Royals *** Official 2016 Royals Offseason Repository *** - Page 212

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.

Pitt Gorilla · 02-23-2016, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzzer99

I'm old enough to remember when buying gear wasn't a mandatory requirement for going to the games. I actually think a grown man wearing a jersey of someone else is kind of silly. But that's the times we live in, so I do it.

I'm not sure the word "mandatory" means what you think it does.

**DaneMcCloud** · 02-23-2016, 11:22 PM

Does anyone have MLB.tv? I've had Extra Innings from DirectTV for years but I received a Roku for Christmas, so I was thinking about going that route this year.

Also, MLB.tv apparently shows Spring Training games. Are those fun to watch, at all?

Archie F. Swin · 02-24-2016, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Does anyone have MLB.tv? I've had Extra Innings from DirectTV for years but I received a Roku for Christmas, so I was thinking about going that route this year.

Also, MLB.tv apparently shows Spring Training games. Are those fun to watch, at all?

This will be my 4th season as an mlb.tv subscriber. Thanks to a class-action lawsuit, this year's subs are quite a bit cheaper than last season. Plus, for the first time they are offering a single team pkg, where you can watch all the games of one particular team so,long as that team is not playing in your local cable market. That package runs about $85 for the season, which is around $40 less than what I paid last year.

ST games are not terrible interesting unless you want to see minor league invites and prospects play.

Wilson8 · 02-24-2016, 06:27 AM

I had hoped that the Royals would work out a deal to keep Holland -

Quote:

Royals still interested in a reunion with free-agent closer Greg Holland

SURPRISE, Ariz. —

As the Royals took the field Tuesday for their first full-squad workout of the spring, general manager Dayton Moore said the club still possessed interest in a reunion with Greg Holland, the former All-Star closer who was an integral piece in the franchise’s rise.

Holland, 30, remains a free agent as big-league camps get underway, a pitcher weighing his options as his right arm recovers from Tommy John surgery. The Royals remain interested in signing him to a multi-year contract. For the moment, there appears little reason to rush.

Holland underwent a procedure to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on Oct. 2. He will not pitch in 2016. His health status expedited his departure from Kansas City.

With the right-hander entering his final year of arbitration and due to make close to $10 million in salary in 2016, the Royals declined to tender Holland a contract and let him become a free agent in December. As spring training camps opened last week, Holland remained without a home.

“There’s not a lot to say at this point in time, other than we do remain interested in Greg Holland,” Moore told The Star on Wednesday.

The factors that would prompt a return are simple. Holland, a former 10th-round pick in 2007, developed into one of the game’s best closers under the Royals’ watch. He saved 93 games in 2013 and 2014 while posting a 1.32 ERA. A damaged elbow limited his effectiveness in 2015. But as the Royals rose to power in the American League, Holland bolstered one of the game’s best bullpens.

If the Royals could work out a multi-year deal for Holland, he could be available to return for the start of the 2017 season.

“He’s a home-grown player,” Moore said. “We’ve always believed in him. He’s been a very successful part of our team. We would love to be able to have him here as part of our future.”

The Royals’ deep bullpen has been critical to the club’s championship formula. When elbow discomfort ended Holland’s 2015 season in September, setup man Wade Davis stepped into the closer’s role and flourished, closing out series-clinching wins in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series and Game 5 of the World Series. Davis, one of the best relievers in baseball over the last two seasons, entered camp as the unquestioned alpha male in the Royals’ relief corps.

The Royals also committed $25 million to former closer Joakim Soria in a three-year deal this offseason. Right-handers Kelvin Herrera and Luke Hochevar also return to fortify the bridge to Davis.

The bullpen could retain its ferociousness for the foreseeable future. The club possesses a $10 million team option on Davis for the 2017 season. Herrera is under club control through 2018.

Holland, meanwhile, could still be a part of the bullpen’s future. He will spend most of the 2016 season in a rehab program, testing out his surgically-repaired elbow in various phases. He should be healthy to return for spring training in 2017, barring any setbacks.

For now, the Royals remain interested in a deal for Holland. The market will likely decide if a return becomes reality.

Rustin Dodd
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb...e62044757.html

Deberg_1990 · 02-24-2016, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Does anyone have MLB.tv? I've had Extra Innings from DirectTV for years but I received a Roku for Christmas, so I was thinking about going that route this year.

Also, MLB.tv apparently shows Spring Training games. Are those fun to watch, at all?

MLBtv is fantastic

Ive had it the past 6 of 7 years.
This year you can go the 'single team' route for a little cheaper price.

Kidd Lex · 02-24-2016, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archie F. Swin

This will be my 4th season as an mlb.tv subscriber. Thanks to a class-action lawsuit, this year's subs are quite a bit cheaper than last season. Plus, for the first time they are offering a single team pkg, where you can watch all the games of one particular team so,long as that team is not playing in your local cable market. That package runs about $85 for the season, which is around $40 less than what I paid last year.

ST games are not terrible interesting unless you want to see minor league invites and prospects play.

So funny you say that... Most of my life the only interesting baseball was Spring Training (prospects baby prospects) up until the end of May and then September call ups.

Man it feels good to be Royal.

duncan_idaho · 02-24-2016, 10:12 AM

Quick thoughts re: prospects as they relate to this season...

I know a lot of local media is saying that the Royals don't have any trade bullets left, but that is a "now only" view.

KC only has a few guys who would be great trade chips tomorrow, but there are a lot of prospects who could become valuable trade chips as the season goes.

Consider that the key piece for Cueto was Cody Reed, who was a nothing prospect this time a year ago (looked like a major bust).

Guys to keep an eye on... Who could become valuable trade chips as the season goes on:

Pedro Fernandez
Scott Blewett
Foster Griffin (probably has the most potential to explode like Reed did)
Garrett Davila

**petegz28** · 02-24-2016, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Does anyone have MLB.tv? I've had Extra Innings from DirectTV for years but I received a Roku for Christmas, so I was thinking about going that route this year.

Also, MLB.tv apparently shows Spring Training games. Are those fun to watch, at all?

Watching Spring Training games is like watching grass grow. It's fun for the first hour and then you realize there are much better things you could be doing, like flossing your teeth.

I've been to several ST games....believe me this

Al Bundy · 02-24-2016, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzzer99

I'm old enough to remember when buying gear wasn't a mandatory requirement for going to the games. I actually think a grown man wearing a jersey of someone else is kind of silly. But that's the times we live in, so I do it.

The great thing about baseball gear is you can buy jerseys without a name on the back of it.

KChiefs1 · 02-24-2016, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Does anyone have MLB.tv? I've had Extra Innings from DirectTV for years but I received a Roku for Christmas, so I was thinking about going that route this year.

Also, MLB.tv apparently shows Spring Training games. Are those fun to watch, at all?

Spring training games suck! They are worse than preseason NFL games.

TLO · 02-24-2016, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KChiefs1

Spring training games suck! They are worse than preseason NFL games.

My thoughts as well.

Why Not? · 02-24-2016, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KChiefs1

Spring training games suck! They are worse than preseason NFL games.

Maybe on TV. There great live. Kick back, stretch out on the lawn and watch baseball for $5. All while ditching work. Yes please.

Demonpenz · 02-24-2016, 02:50 PM

Spring Training games are only a bit more relaxed than one of 162.

**DaneMcCloud** · 02-25-2016, 12:04 AM

Hey guys, thanks for the MLB.tv input!

One more question: Can I be logged in to multiple TV's, whether it's Roku or X Box One simultaneously?

Has anyone has any issue with blackouts of the Royals games?

Thanks again!

C3HIEF3S · 02-25-2016, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Hey guys, thanks for the MLB.tv input!

One more question: Can I be logged in to multiple TV's, whether it's Roku or X Box One simultaneously?

Has anyone has any issue with blackouts of the Royals games?

Thanks again!

In my experience, you may sign in to as many different devices simultaneously as you want. I live outside of KC so the only time they're getting blacked out is against a Chicago team.

11-02-2015, 05:00 PM
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $-2199692	* 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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02-23-2016, 11:22 PM	#3167
DaneMcCloud Supporter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hollywood, CA Casino cash: $10053648	Does anyone have MLB.tv? I've had Extra Innings from DirectTV for years but I received a Roku for Christmas, so I was thinking about going that route this year. Also, MLB.tv apparently shows Spring Training games. Are those fun to watch, at all?
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02-24-2016, 10:12 AM	#3172
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $-2199692	Quick thoughts re: prospects as they relate to this season... I know a lot of local media is saying that the Royals don't have any trade bullets left, but that is a "now only" view. KC only has a few guys who would be great trade chips tomorrow, but there are a lot of prospects who could become valuable trade chips as the season goes. Consider that the key piece for Cueto was Cody Reed, who was a nothing prospect this time a year ago (looked like a major bust). Guys to keep an eye on... Who could become valuable trade chips as the season goes on: Pedro Fernandez Scott Blewett Foster Griffin (probably has the most potential to explode like Reed did) Garrett Davila __________________ "You gotta love livin', cause dying is a pain in the ass." ---- Sinatra
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02-24-2016, 02:50 PM	#3178
Demonpenz Woman should only make babies Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $-453864	Spring Training games are only a bit more relaxed than one of 162. __________________
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02-25-2016, 12:04 AM	#3179
DaneMcCloud Supporter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hollywood, CA Casino cash: $10053648	Hey guys, thanks for the MLB.tv input! One more question: Can I be logged in to multiple TV's, whether it's Roku or X Box One simultaneously? Has anyone has any issue with blackouts of the Royals games? Thanks again!
Posts: 88,960