I think India and Massey are both guaranteed at bats, India for OBP and Massey for SLG. Massey is the better fielder at second, so why would they move him to third? Surely they don't want below average fielders at both positions. Perhaps Massey or India can handle the outfield, it would be nice if they are at least a better fielder than MJ or even Hunter. "Roster Resource" has initially line up India as DH, but he won't be full time at that position, so he will need a secondary position on the field. Hopefully India can play outfield, as I still like Maikel at third. PECOTA has him hitting 7 dingers, 31 bags and hitting .245. That is not ideal for a third baseman but it is better than he did last year. I hope to make it to spring training.
Unless they trade Massey, he's getting at bats. And he's not going to third. India is leading off every game he plays. If either of them go to third, it's India, but Massey could end up in left field. The Royals and Massey have both said that second base can exacerbate his back issues with fielding ground balls.
I wonder if the Moncada pickup makes a Rengifo trade more possible now. Ward is fine and all, but Rengifo is the one I think I'd still really rather they pick up. He's got a lot of positional flexibility, gets on base pretty reliably, and runs the bases well. He doesn't have alot of power, and seems to get injured more than you like, but I think he'd be a great addition in the middle-back of the order. And, heck, maybe Massey or MJ start providing more of that power for the middle that they need. But I low-key love a back five of Rengifo/Massey/MJ/Garcia/Isbel. I think Massey could be a legit #5 if he can stay on the field, Garcia and Rengifo getting on and stealing bases, and MJ/Isbel/Renfroe/Biggio/Weimer/Whoever being strategically slotted so when they get out they'll still have an AB or two they can use. I think that can play. I see a lot more options with that lineup than I would with Ward in there.
I like Rengifo enough, but getting India makes him somewhat redundant. He'd be an upgrade to the roster as a whole, yes, but the fit just isn't as perfect as Ward. So yeah, I'd be fine to get him, but I'm less on him with India than I was before. Plus, it's just one year of team control.
True about the team control. I was forgetting he was just one and thinking he was two also. But maybe that makes him more achievable, too. If they're still asking for the sky and moon for Ward, maybe they'll be more realistic about Rengifo. And maybe they could work out an extension for a couple years--I wouldn't hate to see him in the uniform for a few years if the price wasn't out of control. A sort of much-more-capable Hampson type wouldn't go to waste with a manager who likes to move people all over the place.
I wonder how much of that might have been injury related. He sure seemed to be fighting something all year last year. And the year before, too . . . . Which, obviously, could be a pretty valid disqualifier in and of itself. Alright, we talked me out of it! I'm back on board with Ward.
Only one year of team control should mean it takes less to acquire him. I like both for different reasons. Makes me curious what kind of package it takes to acquire both, by adding one of the “redundant 2B/3B/OF capable guys” like Garcia or Massey. Or even Melendez (maybe they see upside…that many don’t at this point). To a package that includes a reliever like Zerpa or Harvey and some level or prospect. Not sure what is too much with 1 yr of Rengifo and 2 yrs of Ward at their arb price tags…what kind offer does it take to get that done? Massey and Zerpa?…w Champlain or something similar?
It sure feels like something has to give soon. Knowing that they are still being aggressive and trying to add someone and other teams having overfilled rosters at this point. It feels like there is still a bat to be had
I think there are a few bats to potentially be had if teams start to relent on their ask. That's been the issue with so many of the available ones all winter. But yeah, it wouldn't shock me if there's a move in the next week to 10 days.
Since this is the weekly "Odds & Sods" article, it seemed like a good place to post this. We were watching the "Price Is Right" channel on Plex a couple nights ago, & Tony's Muser's wife was a contestant. She "comes on down" a few minutes in.
I've been wondering what this trip through FA for Pete Alonso means for Vinnie. To me they're similarly "unathletic" players (said from a computer screen in my basement - but it's not my Mom's basement!). Obviously, Pete has more power, but Vinnie I'd argue is the better hitter profile. I'd guess their defense is a wash. All that to say, Vinnie is set to enter FA at age 31ish. It doesn't look great for his profile after Alonso's saga. I keep going back and forth on if an extension is wise at all, and recently lean toward play it out if you're the Royals... but if you were going to extend Vinnie, I wonder if this is the exact time. Or maybe after seeing if Cags can take to the OF?
I'm jealous of your ST trip. I haven't been since 2002 & 2003. But those Garth Brooks and Jose Lima autographs fly forever.
First base only guys who aren't elite bats (Alonso has elite power, but isn't an elite bat) have struggled for a long, long time. I don't think you necessarily sign Vinnie long-term because you think you can get a bargain but rather for payroll certainty purposes and to reward a player. But yeah, I'd hold off until they see if Cags can play the outfield.
So if the Orioles are looking to move an outfielder, do you think it'd be Heston Kjerstad? He was someone I was hoping the Royals would draft until the Orioles blew everyone out of the water and took him pretty early.
I just don’t know what the Royals could offer the Orioles that would make sense. Their depth in the system is in catching and the Orioles have Rutschman and the best catching prospect in baseball. It’s not that they couldn’t stockpile, of course. They need relievers and the Royals have some but probably no different than their options already and anyway they’re not dealing Kjerstad for a reliever. I think he’s more likely part of a deal for someone like Cease. It just doesn’t add up to me.
That makes sense. i could see a deal that involved Cease and Kjerstad. I may be totally wrong but i get the feeling there’s a trade totally under the radar that’s going to happen soon for a player I hadn’t even considered for the Royals.
Heard India on Verns show say he was an "infielder thru and thru", and that LF didn't work out. of course he said the right things about playing where needed, but seriously doubt we see him out there
I didn’t hear that, but I do know they talked about second and third with him after the trade and not so much left field. That said, he played there like twice last spring so I don’t know that there’s any proof that it worked out or it didn’t.
JJ said something to the effect of India being open to OF and Massey an option, but it wouldnt be Massey at 2B and India LF one day, then switch positions the next - it would be more defined. So now I am questioning whos on 3B. Man I hope they can somehow get there hands on a corner bat
I travel for work a lot and listen to the tea leaves in royals related podcasts, I get the feeling they are betting on Massey being able to handle LF, but think I also heard Massey somewhere saying he wasnt given much to work on position wise in offseason- so i don't know. Ill put my crystal ball down now and just watch how everyone looks next week.
Thanks as always for your great insight in comments section as well as the writing. I actually made sure my cc info was up to date so i don't miss anything when subscription renews
David, Traveled from our new "state of the art," airport this Spring/Summer/Fall and not one of the bars or restaurants carried the Royals games. They all were managed by the same management company and it was said if one restaurant didn't carry the Diamond network none of them did. It's a true shame that the MLB team in KC is not available for Airport travelers. Who could I contact at the Royals to incite them to action?
While that’s frustrating and annoying, there isn’t really anything for the Royals to do. They have a deal with Diamond and that’s who their games are shown through. If the establishment doesn’t have a package that includes it, the Royals don’t have any standing to intervene. Whatever the company is at the airport would be the contact to complain.
Will be in Surprise the first weekend of March to catch the Royals-Cubs game. Can't wait!
Do you have your tickets yet? Cubs games are insane out there, home or away.
Not yet, but meeting a few buddies from college there and one is a Cubs fan, so I'm sure we'll be ignoring the cost (to a degree). Haha
It's way worse at Sloan Park, but the Cubs do tend to sell out, so it might not be a bad idea to grab tickets now. Just a suggestion!
I think India and Massey are both guaranteed at bats, India for OBP and Massey for SLG. Massey is the better fielder at second, so why would they move him to third? Surely they don't want below average fielders at both positions. Perhaps Massey or India can handle the outfield, it would be nice if they are at least a better fielder than MJ or even Hunter. "Roster Resource" has initially line up India as DH, but he won't be full time at that position, so he will need a secondary position on the field. Hopefully India can play outfield, as I still like Maikel at third. PECOTA has him hitting 7 dingers, 31 bags and hitting .245. That is not ideal for a third baseman but it is better than he did last year. I hope to make it to spring training.
Unless they trade Massey, he's getting at bats. And he's not going to third. India is leading off every game he plays. If either of them go to third, it's India, but Massey could end up in left field. The Royals and Massey have both said that second base can exacerbate his back issues with fielding ground balls.
I wonder if the Moncada pickup makes a Rengifo trade more possible now. Ward is fine and all, but Rengifo is the one I think I'd still really rather they pick up. He's got a lot of positional flexibility, gets on base pretty reliably, and runs the bases well. He doesn't have alot of power, and seems to get injured more than you like, but I think he'd be a great addition in the middle-back of the order. And, heck, maybe Massey or MJ start providing more of that power for the middle that they need. But I low-key love a back five of Rengifo/Massey/MJ/Garcia/Isbel. I think Massey could be a legit #5 if he can stay on the field, Garcia and Rengifo getting on and stealing bases, and MJ/Isbel/Renfroe/Biggio/Weimer/Whoever being strategically slotted so when they get out they'll still have an AB or two they can use. I think that can play. I see a lot more options with that lineup than I would with Ward in there.
I like Rengifo enough, but getting India makes him somewhat redundant. He'd be an upgrade to the roster as a whole, yes, but the fit just isn't as perfect as Ward. So yeah, I'd be fine to get him, but I'm less on him with India than I was before. Plus, it's just one year of team control.
True about the team control. I was forgetting he was just one and thinking he was two also. But maybe that makes him more achievable, too. If they're still asking for the sky and moon for Ward, maybe they'll be more realistic about Rengifo. And maybe they could work out an extension for a couple years--I wouldn't hate to see him in the uniform for a few years if the price wasn't out of control. A sort of much-more-capable Hampson type wouldn't go to waste with a manager who likes to move people all over the place.
I would also worry some that he's 27 and his sprint speed is already down to the 37th percentile. He uses it well, for sure, though.
I wonder how much of that might have been injury related. He sure seemed to be fighting something all year last year. And the year before, too . . . . Which, obviously, could be a pretty valid disqualifier in and of itself. Alright, we talked me out of it! I'm back on board with Ward.
Could be, but it's also been dropping every year since he debuted.
Only one year of team control should mean it takes less to acquire him. I like both for different reasons. Makes me curious what kind of package it takes to acquire both, by adding one of the “redundant 2B/3B/OF capable guys” like Garcia or Massey. Or even Melendez (maybe they see upside…that many don’t at this point). To a package that includes a reliever like Zerpa or Harvey and some level or prospect. Not sure what is too much with 1 yr of Rengifo and 2 yrs of Ward at their arb price tags…what kind offer does it take to get that done? Massey and Zerpa?…w Champlain or something similar?
It sure feels like something has to give soon. Knowing that they are still being aggressive and trying to add someone and other teams having overfilled rosters at this point. It feels like there is still a bat to be had
I think there are a few bats to potentially be had if teams start to relent on their ask. That's been the issue with so many of the available ones all winter. But yeah, it wouldn't shock me if there's a move in the next week to 10 days.
Since this is the weekly "Odds & Sods" article, it seemed like a good place to post this. We were watching the "Price Is Right" channel on Plex a couple nights ago, & Tony's Muser's wife was a contestant. She "comes on down" a few minutes in.
https://archive.org/details/tpir-5092d_202204
With the boob close-up. TV in the 80s, man.
Ha ha...Bob Barker says stuff every episode that would get him fired within 5 minutes now. It's nuts.
I've been wondering what this trip through FA for Pete Alonso means for Vinnie. To me they're similarly "unathletic" players (said from a computer screen in my basement - but it's not my Mom's basement!). Obviously, Pete has more power, but Vinnie I'd argue is the better hitter profile. I'd guess their defense is a wash. All that to say, Vinnie is set to enter FA at age 31ish. It doesn't look great for his profile after Alonso's saga. I keep going back and forth on if an extension is wise at all, and recently lean toward play it out if you're the Royals... but if you were going to extend Vinnie, I wonder if this is the exact time. Or maybe after seeing if Cags can take to the OF?
I'm jealous of your ST trip. I haven't been since 2002 & 2003. But those Garth Brooks and Jose Lima autographs fly forever.
First base only guys who aren't elite bats (Alonso has elite power, but isn't an elite bat) have struggled for a long, long time. I don't think you necessarily sign Vinnie long-term because you think you can get a bargain but rather for payroll certainty purposes and to reward a player. But yeah, I'd hold off until they see if Cags can play the outfield.
Good stuff, David. Have a wonderful time in Arizona.
So if the Orioles are looking to move an outfielder, do you think it'd be Heston Kjerstad? He was someone I was hoping the Royals would draft until the Orioles blew everyone out of the water and took him pretty early.
I just don’t know what the Royals could offer the Orioles that would make sense. Their depth in the system is in catching and the Orioles have Rutschman and the best catching prospect in baseball. It’s not that they couldn’t stockpile, of course. They need relievers and the Royals have some but probably no different than their options already and anyway they’re not dealing Kjerstad for a reliever. I think he’s more likely part of a deal for someone like Cease. It just doesn’t add up to me.
That makes sense. i could see a deal that involved Cease and Kjerstad. I may be totally wrong but i get the feeling there’s a trade totally under the radar that’s going to happen soon for a player I hadn’t even considered for the Royals.
That wouldn't surprise me at all. They're generally pretty quiet.
Heard India on Verns show say he was an "infielder thru and thru", and that LF didn't work out. of course he said the right things about playing where needed, but seriously doubt we see him out there
I didn’t hear that, but I do know they talked about second and third with him after the trade and not so much left field. That said, he played there like twice last spring so I don’t know that there’s any proof that it worked out or it didn’t.
India actually said it didn't work out
JJ said something to the effect of India being open to OF and Massey an option, but it wouldnt be Massey at 2B and India LF one day, then switch positions the next - it would be more defined. So now I am questioning whos on 3B. Man I hope they can somehow get there hands on a corner bat
I travel for work a lot and listen to the tea leaves in royals related podcasts, I get the feeling they are betting on Massey being able to handle LF, but think I also heard Massey somewhere saying he wasnt given much to work on position wise in offseason- so i don't know. Ill put my crystal ball down now and just watch how everyone looks next week.
Thanks as always for your great insight in comments section as well as the writing. I actually made sure my cc info was up to date so i don't miss anything when subscription renews
David, Traveled from our new "state of the art," airport this Spring/Summer/Fall and not one of the bars or restaurants carried the Royals games. They all were managed by the same management company and it was said if one restaurant didn't carry the Diamond network none of them did. It's a true shame that the MLB team in KC is not available for Airport travelers. Who could I contact at the Royals to incite them to action?
While that’s frustrating and annoying, there isn’t really anything for the Royals to do. They have a deal with Diamond and that’s who their games are shown through. If the establishment doesn’t have a package that includes it, the Royals don’t have any standing to intervene. Whatever the company is at the airport would be the contact to complain.
Have fun in Arizona! Go Royals!
Hmm old i wouldn't say that ya may started writing when ya was 14 yrs old lol. As long as ya under 150 I say ya young 🤣