Royals *** Official 2016 Royals Repository, Version 1 *** - Page 238

duncan_idaho · 04-03-2016, 09:48 AM

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.

BigCatDaddy · 07-28-2016, 09:43 AM

If you let Moose walk with Cuthbert, Mondesi, and Sal on the cheap you should be just fine paying Hos.

siberian khatru · 07-28-2016, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tk13

For real? That'd be something. I've always been optimistic DM would be aggressive about it, I'd be surprised Boras would let that happen so soon though. At least Dayton would be buying low. It'd make sense though because Hos has clearly become the leader of this team. It'd create some security for the team, and other free agents we might want to sign.

The only thing real about it is what Boddicker said -- that he had a good source that told him they were close. Take that for what it's worth.

Prison Bitch · 07-28-2016, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWillie

That would be horrible if they sign him for 100M+. I can't decide who is the most overrated player in the AL, Eric Hosmer or Alcides Escobar?

Hosmer's true value is probably 5/65, but of course he will get paid more. Anybody can play 1st base, and he's been horrible defensively anyway this year at it. The guys OPS is under .800 the last 4 years. He's never been 3.5 WAR. Don't pay it Dayton, don't do it.

9.6 WAR in his 6 year career. Jarrod Dyson has 10.2 in his last 6 years.

Excellent post sir.

siberian khatru · 07-28-2016, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWillie

That would be horrible if they sign him for 100M+. I can't decide who is the most overrated player in the AL, Eric Hosmer or Alcides Escobar?

Hosmer's true value is probably 5/65, but of course he will get paid more. Anybody can play 1st base, and he's been horrible defensively anyway this year at it. The guys OPS is under .800 the last 4 years. He's never been 3.5 WAR. Don't pay it Dayton, don't do it.

9.6 WAR in his 6 year career. Jarrod Dyson has 10.2 in his last 6 years.

The best comp is Brandon Belt. Similar skillsets. Both he and Hos have 6 years service; Hos is 18 months younger. Belt career bWAR: 15.5; Hos 10.2. Both have rings. Hos seen as a team leader/community figure.

In April the Giants signed Belt to a 5-year, $79 million extension. He gets $6.2M this year, $8.8M next year. Then in 2018 his salary escalates to $16M per year thru 2021 (age 33 season).

ChiefsCountry · 07-28-2016, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWillie

That would be horrible if they sign him for 100M+. I can't decide who is the most overrated player in the AL, Eric Hosmer or Alcides Escobar?

Hosmer's true value is probably 5/65, but of course he will get paid more. Anybody can play 1st base, and he's been horrible defensively anyway this year at it. The guys OPS is under .800 the last 4 years. He's never been 3.5 WAR. Don't pay it Dayton, don't do it.

9.6 WAR in his 6 year career. Jarrod Dyson has 10.2 in his last 6 years.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

Excellent post sir.

When these two are on the same side of an agreement, your best bet is to get on the other side.

**petegz28** · 07-28-2016, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

So now the speculation is that trading Kennedy would free up money for a Hos extension (which would fit with Boddicker's nugget yesterday on 810 that the two sides are "close").

the 2 sides as in Hos and the Royals?

siberian khatru · 07-28-2016, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petegz28

the 2 sides as in Hos and the Royals?

Yes

**petegz28** · 07-28-2016, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tk13

For real? That'd be something. I've always been optimistic DM would be aggressive about it, I'd be surprised Boras would let that happen so soon though. At least Dayton would be buying low. It'd make sense though because Hos has clearly become the leader of this team. It'd create some security for the team, and other free agents we might want to sign.

This is what I was thinking. No way in hell Boras has Hos sign a deal with the Royals until at least mid-season next year. And then only if Hos is sucking.

siberian khatru · 07-28-2016, 10:06 AM

The Kennedy rumor is just confusing as hell. You create a hole in your rotation for 2017+ that you previously had filled. Do you turn around and sign Volquez to an extension to avoid having 2 holes to fill?

By including Kennedy's salary in a deal with Davis, you likely are receiving fewer or less-quality prospects -- such as guys who can fill those rotation holes. And rather than use Kennedy's salary relief to sign pitching -- which BTW, next year's FA crop is awful -- you're gonna use it to sign Hos?

Hell, maybe the juiced ball has DM rethinking his flyball pitcher strategy and he's looking to reverse course.

It's like a damn Rubik's cube.

C3HIEF3S · 07-28-2016, 10:11 AM

Unloading IK's salary to the Dodgers just to resign Hos would be the most hilarious thing DM has done yet. Not only would the Royals be taking themselves out of any hopes for a top prospect in return, but seriously who in their right minds wants Eric Hosmer here with his current numbers and a contract that he will never live up to? He is one of the most overrated players in the entire game.

BWillie · 07-28-2016, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petegz28

This is what I was thinking. No way in hell Boras has Hos sign a deal with the Royals until at least mid-season next year. And then only if Hos is sucking.

Signing an extension could actually be strategic on Hosmer's part. It could be an extension with an option in 2019, to protect if he has a big year. He may believe he can hit 30 HR in 2018 or something, and the opt out would be to guarantee dollars to the team that values him the most.

Great Expectations · 07-28-2016, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

The Kennedy rumor is just confusing as hell. You create a hole in your rotation for 2017+ that you previously had filled. Do you turn around and sign Volquez to an extension to avoid having 2 holes to fill?

By including Kennedy's salary in a deal with Davis, you likely are receiving fewer or less-quality prospects -- such as guys who can fill those rotation holes. And rather than use Kennedy's salary relief to sign pitching -- which BTW, next year's FA crop is awful -- you're gonna use it to sign Hos?

Hell, maybe the juiced ball has DM rethinking his flyball pitcher strategy and he's looking to reverse course.

It's like a damn Rubik's cube.

Kennedy is a hole in the rotation now and next year. He has had a little better success in the NL and the Dodgers wouldn't be scared of him. He is probably a neutral factor in a trade with LA.

**DaneMcCloud** · 07-28-2016, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

The Kennedy rumor is just confusing as hell. You create a hole in your rotation for 2017+ that you previously had filled. Do you turn around and sign Volquez to an extension to avoid having 2 holes to fill?

By including Kennedy's salary in a deal with Davis, you likely are receiving fewer or less-quality prospects -- such as guys who can fill those rotation holes. And rather than use Kennedy's salary relief to sign pitching -- which BTW, next year's FA crop is awful -- you're gonna use it to sign Hos?

Hell, maybe the juiced ball has DM rethinking his flyball pitcher strategy and he's looking to reverse course.

It's like a damn Rubik's cube.

Wiping Kennedy off the books would be amazing, IMO and would be a genius move if it happened.

**The Franchise** · 07-28-2016, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nightfyre

So Dodgers have interest in Davis and they have interesting pieces that could help us next year - Julio Urias would have to headline the deal, maybe you can get outfield by adding Verdugo/Bellinger or you do something to acquire De Leon by throwing a prospect back.

Prison Bitch · 07-28-2016, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C3HIEF3S

Unloading IK's salary to the Dodgers just to resign Hos would be the most hilarious thing DM has done yet. Not only would the Royals be taking themselves out of any hopes for a top prospect in return, but seriously who in their right minds wants Eric Hosmer here with his current numbers and a contract that he will never live up to? He is one of the most overrated players in the entire game.

Yep. So let's unpack the reasons why: it all starts with DM spending too much for this market. He expected huge attendance this year and he's gotten it. But he's seeing lotsa empties now and it'll fall off a lot for next year.

He boxed himself in with atrocious deals for Alex and Young and Soria so he has to start cutting. Wade + Ian = 25M next year. Has to be done now. DM gambled that spending would work but The players ensured it failed

04-03-2016, 09:48 AM
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $1190308	* Official 2016 Royals Repository, Version 1 * 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.
Posts: 21,201

07-28-2016, 09:43 AM	#3556
BigCatDaddy The Beast Inside Your Head Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Parts Unknown Casino cash: $1459122	If you let Moose walk with Cuthbert, Mondesi, and Sal on the cheap you should be just fine paying Hos.
Posts: 25,945

07-28-2016, 10:06 AM	#3564
siberian khatru 21st Century Schizoid Fan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Gates of Delirium Casino cash: $1974950	The Kennedy rumor is just confusing as hell. You create a hole in your rotation for 2017+ that you previously had filled. Do you turn around and sign Volquez to an extension to avoid having 2 holes to fill? By including Kennedy's salary in a deal with Davis, you likely are receiving fewer or less-quality prospects -- such as guys who can fill those rotation holes. And rather than use Kennedy's salary relief to sign pitching -- which BTW, next year's FA crop is awful -- you're gonna use it to sign Hos? Hell, maybe the juiced ball has DM rethinking his flyball pitcher strategy and he's looking to reverse course. It's like a damn Rubik's cube.
Posts: 69,374

07-28-2016, 10:11 AM	#3565
C3HIEF3S Let's Get Weird Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Austin Casino cash: $9990098	Unloading IK's salary to the Dodgers just to resign Hos would be the most hilarious thing DM has done yet. Not only would the Royals be taking themselves out of any hopes for a top prospect in return, but seriously who in their right minds wants Eric Hosmer here with his current numbers and a contract that he will never live up to? He is one of the most overrated players in the entire game.
Posts: 15,229