When the Twins opted to bring top prospect Byron Buxton to the majors over the weekend, some within the organization were suprised by the move, including Buxton's manager at Double-A Chattanooga and former major leaguer Doug Mientkiewicz.
“I don’t think he’s completely ready,” Mientkiewicz told Fox Sports on Monday. “Well, part of me says yes, and part of me says no.
“What I tell my players is we want to cross every ‘t’ and dot every ‘i’. We want to make sure when you get to the big leagues you stay. None of this shuffling back and forth.
“Definitely, without a question, he was ready to play defense two years ago. Offensively, it’s going to come and go. He’s young. It’s like anybody else. It’s going to take time.
“One thing about the kid -- he can handle it mentally. I hate to say this, but when there is no better alternative, why not? He’s definitely better than anyone they have right now. They’re looking for a spark. When he gets going, he can provide an excitement they haven’t seen in a while.”
Buxton started Sunday and Monday for the Twins. He is 1 for 7 (.143) with one triple, two runs and two strikeouts. He has had eight chances in center field and had putouts on all eight plays.
“I don’t mean any disrespect to the kid at all,” Mientkiewicz said. “There are moments he will do well and moment he won’t. (General manager) Terry (Ryan) understands that. (Manager Paul Molitor) understands that. Molly has called me at least four or five times on him. I love the kid to death. He’s the best we got. Might as well throw him up there.”