2013 Kansas City Royals Repository Thread

[duncan_idaho]

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.

The 2013 season is closer than we realize. The Royals will feature a rebuilt rotation that likely includes 4 new starters. The most-watched prospects of 2012, Wil Myers and Jake Odorizzi are gone, the price required to rebuild the rotation.

The Royals still have Sal Perz, who has even more of a "star" look to him than a year ago. They still have Alcides Escobar, who was a little less SS jesus in 2012 but brought more at the plate. Billy Butler finally hit a number of home runs that matches his build and how hard he hits the ball. Alex Gordon did it again. Hosmer and Moose struggled.

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.

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?
2) When will Luke Hochevar be shown the door?
3) Does Hosmer bounce back?
4) Can Moustakas hit for a whole season like he did in the first half of 2012?
5) Who regresses?
6) Who plays 2B?
7) Can Jeff Francoeur be at least replacement level, rather than epic horrible level?
8) Will Dayton Moore survive to see 2014?
9) Will Danny Duffy come back healthy? And if he does, is he the same, better or worse?
10) And the big one: Has KC added enough to run down the big-money Detroit Tigers?

[Strongside]

It makes me feel so much better about this trade knowing that we stole him while the Tigers were trying to get him. Seriously, **** those guys.

[mr. tegu]

The Tigers interest now makes it more clear why the reports came out that they didn't want the Royals to get him. That and the fact that they are scared of us! We got this!

[KCUnited]

Originally Posted by Strongside

It makes me feel so much better about this trade knowing that we stole him while the Tigers were trying to get him. Seriously, **** those guys.

We didn't steal shit.

[Prison Bitch]

Originally Posted by stevenidol

Avisail Garcia was the top guy they offered among others.

So he's their #2 prospect and not in any top-30 lists I can find. I don't see what's so impressive about him. He was their #10 guy last year. And what else goes with him? Would have to be Castellanos + Avasail and who needs a 3B in Tampa?


baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2013/2614333.html

[unnecessary drama]

I tell you what...

If we managed to somehow trade a few more prospects (at this point, we're all in) to land Dickey...sign me up.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by Capt Tasty Cheeks

I tell you what...

If we managed to somehow trade a few more prospects (at this point, we're all in) to land Dickey...sign me up.

Yeah, that would be an incredible coup.

Not sure what the Mets are looking for in return, but MLB ready bat is the main indication I've seen.

If that's the case, KC doesn't really match up. If they're willing to take guys that are lower in the system/farther away, then you might be able to talk.

Texas is in the mix, reportedly, for Dickey. Or at least kicking the tires. If they're willing to move Mike Olt, KC is in the same situation the Tigers were on Shields. Just not able to match...

[siberian khatru]

I'm not averse to trading a bullpen arm for a RF

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

I was thinking of J.P. Ricciardi.

I always have a hard time keep him and De Podesta straight. Not sure why.

Brainfart moment.

[mr. tegu]

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

I'm not averse to trading a bullpen arm for a RF

I would hate to see anyone leave our pen. It is so good and with an improved rotation in front of them they could be unhittable. Surely we have a few players in the minors that could net us a serviceable RF.

[siberian khatru]

Originally Posted by mr. tegu

I would hate to see anyone leave our pen. It is so good and with an improved rotation in front of them they could be unhittable. Surely we have a few players in the minors that could net us a serviceable RF.

I'm fine with that. It's just that a team might want more immediate help. If we could get a decent RF only for a bullpen arm, I'd rather deal from strength to shore up a big weakness. I wonder what Crow might bring.

[mr. tegu]

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

I'm fine with that. It's just that a team might want more immediate help. If we could get a decent RF only for a bullpen arm, I'd rather deal from strength to shore up a big weakness. I wonder what Crow might bring.

He would probably bring the most since other teams will still feel he can be made into a starter. And actually, of all the guys, he is the one I least trust.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

I'm fine with that. It's just that a team might want more immediate help. If we could get a decent RF only for a bullpen arm, I'd rather deal from strength to shore up a big weakness. I wonder what Crow might bring.

I would rather see a guy like Cody Ross on a 1-year deal in RF than Frenchy.

[CoMoChief]

Crow needs to be a 7th-8th inning set up man

[unnecessary drama]

Yeah I don't think we can afford to give away any of our MLB bats.

I really like our core of Cain, Gordon, Moustakas, Escobar, Hosmer, Perez and Butler. There are far worse lineups than that...in fact, if a few of those guys take a marginal step or two, that might even be considered an elite lineup.

We'd have an elite lineup, with an elite bullpen, and a decent rotation. Give us a couple of bounces and I don't see why we can't compete for the division.

[unnecessary drama]

even with Frenchy and whoever plays 2nd batting 8th and 9th (though I'm sure Frenchy will hit 6th or 7th for some reason.