Just a little over a month ago Sports on Earth provided a really optimistic look at the 2017 Minnesota Twins, arguing that they have “serious breakout potential.” Go re-read that story if you don’t want your hope and baseball soul crushed by the anonymous scout who offered this ultra-negative preview of the Twins for Sports Illustrated.
“There’s a reason all these guys had 5 ERAs last year. The Twins used to have success developing guys who didn’t throw hard but could command the fastball. Now they don’t throw hard and they have no command…. Ervin Santana’s their ace, but he’s actually a three…. José Berrios still hasn’t turned the corner. I’m unimpressed by his ability to command the fastball…. Glen Perkins hasn’t pitched much this spring. If he can’t close for them, they’re in big trouble. Well, they’re in big trouble anyway…. They gave Jason Castro a lot of money to be their front-line guy. They had a good defensive catcher in Kurt Suzuki and let him walk. I would rather have Suzuki than Castro…. Joe Mauer’s health is in question, like always. He’s an opposite-field hitter now. If there’s a man on third, he will get him home, period…. Brian Dozier is a dead high-ball hitter, but even if he hits 30 home runs, they could lose 100 games. They should have moved him…. Minnesota has brought a lot of guys up before they’re ready. Byron Buxton is still a dead pull hitter. With his speed, he should be going the other way, he should bunt, and he doesn’t…. Miguel Sano can swing the bat, but he’s not very good at third. You hope he knocks in more than he lets in…. . They keep touting their outfield—Eddie Rosario, Buxton, Max Kepler. They all have good arms, but in the major leagues your corner outfielders have to be offensive players…. This team has a chance to be the worst in the league.”
Let’s hope Mr. Anonymous is way off.
