Royals *** Official 2016 Royals Offseason Repository *** - Page 177

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.

DeepSouth · 01-19-2016, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

T
If the Royals really can't get guys like Moose and Hosmer to re-sign after 2017, the AL Central is going to be a shitshow.
Fortunately for the Royals, they have the players, they just need to keep this team together. If they can, they're in a beautiful position to own the central for another 5 years.

I'm not convinced the Royals are going to be that bad after 2017.
Cains is replaced by Starling
Moose is replaced by Dozier
Escabar is replaced by Mondesi

Gordon and Perez will still be here.
Ventura, Kennedy, Zimmer, and Almonte are here.

You need RF, 1st, and 2nd. Hopefully, there are guys in the minors to fill those spots.

DJ's left nut · 01-19-2016, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeepSouth

I'm not convinced the Royals are going to be that bad after 2017.
Cains is replaced by Starling
Moose is replaced by Dozier
Escabar is replaced by Mondesi

Gordon and Perez will still be here.
Ventura, Kennedy, Zimmer, and Almonte are here.

You need RF, 1st, and 2nd. Hopefully, there are guys in the minors to fill those spots.

You're taking a LOT on faith.

Almonte needs to develop at least one more consistent off-speed pitch to be a starter; a high hurdle at this level. Zimmer needs to manage to stay healthy. Gordon will be into his decline years as will Perez given his position and workload. Hunter Dozier is a guy who's never managed an OPS above .650 in AA despite never being significantly under-aged for his level - I'd hold off on annointing him as a surefire replacement for an All-Star level player.

Starling's a fascinating player but again, you're talking about a kid that's still never truly had a good full season now 4 years into his professional career. The talent appears to be there but you're asking him to replace a truly elite CFer. Even if he does fulfill that ability, you're setting the bar remarkably high for him.

Mondesi is an exceptional talent but still hasn't ever had a truly standout season (though unlike Dozier, I don't really care because he's just so young). He's a guy that could develop into a true upgrade on Escobar but I'd say that's no better than a 50/50 proposition given just how far away he is right now.

Now I'm not saying some of those things can't occur, but all of them absolutely will not.

DJ's left nut · 01-19-2016, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

Cleveland down cycle, Kipnis on the Tigers? I.e. Kinsler?

Yeah, Kinsler. Fixed.

DeepSouth · 01-19-2016, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

You're taking a LOT on faith.

Almonte needs to develop at least one more consistent off-speed pitch to be a starter; a high hurdle at this level. Zimmer needs to manage to stay healthy. Gordon will be into his decline years as will Perez given his position and workload. Hunter Dozier is a guy who's never managed an OPS above .650 in AA despite never being significantly under-aged for his level - I'd hold off on annointing him as a surefire replacement for an All-Star level player.

Starling's a fascinating player but again, you're talking about a kid that's still never truly had a good full season now 4 years into his professional career. The talent appears to be there but you're asking him to replace a truly elite CFer. Even if he does fulfill that ability, you're setting the bar remarkably high for him.

Mondesi is an exceptional talent but still hasn't ever had a truly standout season (though unlike Dozier, I don't really care because he's just so young). He's a guy that could develop into a true upgrade on Escobar but I'd say that's no better than a 50/50 proposition given just how far away he is right now.

Now I'm not saying some of those things can't occur, but all of them absolutely will not.

I admit, I am an optimist.

Prison Bitch · 01-19-2016, 12:49 PM

Upton is proj 3.4 wins on Steamer, edging them slightly past us at 33.2-32.7 (Upton's replacement option was essentially worthless, so it's all him). Now its

Cleve: 86
Det, KC, White Sux 81
Twinks 78

If that was at all accurate then signing Upton was prob necessary for Detroit to have a chance to contend.

**Anyong Bluth** · 01-19-2016, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

They really can't be.

They have 2 more years of Miggy being a force and his contract is so long that they probably couldn't deal him even if they wanted to. They're so married to the core of this team that they might as well try to win while they have it.

Whatever they try to do, 2018-2020 is going to suck. There's just no way to dodge that bullet, IMO. Knowing that, they might as well do everything they can to win in 2016 and 2017.

If the Royals really can't get guys like Moose and Hosmer to re-sign after 2017, the AL Central is going to be a shitshow. The only team I can see that would seem to have a strong core through that time is the Twins and even that is going to require some substantial growth by Buxton, Sano and Arcia. I guess its possible that the division could open up for Cleveland if Lindor progresses and Brantley/Kipnis are able to hold it together for another 3-4 years. That pitching staff is nasty.

Fortunately for the Royals, they have the players, they just need to keep this team together. If they can, they're in a beautiful position to own the central for another 5 years.

What's hilarious is they can sign these bigger name guys to $100+ million contracts, but continue to have a pitiful bullpen, weak rotational pitching in their back end, and mediocre defense. Now, they’re not Cleveland level defense bad, but they seem to be of the mindset of stacking their order, having 2 ace pitchers, and band aid the rest.
Baseball is such a streaky game, it's my opinion that a team of high quality guys is going to payoff as opposed to having 3 or 4 megastars. Over 162 games it's not feasible to have to rely on a few guys to carry you day in and day out.
The Royals have a lot of good "solid" players and often times a different guy did step up and help the team when another guy or guys had an off night.

All the talk about the Mets having 4 ace quality starters couldn't match a Royals team that had no real weakness. Our D, and bullpen were outstanding, but overall everything the team did in every aspect of the game was mostly average to good, but more importantly there was no weak link in the chain.

cosmo20002 · 01-19-2016, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeepSouth

I'm not convinced the Royals are going to be that bad after 2017.
Cains is replaced by Starling
Moose is replaced by Dozier
Escabar is replaced by Mondesi

Gordon and Perez will still be here.
Ventura, Kennedy, Zimmer, and Almonte are here.

You need RF, 1st, and 2nd. Hopefully, there are guys in the minors to fill those spots.

You're making some huge assumptions that any of those guys will be good.
I think the recent success of having several home-grown guys turn out so well recent years is making people think it happens so easily all the time.

DJ's left nut · 01-19-2016, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anyong Bluth

What's hilarious is they can sign these bigger name guys to $100+ million contracts, but continue to have a pitiful bullpen, weak rotational pitching in their back end, and mediocre defense. Now, they’re not Cleveland level defense bad, but they seem to be of the mindset of stacking their order, having 2 ace pitchers, and band aid the rest.
Baseball is such a streaky game, it's my opinion that a team of high quality guys is going to payoff as opposed to having 3 or 4 megastars. Over 162 games it's not feasible to have to rely on a few guys to carry you day in and day out.
The Royals have a lot of good "solid" players and often times a different guy did step up and help the team when another guy or guys had an off night.

All the talk about the Mets having 4 ace quality starters couldn't match a Royals team that had no real weakness. Our D, and bullpen were outstanding, but overall everything the team did in every aspect of the game was mostly average to good, but more importantly there was no weak link in the chain.

Eh, it works both ways.

The Marlins that knocked off the Yankees several years ago were the best example I can recall of a team that was sound but not spectacular across the board. The Red Sox teams in the mid 2000s, OTOH, had holes everywhere and a spotty bullpen but won with a killer middle of the order and a couple of aces.

Both approaches works so you have to build around what you have. The Tigers have too many holes to just fill them all with sound guys so they're trying to build around a couple of stars.

It might work. It probably won't. But you can say that about every team and every approach - nobody's a better bet than the field in baseball.

DeepSouth · 01-19-2016, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmo20002

You're making some huge assumptions that any of those guys will be good.
I think the recent success of having several home-grown guys turn out so well recent years is making people think it happens so easily all the time.

I don't remember Dayton Moore's exact quote but, he wants the Royals to be good for the long haul. Not just a few years. I think he has a plan to feed the major league team with rookies to keep them winning. Maybe not the World Series every year but, they'll never be the door mats they used to be.

BigCatDaddy · 01-19-2016, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeepSouth

I don't remember Dayton Moore's exact quote but, he wants the Royals to be good for the long haul. Not just a few years. I think he has a plan to feed the major league team with rookies to keep them winning. Maybe not the World Series every year but, they'll never be the door mats they used to be.

A yearly payroll off 110-125 mil doesnt hurt either.

**ChiTown** · 01-19-2016, 04:47 PM

I'm putting myself on the 60-Day Message Board DL. See you dudes in a couple months for Spring Training.

Pitt Gorilla · 01-19-2016, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigCatDaddy

A yearly payroll off 110-125 mil doesnt hurt either.

Not getting boned in the competitive balance draft every year would help.

siberian khatru · 01-20-2016, 08:34 AM

ICYMI, Rustin Dodd is the Star's new Royals beat writer. He's leaving the Beaker beat.

duncan_idaho · 01-20-2016, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

You're taking a LOT on faith.

Almonte needs to develop at least one more consistent off-speed pitch to be a starter; a high hurdle at this level. Zimmer needs to manage to stay healthy. Gordon will be into his decline years as will Perez given his position and workload. Hunter Dozier is a guy who's never managed an OPS above .650 in AA despite never being significantly under-aged for his level - I'd hold off on annointing him as a surefire replacement for an All-Star level player.

Starling's a fascinating player but again, you're talking about a kid that's still never truly had a good full season now 4 years into his professional career. The talent appears to be there but you're asking him to replace a truly elite CFer. Even if he does fulfill that ability, you're setting the bar remarkably high for him.

Mondesi is an exceptional talent but still hasn't ever had a truly standout season (though unlike Dozier, I don't really care because he's just so young). He's a guy that could develop into a true upgrade on Escobar but I'd say that's no better than a 50/50 proposition given just how far away he is right now.

Now I'm not saying some of those things can't occur, but all of them absolutely will not.

Of all things related to the Royals minor league team, I do feel confident saying Mondesi's floor is Escobar's current level of contribution: Great defensive player whose offense is driven by average year to year but is just OK for the position.

He's going to be a quality big-league regular even if he's a .250 hitter because of his defense and base running. Obviously, there is more in the tank there because of his tools.

Only thing I'd quibble with is that I'd have to give Starling credit for having a good minor league season in 2015, his first since his first season in the minors. He OPS'd .750ish in his first go at AA while playing excellent defense and then performed well in the Fall League.

It will be interesting to see if he can build on that in 2016. His 2015 actually compares very closely with what George Springer did the year before he broke out, after struggling in years prior.

DJ's left nut · 01-20-2016, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

Of all things related to the Royals minor league team, I do feel confident saying Mondesi's floor is Escobar's current level of contribution: Great defensive player whose offense is driven by average year to year but is just OK for the position.

He's going to be a quality big-league regular even if he's a .250 hitter because of his defense and base running. Obviously, there is more in the tank there because of his tools.

Only thing I'd quibble with is that I'd have to give Starling credit for having a good minor league season in 2015, his first since his first season in the minors. He OPS'd .750ish in his first go at AA while playing excellent defense and then performed well in the Fall League.

It will be interesting to see if he can build on that in 2016. His 2015 actually compares very closely with what George Springer did the year before he broke out, after struggling in years prior.

Like I said - Starling is intriguing, but if not for his draft position would his 2015 season do anything to make you take pause? Probably not.

You're absolutely correct that 2016 will likely tell the tale on him - but 2016 ain't here yet so that's why I'm saying that he was putting a lot on pure faith. Starling needs to have that breakout minor league season before I think you can consider him even a major league regular, let alone one of the most valuable CFers in the game.

His draft position supports the idea that the talent is there and his 2015 season suggests that maybe he's not completely lost, but he was damn near shipped away for a bag of magic beans after another underwhelming season in 2014 and a disastrous AFL stint because the Royals front office thought he was a bust.

So one seasons that was good but not great in AA (in the notoriously hitter-friendly Texas League, no less) and now we're penciling him in as a Cain replacement? And really, if the Texas League isn't the most hitter-friendly league in all of professional baseball, the PCL is - even Omaha may not give you a great idea of what he has. Obviously he can only play where his teams are situated, but man you'd like to get him a lap through the International League to get a better feel. The Carolina League is usually a pretty fair league but it took him a 2nd pass at it as a 22 yr old in A+ to finally get it figured out.

In the AFL, against the most advanced pitching he's faced (and in yet another hitter friendly environment), he struck out 25 times to only 6 walks in his 90 PAs. That's gotta make you nervous, especially in light of the 30-3 ratio over 85 PAs he put up in the AFL in 2014.

Starling has tools and maybe the breakout will come, but folks need to pump the brakes on the kid. There are some pretty substantial holes in his game still and until that breakout actually happens, I'd stand down on counting on him as much more than a 4th OFer, let alone an All-Star caliber player.

11-02-2015, 05:00 PM
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $-2169692	* 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..
Posts: 22,450

01-19-2016, 12:49 PM	#2645
Prison Bitch Rabbi Goldmann Join Date: Nov 2012 Casino cash: $5450159	Upton is proj 3.4 wins on Steamer, edging them slightly past us at 33.2-32.7 (Upton's replacement option was essentially worthless, so it's all him). Now its Cleve: 86 Det, KC, White Sux 81 Twinks 78 If that was at all accurate then signing Upton was prob necessary for Detroit to have a chance to contend.
Posts: 87,025

01-19-2016, 04:47 PM	#2651
ChiTown Stroking to the SB Champs! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Flatlands of Kansas Casino cash: $-571038	I'm putting myself on the 60-Day Message Board DL. See you dudes in a couple months for Spring Training. __________________
Posts: 40,929

01-20-2016, 08:34 AM	#2653
siberian khatru 21st Century Schizoid Fan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Gates of Delirium Casino cash: $-1405050	ICYMI, Rustin Dodd is the Star's new Royals beat writer. He's leaving the Beaker beat.
Posts: 71,920