2012 Kansas City Royals Repository Thread

[alnorth]

2012 Slogan: Our Time

A better, more accurate 2012 Slogan: It is Finally Next Year
(from Great Expectations)

An alternative slogan if you don't like that one: Someone has to win this crappy division
(from alnorth)

With the beginning of a new year, it is time for the 2012 version of the Royals Repository Thread. We've got Hosmer, we've got a 2011-dominating Gordon, we've got Moose, we've got hopefully a killer bullpen, we've got a stereotypical slow slugging DH, we've got easily one of the best defensive shortstops in the AL, we've got a promising catcher in Salvador Perez. Hell, we've got offense and promising prospects galore.

We do not have starting pitching.

Oh yeah, we've also got this:



Get ready for, (as of January 2012 anyway), one of the most confusing puzzles of a baseball season in recent Royals history. Will they suck? Maybe, I don't know. Will we be given a year of 0.500 baseball? Possibly, I don't know. Will they win the division and go to the playoffs for the first time in 27 years? For the first time in a long time, it could happen, I don't know. 92 losses, 92 wins, or anything in between would not surprise a lot of us.

Everything goes here except Gameday threads and really big news. If a giant story breaks, the Royals achieve some awesome milestone, or we sign/lose a highly significant player/coach/mascot/whatever, then it might also deserve its own thread. This being Chiefs Planet, please do not clutter the board with new threads about trivial Royals news or you will only annoy those who come here for just Chiefs football. If you aren't sure and its not a Gameday thread, it goes here.

What sort of stuff often goes here? SPchief explained it well, so I'll just copy that:

If you locate something of interest.. ANYTHING.. deals on apparel, best ways in/out of the stadium, giveaways, great stories from this season or from seasons gone by, rumors, trades, anything.... feel free to post it here.

[RockChalk]

Originally Posted by Shogun

Any word on who is gonna be opening day Closer? Broxton or Crow?

I would guess that it's between Holland and Broxton. Crow was a 7th/8th inning guy last year. Can't imagine them throwing him into the closers role at this point unless Broxton and Holland really struggle with their opportunities

[Great Expectations]

They've said it won't be Crow. Broxton still hasn't regained his velocity, my hope is for Holland.

Herrera is the dark horse.

[AndChiefs]

Originally Posted by Great Expectations

They've said it won't be Crow. Broxton still hasn't regained his velocity, my hope is for Holland.

Herrera is the dark horse.

My thoughts are that it will be Holland...His pitches are filthy.

[RockChalk]

Originally Posted by Great Expectations

Herrera is the dark horse.

By all accounts, Herrera has been the best of the bunch this spring. Probably too young to be tossed into that situation. If he makes the club, I'm sure they'll slowly bring him along into more tense situations as the season plays out.

[duncan_idaho]

Bullpen thoughts:

I like Crow as a 6th/7th inning guy. He's someone that can give you a good two-inning stint. I'd like to see him used a little less often but for longer stints at a time. With the bullpen depth, that shouldn't be a problem. Hopefully, this helps him avoid the shoulder discomfort he had late last season.

Haven't really seen any reports on Broxton's velocity since early spring, when he was sitting 92-94. Sitting at 94-95 is the key to his success. If it's good, I'm fine with using him as the closer. Gives you a chance to showcase him and possibly move him at the deadline. He also seems like the guy who most needs a defined "role" in the pen.

I wouldn't argue with Holland as the closer, either. His walk and K rates project well to that spot, though I think he was more valuable in his role last season (getting tough outs in dangerous spots in the 6th, 7th and 8th innings).

And I love Kelvin Herrera. The guy is electric, and I think he'll be a big weapon.

I'd like to see them be creative with the way they use some guys, too. Louis Coleman as ROOGY and Mijares as a LOOGY would give you some nice matchups late.

Really need either Collins or Teaford to be a solid second lefty who can eat some innings and help with matchups. Reports there are good. I think Collins can serve a similar role as Crow - someone who can give you an inning or two against a lefty-dominated lineup.

[jbwm89]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

Bullpen thoughts:

I like Crow as a 6th/7th inning guy. He's someone that can give you a good two-inning stint. I'd like to see him used a little less often but for longer stints at a time. With the bullpen depth, that shouldn't be a problem. Hopefully, this helps him avoid the shoulder discomfort he had late last season.

Haven't really seen any reports on Broxton's velocity since early spring, when he was sitting 92-94. Sitting at 94-95 is the key to his success. If it's good, I'm fine with using him as the closer. Gives you a chance to showcase him and possibly move him at the deadline. He also seems like the guy who most needs a defined "role" in the pen.

I wouldn't argue with Holland as the closer, either. His walk and K rates project well to that spot, though I think he was more valuable in his role last season (getting tough outs in dangerous spots in the 6th, 7th and 8th innings).

And I love Kelvin Herrera. The guy is electric, and I think he'll be a big weapon.

I'd like to see them be creative with the way they use some guys, too. Louis Coleman as ROOGY and Mijares as a LOOGY would give you some nice matchups late.

Really need either Collins or Teaford to be a solid second lefty who can eat some innings and help with matchups. Reports there are good. I think Collins can serve a similar role as Crow - someone who can give you an inning or two against a lefty-dominated lineup.

Broxton to close, Crow for longer relief in close games, Mijares for your LOGY and Holland as the fireman.

Perfect.

[BWillie]

If Paulino isn't on the opening rotation, I'm going to lose it.

[tyton75]

I still say that Chen has done nothing to deserve a spot in the rotation automatically. IMO he should be the long reliever

[AndChiefs]

Chen's falling apart again.

[BWillie]

I love how ppl critique spring training results like it actually means something

[Demonpenz]

Chen is getting destroyed. No life no location. Dunn just parked one.

[AndChiefs]

Originally Posted by BWillie007

I love how ppl critique spring training results like it actually means something

Just want him to put together one good outing. Have to show something at some point.

[Demonpenz]

Butler just parked one.

[AndChiefs]

Betancourt is such a liability defensively.

[sedated]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

Haven't really seen any reports on Broxton's velocity since early spring, when he was sitting 92-94. Sitting at 94-95 is the key to his success.

From the article today in the KC Star:

“We’re seeing a progression,” pitching coach Dave Eiland said. “[Broxton] turned it up to 96 (on Tuesday) on the last hitter he faced. The ball is really coming out of his hand well. He’s got some good downhill angle on his fastball. His slider has some late tilt to it.

“He’s right where he needs to be.”


http://www.kansascity.com/2012/03/21...rmed-with.html