FORT MYERS, FLA - Fact: Twins prospect Miguel Sano is a big, strong kid.
And while the word kid is often used to describe any young player, that too is a simple fact.
The much-talked-about shortstop is 16 years old and the spotlight shone on him has been intense. It takes not only surrounding him with players and coaches who can guide him on the field, but even more so, off of it.
“Jose Marzan [the Twins’ Latin American coordinator] said don’t play for the money,” Sano said the through translator Christian Martinez from Twins Spring Training camp. “He said do it for the game. In order to be like a Hanley Ramirez in the future, you need to be focused on baseball, not women and money that can destroy you.”
Sano was signed under a cloak of controversy due to his difficulty getting a Visa and the massive $3.15 million dollar signing bonus. It might have been an overwhelming pursuit for everyone involved, but especially for Sano. That’s a lot of hype to live up to.
“He’s got to settle in a lot of different ways,” said Vice President of Player Development Mike Radcliff. “That’s really where he’s at and what we’re looking at right now. Settling in; becoming a pro player. His production, results and what position he’ll play will come later.”
Twins scouts have seen him for the past two years and are impressed with his early abilities. There’s a good reason why he was so sought after, having exhibited some good power with the bat. But with a player that young, so many things remain unknown.
“That’s a kid who’s just so raw that you have to take your time with him,” said Twins Farm Director Jim Rantz.
Data on him is limited, but early scouting reports indicated that as he develops into himself physically, he may be more suited for third base, rather than shortstop.
Once camp breaks, Radcliff said Sano will play in extended spring training and then the GCL. The Twins are wisely putting little pressure on him, but there’s no shortage of enthusiasm about his potential.
“Some of us haven’t really gotten to see him, so it’s early in the stages. He’s still growing, but it’s exciting to see what he can do already physically,” Rantz said.
Though the physical and mechanical aspects of his game are still in very early development, it’s his ability to handle those pressures that he’ll have to face. The process is different with a guy who not only has no professional experiences, but also limited life experience in general.
“One of the Hallmarks of our organization is patience,” said Radcliff. “That will be underlined, capitalized and bolded with this player.”
There’s only time with Sano – a wide open field for goals, expectations and defining a clear role. But he already has his eyes on the future, like any competitor pursuing excellence.
“My goal is to get [to the Major Leagues] in three years,” Sano said.
He’s clear on how he needs to improve offensively to be successful at the Major League level.
“I need to improve watching the pitchers because I haven’t played in the league yet to see the talent,” he said. “I need to really pay attention to the pitchers to see what they’re going to throw. Is it going to be a changeup? What’s a hitting count? All that helps me to get there.”
For a 16-year-old, he knows his limitations and also believes in his potential.
“It is going to take awhile for me to learn.”
Jessica is a freelance baseball writer. You can follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/heelsonthefield.