On Biggio, I’d really like to see him on the roster for the OBP and position flexibility. I hope they are trying to prioritize that, and I think they are. But this would go a long ways. Is he great? No. Has he shown he can get on base and play everywhere? Yes. Seems like a great bench piece. We’ll see.
You already pointed it out in the article. But I still see a reliever getting moved. Personally, I don’t care if they keep Stratton and trade Hernandez. I hope he has a great career, but it isn’t happening here. And that’s ok, that how it goes sometimes. Stratton has to throw the ball well in spring, but I could see it.
I haven't been told this, but I continue to get the impression that Stratton is elsewhere regardless. He's relatively cheap, so a team wouldn't mind sending a flyer or even cash the Royals way for him at the end of spring if he looks good. And if he's bad, I think they just cut bait. The caveat is maybe they hide him on the IL, but we'll see on that, I guess.
He's had time in the big leagues for the last five years. He may figure it out at some point. Or he may not. There are worse things than having a guy with great stuff as depth, but when the depth becomes a necessity to keep, that's when things change.
For whatever it's worth, I'm still not optimistic about him. The reports are good, but it's a lot easier to look good in February than it is to actually reverse a four-year trend.
Edit: I went back and looked at my response to your comment about him. I think saying you were poo pooed is a bit beyond what happened.
"He was very good in those seasons. But those were also five years ago now. Since 2021, he's hit .216/.325/.349 with generally bad defense. He does work a walk and there's value in that and an improvement over what Frazier provided offensively, but I have a hard time putting a ton of value in 2019/2020. I have zero issue with him on a minor league deal and as depth. I just think he's a liability in his current form."
To me, he’s an obvious lock because he so clearly fits what Q likes to do. And he may be the weird player who does better with the Royals hack attack at the plate.
I think he has the inside track but I don’t think he’s a lock by any stretch. He needs to continue what he’s done to make the team. As of now, he’s done what he needs to do. That said, his whole approach is exactly what a guy with issues making contact and a great eye should be and I’d hope he doesn’t change it if he does make this team. I just hope he can actually connect more.
I don't think Castro has a real shot, but I'd say Loftin and to a lesser extent Velazquez or maybe Pratto, but not really Pratto, if Garcia shifts to more of a utility role.
I actually don’t see Biggio staying all year on the roster should be even make it. I like what he brings. I like the versatility. I’m on the Garcia in super utility role bandwagon. I’d like Garcia to take that spot and then if he proves he can hit as a major league regular, by all means, you have a starter.
Again, what a difference a year makes - last spring just hoping they could somehow stay close to .500 on that rough start of a schedule, and this year I am not sweating it. As you said the wheels coming off rotation or Salvy is less likely to start season. I think BWJ, Massey, Garcia and India and probably Vinnie start off strong as well, they seem extra ready to go this spring.
Heard the brewers broadcasters say they were expecting good things from the Royals, but they were in a tough division. Can you imagine hearing that from an opposing team this time last year? Or even anytime last season? I am going to milk every last second out of spring training. All aboard the optimism train!
Oh for sure. It's a different world coming off 86 wins compared to 56. And the division is WAY more competitive now than anyone thought a year ago when it was one of the most competitive divisions.
On Biggio, I’d really like to see him on the roster for the OBP and position flexibility. I hope they are trying to prioritize that, and I think they are. But this would go a long ways. Is he great? No. Has he shown he can get on base and play everywhere? Yes. Seems like a great bench piece. We’ll see.
You already pointed it out in the article. But I still see a reliever getting moved. Personally, I don’t care if they keep Stratton and trade Hernandez. I hope he has a great career, but it isn’t happening here. And that’s ok, that how it goes sometimes. Stratton has to throw the ball well in spring, but I could see it.
I haven't been told this, but I continue to get the impression that Stratton is elsewhere regardless. He's relatively cheap, so a team wouldn't mind sending a flyer or even cash the Royals way for him at the end of spring if he looks good. And if he's bad, I think they just cut bait. The caveat is maybe they hide him on the IL, but we'll see on that, I guess.
I desperately want Carlos Hernández to figure it out. I'm just not seeing it, yet, this spring.
Yeah, I mean you'll see it in flashes. And then you won't see it for a month. And then you'll see it for six weeks. It feels like this is who he is.
Great article, David! I'm liking what Biggio is bringing to the team. I keep waiting for Carlos to turn the corner.
He's had time in the big leagues for the last five years. He may figure it out at some point. Or he may not. There are worse things than having a guy with great stuff as depth, but when the depth becomes a necessity to keep, that's when things change.
I would like to remind that I mentioned Cavan Biggio had a solid 159 game debut in 19-20 and I was poo pooed for my optimism.
For whatever it's worth, I'm still not optimistic about him. The reports are good, but it's a lot easier to look good in February than it is to actually reverse a four-year trend.
Edit: I went back and looked at my response to your comment about him. I think saying you were poo pooed is a bit beyond what happened.
"He was very good in those seasons. But those were also five years ago now. Since 2021, he's hit .216/.325/.349 with generally bad defense. He does work a walk and there's value in that and an improvement over what Frazier provided offensively, but I have a hard time putting a ton of value in 2019/2020. I have zero issue with him on a minor league deal and as depth. I just think he's a liability in his current form."
To me, he’s an obvious lock because he so clearly fits what Q likes to do. And he may be the weird player who does better with the Royals hack attack at the plate.
I think he has the inside track but I don’t think he’s a lock by any stretch. He needs to continue what he’s done to make the team. As of now, he’s done what he needs to do. That said, his whole approach is exactly what a guy with issues making contact and a great eye should be and I’d hope he doesn’t change it if he does make this team. I just hope he can actually connect more.
Same. Who do you see as his competition? Loftin and Castro? 🤢
I don't think Castro has a real shot, but I'd say Loftin and to a lesser extent Velazquez or maybe Pratto, but not really Pratto, if Garcia shifts to more of a utility role.
I actually don’t see Biggio staying all year on the roster should be even make it. I like what he brings. I like the versatility. I’m on the Garcia in super utility role bandwagon. I’d like Garcia to take that spot and then if he proves he can hit as a major league regular, by all means, you have a starter.
Again, what a difference a year makes - last spring just hoping they could somehow stay close to .500 on that rough start of a schedule, and this year I am not sweating it. As you said the wheels coming off rotation or Salvy is less likely to start season. I think BWJ, Massey, Garcia and India and probably Vinnie start off strong as well, they seem extra ready to go this spring.
Heard the brewers broadcasters say they were expecting good things from the Royals, but they were in a tough division. Can you imagine hearing that from an opposing team this time last year? Or even anytime last season? I am going to milk every last second out of spring training. All aboard the optimism train!
Yeah, tough division. When's the last time you've heard that about the Royals—from ANYONE?
Oh for sure. It's a different world coming off 86 wins compared to 56. And the division is WAY more competitive now than anyone thought a year ago when it was one of the most competitive divisions.
Not sure we need anyone to play the role of Adam Frazier, kinda be able to play 12 different positions and hit .200