Terry Ryan Gets Edgy In Twins Interview
Mar 4, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (70) runs down the first base line during a spring training game against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
On Buxton and Sano:
FSN: Speaking of injuries, Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano both missed most or all of 2014 with injuries. How tough was that to see those guys lose a whole year of development?
TR: “It was frustrating for them and us because we couldn’t develop Sano, of course. He was out for the whole year. And every time we got Buxton on the right path, he got hurt. They’ll learn, and if they don’t learn something from what it’s like to be injured, then that’s our fault. But sometimes that’s a thing that you can grow from and how to keep yourself healthy and when to do certain things and when not to. There is a knack of keeping yourself healthy. Sano couldn’t do much about Tommy John. I don’t want to pretend that it just was a fluke. Buxton’s were flukes. When he dove for that ball in Double-A New Britain, he was going to make a play. You can’t fault him for that. The broken finger, just unfortunate. But they’re both rusty and they both didn’t play much last year. Now they’re 100 percent and we’re looking for big years out of them. I hope they continue to grow and ultimately surface in Minnesota at some point. They’re both very skillful and have a good work ethic. They’re both good teammates. They both go about their business. I’m kind of hoping that someday this year that they do end up getting to Minnesota. I don’t know if that’s realistic or not; we’re going to have to see how they respond.”
There’s no doubt that Buxton plays all out. His style is conducive to injury much like major leaguer Bryce Harper. The Twins are hoping he can get beyond the injury part, and learn to play within himself at a high level as well. Although Sano underwent Tommy John, the worry is muted considering he’s a position player. That said, there should be no reason that both players don’t debut with the Twins in 2015.
Obviously Ryan isn’t going to put a definitive timetable on anything, but there are some real issues with development and progression if both players are with the Twins are some point this season. Expecting Sano by August and Buxton by September should be a worst case scenario.