Royals 2010 Kansas City Royals Repository thread - Page 18

SPchief · 04:22 PM

All Royals All The Time!

After consultation with others who peruse the game threads we decided to create this as a repository for all things Royals. Minor league news, AL (ahem) Central (thanks Vonne) news and anything Royals can be found here.

alnorth, me and atleast 5 others will continue the game threads as usual. But 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.

If a big story breaks, you can still start a thread about it. There is merely an all inclusive thread that will make a easy for us all to keep up with all things Royals.

Welcome! "Grab a Brew... don't cost nuthin"...[spills beer on feet]

BigCatDaddy · 02-11-2010, 12:17 PM

Can he hit a curveball to?

DJ's left nut · 02-11-2010, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petegz28

Farnsworth in the rotation gives them an excuse to rest Soria's shoulder more.

Yeah, but every 5th day you know that Soria won't be needed.

In other words, it's the cause and the solution.

Win/Win!!

Jordan · 02-11-2010, 12:28 PM

You are all taking the Farnsworth news the wrong way...it is win-win for the Royals (since they are already on the hook for the $).

Scenario #1: Farnsworth switches roles & does well. He will still have to win a spot in the rotation - 3 spots divided between: Davies, Bannister, Hochevar, Tejeda, Crow, & Montgomery (since Greinke & Meche are locks). If Farnsy wins that battle, it means he has finally learned how to keep the ball down & that his new fastballs are FINALLY moving his pitches around the plate a bit.

Scenario #2: He crashes & burns & returns to the pen. However, he has been stretched out to become a starter, so it is likely he relinquishes the set-up role to Juan Cruz & becomes a middle reliever - less pressure on him that way & he proved with 17 straight scoreless outtings in middle relief last season he can succeed in that role.

Scenario #3: He crashes & burns & blows out his arm. Maybe the Royals can collect insurance on him or something... Regardless, this scenario would likely make the fan base most happy as they wouldn't have to see the tatted-up, spectacle wearing, body slammer toe the rubber anymore & could put this horrendous signing behind them.

Bottom line is that we have already made our bed...but before we lie in it we may as well fluff the pillows becaus ethe status quo is unacceptable.

Archie Bunker · 02-11-2010, 02:05 PM

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index...arting-pitcher

Kyle Farnsworth, Starting Pitcher?
by Dave Cameron - February 11, 2010 - Share this Article

The Royals haven’t gotten much of a return on their 2 year, $9 million investment in Kyle Farnsworth so far. Rather than proving to be a relief ace to stabilize the bullpen, he’s continued to be his enigmatic self, with the results never living up to the raw stuff behind them.

Now, the Royals are going to try something a bit different – give him a shot at starting. He’ll come to camp in the mix for the 5th starter’s job, as pitching coach Bob McClure wants to see how he’ll adjust to using his arsenal in longer outings. Reliever to starter conversions generally don’t go very well, as most bullpen guys are there for a reason, but I like this idea, and I think there’s a decent chance it may work.

The main difference in ability between a starter and most middle relievers is the ability to get opposite handed hitters out. A huge majority of relief guys are some sort of specialist, often throwing a fastball/slider mix that is dominant against their same handed hitters but with nothing to offer batters from the other side. They get selectively used by their managers to enhance their strengths and limit their weaknesses, and can be effective in that role, but they would simply be exposed if they were not able to face a majority of hitters from the same side that they throw.

Farnsworth is not that type of reliever. Here are his career L/R splits:

vs RHB: 3.43 BB/9, 9.45 K/9, 41% GB%, 3.68 xFIP
vs LHB: 4.63 BB/9, 10.41 K/9, 36% GB%, 3.89 xFIP

His strikeout rate is actually higher against left-handed hitters, which is unusual for a power righty. He’s still better against RHBs, as the strikeouts don’t offset the higher walk and lower groundball rates, but the difference isn’t huge. He’s not the type of pitcher who is going to fall apart when the opposing manager stacks the line-up with left-handed bats.

There’s also reasons to be encouraged that he may have learned something last year. As McClure notes in the linked article, they got him to start throwing both a two-seam and a four-seam fastball last year, and it significantly changed his pitch mix.

BIS classified the new pitch as a cutter, but it doesn’t really matter too much whether it’s a two-seam or cut fastball – it’s certainly a departure from what he’d been doing previously. For most of his career, he threw ~70% four seam fastballs and 30% sliders. Last year, he threw 50% four seam fastballs, 20% sliders, and 30% cutter/two-seamer.

This new wrinkle paid dividends. He’d been an extreme flyball guy most of his career, which was one of the driving causes behind his home run problems. With his new lower velocity fastball, he posted a 46% GB% in 2009, drastically reducing his long ball issues. Thanks to the limiting of his biggest problem, he posted a 3.10 xFIP, his lowest since 2005.

In a lot of ways, Farnsworth is reminiscent of Ryan Dempster, another power reliever with command problems who flourished with a move to the rotation. It’s not wise to expect that kind of outcome, but there are reasons to believe that Farnsworth could find success in the conversion. The stuff is good enough, especially with his new pitch mix, and it’s certainly worth the experiment.

The Royals take a lot of crap from us, but I’ll applaud them for recognizing an opportunity here. Farnsworth could justify his contract, and then some, if this works.

**DeezNutz** · 02-11-2010, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan

he proved with 17 straight scoreless outtings in middle relief last season he can succeed in that role.

Scenario #3: He crashes & burns & blows out his arm. Maybe the Royals can collect insurance on him or something... Regardless, this scenario would likely make the fan base most happy as they wouldn't have to see the tatted-up, spectacle wearing, body slammer toe the rubber anymore & could put this horrendous signing behind them.

Bottom line is that we have already made our bed...but before we lie in it we may as well fluff the pillows becaus ethe status quo is unacceptable.

First, no. Not even close.

He pitched in a bunch of meaningless innings where the team was up far enough (rarely) or behind far enough (lots) that his performance didn't affect the outcome of the game.

Farnsworth hasn't been able to prove anything, other than the fact that he's an absolute ****ing disaster of a pitcher.

I don't wish injury upon anyone, but, if I did...

Here's the bottom line. Yes, it's a sunk cost. So the sensible thing to do is to CUT the worthless ****ing player. You don't compound a bad decision by making more.

**DeezNutz** · 02-11-2010, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demonpenz

The royals need to do more crazy shit like this. They need to start inovate things.

How about we fire Dayton Moore via Twitter? As in, that's the only official release. No further exchanges or releases from ownership.

I'd be willing to listen to a proposal for a Facebook firing, too.

Both would be innovative.

Demonpenz · 02-11-2010, 03:32 PM

we got rid of nick swartz, enough of the "Royals way" now the new motto is "playing BLUE BALLS"

WoodDraw · 02-11-2010, 03:56 PM

Former Royals prospect Danny Gutierrez just got a 50 g suspension for a positive amphetamine test. So that trade sucks slightly less now, I guess.

Wilson8 · 02-11-2010, 05:06 PM

Full story...

RHP Danny Gutierrez, whom the Rangers acquired from Kansas City last fall, has been suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball for testing positive for a banned substance.

Gutierrez, who was recently ranked as the ninth best prospect in the Rangers system by Baseball America, tested positive for the amphetamine adderall, which is used to treated Attention Deficit Disorder. Gutierrez had a prescription for the drug, but did not apply for a waiver with MLB for therapeutic use of the drug. The suspension begins at the start of the 2010 season.

"I sincerely apologize to the Texas Rangers organization, Major League Baseball, and to my family for my failure to comply with the Minor League Drug Policy by failing to apply for and obtain a TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption)," Gutierrez said in a statement released by the Rangers. "I understand that it was my responsibility to obtain a TUE even though the drug was prescribed by a doctor, and that I have let down myself and many others with my failure to do so. I greatly appreciate the support of the Texas Rangers front office and I am determined to serve as a better role model in the future."

Because he is not on the 40-man roster, Gutierrez is subject to the rules governing minor league baseball. Minor League rules stipulate a player receive a 50-game suspension. Had he been on the 40-man roster, he would have received a warning. This suspension doe not bar him from participating in spring training. He will report with the rest of the minor leaguers in early March.

http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/ar...z-suspend.html

Elwaysux · 02-11-2010, 05:12 PM

He was taking a drug for ADD. No wonder he forgot to tell the Rangers.

**petegz28** · 02-11-2010, 05:31 PM

It really doesn't matter who is pitching other than Greinke. 3 runs will be enough to put us down game after game this year.

L.A. Chieffan · 02-11-2010, 06:52 PM

i heard theyre looking for a new 'slugger' mascot. maybe one of u guys could try out.
Posted via Mobile Device

Sure-Oz · 02-11-2010, 06:55 PM

This move can't hurt us....maybe the guy actually paces himself and doesnt throw all out like he does with his meatballs. Hope it works out if not well wtf did yoiu expect

Sure-Oz · 02-11-2010, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

First, no. Not even close.

He pitched in a bunch of meaningless innings where the team was up far enough (rarely) or behind far enough (lots) that his performance didn't affect the outcome of the game.

Farnsworth hasn't been able to prove anything, other than the fact that he's an absolute ****ing disaster of a pitcher.

I don't wish injury upon anyone, but, if I did...

Here's the bottom line. Yes, it's a sunk cost. So the sensible thing to do is to CUT the worthless ****ing player. You don't compound a bad decision by making more.

His 17 scoreless innings were definetly laughable.

Jordan · 02-12-2010, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sure-Oz

His 17 scoreless innings were definetly laughable.

Anytime someone throws 17 STRAIGHT scoreless innings in the MLB, it is commendable.

Don't hate because you haven't seen your toes in decades...

01-06-2010, 01:51 AM
SPchief In Search of a Life Join Date: Feb 2004 Casino cash: $-1727095	2010 Kansas City Royals Repository thread All Royals All The Time! After consultation with others who peruse the game threads we decided to create this as a repository for all things Royals. Minor league news, AL (ahem) Central (thanks Vonne) news and anything Royals can be found here. alnorth, me and atleast 5 others will continue the game threads as usual. But 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. If a big story breaks, you can still start a thread about it. There is merely an all inclusive thread that will make a easy for us all to keep up with all things Royals. Welcome! "Grab a Brew... don't cost nuthin"...[spills beer on feet] Last edited by SPchief; 01-06-2010 at 04:22 PM..
Posts: 36,178

02-11-2010, 12:17 PM	#256
BigCatDaddy The Beast Inside Your Head Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Parts Unknown Casino cash: $-1590878	Can he hit a curveball to?
Posts: 26,248

02-11-2010, 12:28 PM	#258
Jordan Starter Join Date: May 2006 Location: Kansas City, Mo Casino cash: $10004900	You are all taking the Farnsworth news the wrong way...it is win-win for the Royals (since they are already on the hook for the $). Scenario #1: Farnsworth switches roles & does well. He will still have to win a spot in the rotation - 3 spots divided between: Davies, Bannister, Hochevar, Tejeda, Crow, & Montgomery (since Greinke & Meche are locks). If Farnsy wins that battle, it means he has finally learned how to keep the ball down & that his new fastballs are FINALLY moving his pitches around the plate a bit. Scenario #2: He crashes & burns & returns to the pen. However, he has been stretched out to become a starter, so it is likely he relinquishes the set-up role to Juan Cruz & becomes a middle reliever - less pressure on him that way & he proved with 17 straight scoreless outtings in middle relief last season he can succeed in that role. Scenario #3: He crashes & burns & blows out his arm. Maybe the Royals can collect insurance on him or something... Regardless, this scenario would likely make the fan base most happy as they wouldn't have to see the tatted-up, spectacle wearing, body slammer toe the rubber anymore & could put this horrendous signing behind them. Bottom line is that we have already made our bed...but before we lie in it we may as well fluff the pillows becaus ethe status quo is unacceptable. __________________
Posts: 119

02-11-2010, 02:05 PM	#259
Archie Bunker The Wait Is Over Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Random Small Town Casino cash: $-701022	http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index...arting-pitcher Kyle Farnsworth, Starting Pitcher? by Dave Cameron - February 11, 2010 - Share this Article The Royals haven’t gotten much of a return on their 2 year, $9 million investment in Kyle Farnsworth so far. Rather than proving to be a relief ace to stabilize the bullpen, he’s continued to be his enigmatic self, with the results never living up to the raw stuff behind them. Now, the Royals are going to try something a bit different – give him a shot at starting. He’ll come to camp in the mix for the 5th starter’s job, as pitching coach Bob McClure wants to see how he’ll adjust to using his arsenal in longer outings. Reliever to starter conversions generally don’t go very well, as most bullpen guys are there for a reason, but I like this idea, and I think there’s a decent chance it may work. The main difference in ability between a starter and most middle relievers is the ability to get opposite handed hitters out. A huge majority of relief guys are some sort of specialist, often throwing a fastball/slider mix that is dominant against their same handed hitters but with nothing to offer batters from the other side. They get selectively used by their managers to enhance their strengths and limit their weaknesses, and can be effective in that role, but they would simply be exposed if they were not able to face a majority of hitters from the same side that they throw. Farnsworth is not that type of reliever. Here are his career L/R splits: vs RHB: 3.43 BB/9, 9.45 K/9, 41% GB%, 3.68 xFIP vs LHB: 4.63 BB/9, 10.41 K/9, 36% GB%, 3.89 xFIP His strikeout rate is actually higher against left-handed hitters, which is unusual for a power righty. He’s still better against RHBs, as the strikeouts don’t offset the higher walk and lower groundball rates, but the difference isn’t huge. He’s not the type of pitcher who is going to fall apart when the opposing manager stacks the line-up with left-handed bats. There’s also reasons to be encouraged that he may have learned something last year. As McClure notes in the linked article, they got him to start throwing both a two-seam and a four-seam fastball last year, and it significantly changed his pitch mix. BIS classified the new pitch as a cutter, but it doesn’t really matter too much whether it’s a two-seam or cut fastball – it’s certainly a departure from what he’d been doing previously. For most of his career, he threw ~70% four seam fastballs and 30% sliders. Last year, he threw 50% four seam fastballs, 20% sliders, and 30% cutter/two-seamer. This new wrinkle paid dividends. He’d been an extreme flyball guy most of his career, which was one of the driving causes behind his home run problems. With his new lower velocity fastball, he posted a 46% GB% in 2009, drastically reducing his long ball issues. Thanks to the limiting of his biggest problem, he posted a 3.10 xFIP, his lowest since 2005. In a lot of ways, Farnsworth is reminiscent of Ryan Dempster, another power reliever with command problems who flourished with a move to the rotation. It’s not wise to expect that kind of outcome, but there are reasons to believe that Farnsworth could find success in the conversion. The stuff is good enough, especially with his new pitch mix, and it’s certainly worth the experiment. The Royals take a lot of crap from us, but I’ll applaud them for recognizing an opportunity here. Farnsworth could justify his contract, and then some, if this works.
Posts: 6,219

02-11-2010, 03:32 PM	#262
Demonpenz Woman should only make babies Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $-213864	we got rid of nick swartz, enough of the "Royals way" now the new motto is "playing BLUE BALLS" __________________
Posts: 54,943

02-11-2010, 03:56 PM	#263
WoodDraw Veteran Join Date: Mar 2004 Casino cash: $10005059	Former Royals prospect Danny Gutierrez just got a 50 g suspension for a positive amphetamine test. So that trade sucks slightly less now, I guess.
Posts: 3,785

02-11-2010, 05:06 PM	#264
Wilson8 Veteran Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $2917557	Full story... RHP Danny Gutierrez, whom the Rangers acquired from Kansas City last fall, has been suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball for testing positive for a banned substance. Gutierrez, who was recently ranked as the ninth best prospect in the Rangers system by Baseball America, tested positive for the amphetamine adderall, which is used to treated Attention Deficit Disorder. Gutierrez had a prescription for the drug, but did not apply for a waiver with MLB for therapeutic use of the drug. The suspension begins at the start of the 2010 season. "I sincerely apologize to the Texas Rangers organization, Major League Baseball, and to my family for my failure to comply with the Minor League Drug Policy by failing to apply for and obtain a TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption)," Gutierrez said in a statement released by the Rangers. "I understand that it was my responsibility to obtain a TUE even though the drug was prescribed by a doctor, and that I have let down myself and many others with my failure to do so. I greatly appreciate the support of the Texas Rangers front office and I am determined to serve as a better role model in the future." Because he is not on the 40-man roster, Gutierrez is subject to the rules governing minor league baseball. Minor League rules stipulate a player receive a 50-game suspension. Had he been on the 40-man roster, he would have received a warning. This suspension doe not bar him from participating in spring training. He will report with the rest of the minor leaguers in early March. http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/ar...z-suspend.html
Posts: 3,932

02-11-2010, 05:12 PM	#265
Elwaysux All Donkeys Do! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Riyadh Casino cash: $9945617	He was taking a drug for ADD. No wonder he forgot to tell the Rangers. __________________ Hating the Donkeys since 1978
Posts: 226

02-11-2010, 05:31 PM	#266
petegz28 Supporter Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Olathe, Ks Casino cash: $-895873	It really doesn't matter who is pitching other than Greinke. 3 runs will be enough to put us down game after game this year.
Posts: 132,314

02-11-2010, 06:52 PM	#267
L.A. Chieffan PLAY GOOD FOOTBALL Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: American Gardens Building Casino cash: $2728654	i heard theyre looking for a new 'slugger' mascot. maybe one of u guys could try out. Posted via Mobile Device
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