Miguel Sano ranked as AL Central's most intriguing player by ESPN; Park on the list, too

In a division filled with interesting and high-impact players, Miguel Sano stands out for several reasons as the AL Central's most intriguing player.

January 21, 2016 at 3:27PM
Miguel Sano
Miguel Sano (Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

In these days leading up to the start of spring training, it's time for list-making season in baseball. ESPN has just released its list of the 10 most intriguing players in the American League Cenral.

No. 9 on the list, compiled by ESPN senior writer Jim Schoenfield, is Byung Ho Park. Schoenfeld pretty much captures the combination of hope and skepticism that many Twins fans are feeling about Park:

Schoenfeld on Park: "He hit .343 with 53 home runs in Korea, but he also struck out 161 times in 622 plate appearances. I have no idea what to expect. He could be a zero or he could be a middle-of-the-order threat in what could be a really good lineup in Minnesota."

At the top of the list -- above the arrival of Detroit's Justin Upton, the questions about the newfound power of Kansas City's Lorenzo Cain and the health of Detroit's Justin Verlander -- is Miguel Sano.

"There's a new power-hitting Miguel in the AL Central, and he's something to watch."

To read the rest of Schoenfeld's thoughts on Sano, including an interesting comparison to another American League standout -- and see more about the other players on his list -- go here.

about the writer

about the writer

Howard Sinker

Digital Sports Editor

Howard Sinker is digital sports editor at startribune.com and curates the website's Sports Upload blog. He is also a senior instructor in Media and Cultural Studies at Macalester College in St. Paul.

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