The Royals farm system is not exactly thought of too highly, but one expert thinks it's not as bad as other. Plus, some extension talk and some uniform talk.
Like you, I read Keith Law's ranking which was a more optimistic take than some of the other experts. I also put more faith in Law's analysis - I think he's one of the most thorough and experienced out there. Let's hope his view is right. How quickly do you think Gavin Cross realistic makes it to the ML level? I struggle to see how we consistently score enough runs with the current projected lineup - just not enough guys who can hit with power and generate RBI's.
I would not try to extend bobby witt yet. I really didn't like what I saw from him. Like you said. He want to be paid on what he thinks he's going to be. Also like you said he was average offensively and pretty bad defensively. The thing that bothers me about him is his high strikeout rate, low walk rate and terrible OBP and his defense. I know. He's only 22 and will get better but I don't think he'll ever be the offensive force that pasquintino will be. He's already shown he has the tools to be a great offensive player. He's a high contact hitter and probably always will be. To me he's a better risk to extend than Witt. As far as singer goes he needs to.have at least one more decent year before they do anything. The majority of pitchers in baseball just don't seem to last very long and he doesn't have enough of a track record yet. (See Danny duffy). Don't pay until they prove they can.play. KC doesn't have the best track record with extentions. Melendez I don't like at all. He can't hit and he can't defend. Their entire outfield looks bad for next year. A couple of them have shown some decent defence but all of them strikeout a lot and so far haven't shown they can hit yet. You throw Melendez in the mix and he brings the defense down a lot. I'm just not a fan of extentions until they prove themselves. These guys are young. They need to keep them hungry.
In my view of the farm system, it's not as good as Mr. Law projects, but not as bad as the others suggest. There is talent and i, for one, am looking forward to what new coaching is going to do. There is a past relationship between Brady and pitching staff, so I expect him to improve on last year. It almost sounds like the entire culture has already changed and players are buying in. The shifting is going to help many players, Vinnie being one of them. I am really tired of seeing ground outs to right field. This is not softball! They say the base size will help Witt with stolen bases, but that remains for debate. May not make him a 30/30 player, but I would be happy with 25/25. I also think his extension will come, but continued performance will be a primary factor. Plus, I sincerely believe he likes it here and that will play a big part. Just look at the developing friendship with Mahomes. MJ is another story. I believe I commented last year too one of your articles about him and what I perceive as an attitude of not caring. No enthusiasm. We all know how I Boras can be. Like you, I believe he will be paired with over or the excess outfielders for a pitching upgrade.
It is always about the money. How's many players spend 10+ years with the same team anymore?
I don't know. I'd probably go pretty far to meet Bobby's wishes. Players in general aren't going to get any cheaper, so the Royals would be well served to lock him in around $20 million per year right now. Plus, I feel good about his floor. If they can get him to become a league-average shortstop, we're talking about a 3-win player annually even if his offense doesn't improve at all ... which seems unlikely.
Guess i was so wrapped up in always hearing 20/20 I forgot he did steal 30 last year. That is my fault.
I will never question any athlete's work ethic that has made it to the top in their sport. Yes appearances can be deceiving. Yes, you have greater insight than those of us who rely on what we see or what we read. But, that is what makes this great! We all have opinions and as long as open minds are kept, spirited discussions will happen. Do i love MJ's talent? Absolutely. I remember a comment you made about enthusiasm. In my humble opinion, I believe that showing enthusiasm [Salvy and Vinnie] can elevate those around you. You have enthusiasm for what you do, that brings out people like me with our opinions and I thank you for your insight. Being retired, when I check email, yours is the first I look for. Thanks for what you do sir!
I'm a fan but I'm not what you would call baseball savvy so I don't understand all the lingo about extensions, arbitration, etc., but I do enjoy reading your emails! Would it be possible for you to provide a list of the players that shows how long we have them locked up or under contract (or whatever the term is 🥺)? Kind of a Baseball for Dummies version...LOL!! I know I'm in the minority here so you may not have time for this nonsense, but just thought I'd ask. 😁
Interesting tidbit on Melendez being a Boras client and not even mentioned in the ones they are looking to possibly extend. It seems the longer this goes the more and more likely it is he is the one traded isn’t it? Unless you are going to move on from Salvy, Melendez appears to be the odd man out. Even if he plays outfield adequately if the Royals aren’t any good in the next couple of years you are getting towards the back end of his control by then. Gotta hope he is an average to above average bat and able to move him. I’m not saying this year or next year even…but at some point if you aren’t going to sign him he will be the one moved before Vinny or Witt it appears.
While I think getting listed in the top 100 is good...I don't take it too seriously given that so many players that have not been highest rated prospects excell in the bigs and even make the Hall of Fame.... it all comes down to organizational development. Its nice that someone thinks the Royals are on the right track.
Like you, I read Keith Law's ranking which was a more optimistic take than some of the other experts. I also put more faith in Law's analysis - I think he's one of the most thorough and experienced out there. Let's hope his view is right. How quickly do you think Gavin Cross realistic makes it to the ML level? I struggle to see how we consistently score enough runs with the current projected lineup - just not enough guys who can hit with power and generate RBI's.
I would not try to extend bobby witt yet. I really didn't like what I saw from him. Like you said. He want to be paid on what he thinks he's going to be. Also like you said he was average offensively and pretty bad defensively. The thing that bothers me about him is his high strikeout rate, low walk rate and terrible OBP and his defense. I know. He's only 22 and will get better but I don't think he'll ever be the offensive force that pasquintino will be. He's already shown he has the tools to be a great offensive player. He's a high contact hitter and probably always will be. To me he's a better risk to extend than Witt. As far as singer goes he needs to.have at least one more decent year before they do anything. The majority of pitchers in baseball just don't seem to last very long and he doesn't have enough of a track record yet. (See Danny duffy). Don't pay until they prove they can.play. KC doesn't have the best track record with extentions. Melendez I don't like at all. He can't hit and he can't defend. Their entire outfield looks bad for next year. A couple of them have shown some decent defence but all of them strikeout a lot and so far haven't shown they can hit yet. You throw Melendez in the mix and he brings the defense down a lot. I'm just not a fan of extentions until they prove themselves. These guys are young. They need to keep them hungry.
In my view of the farm system, it's not as good as Mr. Law projects, but not as bad as the others suggest. There is talent and i, for one, am looking forward to what new coaching is going to do. There is a past relationship between Brady and pitching staff, so I expect him to improve on last year. It almost sounds like the entire culture has already changed and players are buying in. The shifting is going to help many players, Vinnie being one of them. I am really tired of seeing ground outs to right field. This is not softball! They say the base size will help Witt with stolen bases, but that remains for debate. May not make him a 30/30 player, but I would be happy with 25/25. I also think his extension will come, but continued performance will be a primary factor. Plus, I sincerely believe he likes it here and that will play a big part. Just look at the developing friendship with Mahomes. MJ is another story. I believe I commented last year too one of your articles about him and what I perceive as an attitude of not caring. No enthusiasm. We all know how I Boras can be. Like you, I believe he will be paired with over or the excess outfielders for a pitching upgrade.
It is always about the money. How's many players spend 10+ years with the same team anymore?
I don't know. I'd probably go pretty far to meet Bobby's wishes. Players in general aren't going to get any cheaper, so the Royals would be well served to lock him in around $20 million per year right now. Plus, I feel good about his floor. If they can get him to become a league-average shortstop, we're talking about a 3-win player annually even if his offense doesn't improve at all ... which seems unlikely.
TL;DR It isn't my money.
Guess i was so wrapped up in always hearing 20/20 I forgot he did steal 30 last year. That is my fault.
I will never question any athlete's work ethic that has made it to the top in their sport. Yes appearances can be deceiving. Yes, you have greater insight than those of us who rely on what we see or what we read. But, that is what makes this great! We all have opinions and as long as open minds are kept, spirited discussions will happen. Do i love MJ's talent? Absolutely. I remember a comment you made about enthusiasm. In my humble opinion, I believe that showing enthusiasm [Salvy and Vinnie] can elevate those around you. You have enthusiasm for what you do, that brings out people like me with our opinions and I thank you for your insight. Being retired, when I check email, yours is the first I look for. Thanks for what you do sir!
I'm a fan but I'm not what you would call baseball savvy so I don't understand all the lingo about extensions, arbitration, etc., but I do enjoy reading your emails! Would it be possible for you to provide a list of the players that shows how long we have them locked up or under contract (or whatever the term is 🥺)? Kind of a Baseball for Dummies version...LOL!! I know I'm in the minority here so you may not have time for this nonsense, but just thought I'd ask. 😁
Thanks!
Catie
Interesting tidbit on Melendez being a Boras client and not even mentioned in the ones they are looking to possibly extend. It seems the longer this goes the more and more likely it is he is the one traded isn’t it? Unless you are going to move on from Salvy, Melendez appears to be the odd man out. Even if he plays outfield adequately if the Royals aren’t any good in the next couple of years you are getting towards the back end of his control by then. Gotta hope he is an average to above average bat and able to move him. I’m not saying this year or next year even…but at some point if you aren’t going to sign him he will be the one moved before Vinny or Witt it appears.
While I think getting listed in the top 100 is good...I don't take it too seriously given that so many players that have not been highest rated prospects excell in the bigs and even make the Hall of Fame.... it all comes down to organizational development. Its nice that someone thinks the Royals are on the right track.
Good stuff...as always.
Powder blue YES.
City connect NO!