One quick comment, since Verdugo is in Cora's doghouse I wonder about your opinion on him, or even if he might be available. I have always liked him as a ballplayer. Safe travels sir!
I'm in and out this morning, but I'm usually a fast responder, so I didn't want people to get left in the wind thinking I was ignoring everyone! Verdugo is sort of interesting and sort of not. He's in the Benintendi mold where he's a corner outfielder without much power, but it's also not like he's hitting a truly soft .275-.300 if he's there. I don't know. I guess it would depend on what the ask is, which I suppose is true of any player. But he's a free agent after next year. It just sort of feels like they can get a decent chunk of that production from someone else who they don't have to pay as much and don't have to give up any prospects to get.
Safe travels. Yeah, the offense I still feel ok about…which is odd for a group that is below average overall. One of my biggest fears is this….we start to feel ok about MJ and Waters….and then Isbel comes on. And we are all like….,mmmmm maybe…and we begin the season with the same lineup as we are throwing out there now. Because then you sit back….and look at it and I’m like, well we can’t just run back the same lineup of a 100 loss team and expect a whole lot more. Yes, Vinny helps a ton, but they were still losing with him in the lineup. So, I have a little more confidence in the FO right now that they can find some more talent. But I’m still looking for that first sign they have evaluated their own. Majority of why I wanted that Perez trade (still hoping this offseason) is that is the first real sign, ok all in on Fermin. We are still evaluating without any real sign of decision yet. Maybe that’s what’s happening with Pratto. And that’s ok the year isn’t over. But that’s the next step I’m looking for.
I don't think they can run it back with the same lineup, but I also think it's fair to note that Garcia didn't start until a month into the season and Fermin didn't start getting regular playing time until recently. Those two plus Vinnie, plus two additions is a pretty different lineup going into 2024.
One FA I would really want the Royals to target and you left off is Lourdes Gurriell. I think he’s be perfect for the roster. He may be pricey with the awesome season he is having with the DBacks but I think it could work. Also, I think Isbel’s defense is good enough to be a starting CF if he is hitting 9th. I’ve said to anyone who will listen they need to just leave Maikel and Witt alone they’ve proven (to me) they can be the left side of a championship contender (honestly think they’re more talented than Esky and Moose).
Great eval, David, and I agree with most of it. It's nice to look at the infield and feel it's pretty set, and good defensively at that. Catcher looks fine, as I've become convinced Fermin is fer real (sorry), so with or without Salvy I think we're good. Still think Pratto could be a nice guy to mix in at 1B, DH, a little OF if he can hit a bit more. The OF is so interesting, because we have quantity, not quality. Between the guys on the squad now, and some at Omaha there may be 7 or 8 possibilities. Will anyone take a step and just claim a spot or two? I say if you have two guys you feel good about running out there everyday, I'm alright with a couple of 4th OF types alternating in. We could fill some spots with FA or trade, too, but hopefully a couple of guys look ready come spring training.
I think this is a semi-optimistic view of the offense. I’m not sure there is anyone, other than maybe Witt, where there’s enough proven performance to say the Royals can count on next year or beyond.
If you're not counting on Vinnie because the injury is a serious one, I get it, but I don't think it's optimistic to think he's the real deal. I also agree that there's a fair amount of uncertainty with all but those two, but also you're not replacing seven of the nine spots in the lineup, which is why this is going to take more than an offseason to fix.
Absolutely. No way they can fix it in one offseason. And the first thing they should do is extend the players they plan to count on. They are going to need to show potential free agents they are willing to spend money and have a core of players for the near future. And if you want a new stadium, better show the fans you’re investing in the team. Start with offering Witt 8yrs/200 million beginning next season and see if you can get a deal. Then try to lock up a couple others.
I'm going to write something about this at some point, but I'm not sure 8/200 gets it done. It's not that the AAV isn't right. It's that I think they need to either do something like 6/115 and get him to free agency for his age-30 season or something like 12/345 and get him the truly massive payday now. I don't know if those numbers are exactly it, but eight years is probably the middle ground. Agree with the sentiment though. Lock up two or three guys, trade two or three guys and start from there.
Are there any real lock ups anymore...Witt's contract will be pockmarked with opt out years..... thats the new reality. He will be getting top dollar every year or likely be gone....so think AAV of 30 million.
Have you heard anything on the extension front? It gets frustrating seeing teams like the Padres (Machado, Tatis, Bogaerts), Brewers (Yelich), and Reds (Greene) who are all similar to Royals in market size doling out extensions and we’re sitting here with a thumb up our bum.
They talked this winter and from what I heard, talks were positive, but everyone says that. Obviously they didn't get anywhere. Most teams and most players aren't interested in doing that stuff midseason, so I'd anticipate hearing a good number of rumors once the season ends.
Salvy's gotta come into camp fit...I don't see him being traded. He's to Important to the team culture. I don't see any sign trades coming in over the winter...except for maybe one involving Oliveras and or Pratto. I hope Pratto stays. They break camp with most of these guys...as most are too close to the cusp to trade....and they are cost effective...which is soooooooooo important to the front office. I really think they have another year to get it right ....i dont think they have the minor league depth yet to do a Big Game James trade..... they will fiddle around the edges....
I think you might be pretty surprised by how likely it is he's traded. I'm not saying it's definitely going to happen, but it is far from a certainty that he sticks around. If the trade is there (and he, of course, accepts), he'll be moved.
ouch none of those OF available look very promising, but i'd love to get a corner slugger. I think CF for us requires great defense, so Keirmeir somewhat attractive, but with injuries and 34 I say let's stick with what we have. Didn't realize how close Waters and Isabel were in PA's and defensive metrics, but i think Isbels defense gets the edge. Just a hunch Isbels hitting only goes up from here. If Waters gets some confidence tho he might very well be the higher ceiling and wouldn't it be nice to have a switch hitter in center
coming around on mj more everyday. Royals seem to be willing to send players down, so I am thinking they believe he can be something special. I think mj will put in the work to improve his defense this off-season and can focus on outfield. He is certainly athletically capable of significant improvements
Have fun on your vacation! (i suggest not watching royals)
The pitching analysis could just be that Seinfeld scene where Jerry and George are trying to write their sitcom, get stuck after “You say hi, and I say hello,” sit there for a few seconds and Jerry says, “Now we need something here.”
Great job David and safe travels! I like what you have done with the lineup. Now, the hard part comes with the pitching staff! I can't wait to see what your thoughts are on that!
I think there's a possibility they could go after anyone. There isn't a whole lot of free agent talk going on yet, so I haven't heard anything, but that doesn't mean they won't or can't on really any of them (save for the obvious ones).
One quick comment, since Verdugo is in Cora's doghouse I wonder about your opinion on him, or even if he might be available. I have always liked him as a ballplayer. Safe travels sir!
I'm in and out this morning, but I'm usually a fast responder, so I didn't want people to get left in the wind thinking I was ignoring everyone! Verdugo is sort of interesting and sort of not. He's in the Benintendi mold where he's a corner outfielder without much power, but it's also not like he's hitting a truly soft .275-.300 if he's there. I don't know. I guess it would depend on what the ask is, which I suppose is true of any player. But he's a free agent after next year. It just sort of feels like they can get a decent chunk of that production from someone else who they don't have to pay as much and don't have to give up any prospects to get.
Safe travels. Yeah, the offense I still feel ok about…which is odd for a group that is below average overall. One of my biggest fears is this….we start to feel ok about MJ and Waters….and then Isbel comes on. And we are all like….,mmmmm maybe…and we begin the season with the same lineup as we are throwing out there now. Because then you sit back….and look at it and I’m like, well we can’t just run back the same lineup of a 100 loss team and expect a whole lot more. Yes, Vinny helps a ton, but they were still losing with him in the lineup. So, I have a little more confidence in the FO right now that they can find some more talent. But I’m still looking for that first sign they have evaluated their own. Majority of why I wanted that Perez trade (still hoping this offseason) is that is the first real sign, ok all in on Fermin. We are still evaluating without any real sign of decision yet. Maybe that’s what’s happening with Pratto. And that’s ok the year isn’t over. But that’s the next step I’m looking for.
I don't think they can run it back with the same lineup, but I also think it's fair to note that Garcia didn't start until a month into the season and Fermin didn't start getting regular playing time until recently. Those two plus Vinnie, plus two additions is a pretty different lineup going into 2024.
One FA I would really want the Royals to target and you left off is Lourdes Gurriell. I think he’s be perfect for the roster. He may be pricey with the awesome season he is having with the DBacks but I think it could work. Also, I think Isbel’s defense is good enough to be a starting CF if he is hitting 9th. I’ve said to anyone who will listen they need to just leave Maikel and Witt alone they’ve proven (to me) they can be the left side of a championship contender (honestly think they’re more talented than Esky and Moose).
Oooof have to amend, Lourdes was putrid in June/July but great the rest of the year. But still my point remains.
He's not a free agent until after next year. He'd be an interesting target, though.
MLB Trade Rumors and Google both told me 2023 ... sorry
Great eval, David, and I agree with most of it. It's nice to look at the infield and feel it's pretty set, and good defensively at that. Catcher looks fine, as I've become convinced Fermin is fer real (sorry), so with or without Salvy I think we're good. Still think Pratto could be a nice guy to mix in at 1B, DH, a little OF if he can hit a bit more. The OF is so interesting, because we have quantity, not quality. Between the guys on the squad now, and some at Omaha there may be 7 or 8 possibilities. Will anyone take a step and just claim a spot or two? I say if you have two guys you feel good about running out there everyday, I'm alright with a couple of 4th OF types alternating in. We could fill some spots with FA or trade, too, but hopefully a couple of guys look ready come spring training.
I'm not convinced Pratto isn't the guy. But he needs to prove he is rather than prove to me he isn't.
I think this is a semi-optimistic view of the offense. I’m not sure there is anyone, other than maybe Witt, where there’s enough proven performance to say the Royals can count on next year or beyond.
If you're not counting on Vinnie because the injury is a serious one, I get it, but I don't think it's optimistic to think he's the real deal. I also agree that there's a fair amount of uncertainty with all but those two, but also you're not replacing seven of the nine spots in the lineup, which is why this is going to take more than an offseason to fix.
Absolutely. No way they can fix it in one offseason. And the first thing they should do is extend the players they plan to count on. They are going to need to show potential free agents they are willing to spend money and have a core of players for the near future. And if you want a new stadium, better show the fans you’re investing in the team. Start with offering Witt 8yrs/200 million beginning next season and see if you can get a deal. Then try to lock up a couple others.
I'm going to write something about this at some point, but I'm not sure 8/200 gets it done. It's not that the AAV isn't right. It's that I think they need to either do something like 6/115 and get him to free agency for his age-30 season or something like 12/345 and get him the truly massive payday now. I don't know if those numbers are exactly it, but eight years is probably the middle ground. Agree with the sentiment though. Lock up two or three guys, trade two or three guys and start from there.
Are there any real lock ups anymore...Witt's contract will be pockmarked with opt out years..... thats the new reality. He will be getting top dollar every year or likely be gone....so think AAV of 30 million.
Or maybe 40 million...
Sure. He could get 6/115 with a player option 3/100 and then another 3/120 option or something like that.
Have you heard anything on the extension front? It gets frustrating seeing teams like the Padres (Machado, Tatis, Bogaerts), Brewers (Yelich), and Reds (Greene) who are all similar to Royals in market size doling out extensions and we’re sitting here with a thumb up our bum.
Heck, throw in Rays (Franco) and Guardians (Ramirez)
They talked this winter and from what I heard, talks were positive, but everyone says that. Obviously they didn't get anywhere. Most teams and most players aren't interested in doing that stuff midseason, so I'd anticipate hearing a good number of rumors once the season ends.
Salvy's gotta come into camp fit...I don't see him being traded. He's to Important to the team culture. I don't see any sign trades coming in over the winter...except for maybe one involving Oliveras and or Pratto. I hope Pratto stays. They break camp with most of these guys...as most are too close to the cusp to trade....and they are cost effective...which is soooooooooo important to the front office. I really think they have another year to get it right ....i dont think they have the minor league depth yet to do a Big Game James trade..... they will fiddle around the edges....
I think you might be pretty surprised by how likely it is he's traded. I'm not saying it's definitely going to happen, but it is far from a certainty that he sticks around. If the trade is there (and he, of course, accepts), he'll be moved.
In that case, maybe they should have moved him at the trade deadline....
It was very clear they just ran out of time with Miami. I'm guessing that trade will be completed this offseason.
ouch none of those OF available look very promising, but i'd love to get a corner slugger. I think CF for us requires great defense, so Keirmeir somewhat attractive, but with injuries and 34 I say let's stick with what we have. Didn't realize how close Waters and Isabel were in PA's and defensive metrics, but i think Isbels defense gets the edge. Just a hunch Isbels hitting only goes up from here. If Waters gets some confidence tho he might very well be the higher ceiling and wouldn't it be nice to have a switch hitter in center
coming around on mj more everyday. Royals seem to be willing to send players down, so I am thinking they believe he can be something special. I think mj will put in the work to improve his defense this off-season and can focus on outfield. He is certainly athletically capable of significant improvements
Have fun on your vacation! (i suggest not watching royals)
Do you think they could sign and flip any of those FA next year?
Absolutely. I think that's the idea if you sign any short-term free agent.
The pitching analysis could just be that Seinfeld scene where Jerry and George are trying to write their sitcom, get stuck after “You say hi, and I say hello,” sit there for a few seconds and Jerry says, “Now we need something here.”
Great job David and safe travels! I like what you have done with the lineup. Now, the hard part comes with the pitching staff! I can't wait to see what your thoughts are on that!
Those crop of FA outfielder are depressing. Any possibility of going after Jung-hoo Lee? Broke his ankle but I think he’s still going to be posted
I think there's a possibility they could go after anyone. There isn't a whole lot of free agent talk going on yet, so I haven't heard anything, but that doesn't mean they won't or can't on really any of them (save for the obvious ones).