17 Comments

So this isn’t going to go over well. But just hang on to Lyles if the answer is picking up Greinke to replace him. First off, I don’t see anyone taking on Lyles even for the innings…..but secondly, it’s time to move on from Greinke. Lyles utilized better…..will be just as good as Greinke.

Whew, that’s a tough take from a royals fan….but I think if they just used Lyles better he’s the better pitcher.

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The thing that got to me about Lyles was he was really good for about 4 innings to start the game and then he would lay some real gopher balls over the middle of the plate! These balls would up way out of the park! He would go from good to bad in an instant which leads me to believe it was more mental than physical! Have a guy that starts the game for 2-3 innings and then bring in Lyles. I love Zach and believe he can still pitch at the big league level!!!

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That's not really accurate. His worst inning was the sixth, but he had a 6.39 ERA in the first, 4.65 in the second, 7.42 in the third and 7.76 in the fourth. He wasn't good for any stretches. That's not to say he can't be better and bounce back to what he was in 2022, but there was no multi-inning stretch on the whole where he was even average, let alone really good.

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I will blame my 70-year old memory but surely the Royals can find a 5th starter better than Lyles! They ate a lot of money to get rid of Hunter Dozier and they can get rid of Lyles as well which sends a message to the team, produce or you will not be in KC for long!!!

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And if he struggles to start the year, they probably will move on, which is why their depth is so important.

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I like Vinnie’s message to the team that they can win the division! I think he is right if everything breaks well. If the Royals have a good spring, then find someone for Lyles because you don’t want to give away any games even in April!

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I think that's a fair take whether anyone disagrees or not. Neither was especially good, but I think Greinke showed more in his newer role last year than Lyles showed in any role. I just think it's possible they make that move if someone takes on some of the contract.

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Yep, and everyone loves Greinke, I love Greinke. But if you can get someone to take on 2 mil of Lyles contract to pay Greinke 5 million. I just don’t know that you gain anything other than sentimental goodwill maybe. But I’m just ready for them to win games. Maybe you could say they would be a little better in the margins with Greinke….but IDK if they used Lyles better it would help. The best answer is Lynch stepping up and taking that spot and not spending any extra money, but Lyles in long relief.

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And if Greinke would sign for 3 mil this year. Just sign him then and don’t move anyone. Come on, you gave Hamspon that.

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Well I think if you come out even on salary that Greinke is a better pitcher and you can utilize someone like Zerpa or even Sauer to piggyback with him, which might even be a better developmental tool than just having those guys in the bullpen. But yeah, one of the younger guys, whoever it may be, as the fifth is better than either option.

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That breakdown gives me some hope, barring catastrophic injury numbers, that at the very least, this year will start better than last.

Whatever happened to Brad Keller? I realize he was mostly injured/terrible last year, but I missed what the outcome of his season was. I assume from the lack of mention in your breakdown that he’s a non-factor.

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He became a free agent after the season because he hit six years of service time. But he had thoracic outlet syndrome and that's pretty tough to come back from. Not impossible, but lots of guys have been done because of it.

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I think Marsh can be a great reliever. Maybe a realistic comparison is Luke Hochevar during our good years. Now that we have modest rotational depth, I think its time to switch him over and be more strategic with our arms. Now we can afford to have him switch over and start the season in AAA.

Great article as always.

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I think he could be a solid piece there, but I wonder if they're looking at him as more of a multi-inning arm and want to keep him stretched out as rotation depth.

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Good job, David. I agree that the pitching staff has a good chance to succeed, but like you say, injuries could ruin some of the magic.

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Do you think the Royals are one of the teams that has an offer out to Liam Hendriks? Probably doesn’t affect this season as much except for an Aug/Sept return.

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I honestly don’t know. It would make some sense.

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