Royals (New) 2013 Kansas City Royals Repository - Page 205

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?

'Hamas' Jenkins · 12-05-2013, 12:17 PM

Aoki is a pesky bastard. He doesn't do anything well or poorly. He's an average defender, average hitter, and despite the steals numbers, an average baserunner.

Stil, Steamer likes him for about 2 WAR next year. I have to imagine that's a lot better than what you'd get from that **** bitch Cain

Mecca · 12-05-2013, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gblowfish

Well, all I can say is, Lorenzo Cain was a .300 hitter when we traded for him, and his average dropped fifty point after we got him.

So....

I hope you're right.

Lorenzo Cain had played about 20 major league games when we got him, this guy has 2 MLB seasons and a ton of Japan seasons, very different scenario's.

Cain is still a young unproven player this guy is not he's in his 30's.

eazyb81 · 12-05-2013, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

Would you trade six years of a middle/long reliever for one year of Shane Victorino (at $2 million?).

If the answer is yes, you should like this trade.

Trading Smith would hurt more if:

1) He was higher than 5th on the organization's SP depth chart
2) The bullpen wasn't as good as it is.

I'll be fine with this if we don't sign Beltran. But if we do then it just doesn't make any sense to me without some other moves.

I think he is a good player but I also think Smith showed a lot of promise last season with a few great outings.

BWillie · 12-05-2013, 12:31 PM

So now we have way to many outfielders. Gordon, Maxwell, Cain, Aoki, Lough. Didnt we acquire some other swingin dick too?

**alnorth** · 12-05-2013, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

I don't think you can trade Cain when Aoki is on a 1 year deal and Cain's injury history doesn't help. But I'd rather not just toss him away for peanuts when he's a top flight defender.

I mean who knows maybe they really do have a plan to move Butler.

We would probably get more for Cain, and we actually need Butler. Cain would be wasted on our bench.

**alnorth** · 12-05-2013, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr. tegu

And if Aoki is gone in a year we are without a legit CF again?

At this point, 2015 does not really matter until next November.

**Anyong Bluth** · 12-05-2013, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr. tegu

And if Aoki is gone in a year we are without a legit CF again?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

I don't think you can trade Cain when Aoki is on a 1 year deal and Cain's injury history doesn't help. But I'd rather not just toss him away for peanuts when he's a top flight defender.

I mean who knows maybe they really do have a plan to move Butler.

Ya, I think that's rather shortsighted to end up back at 0 if that's what they are looking to do, unless they have something else in mind for CF and don't believe that he's the guy to play there in the future? Who, and presumably we're talking about someone whose a clear upgrade, that player would be, I have no idea!

**Anyong Bluth** · 12-05-2013, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

I like having a legit leadoff hitter now.

Gordon will be better served in the 2 or 3 hole.
Posted via Mobile Device

I agree. While we've been fine with plugging guys in to that spot, it's really been at the cost of batting them where they would be a better fit, more valuable spot in the order, and I'm hoping this will serve to cure some of our run production issues because we all know this team isn't getting a boost from the longball, and has to be able to string together some productive at bats to get guys home.

ChiefsCountry · 12-05-2013, 01:00 PM

Just looking at the batting lineup as of right now:
Aoki
Gordon
Butler
Hosmer
Perez
Moose
Cain
Bonifacio
Escobar

I think the question then would be if you add Beltran to the mix, do you bat him 3rd or 5th?

duncan_idaho · 12-05-2013, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

Just looking at the batting lineup as of right now:
Aoki
Gordon
Butler
Hosmer
Perez
Moose
Cain
Bonifacio
Escobar

I think the question then would be if you add Beltran to the mix, do you bat him 3rd or 5th?

I hit him or Hosmer 3rd. Preferably Beltran. The other hits 4th. Billy now hits 5th (and is one of the best 5th-place hitters in baseball, honestly).

ChiefsCountry · 12-05-2013, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

I hit him or Hosmer 3rd. Preferably Beltran. The other hits 4th. Billy now hits 5th (and is one of the best 5th-place hitters in baseball, honestly).

That is what I was thinking.

Beltran
Hosmer
Butler

Pretty sold 3-4-5. Maybe not big home run numbers but 3 very deadly hitters.

duncan_idaho · 12-05-2013, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

That is what I was thinking.

Beltran
Hosmer
Butler

Pretty sold 3-4-5. Maybe not big home run numbers but 3 very deadly hitters.

Plus, with that top 5/6, you feature a lot of guys who are good at getting on base.

.350 OBP
.370 OBP
.340 OBP
.350 OBP
.370 OBP

That's how you build productive and CONSISTENT lineups. Stack guys that get on base, especially guys that can get on base and provide some XB pop.

Salvador Perez might drive in 80 runs from the six spot with those five hitting in front of him. (Easy bet for 100 if he played everyday).

CaliforniaChief · 12-05-2013, 01:20 PM

Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN 50m

Royals loading up for 2014. Could be what 2013 was to the Pirates; could be one of baseball's best stories.

ChiefsCountry · 12-05-2013, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

Plus, with that top 5/6, you feature a lot of guys who are good at getting on base.

.350 OBP
.370 OBP
.340 OBP
.350 OBP
.370 OBP

That's how you build productive and CONSISTENT lineups. Stack guys that get on base, especially guys that can get on base and provide some XB pop.

Salvador Perez might drive in 80 runs from the six spot with those five hitting in front of him. (Easy bet for 100 if he played everyday).

Don't want to fluff BRC anymore with the Cardinal way bullshit, but that is essentially the Cardinals.

Chris Meck · 12-05-2013, 01:48 PM

I think this closes the door on a Beltran deal. IF you were looking at Beltran, it would be as your everyday RF, which he's still able to do and give you a serious bat.
I'm not sure if I like it or not. He's a solid player...but is he going to help that much offensively? Are his numbers THAT much better than the Lough/Maxwell platoon?

08-15-2013, 08:13 AM
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $1190308	(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

12-05-2013, 12:17 PM	#3061
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7919572	Aoki is a pesky bastard. He doesn't do anything well or poorly. He's an average defender, average hitter, and despite the steals numbers, an average baserunner. Stil, Steamer likes him for about 2 WAR next year. I have to imagine that's a lot better than what you'd get from that **** bitch Cain __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 74,860

12-05-2013, 12:31 PM	#3064
BWillie El Gato Gordo Loco Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Earth Casino cash: $1871241	So now we have way to many outfielders. Gordon, Maxwell, Cain, Aoki, Lough. Didnt we acquire some other swingin dick too? __________________ Who wants free money? Use the link below to sign up at Bovada, BetOnline, Black Chip Poker and Ignition. Contact me for private deals, spot bonuses, possible rakeback or any questions! Bovada, Ignition, BetOnline, Black Chip Poker: baldeaglepoker.com Bovada Poker is back! Get up to $500 poker deposit bonus.
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12-05-2013, 01:00 PM	#3069
ChiefsCountry The Insider Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lake of the Ozarks Casino cash: $1748752	Just looking at the batting lineup as of right now: Aoki Gordon Butler Hosmer Perez Moose Cain Bonifacio Escobar I think the question then would be if you add Beltran to the mix, do you bat him 3rd or 5th?
Posts: 49,909

12-05-2013, 01:20 PM	#3073
CaliforniaChief #RIPAce Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Casino cash: $12162899	Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN 50m Royals loading up for 2014. Could be what 2013 was to the Pirates; could be one of baseball's best stories.
Posts: 17,339

12-05-2013, 01:48 PM	#3075
Chris Meck MVP Join Date: May 2001 Location: midtown KC Casino cash: $1544910	I think this closes the door on a Beltran deal. IF you were looking at Beltran, it would be as your everyday RF, which he's still able to do and give you a serious bat. I'm not sure if I like it or not. He's a solid player...but is he going to help that much offensively? Are his numbers THAT much better than the Lough/Maxwell platoon?
Posts: 17,575