Royals (New) 2013 Kansas City Royals Repository - Page 19

duncan_idaho · 08-15-2013, 08:13 AM

New thread, this time with more burst.

Proposed 2013 Slogan: Tigers: They're what's for dinner
Actual 2013 Slogan: Come to Play
A better, more accurate, or alternative slogan: All in, no panic, we promise.

Dayton Moore has pushed all his chips in and is riding on King/Jack suited, hoping it comes together, he gets some good luck, and he hits the nuts by the river card. There's potential, oh yes, there's potential. There's also risk.

At the midway point, Dayton is left counting on the river card. The flop and turn didn't help him, and he's looking at the Tigers holding a pair of Queens and the Indians holding a pair of 9s. His 2013 plan hasn't failed - yet - but the odds are not in his favor.

Burning questions updates below.

Burning Questions for 2013:

1) Will the improve rotation be improved enough? Does James Shields pitch like a fringe No. 1 away from Tampa Bay? Does Ervin Santana pitch to his highest upside in his walk year? Can Jeremy Guthrie build on his strong performance as a Royal in 2012? Can Wade Davis bring his new mentality- and velocity - back to the rotation?

Midseason check-in: Yes, the rotation is certainly improved enough. Shields has pitched like a fringe No. 1 and Santana is having his best season. Guthrie has horrible peripherals but has continued to perform well at his home park and eat innings on the road. Davis brought neither his kick-ass mentality or improved velocity back to the rotation and is in Luke Hochevar/Hiram Davies territory.

2) When will Luke Hochevar be shown the door?
Midseason check-in: It appears, never, at this point. Hochevar has been solid in non-leverage situations, though pretty much every time he has been used with men on base in an inning, it has been a disaster.

3) Does Hosmer bounce back?
Midseason check-in: It took some time, but Hosmer's performance from June 1 on is probably the most encouraging thing about the 2013 season so far.
4) Can Moustakas hit for a whole season like he did in the first half of 2012?
Midseason check-in: Nope. Moustakas was god-awful, then great for about 3 weeks, then god-awful again. He has been better since he started working with Brett and Grafol but still has a long way to go.
5) Who regresses?
Midseason check-in: Welp, Alicides Escobar is not a surprising name here (though Yost's stubborn insistence on hitting him second is ridiculous). Billy Butler is a surprise. He isn't having a terrible year - still contributing a lot to the offense - but he's not hitting for the average or power he has displayed over the past several years.
6) Who plays 2B?
Midseason check-in: A whole bunch of people, and not that great. Gio is at least getting a shot, though he once again is not doing much with it.
7) Can Jeff Francoeur be at least replacement level, rather than epic horrible level?
Midseason check-in: Hahahahahahahahahahaha
8) Will Dayton Moore survive to see 2014?
Midseason check-in: Outlook uncertain. Probably still around, unless the team completely tanks in the second half and he does something foolish. My guess - he sacrifices Ned Yost this offseason and gets one more shot with a new manager in 2014.
9) Will Danny Duffy come back healthy? And if he does, is he the same, better or worse?
Midseason check-in: Yes. Velocity looks the same, and it looks likely he is the same guy as before.
10) And the big one: Has KC added enough to run down the big-money Detroit Tigers?
Midseason check-in: Doesn't look like it, does it?

CaliforniaChief · 08-21-2013, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigCatDaddy

Yeah, I know it won't happen, but trade for Dunn and move Hos to RF for a year?

Honestly, I still have my eyes on Stanton. I know, it's a horrible longshot. But Miami is the only team that would trade a known slugger for a boatload of prospects. Stanton's numbers are down this year...but look at the lineup around him.

He's 6'6", 240 lbs.

His 162 game average in his career?
.351 OBP, .535 SLG, .866 OPS, 39 HR, 97 RBI

I'd certainly sell the farm for him.

Or, make a move for Abreu and relocate Hosmer to RF. I don't effing care. We need home runs.

BigCatDaddy · 08-21-2013, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

Honestly, I still have my eyes on Stanton. I know, it's a horrible longshot. But Miami is the only team that would trade a known slugger for a boatload of prospects. Stanton's numbers are down this year...but look at the lineup around him.

He's 6'6", 240 lbs.

His 162 game average in his career?
.351 OBP, .535 SLG, .866 OPS, 39 HR, 97 RBI

I'd certainly sell the farm for him.

Or, make a move for Abreu and relocate Hosmer to RF. I don't effing care. We need home runs.

What about that Myers guy in TB? He is looking like a 300/30/120 guy right now?

Ceej · 08-21-2013, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by penbook

Yost does it again.

#Royals vs. CWS RHP Rienzo: Getz 4, Hosmer 3, Butler DH, Gordon 7, Perez 2, Moustakas 5, Lough 9, Escobar 6, Dyson 8 and Guthrie 1.

The season is over.

Fansy the Famous Bard · 08-21-2013, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

Honestly, I still have my eyes on Stanton. I know, it's a horrible longshot. But Miami is the only team that would trade a known slugger for a boatload of prospects. Stanton's numbers are down this year...but look at the lineup around him.

He's 6'6", 240 lbs.

His 162 game average in his career?
.351 OBP, .535 SLG, .866 OPS, 39 HR, 97 RBI

I'd certainly sell the farm for him.

Or, make a move for Abreu and relocate Hosmer to RF. I don't effing care. We need home runs.

Or in our case, we'll trade a slugger and boat load of prospects for a two-year rental and two POS's.

CaliforniaChief · 08-21-2013, 02:34 PM

The only way we salvage that trade now is to extend Shields by 2 more years. Wade Davis is garbage.

So extend Shields, let Santana walk, take the draft pick, and trade the farm for Stanton.

duncan_idaho · 08-21-2013, 02:52 PM

They're not going to play Hosmer in RF. This organization is vehemently opposed to that plan. The solution is going to have to come from either RF or 2B.

Stanton is a pipe dream, but a very nice one. I'm sure KC wouldn't be the only team interested in Stanton if the Marlins put him on the market, but KC will likely have the bullets to get someone like him.

You're going to start with Yordano Ventura and probably also include a boatload of other prospects - Jorge Bonifacio, Chris Dwyer, Adalberto Mondesi or Orlando Calixte + Cheslor Cuthbert.

My personal favorite is the idea of bringing in Carlos Beltran for the last few years of his career. If you can limit him to 120-130 games, I think you get great production out of Carlos (.290/30/90/.350 OBP/.500 SLG) and some nice leadership and experience.

KC is good enough to dream on that possibility a little bit, and I think he's out of the plans in St. Louis.

You could live with Emilio Bonifacio as your everyday 2B/util guy (even if Chris Getz is the other backup) if you add a bat of that quality to the lineup.

Plus, it allows KC to keep Duffy/Ventura/Zimmer intact.

CaliforniaChief · 08-21-2013, 02:57 PM

I could live with Beltran. But I wouldn't mind paying that price for Stanton and would prefer him as an option, honestly for 3 reasons:

1. He's 23.
2. His best power numbers are still ahead of him, probably.
3. He's someone you can build a batting order and roster around.

But if he's not available or the price includes body parts, I would settle for Beltran. But we need home runs.

Fansy the Famous Bard · 08-21-2013, 03:01 PM

A lineup of:

1. Gordon
2. Cain
3. Hosmer
4. Stanton
5. Butler
6. Moose
7. Perez
8. Escobar
9. Bonafacio

would be.

... Even in light of the 8 and 9.

the sad part is...

1. Gordon
2. Cain
3. Hosmer
4. Myers
5. Butler
6. Moose
7. Perez
8. Escobar
9. Bonafacio

Was a reality just a short few months ago.

duncan_idaho · 08-21-2013, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

I could live with Beltran. But I wouldn't mind paying that price for Stanton and would prefer him as an option, honestly for 3 reasons:

1. He's 23.
2. His best power numbers are still ahead of him, probably.
3. He's someone you can build a batting order and roster around.

But if he's not available or the price includes body parts, I would settle for Beltran. But we need home runs.

It's definitely possible. He's arbitration eligible this year for the first time. It will be a matter of WHAT he will demand in return.

Honestly, I'm not sure the following is enough:

Ventura (probably a top 50 prospect)
Mondesi (probably a top 50 prospect) or Orlando Calixte (whose bat has been just OK but who looks like he can stick at SS after being named the top defender at that position in his league)+Cheslor Cuthbert
Chris Dwyer (Throw-in, lotto ticket)
Jorge Bonifacio (likely top 100 prospect who would be blocked with Stanton around).

If Miami would take Ventura, Calixte, Dwyer and Bonifacio, that would be pretty awesome. But I keep coming back to other teams that need Stanton's power making a run at him (Texas). If Texas offered Profar + Martin Perez, I don't think KC could match that.

BWillie · 08-21-2013, 03:10 PM

We need to get rid of Escobar. He's overrated. Not saying you have to just DFA him right now, but see if you can find a better option. I don't want to wait for 3 years until another short stop comes up. The guy is terrible at the plate. Eventually, guys that hack at balls get exposed by their plate approach. That seems to be what happened.

Ebolapox · 08-21-2013, 03:11 PM

I have a hard time believing that it would be so 'cheap' for giancarlo

CaliforniaChief · 08-21-2013, 03:18 PM

What's funny is that Profar, while still considered a "can't miss" prospect, certainly hasn't dominated since his callup. It's a lot better to trade these guys while they're still in the minors than to let them publicly struggle.

duncan_idaho · 08-21-2013, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWillie

We need to get rid of Escobar. He's overrated. Not saying you have to just DFA him right now, but see if you can find a better option. I don't want to wait for 3 years until another short stop comes up. The guy is terrible at the plate. Eventually, guys that hack at balls get exposed by their plate approach. That seems to be what happened.

"Need" ? I think that's strong.

Sure, I'm OK with exploring upgrading the position (though it would have to be in a trade as the FA market for SS next year is terrible). But "need?"

The guy is having a miserable season at the plate that keeps getting worse. But his defense has been nearly as valuable this year as it was his first season in KC.

Higher priorities in the offseason:
1a) Add RH power to the lineup
1b) Add another quality veteran pitcher behind Shields and in front of Guthrie
1c) Address 2B/UTIL infield

If you improve the offense substantially at either RF or 2B and improve it at least to league-average at the other spot, you can afford to carry Escobar's bat, even if it doesn't rebound.

penbrook · 08-21-2013, 03:29 PM

Yost on Getz leading off: "He's been playing week since he's been (back from DL). And he's taking pitches. He's working the at-bat."

jbwm89 · 08-21-2013, 03:35 PM

I'm a big fan of Cain but I'm not sure you can count on him in CF. Let's say you can get someone to play RF, are you comfortable with Cain/Dyson/Lough as your other 2-3 OF's?

08-15-2013, 08:13 AM
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $1520308	(New) 2013 Kansas City Royals Repository New thread, this time with more burst. Proposed 2013 Slogan: Tigers: They're what's for dinner Actual 2013 Slogan: Come to Play A better, more accurate, or alternative slogan: All in, no panic, we promise. Dayton Moore has pushed all his chips in and is riding on King/Jack suited, hoping it comes together, he gets some good luck, and he hits the nuts by the river card. There's potential, oh yes, there's potential. There's also risk. At the midway point, Dayton is left counting on the river card. The flop and turn didn't help him, and he's looking at the Tigers holding a pair of Queens and the Indians holding a pair of 9s. His 2013 plan hasn't failed - yet - but the odds are not in his favor. Burning questions updates below. Burning Questions for 2013: 1) Will the improve rotation be improved enough? Does James Shields pitch like a fringe No. 1 away from Tampa Bay? Does Ervin Santana pitch to his highest upside in his walk year? Can Jeremy Guthrie build on his strong performance as a Royal in 2012? Can Wade Davis bring his new mentality- and velocity - back to the rotation? Midseason check-in: Yes, the rotation is certainly improved enough. Shields has pitched like a fringe No. 1 and Santana is having his best season. Guthrie has horrible peripherals but has continued to perform well at his home park and eat innings on the road. Davis brought neither his kick-ass mentality or improved velocity back to the rotation and is in Luke Hochevar/Hiram Davies territory. 2) When will Luke Hochevar be shown the door? Midseason check-in: It appears, never, at this point. Hochevar has been solid in non-leverage situations, though pretty much every time he has been used with men on base in an inning, it has been a disaster. 3) Does Hosmer bounce back? Midseason check-in: It took some time, but Hosmer's performance from June 1 on is probably the most encouraging thing about the 2013 season so far. 4) Can Moustakas hit for a whole season like he did in the first half of 2012? Midseason check-in: Nope. Moustakas was god-awful, then great for about 3 weeks, then god-awful again. He has been better since he started working with Brett and Grafol but still has a long way to go. 5) Who regresses? Midseason check-in: Welp, Alicides Escobar is not a surprising name here (though Yost's stubborn insistence on hitting him second is ridiculous). Billy Butler is a surprise. He isn't having a terrible year - still contributing a lot to the offense - but he's not hitting for the average or power he has displayed over the past several years. 6) Who plays 2B? Midseason check-in: A whole bunch of people, and not that great. Gio is at least getting a shot, though he once again is not doing much with it. 7) Can Jeff Francoeur be at least replacement level, rather than epic horrible level? Midseason check-in: Hahahahahahahahahahaha 8) Will Dayton Moore survive to see 2014? Midseason check-in: Outlook uncertain. Probably still around, unless the team completely tanks in the second half and he does something foolish. My guess - he sacrifices Ned Yost this offseason and gets one more shot with a new manager in 2014. 9) Will Danny Duffy come back healthy? And if he does, is he the same, better or worse? Midseason check-in: Yes. Velocity looks the same, and it looks likely he is the same guy as before. 10) And the big one: Has KC added enough to run down the big-money Detroit Tigers? Midseason check-in: Doesn't look like it, does it?
Posts: 21,145

08-21-2013, 02:34 PM	#275
CaliforniaChief #RIPAce Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Casino cash: $12332899	The only way we salvage that trade now is to extend Shields by 2 more years. Wade Davis is garbage. So extend Shields, let Santana walk, take the draft pick, and trade the farm for Stanton.
Posts: 17,323

08-21-2013, 02:52 PM	#276
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $1520308	They're not going to play Hosmer in RF. This organization is vehemently opposed to that plan. The solution is going to have to come from either RF or 2B. Stanton is a pipe dream, but a very nice one. I'm sure KC wouldn't be the only team interested in Stanton if the Marlins put him on the market, but KC will likely have the bullets to get someone like him. You're going to start with Yordano Ventura and probably also include a boatload of other prospects - Jorge Bonifacio, Chris Dwyer, Adalberto Mondesi or Orlando Calixte + Cheslor Cuthbert. My personal favorite is the idea of bringing in Carlos Beltran for the last few years of his career. If you can limit him to 120-130 games, I think you get great production out of Carlos (.290/30/90/.350 OBP/.500 SLG) and some nice leadership and experience. KC is good enough to dream on that possibility a little bit, and I think he's out of the plans in St. Louis. You could live with Emilio Bonifacio as your everyday 2B/util guy (even if Chris Getz is the other backup) if you add a bat of that quality to the lineup. Plus, it allows KC to keep Duffy/Ventura/Zimmer intact. __________________ "You gotta love livin', cause dying is a pain in the ass." ---- Sinatra
Posts: 21,145

08-21-2013, 02:57 PM	#277
CaliforniaChief #RIPAce Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Casino cash: $12332899	I could live with Beltran. But I wouldn't mind paying that price for Stanton and would prefer him as an option, honestly for 3 reasons: 1. He's 23. 2. His best power numbers are still ahead of him, probably. 3. He's someone you can build a batting order and roster around. But if he's not available or the price includes body parts, I would settle for Beltran. But we need home runs.
Posts: 17,323

08-21-2013, 03:01 PM	#278
Fansy the Famous Bard I'm with the Banned Join Date: Feb 2009 Casino cash: $2156440	A lineup of: 1. Gordon 2. Cain 3. Hosmer 4. Stanton 5. Butler 6. Moose 7. Perez 8. Escobar 9. Bonafacio would be. ... Even in light of the 8 and 9. the sad part is... 1. Gordon 2. Cain 3. Hosmer 4. Myers 5. Butler 6. Moose 7. Perez 8. Escobar 9. Bonafacio Was a reality just a short few months ago. __________________ Hi.
Posts: 6,046

08-21-2013, 03:10 PM	#280
BWillie El Gato Gordo Loco Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Earth Casino cash: $2201241	We need to get rid of Escobar. He's overrated. Not saying you have to just DFA him right now, but see if you can find a better option. I don't want to wait for 3 years until another short stop comes up. The guy is terrible at the plate. Eventually, guys that hack at balls get exposed by their plate approach. That seems to be what happened. __________________ Who wants free money? Use the link below to sign up at Bovada, BetOnline, Black Chip Poker and Ignition. Contact me for private deals, spot bonuses, possible rakeback or any questions! Bovada, Ignition, BetOnline, Black Chip Poker: baldeaglepoker.com Bovada Poker is back! Get up to $500 poker deposit bonus.
Posts: 46,244

08-21-2013, 03:11 PM	#281
Ebolapox remember, remember Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: como Casino cash: $1859903	I have a hard time believing that it would be so 'cheap' for giancarlo
Posts: 26,435

08-21-2013, 03:18 PM	#282
CaliforniaChief #RIPAce Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Casino cash: $12332899	What's funny is that Profar, while still considered a "can't miss" prospect, certainly hasn't dominated since his callup. It's a lot better to trade these guys while they're still in the minors than to let them publicly struggle.
Posts: 17,323

08-21-2013, 03:29 PM	#284
penbrook LEGEND! Join Date: Feb 2013 Casino cash: $10033840	Yost on Getz leading off: "He's been playing week since he's been (back from DL). And he's taking pitches. He's working the at-bat."
Posts: 16,409

08-21-2013, 03:35 PM	#285
jbwm89 MIZZOU Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Saint Joseph Casino cash: $10005040	I'm a big fan of Cain but I'm not sure you can count on him in CF. Let's say you can get someone to play RF, are you comfortable with Cain/Dyson/Lough as your other 2-3 OF's? __________________ "You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
Posts: 1,076