16 Comments

Thanks David, happy to see some movement. If you are going to promise Chapman a shot to close, feels like you almost have to move Barlow just with the clubhouse dynamics. IDK, maybe that doesn’t matter after bringing in Chapman anyway. But IDK that you bring in Chapman and make that promise if you aren’t sure you are moving Barlow. Amir Garrett seems more and more like a possible odd man out? How many low command lefties are they expecting to have on the roster if you have this new Sisk guy, Garrett, and Chapman…and whatever may be happening with Brentz. Hopefully Sweeney works wonders and it will be interesting to see but that’s a lot of guys with a high walk rate.

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Garrett is definitely superfluous, but also Sisk isn’t on the 40-man and Brentz isn’t pitching this year regardless. Plus I don’t believe the Royals have even re-signed him yet. So they aren’t really huge factors. My guess is the hope is Garrett can control the walk rate a bit and bring back a small return at the deadline and I think that makes sense. I think it’s the same argument as Mondesi. If you get a deal, do it now, but I think waiting on him is a decent risk.

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I wish I was a little more excited for this deal. I know you're not expecting to get Pedro Martinez back for MAT, but it feels like we've seen so many of these types of deals come to nothing in recent years. I have to keep reminding myself that we have new people in charge, and that maybe we can actually tap into these guys' potential. Actually, the part about this trade that excites me the most is the opportunity it opens up for Waters, who was part of one of the better trades the Royals have made in quite a while, IMO. I really hope I'm not jinxing him by saying that.

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They've been fairly hit or miss on these types of deals. They did get Olivares and Coleman for Rosenthal. I still think they did well for Benintendi. They traded a fourth outfielder at a fourth outfielder rate and got two arms who could be important in a good bullpen. I'm good with it. But yeah, the deal cleared space, so even if Sisk or Cruz never sniff the majors, it did what it was supposed to do.

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I love the insight on potential trades coming up. I haven't seen many other discuss trades which is why I appreciate your news. I also enjoy the insight on the players we received for Taylor. I agree with u that both players have upside and I like the trade. I am always curious how u feel if Dayton would have made the same trade and if he would have targeted the same type of players we received.

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That's a good question. I don't think Dayton makes this exact trade. I think he'd have been more set on getting someone on the big league roster, which would have made no sense.

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I am super excited to see them finally move Taylor. The return is secondary. He has blocked our younger players from getting real playing time for 2 years. Let's hope you're right on a couple more trades coming soon!!

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I think he filled his role well. I'm not sure if he really blocked playing time for two years. Isbel wasn't even on the 40-man when he was signed and Waters was in the Braves organization for the first year and a half Taylor was with the team. It was certainly time to move on and I'm glad they did.

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No arguments against trading MAT. But both of these relievers were available in the rule 5 draft for a pittance, and we chose not to participate?

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Counterpoint - They don't have to stash them on the active roster all season long now.

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Was looking forward to your thoughts on this trade. I am a bit more optimistic on those two guys.. I don't think we can compare our past, poor pitching woes/ issues anymore, since we have a whole new regime from top to bottom. With a staff that places a huge emphasis on throwing strikes early and being aggressive I think at least one of them will be a great help to us early. Gonna miss Mike A, especially his demeanor and attitude along with his great defense. He was definitely a Dayton guy. Great upbringing, very well mannered/polite ,well spoken and a great teammate. But definitely want to open door for Drew and hopefully Nate! Thanks for the trade breakdown David. You are a true pro and it's great to have someone who breaks down Royals trades and all inside dealings. Keep up the good work

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Thanks for reading Shane! I'll miss Taylor for sure. He was way more solid than given credit for and they definitely got value out of him.

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Hmmm... two relievers with alarmingly high walk rates who "could be really good, except..."

Sounds like they'll fit right in to this organization.

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In return for a fourth outfielder. That's the key here. They weren't getting a polished, back of the bullpen reliever for him ever.

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Any chance the Royals will re-home Hunter Dozier? Maybe eat some of his salary?

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Sure, he was one of the three I wrote about as a possibility.

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