Article: Twins Appear To Be All In On Buxton

[tobi0040]

Subbuterean could become a word to use on a regular basis.

 

"The seafood at Seafood Foodie Heaven was subbuterean.

"Yeah, I agree. it wasn't really a hit with me with me either."

My buddy had another. "Buterrible"

[tobi0040]

 

According to Statcast, his (Buxton) speed topped out at 21.39 mph, which is A) fast enough to get you pulled over in a Massachusetts school zone and .41 miles faster than Billy Hamilton's last triple, hit on May 13 against the Braves and maxing out at 20.98 mph. It's even faster than Jarrod Dyson's triple on May 10, which clocked in at 21.03 mph.

 

We are looking at different metrics.  It could be that Hamilton is faster for 90 feet and Buxton for 270.  But they use the scale from home to first because you probably get many reads a year.  Timing a guy going for a triple creates a small sample.

[alarp33]

 

We are looking at different metrics.  It could be that Hamilton is faster for 90 feet and Buxton for 270.  But they use the scale from home to first because you probably get many reads a year.  Timing a guy going for a triple creates a small sample.

 

I'm not sure where to find all the Statcast stats, it's easy to look up batted ball speeds, but more difficult to find the running speeds. 

 

That being said, the link you provided was 1 time, a Reds coach timed Hamilton at 3.3... that's hardly the same thing as saying he runs a 3.3 home to 1st. 

 

If Buxton is faster for 270feet (who knows if he actually is), its certainly not fair to say "Buxton has 80 speed but Hamilton is much faster"... cuz I simply don't think that's true.  

 

Regardless, both incredibly fast... hopefully Buxton will be on base often this year so we can see that speed. 

 

 

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/165096680/billy-burns-leads-statcast-speed-rankings

 

 

[Brock Beauchamp]

Hamilton was timed at 3.3 seconds to first base out of the LH batter's box but that time is questionable because it's so much faster than anyone else in baseball history. 3.9 seconds to first from the LH box is considered "80 speed" on the 20-80 scale.

 

Buxton has been timed at 3.9 seconds from the RH batter's box. 4.0 seconds is considered "80 speed" on the 20-80 scale.

 

It's likely Hamilton is faster, though by how much is certainly in question.

[Thrylos]

 

Hamilton was timed at 3.3 seconds to first base out of the LH batter's box but that time is questionable because it's so much faster than anyone else in baseball history.

 

Buxton has been timed at 3.9 seconds from the RH batter's box. 4.0 seconds is considered "80 speed" on the 20-80 scale.

 

It's likely Hamilton is faster, though by how much is certainly in question.

 

That would matter if:

 

a. the sport in discussion was dash and not baseball

b. the Twins had a choice between Buxton and Hamilton

 

 

Edited March 14, 2016 by Thrylos

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

That would matter if:

 

a. the sport in discussion was dash and not baseball

b. the Twins had a choice between Buxton and Hamilton

People were asking about Buxton vs. Hamilton speed. I provided an answer.

 

And those aren't dash times. They're from the batter's box to first base and are actual baseball times that matter.

[ashbury]

That would matter if:

 

a. the sport in discussion was dash and not baseball

b. the Twins had a choice between Buxton and Hamilton

There are plenty of things we all like to discuss that in the big picture don't actually matter.

 

http://www.ncaabracket.us/wp-content/themes/atahualpa/images/ncaa-bracket.jpg

[jimbo92107]

 

Biggest problem?

Just my opinion, but .209/.250/.326 and continued injury concerns are both bigger problems than SB technique.

Yeah, but I assume Buxton can get over his hitting problems, and that appears to be happening with better plate discipline. 

 

Stealing bases is a completely separate art from the others. My concern is that Buxton may not have an aptitude for that aspect of the game. There are a lot more fast guys in MLB than there are good stealers. What most guys don't seem to realize is that the threat of a stolen base can be more disruptive to a pitcher than actually giving up the bag. Buxton already draws a lot of throws, even with his short lead. But if he actually steals some bases, he will drive pitchers crazy. Somehow he has to find that extra half step of a lead, drop his right foot back towards the outfield, etc. If he starts getting decent jumps, he could reach safely at a monster clip.

[stringer bell]

1)    SSS- Buxton's spring numbers could be changed dramatically in a day or two. If he goes 4-4 on Wednesday, he would be hitting .333. If he goes 0-4, hitting four BBs, he's hitting .167

 

2)    Prospect ratings--A lot of players have failed, but not many when they are ranked first or second. Buxton has been in the top 5 since he was at Cedar Rapids. The people who do the ratings know a little bit. The most likely thing to stop Byron Buxton from being a star is injury.

 

3)   Speed--A few years ago Terry Ryan told me Buxton was the fastest player they've had in the organization since he (TR) had been there. That's pretty fast. That doesn't automatically make Buxton a cinch to steal 50 bases--he needs to work on his jump, his recognition and getting on base--but he's blessed with game-changing speed. I've always thought it was really tough for a right handed hitter to be a speed guy. I hope Buck proves me wrong.

 

4)   Protection--Buxton is not Aaron Hicks, but the Twins should learn a lesson by what happened to a pretty good prospect. Don't pin offensive hope on him early. Don't bat him at the top of the order until he shows he's taking good at-bats.

 

5)   Fatal flaws--Thrylos has constantly pointed out that Buxton has a pitch recognition problem. I do agree to a point, but as a hitter matures, they learn. Buxton has missed a lot of time due to injuries so far in his career and he hasn't dominated really dominated a league since A ball, in part because he's moved up quickly. I think Buxton's first adjustment will be hitting mistakes and hitting them hard, then he'll probably chase fewer balls and finally will be a consistent threat. He's got a long way to go as a hitter, but I think he'll hit .300 before the decade is over.

[jsteve96]

 

Minors Career; 

 

Gomez: .278/.340/.395

Buxton: .301/.383/.489 

 

Similarities between the 2; Center Fielders, Twins (former/current).  End list

compare Go-Go's MLB stats to Buxtons minor league stats

[zchrz]

Buxton already has a good enough skill set as an extremely fast defensive center fielder to warrant his place in the majors.  The Twins are betting he has the pedigree to learn the offensive side on the fly, and its nice to see them doing so.  

 

Hopefully batting 9th gets him some meatballs to line and should allow him to really work on his base running.  Even if the average and discipline take awhile too really come around hes super valuable with 35+ steals.  The downside is learning in the majors there will be some growing pains.

[alarp33]

 

compare Go-Go's MLB stats to Buxtons minor league stats

 

Why? 

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

5)   Fatal flaws--Thrylos has constantly pointed out that Buxton has a pitch recognition problem. I do agree to a point, but as a hitter matures, they learn. Buxton has missed a lot of time due to injuries so far in his career and he hasn't dominated really dominated a league since A ball, in part because he's moved up quickly. I think Buxton's first adjustment will be hitting mistakes and hitting them hard, then he'll probably chase fewer balls and finally will be a consistent threat. He's got a long way to go as a hitter, but I think he'll hit .300 before the decade is over.

I think it's pretty clear Buxton has pitch recognition problems.

 

IMO, the debate should be whether he'd be better served by sorting out his issues in MLB under the tutelage of Bruno and MLB players or whether he should work on his issues in Rochester.

 

Personally, I vacillate on Buxton. I can see a good argument for both sides of the debate.

[tobi0040]

 

I think it's pretty clear Buxton has pitch recognition problems.

 

IMO, the debate should be whether he'd be better served by sorting out his issues in MLB under the tutelage of Bruno and MLB players or whether he should work on his issues in Rochester.

 

Personally, I vacillate on Buxton. I can see a good argument for both sides of the debate.

 

Yeah. If he heads north like most expect....

 

I think the Twins are right if he progresses nicely at the big league level this year.

 

I think they are wrong if he struggles for a long period of time and it hurts his confidence/development.  There were at bats Hicks had where he walked up and just knew he was going to strike out.  The Twins need to put him in AAA before ever reaching that point.

 

 

[alarp33]

 

 

I think they are wrong if he struggles for a long period of time and it hurts his confidence/development.  There were at bats Hicks had where he walked up and just knew he was going to strike out.  The Twins need to put him in AAA before ever reaching that point.

 

Good thing he's a different player and person than Aaron Hicks I guess!

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

This is a very good thing for the Twins IMO. After years of Schafer, Mastroianni, and Presley starting on opening day, I'm pumped the team is going with youth right off the bat. 

Only Schafer started on opening day, of those three.  Presley didn't even make a Twins opening day roster.  Mastroianni only did once (2013), and didn't get an AB until the team's 8th game of the season.

 

The Twins went with youth (Hicks) to start at this spot in 2013-2014, and arguably could have again in 2015 (no Schafer) had they not felt burned by Hicks' performance in 2013-2014.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

1)    SSS- Buxton's spring numbers could be changed dramatically in a day or two. If he goes 4-4 on Wednesday, he would be hitting .333. If he goes 0-4, hitting four BBs, he's hitting .167

 

2)    Prospect ratings--A lot of players have failed, but not many when they are ranked first or second. Buxton has been in the top 5 since he was at Cedar Rapids. The people who do the ratings know a little bit. The most likely thing to stop Byron Buxton from being a star is injury.

 

3)   Speed--A few years ago Terry Ryan told me Buxton was the fastest player they've had in the organization since he (TR) had been there. That's pretty fast. That doesn't automatically make Buxton a cinch to steal 50 bases--he needs to work on his jump, his recognition and getting on base--but he's blessed with game-changing speed. I've always thought it was really tough for a right handed hitter to be a speed guy. I hope Buck proves me wrong.

 

4)   Protection--Buxton is not Aaron Hicks, but the Twins should learn a lesson by what happened to a pretty good prospect. Don't pin offensive hope on him early. Don't bat him at the top of the order until he shows he's taking good at-bats.

 

5)   Fatal flaws--Thrylos has constantly pointed out that Buxton has a pitch recognition problem. I do agree to a point, but as a hitter matures, they learn. Buxton has missed a lot of time due to injuries so far in his career and he hasn't dominated really dominated a league since A ball, in part because he's moved up quickly. I think Buxton's first adjustment will be hitting mistakes and hitting them hard, then he'll probably chase fewer balls and finally will be a consistent threat. He's got a long way to go as a hitter, but I think he'll hit .300 before the decade is over.

 

Just a few nits to pick here. I agree on 1, 3, and 5 (though I don't agree on how he's going to get to this one).  But 2 and 4 really bug me.

 

2)  Yeah, the guys at the top succeed more, but I don't think we can say that they rarely fail.  We all saw the failure that was Delmon Young.  He was number 1 on a few lists for a few years.   Yes, injury can get in the way, but there are a lot of intangibles that don't show up in a box score and a lot of baseball skills that need to be learned.  We (not necessarily you in this case) tend to chalk much of that up as 'luck' and write off what constitutes real skills and real adjustments since all major leaguers make, while not understanding that there was an actual change that drove that low BABIP into something a bit bigger.

 

4)  I hear this argument with every prospect, and it's often an excuse to justify an action that many people are questioning.  It's really a dangerous argument in my opinion.  Aaron Hicks was not Carlos Gomez and Buxton is not Hicks.  Yeah, they are different people, but that doesn't mean we should use that as an argument to justify the mistakes that were made with (in this case) both of them.  Just because Buxton ranks a bit higher on a BA list doesn't mean that we should put him in the majors if he's not ready.  I don't necessarily care if he's 'better' than say a Ryan Sweeney if we have to sit and watch him flail away at major league curveballs only to see him sent down to AAA after he's beaten. People handle that type of frustration differently, and while we can say that we see more natural talent in Buxton than say Gomez or Hicks, we know absolutely nothing of his (and their for that matter) character.  If the Twins decide to send Buxton to Minneapolis this spring, I hope that is not b/c they forced themselves to select the lesser of two evils but because they think he's ready to hit major league pitching.  What I know from last season was that he wasn't.  Has that changed this offseason?  Perhaps, but if he continues to be rather subpar this spring, then I really think it's best for the Twins and Buxton to let him spend some time in AAA honing those skills.  As an added bonus, he will most likely be a better player for the Twins when he actually is ready.   He really doesn't have much in terms of at bats in the high minors.  That's largely due to injuries.  Trying to force a Mike Trout timeline on him while forgetting the amount of time that he's missed really misses the point... Heck, trying to force a Mike Trout timeline on him is just silly.  Trout's career thus far has the makings of a first ballot HOF.  Buxton needs to be ready for the show before we can make that type of comparison. 

[Minniman]

If Buxton does not start in center, is it Ryan Sweeney?

[laloesch]

 

I endorse this decision. Throw him in the pool, let him learn how to swim.

 

 

What if he drowns?

[laloesch]

 

I think it's pretty clear Buxton has pitch recognition problems.

 

IMO, the debate should be whether he'd be better served by sorting out his issues in MLB under the tutelage of Bruno and MLB players or whether he should work on his issues in Rochester.

 

Personally, I vacillate on Buxton. I can see a good argument for both sides of the debate.

 

I guess if it's a matter of seeing, experiencing and learning to hit breaking balls and other offspeed stuff, MLB is a much better place for him to do that.  AAA is mostly a FB league not nearly as much as AA and lower, but enough to make it a shock when transitioning.  And how many levels did he transition last year, three?  

 

If pitch recognition truly is a problem for him, I think we'll continue to see him flail at offspeed stuff.  I'm not overly concerned at the moment because he's 22 years old.  But if things don't progress by seasons end we might have reason to worry.  

Edited March 23, 2016 by laloesch

[bluechipper]

 

If Buxton does not start in center, is it Ryan Sweeney?

I don't think Ryan Sweeney can really play CF anymore. I would guess Danny Santana, but I'd rather see Rosario in center with Arcia in left. That would be a bad defensive outfield, but the lineup would be fun to watch.

 

I think there's a really strong chance that Buxton opens the season with the Twins though.

[Mike Sixel]

 

What if he drowns?

 

that's a risk I'd take right now. If it is bad for a month, I'd send him down. I'm more of a "call them up too soon" guy, than a "wait until you've already lost a year of peak production" guy.

[Linus]

He's starting to get a few hits so he's your starter.