Yes, we definitely need to focus on the big picture and long term this season. And that includes the minor league development and new acquisitions through the draft (and trades??).
The low innings for the pitching staff is a concern. We very well could look back in a 6 months and say… there were warning signs there. But if they all stay healthy it will be much improved.
Two things make this year a success. I don’t really care who or how they get there…but they need a 10-15 game win improvement on last year. AND…..and this is maybe the biggest part. The farm system needs to show signs of life. It’s great if we win 10 more games on the backs of Vinny, Witt, and let’s say Melendez. But if there is no visible help on the way buy the end of the year…its gets tough to see yet. I’m not saying they need a top 10 farm system. I’m just saying we need to see a pitcher or Cross, or someone who takes a major step that can really help. We need to see a 2-3 WAR player become a possibility within the system.
In terms of the draft, and the future in general, which direction would you say the team should focus more based on the quality of their development system--pitchers or hitters?
A handful of years ago I would have definitely said they should be focusing on drafting and developing batters because they seemed to be doing it very well (so, of course, they focused on drafting pitchers, which they couldn't develop at all). Now, I'm not quite so confident in their development on that side considering the mixed results those guys from the "good" period have had once they hit the big league (Isbel, Massey, Melendez) and the slow or failed development of some of their other higher end prospects (though, as I think about it, given their focus on pitching, I guess my list of examples here is kind of just Cross from the last three or four years--and if he was injured, that one might not even be valid). Even a year ago I would have considered it insanity to think that their pitching development was even competent and that they should never, under and circumstances, waste high draft picks on a developmental player because it would be better to get the best batter available and make some trades for pitching when there are logjams. But now . . . I dunno.
I know the Royals moved on from Dozier early. And you have said it’s a real competition. But it’s great news to me that Marsh is the 5th starter and Lyles is in the bullpen. They are finally acting like a legit major league team and the contracts not ruling the day. IDK if Marsh is the answer, but he is a better option than Lynch or Lyles. So good for them for making the right decision. Follow that up with Melendez and Massey now if they have another slow first half like last year.
I guess I don’t want them to pick and choose either. I don’t believe in Pratto but if he is a better option than Velasquez then you go with him right now.
I think they me be a little more invested in these last games as a younger team?- only saw the highlights, and Singer probably phoned it in, but the bats and butt slaps looked pretty dialed in for the angels game a couple days ago. They also havent put the bigboys together much so maybe that is by design to minimize the last week apathy?
I am actually fully prepared for Q to pull Ragans after 5 innings a la Kevin Cash and pitch counts, but thank you for the heads up (ha ha i like how you are preparing yourself as well)
So why then do you kind of dislike Zerpa in the pen? Couldn't he provide some bulk innings? Or would you prefer they keep his in AAA as a reserve starter?
A success in my fan notebook will be not feeling like I am putting on my royals hairshirt jersey while watching games in late august and september
Really appreciate your excellent analyses and explanations, David--and your thoughtful responses to the commenters here. Loved "...if they have aspirations to do more than watch the playoffs on television, they’ll need to be smart"! Here's hoping!
Yes, we definitely need to focus on the big picture and long term this season. And that includes the minor league development and new acquisitions through the draft (and trades??).
The low innings for the pitching staff is a concern. We very well could look back in a 6 months and say… there were warning signs there. But if they all stay healthy it will be much improved.
Two things make this year a success. I don’t really care who or how they get there…but they need a 10-15 game win improvement on last year. AND…..and this is maybe the biggest part. The farm system needs to show signs of life. It’s great if we win 10 more games on the backs of Vinny, Witt, and let’s say Melendez. But if there is no visible help on the way buy the end of the year…its gets tough to see yet. I’m not saying they need a top 10 farm system. I’m just saying we need to see a pitcher or Cross, or someone who takes a major step that can really help. We need to see a 2-3 WAR player become a possibility within the system.
In terms of the draft, and the future in general, which direction would you say the team should focus more based on the quality of their development system--pitchers or hitters?
A handful of years ago I would have definitely said they should be focusing on drafting and developing batters because they seemed to be doing it very well (so, of course, they focused on drafting pitchers, which they couldn't develop at all). Now, I'm not quite so confident in their development on that side considering the mixed results those guys from the "good" period have had once they hit the big league (Isbel, Massey, Melendez) and the slow or failed development of some of their other higher end prospects (though, as I think about it, given their focus on pitching, I guess my list of examples here is kind of just Cross from the last three or four years--and if he was injured, that one might not even be valid). Even a year ago I would have considered it insanity to think that their pitching development was even competent and that they should never, under and circumstances, waste high draft picks on a developmental player because it would be better to get the best batter available and make some trades for pitching when there are logjams. But now . . . I dunno.
I know the Royals moved on from Dozier early. And you have said it’s a real competition. But it’s great news to me that Marsh is the 5th starter and Lyles is in the bullpen. They are finally acting like a legit major league team and the contracts not ruling the day. IDK if Marsh is the answer, but he is a better option than Lynch or Lyles. So good for them for making the right decision. Follow that up with Melendez and Massey now if they have another slow first half like last year.
I guess I don’t want them to pick and choose either. I don’t believe in Pratto but if he is a better option than Velasquez then you go with him right now.
Dave, what is your Royalty program? I couldn’t find the description on the website. Thx
I think they me be a little more invested in these last games as a younger team?- only saw the highlights, and Singer probably phoned it in, but the bats and butt slaps looked pretty dialed in for the angels game a couple days ago. They also havent put the bigboys together much so maybe that is by design to minimize the last week apathy?
I am actually fully prepared for Q to pull Ragans after 5 innings a la Kevin Cash and pitch counts, but thank you for the heads up (ha ha i like how you are preparing yourself as well)
So why then do you kind of dislike Zerpa in the pen? Couldn't he provide some bulk innings? Or would you prefer they keep his in AAA as a reserve starter?
A success in my fan notebook will be not feeling like I am putting on my royals hairshirt jersey while watching games in late august and september
Thank you for all the info!
Really appreciate your excellent analyses and explanations, David--and your thoughtful responses to the commenters here. Loved "...if they have aspirations to do more than watch the playoffs on television, they’ll need to be smart"! Here's hoping!
"The flip will switch soon.". Intentional?