Royals *** Official 2019 Kansas City Royals Repository *** - Page 108

Mama Hip Rockets · 10:36 AM

Get the offseason thread out of here. It's on!

Opening day roster:

Catchers (2): Cam Gallagher, Martin Maldonado

Infielders (7): Hunter Dozier, Lucas Duda, Whit Merrifield, Adalberto Mondesi, Ryan O’Hearn, Chris Owings, Frank Schwindel

Outfielders (4): Alex Gordon, Terrance Gore, Billy Hamilton, Jorge Soler

Starting pitchers (3): Jakob Junis, Brad Keller, Jorge Lopez

Relief pitchers (9): Scott Barlow, Brad Boxberger, Jake Diekman, Chris Ellis, Tim Hill, Ian Kennedy, Kevin McCarthy, Wily Peralta, Kyle Zimmer

Injured list: Danny Duffy, Brian Flynn, Jesse Hahn, Salvador Perez

Suspended: Eric Skoglund

dallaschiefsfan · 05-28-2019, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

Here’s a good read from MLB on Witt.

https://www.mlb.com/news/bobby-witt-...-draft-history

Interesting - and exciting - stuff. Compares him favorably to Manny Machado, others. Best SS prospect in draft since Alex Rodriguez...

A man among boys in local HS play. And it's not like there aren't good players that he plays against in their district/region.

ChiefsCountry · 05-28-2019, 11:07 AM

https://www.fishstripes.com/2019/4/2...ort-highlights

At 6’1”, 185 pounds, Witt is an athletic, tall prospect with good strength and still has room to grow. He is a rare potential five-tool prospect out of the high school level. One of the fastest prospects in the 2019 MLB Draft as he’s been clocked running a 6.40 60 yard dash, he has outstanding tools on defense and has a future at the shortstop position. Witt is very smooth on defense with his soft, quick hands, excellent footwork and a strong arm. He has been clocked at 92 mph from across the diamond. At the plate, Witt has the tools to be the best hitter in his draft class. He can hit the ball for both average and power. His exit velocity as reaches in the triple digits and can really drive the ball to all fields.

Strengths
Big power
Strong arm
Elite speed
Plays with high energy
Exciting prospect
Smooth defensively
Raw bat speed
Loose, quick hands

Weaknesses
Drops back shoulder when trying to go the other way
Needs to bulk up to add more power

Pro Comparison: Carlos Correa

Projection: Top 10 pick

Discuss Thrower · 05-28-2019, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

Interesting - and exciting - stuff. Compares him favorably to Manny Machado, others. Best SS prospect in draft since Alex Rodriguez...

Is he as big of a douche as Manny though?

duncan_idaho · 05-28-2019, 11:52 AM

The biggest concern I have with Witt is that he’s 19 - actually older than Bubba Starling was when he was drafted.

That adds a little bit of a bust rate. Hopefully his instincts and pedigree and exposure/competition help him overcome the troubles older players sometimes have.

Witt will be older on draft day than A-Rod when he debuted.

Now, you COULD argue that will help him move fast. He’s a baseball rat who grew up around the game and has premium bloodlines. If any HS player should move quickly, it’s him.

I’d like to see the Royals challenge him with single A rather than rookie league if he’s the pick and signs quickly. Or at least be open to it if he demolishes rookie ball for a few weeks.

It’s encouraging he made the updates and changes to his swing he did over the offseason. Handled many of the questions about his hit tool. That type of adjustment ability is critical to success as a pro.

I could see a development curve for Witt that looks like this:

2020: Single Season A, High A
2021: High A, AA
2022: AAA, MLB

Mecca · 05-28-2019, 12:09 PM

The age thing doesn't concern me as much when he has a bloodline like that with a father he's likely leaned on forever that played in the MLB for 20 years.

duncan_idaho · 05-28-2019, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

The age thing doesn't concern me as much when he has a bloodline like that with a father he's likely leaned on forever that played in the MLB for 20 years.

If he hadn’t shown the progression from reports last year to this year’s reports, I’d be more concerned with it.

There’s a lot of data that suggest advanced age guys should typically be red flags, though.

Discuss Thrower · 05-28-2019, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

If he hadn’t shown the progression from reports last year to this year’s reports, I’d be more concerned with it.

There’s a lot of data that suggest advanced age guys should typically be red flags, though.

If you were quantifying "bust probability" in a simple percentage: what is Witt's % and what's Rutschmann's?

duncan_idaho · 05-28-2019, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Discuss Thrower

If you were quantifying "bust probability" in a simple percentage: what is Witt's % and what's Rutschmann's?

Well, that’s hard. If I could place odds on things like that, I’d probably be running a scouting department somewhere...

Witt has a higher ceiling because he plays a more important position and is a plus runner. Rutschman has a higher floor because of what he has proven so far in college.

If guessing, I’d say Rutschman’s is about 20 percent bust, 20 percent ceiling (GG catcher who posts .280/.400/.550), rest in between (solid to good MLB starter).

Witt’s bust potential is probably 10 percent higher, at least, and the ceiling is more like 10 percent, with a 30ish percent outcome of util infielder, 30ish percent outcome of solid to good starter.

His ceiling would be something like .300/.400/.550, flirting with 30-30, with above-average D at SS.

Discuss Thrower · 05-28-2019, 03:40 PM

In theory, you'd be running a scouting department if you batted 1.000 on saying "this guy is a bust, those guys are career Omaha Stormchasers and that guy will be a guaranteed 3+ WAR guy for a decade once he reaches the majors" for each and every prospect class.

Prison Bitch · 05-28-2019, 05:01 PM

Witt has Brandon Wood tattooed across his forehead.

However if we take him, we deserve another Whitt. (Merrifield)

duncan_idaho · 05-28-2019, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

Witt has Brandon Wood tattooed across his forehead.

However if we take him, we deserve another Whitt. (Merrifield)

Definitely a potential comp. Witt is a much better athlete though.

ChiefsCountry · 05-28-2019, 07:06 PM

Brandon Wood was the best minor league player I ever seen play not named Alex Gordon. Damn he was good. I saw him hit a moon shot at Hammons Field.

BWillie · 05-28-2019, 07:50 PM

There is no reason Gore should be on the roster. None.

tk13 · 05-28-2019, 07:51 PM

Gore's going to get cut. Although at this point he's going to have to accept a minor league assignment somewhere.

TomBarndtsTwin · 05-28-2019, 07:57 PM

Yup.

Gore is completely ****ing worthless at this point. He’s been caught stealing 5 times now. If he can’t get you a guaranteed SB in a clutch situation, no reason to keep him.

Can’t hit, can’t defend particularly well (doesn’t read ball off bat well), weak arm, just nothing.

Bring up Bubba. Give him a shot.

Or if they’re not ready to do that quite yet, I imagine they’ll outright him when Duda (why?) is eligible to come off the DL soon . . . .

03-28-2019, 08:06 AM
Mama Hip Rockets You don't faze me, Gobble. Join Date: Dec 2005 Casino cash: $10005644	* Official 2019 Kansas City Royals Repository * Get the offseason thread out of here. It's on! Opening day roster: Catchers (2): Cam Gallagher, Martin Maldonado Infielders (7): Hunter Dozier, Lucas Duda, Whit Merrifield, Adalberto Mondesi, Ryan O’Hearn, Chris Owings, Frank Schwindel Outfielders (4): Alex Gordon, Terrance Gore, Billy Hamilton, Jorge Soler Starting pitchers (3): Jakob Junis, Brad Keller, Jorge Lopez Relief pitchers (9): Scott Barlow, Brad Boxberger, Jake Diekman, Chris Ellis, Tim Hill, Ian Kennedy, Kevin McCarthy, Wily Peralta, Kyle Zimmer Injured list: Danny Duffy, Brian Flynn, Jesse Hahn, Salvador Perez Suspended: Eric Skoglund Last edited by Mama Hip Rockets; 03-28-2019 at 10:36 AM..
Posts: 13,675

05-28-2019, 11:07 AM	#1607
ChiefsCountry The Insider Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lake of the Ozarks Casino cash: $2318752	https://www.fishstripes.com/2019/4/2...ort-highlights At 6’1”, 185 pounds, Witt is an athletic, tall prospect with good strength and still has room to grow. He is a rare potential five-tool prospect out of the high school level. One of the fastest prospects in the 2019 MLB Draft as he’s been clocked running a 6.40 60 yard dash, he has outstanding tools on defense and has a future at the shortstop position. Witt is very smooth on defense with his soft, quick hands, excellent footwork and a strong arm. He has been clocked at 92 mph from across the diamond. At the plate, Witt has the tools to be the best hitter in his draft class. He can hit the ball for both average and power. His exit velocity as reaches in the triple digits and can really drive the ball to all fields. Strengths Big power Strong arm Elite speed Plays with high energy Exciting prospect Smooth defensively Raw bat speed Loose, quick hands Weaknesses Drops back shoulder when trying to go the other way Needs to bulk up to add more power Pro Comparison: Carlos Correa Projection: Top 10 pick
Posts: 49,607

05-28-2019, 11:52 AM	#1609
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $1750308	The biggest concern I have with Witt is that he’s 19 - actually older than Bubba Starling was when he was drafted. That adds a little bit of a bust rate. Hopefully his instincts and pedigree and exposure/competition help him overcome the troubles older players sometimes have. Witt will be older on draft day than A-Rod when he debuted. Now, you COULD argue that will help him move fast. He’s a baseball rat who grew up around the game and has premium bloodlines. If any HS player should move quickly, it’s him. I’d like to see the Royals challenge him with single A rather than rookie league if he’s the pick and signs quickly. Or at least be open to it if he demolishes rookie ball for a few weeks. It’s encouraging he made the updates and changes to his swing he did over the offseason. Handled many of the questions about his hit tool. That type of adjustment ability is critical to success as a pro. I could see a development curve for Witt that looks like this: 2020: Single Season A, High A 2021: High A, AA 2022: AAA, MLB __________________ "You gotta love livin', cause dying is a pain in the ass." ---- Sinatra
Posts: 21,087

05-28-2019, 12:09 PM	#1610
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $2617050	The age thing doesn't concern me as much when he has a bloodline like that with a father he's likely leaned on forever that played in the MLB for 20 years.
Posts: 110,940

05-28-2019, 03:40 PM	#1614
Discuss Thrower "You like to drink?" Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: "I like to drink." Casino cash: $3226869	In theory, you'd be running a scouting department if you batted 1.000 on saying "this guy is a bust, those guys are career Omaha Stormchasers and that guy will be a guaranteed 3+ WAR guy for a decade once he reaches the majors" for each and every prospect class. __________________ Chiefs 2016 Opponents: Home: JAX, TEN, NO, TB, NYJ. Away: HOU, IND, ATL, CAR, PIT Chiefs 2017 Opponents: Home: BUF, MIA, PHI, WSH, AFC North. Away: NE, NYJ, NYG, DAL, AFC South
Posts: 42,708

05-28-2019, 05:01 PM	#1615
Prison Bitch Rabbi Goldmann Join Date: Nov 2012 Casino cash: $5450159	Witt has Brandon Wood tattooed across his forehead. However if we take him, we deserve another Whitt. (Merrifield)
Posts: 87,025

05-28-2019, 07:06 PM	#1617
ChiefsCountry The Insider Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lake of the Ozarks Casino cash: $2318752	Brandon Wood was the best minor league player I ever seen play not named Alex Gordon. Damn he was good. I saw him hit a moon shot at Hammons Field.
Posts: 49,607

05-28-2019, 07:50 PM	#1618
BWillie Future NBA Finals MVP Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Earth Casino cash: $2431241	There is no reason Gore should be on the roster. None. __________________ Who wants free money? Use the link below to sign up at Bovada, BetOnline, Black Chip Poker and Ignition. Contact me for private deals, spot bonuses, possible rakeback or any questions! Bovada, Ignition, BetOnline, Black Chip Poker: baldeaglepoker.com Bovada Poker is back! Get up to $500 poker deposit bonus.
Posts: 45,972

05-28-2019, 07:51 PM	#1619
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1982500	Gore's going to get cut. Although at this point he's going to have to accept a minor league assignment somewhere.
Posts: 54,946

05-28-2019, 07:57 PM	#1620
TomBarndtsTwin MVP Join Date: Mar 2013 Casino cash: $5099883	Yup. Gore is completely ****ing worthless at this point. He’s been caught stealing 5 times now. If he can’t get you a guaranteed SB in a clutch situation, no reason to keep him. Can’t hit, can’t defend particularly well (doesn’t read ball off bat well), weak arm, just nothing. Bring up Bubba. Give him a shot. Or if they’re not ready to do that quite yet, I imagine they’ll outright him when Duda (why?) is eligible to come off the DL soon . . . .
Posts: 8,782