Royals *** Official 2015 Royals Repository ***

duncan_idaho · 04-04-2015, 09:25 AM

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

Duncan's Official Team Record prediction: 90 wins
Duncan's Official Team MVP prediction: Eric Hosmer

I can't wait for this season to start. The AL Central should be a very entertaining race. I'll give brief thoughts on each team the Royals must contend with to make it back to the postseason - strengths and weaknesses.

Detroit Tigers:
Strength: The offense is still full of powerful hitters, and Miguel Cabrera may be healthier.
Weakness: Rotation is questionable after Price and Sanchez, bullpen continues to be horrible.

Cleveland Indians:
Strength: Great manager and a deep, versatile lineup.
Weakness: The rotation is a question mark past Corey Kluber, and even he has a few questions about him.

Chicago White Sox:
Strength: 1-2-3 combo of Sale, Quintana and Samardzija is pretty formidable. Offense is anchored by Jose Abreu, too.
Weakness: Defense still has major questions, and this team has 20 games to improve by if it really wants to make the playoffs.

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

Let's get this started!

Prison Bitch · 04-04-2015, 09:27 AM

What We Learned, Team Grades for All 30 MLB Teams This Spring

With teams getting set to make their final roster decisions and the 2015 MLB season officially beginning on Sunday, it's time to put a bow on this year's spring training.
What follows are grades for all 30 teams based on their spring training performance, which in no way means win-loss record in this situation.

13 of 31
© Charlie Riedel/Associated Press
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Spring Grade: A

What We Learned

Offseason additions Kendrys Morales (.841 OPS, 5 2B, 3 HR) and Alex Rios (.934 OPS, 3 2B, 3 HR) have both put up good numbers this spring. Those two could be the key to adding some punch to a lineup that ranked last in home runs a year ago.

He didn't win a roster spot, but how about the numbers put up by outfield prospect Brett Eibner (.536 BA, 4 2B, 5 HR, 9 RBI)? The 26-year-old former second-round pick could yet carve out a big league role.

Flipping reliever Aaron Crow for pitching prospect Brian Flynn already looked like a win for the Royals, but looks even better following the news that Crow will likely be lost for the season to Tommy John surgery.

It was a relatively quiet spring for Mike Moustakas after the former top prospect put up huge numbers in March the past two years. Maybe that's a good thing, considering what his big springs have led to in the past.

Terrance Gore, who made an impact as a pinch runner last October, was optioned to High-A this spring. Kind of crazy how far the rest of his game is behind his base-stealing ability.

SPATCH · 04-04-2015, 09:47 AM

YESSSSSSSSSS

duncan_idaho · 04-04-2015, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

What We Learned, Team Grades for All 30 MLB Teams This Spring

With teams getting set to make their final roster decisions and the 2015 MLB season officially beginning on Sunday, it's time to put a bow on this year's spring training.
What follows are grades for all 30 teams based on their spring training performance, which in no way means win-loss record in this situation.

13 of 31
© Charlie Riedel/Associated Press
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Spring Grade: A

What We Learned

Offseason additions Kendrys Morales (.841 OPS, 5 2B, 3 HR) and Alex Rios (.934 OPS, 3 2B, 3 HR) have both put up good numbers this spring. Those two could be the key to adding some punch to a lineup that ranked last in home runs a year ago.

He didn't win a roster spot, but how about the numbers put up by outfield prospect Brett Eibner (.536 BA, 4 2B, 5 HR, 9 RBI)? The 26-year-old former second-round pick could yet carve out a big league role.

Flipping reliever Aaron Crow for pitching prospect Brian Flynn already looked like a win for the Royals, but looks even better following the news that Crow will likely be lost for the season to Tommy John surgery.

It was a relatively quiet spring for Mike Moustakas after the former top prospect put up huge numbers in March the past two years. Maybe that's a good thing, considering what his big springs have led to in the past.

Terrance Gore, who made an impact as a pinch runner last October, was optioned to High-A this spring. Kind of crazy how far the rest of his game is behind his base-stealing ability.

It would be huge for KC if Eibner truly is finally "getting it." He's got great RH pop and is a high-quality defensive outfielder. Could be a nice, cheap piece for several years.

SPATCH · 04-04-2015, 09:48 AM

How encouraging is this? I'm so ready for Monday.

blake5676 · 04-04-2015, 09:52 AM

Been waiting for this thread...happy to see it when I scrolled down this morning!

I had us at 90-72, but for the sake of being different than duncan I'll go with 89-73.

Division will be much tougher this year.

I think everyone (lots of national guys) are somewhat prematurely jumping the Indians into favorites this year. I like their lineup, especially with Gomes emerging as a premier catcher and the addition of a "healthy" Moss. Still think the pitching is not as amazing as the credit it's getting. You would THINK Kluber would have some slight regression from last year. I actually really like Carrasco as well and believe he's finally figured it out. But after that, it's more question marks for me. I do like the back-end of the bullpen with Shaw and Allen. The Indians are who I predict we will be battling for the top of the division with.

I think the Sox are scary and exciting. Shark is overrated in my opinion, but in the same breath I'd say Quintana is way underrated. And Sale. God I freaking hate him. Let's hope Rodon stays in the minors awhile or pitches in the pen if called up...his slider is virtually unhittable when he's throwing it right. I like their offense too. The Melk-Man should be a good 1-2 punch with Eaton in front of him. Abreu and adding LaRoche make this a pretty decent lineup as well. They could come out and make a giant leap and take the division, but that would be a huge step. I see them finishing with around 84-85 wins.

Detroit bores me. Yeah they have Cabrera. And V-Mart. But the rest of the offense doesn't do it for me. Kinsler played out of his mind last year and is aging. No way JD Martinez duplicates his previous year either. And the bullpen/defense is still going to be below average. Throw in losing Scherzer, Porcello and Smyly and their pitching doesn't scare me at all.

The Twins will be the Twins. Should have some fun young guys that might get called up mid-late season, but they will be the doormat regardless.

If I had to guess, there's gonna be 4 teams in this division that finish over .500. Which means that all 4 are gonna be within about 5-7 games of first place down the wire. Should be a fun season...can't wait for Monday!!

blake5676 · 04-04-2015, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

It would be huge for KC if Eibner truly is finally "getting it." He's got great RH pop and is a high-quality defensive outfielder. Could be a nice, cheap piece for several years.

He took a decent step forward last year, IMO. And can't be anything but encouraged by the spring performance. Don't think he'll ever make enough contact to hit above .250, but that would be more than welcome if it came his defense, speed and 20+ HR's a year.

**Canofbier** · 04-04-2015, 09:57 AM

IN! The country is watching us this year, let's not disappoint!

Prison Bitch · 04-04-2015, 09:57 AM

82-80. Our rotation is a problem.

Does Eibner have the ability to platoon and crush LH?

Fairplay · 04-04-2015, 10:03 AM

82-80

Alex Gordon MVP.

duncan_idaho · 04-04-2015, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

82-80. Our rotation is a problem.

Does Eibner have the ability to platoon and crush LH?

Potentially, yes. He has hit lefties well in the minors.

He could be a Drew Stubbs-type player if used correctly.

I don't think the rotation can be classified as a "problem" unless Duffy and Ventura both are either hurt or take major, major steps back. Vargas and Guthrie will be what the are - solid inning eaters. Volquez is a question mark, but there's depth behind him should he falter.

Pablo · 04-04-2015, 10:18 AM

In. I'll go with 86 wins. Pumped to start this thing and finally have some baseball back on!

BigCatDaddy · 04-04-2015, 10:24 AM

KCCHIEFS27 · 04-04-2015, 10:31 AM

Good news to start the Season. Locked up Ace for 5 years. And on the cheap too. 23 million.

**BigMeatballDave** · 04-04-2015, 10:51 AM

91-71

Division Champs!

04-04-2015, 09:25 AM
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $1750308	* Official 2015 Royals Repository * In this thread: All things related to the AL Champions. Duncan's Official Team Record prediction: 90 wins Duncan's Official Team MVP prediction: Eric Hosmer I can't wait for this season to start. The AL Central should be a very entertaining race. I'll give brief thoughts on each team the Royals must contend with to make it back to the postseason - strengths and weaknesses. Detroit Tigers: Strength: The offense is still full of powerful hitters, and Miguel Cabrera may be healthier. Weakness: Rotation is questionable after Price and Sanchez, bullpen continues to be horrible. Cleveland Indians: Strength: Great manager and a deep, versatile lineup. Weakness: The rotation is a question mark past Corey Kluber, and even he has a few questions about him. Chicago White Sox: Strength: 1-2-3 combo of Sale, Quintana and Samardzija is pretty formidable. Offense is anchored by Jose Abreu, too. Weakness: Defense still has major questions, and this team has 20 games to improve by if it really wants to make the playoffs. 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 Let's get this started!
Posts: 21,087

04-04-2015, 09:27 AM	#2
Prison Bitch Rabbi Goldmann Join Date: Nov 2012 Casino cash: $5450159	What We Learned, Team Grades for All 30 MLB Teams This Spring With teams getting set to make their final roster decisions and the 2015 MLB season officially beginning on Sunday, it's time to put a bow on this year's spring training. What follows are grades for all 30 teams based on their spring training performance, which in no way means win-loss record in this situation. 13 of 31 © Charlie Riedel/Associated Press KANSAS CITY ROYALS Spring Grade: A What We Learned Offseason additions Kendrys Morales (.841 OPS, 5 2B, 3 HR) and Alex Rios (.934 OPS, 3 2B, 3 HR) have both put up good numbers this spring. Those two could be the key to adding some punch to a lineup that ranked last in home runs a year ago. He didn't win a roster spot, but how about the numbers put up by outfield prospect Brett Eibner (.536 BA, 4 2B, 5 HR, 9 RBI)? The 26-year-old former second-round pick could yet carve out a big league role. Flipping reliever Aaron Crow for pitching prospect Brian Flynn already looked like a win for the Royals, but looks even better following the news that Crow will likely be lost for the season to Tommy John surgery. It was a relatively quiet spring for Mike Moustakas after the former top prospect put up huge numbers in March the past two years. Maybe that's a good thing, considering what his big springs have led to in the past. Terrance Gore, who made an impact as a pinch runner last October, was optioned to High-A this spring. Kind of crazy how far the rest of his game is behind his base-stealing ability.
Posts: 87,025

04-04-2015, 09:47 AM	#3
SPATCH birth of spatch Join Date: May 2008 Casino cash: $10006207	YESSSSSSSSSS
Posts: 4,569

04-04-2015, 09:48 AM	#5
SPATCH birth of spatch Join Date: May 2008 Casino cash: $10006207	How encouraging is this? I'm so ready for Monday. Your browser does not support iframes.
Posts: 4,569

04-04-2015, 09:52 AM	#6
blake5676 Veteran Join Date: Oct 2013 Casino cash: $2690323	Been waiting for this thread...happy to see it when I scrolled down this morning! I had us at 90-72, but for the sake of being different than duncan I'll go with 89-73. Division will be much tougher this year. I think everyone (lots of national guys) are somewhat prematurely jumping the Indians into favorites this year. I like their lineup, especially with Gomes emerging as a premier catcher and the addition of a "healthy" Moss. Still think the pitching is not as amazing as the credit it's getting. You would THINK Kluber would have some slight regression from last year. I actually really like Carrasco as well and believe he's finally figured it out. But after that, it's more question marks for me. I do like the back-end of the bullpen with Shaw and Allen. The Indians are who I predict we will be battling for the top of the division with. I think the Sox are scary and exciting. Shark is overrated in my opinion, but in the same breath I'd say Quintana is way underrated. And Sale. God I freaking hate him. Let's hope Rodon stays in the minors awhile or pitches in the pen if called up...his slider is virtually unhittable when he's throwing it right. I like their offense too. The Melk-Man should be a good 1-2 punch with Eaton in front of him. Abreu and adding LaRoche make this a pretty decent lineup as well. They could come out and make a giant leap and take the division, but that would be a huge step. I see them finishing with around 84-85 wins. Detroit bores me. Yeah they have Cabrera. And V-Mart. But the rest of the offense doesn't do it for me. Kinsler played out of his mind last year and is aging. No way JD Martinez duplicates his previous year either. And the bullpen/defense is still going to be below average. Throw in losing Scherzer, Porcello and Smyly and their pitching doesn't scare me at all. The Twins will be the Twins. Should have some fun young guys that might get called up mid-late season, but they will be the doormat regardless. If I had to guess, there's gonna be 4 teams in this division that finish over .500. Which means that all 4 are gonna be within about 5-7 games of first place down the wire. Should be a fun season...can't wait for Monday!!
Posts: 1,182

04-04-2015, 09:57 AM	#8
Canofbier ¡RIOS MIO! Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Minneapolis Casino cash: $6016981	IN! The country is watching us this year, let's not disappoint!
Posts: 4,303

04-04-2015, 10:03 AM	#10
Fairplay A certain set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: texas Casino cash: $10026683 VARSITY	82-80 Alex Gordon MVP.
Posts: 25,265

04-04-2015, 10:18 AM	#12
Pablo Ultrabanned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: KCMO Casino cash: $2019356	In. I'll go with 86 wins. Pumped to start this thing and finally have some baseball back on!
Posts: 40,306

04-04-2015, 10:24 AM	#13
BigCatDaddy The Beast Inside Your Head Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Parts Unknown Casino cash: $2019122	In!
Posts: 25,866

04-04-2015, 10:31 AM	#14
KCCHIEFS27 Veteran Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KS Casino cash: $10019064	Good news to start the Season. Locked up Ace for 5 years. And on the cheap too. 23 million. __________________
Posts: 3,088

04-04-2015, 10:51 AM	#15
BigMeatballDave GBM 8-12-15 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Dayton, Oh. Casino cash: $10052154	91-71 Division Champs!
Posts: 59,997