Around this time last season, New Britain Rock Cats' first baseman Kennys Vargas was receiving more attention than Minnesota's top tier prospects Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano. How different the times are now for Vargas as he was optioned to Double-A Chattanooga yesterday for a player to be promoted before tonight's game in Kansas City. That player is the aformentioned prospect Miguel Sano, who is rated the ninth overall prospect by MLB.com
The 24-year old Opening Day designated hitter, who batted .274 with nine home runs and 38 RBIs in 53 games with the Twins during his rookie season, has had trouble adding to last season's offensive production while not meeting this season's expectations set by the fans and team. In fact, his trouble at the plate has already caused one demotion to Rochester (Triple-A) for a 17-game stint earlier in the season. For the Redwings, Vargas refound his swing and hit .302 (16 hits in 53 at-bats) with three home runs and eight RBIs, which was good enough to earn a promotion and a second chance in the Twin City. Unfortunately for the 2014 All-Star Futures Game selection, he was unable to sustain his good play from Triple-A to the Big Leagues.
But why Chattanooga? Why not back to Rochester? When Twins' manager Paul Molitor was asked that very question he said, "It's a good fit for him to go there, because they've been hurting for a first baseman. It gives him a chance to play first consistently and get some at-bats."
It was made official this afternoon that third base prospect Miguel Sano is to be recalled in place of Vargas. With current third baseman Trevor Plouffe having a nice season, look for Sano to see consistent at-bats as a designated hitter.
Sano, one of the most highly touted power hitters in Minor League baseball, missed all of last season due to Tommy John surgery, but has bounced back by bashing 16 home runs and driving in 48 RBIs with a .278 batting average in 66 games for the Chattanooga Lookouts.