks 4th OF, Plooooof traded to SF for a Catcher, Escobar, Nunez, and a bat we get in a trade. 

 

 

Sorry everyone, but I feel fairly confident in saying that Buxton has a far better shot batting 6th or lower than he does batting 1st. I'd be pretty surprised to see a guy with 60 games above class A batting leadoff in his MLB debut.

Looks like Hicks might be going to the DL.  So, there'll be more mlb service time for Shane Robinson (or Robertson as Bert call him half the time).  In that event, move Hunter to RF and Vargas to DH.

 

Looks like Hicks might be going to the DL.  So, there'll be more mlb service time for Shane Robinson (or Robertson as Bert call him half the time).  In that event, move Hunter to RF and Vargas to DH.

If this is the case, I hope that Vargas has better AB's I am frustrated watching him bat and flail........I am hoping Vargas turns a corner, he seems to have so much potential for a .280, 25 and 100 line at the end of a season.

 

Sorry everyone, but I feel fairly confident in saying that Buxton has a far better shot batting 6th or lower than he does batting 1st. I'd be pretty surprised to see a guy with 60 games above class A batting leadoff in his MLB debut.

 

If Buxton is not batting leadoff I hope they bat him 9th. Then he would still get a chance to get on base with Dozier, Hunter, Mauer, etc... coming to the plate. With Buxton's speed and ability to steal a base I can't help but think those hitting behind him will see a high rate of fastballs, which should translate to solid production.

 

Great suggestion. Molitor dissuaded the writers from assuming that Buxton is automatically going to be around for long, let alone that he was ready to put him at the top of the order. And defended Dozier in the leadoff spot, as well. Moltior said he'd sleep on it before making a decision in the morning. He very well might ease Buton in tomorrow at the bottom of the order.

 

 

I find this somewhat interesting.  I get that Buxton may be generational type talent (I'll let him play it out before I conclude this), but he's being added to the 40 man about a year and a half early.  I'd expect him to get an extended trial (i.e. the rest of the season) so as not to waste an option.

 

As for his lineup position.  I'd expect 9 for now, and I'm fine with that.  Give him a few weeks to get comfortable in the majors.  Once (and if) he starts to hit, then I move him up. 

I would not lead off with BB. The mistake with Hicks was maybe not bringing him up too early, but putting him at the top of the order. Order spots do things to players. Dozier has not excelled in the middle of the order. And Torii did not do that well in the 4 hole. It causes expectations they try and fill. Which makes them overextend themselves. No one out here in typing land will ever know if Mauer INSISTS on hitting 3, or if he keeps getting slotted there for a perceived lack of a better option. Either way, it has likely impacted his career negatively.

Good perspective on starting Buxton out lower in the order.