It's Time to Move Carlos Correa Down in the Lineup

Yes. If nothing else, move him down to help cut back on the insane amount of GIDP opportunities he’s going to see. That alone should be worth an extra run per game. 

Ya think? He's a DP machine and he's really struggling at the plate. Whether it's the injury or the pressure of his contract...whatever the reason, he's been pretty bad all season. Sure he has a decent game every once in a while...like last night, but it's time to drop him in the order. He's superb in the field though! He sure isn't letting his struggles at the plate, affect his glove at all. 

Correa, right now, fits best hitting sixth as was stated above. His consistent play at shortstop seems underrated, but the bat and base running are suboptimal due to his physical issues. The Twins could sure use a resurgence of Correa's bat.

Those batting in the top five of the lineup need to step forward too.

You know, sometimes the desire for a return on investment gets in the way of making smart choices regarding the true best interests of the team.

Wow, to if CC has really been playing through this much pain, it would at this point be smart choice to help him provide us with a max return on his investment by resting him so he is more ready for the playoffs.  We do have competent options as others have stated.  Moving him down in the line-up is also smart.  His glove and team leadership qualities really make him truly a special player.  Let's not throw away the potential for a good long career with the Twins for some games in September of marginal importance.

Frankly, we have been down this road with Buxton before as well.  If he is not able to experience good health on his rehab assignment, shut him down for this year if it means a better chance to deliver results over the rest of his contract.

This is a well thought out and well written piece, Cody.   As exasperating as CC's season has been offensively, he is always a battler and plays an important role in this team's success.  Also, it is clear that there are young players who have emerged to cover the short comings of our key veterans' performances this year.  Let's keep focusing on strengths where they exist on this team,  and do the best we can with our short comings so that we can all enjoy the unique experience of October MLB baseball.

Said it before and I'll say it again.... Over-rated and over-paid.

I laugh at those who think he's so devoted to the Twins. He left for bigger money hoping to cash in to 2 other clubs, both of them wised up to his shortcomings before he came back to the Twins on a lesser offer. If it is pressure from the contract then he only has himself to blame. If it is due to injury then the FO is to blame..... again 2 other clubs were smart enough to see health problems. 5 more years of him is gonna bite, especially when it's time to start extending contracts to the good young players that are carrying this team. 

He’d be perfect as a #5 or #6 hitter, this year and next year. When Kirilloff comes back (which will be soon), the lineup should be Julien/Kirilloff/Lewis/Wallner, then Correa/Kepler, next year the twins should look for a serious #3/#4 hitter, in case Buck and Correa can’t hit again

Not sure I can add much more to this thread other than to agree that he should be no higher than 5th the rest of the season, even if he does improve.  The pressure needs to be taken off of him so he can get right for the playoffs.  His plantar fasciitis injury is obviously affecting him at the plate.   When watching his at-bats, the GIDP's, the taking strike three calls, seems to be out front pulling the ball, and his running out of the box.  It all seems to be related to him actually having to plant that foot down, which appears like he doesn't have to do as much in the field since he is going side to side.

He should have been moved down the order a month ago.  This one is everyone's problem.  Rocco should have moved him down.  CC should have been a better leader and moved down the order himself (e.g., Miguel Cabrera).  It does sound like that he is a great clubhouse presence, but part of the presence is taking responsibility and being a team player.  Since he can play though the injury, a "scheduled" IL stint could have been worked out at some point when the Twins were healthier to help him get some recovery.  The FO should have addressed this better since he is supposed to be the Twins' best marketable player to get butts in seats.  I may be the outlier fan, but I want the team to win first, even if that means CC isn't in the lineup every day if that gives the team the best chance to win. 

As for the boos at Target Field, CC addressed them earlier this year saying he would boo himself as well.  Big props to him at least being able to read the room and give a frank response.  But I'm not going to apologize, the boos are warranted and magically as the boos have been getting louder, he has finally started moving down in the order.  Sometimes, boos do have a purpose and the fact that the "Minnesota Nice" fans have risen up speaks volumes that they expect better out of everyone involved.

Obviously when your say "best lineup" you mean batting-wise. His defense warrants him being part of the best lineup but, yes, he needs to be moved down. If he turns it around and produces from the bottom of the order, all the better. That's how good teams win. I'm all for seeing Walner and Lewis moved up. I'm also all for letting Walner & Julian hit against lefties. How do you learn if you don't get the chance? 

2 hours ago, The Mad King said:

Obviously when your say "best lineup" you mean batting-wise. His defense warrants him being part of the best lineup but, yes, he needs to be moved down. If he turns it around and produces from the bottom of the order, all the better. That's how good teams win. I'm all for seeing Walner and Lewis moved up. I'm also all for letting Walner & Julian hit against lefties. How do you learn if you don't get the chance? 

Letting Wallner and Julien hit against lefties goes against everything Rocco uses his spreadsheet for. He believes that the best matchup is opposites sides of the plate verses the pitcher even if it means benching your best players. Dream on, it'll never happen with Rocco setting lineups unless he is forced into it by injuries or using his bench too early and/or too often. 

Correa has hit into 29 double plays so far....1 for every 16.3 at bats. 

To put things in perspective... 13.3  is the all-time worst DP per a bat... Something named Billy Hitchcock did it in 1950......30 double plays in 399 at bats..... Correa probably won't be able to pull it off.....breaking Billy's record,