Minnesota Twins: What Do Sano’s Struggles Mean for Plouffe?
Miguel Sano has shown in his limited time with the Minnesota Twins that he is a great power-hitting threat.
But let’s face it, in that same limited time, he has proven to be just as big of a defensive liability whether it be in the outfield or at third base.
This past weekend was just another indication as he fumbled a ball hit to third and dropped a routine fly ball.
Just another set of cringe-worthy moments for Sano whose defense has started to become a big issue.
Sure, he’s made some flashy plays but at the end of the day if he can’t make the easy plays, there may be a need to find him a new defensive position.
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As I pointed out in an earlier article, Sano may become an eventual successor to Joe Mauer at first base and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him possibly get a few games at the position.
But his recent struggles have to make on wonder what the Minnesota Twins will do about Trevor Plouffe once he returns from the Disabled List.
Plouffe is clearly the superior third baseman and he has shown the ability to play multiple positions but him leaving would clear up a lot of positional issues the Twins have faced.
But should Plouffe be traded?
Eduardo Nunez has played some games at third but has also shown some struggles in the field.
It’s understandable to say it is not worth keeping Plouffe just because of his defense but with Nunez entrenched at shortstop and Sano struggling defensively, Plouffe’s defensive play as well as his offensive abilities make it harder to accept trading him.
I do believe we will see him moved at some point, whether it be before the deadline or in the offseason.
But it does seem the Minnesota Twins need to take a long, hard look at the defensive impact keeping Sano at third would have.
If he continues to struggle and they move Plouffe, they may find themselves with a hole at third base that could have been prevented by keeping him.
Plouffe or Sano could slide over to first base once Mauer’s contract is up; that is assuming Mauer’s contract is not extended.
That plan may be unreasonable, however, as Mauer’s contract isn’t up for two more seasons.
Regardless, Sano’s defensive struggles at third have brought to the surface issues the Minnesota Twins will need to address, especially if moving Plouffe is within their short-term plans.
When Plouffe has 20+ homer potential and will hit for a similar average, he may just be a more viable, long-term option at third base over Sano.
Next: Twins Drops Series to Cleveland
That just means the Minnesota Twins will need to find a new spot to put Sano.