*** Official 2017 Royals Offseason Repository

[duncan_idaho]

The reign is over. Time to begin the quest for the next one.

Interesting offseason opens for the Royals. Will they go all in for one last shot with this crew? Will they re-tool for 2018 and beyond? Will Dayton Moore actually decrease payroll this time?

Trades, free agent signings, rumors, plans, proposals... dump 'em all here, for this is... the offseason repository!

Royals Top Prospects, 2017

This is a list that’s going to seem a little bleak initially, as Raul Mondesi got enough ABs to age out of the prospect rankings (just barely – at 135 ABs, he is not rookie eligible). But that said, I like the talent and feel like this is a system that will actually be underrated by the prospect services.

Spoiler!

Format: POS/Name/2017 Projected Final Level

1) 3B/OF Hunter Dozier, MLB. Dozier bounced back from a disastrous 2015 campaign that had many wondering, myself included, if he was wrecked. His strong offensive performance in 2016 saw Dozier recapture the mature approach that many liked coming up, while also starting to tap into his above-average raw power for the first time.

In addition to his success at the plate, Dozier also proved he could at least HANDLE an OF spot, which could put him in the conversation for 2017 playing time at the major leagues. If the Royals DO end up trading Cheslor Cuthbert, Dozier could find a decent amount of MLB playing time sliding between RF and 3B. With Moustakas recovering from knee surgery, he likely will need more regular breaks from the field. And the streaky Paulo Orlando is just not an intriguing short-side platoon partner for Jarrod Dyson.

2) LHP Matt Strahm, MLB. Strahm just barely skates under the rookie eligibility rules for a pitcher, so he can be included here. Royals fans already got a taste of the lefty’s abilities, as he used his above-average fastball and slurve to dominate out of the pen in 2016. For him to translate that dominance to the rotation, Strahm will need to maintain his velocity (92-94) and continue to improve a changeup that flashed average at times.

If the changeup becomes a weapon he can lean on against righties, Strahm could be a very solid mid-rotation starter and fringe ToR/No. 2 type (think Danny Duffy-lite).

3) RHP Josh Staumont, AAA. This one could blow up on me and look really silly by this time next year, but I’m encouraged by what we saw from Staumont late last year. He showed significantly improved control down the stretch for Northwest Arkansas, including some impressive playoff starts, while maintaining the big-time K ability. That trend continued in the Arizona Fall League.

If Staumont’s control holds, the Royals have a guy with a plus fastball, plus-plus curve, and average change (with a slider that could develop into a real weapon as he matures). He’ll start next season at AAA and could be an addition to the MLB bullpen or even the rotation before the season ends.

4) RF Jorge Bonifacio, AAA. Boni, like Dozier, had a bounceback season in 2016 with the bat, and also played 15-20 pounds lighter than the year before, which added some nice defensive utility according to reports I’ve gotten. He now looks like a guy could provide solid/average RF production in the major leagues… Average defense paired with potential to put up a .275/.335/.450 line. While that’s not all-star level, it IS playable. Especially at pre-arbitration dollars. He’ll get another year in Omaha to refine his approach, and likely be in the mix of a 2018 mini-youth movement… unless moved for MLB reinforcements.

5) C Meibrys Viloria, Low-A (Lexington). I haven’t seen him in person, but I like the pedigree. You’ve got a lefthanded hitting catcher with the defensive ability to stick behind the plate. He was a big-bonus guy out of Colombia (nearly $500k). And his offensive performance has been highly impressive early, with a good combination of power, plate discipline, and contact skills.

He’s forever away from the majors, just now clearing rookie ball, but Viloria is the most exciting prospect KC has had at Idaho Falls since someone on this board was gushing about a 16-year-old SS tearing it up.

6) 1B Ryan O’Hearn, AAA. O’Hearn is a guy who has never gotten a lot of hype from scouts, but he continues to be a strong producer. He’s someone who likely will strikeout about 25 percent of the time at the big-league level, but has the ability to be a .500+ SLG guy. That plays. He also has shown good patience at the plate, posting above-average OBPs at every level.

Bold prediction: I won’t be shocked if O’Hearn takes over at 1B for KC in 2018/2019 and provides similar offensive production to Hosmer out of the gate. He’s probably never going to be a consistent plus average (.290+) hitter, but .270 with 25 HR is something within reach for him. He’ll get his first shot at AAA in 2017.

7) RHP AJ Puckett, A+. Puckett is a high floor, low-ceiling guy who performed about as you’d expect in 2016 after being the Royals’ first pick in the 2016 Rule IV Draft. He’s not flashy, but Puckett does profile as a solid potential back-end starter. Good fastball command and an above-average changeup are his calling cards. If Puckett finds a reliable breaking ball to put batters away, this could tick up. Great athlete, very similar to Jake Odorizzi in that regard.

8) RF Khalil Lee, Low-A (Lexington). Lee was a two-way player in HS and many viewed him as a pitcher first as a pro, but the Royals drafted him as an OF and were reward with a strong debut campaign. Lee is not a big guy, but he produced solid power numbers despite that. He’s a dynamic athlete who could contribute with power and speed.

9) C Chase Vallot, High-A (Wilmington). Vallot has an intriguing bat, with plus raw power. Got off to a great start in 16 before being sidelined and then sidetracked by injury. RH bat may be good enough to push him out from behind the plate, where he has good tools but a long way to go.

10) RHP Jake Junis and RHP Alec Mills (AAA). I'm copping out here and including both at No. 10 because they're so similar. Like Puckett, they each project as a serviceable back of rotation starter. Similar stuff and profiles, though Junis has shown a little better strikeout ability and may have a smidge more upside as a result.

Others of note:

SS/CF Marten Gasparini. Production has been bad for this toolsy player, but Gasparini has speed and pop that jump out at you. At only 19, need to be patient with him... this European signee was even less polished when signing at 16 than the typical Latin America prospect.

OF Seuly Matias. Loud, loud tools. Matias profiles as a classic RF... big-time power potential. He's a long ways from the majors but is one of the Royals' biggest bonus babies from LA.

RHP Ashe Russell. 2014 1st rounder saw his velocity disappear last year and was quickly shut down. He's intriguing one way or the other, even if he ends up as another notch in the belt of the TINSTAAPP saying.

2B Corey Toups. O'Hearn's HS teammate has been an above-average producer for an up-the-middle player. His small stature hides a surprising amount of pop. Could turn into a Mark Grudzielanek type of offensive second baseman at his peak - solid average, lots of 2Bs.

RHP Scott Blewett, LHP Foster Griffin, RHP Nolan Watson - all three have underwhelmed as pros but were drafted in the supplemental round. Stuff and projectability for each is a positive. Wouldn't be surprised to see one of them take a Cody Reed-like step forward this season and crack the 50-75 range on prospect lists. They all have the natural ability.

SS/2B Ricky Aracena - Jose Altuve-sized Aracena is a switch hitting middle infielder who can flat out run. Switch hitter with a good approach.

RHP Pedro Fernandez - I'm still a believer in his stuff, even if he is destined for the pen. Was having a nice 2016 start until injuries derailed him right after his promotion to AA.

Sirs not Appearing in this Prospect List:

RHP Kyle Zimmer. Same story, different year. The Royals are hopeful they FINALLY found the cause of Zimmer's achy shoulder. If they really did, and he can stay healthy, the talent/potential is exciting.

OF Bubba Starling. Never trust a guy named Derek.

[Chiefspants]

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

I think we've debated this, I believe you're wrong. Crow spent 4 years here and had a -0.2 fWAR. So he was actually worse than replacement, and hence not qualified to be a big leaguer.

Second, unlike guys who never made it, we had to spend $$$ on him. over $6M clams on that loser. How many of his peers made that? Tack on the $2M more he stole from Florida in 2015 (never threw a pitch) and you're looking at 8M for zero



Frankly, I hate him mostly for submarining our 2013 team (.825 second half OPS) and trying his best to destroy 2014 (.913 ops second half!).

Half of that was 2013 Edgar insisting to put Crow in during high leverage situations (since Hoch only came in when the team had a lead).

I still think Andy's scathing coverage of Ned's "Kelvin's for the 7th inning" and his 2014 bullpen usage inspired Ned to always consult with Waka and Eiland for pitching changes from that point forward.

I'm pretty thrilled Crow made the bold move to publicly criticize the team at a charity event after the 2014 postseason run. After all the team had done for him, one has to think Dayton was pretty fired up by those comments. Flynn has turned into a surprisingly useful reliever in exchange for Mr. Surly.

[Prison Bitch]

I like Flynn too.

I remember Crow being unable to command his FB, and having to groove them which were promptly hit back harder than he threw them. But I looked up his Fangraphs data and it says his slider went from a huge plus to flat his last 2 years. Either it wasn't as sharp, or hitters stopped swinging at it knowing Crow couldn't get his FB over

[cosmo20002]

Originally Posted by DJJasonp

anyone else wishing that Duffy WASNT playing in the WBC?

He's not the only one. Hosmer is playing, Esky and Salvy are playing for Venezuela, Butera is playing for Italy, and Soria is playing for Mexico.

Hate the thought of Salvy getting overworked. But maybe Soria will get his shit worked out over there.

[BWillie]

I'm ready to give Colon the 2B spot every day. Let Whit sub for people and work his way all around the diamond. Mondesi in AAA or AA go get his reps. Just give Colon everyday reps, see what he can do. He's in his prime, he's busted his ass this offseason to transform his body. He's shown he can hit in extended ABs in the minors. Lets give him a shot. As I said many times before Mondesi was brought up, he's just nowhere near ready offensively. I'd like for him to get his confidence back in the minors.

[Three7s]

Originally Posted by BWillie

I'm ready to give Colon the 2B spot every day. Let Whit sub for people and work his way all around the diamond. Mondesi in AAA or AA go get his reps. Just give Colon everyday reps, see what he can do. He's in his prime, he's busted his ass this offseason to transform his body. He's shown he can hit in extended ABs in the minors. Lets give him a shot. As I said many times before Mondesi was brought up, he's just nowhere near ready offensively. I'd like for him to get his confidence back in the minors.

And what about Cuthbert?

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by Three7s

And what about Cuthbert?

Don't think he can play 2B defensively. Just think it would be atrocious to watch him try. Hope I'm wrong. I'd hold onto him until we decide if we are resigning Moose or not, or if we are confident signing Moose trade him.

[Prison Bitch]

Marlins agree to sell for 1.6B

Man, is David Glass loving that news.

[ChiefsCountry]

If the Marlins ever had a stable ownership group with money, it could easily be one of the top franchises. Miami is a free agents and Hispanic players dream.

[SAUTO]

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

Marlins agree to sell for 1.6B

Man, is David Glass loving that news.

So 2 billion with stanton and the rest of the team's contract obligations.

Stanton is 325 million and the rest can't be much over the other 75.

[ChiefsCountry]

New ownership in Miami, would probably put the Marlins in the Hosmer sweepstakes.

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

If the Marlins ever had a stable ownership group with money, it could easily be one of the top franchises. Miami is a free agents and Hispanic players dream.

Remember when the Marlins would just win the World Series every six years, suck for 5, then repeat? If I recall correctly, they would just go crazy nuts spending for a short period of time. Win WS. Give up for years. Go crazy again.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

I think we've debated this, I believe you're wrong. Crow spent 4 years here and had a -0.2 fWAR. So he was actually worse than replacement, and hence not qualified to be a big leaguer.

Second, unlike guys who never made it, we had to spend $$$ on him. over $6M clams on that loser. How many of his peers made that? Tack on the $2M more he stole from Florida in 2015 (never threw a pitch) and you're looking at 8M for zero



Frankly, I hate him mostly for submarining our 2013 team (.825 second half OPS) and trying his best to destroy 2014 (.913 ops second half!).

We've debated it at great length. I won't get into a long thing with you, think we just disagree on it.

My point is that if you're grading draft picks 1-5, with 1 being Bubba Starling and 5 being an All-Star major league player, (Or 1 being Fail, 3 being meet, 5 being exceed expectations), I wouldn't grade Crow as a 1. It's not a disaster pick. It's a 2 (Need improvement).

They got SOMETHING out of him. Three seasons of above-average middle relief and six seasons of control of Flynn, with one of those already being another above-average middle relief season.

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

I like Flynn too.

I remember Crow being unable to command his FB, and having to groove them which were promptly hit back harder than he threw them. But I looked up his Fangraphs data and it says his slider went from a huge plus to flat his last 2 years. Either it wasn't as sharp, or hitters stopped swinging at it knowing Crow couldn't get his FB over

Probably has something to do with the UCL in his elbow being damaged. Slider is a tough pitch to throw with elbow issues.

Most frustrating thing about Crow is that KC took the chance on the wrong Mizzou pitcher with mechanical concerns. Scherzer instead of Hochevar drastically changes the landscape.

Hindsight, though.

[Prison Bitch]

Max Scherzer a Royal. We should all be so lucky. I can only imagine. Or getting Kinsler when the Rangers foolishly surrendered him for a fading fatty.

I stopped doing that after our glory run. All the mistakes just roll off now. We got the title.

[KChiefs1]

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

If the Marlins ever had a stable ownership group with money, it could easily be one of the top franchises. Miami is a free agents and Hispanic players dream.

Heaven on earth.




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[KChiefs1]

Vegas over/under:



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