What should be done with Lewis when Correa returns?

[cHawk]

Big-ticket-FA-signing-from-this-past-offseason SS Carlos Correa is expected to return sometime in the next week (rotowire says 5/16). When Correa went out, the Twins called up 2017 1st Round Pick Royce Lewis to play the position. Defensively, Lewis has looked like a natural at SS but has struggled at the plate with a .538 OPS (yuck).

What should the Twins do with Lewis when Correa returns?

[Rosterman]

He can play shortstop everyay in St. Paul.

I picture the Twins do keep him until, say, Larnach comes off the IL. Because you might want to work Correa back into playing shortstop and have him alternate in the DH spot for awhile.

But Lewis got some reps, has an idea of what major league piutching is like (especially facing the Astros staff and probably Bieber this weekend). He can work on things in the field.

The Twins just need to keep Correa healthy so they could either (a) trade him or (b) hope he doesn't say he wants to stay another season, which then asks the question "what to do with Lewis?"

The Twins are doing what you do with a top prospect, bringing him up and playing everyday in the position of choice while the veteran is on the DL, rather than running with Gordon or just a replacement temporary player.

[Brock Beauchamp]

He needs to play no less than 3-4 times a week and I don't see him doing that in Minneapolis if things remain as they are now.

But it's also too early to know what to do with him. Urshela could go down tonight, which changes everything.

Or maybe Lewis finishes his stretch with an 0-for-12 stretch. Too many variables.

[chpettit19]

Agree with @Brock Beauchamp that there's too many variables to give a real answer right now. Maybe Lewis goes 0-12, maybe he goes 9-12 with 3 bombs. Maybe Urshella gets hurt, or he goes 0-12 while Lewis goes 6-12 with 9 missiles hit (3 obviously at people) and Lewis is the better option at 3B. When is Arraez coming back (I'd assume very soon)? When is Larnach coming back? Is Kirilloff going to get going (his swings today looked healthier so far)?

I voted for move him to OF, 2B, 1B, but that's just based on the guess that the team won't be fully healthy and at this point he's looked comfortable at the plate (don't care about a .538 OPS in 13 ABs) while some other players have not. He's shown he can play SS. I don't need him back in AAA for that. If he's one of the 13 best position players at the time I want him in the majors now. Working pre-game with Correa on his fielding and learning from the best defensive SS in the game has plenty of developmental opportunities. If he's one of the 13 best hitters and they can reasonably start him 3, 4, or 5 games a week in the majors that's where I think he should be.

[nicksaviking]

Any reason 3B wasn't included? That's where I'd look to put him.

Also, the 'yuck' .538 OPS is based on a really small sample size. So small in fact that because BBR for some reason hasn't updated with last nights game his OPS is actually over 100 points higher at .643.

[Linus]

He absolutely needs to go back to St. Paul and get as many reps at short. He will need to be our SS next year and can improve substantially between now and then but not if he is fooling around playing positions that are less important and that we already have covered. 

[nicksaviking]

2 hours ago, Linus said:

He absolutely needs to go back to St. Paul and get as many reps at short. He will need to be our SS next year and can improve substantially between now and then but not if he is fooling around playing positions that are less important and that we already have covered. 

I’d think getting ABs against MLB pitching while getting a start a week at SS  would be much more important. What’s stopping him from moving back to short next year? He played zero innings of AAA shortstop last year and seems fine enough with his return to the position.

Besides, what if Correa ISN’T gone next year. Still stick him in AAA?

 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

4 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

Any reason 3B wasn't included? That's where I'd look to put him.

Also, the 'yuck' .538 OPS is based on a really small sample size. So small in fact that because BBR for some reason hasn't updated with last nights game and his OPS is actually over 100 points higher at .643.

Agree. Play Lewis at 3B, next to the Platinum Glove. What a great mentor and mentee combo. At the trade deadline decide whether to trade Urshella for some more young flame throwers or keep him for the pennant run.  I sincerely hope Correa stays a Twin for many more seasons. I like everything about him. But doesn't it feel really comfortable to finally know Lewis can play defense well as a  major league SS.

[LA VIkes Fan]

After today, Lewis is looking strong in the field and hitting .286, albeit with limited power (.333 slg, .619 OPS) and no walks. Admittedly, very small sample size of 21 ABs. Conversely, Miranda is hitting .128 with a .427 OPS and not looking so great in the field. Urshela is hitting .222 with a .562 OPS and looks very good at 3B.  Kirilloff is hitting .172 with a .398 OPS and is looking very average in the OF, a little better than that at 1B, and completely lost at the plate. Once Correa and Larnach are back next week, you can keep 2 of the 4. 

Hmmm, maybe the better answer is to keep up Lewis and send down Kirilloff and Miranda. Both look like they could use more AAA ABs and in Kirilloff's case, a lot more. Play Lewis at 3B 2-3 times a week and SS 1-2 times a week. Larnach is the regular LF with Celestino the 4th OF playing 3-4 days a week in LF and/or CF so Buxton can DH 1-2 days a week. Correa DHs at least once a week to let Lewis play SS. Urshela splits time at 1B with Arraez  and 3B with Lewis - best bat wins. DH is a mix of Buxton, Correa, Larnach and Sanchez with an occasional half day "rest " day for Polanco and Kepler. Lewis plays 2B when Polanco DHs or sits, Celestino plays RF when Kepler DHs or sits. Looks like the best lineup to me.   

[tarheeltwinsfan]

15 minutes ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

After today, Lewis is looking strong in the field and hitting .286, albeit with limited power (.333 slg, .619 OPS) and no walks. Admittedly, very small sample size of 21 ABs. Conversely, Miranda is hitting .128 with a .427 OPS and not looking so great in the field. Urshela is hitting .222 with a .562 OPS and looks very good at 3B.  Kirilloff is hitting .172 with a .398 OPS and is looking very average in the OF, a little better than that at 1B, and completely lost at the plate. Once Correa and Larnach are back next week, you can keep 2 of the 4. 

Hmmm, maybe the better answer is to keep up Lewis and send down Kirilloff and Miranda. Both look like they could use more AAA ABs and in Kirilloff's case, a lot more. Play Lewis at 3B 2-3 times a week and SS 1-2 times a week. Larnach is the regular LF with Celestino the 4th OF playing 3-4 days a week in LF and/or CF so Buxton can DH 1-2 days a week. Correa DHs at least once a week to let Lewis play SS. Urshela splits time at 1B with Arraez  and 3B with Lewis - best bat wins. DH is a mix of Buxton, Correa, Larnach and Sanchez with an occasional half day "rest " day for Polanco and Kepler. Lewis plays 2B when Polanco DHs or sits, Celestino plays RF when Kepler DHs or sits. Looks like the best lineup to me.   

Really good analysis. My question is can Ursella play 1B? But then I probably should ask the same question about Arraez. I hate to see anyone get hurt, but not having to add Sano to the mix may actually help, especially in the long run. The Twins will need a reliable 1B next year.

[DocBauer]

Lewis is one of the few healthy bodies on the 40 man. He's talented enough to play about anywhere and not embarrass himself. So there is a chance he sticks around out of necessity for a while. But if the roster gets back to ful strength over the next week, he absolutely should be back in St Paul playing ever day at SS. He will take this ML experience, use it, grow from it, and be all the better for it.

Ditto for Miranda IF he's sent down. Right now I'm just not concerned with his BA. He's still a rookie with only 39 ML AB. A pair of good days and he's back to hitting .250 or better in such a SSS. Immediate, high quality hitting success doesn't often happen just 2 weeks time.

[RpR]

19 minutes ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

Really good analysis. My question is can Ursella play 1B? But then I probably should ask the same question about Arraez. I hate to see anyone get hurt, but not having to add Sano to the mix may actually help, especially in the long run. The Twins will need a reliable 1B next year.

Right now a lot of the Twins team looks like Sano at bat without the power.

[Linus]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

I’d think getting ABs against MLB pitching while getting a start a week at SS  would be much more important. What’s stopping him from moving back to short next year? He played zero innings of AAA shortstop last year and seems fine enough with his return to the position.

Besides, what if Correa ISN’T gone next year. Still stick him in AAA?

 

He is showing promise at short but is hardly exceptional. He needs the work. If you think Correa is here next year then… well I guess we agree to disagree. The most prudent path is to prepare him for the most likely outcome which is playing the most important position on the field next year. 

[Schmoeman5]

None of the above. Move Lewis to 3rd base. I'm assuming that a decision regarding Kirilloff is coming. So let's say the Twins send him back. So do you put Miranda at 1st? Or is he back down to AAA too. So you need a 1st baseman. Urshela/Arreaz maybe.  If you say no to that, the question is who then?

[RpR]

2 minutes ago, Schmoeman5 said:

None of the above. Move Lewis to 3rd base. I'm assuming that a decision regarding Kirilloff is coming. So let's say the Twins send him back. So do you put Miranda at 1st? Or is he back down to AAA too. So you need a 1st baseman. Urshela/Arreaz maybe.  If you say no to that, the question is who then?

Send all the newbie rookies back down unless absolutely needed.  (Then bring Cave back up to put the fear of failure in them. ?)

[Greglw3]

9 hours ago, alexthegreat said:

Big-ticket-FA-signing-from-this-past-offseason SS Carlos Correa is expected to return sometime in the next week (rotowire says 5/16). When Correa went out, the Twins called up 2017 1st Round Pick Royce Lewis to play the position. Defensively, Lewis has looked like a natural at SS but has struggled at the plate with a .538 OPS (yuck).

What should the Twins do with Lewis when Correa returns?

Lewis was just 3 for 10. He’s just getting started and I think he’s on his way. Keep him up in LF, 3B or even 1B. Spell Correa at SS. An OF of Celestino Buxton Lewis and Kepler is speed speed speed. I like the suggestion of 3B and moving Urshela to 1B. The .538 OPS at this point is meaningless, IMO. Miranda is really struggling. Like Torii Hunter and many before him (Larnach, Kirilloff) he may benefit from getting back on track at AAA. I wouldn’t keep fooling with Kirilloff if his wrist isn’t right and it sure seems it isn’t. I think the only thing holding his wrist up is that cortisone shot.

10 minutes ago, Schmoeman5 said:

None of the above. Move Lewis to 3rd base. I'm assuming that a decision regarding Kirilloff is coming. So let's say the Twins send him back. So do you put Miranda at 1st? Or is he back down to AAA too. So you need a 1st baseman. Urshela/Arreaz maybe.  If you say no to that, the question is who then?

 

[twinssporto]

We  need  to keep the kid at the MLB level. He is performing and doing well. Give him a full time spot other than SS. The more time at the MLB level the better. He is performing now. Of course we can always play Kirilloff and any other guy we want but why? Celestino? Kirilloff, Gordon? Yawn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why even debate this? He either makes it in the next year or two or doesn't"t. He's batting .286 and executed an includible DB today. I KNOW...SSS.....

He's our number one draft pick and ranked as one of the elites. Play ball!!!

 

 

 

[RpR]

9 minutes ago, twinssporto said:

We  need  to keep the kid at the MLB level. He is performing and doing well. Give him a full time spot other than SS. The more time at the MLB level the better. He is performing now. Of course we can always play Kirilloff and any other guy we want but why? Celestino? Kirilloff, Gordon? Yawn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why even debate this? He either makes it in the next year or two or doesn't"t. He's batting .286 and executed an includible DB today. I KNOW...SSS.....

He's our number one draft pick and ranked as one of the elites. Play ball!!!

 

 

 

.286 with 13 at bats, Celestino is batting .341 with 44 at bats.

[twinssporto]

1 minute ago, RpR said:

.286 with 13 at bats, Celestino is batting .341 with 44 at bats.

Touche!...

Fine keep Celestino and send the kid back to AAA. Gordon has a much brighter future ahead of him. 

[Einheri]

I'm afraid for Kirilloff.  I think they need to get him to some new doctors/specialists for new opinions.  If they think he's okay to play, then I think some more time at AAA for him wouldn't hurt.  Try some Lewis in the other positions, but SS at AAA full time also makes sense.

[jimbo92107]

Move Lewis to 3B, trade or DFA Urshela. Gio is an okay player, but Lewis is an emerging star. 

[yeahyabetcha]

I would send him back to The Saints to play SS full time, with the goal of him being the 2023 opening day starter for the Twins.

[TwinsDr2021]

IMO he needs more than 21 at bats to decide if he is the SS of the future, but this team is going to have a hard time winning with Him, AK, Miranda, Jeffers, Sanchez, and Urshela in their everyday lineup.

As of now I would rather they keep him up give him a start at SS, two at 3B (is it really different with the shifts?), and one in left a week, and send AK or Miranda down. My two cents

[chpettit19]

11 hours ago, Linus said:

He is showing promise at short but is hardly exceptional. He needs the work. If you think Correa is here next year then… well I guess we agree to disagree. The most prudent path is to prepare him for the most likely outcome which is playing the most important position on the field next year. 

Why does he need to be in AAA to get work/improve at SS? Is the argument that it's more important for him to get starts at short or to actually work on his fielding? Because they aren't the same thing. Game reps are absolutely important, but they're not guaranteed. Spending every day working on a good routine with a platinum glove winning SS who was not a great fielder when he came up and turned himself into one while in the majors seems like it would be just as good for his development. Standing at SS for 9 innings and having a handful of grounders hit at you is not how you improve your glove. It helps with game situations and all that, but the actual improvement comes from field work before and/or after games. It's no sure thing he sees a single ball at short in a game. The work he needs is done behind the scenes and he can do that with Twins coaches and Correa.

[Number3]

All I know is that the Twins just got taken to the wood shed by the Astros and they are essentially trying to figure out a lineup. By the time Correa is available it should be easier to make a decision about Lewis but if the Twins can't figure out a way to score more than 1 or 2 runs a game who cares who they have in their lineup? I say give the #1 overall pick a chance at the MLB level as long as he isn't a liability and costing them games.

[Trov]

Why was moving him to 3B not an option?  Lewis early results are he does not look overmatched at all.  He is fielding well.  No one is running away with 3B.  Why not slide him over to 3B, playing SS on days Correa rests?  If he is not going to get regular playing time up here though I would send him back down to get regular playing time. If someone else steps up to show they can be better at 3B than Lewis, I do not see a point in sending him down.  At this point in his career missing time a SS is not a big deal to play some at 3B.  He would most likely be best defender at 3B we have too. 

[cheeseheadgophfan]

Has Royce ever played 3B?  Too lazy to check.  I know that he played some outfield, but the switch from SS to 3B is not an easy one......

[Tim]

20 minutes ago, cheeseheadgophfan said:

Has Royce ever played 3B?  Too lazy to check.  I know that he played some outfield, but the switch from SS to 3B is not an easy one......

if he can play short, he can absolutely handle 3rd. Typically comes down to arm strength, range isnt a concern,

[chpettit19]

25 minutes ago, cheeseheadgophfan said:

Has Royce ever played 3B?  Too lazy to check.  I know that he played some outfield, but the switch from SS to 3B is not an easy one......

He played 3B in the AFL.

[Squirrel]

16 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

He played 3B in the AFL.

IF Correa stays with us (and I know that’s a big if) I would want to move Lewis to 3rd. So, if/when he goes back to AAA, I’d like to see him get some reps at 3rd