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Article: TD Top Prospects: #1 Miguel Sano


Nick Nelson

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Nice write up Nick. I've read alot of these over the last couple years, but you've managed to paint Sano in a slightly different light. It seems like that with his arm, if he can't stick at 3rd, he'd be more of an asset in RF. Maybe its time to move him now?

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Thanks for the write-up. One note, its Kiley McDaniel, not McDonald. I'm not trying to be anal or anything as I know I make mistakes all the time, just want to give credit appropriately.

 

I, as I'm sure most of us do, really hope that Sano can develop into a serviceable third baseman. I think he's got the skills to do it. Only saw him play once, but to me it seemed that he could be ok there with more time and reps. He definitely has the arm for it, but yes footwork is the main issue. I'm very excited to see what Sano can become.

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Certainly Sano looks like a power producer. I get that. But if he's never going to hit for average or be a decent fielder what's the point? I'd rather have Hicks – a true five-tool outfielder, than someone who hits a lot of bombs, but who strikes out a lot and is a poor fielder. Yes, you can put him in right field, or a 1st base, but in my opinion, you cannot hide players on the field. Defense is important too. I'd put him further down on the list, say fourth. I like well-rounded players better than players who are just power threats. I'm not saying he cannot develop into a better fielding player, but I'd want to see that potential before I move him higher on the list.

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Miguel is a wonderful young man. The first thing he asked me when he moved into my home in Elizabethton "Will I have enough to eat here?" Needless to say, he had enough to eat, learned quite a bit of English and we fine tuned some of the social skills he will need in the big leagues. He has a lot on his shoulders with a large family to support back home in the Dominican Republic. I can't wait to see him in spring training this year.

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Community Moderator
Twins do not need outfielders at this time. Ist Base or DH are the other options

 

By the time Sano makes it to the majors, there might be a need for a corner outfielder, and his strong arm might be valuable in right field.

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By the time Sano makes it to the majors, there might be a need for a corner outfielder, and his strong arm might be valuable in right field.

 

RF doesn't seem to be a difficult position to teach. If the handwriting ever becomes on the wall, they can spend his final minor league season doing that, or even half a season, and he'll be adequate, with a chance to improve with further experience.

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RF doesn't seem to be a difficult position to teach. If the handwriting ever becomes on the wall, they can spend his final minor league season doing that, or even half a season, and he'll be adequate, with a chance to improve with further experience.

Twins are okay with moving 1B-pedigree to RF late in his development, so there doesn't seem to be a need to rush Sano into the OF any time soon.

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In batting practice in Beloit this year, when Sano was struggling at 3B, Tommy Watkins had him take ground balls at SS instead of 3B to remind him that he's an athlete and can be an athlete at third base. That's why I thought he looked so much better at 3B in the second half than when I saw him in the first half.

 

He also spent time shagging fly balls in the outfield, and although he's not JD Williams fast, he can cover some ground. There's no need for him to move now, but I like that he's taking time at other places. He'll be fine if he needs to move elsewhere at some other time.

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In 2015+ Hicks in center, Arcia and (maybe) Kepler or Buxton (center?) in the corners. Either way, the outfield will be to crowded for Sano unless we trade one of these guys for some pitching. So, I expect Sano to end up moving over to 1st when he hits AAA. I realize Sano's .884 fielding is just a start at 3rd and he could improve, but Twins fans wanted to cut Plouffe's head off last year when he fielded .935 with 17 errors over 95 games.- Maybe that was just me. No matter what, this kid should end up being the face of our franchise and I'm excited.

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