Royals *** Official Royals Repository, Part 4 *** - Page 156

duncan_idaho · 10:46 PM

In this thread: All things related to the AL Champions.

Duncan's Official Team Record prediction: 90 wins
One month in: Looking strong
All Star Break: Looking strong, probably should adjust up to 93-94 wins.
Duncan's Official Team MVP prediction: Eric Hosmer
One month in: Upstaged by his best friend MIKE MOOTACOS, MAN. Tell us bout your hittin, bro!
All Star Break: Lorenzo Cain starting to run away with this one.

Division Preview
Clearly, overlooking the Twins was a mistake at this point. I still don't believe in that team long-term, but they're starting to get that Magic Season twinkle about them.

Detroit is toast. Garbage rotation beyond Price and Sanchez, Miggy out.

And Cleveland... Cleveland still is dangerous if it ever clicks offensively, because the starting pitching is good enough for them to real off a 15-5 stretch and get right back into the playoff picture.

The Royals will be a division winner IF ...
1) Ventura and Duffy combine for 375+ innings of high-quality work
2) Eric Hosmer delivers on his potential with a FULL season of success rather than bursts
3) The deeper bullpen lessens the critical load on Herrera, Davis and Holland
4) Lorenzo Cain stays healthy
5) Either Alex Rios or Kendrys Morales bounces back to 2013 form

The first of these is clearly not going to happen. The second looked good through the end of May but is now eating Cain's dust (Hosmer has still been improved this year, though, lessening his valley. If he has a really hot second half, he can get right back in it). Item three is definitely the case. Item four should probably be first at this point. And Morales has more than bounced back.

Duncan’s Top 20 for mid-season 2015:

Spoiler!

1. Raul Adalberto Mondesi, SS, BOTH: Tools, tools, tools. RA has tools galore. At his best, he’s an All-Star SS who plays elite D, hits 15-20 HR, swipes 40 bags, and is an ideal 1, 2 or 3 hitter. At his worst, I think he looks a lot like Alcides Escobar. Plate discipline is his biggest challenge at this point, but evaluators are confident that will come with time. Clear No. 1
2. Kyle Zimmer, RHP: He’s pitching again and staying healthy, which is nice. He’s pitcing out of the bullpen to build back his arm strength, which is less nice. But still has that high upside, just a lower floor now. Ideally, the team will use him as a bullpen weapon in September (because he has earned it) and then give him a chance to transition back to starting for 2016.
3. Miguel Almonte, RHP: Still love the body, FB/CH combo. Results aren’t eye popping, but he’s still low enough and early enough in the development to prize those things over performance. Still a solid No. 3 starter upside, and just a year and some change away from potentially being ready to contribute at the MLB level.
4. Jorge Bonifacio, RF, RH: Emilio’s little brother got off to a horrible start in 2015 but has heated up as the season went on. He also is translating BP power to game power for the first time, with 15 HR just past the mid-way point of his season. Despite his disappointing 2014, he has a chance to build his way back into legit prospect status – and still is only 22. Next challenge for him should be Omaha, but that may wait for the start of the 2014 season.
5. Scott Blewett, RHP: Blewett has a nice two –pitch mix already and is off to a strong start. With his size (6-6) and a good fastball/curveball combo, Blewett could eventually turn into a good No. 3 starter, with a MLB-average changeup.
6. Nolan Watson, RHP: The Royals’ 2015 sandwich pick is a polished prep arm who is adding velocity and explosiveness to a good, polished base. Likely to move quickly.
7. Ashe Russell, RHP: The 2015 top pick probably needs more work than Watson, but the upside is really nice. Again, advanced two-pitch mix that will depend on him adding a changeup. Could be a very good NO. 2 if it all adds up.

Spoiler!

8. Bubba Starling, CF, RH: Starling has been up and down this year but put himself back on the map by greatly improving his K rate while also improving across the slash line as a hitter. His defense and baserunning are MLB ready; if Starling can work himself into a league average hitter, he can be a solid MLB regular who plays great D in CF while hitting 15 HR and swiping 20 bags.
9. Balbino Fuenmayor, 1B/DH, RH: The Balbino came out of basically nowhere in 2015 to earn a Futures Game spot. Big power and an improved two-strike approach have turned the late bloomer into a legit prospect. He’s blocked at the MLB level currently by Eric Hosmer and Kendrys Morales, but Fuenmayor’s combination of power hitting and good average/strike zone control makes him intriguing.
10. Cheslor Cuthbert, 3B, RH: Cheslor probably is not going to be the star KC was hoping for when signing him out of Nicaragua, but he does look like he can be a solid reserve for an MLB club. Good defense at 3B paired with a solid plate approach and some gap power plays fine off the bench. He becomes a lot more interesting if they think he can stick as a 2B, which they have experimented with.
11. Chase Vallot, C/DH/1B: I really like Vallot’s power and plate discipline combo. His bat will probably force him from behind the plate, but he’s held his own despite being extremely young for every level he has faced.
12. Alfredo Escalera-Maldonado, OF, RH: Escalera-Maldonado earned a promotion to Wilmington at age 20, which is pretty advanced movement for that age. He’s an athletic outfielder who has shown some plate discipline at an early age, which is encouraging. Doesn’t sound like he can stick in CF long term for KC, but his bat has become one to watch.
13. Pedro Fernandez, RHP: I haven’t seen much of him, but like the reports I’ve heard on his fastball and general makeup. Could become the next Almonte/Mondesi, though he’s more likely to land in the pen than either of them.
14. Elier Hernandez, OF, RH: Elier Hernanez teamed with Escalera-Maldonado in breaking out at Low-A and earning a promotion to Wilmington. It’s still early for this guy – he is just 20 years old – but he doesn’t take walks and hasn’t developed the prodigious power many thought he had the potential for. Still worth watching.
15. Hunter Dozier, 3B, RH: Dozier is reworking his swing mid-season, which generally will cause production to do what his has done: Nose dive. The changes he made entering the season (seemingly geared towards increasing his power production) were a disaster, and now he’s trying to get back to what he used to be. Still looks great and checks most of the scouting boxes, but the performance hasn’t matched, and it almost knocked him out of the list.
16. Christian Binford, RHP: After a breakthrough 2014, Binford struggled mightily at AAA and suffered a demotion. His upside remains similar – a back-end starter who can eat innings – but Binford’s lack of velocity and reliance on command have caught up to him so far.
17. Marten Gasparini, OF, SH: Gasparini is intriguing because of his speed and athleticism. He’s a LOOOOONG ways from the majors and young for his level, but reports on his bat speed, swing, and speed remain positive enough to keep him on the bubble.

tomahawk kid · 08-31-2015, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

Seems like the Royals have been trying to find a quality backup C who swings lefty for two years.

Them being ready to make a move would also explain the verbal blowjob Hudler was giving Butera yesterday. Little praise for a guy on his way out.

To me, it would be HUGE to get a backup catcher who's at least competent at the plate.

Hopefully, the hesitancy to take on any salary is an indication of upcoming deals for Gordo, Salvy (renog) and hopefully Zobrist.

Probably has something to do with Cain and Moose being arbo eligible too.

**Saul Good** · 08-31-2015, 09:21 AM

Why do we need a backup catcher at this point? Run Butera out there 10-12 more times this year, and Sal will play every game in the postseason.

CaliforniaChief · 08-31-2015, 09:27 AM

It just takes one concussion for Salvy to be out for a series or more. Find that backup catcher. We're all in, I'm not worried.

duncan_idaho · 08-31-2015, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomahawk kid

To me, it would be HUGE to get a backup catcher who's at least competent at the plate.

Hopefully, the hesitancy to take on any salary is an indication of upcoming deals for Gordo, Salvy (renog) and hopefully Zobrist.

Probably has something to do with Cain and Moose being arbo eligible too.

Biggest thing is that few teams can really afford to pay a backup catcher $4 million a year unless you're using him more than a typical backup.

If, say, the Royals had an open DH spot and a backup worth that much, they could more easily rest Perez in the DH spot and give the backup more PT.

Why Not? · 08-31-2015, 09:52 AM

I don't know. We have a backup C who can bunt for fluke singles. You can not put a price on that.

Pitt Gorilla · 08-31-2015, 10:16 AM

So, we want left handed Brayan Pena?

Molitoth · 08-31-2015, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Three7s

They won't be cooling off. Their starting pitching is good enough with their ridiculous offense to overcome their crappy bullpen. They'll be a tough out in the playoffs.

This. We've heard "The Jays can't keep this up" for far too long now.
The harsh truth is, they are the best team in the AL right now and if we have to see them in the playoffs, they already have the confidence that they can whoop our asses.

If we had taken more games from them this season, I wouldn't be as worried.

siberian khatru · 08-31-2015, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pitt Gorilla

So, we want left handed Brayan Pena?

Pena's a switch-hitter who hits better from the left side, and a FA after the season, so he would fit the bill if he's cleared waivers.

Prison Bitch · 08-31-2015, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Why Not?

Get em at the K in mid October and we'll see how their video game style works then.

Why? From 2002-2010 playoff games avg 4.37 runs/team, not that far from 4.72 during the season. Why would Toronto suddenly have trouble scoring against us, when they avg 5.57 against us in 7 games (5.52 vs all teams).

ChiefsCountry · 08-31-2015, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Molitoth

If we had taken more games from them this season, I wouldn't be as worried.

2-1 in Kansas City
1-3 in Toronto

They really didn't kick our ass this year.

duncan_idaho · 08-31-2015, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

2-1 in Kansas City
1-3 in Toronto

They really didn't kick our ass this year.

Yeah... and it's a 2-2 series in Toronto if the Royals are managing their pen like they will in the playoffs (the Friday/Cueto game).

It would be a tough series, but if the Royals have homefield advantage, it's not something worth hitting the panic button about.

And if Ventura keeps up what he's been doing, I really like the Cueto/Volquez/Ventura/Medlen rotation matching up against anyone in the AL.

KChiefs1 · 08-31-2015, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

Pena's a switch-hitter who hits better from the left side, and a FA after the season, so he would fit the bill if he's cleared waivers.

Cueto's best friend too.

WilliamTheIrish · 08-31-2015, 12:35 PM

Yea boy, the Jays hit like the Bash Brothers. I figured they cool off, but it seems to be a very confident lineup.

Nightfyre · 08-31-2015, 02:11 PM

Salvy's career splits are even and this year he is way better against rhp. Why are they looking for a platoon option?

**Anyong Bluth** · 08-31-2015, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

Buried in Nick Cafardo's Boston Globe notes column:

So there may be Royals news today on an off day.

I think they said no to A.J. because he's a giant asshole and would be a terrible addition in the clubhouse.

07-14-2015, 11:05 PM
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $1390308	* Official Royals Repository, Part 4 * In this thread: All things related to the AL Champions. Duncan's Official Team Record prediction: 90 wins One month in: Looking strong All Star Break: Looking strong, probably should adjust up to 93-94 wins. Duncan's Official Team MVP prediction: Eric Hosmer One month in: Upstaged by his best friend MIKE MOOTACOS, MAN. Tell us bout your hittin, bro! All Star Break: Lorenzo Cain starting to run away with this one. Division Preview Clearly, overlooking the Twins was a mistake at this point. I still don't believe in that team long-term, but they're starting to get that Magic Season twinkle about them. Detroit is toast. Garbage rotation beyond Price and Sanchez, Miggy out. And Cleveland... Cleveland still is dangerous if it ever clicks offensively, because the starting pitching is good enough for them to real off a 15-5 stretch and get right back into the playoff picture. The Royals will be a division winner IF ... 1) Ventura and Duffy combine for 375+ innings of high-quality work 2) Eric Hosmer delivers on his potential with a FULL season of success rather than bursts 3) The deeper bullpen lessens the critical load on Herrera, Davis and Holland 4) Lorenzo Cain stays healthy 5) Either Alex Rios or Kendrys Morales bounces back to 2013 form The first of these is clearly not going to happen. The second looked good through the end of May but is now eating Cain's dust (Hosmer has still been improved this year, though, lessening his valley. If he has a really hot second half, he can get right back in it). Item three is definitely the case. Item four should probably be first at this point. And Morales has more than bounced back. Duncan’s Top 20 for mid-season 2015: Spoiler! 1. Raul Adalberto Mondesi, SS, BOTH: Tools, tools, tools. RA has tools galore. At his best, he’s an All-Star SS who plays elite D, hits 15-20 HR, swipes 40 bags, and is an ideal 1, 2 or 3 hitter. At his worst, I think he looks a lot like Alcides Escobar. Plate discipline is his biggest challenge at this point, but evaluators are confident that will come with time. Clear No. 1 2. Kyle Zimmer, RHP: He’s pitching again and staying healthy, which is nice. He’s pitcing out of the bullpen to build back his arm strength, which is less nice. But still has that high upside, just a lower floor now. Ideally, the team will use him as a bullpen weapon in September (because he has earned it) and then give him a chance to transition back to starting for 2016. 3. Miguel Almonte, RHP: Still love the body, FB/CH combo. Results aren’t eye popping, but he’s still low enough and early enough in the development to prize those things over performance. Still a solid No. 3 starter upside, and just a year and some change away from potentially being ready to contribute at the MLB level. 4. Jorge Bonifacio, RF, RH: Emilio’s little brother got off to a horrible start in 2015 but has heated up as the season went on. He also is translating BP power to game power for the first time, with 15 HR just past the mid-way point of his season. Despite his disappointing 2014, he has a chance to build his way back into legit prospect status – and still is only 22. Next challenge for him should be Omaha, but that may wait for the start of the 2014 season. 5. Scott Blewett, RHP: Blewett has a nice two –pitch mix already and is off to a strong start. With his size (6-6) and a good fastball/curveball combo, Blewett could eventually turn into a good No. 3 starter, with a MLB-average changeup. 6. Nolan Watson, RHP: The Royals’ 2015 sandwich pick is a polished prep arm who is adding velocity and explosiveness to a good, polished base. Likely to move quickly. 7. Ashe Russell, RHP: The 2015 top pick probably needs more work than Watson, but the upside is really nice. Again, advanced two-pitch mix that will depend on him adding a changeup. Could be a very good NO. 2 if it all adds up. Spoiler! 8. Bubba Starling, CF, RH: Starling has been up and down this year but put himself back on the map by greatly improving his K rate while also improving across the slash line as a hitter. His defense and baserunning are MLB ready; if Starling can work himself into a league average hitter, he can be a solid MLB regular who plays great D in CF while hitting 15 HR and swiping 20 bags. 9. Balbino Fuenmayor, 1B/DH, RH: The Balbino came out of basically nowhere in 2015 to earn a Futures Game spot. Big power and an improved two-strike approach have turned the late bloomer into a legit prospect. He’s blocked at the MLB level currently by Eric Hosmer and Kendrys Morales, but Fuenmayor’s combination of power hitting and good average/strike zone control makes him intriguing. 10. Cheslor Cuthbert, 3B, RH: Cheslor probably is not going to be the star KC was hoping for when signing him out of Nicaragua, but he does look like he can be a solid reserve for an MLB club. Good defense at 3B paired with a solid plate approach and some gap power plays fine off the bench. He becomes a lot more interesting if they think he can stick as a 2B, which they have experimented with. 11. Chase Vallot, C/DH/1B: I really like Vallot’s power and plate discipline combo. His bat will probably force him from behind the plate, but he’s held his own despite being extremely young for every level he has faced. 12. Alfredo Escalera-Maldonado, OF, RH: Escalera-Maldonado earned a promotion to Wilmington at age 20, which is pretty advanced movement for that age. He’s an athletic outfielder who has shown some plate discipline at an early age, which is encouraging. Doesn’t sound like he can stick in CF long term for KC, but his bat has become one to watch. 13. Pedro Fernandez, RHP: I haven’t seen much of him, but like the reports I’ve heard on his fastball and general makeup. Could become the next Almonte/Mondesi, though he’s more likely to land in the pen than either of them. 14. Elier Hernandez, OF, RH: Elier Hernanez teamed with Escalera-Maldonado in breaking out at Low-A and earning a promotion to Wilmington. It’s still early for this guy – he is just 20 years old – but he doesn’t take walks and hasn’t developed the prodigious power many thought he had the potential for. Still worth watching. 15. Hunter Dozier, 3B, RH: Dozier is reworking his swing mid-season, which generally will cause production to do what his has done: Nose dive. The changes he made entering the season (seemingly geared towards increasing his power production) were a disaster, and now he’s trying to get back to what he used to be. Still looks great and checks most of the scouting boxes, but the performance hasn’t matched, and it almost knocked him out of the list. 16. Christian Binford, RHP: After a breakthrough 2014, Binford struggled mightily at AAA and suffered a demotion. His upside remains similar – a back-end starter who can eat innings – but Binford’s lack of velocity and reliance on command have caught up to him so far. 17. Marten Gasparini, OF, SH: Gasparini is intriguing because of his speed and athleticism. He’s a LOOOOONG ways from the majors and young for his level, but reports on his bat speed, swing, and speed remain positive enough to keep him on the bubble. Last edited by duncan_idaho; 10-06-2015 at 10:46 PM..
Posts: 21,166

08-31-2015, 09:21 AM	#2327
Saul Good Quit your bullshit Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bored of winning Casino cash: $10052799	Why do we need a backup catcher at this point? Run Butera out there 10-12 more times this year, and Sal will play every game in the postseason.
Posts: 41,870

08-31-2015, 09:27 AM	#2328
CaliforniaChief #RIPAce Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Casino cash: $12292899	It just takes one concussion for Salvy to be out for a series or more. Find that backup catcher. We're all in, I'm not worried.
Posts: 17,329

08-31-2015, 09:52 AM	#2330
Why Not? In Search of a Life Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Kansas Casino cash: $2788994	I don't know. We have a backup C who can bunt for fluke singles. You can not put a price on that.
Posts: 21,831

08-31-2015, 10:16 AM	#2331
Pitt Gorilla Banned! Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: NOT Columbia, MO 65201 Casino cash: $2640194	So, we want left handed Brayan Pena? __________________ Your son is a bench warmer because of your weak genetics not because of the coach Norlin Mommsen is disgusting.
Posts: 46,196

08-31-2015, 12:35 PM	#2338
WilliamTheIrish Champion Golfer Of The Year Join Date: Aug 2001 Casino cash: $5730607	Yea boy, the Jays hit like the Bash Brothers. I figured they cool off, but it seems to be a very confident lineup.
Posts: 34,662

08-31-2015, 02:11 PM	#2339
Nightfyre MVP Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Helena, MT Casino cash: $3358849	Salvy's career splits are even and this year he is way better against rhp. Why are they looking for a platoon option?
Posts: 18,569