Royals *** Official 2016 Royals Repository, Version 1 *** - Page 362

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.

duncan_idaho · 09-16-2016, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeepSouth

Duncan, where do you see that increase being spent. LF = Gordan, CF = Cain/Burns, RF = Orlando/Dozier/Dyson/Bonifacio, 3rd = Moose/Cuthbert/Dozier, SS = Escabar/Mondesi, 2nd = Mondesi/Merrifield/Colon, 1st = Hos/Cuthbert/Dozier, C = Perez/Butera. Four of the starting rotation should be set with Duffy/Kennedy/Ventura/Vargas. You have Minor/Strahm/Young as possible 5th starter. And hopefully, Zimmer or Almonte will push for a starting spot. Other than pitching (starters and pen), what position would you replace the current player(s)?

This team needs offense and starting pitching. 'My fine covering one rotation spot with Vargas/Minor/Strahm/Mills (not Young... Never again Young), but not two.

They need to make at least a mid-range investment in a starter on the FA market, unless they swing one in a trade.

They also need another proven bat to replace Morales (unless he comes back). I'd be looking for someone like Beltran... Vet bat with pop to stabilize the middle of the order.

I expect to see Cain primarily in RF next season. Keeping him healthy is probably the most critical item for 2017. That leaves some combo of Dyson/Orlando to cover CF.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**ChiTown** · 09-16-2016, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

Royals finished 10-24 against the AL West. That is why we aren't in the playoff hunt.

Indians, White Sox, and Twins all have winning records against the AL West. Detroit is at .500. If we were even .500 with the AL West, tied for the Wild card spot right now.

We aren't in the Playoffs this year primarily because of 3 things:
1. Soria/Poor Off-season Aquisitions
2. Injuries
3. Our Bullpen is now human

**ChiTown** · 09-16-2016, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

Yeah. And while the Royals online verse likes to freak out about payroll and how there's no room under the current payroll to plug holes in 2017, I look at a move like bringing up Jason Vargas for this season - a move that voids the $6 million insurance payment on him in a season in which they have no chance and he can't make a difference - and think that Glass is probably going to green light another payroll increase, at least for 2017.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think our SP looks like the following:

1. Duffy
2. Kennedy
3. Ventura
4. Vargas
5. FA or Strahm
Misc: Volquez is done - at least he's done in KC. No way they re-up with him at this point. Time to move on. Medlen says he wants to come back (he'd probably re-work his deal), but why we would we do that, unless Vargas's injury appears to have limited his comeback? Either way, I think we move on from Medlen as well

Closer - Davis
Set-up - Herrera
7th inning - Strahm/Holland
6th inning - Soria - They are heavily invested with Soria. They are going to give him some rope to figure it out in 2017 before they DFA him and the remainder of his $18MM contract. JMO
Long Relief - Flynn/Gee/Young
Misc - I think we cut bait with Hoch and look at signing Holland. His upside could be significant. If he could get back into a late inning role, that might allow the Royals to avoid dipping into the FA market if they feel Strahm is ready to look at a starting role (5th man).

Lineup Needs:
OF - FA? - It would be nice to have some power in the OF. I like what Paulo did for us this year, I just wish he had more power. I think Dyson remains as the UTIL OF'r.
2B - I'm not sold at all on Merrifield at 2B, but the FA market for 2b is complete dogshit. Plus, I like his value as a Utility player; Mondesi's bat isn't ready for the MLB; and Colon won't ever be an everyday player. I think we are stuck with Whit starting the year at 2B until Mondesi is ready to play everyday.
3B/1B: I assume Moose will be back, but who knows if the ACL injury limits his mobility at 3B. One thing we do know is that Cutty's offensive production and power was wearing down as the season progressed. I don't necessarily think we need to make a move, but it's certainly something to keep an eye on in Spring Training
C: I assume they will try and re-sign Butera on a 1-yr deal? He's making $1.16MM in '16. He's been reasonably solid this year as Sal's backup.
DH: I don't see the Royals re-upping with Ken Mo for $11MM. He's had a resurgence of power, but I just don't think he brings enough value to justify that sort of money. I think we hit the FA market, but maybe they look at Dozier, Cutty or Bonifacio to fill that role? It will be interesting to see how they address this in the off-season

My 25-Man Opening Day Roster:
Pitchers (13)
Duffy, Kennedy, Ventura, Vargas, FA Starter (I'd take a chance on a 1-yr deal with Colby Lewis, or maybe a 2-yr deal with Doug Fister??), Davis, Herrera, Strahm, Holland, Soria, Gee, Flynn, Young
Position Players (12)
Perez, Hosmer, Merrifield, Escobar, Moose, Gordon, Cain, Orlando, Colon, Butera, Beltran (my wildcard acqusition at DH), Dyson

**Nzoner** · 09-16-2016, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiTown

We aren't in the Playoffs this year primarily because of 3 things:
1. Soria/Poor Off-season Aquisition(that Ned refused to give up on especially in big spots)
2. Injuries
3. Our Bullpen is now human

FYP

Titty Meat · 09-16-2016, 12:31 PM

Enjoy next year because after than they will be bad for 5+ years.

Chiefspants · 09-16-2016, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigMeatballBillay

Enjoy next year because after than they will be bad for 5+ years.

I'll savor every moment.

Chris Meck · 09-16-2016, 12:49 PM

I've seen it discussed that Cuthbert could play second. If he can handle the extra range, that'd be a nice offensive upgrade. Moose returns, that's +1 bat. A mix of Gordon/Cain/Burns (if he hits like his rookie year) would be fine.

I think Strahm is penciled in at #5. Duffy, Ventura, Kennedy, Vargas/Medlin, Strahm should be decent to good if Ventura reaches consistency.

I agree it's time to let Volquez walk. I think any gains financially between letting Morales go and still replacing the production would be minimal.

Agree on letting Hoch walk and re-signing Holland. I think the Young and Soria experiments need to be over.

Actually, Dozier had a big year at the plate in the minors and has been playing some RF. Could be the answers are homegrown.

Prison Bitch · 09-16-2016, 12:58 PM

Frankly, Ventura has to be considered a fringe candidate for the rotation next year. He was awful in 2016. If you can have a Mike Minor give you 5 decent IP each start and if Vargas is healthy, might move Ventura to the pen where his stuff may play up. But he needs to earn his rotation spot, he lost it this year IMO.

duncan_idaho · 09-16-2016, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigMeatballBillay

Enjoy next year because after than they will be bad for 5+ years.

You seem to take great joy in saying this. Congrats.

Kansas City will definitely have to rebuild/reload following 2017, but the extent necessary will be determined by what pieces, if any, are kept.

If Duffy is extended (I would bet on it happening) and Ventura's light switch comes on, that's a big start in that time period.

Perez will continue to be a plus catcher for 2-4 more seasons. Position players beyond him will determine how good the team can be. Mondesi reaching his ceiling or close to it with the bat would be a major boost. Keeping a Moustakas (who I believe ages the best due to his power and simplicity of his swing) would also help.

As for 2017...

I just don't think you can realistically say "we're going for it" if Vargas and Strahm are both penciled into rotation spots. I like Strahm's potential as a starter, but he has to prove he can get guys out a second and third time over the grind. Vargas is likely to be steady and would be a quality no 5 if he is what he was before.

They have to add a starter in FA, IMO. Doesn't have to be the best guy available, but they need someone.

A trade would also work, though it would need to be with pieces that are expendable for 2017 (pretty much Dozier or Cuthbert, Jorge Bonifacio, and lower level Minor's guys).

Beltran is going to be a popular suggestion for DH due to his availability, ties to KC, and strong 2016. I would like that move a lot - good teammate, fearless hitter who can influence the guys around him in a lineup positively.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

siberian khatru · 09-16-2016, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

You seem to take great joy in saying this. Congrats.

Kansas City will definitely have to rebuild/reload following 2017, but the extent necessary will be determined by what pieces, if any, are kept.

If Duffy is extended (I would bet on it happening) and Ventura's light switch comes on, that's a big start in that time period.

Perez will continue to be a plus catcher for 2-4 more seasons. Position players beyond him will determine how good the team can be. Mondesi reaching his ceiling or close to it with the bat would be a major boost. Keeping a Moustakas (who I believe ages the best due to his power and simplicity of his swing) would also help.

As for 2017...

I just don't think you can realistically say "we're going for it" if Vargas and Strahm are both penciled into rotation spots. I like Strahm's potential as a starter, but he has to prove he can get guys out a second and third time over the grind. Vargas is likely to be steady and would be a quality no 5 if he is what he was before.

They have to add a starter in FA, IMO. Doesn't have to be the best guy available, but they need someone.

A trade would also work, though it would need to be with pieces that are expendable for 2017 (pretty much Dozier or Cuthbert, Jorge Bonifacio, and lower level Minor's guys).

Beltran is going to be a popular suggestion for DH due to his availability, ties to KC, and strong 2016. I would like that move a lot - good teammate, fearless hitter who can influence the guys around him in a lineup positively.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think Strahm needs a third pitch.

WhawhaWhat · 09-16-2016, 01:52 PM

siberian khatru · 09-16-2016, 01:54 PM

Yay, Dozier!

Might as well see more of Burns. So far though he's made Jarrod Dyson look like Kenny Lofton.

sedated · 09-16-2016, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

If we were even .500 with the AL West, tied for the Wild card spot right now.

Add this to the list.

"If we just went .500 in July, we'd be in the playoffs"

"If the team just went .500 when the 5th starter was pitching, we'd be in the playoffs"

"If Soria was just average, we'd be in the playoffs"

"If we were just .500 against the AL West, we'd be in the playoffs"

How many others are there?

Mr. Laz · 09-16-2016, 03:39 PM

Give Salvy the rest of the year off.

save those knees

siberian khatru · 09-16-2016, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

Give Salvy the rest of the year off.

save those knees

And avoid concussions

04-03-2016, 09:48 AM
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $-1989692	* 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: 22,399

09-16-2016, 12:31 PM	#5420
Titty Meat Inmem 2.0 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: My house Casino cash: $-1042442	Enjoy next year because after than they will be bad for 5+ years.
Posts: 78,097

09-16-2016, 12:49 PM	#5422
Chris Meck MVP Join Date: May 2001 Location: midtown KC Casino cash: $-1235090	I've seen it discussed that Cuthbert could play second. If he can handle the extra range, that'd be a nice offensive upgrade. Moose returns, that's +1 bat. A mix of Gordon/Cain/Burns (if he hits like his rookie year) would be fine. I think Strahm is penciled in at #5. Duffy, Ventura, Kennedy, Vargas/Medlin, Strahm should be decent to good if Ventura reaches consistency. I agree it's time to let Volquez walk. I think any gains financially between letting Morales go and still replacing the production would be minimal. Agree on letting Hoch walk and re-signing Holland. I think the Young and Soria experiments need to be over. Actually, Dozier had a big year at the plate in the minors and has been playing some RF. Could be the answers are homegrown.
Posts: 19,439

09-16-2016, 12:58 PM	#5423
Prison Bitch Rabbi Goldmann Join Date: Nov 2012 Casino cash: $5450159	Frankly, Ventura has to be considered a fringe candidate for the rotation next year. He was awful in 2016. If you can have a Mike Minor give you 5 decent IP each start and if Vargas is healthy, might move Ventura to the pen where his stuff may play up. But he needs to earn his rotation spot, he lost it this year IMO.
Posts: 87,025

09-16-2016, 01:52 PM	#5426
WhawhaWhat MVP Join Date: Feb 2013 Casino cash: $-678884
Posts: 18,321

09-16-2016, 01:54 PM	#5427
siberian khatru 21st Century Schizoid Fan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Gates of Delirium Casino cash: $-1225050	Yay, Dozier! Might as well see more of Burns. So far though he's made Jarrod Dyson look like Kenny Lofton.
Posts: 71,887

09-16-2016, 03:39 PM	#5429
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	Give Salvy the rest of the year off. save those knees __________________
Posts: 95,626