Major League Baseball Needs Royce Lewis in the All-Star Game

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Minnesota Twins are quickly barreling towards the All-Star Break, and while they have yet to take over first place in the American League Central Division, Royce Lewis has made a monumental impact. If Major League Baseball is serious about showcasing its stars, then he has to be invited to the All-Star Game.

 

Image courtesy of © Jesse Johnson - USA TODAY

Coming into the season Royce Lewis was healthy and on the Opening Day roster for the first time in his career. He took Cole Ragans deep in the first at bat of his season, and the lore of a young superstar known for hitting grand slams only got greater. Then he got hurt. The quad injury sapped two months of his playing time, but since returning, it hasn’t done anything to his production.

Having produced 1.5 fWAR through just 15 games, and having more games with home runs (9) than without (6), he is producing at an otherwise historical pace. Each time he steps into the box it seems like something incredible is about to happen, and he has become appointment viewing for plenty across the league.

When the All-Star Ballot was unveiled, it seemed hard to distinguish just who should represent the Twins. Carlos Correa certainly seems worthy, and Carlos Santana has actually been the most productive American League first baseman this season. There’s a real case for reliever Griffin Jax, and Ryan Jeffers has flirted with that type of production too. There is no one the league needs more though, than Royce Lewis.

The reality is that the Major League Baseball All-Star Game is little more than a popularity contest. Correa being the only Minnesota player within the top-10 vote-getters seems egregious. There will be examples of players getting in over those that are much more deserving. Fan voting is largely misguided, and hand-wringing over the rosters themselves doesn’t make sense.

However, those involved with the league need Lewis to be present. Bruce Bochy will manage the American League squad, and having Lewis head home to Texas and play at Globe Life Field is something well within his control. The infectious smile is worth the price of admission, but the unrelenting pace in which he impacts a baseball game is something the national stage needs to see.

It might be fun to put Lewis in the Home Run Derby. His quick swing and impressive stamina could serve him well in such a contest. That wouldn’t be enough though. Even winning that event doesn’t give him the opportunity to shine brightest under the biggest spotlight. Lewis could be present as a fan too, and maybe even will, but that would be a disservice to his production thus far.

Selecting a player with so few games played during a season seems odd, but looking at what Lewis has done with those chances makes it anything but. Opportunity has passed him by while he was on the injured list, but he has more than made up for it when in the lineup. Producing the same value as Corey Seager and Matt Chapman this season, despite playing 50 less games, it’s incredible to truly quantify how impressive Lewis continues to be.

If Major League Baseball is in the business of showcasing its superstars, then putting Royce Lewis on the American League All-Star Game roster should be a no-brainer.

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[Seth Stohs]

There was a similar call for Elly de la Cruz to make it last year. When they announce the teams in a couple weeks, maybe Royce will earn a shot. 

[RpR]

6 minutes ago, Seth Stohs said:

There was a similar call for Elly de la Cruz to make it last year. When they announce the teams in a couple weeks, maybe Royce will earn a shot. 

De La Cruz came out of the gate looking like he next Ted Williams then reality set in; Lewis will have many opportunities for the All Star game, too early now.

[bean5302]

Carlos Santana had 0.4 fWAR coming into June, good for probably about 10th in the league. Behind Mountcastle, Naylor, Guerrero, Jr., Perez, etc so I suppose with a snapshot in time, Santana is the highest WAR atm, but that's subject to change quickly.

Royce Lewis is one of the greatest player assets for the game today. There is no player I've seen in recent history who is more charismatic than Lewis, and what he's doing on the field... please stay healthy, is insane.

 

[Doctor Gast]

Royce will always have my vote

[Parfigliano]

MLB may need Lewis in the ASG but the TC definitely do not.  Team wise TC does not need to have their injury prone hands down best hitter play in a meaningless game.

I know the chance of injury is small but why risk it for ZERO payoff? Better to have him take the days off.

[bean5302]

4 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

MLB may need Lewis in the ASG but the TC definitely do not.  Team wise TC does not need to have their injury prone hands down best hitter play in a meaningless game.

I know the chance of injury is small but why risk it for ZERO payoff? Better to have him take the days off.

The Win-Loss column only is too short sighted. The value Royce Lewis can bring to the Twins on a national popularity level is real. Popularity sells tickets. Selling tickets increases revenue. Higher revenue increases player salary. Higher salary can increase future competitiveness of the franchise.

[Parfigliano]

2 hours ago, bean5302 said:

The Win-Loss column only is too short sighted. The value Royce Lewis can bring to the Twins on a national popularity level is real. Popularity sells tickets. Selling tickets increases revenue. Higher revenue increases player salary. Higher salary can increase future competitiveness of the franchise.

None of this increase in revenue takes into account the Pohlad's ownership.

[The Mad King]

Imagine if he had those three years of missed development back...

[Rod Carews Birthday]

2 hours ago, Parfigliano said:

None of this jncrease in revenue takes into account the Pohlad's ownership.

The odds of increased revenue leading to LESS spending would seem remote.  Having Lewis featured on a national stage leads to greater recognition for the Twins.  Back in the day Killebrew and Oliva did that. 

[Beast]

What he’s done this far is amazing, and he’s got an intangible quality about him that can’t be denied. But, he needs to show he can stay healthy for more than a month at a time before I crown him a superstar.  I’m optimistic, but still not confident.

He can’t keep up this insane power binge.  But, If we look in 2-3 weeks and he’s still hitting like a .900 OPS elite level hitter, I’ll join in calling him a  superstar that you need in the All Star game.  

[glunn]

3 hours ago, Parfigliano said:

MLB may need Lewis in the ASG but the TC definitely do not.  Team wise TC does not need to have their injury prone hands down best hitter play in a meaningless game.

I know the chance of injury is small but why risk it for ZERO payoff? Better to have him take the days off.

I remember when Killebrew injured his hamstring in an All Star game.  Also, I would like to see Lewis get some rest during the break.

[Brandon]

If Lewis has 15-16 HRs by the All Star break I’m sure he’ll get in.   Some one will ask out and he will take their place.  I think the sample size of stats for this season is too small.  Get him to 120 ABs with a .320+ average and 16+ HRs and tell me how he doesn’t get in?  

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

I mentioned earlier in another thread that I wouldnt be surprised if Royce Lewis was the Twins All Star. I think that would be fantastic. 

However, I do think if Joe Ryan pitches strong into the All Star break, or if a spot opens for Ryan Jeffers depending on the catcher situation this year, then one of those two would be more likely.

[strumdatjag]

It ain’t happening for Royce.  Too few games played and too many spots will be taken by unworthy players voted in by the fans. 
The vote for starters should be a compilation of 50% fans vote, 25% players vote and 50% sports writers vote.   That should reduce the number of unworthy but “popular” players starting.  The fans voting will reduce the exclusion of blackballed but worthy players that are either unliked by players (personality or other issues)  or by writers (who don’t like the good players who won’t give interviews). 

[Fatbat]

The Twins will have 3 allstars this year. Lewis wont be one of them and that is just criminal. He has started his career in a legendary fashion. Legend will follow him.

[bean5302]

9 hours ago, Parfigliano said:

None of this increase in revenue takes into account the Pohlad's ownership.

The Twins are higher in spending rank than Twins fans are in attendance rank. The evil Pohlads spent a great portion of team revenues last year than average. If the team has the revenues, the Pohlads have spent the money the last several years. The way fans on here lose their minds over only having the 2nd highest payroll in the AL Central (it will be the highest at the end of the year) is crazy to me. The Pohlads aren't the greatest owners in the league, but I'd happily have them running the team instead of swapping with about 10 other teams' ownership groups. Orioles, Pirates, Athletics, Nationals, Guardians, Reds, Marlins, Rockies, White Sox, and Angels are all solidly under worse ownership.

The Twins will likely fall a couple spots on this list this year to about league average if they don't add salary at the trade deadline, but it's hard to tell how revenues will shake out.

[Doctor Wu]

12 hours ago, glunn said:

I remember when Killebrew injured his hamstring in an All Star game.  Also, I would like to see Lewis get some rest during the break.

And then there was that infamous "slide" by Pete Rose at the home plate in the All-Star game that knocked over catcher Ray Fosse. And Fosse was never the same player again. So yes, the risk is low, but injuries can still occur in All-Star games. I would love to see Royce Lewis representing the Twins, but due to his missed time earlier in the season, it's unlikely he is considered for the game. Maybe they would want to enter him in the Home Run hitting contest, but I think I'd give that one a miss too. 

[h2oface]

Why not? The All-Star game has become a joke. Vote 25 times, and then make another email and do it again. But Royce will earn it, I believe. Next year. There is not one Twin in the top five of any voting. There is a reason for that. Homers have tunnel vision. When players really earn it, they get noticed. Arraez will get in again. Because he earns it.

[Karbo]

10 hours ago, strumdatjag said:

It ain’t happening for Royce.  Too few games played and too many spots will be taken by unworthy players voted in by the fans. 
The vote for starters should be a compilation of 50% fans vote, 25% players vote and 50% sports writers vote.   That should reduce the number of unworthy but “popular” players starting.  The fans voting will reduce the exclusion of blackballed but worthy players that are either unliked by players (personality or other issues)  or by writers (who don’t like the good players who won’t give interviews). 

but that adds up to 125%. I assume you mean 25% fan votes?

[terrydactyls]

9 minutes ago, Karbo said:

but that adds up to 125%. I assume you mean 25% fan votes?

Nope.  That's just Yogi Berra math.

[strumdatjag]

2 hours ago, Karbo said:

but that adds up to 125%. I assume you mean 25% fan votes?

Oops.  I meant 50% Fans, 25% Players and 25% Sportswriters.   

[D.C Twins]

The whole world needs more ROYCE F-ING LEWIS!

[h2oface]

1971 in Detroit. And one I didn't see in 1934. Look them up. When over 20 players played that became Hall of Famers. Today's games, full of so many 10-12 week wonders that end up, by the end of the season, being nowhere close to an all-star, and never were or are again, are so disappointing. They never take into account the last half of a season after the all-star game for the next all-star game. That counts, too, and sometimes it includes post-season play that is more important than the first 3 months of the year. Royce has been amazing, last year and this year, but I am sure he will feel much better about it when he is a real established all-star, and not just a 2/3/4 month wonder. Santana an all-star? Give me a break. Being a mandatory pick because each team, whether they really deserve it or not, has to have a player selected..... it has to feel cheap, deep down.