There’s no question that Miguel Sano’s bat will be feared more than any other bat in the Twins’ lineup this season, but can he bring it on defense as a right fielder?
To play every day Sano needed a position, and with Trevor Plouffe locking down third base, the Twins decided to move Sano to the outfield.
Why right field?
“All he wants to do is play,” general manager Terry Ryan told ESPN, “and he doesn’t want to DH. He wants to play a defensive position, and this is the best fit for our club.”
If Sano starts in right field it’s likely that Eddie Rosario will start in left field and Byron Buxton – if he wins the job out of Spring Training – will start in center field.
Big autograph line for Miguel Sano at #TwinsFest – predicting a #sorehand pic.twitter.com/95iJg8GowT
— Ryan Shaver (@RShaverSports) January 29, 2016
His learning curve will be big, but he’s getting some pretty good help in the form of newly retired Torii Hunter.
“You’re going to have to be patient with him,” Hunter told the Pioneer Press during TwinsFest. “I think in due time, even though he has a big body, he’s a pretty good athlete. I definitely think he’ll be OK once he gets some instruction.”
Hunter will serve as a special instructor for 10 days beginning Feb. 26.
