Royals *** Official 2016 Royals Offseason Repository *** - Page 214

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.

**alnorth** · 02-25-2016, 10:58 AM

Sources: There will be a timed 30-second clock for pitcher mound visits from managers/coaches that starts immediately when they exit dugout.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 25, 2016

I like this

**alnorth** · 02-25-2016, 11:14 AM

MLB and MLBPA have agreed on a new slide rule into second base. The baserunner going to 2nd must follow these 4 rules:

1) You have to slide before reaching the base

2) You have to slide in a way that you are able to, and attempt to reach the base

3) You have to slide in a way that you are able to, and attempt to stay on the base

4) You can't alter your path to the base

As long as the runner does those 4 things, he can legally take out the 2nd baseman, but obviously this rule makes it easier for the 2nd baseman to avoid the takeout slide.

edit: this play will also be reviewable.

Prison Bitch · 02-25-2016, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhawhaWhat

Davis vs Gordon is a wash.

Gallardo vs Kennedy to the Orioles but I would put it as a lean towards Gallardo because he's always been up and down. Kennedy gets to work with the Royals D now as well along with his K rate.

Fowler vs Soria to the Orioles too, however they are both filling separate needs there. The Orioles OF would have been Adam Jones and 2 JAGs, at best, and Fowler helps a lot there. The Royals wanted another arm to replace Greg Holland, Soria doesn't replace Holland's production, who does really?, but Fowler is the better player.

I'll say Orioles win but if Gallardo goes back to being terrible and Soria steps into the Royals bullpen monster and produces then that can swing the other way.

Looking at the contracts, it appears you could have both Fowler + Gallardo for Gordon. I'm not sure which is better. Last year they produced 5.7 WAR vs Gordon 2.8 (obv due to injury). Steamer projects 3.4 vs 3.8 for Gordon.

Archie F. Swin · 02-25-2016, 11:30 AM

How about instead of having to throw four pitches for an intentional walk, the fielding team's manager takes a step out of the the dugout and gives a hand signal to the home plate umpire?

jbwm89 · 02-25-2016, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

Looking at the contracts, it appears you could have both Fowler + Gallardo for Gordon. I'm not sure which is better. Last year they produced 5.7 WAR vs Gordon 2.8 (obv due to injury). Steamer projects 3.4 vs 3.8 for Gordon.

Don't forget to subtract the WAR for whoever Gallardo would be pitching instead of in the rotation.

**alnorth** · 02-25-2016, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archie F. Swin

How about instead of having to throw four pitches for an intentional walk, the fielding team's manager takes a step out of the the dugout and gives a hand signal to the home plate umpire?

That'll never work, it makes too much sense.

Sure-Oz · 02-25-2016, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

Better offseason?

Orioles: Davis/Gallardo/Fowler = 12/216 (18 per)
Royals: Gordon/Kennedy/Soria = 12/169 (14)

(Orioles deferred 1/4 of Davis' deal and claim it's only 127 present value. This would take the Os AAV above from 18M to 16 per year)

@Ken_Rosenthal: Dexter Fowler has re-signed with the #Cubs, per @MDGonzales. One year deal with mutual option.

WhawhaWhat · 02-25-2016, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sure-Oz

@Ken_Rosenthal: Dexter Fowler has re-signed with the #Cubs, per @MDGonzales. One year deal with mutual option.

there was no fowler agreement with orioles, both sides say now. unusual to take $13M over $33M but nothing wrong with it.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 25, 2016

cant blame fowler for following heart. unfortunately, he would have been better off taking the $15M qualifying offer
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 25, 2016

Weird.

**SAUTO** · 02-25-2016, 12:27 PM

He just gave away a bunch of money just to not play for the Orioles.

jd1020 · 02-25-2016, 12:46 PM

Resigning Fowler confuses the **** out of me. This means one of 2 things, say bye bye to Soler or Schwarber will be catching. I guess they could also platoon Schwarber and Soler in LF but that would be pretty weird.

He seems happy though

#Cubs fans ... If this doesn't make your day, check your pulse! @DexterFowler is back: https://t.co/VMMrdz7Rs6 https://t.co/D6xYCHu403
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) February 25, 2016

AJKCFAN · 02-25-2016, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noa

Rany's list is so much fun. Just checked out his latest update.
Posted via Mobile Device

It really is monumental. Loving every second of it. I'm the one who is commenting on the game by game and player by player list of moments.

Wanted to ask.

Game 2 Astros
Game 4 Astros
Game 5 Astros
Game 2 Blue Jays
Game 6 Blue Jays
Game 1 Mets
Game 4 Mets
Game 5 Mets

In terms of greatness of the game itself (and not focusing on significance of the impact of the win) how do you rank them from best game to worst?

Then, where would Wild Card Game rank if added to the list?

(You could also make cases for Game 1 Angels, Game 2 Angels, Game 1 Orioles, Game 2 Orioles being in this elite level of classic games, among others but figured to ask everyone about those 2015 games and compare it to Wild Card game only...)

duncan_idaho · 02-25-2016, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhawhaWhat

Davis vs Gordon is a wash.

Gallardo vs Kennedy to the Orioles but I would put it as a lean towards Gallardo because he's always been up and down. Kennedy gets to work with the Royals D now as well along with his K rate.

Fowler vs Soria to the Orioles too, however they are both filling separate needs there. The Orioles OF would have been Adam Jones and 2 JAGs, at best, and Fowler helps a lot there. The Royals wanted another arm to replace Greg Holland, Soria doesn't replace Holland's production, who does really?, but Fowler is the better player.

I'll say Orioles win but if Gallardo goes back to being terrible and Soria steps into the Royals bullpen monster and produces then that can swing the other way.

I'm confident Kennedy is going to be a better player for KC than Gallardo will for Baltimore. Gallardo is cheaper and has fewer years on his deal, so there's less risk that way, but he also seems to be a much larger injury risk than Kennedy to me (declining K and help rates might indicate something is about to pop).

There's also a sizable gap in the draft pick sacrificed: No. 14 vs No. 24 pick.

Davis is a better offensive player than Gordon, but he has a smaller track record of performance. I think he's got more risk because the deal is bigger and he doesn't add as much value all-around as Gordon does. Both will age well, IMO.

Pitt Gorilla · 02-25-2016, 03:11 PM

Yick. Keep your stink away from our team!

Pitt Gorilla · 02-25-2016, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

Looking at the contracts, it appears you could have both Fowler + Gallardo for Gordon. I'm not sure which is better. Last year they produced 5.7 WAR vs Gordon 2.8 (obv due to injury). Steamer projects 3.4 vs 3.8 for Gordon.

Fowler didn't sign with the O's.

**lewdog** · 02-25-2016, 03:29 PM

A few shots on Facebook I liked today.

11-02-2015, 05:00 PM
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $-2119692	* 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: 22,442

02-25-2016, 10:58 AM	#3196
alnorth . Join Date: Dec 2002 Casino cash: $57156239	Sources: There will be a timed 30-second clock for pitcher mound visits from managers/coaches that starts immediately when they exit dugout. — Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 25, 2016 I like this __________________ how many emo kids does it take to change a lightbulb? HOW MANY?! none they just sit in the dark and cry
Posts: 36,130

02-25-2016, 11:14 AM	#3197
alnorth . Join Date: Dec 2002 Casino cash: $57156239	MLB and MLBPA have agreed on a new slide rule into second base. The baserunner going to 2nd must follow these 4 rules: 1) You have to slide before reaching the base 2) You have to slide in a way that you are able to, and attempt to reach the base 3) You have to slide in a way that you are able to, and attempt to stay on the base 4) You can't alter your path to the base As long as the runner does those 4 things, he can legally take out the 2nd baseman, but obviously this rule makes it easier for the 2nd baseman to avoid the takeout slide. edit: this play will also be reviewable. __________________ how many emo kids does it take to change a lightbulb? HOW MANY?! none they just sit in the dark and cry Last edited by alnorth; 02-25-2016 at 11:25 AM..
Posts: 36,130

02-25-2016, 11:30 AM	#3199
Archie F. Swin This is the way Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Wichita Falls, Texas Casino cash: $9975673	How about instead of having to throw four pitches for an intentional walk, the fielding team's manager takes a step out of the the dugout and gives a hand signal to the home plate umpire? __________________ "No Two People Will Do It The Same, You got It Down...When You Appear to Be In Pain!"
Posts: 11,800

02-25-2016, 12:27 PM	#3204
SAUTO Shit Join Date: Jun 2008 Casino cash: $10039067	He just gave away a bunch of money just to not play for the Orioles.
Posts: 55,715

02-25-2016, 12:46 PM	#3205
jd1020 In Search of a Life Join Date: Nov 2010 Casino cash: $6942645	Resigning Fowler confuses the **** out of me. This means one of 2 things, say bye bye to Soler or Schwarber will be catching. I guess they could also platoon Schwarber and Soler in LF but that would be pretty weird. He seems happy though #Cubs fans ... If this doesn't make your day, check your pulse! @DexterFowler is back: https://t.co/VMMrdz7Rs6 https://t.co/D6xYCHu403 — Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) February 25, 2016 Last edited by jd1020; 02-25-2016 at 12:54 PM..
Posts: 24,528

02-25-2016, 03:11 PM	#3208
Pitt Gorilla Banned! Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: NOT Columbia, MO 65201 Casino cash: $-129806	Yick. Keep your stink away from our team! __________________ Your son is a bench warmer because of your weak genetics not because of the coach Norlin Mommsen is disgusting.
Posts: 47,382

02-25-2016, 03:29 PM	#3210
lewdog Mod Team Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Valley of the hot as **** Casino cash: $-1568100	A few shots on Facebook I liked today.
Posts: 46,353