Here's my fear David - The fact that O'hearn is still around just means DM is really still running the show and we aren't going to see any real change from the prior couple of years. I think that is the frustration in the royals standing pat as well here the last week. Other teams are trying to improve. The optics of it are the royals aren't trying to improve. Keeping EVERYONE from a 74 win team and not adding anything isn't going to get you to 85+ wins next year because not every prospect is going to work out or the path isn't going to be a straight trajectory upward. Sigh.
I don't think anyone doubts that DM is still very much involved, but (and I should have written this), O'Hearn is more about Matheny to me. Still, as I wrote the other day, they likely weren't going to win in 2022 anyway. There are worse things than figuring out what will help win in 2023 and figuring out what won't. The problem with O'Hearn is that we know he won't help.
Joel, I've had some of the same feelings the past couple of weeks. One thing that gives me some optimism is that there's plenty of talent left on the free agent market, and as the spring approaches, the teams with payroll flexibility are going to find a lot of good value.
Kyle Schwarber, Michael Conforto, Nick Castellanos, Zack Greinke, Danny Duffy, Nelson Cruz and several others are among the middle tier who will sign when we have another spending spree if and when a CBA deal is reached.
I wish I could be as optimistic as you on the CBA outcome. However, the actions and tone the league has had with the union since the last contract was signed, doesn't make me think this is going to end well. The covid era aside, several rule changes without much if any approval or discussions with the players, has led to very few warm feelings between the two sides. Both sides seem resolved to a long and bitter fight. Otherwise, why all the signings before the lockout. If they believed this will be over soon, there would be no reason to get these contracts finished. Teams would have just waited for deals like they have since the last contract took effect. I don't expect a contract before spring training. My guess is the season will start in May. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't see a lot of change until it hurts both parties.
My belief that something will get done has to do with conversations I've had with people far more in the know than me. They could be wrong. I could be wrong. I think the flurry of signings was more about not wanting to have to do it with two weeks before spring training than being worried that it'll last into the season. But again, who knows?
I'm not changing my spring training plans. I also can't predict the future, so I'd say that decision is 100% up to you. The Phoenix area is a great vacation with great food with or without baseball, though.
I've been to spring training 3 times. Great fun each time. I am planning to go out this spring if things do get settled. I got family all over the area. Changing plans at last minute is no problem.
Here's my fear David - The fact that O'hearn is still around just means DM is really still running the show and we aren't going to see any real change from the prior couple of years. I think that is the frustration in the royals standing pat as well here the last week. Other teams are trying to improve. The optics of it are the royals aren't trying to improve. Keeping EVERYONE from a 74 win team and not adding anything isn't going to get you to 85+ wins next year because not every prospect is going to work out or the path isn't going to be a straight trajectory upward. Sigh.
I don't think anyone doubts that DM is still very much involved, but (and I should have written this), O'Hearn is more about Matheny to me. Still, as I wrote the other day, they likely weren't going to win in 2022 anyway. There are worse things than figuring out what will help win in 2023 and figuring out what won't. The problem with O'Hearn is that we know he won't help.
Joel, I've had some of the same feelings the past couple of weeks. One thing that gives me some optimism is that there's plenty of talent left on the free agent market, and as the spring approaches, the teams with payroll flexibility are going to find a lot of good value.
Kyle Schwarber, Michael Conforto, Nick Castellanos, Zack Greinke, Danny Duffy, Nelson Cruz and several others are among the middle tier who will sign when we have another spending spree if and when a CBA deal is reached.
I wish I could be as optimistic as you on the CBA outcome. However, the actions and tone the league has had with the union since the last contract was signed, doesn't make me think this is going to end well. The covid era aside, several rule changes without much if any approval or discussions with the players, has led to very few warm feelings between the two sides. Both sides seem resolved to a long and bitter fight. Otherwise, why all the signings before the lockout. If they believed this will be over soon, there would be no reason to get these contracts finished. Teams would have just waited for deals like they have since the last contract took effect. I don't expect a contract before spring training. My guess is the season will start in May. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't see a lot of change until it hurts both parties.
My belief that something will get done has to do with conversations I've had with people far more in the know than me. They could be wrong. I could be wrong. I think the flurry of signings was more about not wanting to have to do it with two weeks before spring training than being worried that it'll last into the season. But again, who knows?
So if you are currently booked to attend your first Royals spring training ever, no need to cancel that and reshift to another vacation?
I'm not changing my spring training plans. I also can't predict the future, so I'd say that decision is 100% up to you. The Phoenix area is a great vacation with great food with or without baseball, though.
I've been to spring training 3 times. Great fun each time. I am planning to go out this spring if things do get settled. I got family all over the area. Changing plans at last minute is no problem.