How Far has Royce Lewis' Stock Dropped?

[Cody Pirkl]

Royce Lewis’ prospect stock has dropped precipitously the last few years as the Twins former top prospect has dealt with canceled minor league seasons and injuries. Just how far has the consensus on him declined though?

Drafted 1st overall in 2017, Royce Lewis looked the part in his debut season as well as 2018. Unfortunately he followed it up with three years that significantly hurt his outlook in the eyes of many evaluators. We now have to look back nearly two full seasons to find the former top prospects last professional at bat.

It’s important to note that 2019 wasn’t exactly a banner season for Lewis when he was on the field. He finished strong, earning MVP of the Arizona Fall League but was a below league-average hitter between A and AA ball. Questions were also starting to arise regarding his ability to stick at shortstop, the premium position that surely played a hand in his 1st overall draft selection. With such a gap in play, his prospect capital was bound to decline, but how far has it come down since the beginning of that 2019 season?

Prospect rankings can be arbitrary and interchangeable, and there are tons of sources of all sizes that regularly provide them. Three such sources are MLB.com, Baseball America, and Baseball Prospectus, all widely respected evaluators of young talent. 

At the beginning of 2019, these three sources ranked Lewis 5th, 9th and 8th respectively just two years after he was drafted out of high school. He was one of the most anticipated prospects not just in the Twins system, but in all of baseball. As the calendar turns to 2022, however, MLB.com’s ranking has dropped from 5th to 35th. Baseball America from 9th to 82nd. Baseball Prospectus, who many believe to be the industry standard in evaluating prospects, went from ranking Lewis 8th to not ranking him in their top 101 at all.

Royce Lewis has a lot working against him when it comes to these evaluators trying to make an honest assessment. It began in 2019 when many believed the excess movement in his swing was being exploited as he ascended through the system, a claim that was supported by his .231/.291/.358 batting line in AA. Also of note is the aforementioned question marks emerging about his ability to man shortstop long term as many had hoped when he was drafted.

2020 offered little opportunity for Lewis to address these concerns in his defense. While he was in “summer camp” with the Twins along with other top prospects, there was little visual evidence available for fans or prospect evaluators that could have been used to indicate any kind of development.

2021 did little to change the outlook, as hope of any development was dashed before it began when Lewis tore his ACL in the offseason. He was unable to get the reps that he so desperately needed to be able to access his loud raw tools. The Twins former #1 overall pick hit a snag in his development as plenty of top prospects do. In this case however, Lewis’ opportunity to adapt and progress had been interrupted by two straight seasons without game situation reps. This unfortunately is how one of the top prospects in all of baseball finds themselves plummeting out of top 100 lists.

For what it’s worth, it’s not all doom and gloom with Lewis. For what seems like a significant amount of lost time, he’s still only 22 years old. MLB has a decent history of players like Kyle Schwarber, Dexter Fowler and Wilson Ramos who returned to form after torn ACLs just to name a few. Assuming his athleticism and explosiveness are intact, it’s entirely possible that a few mechanical tweaks could quickly put him back on a superstar path given the raw talent he’s shown in his young career.

Reports have never waned from the Twins being incredibly bullish on their former top prospect. It’s likely that they’ll be aggressive to an extent in making up for lost time. He’s likely to begin 2022 in AA or even AAA in an everyday shortstop role in order to try to sort out his defensive future as quickly as possible. Even if the swing is still a work in progress, if Lewis shows an ability to stick at the shortstop position he’d likely be climbing back up prospect boards as well as the board of public opinion. One thing is certain, 2022 is the biggest year yet when it comes to the development of Royce Lewis. 

Lewis was added to the Twins 40-man roster following the 2021 season. It is a great thing for any prospect. However, until their is a new Collective Bargaining Agreement in place, Lewis will not be able to work at the Twins facilities or even be in contact with Twins personnel. Until there is an agreement, Lewis again finds himself unable to play. For that reason alone, Twins fans should want this lockout to end quickly. Royce Lewis does not need any more missed time. 

Do you think Royce Lewis’ consensus drop-off is too harsh after his two years away from competitive baseball? Does he have to use 2022 to earn the status of one of the top prospects in all of baseball again? Let us know below!

More Twins Daily Content 
— Latest Twins coverage from our writers
— Recent Twins discussion in our forums
— Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email
— Follow Cody Pirkl on Twitter here

View full article

[mikelink45]

I think they are right and MLB needs to figure out how to negotiate or Lewis will have another lost or limited year and that is a lot to make up for.  I question his ranking with the Twins - as pointed out in the article his fielding has been questioned, his hitting in the minors was not what we expected.  No baseball, no tweaks, adjustments, coaching.  I am fine seeing him still ranked as one of our top ten prospects, maybe even top five, but not the top anymore and with the new influx of draft choices it is reasonable that the national rankings drop his ratings.  

If, as Nick suggests, he comes back and makes the ratings look silly no one will be upset and a lot of us will be delighted.

[Trov]

There is a lot of things that go into those rankings.  Also, they mean nothing as to how the player will actually be when they arrive.  One of the main reason for the drop is not that he is not expected to still be good at the MLB level, but that he is now older and younger guys have come in to move ahead of him.  Anyone ahead of him does not mean they will now be better than him at the top level.  

I am not concerned about his drop in rankings, I am only concerned if he can stay healthy and get to the MLB level and produce. 

[USNMCPO]

10 minutes ago, Trov said:

There is a lot of things that go into those rankings.  Also, they mean nothing as to how the player will actually be when they arrive.  One of the main reason for the drop is not that he is not expected to still be good at the MLB level, but that he is now older and younger guys have come in to move ahead of him.  Anyone ahead of him does not mean they will now be better than him at the top level.  

I am not concerned about his drop in rankings, I am only concerned if he can stay healthy and get to the MLB level and produce. 

I am concerned with that leg kick. I know the Twins tried to get him to cut it down with poor results. If he can make it work - great. However, I have doubts.

[Rosterman]

Well, if he had gone to college, then ALL of his past efforts would've been in that arena. Basically the same age as Austin Martin, and they both would probably be at the same level of play if Royce hadn't lost the last two years.

 

That being said, if Lewis IS the shortstop of the future still, he will probably start at AA just to work on batting adjustments, while Palacios and Martin are the shortstop options at St. Paul. with Martin MAYBE getting refs in a crowded outfield situation there. Of course, if Miranda is in St. Paul, that complicates things even more on how plays what positions.

 

Because Royce cannot spend all season at AA Wichita. He can't spend part of all of 2023 at St. Paul. That's when you start talking about fallen stock. But if he is to play at AAA, he needs a position to play.

 

The Twins HAVE to be in a rebuild mode, I'm sorry. They will have to find time in the majors for Martin, Miranda, Lewis (not to mention Larnach, Kirilloff and Celestino). 

 

 

[Ryan_K]

I think it shouldn't be viewed as two lost year. Rather two years spent differently. One of the biggest issues was his swing, instead of meaningless minor league games he got an entire season of coaching and training by the staff to sort it out without distractions. The ACL hurt, but that doesn't mean he didn't chat with Simmons about how he preps, maybe he learned Spanish to help communicate, and there is VR to help with pitch recognition out of the hand.

 

What I am trying to say is, the kid didn't spend the last two years playing X Box, he had the opportunity to train in ways other players simply don't have the time for and that can make him a long term impact player.

Good luck Royce

[Unwinder]

I think the drop is reasonable. He still has a lot of potential, but there are a lot of competitive prospects out there and even a small change in expectations should be enough for him to get leapfrogged in the rankings by 75+ guys. Royce's outlook is a little bit worse after the last two years. I have a lot of faith that he can still be a very good baseball player, but I don't blame any prospect ranking for deciding that a whole lot of other prospects look closer to being a sure thing right now.

[Dman]

I think the evaluators are correct.  Even I don't know what to expect anymore.  He needs to show everyone where he is at before he can be properly ranked.  I still am a big believer. I have my concerns about his swing but he has had so little development time or time to adjust it all feels premature to judge.  I think it is fine they let him drop and like Nick said they can wipe the egg off their faces after he proves them all wrong.

[wsnydes]

After the last couple of seasons he's had, I would consider it unreasonable for his rankings to not drop.  I also think that he's at a point where ranking doesn't really matter anymore.  He just needs to get on the field and produce.  Let his production take him where it takes him.  

If I were him, or even the Twins, I wouldn't worry about the rankings and just go out and perform.  That tends to solve a lot things.

[Doctor Gast]

I myself was slightly down on Lewis after ALC tear. But then I remember his drive, athleticism, optimism and baseball saavy; so I say they are definitely too harsh. IMO he'll bounce back and prove them wrong by playing in the MLB before they have a chance to correct their misevaluation.

[TwinsDr2021]

I like to think of it as, what would you give up for Royce Lewis if he was on a different team. I know what I would have given for him as dropped quite a bit the last few years.

Would you give up Garver for him now if say Lewis was a Marlin? Would you give up Ryan or any of the other top prospects? I don't if I know if I would consider him a headliner anymore in a deal?

He has a lot prove this year IMO if he doesn't want to go the way Gordon went.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I don't think the pundits really matter, but it makes sense that his status would drop to the pundits. Recent draftees are usually ranked higher, Lewis is no longer a spring chicken.

I think what matters is value to the Twins relatively to other Front Offices. Clearly he's still valuable to the Twins, it's unclear his value in trade to other FOs.

As has been floated in the thread that Lewis may start the year in AAA, does that signal relative value of Lewis? In other words, would the Twins risk overwhelming him, if they really valued him that much? He's hardly played in 2 years, only played 39 games in AA, the jump immediately to AAA would signify to me he's a sink or swim prospect (at risk of no longer being a prospect)

[MN_ExPat]

Prospect rankings are nothing but click bait and discussion fodder for those of us without better hobbies (yes, I'm the first on one that list ).  

He'll be fine... until and unless he isn't.

[DocBauer]

I have no issue with his prospect "ranking" dropping because it won't make a bit of difference to him or the Twins. Especially when he makes it.

But to put everything in perspective, I believe he played most of 2019 with an injury. I want to say an ankle but can't recall completely. The Twins still thought enough of him to promote him just after mid season. And while he never hit well, he was healthy and ready to go in the AFL where he was the MVP, flashing his potential.

I don't know if anyone really knows what he looked like in 2020 over in St Paul but I have yet to hear anything negative. So he was still working and scrimaging with coaches and teammates instead of playing Xbox, as someone referenced. The bad knee before 2021 hurts and slows his development down. But despite no milb season in 2020, he still put in the work. 

I don't know when he'll be ready, but I fly expect that he WILL make it. And it could be as early as 2023, with a chance of a late 2022 debut. I could care less about anyone's public ranking of him.

[Nashvilletwin]

4 hours ago, Rosterman said:

Well, if he had gone to college, then ALL of his past efforts would've been in that arena. Basically the same age as Austin Martin, and they both would probably be at the same level of play if Royce hadn't lost the last two years.

 

That being said, if Lewis IS the shortstop of the future still, he will probably start at AA just to work on batting adjustments, while Palacios and Martin are the shortstop options at St. Paul. with Martin MAYBE getting refs in a crowded outfield situation there. Of course, if Miranda is in St. Paul, that complicates things even more on how plays what positions.

 

Because Royce cannot spend all season at AA Wichita. He can't spend part of all of 2023 at St. Paul. That's when you start talking about fallen stock. But if he is to play at AAA, he needs a position to play.

 

The Twins HAVE to be in a rebuild mode, I'm sorry. They will have to find time in the majors for Martin, Miranda, Lewis (not to mention Larnach, Kirilloff and Celestino). 

 

 

100% agree. The post last week about Buster’s player rankings should have confirmed to us all that we are not one or two players away. The FO’s approach to the pitching staff confirms that the FO understands that. 
 

Therefore, one of the keys this year is to develop those six position players with instruction and innings. I hope the FO and the coaching staff is up to the job. Ideally most of those six (and/or Wallner, Sabato, and Palacio too) comprise the core of a solid multi year window starting in ‘23 alongside Buxton, Polanco, Arraez, and a combo of Garver/Jeffers/Rortvedt. 
 

Lewis may or may not be our SS of the future. But if our outfield for 3-4 years starting in ‘23 ended up being Martin, Buxton and Lewis with Larnach, Celestino and/or Wallner as the reserves, we could be very happy. 
 

I hope we win every game this year, but I’m really looking forward to seeing how this group of prospects develop. 

[h2oface]

Prospect ratings mean nothing, in the end. Just something for people who think they know more than others to do. And so far Lewis doesn't deserve notice, but he has plenty of time to change that. It is disappointing progress so far, for whatever reasons.

[Prince William]

The track record of prospect lists has improved, but it is not a foolproof science. 

56 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

100% agree. The post last week about Buster’s player rankings should have confirmed to us all that we are not one or two players away. The FO’s approach to the pitching staff confirms that the FO understands that. 
 

Therefore, one of the keys this year is to develop those six position players with instruction and innings. I hope the FO and the coaching staff is up to the job. Ideally most of those six (and/or Wallner, Sabato, and Palacio too) comprise the core of a solid multi year window starting in ‘23 alongside Buxton, Polanco, Arraez, and a combo of Garver/Jeffers/Rortvedt. 
 

Lewis may or may not be our SS of the future. But if our outfield for 3-4 years starting in ‘23 ended up being Martin, Buxton and Lewis with Larnach, Celestino and/or Wallner as the reserves, we could be very happy. 
 

I hope we win every game this year, but I’m really looking forward to seeing how this group of prospects develop. 

What is the proof of Buster Onley's self proclaimed greatness other than a paycheck for scribbles or babbles?  It is no better than the proclaimed greatness of a prospect list

[Nashvilletwin]

37 minutes ago, Prince William said:

The track record of prospect lists has improved, but it is not a foolproof science. 

What is the proof of Buster Onley's self proclaimed greatness other than a paycheck for scribbles or babbles?  It is no better than the proclaimed greatness of a prospect list

Not to many, including myself, would disagree with your sentiments toward Olney. He doesn’t know. So I’m with you on that 100%. However, as I recall, the post was about player rankings. And, based on last year’s performances, it’s hard to argue our beloved Twins have a lot, if any, players among the top ten at their positions throughout the league (although when BB is playing I think he certainly qualifies).   This team as currently composed and based on recent levels of play would not be considered among the teams expected to vie for a championship. I wish I were wrong and one never knows - we have to play the games. I’m actually quite bullish on how strongly this team can compete this season. But don’t take my word on this characterization. Look at the actions of the FO. If the FO truly thought we had the positional player strength to be considered near the top of the contenders, they probably would have been more active earlier in the FA market, particularly with the pitching staff. 
 

We will be back among the contenders hopefully very soon and for a sustainable period of time as well. That goal is what the actions of the FO and ownership are now all about: deep development depth in the field and on the mound, good young controllable (i.e. inexpensive) players, and more aggressive FA activity (see Donaldson) when the window is opening. 

 

[Prince William]

22 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Not to many, including myself, would disagree with your sentiments toward Olney. He doesn’t know. So I’m with you on that 100%. However, as I recall, the post was about player rankings. And, based on last year’s performances, it’s hard to argue our beloved Twins have a lot, if any, players among the top ten at their positions throughout the league (although when BB is playing I think he certainly qualifies).   This team as currently composed and based on recent levels of play would not be considered among the teams expected to vie for a championship. I wish I were wrong and one never knows - we have to play the games. I’m actually quite bullish on how strongly this team can compete this season. But don’t take my word on this characterization. Look at the actions of the FO. If the FO truly thought we had the positional player strength to be considered near the top of the contenders, they probably would have been more active earlier in the FA market, particularly with the pitching staff. 
 

We will be back among the contenders hopefully very soon and for a sustainable period of time as well. That goal is what the actions of the FO and ownership are now all about: deep development depth in the field and on the mound, good young controllable (i.e. inexpensive) players, and more aggressive FA activity (see Donaldson) when the window is opening. 

 

You used Olney as a source that the team is not one or two players away.  Two players could make all the difference in the world for next year's Twins. A healthy Beuhler and Urias would make all the difference in the world for the Twins.  Olney is a fop, yet you use him for stating the Twins do not have any top 10 position players. . You can't have it both ways

[wsnydes]

4 hours ago, Sconnie said:

 

As has been floated in the thread that Lewis may start the year in AAA, does that signal relative value of Lewis? In other words, would the Twins risk overwhelming him, if they really valued him that much? He's hardly played in 2 years, only played 39 games in AA, the jump immediately to AAA would signify to me he's a sink or swim prospect (at risk of no longer being a prospect)

This is an interesting point.  They clearly have a better sense of where he's actually at than us, but I would hope that they'd put him where his ability puts him.  It doesn't do them any good one way or another to overwhelm him.  They need him to succeed for a variety of reasons, whether they keep him or deal him.

[GNess]

Agree that Lewis has had a rough few. years and misfortune. However, his ranking is inconsequential at this point. He has the goods or he doesn't - we'll soon enough know the answer.

[Jham]

I'm less concerned about the national evaluations than I am about our own organizations ability to evaluate talent.

There's a lot of guys they watch for years sometimes since teens... Badoo and Nick Anderson were bad misses. Arraez and Dobnak, on the other hand were fast tracked with success despite few prospect ratings. They seemed to have been right about Hu, and that no contact slugger that went to the Giants as well.

So we'll wait and see I think. I've been critical about the organization over valuing it's high picks in particular. There's no doubt Lewis trade value has plummeted.

 

[D.C Twins]

Has yet to demonstrate that he can consistently hit even A pitching over a sustained period (that SO/BB ratio in A his last full year is a doozie (yes he did have a good AZ league but that is a SSS). Future MLB superstars do not historically struggle in the low minors for even a season.

Of course some unbiased evaluators of talent are going to find 100 players they are more excited about.

Bottom line is simply that he needs to dominate competition in AA or AAA this year (not just compete) if he is to become a top prospect again....no excuses....no 'developing' .... no 'it's the process' this year.

Yep, this year is just about results... and only results

If he cannot demonstrate clear superiority in the MiLB this year... he may eventually make the MLB but will no longer be a 'top prospect'.

IMHO TD has vastly overrated Royce regularly because of his draft position (perceived 5 tool player who has certainly been missing the hitting tool so maybe not so much) and by all accounts he is a great guy. He would not be in my top 3 Twin prospects currently and maybe not even in the top 5.

I desperately hope I'm wrong... (i certainly was about Buxton signing a wildly team friendly extension!)

All should agree though that THIS is the year the debate will be answered.

 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

11 hours ago, wsnydes said:

This is an interesting point.  They clearly have a better sense of where he's actually at than us, but I would hope that they'd put him where his ability puts him.  It doesn't do them any good one way or another to overwhelm him.  They need him to succeed for a variety of reasons, whether they keep him or deal him.

Agreed, I don’t think he is a sink or swim prospect yet. The FO might even give him a quick week or two in high A if ST wasn’t enough to knock the rust off (or if there is no ST in ‘22)

[wsnydes]

23 minutes ago, Sconnie said:

Agreed, I don’t think he is a sink or swim prospect yet. The FO might even give him a quick week or two in high A if ST wasn’t enough to knock the rust off (or if there is no ST in ‘22)

Yup, I could see that happening.  He's too important to the franchise yet.  It just has to be understood by the fan base that he hasn't played in 2 years.

[Nashvilletwin]

13 hours ago, Prince William said:

You used Olney as a source that the team is not one or two players away.  Two players could make all the difference in the world for next year's Twins. A healthy Beuhler and Urias would make all the difference in the world for the Twins.  Olney is a fop, yet you use him for stating the Twins do not have any top 10 position players. . You can't have it both ways

Two players could make all the difference - like I said you need to play the games. But any realistic look up and down the Twins roster, and this is coming from an all-time Twins homer, suggests that a more serious rebuild is needed:

Our best player (BB)can’t stay on the field - but is incredible when he does.
Our second best player (JP) is really, really good.

Our third best player (JD) had a strong second half but his first half, when we really needed it, was simply awful and he is likely a declining, not ascending player. And he is blocking our best prospect. 

Our RF (MK) can Field but can’t hit. Our 1B (Kiriloff) is essentially a rookie coming off an injury.

Our DH (MS) blows hot and cold, but mostly cold. We are solid at catcher, but particularly because of depth, not individual greatness. We really don’t have a regular everyday SS or LF, but I love LA so maybe he can slot in in LF.

Our starting staff, as currently comprised or, should I say envisioned, may be on paper one of the league’s worst.  Our relief corp looks solid after last year’s second half, but our most reliable reliever, and the leader of the pen, is coming off an injury. 
 

So could two players really help this lineup - you betcha.  But there are more than two holes. This is why I think the FO is looking to build a solid young core in the next year or two and then spend on the FA or two who could get us over the hump.

As per Olney, I couldn’t care less about his opinions. I was only referring to the post in which his rankings were utilized to spur discussion about the Twin’s lineup.  
 

I’m optimistic about the Twin’s future if the deep stable of developing talent can continue to improve and I’m willing to use that as my benchmark this season if need be.

 

[sampleSizeOfOne]

Just so long as no one starts shortselling Royce Lewis, i'm fine.

 

And if anyone does, i will be watching so as to get in on the next gamestop situation. (as nicknames, go perhaps that would be more appropriate for a closer, but i could live with it)

[Prince William]

4 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Two players could make all the difference - like I said you need to play the games. But any realistic look up and down the Twins roster, and this is coming from an all-time Twins homer, suggests that a more serious rebuild is needed:

Our best player (BB)can’t stay on the field - but is incredible when he does.
Our second best player (JP) is really, really good.

Our third best player (JD) had a strong second half but his first half, when we really needed it, was simply awful and he is likely a declining, not ascending player. And he is blocking our best prospect. 

Our RF (MK) can Field but can’t hit. Our 1B (Kiriloff) is essentially a rookie coming off an injury.

Our DH (MS) blows hot and cold, but mostly cold. We are solid at catcher, but particularly because of depth, not individual greatness. We really don’t have a regular everyday SS or LF, but I love LA so maybe he can slot in in LF.

Our starting staff, as currently comprised or, should I say envisioned, may be on paper one of the league’s worst.  Our relief corp looks solid after last year’s second half, but our most reliable reliever, and the leader of the pen, is coming off an injury. 
 

So could two players really help this lineup - you betcha.  But there are more than two holes. This is why I think the FO is looking to build a solid young core in the next year or two and then spend on the FA or two who could get us over the hump.

As per Olney, I couldn’t care less about his opinions. I was only referring to the post in which his rankings were utilized to spur discussion about the Twin’s lineup.  
 

I’m optimistic about the Twin’s future if the deep stable of developing talent can continue to improve and I’m willing to use that as my benchmark this season if need be.

 

2019 was unexpected. That is the joy of human performance events. Which player is going to show up? Are some players maturing or now past over ripe going to rotten? The position players have not changed all that much. 2 players could be the difference. It could be no difference. If I knew the answer I wouldn't have a question. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

2 hours ago, Prince William said:

2019 was unexpected. That is the joy of human performance events. Which player is going to show up? Are some players maturing or now past over ripe going to rotten? The position players have not changed all that much. 2 players could be the difference. It could be no difference. If I knew the answer I wouldn't have a question. 

 

6 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Two players could make all the difference - like I said you need to play the games. But any realistic look up and down the Twins roster, and this is coming from an all-time Twins homer, suggests that a more serious rebuild is needed:

Our best player (BB)can’t stay on the field - but is incredible when he does.
Our second best player (JP) is really, really good.

Our third best player (JD) had a strong second half but his first half, when we really needed it, was simply awful and he is likely a declining, not ascending player. And he is blocking our best prospect. 

Our RF (MK) can Field but can’t hit. Our 1B (Kiriloff) is essentially a rookie coming off an injury.

Our DH (MS) blows hot and cold, but mostly cold. We are solid at catcher, but particularly because of depth, not individual greatness. We really don’t have a regular everyday SS or LF, but I love LA so maybe he can slot in in LF.

Our starting staff, as currently comprised or, should I say envisioned, may be on paper one of the league’s worst.  Our relief corp looks solid after last year’s second half, but our most reliable reliever, and the leader of the pen, is coming off an injury. 
 

So could two players really help this lineup - you betcha.  But there are more than two holes. This is why I think the FO is looking to build a solid young core in the next year or two and then spend on the FA or two who could get us over the hump.

As per Olney, I couldn’t care less about his opinions. I was only referring to the post in which his rankings were utilized to spur discussion about the Twin’s lineup.  
 

I’m optimistic about the Twin’s future if the deep stable of developing talent can continue to improve and I’m willing to use that as my benchmark this season if need be.

 

Mod note: keep to subject. Ranking of Royce Lewis

[Prince William]

31 minutes ago, Sconnie said:

 

Mod note: keep to subject. Ranking of Royce Lewis

 

6 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Two players could make all the difference - like I said you need to play the games. But any realistic look up and down the Twins roster, and this is coming from an all-time Twins homer, suggests that a more serious rebuild is needed:

Our best player (BB)can’t stay on the field - but is incredible when he does.
Our second best player (JP) is really, really good.

Our third best player (JD) had a strong second half but his first half, when we really needed it, was simply awful and he is likely a declining, not ascending player. And he is blocking our best prospect. 

Our RF (MK) can Field but can’t hit. Our 1B (Kiriloff) is essentially a rookie coming off an injury.

Our DH (MS) blows hot and cold, but mostly cold. We are solid at catcher, but particularly because of depth, not individual greatness. We really don’t have a regular everyday SS or LF, but I love LA so maybe he can slot in in LF.

Our starting staff, as currently comprised or, should I say envisioned, may be on paper one of the league’s worst.  Our relief corp looks solid after last year’s second half, but our most reliable reliever, and the leader of the pen, is coming off an injury. 
 

So could two players really help this lineup - you betcha.  But there are more than two holes. This is why I think the FO is looking to build a solid young core in the next year or two and then spend on the FA or two who could get us over the hump.

As per Olney, I couldn’t care less about his opinions. I was only referring to the post in which his rankings were utilized to spur discussion about the Twin’s lineup.  
 

I’m optimistic about the Twin’s future if the deep stable of developing talent can continue to improve and I’m willing to use that as my benchmark this season if need be.

 

And the ratings could be so wrong that Lewis could be that  one of two players by the end of the season that make the difference between division glory and division gory