Don't bother asking him for Moose analysis - he was ripping me in May for wanting him sent down. Then a couple weeks later he completely changed his tune and agreed with me.

His floor (bust chance) is lower, but the ceiling remains the same.

I don't think the window is closed on Moustakas being that guy/playing up to that potential, but I do think it's a lower percentage chance than it was at one time (especially a year ago today, when it looked like he had started maturing INTO that player).

It's more likely he is a .260/25/.300 OBP/.475 SLG guy than a .280/.330/.550 SLG guy at this point. That still plays at 3B if he's above-average defensively. And probably still is "plus."

As for alternatives... in-system, you're looking at Orlando Calixte and Cheslor Cuthbert. Both are at Northwest Arkansas. Calixte got off to an awful start (sub-.600 OPS in April) but has posted a .771 and .819 OPS in May and June, respectfully. He's a SS right now but likely a 2B or 3B in the show. Calixte likely finishes the year at NWA and starts next season at Omaha. Mid-season 2014 is probably his earliest arrival date.

Cuthbert was terrible a year ago but has really bounced back. He put up very nice numbers in Wilmington for a RH power bat (.771 OPS) and has flashed nice extra-base pop since being promoted to NWA (he's 4/26 at the plate but all 4 hits have been extra base knocks).

He's probably a half-season behind Calixte in development.

There's also Dozier, who started at Idaho Falls and probably moves to Burlington fairly soon.

None are able to contribute this year, though, and unless Calixte just goes off, probably not at the start of next season, either.

If Moose doesn't turn it around, you can either count on him to figure it out NEXT year or try to bring in someone through FA. I'd hope for the latter but am not counting on it...

I don't think it's possible to underestimate just how bad the coaching was post Seitzer and pre Brett. You could literally see, just as a fan, how off balance Moose, Hosmer, and Frenchy were. They were just hacking away, lunging at balls in the dirt and looked clueless. Their approach was shit, their mechanics were shit, and the results were shit.

I don't see that now out of Hosmer and Moose, and even Frenchy is squaring up better. We're not really seeing the results from Moose yet, but I think the mechanics are better and that results will come. I know it's been a about a full season of sub Mendoza line at this point, but I really do think he's coming around. Hosmer is starting to get around on the inside fastball, so I'm looking for his power numbers to start creeping up.

Anyway, my point is that the whole 'we're going to hit more home runs' thing was a horrible idea that set in a terrible approach that really ****ed these guys up. I think that's going to happen when you take guys who are probably 20 HR guys and try to turn them into 35 HR guys.

And who's to blame for that? Who's the guy who orchestrated all of that, and whined for that approach?

Ned Yost. Just another nail in his coffin.

I'd argue that these failings are more on DM than Yost, though I understand what you're saying.

Yes, the manager is responsible for his staff, but only to an extent. The GM must provide oversight and ensure that the manager isn't completely stepping in it.

The Royals have just announced that the Rays will be forced to fly back to KC for one day only on August 26th to make up that snow game. I was a bit nervous that we might lose a home game on this since the Rays dont come back to KC this year.

So how long do we have to put up with Jeremy "Let's see how many balls get hit out of the park today" Guthrie? Three years? :facepalm:

Rany's take on Dayton's "Blame the park, not me" excuse:

http://www.ranyontheroyals.com/2013/...t-blame-k.html

Blaming the park is just a lame excuse.

When you pile your roster with shit players like Francouer, Getz, and some miscasts of players who has no business of playing in the MLB level, it's easy to see why the Royals don't take any walks or produce high quality OBP players.

Exactly. The Royals' offense doesn't suck because of the park. It sucks because Dayton Moore continues to roster pieces of shit like Chris Getz, Jeff Francoeur, etc.

Bubba Starling update: 1 for 3 with a sac fly. No strikeouts

Starling:

Age: 20.9
.215/.296
.658 OPS
29.6 K%. (Strikeouts- 74- same number as H+BB+HBP)

South Atlantic League (Low-A ball):

Age: 21.7
.252/.329
.704 OPS
21.3 K%

Rob White ‏@rwhiteOWH 17m

#Royals end injury rehab assignment of OF Jarrod Dyson and bring him back to KC. 2B Chris Getz optioned to Omaha.

Chris Getz still has options? I had no idea that was an option.

Dutton still hasn't chimed in on this, so it seems to be a rumor imo till then

That is, um, peculiur?