Tonight, Royce Lewis went 1-3 with a 2-run homer. He was named the Arizona Fall League's Fall Stars game MVP. 

 

The HR:

 

 

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/MLBPipeline/status/1183232659767681024 

 

 

 

Congrats, Royce! Hope he continues to play well for the rest and pushes the Twins hand next season. Or is included in a trade to bring back a bonafide number one starter.

When you consider Matthew Trueblood's article on Sano/Athleticism/Etc... and consider that Lewis has been playing a bit of 3B in the Fall League... Clearly it's something that is being considered for either late 2020 or very soon after.

I would like to see him split time between 3B and CF next year. He could be a plus defender in CF and he has the potential to be one of the better bats in the league at that position. Let's find out where his greatest value is defensively and build some flexibility at the same time.

I'm happy he ended 2019 on a good note. It wasn't looking good for him during the minor league season. I was, and still am a little, concerned his bat wouldn't make it in the higher levels.

 

Also, it should go without saying positional flexibility is a good thing! Try him at 3B, SS, CF, RF, etc. See if he can take the role Marwin has after his contract ends in 2020.

Edited October 14, 20197 yr by Vanimal46

 

When you consider Matthew Trueblood's article on Sano/Athleticism/Etc... and consider that Lewis has been playing a bit of 3B in the Fall League... Clearly it's something that is being considered for either late 2020 or very soon after.

 

Clearly? You're drawing that conclusion from him playing 10 games in the AFL...or from other things you've heard? Because, that seems a bold conclusion based on these 10 games...managed by someone not in the Twins organization.

 

But, if you're right...I'm both excited and worried. I'm excited in any regard with the offensive showing in the AFL. Even though it's very sss...it's probably better than any other 15-game stretch Lewis had all season. But, kinda concerned that his offensive threshold for value just went up about two full notches if he's going to be a corner infielder instead of a short-stop (or even a CF). Really haven't seen a whole lot in his offensive game so far that suggest the bat plays as a major-league 3rd baseman...and late 2020 is coming fast.

 

 

Clearly? You're drawing that conclusion from him playing 10 games in the AFL...or from other things you've heard? Because, that seems a bold conclusion based on these 10 games...managed by someone not in the Twins organization.

 

But, if you're right...I'm both excited and worried. I'm excited in any regard with the offensive showing in the AFL. Even though it's very sss...it's probably better than any other 15-game stretch Lewis had all season. But, kinda concerned that his offensive threshold for value just went up about two full notches if he's going to be a corner infielder instead of a short-stop (or even a CF). Really haven't seen a whole lot in his offensive game so far that suggest the bat plays as a major-league 3rd baseman...and late 2020 is coming fast.

 

Polanco and Arraez will likely begin the season at SS and 2B. Lewis is probably 1/2 a season to a full season away. There are questions with Sano at third base. Injuries are the lone concern with Buxton. Sano and Buxton are already in their 2nd years of arbitration (Sano will get three, Buxton four). Polanco is locked up. 

 

So, maybe "Clearly" was a bit strong, but there is value in making him more versatile. If nothing else, what if Polanco gets hurt and is out a month? Lewis could be an option there. Same could be said at 3B or CF already in 2020.  Letting him get some time at those spots is wise because we don't know where the Twins need will be when he is ready. 

I would like to see him split time between 3B and CF next year. He could be a plus defender in CF and he has the potential to be one of the better bats in the league at that position. Let's find out where his greatest value is defensively and build some flexibility at the same time.

I'm on this page about 75 percent of the time, and SS the other two days of the week. I bet they leave him at short to start the year. I bet he plays more non short at the MLB level for his career.

He could absolutely, 100%, prove to be a solid or even good SS and you certainly don't give up on him there at this point. But not only is versatility a good thing, were I to examine Polanco and Lewis as a left side combination, my "educated/guess" opinion would have Lewis at 3B with a stronger arm than Polanco.

BTW, Lewis is hitting .407 down there (1st for more than 7 ABs), has 3 hr (leaders have 4), 14 RBI ties for 3rd, OPS 1.163 is good for 3rd for guys with more than 4 ABs. The other big stat guy this year is Greg Deichmann, a RF who interestingly was a Twins 26th round draft pick in 2016, who went back to be a senior at LSU and moved up to the 2nd round with Oakland, 4 years older than Lewis. 

 

Nice to be MVP for a game, better for a season.

 

BTW II, Lewis is 2.1 years below the average age of his competition down there. 

Edited October 14, 20197 yr by Monkeypaws