Twins’ Sign Pacific Coast League Batting Champion

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Jan 4, 2018
Angels outfielder Nick Buss at spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Feb. 26 in Tempe, Ariz. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

It was announced on Wednesday that the Minnesota Twins agreed to terms with the 2017 Pacific Coast League (“PCL”) Batting Champion, Nick Buss.

The 31 year-old spent last season hitting .348 while playing for the San Diego Padre’s AAA affiliate. It is fully anticipated that Buss’ Twins tenure will begin in Rochester.

Stand up, Twins Nation!

 

Okay, okay. That reference MAY have been a stretch. Not all champs are treated alike. Buss’ batting crown isn’t QUITE up to the standards set by the late Muhammad Ali.

As mentioned earlier, his accomplishment came in the PCL. That league is one of the three (International & Mexican) leagues at the AAA level.

The Twins AAA affiliate, the Rochester Red Wings, are part of the International League. Meaning, when Buss starts his season with Rochester, he’ll be facing a SIMILAR level of competition compared to last year. The two leagues aren’t exactly apples to apples. Even though they’re at the same minor league level, the PCL is known for having a higher offensive output.

Oh, shit… Is it just me or is that a terrible nickname? “The Magic Nick Buss.” It’s like my elementary-school-teaching mother chose it. Not good.

Regardless, Buss, an outflieder, was originally drafted in 2008 by the Dodgers. The 8th round selection has played in 44 career MLB games. Of those games, 8 were with the Dodgers, while the other 36 were as a member of the Angels. In exactly 100 big league at bats, Nick Buss has 18 hits (1 HR) and 25 strikeouts.

With the left-handed hitting, USC product destined for Rochester, the agreed upon contract is a minor league deal. The Twins are young, talented, and have depth in the outfield. Only time will tell whether or not this season brings Buss his first MLB action since 2016.

This isn’t a big fish by any means, but it’s a fish nonetheless. As for whether or not Minnesota will land a monster this off-season, that remains to be seen. Those big boys are difficult to net. They’re experienced and slippery as all hell:

 

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

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