Should We be Concerned About Carlos Correa's Early Struggles?

1 minute ago, MMMordabito said:

Not sure this was even worth writing about, but, no.

I saw some "DFA Correa" tweets unironically posted on Twitter, so I thought I would waste my time writing about it. As I mentioned, he was also booed at home. Thought I'd attempt to provide a little optimism and ease some criticism.

1 minute ago, Hosken Bombo Disco said:

Are you aware of the moment Correa said he got spasms in his back and how many plate appearances he had after that? 

I'm not exactly sure when it started or how many appearances he had after. All I know is Rocco suggested it had been something they were aware of for a couple days before having him sit and that it shouldn't cause any issues long term.

44 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

IMO I think we are sitting pretty well, even with the extra precautions & injuries. My main concern isn't how well we start but how well we finish. This season it'll be great when Correa starts to get rolling in the 2nd half that we have Buxton, Polanco & Co to rally going into the post season.

I also predicted that Correa's defensive #s would nicely improve with the shift ban.

Pretty spot on take here! Starting 8-4 with the injuries the team has experienced, as well as winning series' against the Astros and White Sox is a great start to the season. Get the team healthy for a run down the stretch. I think the team is in a good spot as well!

20 minutes ago, Hosken Bombo Disco said:

He said he first felt it while running the bases Saturday (being thrown out at home)

Whereas Correa was sidelined by lower back issues earlier in his career, this flare-up is located in the middle of his back. Correa said he suffered a back spasm late in Saturday’s game and felt it when he woke up Sunday.

“I should be good in a couple days,” Correa said. “I want to make sure that I don’t play through it and it gets worse. It shouldn’t be anything to alarm me. (Sunday) was a little more sore. (Monday) it’s been feeling better, so hopefully in the next couple days I can be back in.”

 

 

 

I had heard rumors of that, and I actually wondered at the time of the play if he had gotten hurt. I thought the play at the plate should've been much closer than it was. Hopefully he's back soon, and thank you for that update!

Just now, Hosken Bombo Disco said:

He’s in the lineup tonight in New York 🙂

21 minutes ago, h2oface said:

Rays win again 9-3. Ties MLB record to start season 13-0.

While the strength of schedule has been awful, that is still a very impressive feat. Great way to start a season that's for sure!

17 hours ago, darwin22 said:

I agree with the majority of opinions expressed as its far too early to become overly concerned with Correa's slow start.  As mentioned he experienced a similar start last season in April.

Saying that, I do believe its important to note that despite an excellent end to his season in September--.345/.405/.600 with 7 HRs and 18 RBI---by that time the Twins had fallen out of contention as CLE took control of the division as the Twins floundered down the stretch.

What many fail to point out was what Correa did during the months of July and August when the Twins were still leading the division and trying to hold onto their lead with a plethora of injuries.

Correa's stats over July and August 2022:

AB:  179

Hits:  42*/ 31 of which were singles

.AVG:  .235

EBH:   11

Slug %:  .369

With the current rash of injuries---this team cannot afford Correa to have a ANOTHER mid season 2-month slump if they have any desire to play meaningful games in September or October.

 

 

I agree with you that Correa was subpar during the most important time of the year last year. The problem was he was one of few impact Twins that were healthy at that time. How big would his September surge have been if he had help around him that led to them staying in contention! That's why you're correct that health is going to be the biggest part. Correa will need the studs around him to stay healthy because no matter how well he plays, he won't be able to do it himself.

1 hour ago, Kipp35 said:

He was booed because the fans were not happy about being held hostage in his contract negotiations with other teams, and then he held a press conference about how 'healthy' he is.. now, is struggling and listed day to day... gets old.

So we're upset that a superstar shortstop eventually signed with us? Also, the health concerns were about the ankle, which too this day he has never received treatment on. He eventually signed with the Twins, I think holding a grudge over the fact that he originally agreed to two better offers to go elsewhere before the deals fell through resulting in him returning is a little silly.

10 minutes ago, Whitey333 said:

Article was good.  But lay off criticizing fans who booed him at home.  That is their right as Twins fans.  I think Correa will be fine but I also think that he has not shown much for an otherwise historically frugal baseball organization to invest $200 million in.  We should expect and demand more from him as the season progresses.

Thank you for the compliment on the article and I appreciate your comment. I will say though, I think it's my right as a Twins fan who was also at the game to criticize fans for booing a player in the seventh game of the season. I agree that we should demand and expect him to live up to the deal he signed, but my point is, it's far too early to boo the guy for striking out. Carlos Correa has done nothing but gone above and beyond for his teammates and anyone associated with the Twins, I think booing him after a meager first week of the season is worthy of my criticism. I just don't like the negativity of a small portion of the fanbase. Again, thank you for reading and commenting, I understand if you disagree, but wanted to let you know where I'm coming from.

19 minutes ago, Drew said:

I remember in 1988 Kirby Puckett started with a .171/.190/.220 line through 42 plate appearances. I'm not entirely sure what my point is but baseball history is littered with slow starts by every level of player you can imagine. Trying to extrapolate that to anything other than a small sample size will very often make you look silly in hindsight.

And sure, you can boo a player. You can also tell someone that you see on the street that you don't like their hat. You can do all sorts of things but the world gets to judge you for the things you do. Me, personally, I reserve booing my own teams players for when someone is doing something egregious like not running out a ground ball or when they put Pagan in a 2 run game. Not when someone is simply struggling despite their effort. That's like booing your mom when you don't like your Christmas present. 

This is exactly my point! You articulated the reason why I just despise booing your own team very well. The guy's out there helping the team any way he can behind the scenes and as a leader, and our home fans are booing him seven games in. Just a lousy thing to do in my opinion, which is why I called it out. I appreciate your comment!