Royals Official Royals Repository, Part 5 *** - Page 15

duncan_idaho · 10-06-2015, 10:54 PM

This time: With more playoffs

Our beloved Kansas City Royals take on the plucky upstart Houston Astros in the ALDS; Can they remind the Astros that they're supposed to be a year away from this?

Can an AL team manage to beat the Royals this postseason?

Duncan’s Top 20 for 2016:

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.

Prison Bitch · 10-14-2015, 08:21 AM

We need tonight for $$$$ purposes. It'll possibly be the diff between Zobrist and/or Gordon returning.

Each playoff game is worth 4-5M. For big markets this is just "hanging around money" but for us it's critical. It's a big reason STL has maintained good payrolls, they factor postseason into their budgets. 3-5 more games = 15-25M more payroll.

Had we not gotten 7 games last Oct, we wouldn't have had the $30M for Rios-Volquez-Morales.

KChiefs1 · 10-14-2015, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

We need tonight for $$$$ purposes. It'll possibly be the diff between Zobrist and/or Gordon returning.

Each playoff game is worth 4-5M. For big markets this is just "hanging around money" but for us it's critical. It's a big reason STL has maintained good payrolls, they factor postseason into their budgets. 3-5 more games = 15-25M more payroll.

Had we not gotten 7 games last Oct, we wouldn't have had the $30M for Rios-Volquez-Morales.

8 games at the K.

**Dartgod** · 10-14-2015, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

We need tonight for $$$$ purposes. It'll possibly be the diff between Zobrist and/or Gordon returning.

Each playoff game is worth 4-5M. For big markets this is just "hanging around money" but for us it's critical. It's a big reason STL has maintained good payrolls, they factor postseason into their budgets. 3-5 more games = 15-25M more payroll.

Had we not gotten 7 games last Oct, we wouldn't have had the $30M for Rios-Volquez-Morales.

So what you're saying is, if we had lost the WS in 4 or 5 games (no game 6 and 7 at the K), then we wouldn't have had enough money to sign Rios?

Snapplez · 10-14-2015, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hootie 2.0

You guys realize Toronto just ****ing plain mashes lefties, right? Donaldson, Bautista and EE flat rape LH pitching. If Hamels gives up less than 3 hats off

Hamels would've only given up 2 runs in Toronto when they played there, but the 3rd baseman fillin in for Beltre had an error that allowed Toronto to score. Hamels gives Texas a great chance to win the game today.

Prison Bitch · 10-14-2015, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dartgod

So what you're saying is, if we had lost the WS in 4 or 5 games (no game 6 and 7 at the K), then we wouldn't have had enough money to sign Rios?

Definitely don't do the Medlen deal, and prob don't sign one of Rios/Morales.

Fansy the Famous Bard · 10-14-2015, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

Definitely don't do the Medlen deal, and prob don't sign one of Rios/Morales.

Medlen is going to be huge for us next year.

Hootie · 10-14-2015, 12:31 PM

Meh. Medlen is like a right-handed Vargas. He'll give us competitive starts and have a mid 3's ERA ... but he's nothing more than a 3, maybe 4.

Fansy the Famous Bard · 10-14-2015, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hootie 2.0

Meh. Medlen is like a right-handed Vargas. He'll give us competitive starts and have a mid 3's ERA ... but he's nothing more than a 3, maybe 4.

You are comparing a guy with a career 3.06 ERA to a guy with a career 4.20 ERA, and a full FIP point higher.

I don't see the comparison.... in any way, shape or form.

KChiefs1 · 10-14-2015, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hootie 2.0

Meh. Medlen is like a right-handed Vargas. He'll give us competitive starts and have a mid 3's ERA ... but he's nothing more than a 3, maybe 4.

So you think his Atlanta-type days are over?

tboss27 · 10-14-2015, 01:30 PM

Got online randomly today to find Royals tickets for the ALCS at face value on their website. Scored two lower levels for Saturday, hope I get to use them.

dls6501 · 10-14-2015, 04:12 PM

Not a Royals fans but rooting for you guys tonight!

Mama Hip Rockets · 10-14-2015, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeke

You are comparing a guy with a career 3.06 ERA to a guy with a career 4.20 ERA, and a full FIP point higher.

I don't see the comparison.... in any way, shape or form.

Kinda like how everyone keeps comparing these home-run hitting, strikeout king Astros to the powerless, never-strikeout 2014 Royals?

WhawhaWhat · 10-15-2015, 06:32 AM

I love this call of Morales' homerun.

DeepSouth · 10-15-2015, 06:59 AM

What's the chance the Royals can resign Zobrist? And, if they do, what do they do with Omar?

Archie F. Swin · 10-15-2015, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhawhaWhat

I love this call of Morales' homerun.

wow, he went down and got that!

10-06-2015, 10:54 PM
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $-2029692	Official Royals Repository, Part 5 * This time: With more playoffs Our beloved Kansas City Royals take on the plucky upstart Houston Astros in the ALDS; Can they remind the Astros that they're supposed to be a year away from this? Can an AL team manage to beat the Royals this postseason? Duncan’s Top 20 for 2016: 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.
Posts: 22,413

10-14-2015, 08:21 AM	#211
Prison Bitch Rabbi Goldmann Join Date: Nov 2012 Casino cash: $5450159	We need tonight for $$$$ purposes. It'll possibly be the diff between Zobrist and/or Gordon returning. Each playoff game is worth 4-5M. For big markets this is just "hanging around money" but for us it's critical. It's a big reason STL has maintained good payrolls, they factor postseason into their budgets. 3-5 more games = 15-25M more payroll. Had we not gotten 7 games last Oct, we wouldn't have had the $30M for Rios-Volquez-Morales.
Posts: 87,025

10-14-2015, 12:31 PM	#217
Hootie Banned Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas Casino cash: $10004900	Meh. Medlen is like a right-handed Vargas. He'll give us competitive starts and have a mid 3's ERA ... but he's nothing more than a 3, maybe 4.
Posts: 56,356

10-14-2015, 01:30 PM	#220
tboss27 Starter Join Date: Feb 2009 Casino cash: $10015003	Got online randomly today to find Royals tickets for the ALCS at face value on their website. Scored two lower levels for Saturday, hope I get to use them.
Posts: 734

10-14-2015, 04:12 PM	#221
dls6501 Veteran Join Date: Jan 2014 Casino cash: $9940375	Not a Royals fans but rooting for you guys tonight!
Posts: 1,433

10-15-2015, 06:32 AM	#223
WhawhaWhat MVP Join Date: Feb 2013 Casino cash: $-678884	I love this call of Morales' homerun. Your browser does not support iframes.
Posts: 18,321

10-15-2015, 06:59 AM	#224
DeepSouth War Eagle !!! Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Mobile, AL 36608 Casino cash: $9549387	What's the chance the Royals can resign Zobrist? And, if they do, what do they do with Omar?
Posts: 2,179