I am doing my best to like the enthusiasm and well thought out detail of this article, but am having trouble overcoming my case of "hold on to them itis." I am so (and probably overly) enamored with our current crop of top prospects, that it makes me nauseous to think of moving any of them. My preference is to make room for all of our top guys, position players (including Mondesi and MJ) and pitchers, and take the time we need to let them settle in. Then, if it looks like a top pitcher or position player would put us over the top, then hopefully get them as a free agent (it is only money, and not even mine :)) or, if we have to, endure the pain of giving up a top prospect, but from a position where we have done more to prove that we really do not need them. I know we talk about positions of need and positions of excess - but I still prefer (and it will be interesting to see where JJ comes out) that we take the time to check out all of our shiny new toys before we think of trading any of them away. So, based on my admittedly conservative approach to this, I will probably more enjoy your "musical chairs" article about how we think each top prospect will best fit into our next championship core. For example, who will provide better infield defense - Witt/Nicky/Mondi, or Witt/Nicky/Whit?
What about Cody Bellenger? He’s has 2 arb years left if I’m reading correct. If he has a poor postseason, I could see them moving on and he could be a resurrection corner outfield bat for us.
Just a question David, that has nothing to do wit today's post, well maybe a little. Are the winter meetings going to be in person or virtual again this year?
Personally, I really want to see the benefactors of the new minor league hitting approach at the major league level before dealing any of them. If it is like before, up and down a few times before figuring things out or if they will actually hit the ground running. Just thinking out loud, who was the last hot prospect to come up and hit the ground running for the Royals? Salvador Perez? And that's if you called him a hot prospect.
The Royals put some good lineups on the field between 1973-1980 because of great trades. Star players like Hal McRae, John Mayberry and Amos Otis all came in deals. They even did a fair job of developing starting pitchers. But that was a long time ago, before free agency, and less top talent slips through the cracks. Since I don't see the Royals contending until 2024 at the earliest, I see their biggest needs as a frontline starter to anchor the rotation and a hitter that opponents actually fear. I'm also hoping that by 2024, the Royals will have a lineup better at drawing walks, getting on base, more selective and able to hit in the clutch.
What do you think the better/smarter option would be for the royals: Being aggressive and getting one or more of the players you listed OR playing the long game and seeing how the big 3 hitting prospects produce, if Lopez was legit or Mondesi can figure it out, and just to see how all the pitching prospects shake out?
I am doing my best to like the enthusiasm and well thought out detail of this article, but am having trouble overcoming my case of "hold on to them itis." I am so (and probably overly) enamored with our current crop of top prospects, that it makes me nauseous to think of moving any of them. My preference is to make room for all of our top guys, position players (including Mondesi and MJ) and pitchers, and take the time we need to let them settle in. Then, if it looks like a top pitcher or position player would put us over the top, then hopefully get them as a free agent (it is only money, and not even mine :)) or, if we have to, endure the pain of giving up a top prospect, but from a position where we have done more to prove that we really do not need them. I know we talk about positions of need and positions of excess - but I still prefer (and it will be interesting to see where JJ comes out) that we take the time to check out all of our shiny new toys before we think of trading any of them away. So, based on my admittedly conservative approach to this, I will probably more enjoy your "musical chairs" article about how we think each top prospect will best fit into our next championship core. For example, who will provide better infield defense - Witt/Nicky/Mondi, or Witt/Nicky/Whit?
What about Cody Bellenger? He’s has 2 arb years left if I’m reading correct. If he has a poor postseason, I could see them moving on and he could be a resurrection corner outfield bat for us.
Just a question David, that has nothing to do wit today's post, well maybe a little. Are the winter meetings going to be in person or virtual again this year?
Personally, I really want to see the benefactors of the new minor league hitting approach at the major league level before dealing any of them. If it is like before, up and down a few times before figuring things out or if they will actually hit the ground running. Just thinking out loud, who was the last hot prospect to come up and hit the ground running for the Royals? Salvador Perez? And that's if you called him a hot prospect.
I'm going to once again advocate for my (non-arbitration) target: Cristian Pache.
I want him.
The Royals put some good lineups on the field between 1973-1980 because of great trades. Star players like Hal McRae, John Mayberry and Amos Otis all came in deals. They even did a fair job of developing starting pitchers. But that was a long time ago, before free agency, and less top talent slips through the cracks. Since I don't see the Royals contending until 2024 at the earliest, I see their biggest needs as a frontline starter to anchor the rotation and a hitter that opponents actually fear. I'm also hoping that by 2024, the Royals will have a lineup better at drawing walks, getting on base, more selective and able to hit in the clutch.
What do you think the better/smarter option would be for the royals: Being aggressive and getting one or more of the players you listed OR playing the long game and seeing how the big 3 hitting prospects produce, if Lopez was legit or Mondesi can figure it out, and just to see how all the pitching prospects shake out?
I think a combination of Jon Heasley & Ben Hernandez would get us Montas. He would be a great #1 in Kauffman.