Sorry Minnesota, but the 2014 season just got a little more disappointing. Miguel Sano, the organization's #2 prospect and a consensus top ten prospect in baseball, will require Tommy John surgery and will miss the 2014 season.
The 20-year old Sano was signed by the Twins out of the Dominican Republic in 2009 and immediately became one of the most heralded prospects in the game. In 2013, the third baseman (for now, anyway) hit 35 home runs in just 123 games split between high-A and AA. His raw power is his best trait, and he's near the top of the charts in the minor leagues in that category. There was a chance that Sano would make his major league debut in 2014, but that possibility is gone now.
Tommy John surgery for hitters is rare, but not unheard of. Marlins shortstop Rafael Furcal didn't play an inning in 2013 because of the surgery, as did 22-year old Padres prospect Rymer Liriano. Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo had the surgery in 2007, but hit .309/.397/.549 in 94 games with the Indians in 2008.
So while the surgery sucks, it's by no means a death sentence for Sano's future – it's just another disappointment for a Twins franchise that seems to suffer setback after setback. At least Byron Buxton s still healthy.
