Royals Official Royals Repository, Part 5 *** - Page 54

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.

WilliamTheIrish · 10-26-2015, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

That'd be hilarious. Between innings he runs inside to check on her while she's strapped to the trainer's table.

"Yo, Ben, get out here, you're up next!"

"But he's CROWNING!"

Then a voice

"Ben, ..take the crown".

ROYC75 · 10-26-2015, 02:26 PM

Rotation set for WS.

Volquez
Cueto
Ventura
Young
Volquez
Cueto
Ventura

cosmo20002 · 10-26-2015, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Discuss Thrower

If I read the wiki entry right, Zobrist could be put on the Paternity list and replaced by anyone on the 40 man no more than 3 games. So that wouldn't necessarily preclude putting Mondesi or Cuthbert on the 25 man at the expense of Gore or Orlando.

That's right. No one would be left off. Someone would just take Zobrist's place while he is gone.

Also, I believe if you declare "paternity leave" you have to be gone 3 games. Depending on the timing and stuff, he could just leave for a game and the team could just play without a full roster for a game.

**Dartgod** · 10-26-2015, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROYC75

Rotation set for WS.

Volquez
Cueto
Ventura
Young
Volquez
Cueto
Ventura

IF we go to game 7, it will be Ventura at The K instead of Guthrie this year.

Yes, please.

Pitt Gorilla · 10-26-2015, 02:36 PM

I get wanting to be there for the birth of your child. But this is the World ****ing Series.

**ChiTown** · 10-26-2015, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

That'd be hilarious. Between innings he runs inside to check on her while she's strapped to the trainer's table.

"Yo, Ben, get out here, you're up next!"

"But he's CROWNING!"

They could have their birth in the Crown Club area. Makes sense.......

ROYC75 · 10-26-2015, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dartgod

IF we go to game 7, it will be Ventura at The K instead of Guthrie this year.

Yes, please.

True, but to be fair, Gut's was OK in that game. A shutout or even shutout innings would have been better. Our bats just disappeared with MadBaum on the mound.

**Saul Good** · 10-26-2015, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmo20002

This has probably been addressed somewhere in the thread, but it seems Orlando has taken Dyson's role as late-inning RF replacement. He even PRs for Rios. He has a little HR power in his bat, but Dyson seems better overall and in the other aspects. What happened there?

It makes no sense to me. We keep pinch running him but he's not a base stealer like Dyson, he's worse in the outfield than Dyson, and he's a better option as a pinch hitter than Dyson.

suzzer99 · 10-26-2015, 04:17 PM

For PB:

Context: Blue Jays-Royals on Friday was the most-watched program on Canadian television since Super Bowl XLIX.

Not just sports. Anything.
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) October 26, 2015

BWillie · 10-26-2015, 04:18 PM

I would prefer to keep Gore in there as well. He's literally the best base stealer in the majors. You still have Dyson if you need him. I don't see why you want a young kid like Modensi to be up in the World Series. He might go full Dusty Coleman, never go full Dusty Coleman.

suzzer99 · 10-26-2015, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saul Good

It makes no sense to me. We keep pinch running him but he's not a base stealer like Dyson, he's worse in the outfield than Dyson, and he's a better option as a pinch hitter than Dyson.

I would assume Ned is saving Dyson for a later higher leverage spot where he has to steal.

BWillie · 10-26-2015, 04:20 PM

Also, would have liked to see Young get one of Cueto, Ventura or Volquez spots. Young, especially in the cold, at these parks is a perfect recipe.

I would probably go Cueto, Young, Volquez, Ventura, Cueto, Young.

KCUnited · 10-26-2015, 04:22 PM

Got no complaints about how Orlando has been used.

Bl00dyBizkitz · 10-26-2015, 04:23 PM

Saving Ventura for Game 7 (if there is one) seems odd, I personally think he's the best starter we have right now. Volquez is the most consistent though. Can't complain too much.

**Munson** · 10-26-2015, 04:28 PM

Zobrist should have the doctors induce labor tonight so he won't miss any games. He can't miss any WS games!

10-06-2015, 10:54 PM
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $-2049692	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: 22,424

10-26-2015, 02:26 PM	#797
ROYC75 Time For Your Wake Up Call !!! Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Barn Yard Casino cash: $2207400	Rotation set for WS. Volquez Cueto Ventura Young Volquez Cueto Ventura __________________ Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I think we're being run by maniacs for maniacal ends and I think I'm liable to be put away as insane for expressing that. That's what's insane about it. John Lennon
Posts: 37,961

10-26-2015, 02:36 PM	#800
Pitt Gorilla Banned! Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: NOT Columbia, MO 65201 Casino cash: $-59806	I get wanting to be there for the birth of your child. But this is the World ****ing Series. __________________ Your son is a bench warmer because of your weak genetics not because of the coach Norlin Mommsen is disgusting.
Posts: 47,372

10-26-2015, 04:17 PM	#804
suzzer99 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: L.A. Casino cash: $-715716	For PB: Context: Blue Jays-Royals on Friday was the most-watched program on Canadian television since Super Bowl XLIX. Not just sports. Anything. — Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) October 26, 2015
Posts: 28,360

10-26-2015, 04:18 PM	#805
BWillie Are you ready to Rumble? Join Date: Apr 2006 Casino cash: $-1388759	I would prefer to keep Gore in there as well. He's literally the best base stealer in the majors. You still have Dyson if you need him. I don't see why you want a young kid like Modensi to be up in the World Series. He might go full Dusty Coleman, never go full Dusty Coleman.
Posts: 52,736

10-26-2015, 04:20 PM	#807
BWillie Are you ready to Rumble? Join Date: Apr 2006 Casino cash: $-1388759	Also, would have liked to see Young get one of Cueto, Ventura or Volquez spots. Young, especially in the cold, at these parks is a perfect recipe. I would probably go Cueto, Young, Volquez, Ventura, Cueto, Young.
Posts: 52,736

10-26-2015, 04:22 PM	#808
KCUnited Cheat Death Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Land of Drincoln Casino cash: $-1541756	Got no complaints about how Orlando has been used.
Posts: 36,942

10-26-2015, 04:23 PM	#809
Bl00dyBizkitz Veteran Join Date: Nov 2013 Casino cash: $-881581	Saving Ventura for Game 7 (if there is one) seems odd, I personally think he's the best starter we have right now. Volquez is the most consistent though. Can't complain too much.
Posts: 4,341

10-26-2015, 04:28 PM	#810
Munson Roy E. Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Olathe, KS Casino cash: $8249646	Zobrist should have the doctors induce labor tonight so he won't miss any games. He can't miss any WS games!
Posts: 23,415