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.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by Mecca

There's always going to be injuries to pitchers it's just the nature of the business. The Royals need a hit that no one expected to make up for it.

They need the pitching equivalent of Salvador Perez, basically. Perez came out of nowhere as a hitter.

Not sure who would really qualify... I guess Ventura, to an extent, since he was a low-profile international signing. Maybe Miguel Almonte also fits that bill.

[alnorth]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

They need the pitching equivalent of Salvador Perez, basically. Perez came out of nowhere as a hitter.

Not sure who would really qualify... I guess Ventura, to an extent, since he was a low-profile international signing. Maybe Miguel Almonte also fits that bill.

Every once in a while, those C-level and D-level prospects explode, its why everyone has 5+ minor league teams and grab all the warm bodies they can to fill all those rosters.

[P-90Rex]

Mellinger tweeted earlier that Moustakas is in Arizona already and from all accounts looks in good shape. Lost weight, toned up.

Hopefully that helps translate into better numbers at the plate.

[stonedstooge]

Originally Posted by P-90Rex

Mellinger tweeted earlier that Moustakas is in Arizona already and from all accounts looks in good shape. Lost weight, toned up.

Hopefully that helps translate into better numbers at the plate.

Pffftttt/Belly Butler

[Prison Bitch]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

They need the pitching equivalent of Salvador Perez, basically. Perez came out of nowhere as a hitter.

Not sure who would really qualify... I guess Ventura, to an extent, since he was a low-profile international signing. Maybe Miguel Almonte also fits that bill.

I was going to bring up Sal. I'd also include Herrera who has been quite the find. He struggled with the long ball last eyar but I think that was an aberration since he didn't the year prior. He was #30 in the Royals list in 2011 and he's been a legit MLB player. David Lough provided value too from the 20s and brought back Valencia.


I simply cannot fathom how Cleveland passed us yet again. Their prospect list from that year was garbage. And 2 of them were traded in the Jimenez deal. He had a good year last season so I guess he counts like Shields would for us but damn, their system should not be helping them to a better record than us. No way.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by P-90Rex

Mellinger tweeted earlier that Moustakas is in Arizona already and from all accounts looks in good shape. Lost weight, toned up.

Hopefully that helps translate into better numbers at the plate.

Find location of said Moose and I'll report back on factual nature of said shape!

[stonedstooge]

Originally Posted by lewdog

Find location of said Moose and I'll report back on factual nature of said shape!

Pitchers and catchers report Feb. 14. You going to be there?

[Sure-Oz]

Jeff Montgomery was on 810 earlier saying he would consider platooning Moose after a month if he doesn't produce

[BigMeatballDave]

Originally Posted by Sure-Oz

Jeff Montgomery was on 810 earlier saying he would consider platooning Moose after a month if he doesn't produce

I agree

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by stonedstooge

Pitchers and catchers report Feb. 14. You going to be there?

Not on that day but I'll probably go Saturday the 15th and 22nd to meet some of them and watch the morning workouts. Maybe snag a few autographs.

[duncan_idaho]

I saw Dayton Moore speak today. Lot of questions asked of him were bad, but there were a lot of good ones. Some cliffs:

- The bidding for Beltran was very close. Talking about a small amount of money, but he thought Carlos wanted to be a Yank all along. If Cano resigns with New York, Beltran probably is a Royal.

- Taking steps to ensure Zimmer is still available to pitch in September and October and hasn't run up against his innings limit.

- Manaea talked about as potentially being in line to help in 2015

- Stressed patience/Torii Hunter taking 6 years when talking about Bubba Starling and his development. He's very sure of his natural ability and physical tools. Talked about needing to give him a chance to let his natural ability at the plate catch up to his competition level. He's got the skill but high school experience hurt him.

- Brad Penny signing was based on connections to staff. Sounds like he was already living in KC. Also sounds like he will be looked at as a SP.

- Interesting comments about John Lamb. They're looking for the velocity to bump up a half-grade on all his pitches. Very pleased with his command and other pitching skills.

- Talked about working with Duffy on picking his spots for max velo and using that to help him work late into games.

- Expects .240-.260 with 25 HR and very good D from Moose (My take: If you get this, you're in really good shape)

[CaliforniaChief]

Rany's blog post about the Valencia trade was interesting to me. Basically to sum up his books, he said that talent-wise the trade favors the Orioles. He also said that Valencia's really only going to help against LHP (which we already knew), but that would be a loss because then Moose isn't producing.

However, he said that if the Valencia acquisition has sent a message to Moose and that he's been working and in shape and ready to crush this year, that even if Valencia doesn't play much the trade was beneficial for KC because it lit a fire "in his ass" (Rany's words).

[duncan_idaho]

Stealing some work from El Chup on the Scout board. Baseball Pro today released its future tool grades for its top 101 prospects. Some pretty interesting stuff here. Note: They didn't list tools that are below average. Royals guys:

2-8/20-80 grading scale:

80: Generational skill (truly elite... only a handful of players realize this level.)
70: Plus-plus (consistent All-Star level tool)
60: Plus (above average)
55: You'll sometimes see this midway point grade, usually on younger guys
50: MLB average
40: Below average
30: Well below-average
20: Not worthy of playing pro ball

12. Ventura:
FB 8 (one of the very few 8/80's tools with that grade in the entire list)
CH 6
CB 6

29. Mondesi:
Run 6
Glove 6
Arm 6
Hit 5.5

34. Zimmer:

FB 7
CB 7
SL 6
CH 5

46. Almonte:
CH 7
FB 6
CB 5

78. Manaea:
FB 7
CH 6
SL 6

96. Dozier
Power 6
Arm 6
Run 5
Glove 5

99. Bonifacio:
Arm 7
Power 6
Hit 5

What does it mean? Looking at it, I know that the "best system ever" in 2011 had 6 pitchers in the top 100. But some key distinctions between that group and this one:

1) These pitchers have higher ceilings. You're talking about 3 guys (Zimmer, Manaea, Ventura) who all have true ToR potential. Vs. really just Mike Montgomery in that 2011 group.

2) This group is a ittle more of a known factor at the top. The 2011 pitchers didn't have anyone beyond AA. Ventura has dominated both AA and AAA and even MLB in his limited action there. Zimmer also has had a dominant period at AA.

3) When matching them up, the Royals have 3 top 50 pitchers in this year's ranking. The 2011 ranking had 4 guys (Dwyer, Duffy, Odorizzi, Jeffress) in the bottom 1/4 of the list. Those players tend to bust at higher rates (like a 4-star football recruit vs. a 5-star, or 1st round pick vs. 3rd round pick).

Ventura vs. Montgomery: Edge Ventura. More proven, more elite stuff. Elite fastball with plus curve and change (that could become plus-plus with more refinement?)? Sick. Monty also was shut down in 2011, the start of his slide into irrelevance.

Lamb vs. Zimmer: Edge Zimmer. Similar ceilings. Zimmer's stuff advantage balanced out by Lamb's handedness and pitchability/command. But Zimmer's dominant stretch at AA (small sample, but ... 4 starts, 18 2/3 IP, 27 K, 1.93 ERA, 0.857 WHIP, 5 BB) is better than Lamb's mixed success at that level in 2011.

Dwyer vs. Almonte: Edge Dwyer. Both two pitch guys, Dwyer had been good at AA at this point, trumping Almonte's sllightly higher ceiling.

Manaea vs. Duffy: Edge Manaea. I know Manaea hasn't thrown a pitch as a pro player, but his upside is so high, and Duffy was a question mark at this point, too.

I'm going to stay on board the Manaea bandwagon. Really think we're talking about a kid who is a consensus top 15 prospect at this time next year, potentially helping the rotation in 2015. Think Lucas Giolito type jump. His hip injury was something that they knew about and were never concerned with. Shouldn't be a long-term issue at all.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

Rany's blog post about the Valencia trade was interesting to me. Basically to sum up his books, he said that talent-wise the trade favors the Orioles. He also said that Valencia's really only going to help against LHP (which we already knew), but that would be a loss because then Moose isn't producing.

However, he said that if the Valencia acquisition has sent a message to Moose and that he's been working and in shape and ready to crush this year, that even if Valencia doesn't play much the trade was beneficial for KC because it lit a fire "in his ass" (Rany's words).

I agree.

If you're just looking at talent and value in a vacuum, the Orioles come out ahead.

However, if you start examining and considering what makes the 2014 Royals better, I see why Valencia is a better fit.

Lough had no spot in KC following the acquisition of Aoki. Heck, either Dyson or Maxwell - both of whom offer more rare talents to KC than Lough - is going to have a tough time finding a spot on the roster if they carry Valencia.

With Valencia, the Royals have an insurance policy at 3B they can use at least part of the time in case of injury/continued suckage from Moose. Without having to commit Bonifacio there full-time. Improved versatility is important.

[stonedstooge]

Originally Posted by lewdog

Not on that day but I'll probably go Saturday the 15th and 22nd to meet some of them and watch the morning workouts. Maybe snag a few autographs.

Get us some more of those awesome pictures.