If they go into next year with this infield….Vinny over Pratto obviously…I think I’d be ok with it. It would be the best defense they could put out there with the guys they have. Now, I “think” JJ’s going to have to get creative this offseason so I’m probably hoping for a Garcia trade…move Loftin to 3rd see what happens….so be it. I tend to agree with you that if you have a person on each side of the infield mashing….does it really matter what position it comes from? No, so you can live with Garcia and Massey respectively with the defense they play. The interesting part comes more when the outfield gets involved. Can you survive with those two with no outfielder mashing?….gets trickier then. Like Isbel…but I’m still of the impression he is a 9 hitter on a good team….so either that or a 4th outfielder or platoon with someone. Regardless, don’t need to get into Waters and MJ so much as it’s interesting that I think the infield as is can work…but then if you don’t have a hitting outfield….can it you know? By itself yeah I think it can. But then you look at it all…..and I’m like huh, 80% might have to come from the infield. Anyway, I hope they move Garcia. I don’t dislike him or anything, but do think Loftin can provide a lot of that. Two players with the same skill set….see what you can get anyway.
Great article. Loftin looks good, small amount of MLB evidence but very hopeful. Whitt or Garcia in CF? Massey hitting .225 is not the answer on a winning team. Vinnie at first, trade Prato.
Garcia’s offensive numbers would sure look good for a center fielder. His speed is being wasted at third. Maybe Loftin at 2nd and sign a plodding Third baseman that could hit 30-35 HR
I keep reading about how they need to trade Salvy, then I read about them needing veteran leadership. Keep Salvy and trade Pratto. Give Fermin a continued look. Alternate Vinny and Salvy at 1st and DH with Salvy Reliving Freddie behind the plate. Go with the infield they have now with Loften as backup. Go after a veteran OF with proven ability. Pratto would interest many teams and a Royals icon stays where he belongs and provide guidance to the younger guys. Payroll will not suffer.
Crown Jewels: The 2024 Infield, Targeting Pitchers and a Much Better Team Looming
If they go into next year with this infield….Vinny over Pratto obviously…I think I’d be ok with it. It would be the best defense they could put out there with the guys they have. Now, I “think” JJ’s going to have to get creative this offseason so I’m probably hoping for a Garcia trade…move Loftin to 3rd see what happens….so be it. I tend to agree with you that if you have a person on each side of the infield mashing….does it really matter what position it comes from? No, so you can live with Garcia and Massey respectively with the defense they play. The interesting part comes more when the outfield gets involved. Can you survive with those two with no outfielder mashing?….gets trickier then. Like Isbel…but I’m still of the impression he is a 9 hitter on a good team….so either that or a 4th outfielder or platoon with someone. Regardless, don’t need to get into Waters and MJ so much as it’s interesting that I think the infield as is can work…but then if you don’t have a hitting outfield….can it you know? By itself yeah I think it can. But then you look at it all…..and I’m like huh, 80% might have to come from the infield. Anyway, I hope they move Garcia. I don’t dislike him or anything, but do think Loftin can provide a lot of that. Two players with the same skill set….see what you can get anyway.
Maybe we need an evaluation year.
Great article. Loftin looks good, small amount of MLB evidence but very hopeful. Whitt or Garcia in CF? Massey hitting .225 is not the answer on a winning team. Vinnie at first, trade Prato.
Garcia’s offensive numbers would sure look good for a center fielder. His speed is being wasted at third. Maybe Loftin at 2nd and sign a plodding Third baseman that could hit 30-35 HR
I keep reading about how they need to trade Salvy, then I read about them needing veteran leadership. Keep Salvy and trade Pratto. Give Fermin a continued look. Alternate Vinny and Salvy at 1st and DH with Salvy Reliving Freddie behind the plate. Go with the infield they have now with Loften as backup. Go after a veteran OF with proven ability. Pratto would interest many teams and a Royals icon stays where he belongs and provide guidance to the younger guys. Payroll will not suffer.