Managers meet at home plate
photo by Tim Evearitt
Lookouts play ball toss before game.
photo by Tim Evearitt
Lookouts manager Doug Mientkiewicz
photo by Tim Evearitt
Chatt State's starting pitcher.
photo by Tim Evearitt
Byron Buxton at bat.
photo by Tim Evearitt
Byron Buxton makes catch in center.
photo by Tim Evearitt
Miguel Sano at bat.
photo by Tim Evearitt
Miguel Sano playing third base.
photo by Tim Evearitt
Jorge Polanco hitting.
photo by Tim Evearitt
Jorge Polanco playing shortstop.
photo by Tim Evearitt
The crowd was small. The weather was overcast with an occasional drizzle. One could not miss the excitement of the Chatt State Tigers and their families nor the enthusiasm of the Chattanooga Lookouts who were ready to begin their 2015 season. Many of the Lookouts had played together under manager Doug Mienktievicz in Ft. Meyers. That was Class A and Chattanooga is Double-A. Players understand this is a big step.
It did not matter that the game ended in seven innings or that the outcome was an 8-0 win for the Lookouts. What mattered most for the Lookouts is that the preparation of Spring Training is over and beginning Thursday night in Montgomery everything counts.
The 2015 team may be one of the most offensively talented teams to play at AT&T Field. Quite possibly two or three players could wind up in the Twins' lineup before the end of the season.
Experts are often wrong but MLB.com has the following players rated as prospect by team (Minnesota) and based on all 30 Major League clubs.
Byron Buxton, CF Twins #1. MLB #1
Miguel Sano, 3B Twins #2. MLB #7
Jose Berrios, RHP Twins #5. MLB #33
Jorge Palanco,SS Twins #7. MLB not rated