Looks like Molitor is starting Hicks and Hunter and sitting Buxton tonight...Hunter is hitting .164/.231/.279 in the second half while Buxton is hitting .189/.232/.256 on the year, so offensively, they're a wash at this point. I can't believe we're going with a 40 year old over the future of the franchise. I really hope this is a one-day decision, Hicks and Buxton are both in the lineup tomorrow, and I'm just overreacting...

Buxton has played every game since his recall, I'm sure it's just a day off.  With more bodies on the bench, there will probably be some rotation.  Rosario's likely going to get some games off vs lefties, Plouffe will get a day off against a righty here or there.  We might go the rest of the year without the same lineup on back to back nights.

Yeah ... I mentioned this in today's game thread.

I hope this isn't the "norm" moving forward, but Buxton has struggled, prob isn't the worst idea giving him a night off. Chances are he will PR or be a D replacement later in the game anyways.

 

Buxton needs to be playing in the majority of the games down the stretch, unless Hunter suddenly catches fire and "earns" it.

Good. He needs a day off. I wouldn't even mind if he gets a few days off. Kid needs to clear his head and relax. 

I suspect Buxton will be relegated to the Shane Robinson role. Playing 2-3 times/week for Hunter. That should really be reversed.

If we are truly playing our best to make the playoffs, Buxton shouldn't be playing every day. The sad truth is we should be wondering why Hunter played over Robinson.

 

If we are truly playing our best to make the playoffs, Buxton shouldn't be playing every day. The sad truth is we should be wondering why Hunter played over Robinson.

I think PM and TR should be doing what's best for Byron Buxton. Sit him if that's what they think is best. Play him if that's what they think is best. Even at this juncture of the season I'll say what I've been saying since March: The top priority for this season is to do what's best for the development of the young players in the organization. If we happen to qualify for the postseason while we're doing that it's a nice bonus. This may not be a majority opinion but it's my opinion and I'm sticking with it.

Game 2, Saturday. Buxton, Hicks, Rosario.

 

Game 2, Saturday. Buxton, Hicks, Rosario.

 

So far, the Twins are undefeated when they start this outfield.

Game 2, Saturday. Buxton, Hicks, Rosario.

 

Yes!

LF Rosario

CF Buxton

RF Hicks

 

For some reason I really prefer this alignment of Rosario in left and Hicks in right. Rosario has played really well in both right and left though. 

 

LF Rosario

CF Buxton

RF Hicks

 

For some reason I really prefer this alignment of Rosario in left and Hicks in right. Rosario has played really well in both right and left though. 

Concur. Rosario has a very good arm. But Hicks has a cannon. That's what you want in right field.

After tonight's game, with buxton having some real nicely hit balls and defense that is prob second to none... He should be playing nearly every game from here on out. Hunter, maybe once in a while for Rosario? Or if Plouffe/Mauer need a day off?

 

Hopefully Hunter can also get a couple clutch PH for us down the stretch as well

If we are truly playing our best to make the playoffs, Buxton shouldn't be playing every day. The sad truth is we should be wondering why Hunter played over Robinson.

A sad but true statement.

A sad but true statement.

Strange time to say that, after tonight's finish.

Concur. Rosario has a very good arm. But Hicks has a cannon. That's what you want in right field.

Bingo. Hicks has an arm like Michael Cuddyer had in right field. I can't wait to see Hicks gun down some poor fool trying to stretch a single into a double. Zzzzang! Yer out!!

Strange time to say that, after tonight's finish.

It was more a statement about Robinson's underrated play and Hunter's abysmal second half than anything else.

It was more a statement about Robinson's underrated play and Hunter's abysmal second half than anything else.

Fair enough. I just don't think Robinson's decent bat work is likely to continue, and Buxton clearly brings some other things to the table that neither Hunter or Robinson can.

I don't think that Hicks has an overall throwing advantage over Rosario. Granted, Hicks has played almost exclusively in center, while Rosario has played the corners with few exceptions, but Rosario charges the ball quicker and his arm is so accurate. Hicks may have more arm strength, but charging the ball and accuracy matter as well.

 

Buxton is a special athlete. I've seen balls just elude Hicks that I am confident that Buxton catches, especially going back. Maybe Hicks catches the last out, but he might not catch the ball to left-center that Buxton almost overran. What a change from Arcia, Schafer, Hunter to Rosario, Buxton, Hicks!

It was more a statement about Robinson's underrated play and Hunter's abysmal second half than anything else.

He also could have done that as a defensive replacement. None of us should like it, but the production difference between Robinson and Buxton, at this point, is huge. (Robinson and Hunter too)

 

It likely won't continue but we are playing games that matter now. Personally, I alternate Buxton and Robinson in the lineup and bench Hunter, but the optimal lineup right now includes a lot of Shane Robinson.

That was some hellacious outfield play last night.  Looking forward to seeing it continue.

Rosario's out and Hunter's in for today ... Hicks in left.