Article: Twins Minor League Report (9/3): Regular Season Ends

[Jham]

Rewarding mediocrity ... That sounds like a great plan. Coddling is for 2nd grade house leaguers not million dollar pros.

I made that exact point about Buxton and Sano previously. I hope Buxton comes back next season and hits angry like Dozier did (and still agreed to buy out arb years and wanted an extension).

 

That said, your old school disciplinarian approach doesn't work for all, especially today's youth. Not everyone is motivated the same way. I have no idea what motivates Mr. Gordon. I'm not talking about giving him a spot or even seeing what we've got. He's a first-rounder with pedigree, tools, and minor league success. There's nothing mediocre about his talent and prospect status. He's bluish chip. The call up, as I stated, would have nothing to do with reward necessarily. I wanted to trade Gordon, but we didn't. So he figures in to our future. A month with the staff and teammates may be just what he needs. If not who cares? He's going back to AAA next spring regardless.

 

In short (too late) his player development trumps rewarding mediocre play in this particular situation, imo.