Royals (New) 2013 Kansas City Royals Repository - Page 168

duncan_idaho · 08-15-2013, 08:13 AM

New thread, this time with more burst.

Proposed 2013 Slogan: Tigers: They're what's for dinner
Actual 2013 Slogan: Come to Play
A better, more accurate, or alternative slogan: All in, no panic, we promise.

Dayton Moore has pushed all his chips in and is riding on King/Jack suited, hoping it comes together, he gets some good luck, and he hits the nuts by the river card. There's potential, oh yes, there's potential. There's also risk.

At the midway point, Dayton is left counting on the river card. The flop and turn didn't help him, and he's looking at the Tigers holding a pair of Queens and the Indians holding a pair of 9s. His 2013 plan hasn't failed - yet - but the odds are not in his favor.

Burning questions updates below.

Burning Questions for 2013:

1) Will the improve rotation be improved enough? Does James Shields pitch like a fringe No. 1 away from Tampa Bay? Does Ervin Santana pitch to his highest upside in his walk year? Can Jeremy Guthrie build on his strong performance as a Royal in 2012? Can Wade Davis bring his new mentality- and velocity - back to the rotation?

Midseason check-in: Yes, the rotation is certainly improved enough. Shields has pitched like a fringe No. 1 and Santana is having his best season. Guthrie has horrible peripherals but has continued to perform well at his home park and eat innings on the road. Davis brought neither his kick-ass mentality or improved velocity back to the rotation and is in Luke Hochevar/Hiram Davies territory.

2) When will Luke Hochevar be shown the door?
Midseason check-in: It appears, never, at this point. Hochevar has been solid in non-leverage situations, though pretty much every time he has been used with men on base in an inning, it has been a disaster.

3) Does Hosmer bounce back?
Midseason check-in: It took some time, but Hosmer's performance from June 1 on is probably the most encouraging thing about the 2013 season so far.
4) Can Moustakas hit for a whole season like he did in the first half of 2012?
Midseason check-in: Nope. Moustakas was god-awful, then great for about 3 weeks, then god-awful again. He has been better since he started working with Brett and Grafol but still has a long way to go.
5) Who regresses?
Midseason check-in: Welp, Alicides Escobar is not a surprising name here (though Yost's stubborn insistence on hitting him second is ridiculous). Billy Butler is a surprise. He isn't having a terrible year - still contributing a lot to the offense - but he's not hitting for the average or power he has displayed over the past several years.
6) Who plays 2B?
Midseason check-in: A whole bunch of people, and not that great. Gio is at least getting a shot, though he once again is not doing much with it.
7) Can Jeff Francoeur be at least replacement level, rather than epic horrible level?
Midseason check-in: Hahahahahahahahahahaha
8) Will Dayton Moore survive to see 2014?
Midseason check-in: Outlook uncertain. Probably still around, unless the team completely tanks in the second half and he does something foolish. My guess - he sacrifices Ned Yost this offseason and gets one more shot with a new manager in 2014.
9) Will Danny Duffy come back healthy? And if he does, is he the same, better or worse?
Midseason check-in: Yes. Velocity looks the same, and it looks likely he is the same guy as before.
10) And the big one: Has KC added enough to run down the big-money Detroit Tigers?
Midseason check-in: Doesn't look like it, does it?

**alnorth** · 11-22-2013, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Yea, pretty much.

If Moose repeats 2013, then we probably need to send him back down and look for his replacement. I'm not saying he has to do great, if he bounces back even to being "slightly below-average 3B" then at least we can think he's just slowly figuring it out and he might pull a Gordon on us if we're patient, but he can't be horrible again.

Sure-Oz · 11-22-2013, 06:44 PM

Is Youkalis a FA? He could be insurance

tk13 · 11-22-2013, 08:37 PM

Jon Heyman checks in with this...

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/...-a-real-threat

Many teams pursuing Beltran; his old Royals look like a real threat
November 22, 2013 5:40 pm ET

The Rangers, Mariners and especially his old Royals could become real threats to keep star free-agent outfielder Carlos Beltran from returning east to the Yankees or Red Sox, according to people familiar with his talks.

Kansas City is believed serious in its intention to bring him back. "They are in on him for sure," said one person familiar with the discussions.

Beltran is said by a source to have requested a four-year deal, though it's believed he'd probably take the right three-year deal, if offered. The Royals went four years on mid-rotation pitcher Jason Vargas, who had an ailment last year, so it seems conceivable they'd go more than two for Beltran, their former star.

The Royals are said to hold an allure for Beltran who came up with them. But as free agency goes, the terms are always important, and there's no evidence to this point the Yankees or Red Sox have signaled a willingness to go past two years.

Beltran once wanted so badly to go to the Yankees, he offered them about a $20 million discount before signing with the Mets for $119 million over seven years. But times have changed.

One interesting thing to think about: If Beltran continues to be as productive for three or more years, he could make the Hall of Fame, and if the Royals bring him back for more, they'd be the logical team for him in Cooperstown, even ahead of the Mets, where he played six and half years.

Beltran, now 36, signed for a seemingly under-market $26 million for two years with the Cardinals a couple years ago but seems primed to cash in following his third straight productive and healthy season. He hit .296 with 24 home runs and 84 RBI in helping the Cardinals reach the World Series in 2013.

The Indians, who tried for him last time, have been reported too be in the mix. But the Orioles are said by a source "not really" in the Beltran sweepstakes.

The Mariners and Rangers are, however, in the Beltran mix.

The Yankees and Red Sox are very interested, but Boston is still hoping to bring back Jacoby Ellsbury and couldn't offer Beltran many DH at-bats since they have David Ortiz. The Yankees are also pursuing Ellsbury and Shin-Soo Choo, as well as big-hitting catcher Brian McCann, first baseman/DH Kendrys Morales and many other players.

For Kansas City, Beltran may be more of a priority.

Deberg_1990 · 11-22-2013, 08:46 PM

It would make a really nice story for Beltran to be a Royal again, then lead us to the playoffs.

SPchief · 11-22-2013, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

It would make a really nice story for Beltran to be a Royal again, then lead us to the playoffs.

It would also help put more asses in seats.

**Anyong Bluth** · 11-22-2013, 09:21 PM

So, what's the status with Santana?

I think we made a hard push for Beltran, unfortunately the Yankees were also interested and willing to or are going to overpay to get his services.

I'm assuming Chen is not coming back because they feel he will get more in the open market than they think he is worth in terms of percentage of the clubs total roster salary for next year, and thought Vargas was a comparable signing at less money? Most likely a reactionary pick up once they lost out on 2 of the other bigger name pitchers they were interested in?

Nightfyre · 11-22-2013, 09:22 PM

Santana is gone. It doesn't sound like KC is out of the Beltran running based on the article, you know, two posts ahead of yours. Also, Vargas at 8M is really not that bad and Chen has no place on this roster and its not due to the fact that he is going to make bank. It's because he can't even go half a season as a starter.

Sure-Oz · 11-22-2013, 09:43 PM

Please Beltran

CaliforniaChief · 11-22-2013, 10:17 PM

Gordon LF
Hosmer 1B
Beltran RF
Butler DH
Perez C
Moustakas 3B
Cain CF
Colon/Bonifacio 2B
Escobar SS

Shields
Guthrie
Vargas
Ventura
Duffy

Prison Bitch · 11-22-2013, 11:59 PM

Beltran is going to be a nightmare playing out in RF if he comes here. Our fielding was the best in MLB this year and a big reason we got to 86 wins.

CaliforniaChief · 11-23-2013, 12:18 AM

Dutton is speculating that any more money brought in would come with a corresponding cut. More specific, that a Beltran signing would likely put Butler on the block.

IF that's the case, I would suggest checking with Seattle on one of their young stud SP's and maybe another piece like Ackley.

Sure-Oz · 11-23-2013, 12:20 AM

Getting Beltran requiring Butler to be gone or stupid

Al Bundy · 11-23-2013, 12:28 AM

I'd rather stick with Butler. With him we know we don't sacrifice defense and we know what we will get from him at the plate. Singles, and the occasional double.

**alnorth** · 11-23-2013, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

Dutton is speculating that any more money brought in would come with a corresponding cut. More specific, that a Beltran signing would likely put Butler on the block.

IF that's the case, I would suggest checking with Seattle on one of their young stud SP's and maybe another piece like Ackley.

With Beltran, at the very least we should roll into April as-is. If we fall apart in May again, then go ahead and sell, but if things look good by the trading deadline, then wouldn't the extra money be worth it?

CaliforniaChief · 11-23-2013, 12:32 AM

I absolutely think it should be Beltran AND Butler. Just stating what Dutton's saying.

08-15-2013, 08:13 AM
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $1200308	(New) 2013 Kansas City Royals Repository New thread, this time with more burst. Proposed 2013 Slogan: Tigers: They're what's for dinner Actual 2013 Slogan: Come to Play A better, more accurate, or alternative slogan: All in, no panic, we promise. Dayton Moore has pushed all his chips in and is riding on King/Jack suited, hoping it comes together, he gets some good luck, and he hits the nuts by the river card. There's potential, oh yes, there's potential. There's also risk. At the midway point, Dayton is left counting on the river card. The flop and turn didn't help him, and he's looking at the Tigers holding a pair of Queens and the Indians holding a pair of 9s. His 2013 plan hasn't failed - yet - but the odds are not in his favor. Burning questions updates below. Burning Questions for 2013: 1) Will the improve rotation be improved enough? Does James Shields pitch like a fringe No. 1 away from Tampa Bay? Does Ervin Santana pitch to his highest upside in his walk year? Can Jeremy Guthrie build on his strong performance as a Royal in 2012? Can Wade Davis bring his new mentality- and velocity - back to the rotation? Midseason check-in: Yes, the rotation is certainly improved enough. Shields has pitched like a fringe No. 1 and Santana is having his best season. Guthrie has horrible peripherals but has continued to perform well at his home park and eat innings on the road. Davis brought neither his kick-ass mentality or improved velocity back to the rotation and is in Luke Hochevar/Hiram Davies territory. 2) When will Luke Hochevar be shown the door? Midseason check-in: It appears, never, at this point. Hochevar has been solid in non-leverage situations, though pretty much every time he has been used with men on base in an inning, it has been a disaster. 3) Does Hosmer bounce back? Midseason check-in: It took some time, but Hosmer's performance from June 1 on is probably the most encouraging thing about the 2013 season so far. 4) Can Moustakas hit for a whole season like he did in the first half of 2012? Midseason check-in: Nope. Moustakas was god-awful, then great for about 3 weeks, then god-awful again. He has been better since he started working with Brett and Grafol but still has a long way to go. 5) Who regresses? Midseason check-in: Welp, Alicides Escobar is not a surprising name here (though Yost's stubborn insistence on hitting him second is ridiculous). Billy Butler is a surprise. He isn't having a terrible year - still contributing a lot to the offense - but he's not hitting for the average or power he has displayed over the past several years. 6) Who plays 2B? Midseason check-in: A whole bunch of people, and not that great. Gio is at least getting a shot, though he once again is not doing much with it. 7) Can Jeff Francoeur be at least replacement level, rather than epic horrible level? Midseason check-in: Hahahahahahahahahahaha 8) Will Dayton Moore survive to see 2014? Midseason check-in: Outlook uncertain. Probably still around, unless the team completely tanks in the second half and he does something foolish. My guess - he sacrifices Ned Yost this offseason and gets one more shot with a new manager in 2014. 9) Will Danny Duffy come back healthy? And if he does, is he the same, better or worse? Midseason check-in: Yes. Velocity looks the same, and it looks likely he is the same guy as before. 10) And the big one: Has KC added enough to run down the big-money Detroit Tigers? Midseason check-in: Doesn't look like it, does it?
Posts: 21,201

11-22-2013, 08:37 PM	#2508
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1442500	Jon Heyman checks in with this... http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/...-a-real-threat Many teams pursuing Beltran; his old Royals look like a real threat November 22, 2013 5:40 pm ET The Rangers, Mariners and especially his old Royals could become real threats to keep star free-agent outfielder Carlos Beltran from returning east to the Yankees or Red Sox, according to people familiar with his talks. Kansas City is believed serious in its intention to bring him back. "They are in on him for sure," said one person familiar with the discussions. Beltran is said by a source to have requested a four-year deal, though it's believed he'd probably take the right three-year deal, if offered. The Royals went four years on mid-rotation pitcher Jason Vargas, who had an ailment last year, so it seems conceivable they'd go more than two for Beltran, their former star. The Royals are said to hold an allure for Beltran who came up with them. But as free agency goes, the terms are always important, and there's no evidence to this point the Yankees or Red Sox have signaled a willingness to go past two years. Beltran once wanted so badly to go to the Yankees, he offered them about a $20 million discount before signing with the Mets for $119 million over seven years. But times have changed. One interesting thing to think about: If Beltran continues to be as productive for three or more years, he could make the Hall of Fame, and if the Royals bring him back for more, they'd be the logical team for him in Cooperstown, even ahead of the Mets, where he played six and half years. Beltran, now 36, signed for a seemingly under-market $26 million for two years with the Cardinals a couple years ago but seems primed to cash in following his third straight productive and healthy season. He hit .296 with 24 home runs and 84 RBI in helping the Cardinals reach the World Series in 2013. The Indians, who tried for him last time, have been reported too be in the mix. But the Orioles are said by a source "not really" in the Beltran sweepstakes. The Mariners and Rangers are, however, in the Beltran mix. The Yankees and Red Sox are very interested, but Boston is still hoping to bring back Jacoby Ellsbury and couldn't offer Beltran many DH at-bats since they have David Ortiz. The Yankees are also pursuing Ellsbury and Shin-Soo Choo, as well as big-hitting catcher Brian McCann, first baseman/DH Kendrys Morales and many other players. For Kansas City, Beltran may be more of a priority.
Posts: 55,071

11-22-2013, 08:46 PM	#2509
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $3454454	It would make a really nice story for Beltran to be a Royal again, then lead us to the playoffs. __________________ Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning: Matt once made a very nice play in Seattle where he spun away from a pass rusher and hit Bowe off his back foot for a first down. One of the best plays Matt has ever made.
Posts: 66,914

11-22-2013, 09:21 PM	#2511
Anyong Bluth Deus ambulans inter homines Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chicago Casino cash: $9649340	So, what's the status with Santana? I think we made a hard push for Beltran, unfortunately the Yankees were also interested and willing to or are going to overpay to get his services. I'm assuming Chen is not coming back because they feel he will get more in the open market than they think he is worth in terms of percentage of the clubs total roster salary for next year, and thought Vargas was a comparable signing at less money? Most likely a reactionary pick up once they lost out on 2 of the other bigger name pitchers they were interested in? __________________ Suck it, *beautiful*
Posts: 14,918

11-22-2013, 09:22 PM	#2512
Nightfyre MVP Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Helena, MT Casino cash: $3258849	Santana is gone. It doesn't sound like KC is out of the Beltran running based on the article, you know, two posts ahead of yours. Also, Vargas at 8M is really not that bad and Chen has no place on this roster and its not due to the fact that he is going to make bank. It's because he can't even go half a season as a starter.
Posts: 18,571

11-22-2013, 10:17 PM	#2514
CaliforniaChief #RIPAce Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Casino cash: $12172899	Gordon LF Hosmer 1B Beltran RF Butler DH Perez C Moustakas 3B Cain CF Colon/Bonifacio 2B Escobar SS Shields Guthrie Vargas Ventura Duffy
Posts: 17,339

11-22-2013, 11:59 PM	#2515
Prison Bitch Rabbi Goldmann Join Date: Nov 2012 Casino cash: $5450159	Beltran is going to be a nightmare playing out in RF if he comes here. Our fielding was the best in MLB this year and a big reason we got to 86 wins.
Posts: 87,025

11-23-2013, 12:18 AM	#2516
CaliforniaChief #RIPAce Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Casino cash: $12172899	Dutton is speculating that any more money brought in would come with a corresponding cut. More specific, that a Beltran signing would likely put Butler on the block. IF that's the case, I would suggest checking with Seattle on one of their young stud SP's and maybe another piece like Ackley.
Posts: 17,339

11-23-2013, 12:28 AM	#2518
Al Bundy Damnit Peg Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Overland Park Casino cash: $5091831	I'd rather stick with Butler. With him we know we don't sacrifice defense and we know what we will get from him at the plate. Singles, and the occasional double.
Posts: 23,369

11-23-2013, 12:32 AM	#2520
CaliforniaChief #RIPAce Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Casino cash: $12172899	I absolutely think it should be Beltran AND Butler. Just stating what Dutton's saying.
Posts: 17,339