Question, with so many stars still on the fa market. Why aren't we offering one year deals so we can flip them to playoff teams?

There is a zero percent chance Mondesi ever gets 65 walks in a season let alone 50. I'm worried he will eventually get exposed due to his horrid plate discipline but he gets the steals Trout cant.

Stars?

Yeah. From 2015

Dudes like Dallas Kuechel, Adam Jones and whatever you make of Craig Kimbrel these days.

Well he's eventually going to be getting IBB as well as his regular BB. I know 65 walks would be a miracle, but I could honestly see 45-50.

Yeah you know stars. The type of guys with so much talent that they sign a 1 year prove it deal. "Stars".

It looks like Kennedy is in midseason form. Any chance he isn’t on the opening day roster?

Nope.

Of course he makes the roster. If things were to go south for Kennedy, they'd just re-tool him for the back of the bullpen where he'd likely see some success at full effort. I wouldn't worry too much about his performance yesterday - he gave up some runs off a home run in the 1st. Arizona. But the more important stats are that he walked 0 and struck-out 5. That's a good Arizona start for Kennedy.

In other news, Zimmer looked good again. He's getting me hopeful. His curve ball looked really good last night and he looked like a pitcher who knew what he was trying to do and was executing his plan flawlessly.

Random theory - they keep talking about Viloria as the backup to Gallagher...I assume because there's still a chance they sign a vet before opening day and Viloria gets assigned to AAA or AA. However, if he actually makes it to KC on the 25, I'm going to guess that it will either be closer to a platoon (couldn't find their minor league splits) or Viloria will slowly begin to start more games as the season moves along. He's better than Gallagher, offensively and has improved enough defensively that I don't think Gallagher is markedly better. I'm encouraged by Scoles write-up on him.

Trade bait ftw too

@Ken_Rosenthal: Free-agent catcher Martin Maldonado in agreement with #Royals on one-year, $2.5M contract, sources tell The Athletic. Deal, which is pending a physical, also includes $1.4M in incentives. Can re-enter market next offseason.


@Shauncore: Incredible turn of events.

Maldonado turns down 2/$12M on advice from Boras, then fires Boras, and a day later signs for $2.5M. https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/st...35774689206275

You’re aware that 2/12 would’ve been signed ASAP if ever really offered.

That story is baloney

@codybtapp: For those who don't like the Maldonado deal now (and I think you should), remember the Angels did get 250k in international spending money and a top 15 prospect in the Astros system at the deadline last year for him.

@BHIndepMO: I suspect you’re not gonna see many people buy into the claims that Maldonado will be better in 2019 than Salvy. But trading him in July for international money plus an A-ball dude should be win-win for both sides of that argument.

Seems like a win win. He gets showcased and shipped to a contender, we save a year of service time on one of our up and coming catchers, plus potentially net some resources for the rebuild

Who doesn't like this move? I like Gallagher but you can't go into the season hoping he can play 120 games. There aren't many catchers you're going to run out there everyday like Salvy or Molina. Viloria needs to be getting minor league ABs.

If nothing else, this is going to be a very good defensive team. Maldonado is going to be great for our young pitchers. Great pitch framer and he is great at catching base stealers too.

The only people who don’t like this move are those who view baseball solely as a math equation.

Maldonado makes them 1-2 meaningless wins better in a rebuilding year, but the Royals young pitchers will continue to work with a vet who is a good defender, will help control the running game, and steal them some strikes.

That’s valuable. Even if he hits .200 and they get squat for him.