I didn't understand acquiring both Hampson and Frazier at the time and I don't understand it now.
I think you make a really good point: now that you have both of them AND Loftin AND actual outfielders who could be on the roster as backup outfielders (as opposed to counting on utility infielders to play that role too), clearing up that traffic jam is more complicated than it seems like it should be. Not only is it bad form and bad for future acquisitions to trade one of the vets before they even have a chance to establish themselves in the regular season, Loftin isn't the kind of guy you can trade for any appreciable value, even though it looks like he could be a valuable piece.
At the end of the day, it's John Sherman's money so I don't really care about wasting it but I also know the funds are not unlimited so maybe spend them a little more wisely, JJ?
Yeah, it never added up to me. I think they saw a buy-low opportunity on Frazier and figured Loftin doesn't *need* to be in the big leagues right away, so why not? I also agree that it can be bad form, but there is one caveat there. I don't know if it exists, but if a team comes calling for, say, Frazier, and they have a starting spot for him due to injury, it can end up a good look for the Royals to move a guy who is currently penciled for 350 plate appearances to go somewhere where he can get 600 plate appearances.
It feels like that's pretty far-fetched, but I think that's the way it would work if there was a way for it to work.
It's a weird conversation that will be had then. Just like when he spoke at Yost's ceremony last year. If you don't like awkward, I would pass on whatever game that happens!
I know it’s jumping ahead but if Wacha has the type of season where he’s likely to opt out, you flip him at the deadline right? Even if he internally says he wants to be a Royal again next season and even if the team is miraculously in the Central race. With the way free agent contract deals are getting done now, the Royals could thrive on the higher end, 1 year-with-opt-out market if Sherman is willing to essentially pay to rebuild the farm system.
I don't know that it's cut and dry. First off, if he's having that type of year and the Royals are in the race, I don't think they subtract starting pitching unless they've got something really going well in the minors. Second, even if he's trending toward an opt-out that makes it likely it's only a one-year deal, there's injury risk in those final two months that could put a team on the hook for $16 million next year for a pitcher who might not even pitch (thinking super extreme here, obviously).
So even if it looks great at the moment of the deadline, there's some risk on the acquiring team's part, limiting the return. Now if they're out of the race, 100% move him and deal with the diminished return because of the uncertainty.
Yes, I agree. Looking at the free agents available next year makes this a stronger argument. Hopefully, the Royals will be active at the trade deadline this summer, because that’s key for the next two seasons at least—bringing in more young talent. And they may need to think big and not have anyone untouchable (except Witt of course).
I used to work at Brandsmart in the mid-90's, & it wasn't uncommon for players to bring their cars in to have stereos installed. I was lucky enough to meet Bo one day there, & it was one of the rare times in my almost 58 years where I thought "I'm not sure I'm even the same species as this person".
I didn't understand acquiring both Hampson and Frazier at the time and I don't understand it now.
I think you make a really good point: now that you have both of them AND Loftin AND actual outfielders who could be on the roster as backup outfielders (as opposed to counting on utility infielders to play that role too), clearing up that traffic jam is more complicated than it seems like it should be. Not only is it bad form and bad for future acquisitions to trade one of the vets before they even have a chance to establish themselves in the regular season, Loftin isn't the kind of guy you can trade for any appreciable value, even though it looks like he could be a valuable piece.
At the end of the day, it's John Sherman's money so I don't really care about wasting it but I also know the funds are not unlimited so maybe spend them a little more wisely, JJ?
Yeah, it never added up to me. I think they saw a buy-low opportunity on Frazier and figured Loftin doesn't *need* to be in the big leagues right away, so why not? I also agree that it can be bad form, but there is one caveat there. I don't know if it exists, but if a team comes calling for, say, Frazier, and they have a starting spot for him due to injury, it can end up a good look for the Royals to move a guy who is currently penciled for 350 plate appearances to go somewhere where he can get 600 plate appearances.
It feels like that's pretty far-fetched, but I think that's the way it would work if there was a way for it to work.
Are they allowed to trade a free agent signing this soon?
With player approval, yes. If not, they have to wait until June 15.
I'm not ready for GMDM to be in the Royals Hall of Fame. But if Schuerholz is in, then I guess he'll be next.
It's a weird conversation that will be had then. Just like when he spoke at Yost's ceremony last year. If you don't like awkward, I would pass on whatever game that happens!
I know it’s jumping ahead but if Wacha has the type of season where he’s likely to opt out, you flip him at the deadline right? Even if he internally says he wants to be a Royal again next season and even if the team is miraculously in the Central race. With the way free agent contract deals are getting done now, the Royals could thrive on the higher end, 1 year-with-opt-out market if Sherman is willing to essentially pay to rebuild the farm system.
I don't know that it's cut and dry. First off, if he's having that type of year and the Royals are in the race, I don't think they subtract starting pitching unless they've got something really going well in the minors. Second, even if he's trending toward an opt-out that makes it likely it's only a one-year deal, there's injury risk in those final two months that could put a team on the hook for $16 million next year for a pitcher who might not even pitch (thinking super extreme here, obviously).
So even if it looks great at the moment of the deadline, there's some risk on the acquiring team's part, limiting the return. Now if they're out of the race, 100% move him and deal with the diminished return because of the uncertainty.
Yes, I agree. Looking at the free agents available next year makes this a stronger argument. Hopefully, the Royals will be active at the trade deadline this summer, because that’s key for the next two seasons at least—bringing in more young talent. And they may need to think big and not have anyone untouchable (except Witt of course).
"I don’t believe they’ve ever had another player with his own Nike campaign."
"What am I, chopped liver?" - Mark Quinn's K-Swiss commercial
I used to work at Brandsmart in the mid-90's, & it wasn't uncommon for players to bring their cars in to have stereos installed. I was lucky enough to meet Bo one day there, & it was one of the rare times in my almost 58 years where I thought "I'm not sure I'm even the same species as this person".
I remember there was one of those picture days on the field and I was a kid and saw Bo and had the same thought.
I think if Lynch, etc. Actually learned the art of pitching... the velo issue would go away.