What Role Will Luis Arraez Fill in 2022?

While Arraez didn't play much left field in the second half of the season, I think who was on the roster had more to do with that than his perceived ability to play there. When Donaldson was out and later when he couldn't run, Arraez had a home at third base, but the rest of the season, there really wasn't a place for him to get regular at-bats.

I'd much prefer seeing Arraez in left field than Rooker and I think he's superior offensively, as well, although they are totally different types of hitters. I don't think left is Arraez' long-term spot though.

As for Arrraez' skills--great contact, excellent strike zone, superior on-base skill--Martin projects to be similar and also have the ability to play the same positions, probably with a better glove. The key word though is "projects", we don't know if Martin will pan out and if he doesn't no one else at the top of the prospect list or on the roster can provide what Arraez brings to the table. Another prospect who compares in some respect is Miranda. Again, infielder, but not a shortstop with a plus bat. 

If the Twins are confident that Miranda and/or Martin are ready to contribute, then I think Arraez is expendable. The injury history and the prospect of recurring knee problems tell me that he can't be relied upon to give the club enough plate appearances to be an All-Star. 

17 hours ago, bean5302 said:

Arraez primarily had issues with inflammation and fluid build up after ACL surgery on a knee. In addition, last year, Arraez was dealing with knee tendonitis in his other knee. Arraez was told by Twins trainers and medical staff that strengthening his lower body and slimming up could allievate his issues from my understanding.

It's straightforward PT protocol for those types of knee pain issues across pretty much any activity. Strengthen the surrounding muscle to relieve stress on the joint and trim some excess weight. It has the added benefit of increasing mobility.

It remains to be seen how much work Arraez has put into it, but if Arraez does commit himself, it could have a huge payday behind it. 

I'm an old guy dealing with arthritic knees and my PT is exactly what bean has stated. I would think that Arraez would benefit from both strengthening the muscles to relieve stress and losing weight. It will be interesting to see his condition when he reports for whatever kind of spring training they have. One thing to remember is that this is a young man at age 24.

15 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

I'm an old guy dealing with arthritic knees and my PT is exactly what bean has stated. I would think that Arraez would benefit from both strengthening the muscles to relieve stress and losing weight. It will be interesting to see his condition when he reports for whatever kind of spring training they have. One thing to remember is that this is a young man at age 24.

My older brother had knee issues in sports and was told to strengthen his knees when he was in his teens/early 20s. Helped him immensely. Young or old, if the muscles around your joints are weak from not working that specific group out, the joint takes a pounding and fluid buildup, inflammation and tendonitis are sure to follow. I started having knee pain years ago and I added muscle to my legs and poof, haven't had any issues in years and years. It's crazy. Those muscles act like reinforcement for the tendons and ligaments, preventing them from stretching and pounding the joint. Such a bummer. I don't like working out, haha.

On 3/1/2022 at 8:54 PM, tony&rodney said:

Take a look at comparative league averages. 1968 was the height of pitching dominance. Mays also missed time for service duty. Griffey was the face of baseball for his time and energized millions of young people to love baseball, but as great as he was, no comparison to Mays. What number did Griffey wear?

That's what OPS+ and bWAR are for. Griffey, Jr. and Mays had similar performances and similar value to each other when compared to their peers. I don't know what number either of them wore and I don't care. Justin Morneau wore #33. Does that make him better than Mays?

You're free to like Mays better than Griffey, Jr. but Griffey, Jr. was just as good for the start of their careers and Griffey, Jr. is arguably more popular than Mays on top of that. I like Eduardo Escobar more than either one of those guys, haha. Personal favorites aside, your assertion that Griffey, Jr. isn't in the same league as Mays offensively, defensively, popularity-wise, etc doesn't stand up to to data.