Luis Arraez Entering the AL Rookie of the Year Race

Probably not going to win it, but could definitely make a run at the top 3.

While it’s probably an uphill battle both the numbers he could put up by seasons end and the exposure he should get from being on a first place team and being seen on a playoff run could help his case. He’s very consistent so I don’t see his line fading, some of his competition may. It will be fun to watch.

I do not think he will win for many reasons - it is a power year, he was an unexpected rookie phenom and has not grabbed the headlines of Guerrero and others, but he is definitely my ROY.  I love the balance he has given the lineup, the extremely professional approach to the team, his attitude and his consistency.  He has beaten out a good veteran for 2B and I look forward to a long career.  

I know he was not rated in our top 20 prospects until this year and I doubt if he made any other lists. 

Yes, Yes, and Yes.  

Unfortunately, he will probably end up in the top 3, but not the winner.  Biggest thing going against him is that as far as baseball is concerned he came out of nowhere.  Also will be hurt a bit by less plate appearances than some of the others.

While it’s probably an uphill battle both the numbers he could put up by seasons end and the exposure he should get from being on a first place team and being seen on a playoff run could help his case. He’s very consistent so I don’t see his line fading, some of his competition may. It will be fun to watch.

His last two months his average has been a very very good .321 and .325 with OBP around .400.    That is the line I think could be sustainable so I do expect his current line to fade some.   

The fact that he is (legitimately) in the conversation for this is kind of the point, and, in and of itself, quite remarkable.

All that, and no one can really pronounce his name, either!

If the Twins go on another run and take the division easily he's got a chance. He needs media attention to outpace Vlad Jr.

Though, compared to MVP and the like, I feel like ROY might be one of the few non-market driven awards.

I think he finishes around top 5, but probably won't win it. Part of it will be playing time, but also high batting average just isn't considered sexy any longer. bWAR is less appreciative of him than fWAR; he's well behind someone like Vlad Guerrero Jr. by that measure too, not to mention Brandon Lowe who is kind of a double whammy on Arraez, since they both play 2B.

That said, he's going to be a deserving candidate and is having a wonderful year. He may get a bit of a boost with the twins being in a pennant battle, especially if he keeps coming through with clutch hitting, which will get him some air time on ESPN for voters who don't see him often.

If it were me, I’d give to Yordan Alvarez right now.

Lowe has been good as well. Due to volume, I’m sure he’s get the nod over Arraez. I think Arraez has been the more impressive player offensively, but the national perception around Lowe is probably favorable.

Vlad Jr. shouldn’t have a shot, be he does (see doesn’t make sense above).

Conclusion: I think Arraez is currently sitting behind 3 guys. Unless he continues to hit .350, and all others in the list slump big time, I don’t think he has a shot. Alvarez will, and should, run away with it.

I know he was not rated in our top 20 prospects until this year and I doubt if he made any other lists. 

Take heed prospect rankers! Everyone knew Arraez would hit. But his other tools (particularly power and speed) were deemed weak and average. And there always seems to be a bias for ceiling...but doesn't give enough weight to the risk associated with the tool that is the most important tool by a mile. So, the fast and and/or powerful guy that 'might' hit gets ranked ahead of the guy that you know will hit.

Having said that...I do the same thing.

I'm curious where Twins Daily had Arraez ranked in their minor league player rankings before the season started??

He didn't even crack the top 20.  Ranking prospects is basically a crapshoot.

Missed opportunity for an "Arraezumé" pun.

If he held these stats and played another 30 games, maybe.

But he also has ben all over the place in positioning.

But you never know.

Regardless of these awards, Arraez has a chance to be a Polanco-level player, and one of the best pure hitters in the league. It's nice to have a player that bats .350 or better. Also, I predict that Arraez will become a slick fielder at 2B, once the Twins quit screwing around and plant him where he belongs. 

Missed opportunity for an "Arraezumé" pun.

The prospect rankers clearly felt he had Arraezted development.

If you are trying to get Arraez out of the pun police...

They are too busy for the likes of us, so I don’t think that will materialarraez.

All that, and no one can really pronounce his name, either!

I can pronounce Luis just fine, thank you.

Really nice crop of rookie position players. Still think Arraez will need more pull power to keep teams honest. but dude's a magician with the bat. power is a natural add to the skill set. count me as hopeful.

I believe Law had him away 19 or 20 preseason, highest of any lousy I saw.

Really nice crop of rookie position players. Still think Arraez will need more pull power to keep teams honest. but dude's a magician with the bat. power is a natural add to the skill set. count me as hopeful.

I believe Law had him away 19 or 20 preseason, highest of any lousy I saw.

As long as its a natural add but I really don't care if he adds it or not as long as he gets on base a lot.    Worse thing Twins did for Nick Punto IMO is make him the regular 3rd baseman without telling him they didn't want him trying to hit for power.   He started swinging for the fences and hit with neither power or average.   I think the same happened with Ben Revere.     .320 and OBP over .360 is very valuable.   He doesn't need to be Kirby Puckett.    Rod Carew would be just fine.

Bo Bichette > Cavan Biggio.