2014 Royals Repository

[duncan_idaho]

With my 6,000th post on ChiefsPlanet (it only took me 12 years to get here), I bring you: The 2014 Kansas City Royals Repository.

To be discussed here: All things Royals, as they attempt to post another winning season and make it back to the playoffs for the first time since 1985.

25-man RosterAvailable HERE

AL Central Standings:

Link

Duncan's Top 20 Royals Prospects

Spoiler!

1) 3B Hunter Dozier ETA: 2015
Dozier started slowly at A+ Wilmington but caught fire in May and June, earning a mid-season promotion to AA Northwest Arkansas. Big, strong kid with good plate discipline skills and solid power who projects to be an above-average glove at 3B with solid power.

2) SS Raul (Adalberto) Mondesi ETA: 2017
Mondesis is the opposite of Dozier…. Started red-hot at Wilmington before back spasms derailed him for a few weeks and hasn’t gotten it going since coming back. Scouting reports have been great – defense and speed both improved over the offseason. Still a chance to be an elite SS, with 40 SB speed, plus glove, .300 average and some pop.

3) LHP Sean Manaea | ETA: 2015
Scouting reports outperform the stat line so far. Missing a ton of bats at A+ but not preventing runs like you’d expect to see. Needs to work deeper into games (gradually working about an inning deeper/month so far this year) and improve control. Walks are biggest concern right now, but could be elevated due to work on extra off-speed offerings. Still has No. 2 starter potential, could be higher if the great control he exhibited before his hip surgery eventually comes back.

4) RHP Kyle Zimmer| ETA: 2015
Should be NO. 1 on the list and is probably the Royals most VALUABLE current prospect, but he hasn’t thrown a ball in 4-5 weeks and had only been throwing for 2-3 weeks when he was shut down then.

5) LHP Brandon Finnegan| ETA: 2015
Top 2014 draft choice is an undersized lefty who will start at A+ Wilmington after anchoring CWS run for TCU. Good fastball, better slider, change that needs work to stick as a starter, but if he sticks, No. 2/No. 3 starter upside. Likely a top 10 or even top 5 pick if he doesn’t miss 1 start in the middle of the college season as a precautionary move.

6) RHP Miguel Almonte| ETA: 2016
Have heard some say Almonte is more advanced as a pitcher at A+ than Yordano Ventura was (comparison because both were cheap signs out of Latin America). Really advanced changeup and a curve that is working out well (where the ‘more advanced’ comment comes from). Fastball velo is good but not great – 92-94. Like Manaea, working on his second-best offspeed pitch and leaning less on his bread-and butter (changeup), which has hurt his numbers a bit.

7) RHP Christian Binford 2017
Reverse case of “don’t just scout stat lines.” Based on his stats at A+, you’d think he was an elite prospect, but there are questions about Binford’s stuff playing up at higher levels. Tall righty with great command of fastball, slider and a good and still developing changeup. None of those pitches profiles as better than average, though, limiting his likely upside to back-end rotation guy.

8) SS Orlando Calixte| ETA: 2016
I still like him more than many. Good combination of SS/MI skills and power. Started hot at NWA but in a slump at moment.

9)LHP Foster Griffin | ETA: 2019
Tall, projectable lefty taken in 2014 draft. Viewed as a great value in the sandwich round and probably would have been KC’s pick at No. 17 if Finnegan hadn’t fallen. High school arm who is going to take a while to develop.

10) RF Jorge Bonifacio| ETA: 2016
Hasn’t hit as well as expected in his second go-round at AA NWA. Power still sapped, and average skills have dipped. Once looked like he might be an option in RF at some point in 2015, now looks like 2016 is optimistic. Still young for his level.

11) 3B/2B Cheslor Cuthbert| ETA: 2016
Cuthbert has had better luck at NWA than Boni and is also extremely young for level. HE’s been moved to 2B since Dozier was promoted, which could put a new spin on Cuthbert’s prospects. If he sticks at 2B, bat plays up much better. Good OBP/plate discipline and solid power, but needs to continue improving contact skills

12) C Chase Vallot| ETA: 2020
Young (just 17) C with tremendous power. One of the top prep bats and a great value for KC where it got him. If he sticks at C, expect him to move slowly, but the bat may force the issue (or force him to another position).

13) C Zane Evans| ETA: 2017
GA Tech product has handled Wilmington better than most RH bats and probably is in line for a promotion to NWA sometime soon. Decent pop, decent skills behind the plate. Could be a nice reserve catcher.

14) RHP Scott Blewett| ETA: 2020
Tall, projectable righty with a fresh arm but some injury concerns on his shoulder that slipped him out of Round 1 of MLB draft. Big time potential.

15) CF Bubba Starling | ETA:
Bubba Starling has great tools. Bubba Starling (still) can’t hit. That’s all I have to say about that.

16) 1B Samir Duenez| ETA:
I still like him, even though the attempt to run him through full season ball at 17 did not go well.

17)LF/RF Elier Hernandez| ETA:
Hernandez still pops up in scouting reports but still is very raw and toolsy.

18) RHP Pedro Fernandez| ETA:
Pop-up player on the same track as Ventura and Almonte. Similar signing, similar profile. One to watch over next few years.

19) SS Marten Gasparini| ETA:
Royals’ most expensive international signing likely moves to CF eventually, but his speed and athleticism are intriguing abilities. Early reports from complex ball are very positive on him.

20) RHP Niklas Stephenson| ETA:
Interesting pop-up candidate who found 10 more MPH on his fastball by using a weighted ball during workouts over the winter. Now sits mid-90s with fastball and is dominating at rookie ball (after having an ERA over 8 there a year ago). Likely promoted to a higher challenge soon.

[Strongside]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

Asked who his backup SS is, Ned Yost said "You," meaning me. Holy crap, you guys. The Royals are screwed.

— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughStar) April 8, 2014

Why not bring up Colon and send down one of our worthless relievers?

Seriously, though.

What do they do in that situation?

If Valencia goes down, I mean. Not Escobar.

Move Gordon to 3rd and Moose to 2nd? Legitimate question.

[mr. tegu]

What else can be done to enhance the fan experience? What do the people want? (besides a consistent winner)

My wife and I love going to just sit and watch the game so it is hard for me to perceive what others would want as part of the experience.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by mr. tegu

What else can be done to enhance the fan experience? What do the people want? (besides a consistent winner)

My wife and I love going to just sit and watch the game so it is hard for me to perceive what others would want as part of the experience.

1) Win
2) Stop doing cheesy shit like "random 6th inning manufactured song tradition contest"
3) Be active and engaged in the community
4) Improve the ballpark experience (top notch customer service, great concessions)
5) Build traditions (you can't tell me they can't find something similar to the cauldron to build a tradition in an outfield section. Do it based on the Royals and not on an individual player or something)

Just quick things that come to mind. Winning is most important.

Far fewer would go to SKC games if they were losing 3-0 every week.

[Prison Bitch]

Originally Posted by stonedstooge

So where is the 25% increase in ticket prices being spent?

Payroll.

[KCUnited]

Develop a star, which hopefully we'll see the beginnings of tonight. Greinke was a fairly decent draw on some shit teams. Also, how about somebody hit it over the wall with some consistency, that brings people out.

[alnorth]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

1) Win
2) Stop doing cheesy shit like "random 6th inning manufactured song tradition contest"
3) Be active and engaged in the community
4) Improve the ballpark experience (top notch customer service, great concessions)
5) Build traditions (you can't tell me they can't find something similar to the cauldron to build a tradition in an outfield section. Do it based on the Royals and not on an individual player or something)

Just quick things that come to mind. Winning is most important.

Far fewer would go to SKC games if they were losing 3-0 every week.

I know you are passionate about this, but I gotta pick this apart a little bit. #1 seems to be the only thing needed in your list, and thats not exactly easy.

Just about everyone does #2. Doing #2 does not harm attendance at all. I don't think #3 would do much. They are fine on 4 and 5. The concessions are good, and I don't think there's anything inherently superior with doing something unique in a section that doesn't involve a player vs does involve a player. If SKC was a losing team, the cauldron would be lifeless and dorky, just like Gordonation.

If the team wins almost every year, that would fix everything.

[mr. tegu]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

1) Win
2) Stop doing cheesy shit like "random 6th inning manufactured song tradition contest"
3) Be active and engaged in the community
4) Improve the ballpark experience (top notch customer service, great concessions)
5) Build traditions (you can't tell me they can't find something similar to the cauldron to build a tradition in an outfield section. Do it based on the Royals and not on an individual player or something)

Just quick things that come to mind. Winning is most important.

Far fewer would go to SKC games if they were losing 3-0 every week.

1 - That is obvious and is the most important, but I was thinking what else.
2 - I don't think that keeps people from coming. Do you? You don't have to stop that in order to add other things.
3 - That would help. I am not sure how or in what way that is accomplished. Any ideas?
4 - They have definitely been trying that and I think with some success. People really enjoy the outfield. Lowering the cost of food would be something that I would think would increase attendance though.
5 - The Frenchy quarter? You didn't like that?!!

[Fansy the Famous Bard]

Originally Posted by mr. tegu

1 - That is obvious and is the most important, but I was thinking what else.
2 - I don't think that keeps people from coming. Do you? You don't have to stop that in order to add other things.
3 - That would help. I am not sure how or in what way that is accomplished. Any ideas?
4 - They have definitely been trying that and I think with some success. People really enjoy the outfield. Lowering the cost of food would be something that I would think would increase attendance though.
5 - The Frenchy quarter? You didn't like that?!!

#2, it's not literally keeping people from coming... but their marketing is shit... shit shit... and isn't helping AT ALL. The appeal this team\club has is that it's the hometown team that has been here for the majority if not all of our lives. And that's hand wrapped and delivered for them... no effort on their part.

#3, having experienced SKC the past couple of years... holy shit does it make a difference. SKC was not a consistent, proven commodity when they built that stadium... they were a decent team... but not an elite team... The Ownership showed passion, ingenuity in their marketing... They engaged with Fans.. they promoted themselves as fans alongside.. and that completely lit a fire under this fanbase to immediately draw sellout after sellout once rebranded with the new stadium.. This ownership group is ridiculously intelligent and I have little doubt in my mind that they would make the entire Royals experience a freaking hot ticket in this town... with. out. a. doubt.

#4 Lowering the cost of food isn't really necessary... if you're at a game for 4 hours drinking beer... people are going to spend money on food.. especially if they are enjoying themselves... There are 100's of other things you can do....

With the interactive phone app... you sign into your seat in the stadium by scanning the barcode on your seat... then you can play games, do trivia, etc against others in the stadium... you can Order food delivered directly to your seat, paid for by your membership card. You can order a jersey from the shop, and someone will bring it to your seat for you. A freaking members Bar in the stadium... for pre-game warmup and post-game celebrations. Mind you these members are the CHEAPEST ticket on in the place. The Owner will actually hang out with the freaking fans before games. They'll get appearances from players etc. They have watch parties for away games in the club. etc.... Cutting edge shit like that, where SKC just takes it above and beyond. It engages everyone and makes you not just a spectator... but a part of the whole experience and organization. It's ****ing amazing. Imagine this shit with the Royals... My first love.

[Deberg_1990]

I've said this many times, but I think that having the Royals be on TV for nearly every home game hurts gate attendance. It wasn't t that way when I was growing up there. You had to listen to them on the radio or actually go to the games.

Especially in a small market like the KC area.

[BigCatDaddy]

Originally Posted by mr. tegu

What else can be done to enhance the fan experience? What do the people want? (besides a consistent winner)

My wife and I love going to just sit and watch the game so it is hard for me to perceive what others would want as part of the experience.

Win, which gets more fans to the games. More fans = more excitement.

[tk13]

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

I've said this many times, but I think that having the Royals be on TV for nearly every home game hurts gate attendance. It wasn't t that way when I was growing up there. You had to listen to them on the radio or actually go to the games.

Especially in a small market like the KC area.

Problem then is it's out of sight, out of mind in this day and age. Maybe you're right though.

I'd certainly have no qualms if Glass sold the team to the right person. I don't believe we'd magically be fighting the Phillies and and Red Sox in the payroll wars though. It might help boost attendance because of Glass' reputation though.

But even then, the most important thing is hiring competent baseball people. Glass has spent more than enough to put a winner on the field over the last decade, and spent more than almost anyone on the draft. There are multiple teams it seems almost every year making the playoffs while spending less money. The A's, Rays, Pirates... etc. I believe the Rockies spent less than KC when they went to the Series. On and on.

[Deberg_1990]

Originally Posted by tk13

Problem then is it's out of sight, out of mind in this day and age. Maybe you're right though.

Yea, understand. You cant go back.

Plus, theres alot more competition now for entertainment dollars than back in the 70s and 80s that the Royals have to contend with. Maybe they just havent aged well?

Of course, winning cures all........

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by Zeke

#2, it's not literally keeping people from coming... but their marketing is shit... shit shit... and isn't helping AT ALL. The appeal this team\club has is that it's the hometown team that has been here for the majority if not all of our lives. And that's hand wrapped and delivered for them... no effort on their part.

#3, having experienced SKC the past couple of years... holy shit does it make a difference. SKC was not a consistent, proven commodity when they built that stadium... they were a decent team... but not an elite team... The Ownership showed passion, ingenuity in their marketing... They engaged with Fans.. they promoted themselves as fans alongside.. and that completely lit a fire under this fanbase to immediately draw sellout after sellout once rebranded with the new stadium.. This ownership group is ridiculously intelligent and I have little doubt in my mind that they would make the entire Royals experience a freaking hot ticket in this town... with. out. a. doubt.

#4 Lowering the cost of food isn't really necessary... if you're at a game for 4 hours drinking beer... people are going to spend money on food.. especially if they are enjoying themselves... There are 100's of other things you can do....

With the interactive phone app... you sign into your seat in the stadium by scanning the barcode on your seat... then you can play games, do trivia, etc against others in the stadium... you can Order food delivered directly to your seat, paid for by your membership card. You can order a jersey from the shop, and someone will bring it to your seat for you. A freaking members Bar in the stadium... for pre-game warmup and post-game celebrations. Mind you these members are the CHEAPEST ticket on in the place. The Owner will actually hang out with the freaking fans before games. They'll get appearances from players etc. They have watch parties for away games in the club. etc.... Cutting edge shit like that, where SKC just takes it above and beyond. It engages everyone and makes you not just a spectator... but a part of the whole experience and organization. It's ****ing amazing. Imagine this shit with the Royals... My first love.

You did a much better job than I did describing some of the great things SKC does that I think would be huge and helpful factors in boosting the fan attendance.

You're obviously far more familiar than I am with SKC. I'll never be a fan because I just don't dig "major" league soccer (that is the equivalent of High A baseball or MAC football), and I don't like soccer enough as a sport to enjoy lower level comp.

But I was still blown away by the atmosphere they've created there and the small touches that line things up so well for the fans.

[teedubya]

Good thing Moose was soo good in March.

Mike Marchtacos.

[Prison Bitch]

9 hits, 0 runs. Nice offense, what losers.