What they've been writing about Byron Buxton

A look at some of what's being said about Twins top draft choice Byron Buxton

June 5, 2012 at 12:38AM
Byron Buxton
Byron Buxton (Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

"The 6'2″, 190-pound University of Georgia commit has all the tools in the toolbox necessary to become a smash-hit at the big-league level. He's shown the capacity to hit for average and power, use his tremendous speed and athleticism whenever needed and flash a strong arm from the outfield when necessary. Buxton's makeup has drawn comparisons to Tampa Bay Rays outfielder B.J. Upton."

-- Bleacher Report on 2012's "most intriguing prospect."

"Buxton will be in good company should he opt to chase professional riches over a no-guarantees college career. He would become the 14th Georgia signee since 1997 to instead sign a pro deal after being picked in the top three rounds -- and many of his predecessors in that department developed into MLB stars after turning pro."

-- University of Georgia Sports blog: Dawg Nation.

The Twins "will be getting a young, versatile outfielder who has the potential to be their most sensational outfielder since Torii Hunter roamed the warning tracks in Minnesota. In a draft loaded with pitching, Buxton is the position player with the most to offer. He's fast, can hit for power and contact and can help rejuvenate a rebuilding franchise like the Twins into a contender in a weak AL Central."

-- Bleacher Report on why Buxton "will be the breakout star" of the 2012 class.

"Scouts began to look hard at Buxton at the end of his junior season at Appling County, located 200 miles southeast of Atlanta. Over the summer, he blossomed into a star prospect while playing for the Round Trip II club team."

-- Atlanta Journal-Constitution pre-draft report on Buxton

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"Of all the tools Buxton possesses, speed is at the top of the list. He's been clocked at 6.6 seconds in the 60-yard dash, while also stealing 38 bases this season as a senior. What's more impressive is that some felt Buxton could have entered the Draft as a pitcher, and he would have been ranked almost as high"

-- MLB.com's report on Buxton's selection

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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