Royals *** Official 2016 Royals Offseason Repository *** - Page 181

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.

Coach · 01-23-2016, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilson8

Mike had surgery for a torn labium in May 2015.

What's the recovery time and likelihood of returning to form?

While he is fully recovering, would KC need to put him on their 40 man roster?

Last year Minor made $5.6 M. What would it take to sign him?

Recovery time depends upon a variety of factors, including things such as where the tear was located, how severe it was and how good the surgical repair was. Usually we hear six to eight months is quoted for the resumption of normal activity, with the appropriate use of physical therapy and strengthening exercises.

Of course, I don't know if "normal activity" is in baseball terms of throwing baseballs 90+ mph pitches with breaking ball stuff. It may be no guarantee he'd return to form like he did in the past.

As for the 40 man roster and how much it would take to get him, I have no idea since I don't know what is the market is or demand for him at this point, but it wouldn't hurt to try to go for the same route that the Royals treated Kris Medlen?

Would be interested to see what duncan and others would chime in on Minor.

KChiefs1 · 01-23-2016, 10:36 PM

http://www.chatsports.com/kansas-cit...ffseason-26058

BigCatDaddy · 01-23-2016, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KChiefs1

http://www.chatsports.com/kansas-cit...ffseason-26058

I mentioned this before but I think Mondesi keeps us from signing Kendrick. That would block SS and 2nd for about 3 years.

**Anyong Bluth** · 01-24-2016, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigCatDaddy

I mentioned this before but I think Mondesi keeps us from signing Kendrick. That would block SS and 2nd for about 3 years.

Wouldn't the call up and actual appearance in the playoffs be a bit of an indication that they have some expectation that the kid will be with the team this season? He may not break spring training with the club, but I think he might be someone who is given time to spell either infield spot on some basis. Transition him slowly, and he certainly can't hurt you in the lineup if all he's replacing is Infante's bat.

Where does the kid project to likely bat in the order?

BigCatDaddy · 01-24-2016, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anyong Bluth

Wouldn't the call up and actual appearance in the playoffs be a bit of an indication that they have some expectation that the kid will be with the team this season? He may not break spring training with the club, but I think he might be someone who is given time to spell either infield spot on some basis. Transition him slowly, and he certainly can't hurt you in the lineup if all he's replacing is Infante's bat.

Where does the kid project to likely bat in the order?

Sounds like he and Starling are in the same boat and it is a wait and see how they hit the first half.in AAA.

Wilson8 · 01-24-2016, 12:33 PM

The Royals added another veteran pitcher to their list of spring training invites, signing right-hander Peter Moylan to a minor-league deal.

Moylan, 37, is a submarine-style reliever who appeared in 22 games last season for the Atlanta Braves, recording a 3.48 ERA in 10 1/3 innings. He had eight strikeouts and zero walks in limited action.

A native of Australia, Moylan returned from a second Tommy John surgery during the 2015 season. He didn’t appear in the big leagues in 2014.

Moylan previously spent seven seasons in the Braves organization, his best season coming in 2009, when he threw a career-high 73 innings while posting a 2.84 ERA.

He is the Royals’ 18th non-roster invitee heading to major-league spring training in February. The list is highlighted by veterans Dillon Gee and Chien-Ming Wang. Gee and Wang, both right-handers who signed minor-league contracts this offseason, are joined by left-handed pitchers David Huff and John Lannan and infielder Cody Decker.

The other non-roster invitees have experience in the Royals’ organization. They are: right-handers Christian Binford, Aroni Nina and Brooks Pounders, left-handers Jonathan Dziedzic and Sam Selman, catchers Zane Evans, Cameron Gallagher and Parker Morin, and infielders Orlando Calixte, Dusty Coleman, Hunter Dozier and Whit Merrifield.

The entire Royals’ 40-man roster, which includes right-hander Kyle Zimmer and outfielders Bubba Starling, Brett Eibner and Jorge Bonifacio, will also be invited to spring training.

The Royals will have to drop a player from the 40-man roster to add right-hander Ian Kennedy, who has agreed to a five-year, $70 million contract. The deal will become official once Kennedy completes a physical.

Pitchers and catchers report to Surprise on Feb. 18 with workouts starting the next day. The full squad reports Feb. 22 with the first full workout on Feb. 23. The Royals’ first spring training game is March 2.

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb...e56253480.html

duncan_idaho · 01-24-2016, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anyong Bluth

Wouldn't the call up and actual appearance in the playoffs be a bit of an indication that they have some expectation that the kid will be with the team this season? He may not break spring training with the club, but I think he might be someone who is given time to spell either infield spot on some basis. Transition him slowly, and he certainly can't hurt you in the lineup if all he's replacing is Infante's bat.

Where does the kid project to likely bat in the order?

Not trying to add a long-term solution at2B to avoid blocking Mondesi makes sense... But they're going all in for 2016 and 2017, too.

I think that in an ideal world, Mondesi would hit well enough to get a call-up in September and get a chance to win the everyday 2B in 2017 before transitioning him to SS full-time in 2017 and letting Escobar walk

Lot of things must line up for that to work, but I think that's what the team is hopeful will happen.

As for his role... At his best, Mondesi would be an ideal 1-2 hitter, capable of hitting .300 with 15 HR, 40 2B, and 30-40 SB.

His floor is a similar hitter to Escobar... Good speed, good contact skills, bad plate discipline, empty average hitter whose average fluctuates based on his BABIP year to year.

suzzer99 · 01-24-2016, 02:01 PM

I like the idea of giving Infante a chance to turn it around, if that doesn't work give WS hero Colon another chance (last chance?) to be an everyday player, then by the end of the season bring up Mondesi if those don't work out.

I really feel like if Infante stays healthy he's going to bounce back.

duncan_idaho · 01-24-2016, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzzer99

I like the idea of giving Infante a chance to turn it around, if that doesn't work give WS hero Colon another chance (last chance?) to be an everyday player, then by the end of the season bring up Mondesi if those don't work out.

I really feel like if Infante stays healthy he's going to bounce back.

I believe that's the plan. Also helps make the decision on Escobar for 2018 and beyond.

suzzer99 · 01-24-2016, 02:38 PM

Yeah, any pundit saying we should shell out for a 2nd baseman really isn't paying attention to the Royals at all. If we wanted to do that we'd have made a play for Zobrist.

**lewdog** · 01-24-2016, 02:48 PM

We now need a kicking perspective?!

Jesus.

Prison Bitch · 01-24-2016, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzzer99

Yeah, any pundit saying we should shell out for a 2nd baseman really isn't paying attention to the Royals at all. If we wanted to do that we'd have made a play for Zobrist.

How do you know we didn't?

suzzer99 · 01-24-2016, 06:04 PM

Well they said they wouldn't talk to Zobrist until the deal was done with Gordon.

BigCatDaddy · 01-24-2016, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzzer99

Well they said they wouldn't talk to Zobrist until the deal was done with Gordon.

So we wont talk to a guy that might and did sign before another guy signs with us or someone else?

Doubt it

Chiefspants · 01-24-2016, 06:20 PM

Wade Davis was officially honored with the Babe Ruth Award today. Awarding him as the the most valuable player of the 2015 postseason.

11-02-2015, 05:00 PM
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $-2079692	* Official 2016 Royals Offseason Repository * Well, folks, it has happened. The Royals stand triumphant, atop the heap of MLB. In this thread, we'll track the action as Dayton Moore continues The Process and attempts to defend the long-awaited title. Before we get to the meet of it, let's take a minute to reflect ... and say "I'm Sorry" to Dayton Moore. We gave you hell. Many of us called for your head. But you were right. You got it done. Congratulations. Mea culpa. Now, let's talk about the offseason: LINK TO 2016-18 PAYROLL INFO COURTESY OF ROYALS REVIEW The Royals will have a few priorities: Corner OF (x2) and 1 SP, IMO. The rest of the core is solid and will need little tweaking. Looking at the increase in ticket sales, merchandising, concessions, parking, etc., I think it's fair to assume the Royals GROSSED $100 million more this season, or close to it. That gives Glass and Dayton Moore much more flexibility on payroll for 2016 (hopefully). First order of business will be gauging the Alex Gordon market. If he can be resigned for 4-5 years at around $75-80 million total, it would be hard for KC to pass on that. He's still an above-average corner OF bat, and the Royals will need to bring in at least one proven guy to play in a corner if Gordon walks... and the whole market looks a lot like Alex - guys in their early 30s looking for huge, final contracts. Second order of business: Make a decision on Zobrist. It sounds like KC will pursue him aggressively. At 34, he's at risk of declining in a big way after a few years. If they could find someone to take on Omar Infante for eating 1/2 of his deal, that would be a great start to things. If they decide not to spend on Zobrist, KC will need to cobble together some sort of plan for 2B/RF that involves some cheaper options like Orlando, Colon, Dyson, etc. I could see them deciding his ability to provide great insurance at either 2B or in RF is worth the risk. Third order of business: Add depth to the rotation with a FA SP. Duffy, Ventura, Volquez and Medlen are locks for 4 spots, it seems. Kyle Zimmer may finally be ready to make a MLB impact, but his innings will be limited. That means KC needs insurance. Will it kill two birds with one stone (and insure against Duffy/Ventura regression) by signing a more top-tier guy? Or does Moore look to Chris Young/someone like him for this depth? Personally, I think Mike Leake would be a great fit with KC's defense and park, and I know Moore has long coveted him. He's still young - just 28 - and has succeeded in bandbox Cincinnati for years. Ian Kennedy, Mat Latos, Marco Estrada, and Justin Masterson are some other names that may pique interest (a little further down the list). Other than that, I don't think KC makes any major moves. Greg Holland will be interesting to observe, as they have one more year of control of him, and he will obviously miss all of that season. I wouldn't be surprised to see a pre-arbitration deal that pays him something like $15 million over the next two seasons, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him turned loose, period. The bullpen will rest upon Wade Davis/Herrera/Hochevar, filling in pieces around them. Bringing Madson back wouldn't be a surprise, but he could get a big deal from another team that is willing to pay him as their top setup guy or even their closer. I think the biggest prospects to watch in Spring Training will be: 1) Kyle Zimmer. The hype has built, died down, built again, etc. If he's healthy, he's filthy and a potential ToR arm. But what does he look like in ST, and how many innings can you reasonably expect from him if he does earn a rotation spot? It seems like 120-130 innings would be his limit unless they really stretch (or unless he has a lot of hidden innings from simulated games/extended spring training, which might push him to 150-160). Having another cheap, home-grown pitcher would be a significant boon for this team as it tries to extend the competitive window (and potentially give KC a strong 1-2 to build its rotation around in Zimmer and Ventura) 2) Bubba Starling. I'm trying to remain skeptical, but I like what I hear about Bubba from this season, and the performance has picked up. If KC does not sign someone to fill the RF slot, I think that's a strong indication KC's front office believes Starling will be ready to contribute in 2016. Dayton Moore has long said that when Starling's light flips on, it will happen quickly and burn brightly. Time will tell. After his STRONG Arizona Fall League Performance, he shot up my prospect chart. 3) Miguel Almonte. His late-season stint out of the KC bullpen went poorly, but Almonte has a plus-plus changeup, a good fastball, and a decent curve ball. He may be the dark horse in the rotation competition, and unlike Zimmer, he's set up to pitch a full 180 inning season. 4) RA Mondesi. The only player to debut in the MLB World Series has incredible tools. He still needs to refine his game, but again... he may be KC's best cheap, plus alternative at a key position (2B). His defense would be a boon from Day 1, but he needs seasoning with the bat before he's asked to hold down 2B full time. And, as always, here are the Prospects: Duncan’s Top 20 for 2016: Spoiler! 1. Raul Adalberto Mondesi, SS, BOTH: Tools, tools, tools. RA has tools galore. At his best, he’s an All-Star SS who plays elite D, hits 15-20 HR, swipes 40 bags, and is an ideal 1, 2 or 3 hitter. At his worst, I think he looks a lot like Alcides Escobar. Plate discipline is his biggest challenge at this point, but evaluators are confident that will come with time. Clear No. 1 2. Kyle Zimmer, RHP: He’s pitching again and staying healthy, which is nice. He’s pitcing out of the bullpen to build back his arm strength, which is less nice. But still has that high upside, just a lower floor now. Ideally, the team will use him as a bullpen weapon in September (because he has earned it) and then give him a chance to transition back to starting for 2016. 3. Bubba Starling, CF, RH: Starling has been up and down this year but put himself back on the map by greatly improving his K rate while also improving across the slash line as a hitter. His defense and baserunning are MLB ready; if Starling can work himself into a league average hitter, he can be a solid MLB regular who plays great D in CF while hitting 15 HR and swiping 20 bags. 4. Miguel Almonte, RHP: Still love the body, FB/CH combo. Results aren’t eye popping, but he’s still low enough and early enough in the development to prize those things over performance. Still a solid No. 3 starter upside, and just a year and some change away from potentially being ready to contribute at the MLB level. 5. Jorge Bonifacio, RF, RH: Emilio’s little brother got off to a horrible start in 2015 but has heated up as the season went on. He also is translating BP power to game power for the first time, with 15 HR just past the mid-way point of his season. Despite his disappointing 2014, he has a chance to build his way back into legit prospect status – and still is only 22. Next challenge for him should be Omaha, but that may wait for the start of the 2014 season. 6. Scott Blewett, RHP: Blewett has a nice two –pitch mix already and is off to a strong start. With his size (6-6) and a good fastball/curveball combo, Blewett could eventually turn into a good No. 3 starter, with a MLB-average changeup. 7. Nolan Watson, RHP: The Royals’ 2015 sandwich pick is a polished prep arm who is adding velocity and explosiveness to a good, polished base. Likely to move quickly. 8. Ashe Russell, RHP: The 2015 top pick probably needs more work than Watson, but the upside is really nice. Again, advanced two-pitch mix that will depend on him adding a changeup. Could be a very good NO. 2 if it all adds up. 9. Balbino Fuenmayor, 1B/DH, RH: The Balbino came out of basically nowhere in 2015 to earn a Futures Game spot. Big power and an improved two-strike approach have turned the late bloomer into a legit prospect. He’s blocked at the MLB level currently by Eric Hosmer and Kendrys Morales, but Fuenmayor’s combination of power hitting and good average/strike zone control makes him intriguing. 10. Cheslor Cuthbert, 3B, RH: Cheslor probably is not going to be the star KC was hoping for when signing him out of Nicaragua, but he does look like he can be a solid reserve for an MLB club. Good defense at 3B paired with a solid plate approach and some gap power plays fine off the bench. He becomes a lot more interesting if they think he can stick as a 2B, which they have experimented with. Spoiler! 11. Chase Vallot, C/DH/1B: I really like Vallot’s power and plate discipline combo. His bat will probably force him from behind the plate, but he’s held his own despite being extremely young for every level he has faced. 12. Alfredo Escalera-Maldonado, OF, RH: Escalera-Maldonado earned a promotion to Wilmington at age 20, which is pretty advanced movement for that age. He’s an athletic outfielder who has shown some plate discipline at an early age, which is encouraging. Doesn’t sound like he can stick in CF long term for KC, but his bat has become one to watch. 13. Pedro Fernandez, RHP: I haven’t seen much of him, but like the reports I’ve heard on his fastball and general makeup. Could become the next Almonte/Mondesi, though he’s more likely to land in the pen than either of them. 14. Elier Hernandez, OF, RH: Elier Hernanez teamed with Escalera-Maldonado in breaking out at Low-A and earning a promotion to Wilmington. It’s still early for this guy – he is just 20 years old – but he doesn’t take walks and hasn’t developed the prodigious power many thought he had the potential for. Still worth watching. 15. Hunter Dozier, 3B, RH: Dozier is reworking his swing mid-season, which generally will cause production to do what his has done: Nose dive. The changes he made entering the season (seemingly geared towards increasing his power production) were a disaster, and now he’s trying to get back to what he used to be. Still looks great and checks most of the scouting boxes, but the performance hasn’t matched, and it almost knocked him out of the list. 16. Christian Binford, RHP: After a breakthrough 2014, Binford struggled mightily at AAA and suffered a demotion. His upside remains similar – a back-end starter who can eat innings – but Binford’s lack of velocity and reliance on command have caught up to him so far. 17. Marten Gasparini, OF, SH: Gasparini is intriguing because of his speed and athleticism. He’s a LOOOOONG ways from the majors and young for his level, but reports on his bat speed, swing, and speed remain positive enough to keep him on the bubble. 18. Eric Skoglund, LHP: Skoglund had a nice year at Wilmington. I'm skeptical because his K rate is lower than I like to see for a guy at A+ - just 7/9, and usually guys lose a strikeout or two/9 as they move up the chain from there - but he has excellent control, walking 1.17 batters/9. 6-7 lefties with great control who get lots of ground balls - like Skoglund - have a chance to overcome bad K rates. 19. Ryan O'Hearn, 1B/LF: A lefty stick with power, O'Hearn was a savings signing as an 8th round pick, but a change in his approach increased his power - while increasing his K rate. After Vallot, probably the best pure power prospect in the Royals system. 20. Josh Staumont, RHP: I was terrified of this guy's control problems, and he walked nearly a batter an inning in his pro debut (32 BB in 40 1/3 IP). Staumont's nasty, nasty stuff (plus-plus fastball, plus slider) could make him a very good late-inning reliever who strikes out more than a batter an inning, if he can develop average or slightly below-average control. If he really masters the control, you're talking about a potential Greg Holland type, but that's a TALL task. Last edited by duncan_idaho; 11-17-2015 at 09:49 AM..
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01-23-2016, 10:36 PM	#2702
KChiefs1 I’m a Mahomo! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mid-Missouri Casino cash: $6771021	http://www.chatsports.com/kansas-cit...ffseason-26058 __________________
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01-24-2016, 12:33 PM	#2706
Wilson8 Veteran Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $2837557	The Royals added another veteran pitcher to their list of spring training invites, signing right-hander Peter Moylan to a minor-league deal. Moylan, 37, is a submarine-style reliever who appeared in 22 games last season for the Atlanta Braves, recording a 3.48 ERA in 10 1/3 innings. He had eight strikeouts and zero walks in limited action. A native of Australia, Moylan returned from a second Tommy John surgery during the 2015 season. He didn’t appear in the big leagues in 2014. Moylan previously spent seven seasons in the Braves organization, his best season coming in 2009, when he threw a career-high 73 innings while posting a 2.84 ERA. He is the Royals’ 18th non-roster invitee heading to major-league spring training in February. The list is highlighted by veterans Dillon Gee and Chien-Ming Wang. Gee and Wang, both right-handers who signed minor-league contracts this offseason, are joined by left-handed pitchers David Huff and John Lannan and infielder Cody Decker. The other non-roster invitees have experience in the Royals’ organization. They are: right-handers Christian Binford, Aroni Nina and Brooks Pounders, left-handers Jonathan Dziedzic and Sam Selman, catchers Zane Evans, Cameron Gallagher and Parker Morin, and infielders Orlando Calixte, Dusty Coleman, Hunter Dozier and Whit Merrifield. The entire Royals’ 40-man roster, which includes right-hander Kyle Zimmer and outfielders Bubba Starling, Brett Eibner and Jorge Bonifacio, will also be invited to spring training. The Royals will have to drop a player from the 40-man roster to add right-hander Ian Kennedy, who has agreed to a five-year, $70 million contract. The deal will become official once Kennedy completes a physical. Pitchers and catchers report to Surprise on Feb. 18 with workouts starting the next day. The full squad reports Feb. 22 with the first full workout on Feb. 23. The Royals’ first spring training game is March 2. http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb...e56253480.html Last edited by Wilson8; 01-24-2016 at 12:38 PM..
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01-24-2016, 02:01 PM	#2708
suzzer99 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: L.A. Casino cash: $-745716	I like the idea of giving Infante a chance to turn it around, if that doesn't work give WS hero Colon another chance (last chance?) to be an everyday player, then by the end of the season bring up Mondesi if those don't work out. I really feel like if Infante stays healthy he's going to bounce back.
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01-24-2016, 02:38 PM	#2710
suzzer99 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: L.A. Casino cash: $-745716	Yeah, any pundit saying we should shell out for a 2nd baseman really isn't paying attention to the Royals at all. If we wanted to do that we'd have made a play for Zobrist.
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01-24-2016, 02:48 PM	#2711
lewdog Mod Team Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Valley of the hot as **** Casino cash: $-1538100	We now need a kicking perspective?! Jesus.
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01-24-2016, 06:04 PM	#2713
suzzer99 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: L.A. Casino cash: $-745716	Well they said they wouldn't talk to Zobrist until the deal was done with Gordon.
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01-24-2016, 06:20 PM	#2715
Chiefspants World's Best Boss Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bronco Country Casino cash: $3584654	Wade Davis was officially honored with the Babe Ruth Award today. Awarding him as the the most valuable player of the 2015 postseason.
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