*** Official 2016 Royals Repository, Version 1 ***

[duncan_idaho]

And so it begins: The Royals' second straight attempt to repeat as AL Champions, and first attempt to repeat as World Series champions.

In this thread, we'll track all non-gameday action. Roster moves, prospect news, etc.

I'll start the thread as usual, with division rivals thoughts. I still like KC to repeat as AL Central champs. Here's how I see the rest of it shaking out:

2) Indians - they have the pitching (and seem to have at least semi-Kluber-ed Cody Anderson, who added 3 mph to his fastball in the offseason). Will the offense hold up? I think this is a team that ends up looking a lot like the 2014 Royals. Francisco Lindor will solidify their IF defense over the full season, and is a help with the bat. I think this club is still a year away from really breaking through - the offense still has a lot of question marks - but I like them to nab a wildcard spot.

Key Player(s): Michael Brantley. When Brantley returns - and how he hits when he does - will be critical to the Indians' ability to be good enough on offense.

Jason Kipnis. Kipnis has been an enigmatic offensive performer for the past several years. If he finally has a good offensive campaign from start to finish, Cleveland could make real noise.

Something of interest to me: For all the acclaim the Twins' farm system gets, I look at the Indians young players, and would much rather have them. Brad Zimmer is going to be a very good all-around CF. Clint Frazier has huge power potential and should arrive soon (2017). Lindor is a young stud.

3) Tigers - Old and dependent on a few stars. If Verlander and Sanchez are healthy and effective, they will be playoff contenders. I'm sure JD Martinez will continue to hit roid-aided bombs. I'm also pretty sure Victor Martinez's days as a huge power threat are gone.

Key player: Justin Verlander. Detroit people would have you believe he figured out how to succeed without his big fastball in September of last year. If that's true, and he returns to dominant form, Detroit will likely contend again.

Something of interest to me: Will Jose Iglesias stay healthy and not try to kill teammates in the dugout? His defense makes the whole group much better.

4) Twins - They won't lead the division or be in playoff contention for as long this year, but Minnesota will avoid the cellar.

Key Player: Miguel Sano. Huge power, huge K rate. Can he continue to drive the ball and be a plus offensive player? Probably needs to cut that 35 percent K percentage to do so.

Something of interest to me: Will teams challenge Sano inside with hard stuff? Working away, away, just lets his power play up. Also - will Mike Berardino continue to be the biggest beat writer homer in MLB?

5) White Sox - still managed by a shitty manager who can't control his clubhouse (The blame for the LaRoche thing really should fall on him, not the GM). Still have a shitty overall defense and a lot of douchebags on the team. They will once again look better on paper than they actually perform.

Key player: Carlos Rodon. The White Sox need Rodon to take a big step forward to make an actual move this season. He's got the talent...

And, as always, here are the prospects.

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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
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.

Spoiler!

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.
18. Eric Skoglund, LHP: Skoglund had a nice year at Wilmington. I'm skeptical because his K rate is lower than I like to see for a guy at A+ - just 7/9, and usually guys lose a strikeout or two/9 as they move up the chain from there - but he has excellent control, walking 1.17 batters/9. 6-7 lefties with great control who get lots of ground balls - like Skoglund - have a chance to overcome bad K rates.
19. Ryan O'Hearn, 1B/LF: A lefty stick with power, O'Hearn was a savings signing as an 8th round pick, but a change in his approach increased his power - while increasing his K rate. After Vallot, probably the best pure power prospect in the Royals system.
20. Josh Staumont, RHP: I was terrified of this guy's control problems, and he walked nearly a batter an inning in his pro debut (32 BB in 40 1/3 IP). Staumont's nasty, nasty stuff (plus-plus fastball, plus slider) could make him a very good late-inning reliever who strikes out more than a batter an inning, if he can develop average or slightly below-average control. If he really masters the control, you're talking about a potential Greg Holland type, but that's a TALL task.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by Simply Red

He has big upside - but hasn't got much O support since playing here in Atlanta - He'd do well in KC - I'd all but guarantee you that.

I think his upside has basically been reached. He's a good pitcher (and better than anyone on KC currently, though Duffy is in the same territory, potentially), but without a dynamite breaking pitch, I think he'd take a step back in the AL.

Either at, Teheran to KC is highly unlikely, IMO. His value is at a peak, and the Braves are going to demand a ton for him.

I don't think KC could get to that deal without moving Mondesi, and so think that's a complete nonstarter.


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[ChiTown]

Originally Posted by WhawhaWhat

He's had both good and bad games with both so I don't think it matters that much who the catcher is.

I watched the game DVR'd. He's just not very tight with his mechanics right now, so it doesn't matter who's catching him, IMO. And truthfully, this has been an ongoing issue with him since the beginning of 2015. Between the mechanics and the game going on between his ears, there's just no consistency there. June is a great example on his wild inconsistencies. 3 great outings and 2 forgettable starts. There just aren't a lot of starts for Yo where he has an average outing: 6.0 innings, 2-3 ER's and more K's than BB's. He's approached being an all or nothing pitcher. The last time he's pitched with any consistency (good, not bad), was the Month of April. May was a train wreck and June was a roller coaster.

On a positive note, I will say that Yo, before last nights game, really looked like he had solved his issue with giving up an inordinate amount of walks. 6 total for the month of June is very good over 29 innings pitched.

[Pitt Gorilla]

I'm not sure I want to move a guy like Dozier, who could also really help the big league club.

[Prison Bitch]

6 back. Yuck

[BigCatDaddy]

I wonder if the Twins would move Brian Dozier. He is 29 now and would they be able to compete before he starts to decline or his contract is up? I dont know much about their system but they seem very far away.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by Pitt Gorilla

I'm not sure I want to move a guy like Dozier, who could also really help the big league club.

In a perfect world, you wouldn't have to, but the Royals' world - and rotation - are far from perfect.

Drew Pomeranz would be a nice fit for KC, as :
1) he has three years of control remaining after this year
2) aj Preller is a dumbass

Not sure what would need to go in that package in addition to Dozier, but that would be a win-win situation for both teams, potentially.

Only caution other than giving up 6.5 years of Dozier is that Pomeranz has been off-injured.


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[ChiefsCountry]

Originally Posted by ChiTown

I watched the game DVR'd. He's just not very tight with his mechanics right now, so it doesn't matter who's catching him, IMO. And truthfully, this has been an ongoing issue with him since the beginning of 2015. Between the mechanics and the game going on between his ears, there's just no consistency there. June is a great example on his wild inconsistencies. 3 great outings and 2 forgettable starts. There just aren't a lot of starts for Yo where he has an average outing: 6.0 innings, 2-3 ER's and more K's than BB's. He's approached being an all or nothing pitcher. The last time he's pitched with any consistency (good, not bad), was the Month of April. May was a train wreck and June was a roller coaster.

On a positive note, I will say that Yo, before last nights game, really looked like he had solved his issue with giving up an inordinate amount of walks. 6 total for the month of June is very good over 29 innings pitched.

Pretty shitty strike zone last night and he got nickeled and dimed on the hits. It wasn't like his Baltimore start.

[tk13]

Watching Cody Reed get lit up by the Cubs this afternoon. Cincy is such a bandbox, it's really not a place to rush a young pitcher into. I wonder if any of the three former Royals will make it. No wonder the Reds never develop pitchers.

[C3HIEF3S]

Lorenzo Cain to the 15-day D.L. with a left hamstring strain. Brett Eibner's back. #Royals

— Josh Vernier (@JoshVernier610) June 29, 2016

[Anyong Bluth]

I seriously am iffy on being aggressive in the trade market this year probably because the bulk of the starting rotation has been bad or so inconsistent. Young has no business in the rotation.

I still think Duffy has it in him to give you a quality number 3 type of performance consistently. Can Edison return to high 2 rotation numbers? Will Ventura get back on track in the 2nd half of the season like last year?
Still have to see if Medlan is improved coming off rehab.

The SP has underwhelmed significantly to this point, but you have to see some clear evidence of a couple of these guys turning the corner if you want to justify making the move for an impact arm and trading away other talent in the farm system.

Last year, the acquisition of those couple pieces made total sense because it filled out what was needed and very recognizable.

This SP this year has been so weak, acquiring one top arm may not have the impact because the rest of the rotation has been shaky at best.

So, then you have to weigh if trading future talent is going to ultimately impact your franchise negatively for a rental who might net you 5 or 6 more wins but don't realistically improve your likelihood of a deep postseason.

[Simply Red]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

I think his upside has basically been reached. He's a good pitcher (and better than anyone on KC currently, though Duffy is in the same territory, potentially), but without a dynamite breaking pitch, I think he'd take a step back in the AL.

Either at, Teheran to KC is highly unlikely, IMO. His value is at a peak, and the Braves are going to demand a ton for him.

I don't think KC could get to that deal without moving Mondesi, and so think that's a complete nonstarter.


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I see. I'd love to have him go to KC - but yeah - would be a lot.

[Simply Red]

Originally Posted by C3HIEF3S

Lorenzo Cain to the 15-day D.L. with a left hamstring strain. Brett Eibner's back. #Royals

— Josh Vernier (@JoshVernier610) June 29, 2016

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by tk13

Watching Cody Reed get lit up by the Cubs this afternoon. Cincy is such a bandbox, it's really not a place to rush a young pitcher into. I wonder if any of the three former Royals will make it. No wonder the Reds never develop pitchers.

Reed needs a third pitch, especially one to keep RH batters off balance. He's murder on lefties with that fastball/slider combo, but he needs more.

Not surprised to see the Cubs light him up. Lot of RH pop in that lineup.

Originally Posted by Anyong Bluth

I seriously am iffy on being aggressive in the trade market this year probably because the bulk of the starting rotation has been bad or so inconsistent. Young has no business in the rotation.

I still think Duffy has it in him to give you a quality number 3 type of performance consistently. Can Edison return to high 2 rotation numbers? Will Ventura get back on track in the 2nd half of the season like last year?
Still have to see if Medlan is improved coming off rehab.

The SP has underwhelmed significantly to this point, but you have to see some clear evidence of a couple of these guys turning the corner if you want to justify making the move for an impact arm and trading away other talent in the farm system.

Last year, the acquisition of those couple pieces made total sense because it filled out what was needed and very recognizable.

This SP this year has been so weak, acquiring one top arm may not have the impact because the rest of the rotation has been shaky at best.

So, then you have to weigh if trading future talent is going to ultimately impact your franchise negatively for a rental who might net you 5 or 6 more wins but don't realistically improve your likelihood of a deep postseason.

Good points all the way around. Duffy, Volquez, Kennedy and Ventura might be enough of Volquez bounces back and Duffy continues to be strong (I'd actually tick his current performance level up at least a notch), even if Kennedy continues to struggle on the road and Ventura remains enigmatic.

But that 5 spot is an issue.

I'm not in favor of giving up a ton for a rental and would be more in favor of a minor piece in a case like that (such as CC Sabathia). But if it's someone like Pomeranz who has several years of control remaining, I'm willing to consider trading from minor league positions of depth to improve the rotation.

With Moustakas, Cuthbert, and Dozier, KC may have enough depth there to make a move. Same with the OF, where Orlando, Eibner, Fuentes and Dyson lurk in reserve roles and make it easier to consider trading a Jorge Bonifacio.

Re: Cain... I have a buddy who has been bitching for two weeks about Cain dogging it to first.

I wish he had been bitching about it again last night... Tough injury to overcome.



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[Simply Red]

Definitely a tough injury to overcome - hoping for the best though - BTW what WOULD best-case be - like a month?

[BigCatDaddy]

Originally Posted by C3HIEF3S

Lorenzo Cain to the 15-day D.L. with a left hamstring strain. Brett Eibner's back. #Royals

— Josh Vernier (@JoshVernier610) June 29, 2016

He always looks like he is an eyelash away from a leg injury for some reason. That is why I dont see him back once he hits the market.