Alexander Shun | @alexpshun
Digital Content Manager | KFAN.com
With the 2017 MLB season right around the corner - literally, it's only six days away from the first game of the season and seven days away from the Minnesota Twins season-opener - and teams are wrapping up their Spring Training games and finalizing their rosters in eager preparation of Opening Day.
After another 100+ loss season, the Twins are hoping that their youth movement will take the next step in their respective developments and launch the team into a semi-successful season. For Minnesota, a successful season would, in all honesty, mean achieving a .500 record.
At the forefront of this youth movement, sits center fielder Byron Buxton, the former first-round draft choice that has, at times, struggled to catch up to the Major Leagues. That's not to say his struggles lie defensively, far from it. Defensively is actually where the 23-year old outfielder excels. His struggles have been at the plate.
Playing in 92 games with the Major League club last season, Buxton managed a batting average of .225, a .430 slugging percentage and a .284 on-base percentage to complement his 19 doubles, six triples, 10 home runs, 38 runs batted in and 118 strikeouts; not the worst numbers in the world but certainly not numbers that live up to Buxton's potential.
With a new season ahead of him, seemingly permanent outfielders alongside him and an almost guaranteed and cemented center field job, Buxton is ready to have the breakout season that has been expected of him since day one, and that has started with taking a fresh approach to the offseason and Spring Training.
Buxton sat down with the Twins digital and video teams and talked about what's changed and what people can expect from him this upcoming season.
This is only part one of Buxton's interview so you can be sure that there will be more to follow.