Royals *** Official 2016 Royals Offseason Repository *** - Page 17

duncan_idaho · 09:49 AM

Well, folks, it has happened. The Royals stand triumphant, atop the heap of MLB.

In this thread, we'll track the action as Dayton Moore continues The Process and attempts to defend the long-awaited title.

Before we get to the meet of it, let's take a minute to reflect ... and say "I'm Sorry" to Dayton Moore.

We gave you hell. Many of us called for your head. But you were right. You got it done. Congratulations. Mea culpa.

Now, let's talk about the offseason:

LINK TO 2016-18 PAYROLL INFO COURTESY OF ROYALS REVIEW

The Royals will have a few priorities: Corner OF (x2) and 1 SP, IMO. The rest of the core is solid and will need little tweaking. Looking at the increase in ticket sales, merchandising, concessions, parking, etc., I think it's fair to assume the Royals GROSSED $100 million more this season, or close to it. That gives Glass and Dayton Moore much more flexibility on payroll for 2016 (hopefully).

First order of business will be gauging the Alex Gordon market. If he can be resigned for 4-5 years at around $75-80 million total, it would be hard for KC to pass on that. He's still an above-average corner OF bat, and the Royals will need to bring in at least one proven guy to play in a corner if Gordon walks... and the whole market looks a lot like Alex - guys in their early 30s looking for huge, final contracts.

Second order of business: Make a decision on Zobrist. It sounds like KC will pursue him aggressively. At 34, he's at risk of declining in a big way after a few years. If they could find someone to take on Omar Infante for eating 1/2 of his deal, that would be a great start to things.

If they decide not to spend on Zobrist, KC will need to cobble together some sort of plan for 2B/RF that involves some cheaper options like Orlando, Colon, Dyson, etc.

I could see them deciding his ability to provide great insurance at either 2B or in RF is worth the risk.

Third order of business: Add depth to the rotation with a FA SP. Duffy, Ventura, Volquez and Medlen are locks for 4 spots, it seems. Kyle Zimmer may finally be ready to make a MLB impact, but his innings will be limited. That means KC needs insurance. Will it kill two birds with one stone (and insure against Duffy/Ventura regression) by signing a more top-tier guy? Or does Moore look to Chris Young/someone like him for this depth?

Personally, I think Mike Leake would be a great fit with KC's defense and park, and I know Moore has long coveted him. He's still young - just 28 - and has succeeded in bandbox Cincinnati for years.

Ian Kennedy, Mat Latos, Marco Estrada, and Justin Masterson are some other names that may pique interest (a little further down the list).

Other than that, I don't think KC makes any major moves. Greg Holland will be interesting to observe, as they have one more year of control of him, and he will obviously miss all of that season. I wouldn't be surprised to see a pre-arbitration deal that pays him something like $15 million over the next two seasons, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him turned loose, period.

The bullpen will rest upon Wade Davis/Herrera/Hochevar, filling in pieces around them. Bringing Madson back wouldn't be a surprise, but he could get a big deal from another team that is willing to pay him as their top setup guy or even their closer.

I think the biggest prospects to watch in Spring Training will be:

1) Kyle Zimmer. The hype has built, died down, built again, etc. If he's healthy, he's filthy and a potential ToR arm. But what does he look like in ST, and how many innings can you reasonably expect from him if he does earn a rotation spot? It seems like 120-130 innings would be his limit unless they really stretch (or unless he has a lot of hidden innings from simulated games/extended spring training, which might push him to 150-160).

Having another cheap, home-grown pitcher would be a significant boon for this team as it tries to extend the competitive window (and potentially give KC a strong 1-2 to build its rotation around in Zimmer and Ventura)

2) Bubba Starling. I'm trying to remain skeptical, but I like what I hear about Bubba from this season, and the performance has picked up. If KC does not sign someone to fill the RF slot, I think that's a strong indication KC's front office believes Starling will be ready to contribute in 2016.

Dayton Moore has long said that when Starling's light flips on, it will happen quickly and burn brightly. Time will tell.

After his STRONG Arizona Fall League Performance, he shot up my prospect chart.

3) Miguel Almonte. His late-season stint out of the KC bullpen went poorly, but Almonte has a plus-plus changeup, a good fastball, and a decent curve ball. He may be the dark horse in the rotation competition, and unlike Zimmer, he's set up to pitch a full 180 inning season.

4) RA Mondesi. The only player to debut in the MLB World Series has incredible tools. He still needs to refine his game, but again... he may be KC's best cheap, plus alternative at a key position (2B). His defense would be a boon from Day 1, but he needs seasoning with the bat before he's asked to hold down 2B full time.

And, as always, here are the Prospects:

Duncan’s Top 20 for 2016:

Spoiler!

1. Raul Adalberto Mondesi, SS, BOTH: Tools, tools, tools. RA has tools galore. At his best, he’s an All-Star SS who plays elite D, hits 15-20 HR, swipes 40 bags, and is an ideal 1, 2 or 3 hitter. At his worst, I think he looks a lot like Alcides Escobar. Plate discipline is his biggest challenge at this point, but evaluators are confident that will come with time. Clear No. 1
2. Kyle Zimmer, RHP: He’s pitching again and staying healthy, which is nice. He’s pitcing out of the bullpen to build back his arm strength, which is less nice. But still has that high upside, just a lower floor now. Ideally, the team will use him as a bullpen weapon in September (because he has earned it) and then give him a chance to transition back to starting for 2016.
3. Bubba Starling, CF, RH: Starling has been up and down this year but put himself back on the map by greatly improving his K rate while also improving across the slash line as a hitter. His defense and baserunning are MLB ready; if Starling can work himself into a league average hitter, he can be a solid MLB regular who plays great D in CF while hitting 15 HR and swiping 20 bags.
4. Miguel Almonte, RHP: Still love the body, FB/CH combo. Results aren’t eye popping, but he’s still low enough and early enough in the development to prize those things over performance. Still a solid No. 3 starter upside, and just a year and some change away from potentially being ready to contribute at the MLB level.
5. Jorge Bonifacio, RF, RH: Emilio’s little brother got off to a horrible start in 2015 but has heated up as the season went on. He also is translating BP power to game power for the first time, with 15 HR just past the mid-way point of his season. Despite his disappointing 2014, he has a chance to build his way back into legit prospect status – and still is only 22. Next challenge for him should be Omaha, but that may wait for the start of the 2014 season.
6. Scott Blewett, RHP: Blewett has a nice two –pitch mix already and is off to a strong start. With his size (6-6) and a good fastball/curveball combo, Blewett could eventually turn into a good No. 3 starter, with a MLB-average changeup.
7. Nolan Watson, RHP: The Royals’ 2015 sandwich pick is a polished prep arm who is adding velocity and explosiveness to a good, polished base. Likely to move quickly.
8. Ashe Russell, RHP: The 2015 top pick probably needs more work than Watson, but the upside is really nice. Again, advanced two-pitch mix that will depend on him adding a changeup. Could be a very good NO. 2 if it all adds up.
9. Balbino Fuenmayor, 1B/DH, RH: The Balbino came out of basically nowhere in 2015 to earn a Futures Game spot. Big power and an improved two-strike approach have turned the late bloomer into a legit prospect. He’s blocked at the MLB level currently by Eric Hosmer and Kendrys Morales, but Fuenmayor’s combination of power hitting and good average/strike zone control makes him intriguing.
10. Cheslor Cuthbert, 3B, RH: Cheslor probably is not going to be the star KC was hoping for when signing him out of Nicaragua, but he does look like he can be a solid reserve for an MLB club. Good defense at 3B paired with a solid plate approach and some gap power plays fine off the bench. He becomes a lot more interesting if they think he can stick as a 2B, which they have experimented with.

Spoiler!

11. Chase Vallot, C/DH/1B: I really like Vallot’s power and plate discipline combo. His bat will probably force him from behind the plate, but he’s held his own despite being extremely young for every level he has faced.
12. Alfredo Escalera-Maldonado, OF, RH: Escalera-Maldonado earned a promotion to Wilmington at age 20, which is pretty advanced movement for that age. He’s an athletic outfielder who has shown some plate discipline at an early age, which is encouraging. Doesn’t sound like he can stick in CF long term for KC, but his bat has become one to watch.
13. Pedro Fernandez, RHP: I haven’t seen much of him, but like the reports I’ve heard on his fastball and general makeup. Could become the next Almonte/Mondesi, though he’s more likely to land in the pen than either of them.
14. Elier Hernandez, OF, RH: Elier Hernanez teamed with Escalera-Maldonado in breaking out at Low-A and earning a promotion to Wilmington. It’s still early for this guy – he is just 20 years old – but he doesn’t take walks and hasn’t developed the prodigious power many thought he had the potential for. Still worth watching.
15. Hunter Dozier, 3B, RH: Dozier is reworking his swing mid-season, which generally will cause production to do what his has done: Nose dive. The changes he made entering the season (seemingly geared towards increasing his power production) were a disaster, and now he’s trying to get back to what he used to be. Still looks great and checks most of the scouting boxes, but the performance hasn’t matched, and it almost knocked him out of the list.
16. Christian Binford, RHP: After a breakthrough 2014, Binford struggled mightily at AAA and suffered a demotion. His upside remains similar – a back-end starter who can eat innings – but Binford’s lack of velocity and reliance on command have caught up to him so far.
17. Marten Gasparini, OF, SH: Gasparini is intriguing because of his speed and athleticism. He’s a LOOOOONG ways from the majors and young for his level, but reports on his bat speed, swing, and speed remain positive enough to keep him on the bubble.
18. Eric Skoglund, LHP: Skoglund had a nice year at Wilmington. I'm skeptical because his K rate is lower than I like to see for a guy at A+ - just 7/9, and usually guys lose a strikeout or two/9 as they move up the chain from there - but he has excellent control, walking 1.17 batters/9. 6-7 lefties with great control who get lots of ground balls - like Skoglund - have a chance to overcome bad K rates.
19. Ryan O'Hearn, 1B/LF: A lefty stick with power, O'Hearn was a savings signing as an 8th round pick, but a change in his approach increased his power - while increasing his K rate. After Vallot, probably the best pure power prospect in the Royals system.
20. Josh Staumont, RHP: I was terrified of this guy's control problems, and he walked nearly a batter an inning in his pro debut (32 BB in 40 1/3 IP). Staumont's nasty, nasty stuff (plus-plus fastball, plus slider) could make him a very good late-inning reliever who strikes out more than a batter an inning, if he can develop average or slightly below-average control. If he really masters the control, you're talking about a potential Greg Holland type, but that's a TALL task.

cosmo20002 · 11-09-2015, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhawhaWhat

2015-16 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions

9. Alex Gordon – Royals. Five years, $105MM. Gordon was drafted second overall by the Royals in 2005, one pick after Upton. He has become one of the game’s best left fielders, combining elite defense with excellent on-base skills and decent pop. Gordon’s left-handed bat would look great in a lot of lineups, but most MLBTR writers expect him to remain in Kansas City. How far will the World Champion Royals push the hometown discount? We feel Gordon’s earning power is around $100MM, so it’s hard to picture him accepting something below $75MM.

I honestly don't think I've seen any writer, national or local, predict he'll stay here. Guess I'm not looking in the right places.

tmw4h5 · 11-09-2015, 06:26 PM

If we hit on just a few players out of the list of Mondesi, Starling, Zimmer, Dozier, Griffin, Almonte, Binford, Bonifacio, Blewett, Cuthbert, Russell, Watson -- I don't see a reason why this window has to close and why we have to go into rebuilding mode. Sure, if 2017 rolls around and we're playing poorly by the break, by all means, trade away some pieces that we know we won't be able to re-sign. But, I don't see a reason for a complete breakdown of operations and a full rebuild.

(KC Royals prospect Bubba Starling is continuing his 2015 breakout at the plate by hitting .308/.326/.558 with four home runs in 14 games in the Arizona Fall League (AFL) - from Royals Review),

**RealSNR** · 11-09-2015, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Uh oh, Twins looking to add some pop

Win the rights to bargain with Korean slugger Byrug Ho Park

http://mweb.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on...-byung-ho-park

They've already got some pop in their hitting. The trick is going to be finding a spot in the field for either Sano or this new guy. They can't both be DH (and if they are, it's kind of a waste of resources)

cosmo20002 · 11-09-2015, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzzer99

This team is going to be rebuilding after 2017. We may never see a core group of guys like this again in our lifetimes. Why not sellout to keep Gordon and Zobrist, enter 2016 and likely 2017 as WS favorites, and who cares if that screws us for a few years after 2017?

Opportunities for a 4-year WS run basically never come along for a team like the Royals. We have to go for this.

That's basically how I feel. Keeping the team a top contender the next two years also helps keep the revenue coming in through attendance, hopefully those postseason games, and of course that next TV contract. Spend $ to make $.

I hope Dayton doesn't think that his near-perfect record on acquisitions the past couple years is going to last forever and that he can find a couple replacements for Gordon and Z if he just crunches the sabermetrics hard enough.

Pitt Gorilla · 11-09-2015, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmw4h5

If we hit on just a few players out of the list of Mondesi, Starling, Zimmer, Dozier, Griffin, Almonte, Binford, Bonifacio, Blewett, Cuthbert, Russell, Watson -- I don't see a reason why this window has to close and why we have to go into rebuilding mode. Sure, if 2017 rolls around and we're playing poorly by the break, by all means, trade away some pieces that we know we won't be able to re-sign. But, I don't see a reason for a complete breakdown of operations and a full rebuild.

(KC Royals prospect Bubba Starling is continuing his 2015 breakout at the plate by hitting .308/.326/.558 with four home runs in 14 games in the Arizona Fall League (AFL) - from Royals Review),

I've been beating this drum for a while, but the competitive balance draft has been boning us. We've been insanely unlucky in the past two years, missing out completely on a pick. That could have really helped us going forward (down the road).

WhawhaWhat · 11-10-2015, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Uh oh, Twins looking to add some pop

Win the rights to bargain with Korean slugger Byrug Ho Park

http://mweb.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on...-byung-ho-park

Also a bat flip superstar. Hope to see that over here just not against the Royals.

duncan_idaho · 11-10-2015, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmw4h5

If we hit on just a few players out of the list of Mondesi, Starling, Zimmer, Dozier, Griffin, Almonte, Binford, Bonifacio, Blewett, Cuthbert, Russell, Watson -- I don't see a reason why this window has to close and why we have to go into rebuilding mode. Sure, if 2017 rolls around and we're playing poorly by the break, by all means, trade away some pieces that we know we won't be able to re-sign. But, I don't see a reason for a complete breakdown of operations and a full rebuild.

(KC Royals prospect Bubba Starling is continuing his 2015 breakout at the plate by hitting .308/.326/.558 with four home runs in 14 games in the Arizona Fall League (AFL) - from Royals Review),

2018 looks to be a rebuilding year, but it be a quick turnaround rebuild if a few things go well, rather than a complete descent into the suck.

Ventura and Perez will still be there. If one of Zimmer/Almonte becomes an effective MLB starter in the next two seasons, 40 percent of your starting rotation is home-grown and cost-controlled. Even if they do rip up Salvy's contract and say, double it, he's still an extreme bargain.

They need one of Starling/Bonifacio to become an effective every day player who can provide some offense.

And they Mondesi to be what they think he can be (a great defensive shortstop who is a plus bat at the position... .280/15/.330 OBP/.450 SLG type).

One way or the other, KC looks to be in line for a SLEW of compensation picks following 2017, unless the CBA is drastically changed.

Hosmer
Moustakas
Duffy
Davis
Escobar
Cain

All guys who would likely command a QO and still get signed elsewhere.

I could see them working out extensions for Davis and one of Cain/Moustakas when the time comes... which also would make that 2018 window a little more open.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Uh oh, Twins looking to add some pop

Win the rights to bargain with Korean slugger Byrug Ho Park

http://mweb.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on...-byung-ho-park

Said player was out-performed in the Korean league by former major leaguer Marcus Thames this year. He's a quality prospect, but I don't think he's Jose Abreu.

The Twins will still have to agree to terms with Park, and that's no guarantee.

Minnesota might have to trade Trevor Plouffe, who has been a solid player for the Twins, to make things work if they do sign Park.

ReynardMuldrake · 11-10-2015, 10:07 AM

To give you an idea of how far we've come, this article is from Dec. 2012. Amazing that we've almost doubled our payroll since then.

Quote:

By BOB DUTTON
The Kansas City Star

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Royals owner David Glass created a stir recently in revealing $70 million to be the budgeted break-even point for the club’s 2013 payroll.

Well, the financial pinch is a lot tighter than initially believed.

That $70 million includes far more than salaries allocated to the 25-man roster for opening day. Club officials say it encompasses the entire 40-man roster and also includes the signing bonus limits for the draft and international spending.

That reduces the break-even point for the 25-man roster – the figure generally used for comparison purposes in public discussions – to roughly $57 million. The draft and international limits under the new labor agreement comprise about $10 million.

It also means, as things currently stand, the Royals are already over budget since the projected payroll for their 25-man roster is roughly $65 million.

Glass expressed willingness to subsidize the payroll at a moderate level, which he said he has often done in the past, but the numbers explain why general manager Dayton Moore believes any further payroll additions will likely require corresponding cuts.

“I’ve always been willing to spend whatever cash we’ve generated on payroll,” Glass said, “and I’ve even been willing to subsidize it under conditions where we have an opportunity to be competitive in our division. I’ve never changed from that.”

While top club officials, present and past, affirm Glass’ contention that he doesn’t pocket an operating profit, those assertions are a stark contrast to figures published by Forbes magazine, which contend Glass made about $100 million from 2000-11.

Major League Baseball has long contended the Forbes figures, which are calculated without access to club financial statements, are wildly inaccurate.

“Mr. Glass has gone above and beyond,” Moore said, “in supporting our team in everything we’ve wanted to do internationally, through the draft and in building and improving our major-league payroll. He’s been extremely supportive.

“We’ve signed virtually every single player who we’ve identified as being worthy of a long-term contract. Does he ask tough questions? Yeah, but there’s not anybody I’ve ever met who is more passionate or a better historian of the game. He owns a major-league team for all of the right reasons.”

**Saul Good** · 11-10-2015, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

2018 looks to be a rebuilding year, but it be a quick turnaround rebuild if a few things go well, rather than a complete descent into the suck.

Ventura and Perez will still be there. If one of Zimmer/Almonte becomes an effective MLB starter in the next two seasons, 40 percent of your starting rotation is home-grown and cost-controlled. Even if they do rip up Salvy's contract and say, double it, he's still an extreme bargain.

They need one of Starling/Bonifacio to become an effective every day player who can provide some offense.

And they Mondesi to be what they think he can be (a great defensive shortstop who is a plus bat at the position... .280/15/.330 OBP/.450 SLG type).

One way or the other, KC looks to be in line for a SLEW of compensation picks following 2017, unless the CBA is drastically changed.

Hosmer
Moustakas
Duffy
Davis
Escobar
Cain

All guys who would likely command a QO and still get signed elsewhere.

I could see them working out extensions for Davis and one of Cain/Moustakas when the time comes... which also would make that 2018 window a little more open.

Said player was out-performed in the Korean league by former major leaguer Marcus Thames this year. He's a quality prospect, but I don't think he's Jose Abreu.

The Twins will still have to agree to terms with Park, and that's no guarantee.

Minnesota might have to trade Trevor Plouffe, who has been a solid player for the Twins, to make things work if they do sign Park.

QOs are interesting to me, as teams clearly have not figured out how to use them effectively. The last I had seen, not a single player had accepted one. That means teams aren't using them enough, thus a lot of picks are being left on the table. If nobody is accepting the offers, they aren't being issued often enough.

**mikeyis4dcats.** · 11-10-2015, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saul Good

QOs are interesting to me, as teams clearly have not figured out how to use them effectively. The last I had seen, not a single player had accepted one. That means teams aren't using them enough, thus a lot of picks are being left on the table. If nobody is accepting the offers, they aren't being issued often enough.

I think some of it is no one wants to be THAT guy, the first to accept one. QOs seem to me to be regarded as lowball offers for the most part. Those that are close to being worth the money aren't getting one because they are signing deals anyhow, only big money players are getting them, and more as a formality.

siberian khatru · 11-10-2015, 12:04 PM

#Royals officials privately more optimistic about keeping Ben Zobrist than teams' other big free agents -- Gordon or Cueto.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 10, 2015

**RealSNR** · 11-10-2015, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

#Royals officials privately more optimistic about keeping Ben Zobrist than teams' other big free agents -- Gordon or Cueto.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 10, 2015

I don't think anybody was expecting Cueto, but Zobrist over Gordon is a bit of a shock to me.

**Bowser** · 11-10-2015, 12:06 PM

Haven't read the thread in a bit, but is the rumor of Joe Maddon wanting Alex in Chicago still going strong?

**Saul Good** · 11-10-2015, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowser

Haven't read the thread in a bit, but is the rumor of Joe Maddon wanting Alex in Chicago still going strong?

They really don't have a spot for him unless they want to move a gold glover to RF.

duncan_idaho · 11-10-2015, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saul Good

They really don't have a spot for him unless they want to move a gold glover to RF.

I was told they talked to him about RF when converting him in the minors, but he wasn't comfortable reading fly balls on "that" side of the field.

I'd be shocked if he signed somewhere knowing they plan to move him to RF.

Re: More QOs...

I think teams are very judicious with them because you don't want to get stuck with a marginal guy.

From the players side, it might seem a little too close to the pre-Curt Flood days for some. I think we see some accepted this year.

11-02-2015, 05:00 PM
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $-2079692	* Official 2016 Royals Offseason Repository * Well, folks, it has happened. The Royals stand triumphant, atop the heap of MLB. In this thread, we'll track the action as Dayton Moore continues The Process and attempts to defend the long-awaited title. Before we get to the meet of it, let's take a minute to reflect ... and say "I'm Sorry" to Dayton Moore. We gave you hell. Many of us called for your head. But you were right. You got it done. Congratulations. Mea culpa. Now, let's talk about the offseason: LINK TO 2016-18 PAYROLL INFO COURTESY OF ROYALS REVIEW The Royals will have a few priorities: Corner OF (x2) and 1 SP, IMO. The rest of the core is solid and will need little tweaking. Looking at the increase in ticket sales, merchandising, concessions, parking, etc., I think it's fair to assume the Royals GROSSED $100 million more this season, or close to it. That gives Glass and Dayton Moore much more flexibility on payroll for 2016 (hopefully). First order of business will be gauging the Alex Gordon market. If he can be resigned for 4-5 years at around $75-80 million total, it would be hard for KC to pass on that. He's still an above-average corner OF bat, and the Royals will need to bring in at least one proven guy to play in a corner if Gordon walks... and the whole market looks a lot like Alex - guys in their early 30s looking for huge, final contracts. Second order of business: Make a decision on Zobrist. It sounds like KC will pursue him aggressively. At 34, he's at risk of declining in a big way after a few years. If they could find someone to take on Omar Infante for eating 1/2 of his deal, that would be a great start to things. If they decide not to spend on Zobrist, KC will need to cobble together some sort of plan for 2B/RF that involves some cheaper options like Orlando, Colon, Dyson, etc. I could see them deciding his ability to provide great insurance at either 2B or in RF is worth the risk. Third order of business: Add depth to the rotation with a FA SP. Duffy, Ventura, Volquez and Medlen are locks for 4 spots, it seems. Kyle Zimmer may finally be ready to make a MLB impact, but his innings will be limited. That means KC needs insurance. Will it kill two birds with one stone (and insure against Duffy/Ventura regression) by signing a more top-tier guy? Or does Moore look to Chris Young/someone like him for this depth? Personally, I think Mike Leake would be a great fit with KC's defense and park, and I know Moore has long coveted him. He's still young - just 28 - and has succeeded in bandbox Cincinnati for years. Ian Kennedy, Mat Latos, Marco Estrada, and Justin Masterson are some other names that may pique interest (a little further down the list). Other than that, I don't think KC makes any major moves. Greg Holland will be interesting to observe, as they have one more year of control of him, and he will obviously miss all of that season. I wouldn't be surprised to see a pre-arbitration deal that pays him something like $15 million over the next two seasons, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him turned loose, period. The bullpen will rest upon Wade Davis/Herrera/Hochevar, filling in pieces around them. Bringing Madson back wouldn't be a surprise, but he could get a big deal from another team that is willing to pay him as their top setup guy or even their closer. I think the biggest prospects to watch in Spring Training will be: 1) Kyle Zimmer. The hype has built, died down, built again, etc. If he's healthy, he's filthy and a potential ToR arm. But what does he look like in ST, and how many innings can you reasonably expect from him if he does earn a rotation spot? It seems like 120-130 innings would be his limit unless they really stretch (or unless he has a lot of hidden innings from simulated games/extended spring training, which might push him to 150-160). Having another cheap, home-grown pitcher would be a significant boon for this team as it tries to extend the competitive window (and potentially give KC a strong 1-2 to build its rotation around in Zimmer and Ventura) 2) Bubba Starling. I'm trying to remain skeptical, but I like what I hear about Bubba from this season, and the performance has picked up. If KC does not sign someone to fill the RF slot, I think that's a strong indication KC's front office believes Starling will be ready to contribute in 2016. Dayton Moore has long said that when Starling's light flips on, it will happen quickly and burn brightly. Time will tell. After his STRONG Arizona Fall League Performance, he shot up my prospect chart. 3) Miguel Almonte. His late-season stint out of the KC bullpen went poorly, but Almonte has a plus-plus changeup, a good fastball, and a decent curve ball. He may be the dark horse in the rotation competition, and unlike Zimmer, he's set up to pitch a full 180 inning season. 4) RA Mondesi. The only player to debut in the MLB World Series has incredible tools. He still needs to refine his game, but again... he may be KC's best cheap, plus alternative at a key position (2B). His defense would be a boon from Day 1, but he needs seasoning with the bat before he's asked to hold down 2B full time. And, as always, here are the Prospects: Duncan’s Top 20 for 2016: Spoiler! 1. Raul Adalberto Mondesi, SS, BOTH: Tools, tools, tools. RA has tools galore. At his best, he’s an All-Star SS who plays elite D, hits 15-20 HR, swipes 40 bags, and is an ideal 1, 2 or 3 hitter. At his worst, I think he looks a lot like Alcides Escobar. Plate discipline is his biggest challenge at this point, but evaluators are confident that will come with time. Clear No. 1 2. Kyle Zimmer, RHP: He’s pitching again and staying healthy, which is nice. He’s pitcing out of the bullpen to build back his arm strength, which is less nice. But still has that high upside, just a lower floor now. Ideally, the team will use him as a bullpen weapon in September (because he has earned it) and then give him a chance to transition back to starting for 2016. 3. Bubba Starling, CF, RH: Starling has been up and down this year but put himself back on the map by greatly improving his K rate while also improving across the slash line as a hitter. His defense and baserunning are MLB ready; if Starling can work himself into a league average hitter, he can be a solid MLB regular who plays great D in CF while hitting 15 HR and swiping 20 bags. 4. Miguel Almonte, RHP: Still love the body, FB/CH combo. Results aren’t eye popping, but he’s still low enough and early enough in the development to prize those things over performance. Still a solid No. 3 starter upside, and just a year and some change away from potentially being ready to contribute at the MLB level. 5. Jorge Bonifacio, RF, RH: Emilio’s little brother got off to a horrible start in 2015 but has heated up as the season went on. He also is translating BP power to game power for the first time, with 15 HR just past the mid-way point of his season. Despite his disappointing 2014, he has a chance to build his way back into legit prospect status – and still is only 22. Next challenge for him should be Omaha, but that may wait for the start of the 2014 season. 6. Scott Blewett, RHP: Blewett has a nice two –pitch mix already and is off to a strong start. With his size (6-6) and a good fastball/curveball combo, Blewett could eventually turn into a good No. 3 starter, with a MLB-average changeup. 7. Nolan Watson, RHP: The Royals’ 2015 sandwich pick is a polished prep arm who is adding velocity and explosiveness to a good, polished base. Likely to move quickly. 8. Ashe Russell, RHP: The 2015 top pick probably needs more work than Watson, but the upside is really nice. Again, advanced two-pitch mix that will depend on him adding a changeup. Could be a very good NO. 2 if it all adds up. 9. Balbino Fuenmayor, 1B/DH, RH: The Balbino came out of basically nowhere in 2015 to earn a Futures Game spot. Big power and an improved two-strike approach have turned the late bloomer into a legit prospect. He’s blocked at the MLB level currently by Eric Hosmer and Kendrys Morales, but Fuenmayor’s combination of power hitting and good average/strike zone control makes him intriguing. 10. Cheslor Cuthbert, 3B, RH: Cheslor probably is not going to be the star KC was hoping for when signing him out of Nicaragua, but he does look like he can be a solid reserve for an MLB club. Good defense at 3B paired with a solid plate approach and some gap power plays fine off the bench. He becomes a lot more interesting if they think he can stick as a 2B, which they have experimented with. Spoiler! 11. Chase Vallot, C/DH/1B: I really like Vallot’s power and plate discipline combo. His bat will probably force him from behind the plate, but he’s held his own despite being extremely young for every level he has faced. 12. Alfredo Escalera-Maldonado, OF, RH: Escalera-Maldonado earned a promotion to Wilmington at age 20, which is pretty advanced movement for that age. He’s an athletic outfielder who has shown some plate discipline at an early age, which is encouraging. Doesn’t sound like he can stick in CF long term for KC, but his bat has become one to watch. 13. Pedro Fernandez, RHP: I haven’t seen much of him, but like the reports I’ve heard on his fastball and general makeup. Could become the next Almonte/Mondesi, though he’s more likely to land in the pen than either of them. 14. Elier Hernandez, OF, RH: Elier Hernanez teamed with Escalera-Maldonado in breaking out at Low-A and earning a promotion to Wilmington. It’s still early for this guy – he is just 20 years old – but he doesn’t take walks and hasn’t developed the prodigious power many thought he had the potential for. Still worth watching. 15. Hunter Dozier, 3B, RH: Dozier is reworking his swing mid-season, which generally will cause production to do what his has done: Nose dive. The changes he made entering the season (seemingly geared towards increasing his power production) were a disaster, and now he’s trying to get back to what he used to be. Still looks great and checks most of the scouting boxes, but the performance hasn’t matched, and it almost knocked him out of the list. 16. Christian Binford, RHP: After a breakthrough 2014, Binford struggled mightily at AAA and suffered a demotion. His upside remains similar – a back-end starter who can eat innings – but Binford’s lack of velocity and reliance on command have caught up to him so far. 17. Marten Gasparini, OF, SH: Gasparini is intriguing because of his speed and athleticism. He’s a LOOOOONG ways from the majors and young for his level, but reports on his bat speed, swing, and speed remain positive enough to keep him on the bubble. 18. Eric Skoglund, LHP: Skoglund had a nice year at Wilmington. I'm skeptical because his K rate is lower than I like to see for a guy at A+ - just 7/9, and usually guys lose a strikeout or two/9 as they move up the chain from there - but he has excellent control, walking 1.17 batters/9. 6-7 lefties with great control who get lots of ground balls - like Skoglund - have a chance to overcome bad K rates. 19. Ryan O'Hearn, 1B/LF: A lefty stick with power, O'Hearn was a savings signing as an 8th round pick, but a change in his approach increased his power - while increasing his K rate. After Vallot, probably the best pure power prospect in the Royals system. 20. Josh Staumont, RHP: I was terrified of this guy's control problems, and he walked nearly a batter an inning in his pro debut (32 BB in 40 1/3 IP). Staumont's nasty, nasty stuff (plus-plus fastball, plus slider) could make him a very good late-inning reliever who strikes out more than a batter an inning, if he can develop average or slightly below-average control. If he really masters the control, you're talking about a potential Greg Holland type, but that's a TALL task. Last edited by duncan_idaho; 11-17-2015 at 09:49 AM..
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11-09-2015, 06:26 PM	#242
tmw4h5 Starter Join Date: Sep 2011 Casino cash: $10015349	If we hit on just a few players out of the list of Mondesi, Starling, Zimmer, Dozier, Griffin, Almonte, Binford, Bonifacio, Blewett, Cuthbert, Russell, Watson -- I don't see a reason why this window has to close and why we have to go into rebuilding mode. Sure, if 2017 rolls around and we're playing poorly by the break, by all means, trade away some pieces that we know we won't be able to re-sign. But, I don't see a reason for a complete breakdown of operations and a full rebuild. (KC Royals prospect Bubba Starling is continuing his 2015 breakout at the plate by hitting .308/.326/.558 with four home runs in 14 games in the Arizona Fall League (AFL) - from Royals Review), __________________ Something funny, though.
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11-10-2015, 12:04 PM	#251
siberian khatru 21st Century Schizoid Fan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Gates of Delirium Casino cash: $-1315050	#Royals officials privately more optimistic about keeping Ben Zobrist than teams' other big free agents -- Gordon or Cueto. — Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 10, 2015
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11-10-2015, 12:06 PM	#253
Bowser sorta mod-ish Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: KC North Casino cash: $-158384	Haven't read the thread in a bit, but is the rumor of Joe Maddon wanting Alex in Chicago still going strong?
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