Frankly, I'd be astonished if they didn't start with the Whit at 2, Alberto 3 and Dozier OF. Why is Lopez starting the default for everyone?
The whole reason we got Bien was because he was "proven" and Alberto's stats vs. Righties is still as good as Lopez. Why not start out with our strongest cards on the table?
I think it’s because the Royals have been very clear that Lopez is their guy. That could absolutely change moving forward but right now, as of this projection, he’s pretty clearly starting at second.
That makes sense and appreciate the insight. I would hope that MM would at least switch it up vs. lefties. A plus 100 difference vs. lefties at the plate would certainly trump any difference in fielding b/t Lopez and Whit and the other corresponding moves.
Thanks again Lesky - I really appreciate your writing style and dedication.
As a team we've only hit over 160 HRs a whopping 4 times lol. However, we've hit over 50 triples 10 times, including a whopping 79 in 79'.
This lineup has some punch as well as scoot. The way this line up is constructed I think we could see 160 HRs and 50 triples which we've never done. Even if we hit the 150/50 mark which we've only done once (99'), I think we can make a run.
That year we averaged 5.32 runs/game (second highest ever). IF we'd had any pitching (Rosado was the only SP with a sub 4 era, the rest were pushing 5) and our closers had a combined era around 6 (Monty was our closer and had a whopping 6.84 era), we would've finished a lot better than 97 losses - how is that even possible?
I would assume the outfield is largely set, no true platoon. As for NL parks, Soler, if healthy, will probably play RF, but it’s also only 10 games to worry about.
I think the smart move is to start Doz in RF, Whit at 2nd and sign Franco again to play 3rd. Mondi is already hurt and Lopez will have to play SS. Too many 200 hitters in the lineup will be a problem with Lopez, Taylor, and at prob one more 200 hitter in some position ?
Good stuff Lesky -
Frankly, I'd be astonished if they didn't start with the Whit at 2, Alberto 3 and Dozier OF. Why is Lopez starting the default for everyone?
The whole reason we got Bien was because he was "proven" and Alberto's stats vs. Righties is still as good as Lopez. Why not start out with our strongest cards on the table?
I think it’s because the Royals have been very clear that Lopez is their guy. That could absolutely change moving forward but right now, as of this projection, he’s pretty clearly starting at second.
I think Matheny values his defense over his bat. And with a plethora of young pitching, this might be a valid stance to take.
That makes sense and appreciate the insight. I would hope that MM would at least switch it up vs. lefties. A plus 100 difference vs. lefties at the plate would certainly trump any difference in fielding b/t Lopez and Whit and the other corresponding moves.
Thanks again Lesky - I really appreciate your writing style and dedication.
I think we will see at least some sort of platoon with those two. You don't sign Alberto and then leave him on the bench against lefties.
8 of these players projected to hit double digit home runs. I like it.
Good point!
As a team we've only hit over 160 HRs a whopping 4 times lol. However, we've hit over 50 triples 10 times, including a whopping 79 in 79'.
This lineup has some punch as well as scoot. The way this line up is constructed I think we could see 160 HRs and 50 triples which we've never done. Even if we hit the 150/50 mark which we've only done once (99'), I think we can make a run.
That year we averaged 5.32 runs/game (second highest ever). IF we'd had any pitching (Rosado was the only SP with a sub 4 era, the rest were pushing 5) and our closers had a combined era around 6 (Monty was our closer and had a whopping 6.84 era), we would've finished a lot better than 97 losses - how is that even possible?
Is the outfield a platoon situation? In NL parks does Soler play RF?
I would assume the outfield is largely set, no true platoon. As for NL parks, Soler, if healthy, will probably play RF, but it’s also only 10 games to worry about.
I think the smart move is to start Doz in RF, Whit at 2nd and sign Franco again to play 3rd. Mondi is already hurt and Lopez will have to play SS. Too many 200 hitters in the lineup will be a problem with Lopez, Taylor, and at prob one more 200 hitter in some position ?