I sadly agree that Dozier and Santana and O'Hearn (at least for now) are hitting well enough to probably keep MJ off the Opening Day Lineup as DH. And I guess I am okay with that because I am okay if we do not quite make the playoffs this year, even if the reason why is because we favored should be bench vets like Dozier and O'Hearn over an obvious piece of our championship core, MJ, who realistically, would probably be better than their production from Opening Day, not to mention him getting started in the major leagues to hasten the day when he has gone through his adjustment period. MJ had a better year than Bobby last year, and deserves, just as much as him, to not be held back by around average other players. But I think that Dayton's pride as not being able to admit that, and that Dozier was not worthy of his contract (or maybe he is, but as a bench player behind MJ), is causing this. Now with Pratto, it looks like it was also a mistake, but only in retrospect, to give Santana a 2 year deal, but okay because no one could have predicted that MJ and Pratto would have the break out they did last year (which gives you cover, Dayton, to go ahead and get them up here). And, compared to Bobby and MJ, Pratto may also legitimately need a little more minors time to show he can strike out less.
With Zerpa, that first outing seemed like Bubic's, that these guys really can be consistent and successful in a major league rotation. Which means that we are not stuck trotting out a Singer or Keller if they cannot be. That we can do some attitude adjusting moves to the bullpen or AAA if someone is not getting the job done. When you have 9 pitchers for 5 or 6 starting spots, use that to create performance based competition. Reward those who respond to coaching to do what they are supposed to and have success. And punish those who do not.
This list just reminds me of how different our farm system is these days. Up and down that system real prospects are emerging. Hard decisions are going to be made. Today we fall in love with player XYZ and tomorrow it could be the next one in line.
This list is of the most likely to influence this year, to be followed by a similar list for at least another year or two. You've made some pretty good predictions, but somehow I believe even the best of us is not going to be able to pick all the players that will be on this team in 3 - 5 years. The competition will be tough, however like the 2012 to 2015 era, I am so looking forward to those battles. To me, it's more fun watching a team figure things out to success than to know you have a championship team. I hope this is the start of something great. Got my popcorn and soda ready!
The Royals have enough that they should either be looking to move Andrew Benintendi, a pending free agent or look at put Taylor on the bench as a fantastic defensive fourth outfielder.
Maybe I'm off on the value of players, but I can't believe we can't package Gallagher (solid back up back stops are always in demand), AB and one of the arms (Kowar, Hernandez, Singer, whoever) and get a front line starter or All-Star outfielder.
We finally have some players who can play and their stuck in the mud. Get the kids on the field.
The problem with the way baseball is today is that it's very hard to make a big league for big league deal involving only one side giving up real pitching, at least before the season. You're typically looking at minor league for big league trades because teams that have pitching don't want to give it up only to need it because they traded it. In theory, sure, that should be a deal that could be made, but it's hard to find a team that would both want/need someone like Benintendi *and* would trade pitching or an outfielder. Not impossible, just tough.
I think we need to be patient a little longer. One front line starter or all-star outfielder is not going to turn a 74 win team into a playoff team. And in any case, I don't think Beni will draw much interest from average to good teams. He is adequate, but not a real difference maker either at the plate or in the field. Best to see how the spring and first half of the season shake out, see how the young pitchers and outfielders develop and if Mondesi can stay healthy, and make a move at the all star break if the Royals are in contention. That might also be a good time to flip Beni if he is playing well. But I do have one trade wish: please, please trade Carlos Santana. He is yesterday's news, and is occupying a spot in the order where a young player could develop.
Good thoughts John. While it is true that that wouldn't turn a 74 win team into a contender, my belief is that we aren't a 74 win team now - probably closer to 80 so does an AS outfielder or front line pitcher take us from there to Wild Card contention? Who knows is the answer - we may still be 74 win team after all.
Your wait and see approach is a good as the next. But, patience is a virtue that this Scot doesn't seem to have lol. And with Spring being where hope and optimism bloom and with the Kings of the Cactus league Kings in first place I want my Royals to contend and to do it now!
As for Carlos - I don't think we could move him for a bowl of cold grits right now. But I am hoping he starts off hot and is part of that "we're in contention near the break" package or packages!
Looks like you are correct on Carlos. It is a sad situation. The Royals will be playing him basically because they are paying him a lot of money. To me, it is totally clear that it would be better for Melendez to play first 90-100 games a year and catch 60-70. That way when Salvy DH's, Dozier could move from DH to first, and we'd still have 3 good bats in the lineup. As it is, Gallagher will play those games, which is a major offensive drop-off. But obviously the Royals do not see it that way. On your comment regarding whether the Royals are a 80 win team this year, I would agree with you--except I think the Tigers and Twins are both considerably better than last year and we play them a lot, so I think the Royals could well be 10% better than last year and yet wind up with the same record because the competition is tougher.
David, I’ve followed you for a long time on Twitter. I really enjoy your Royals insight and look forward to following Inside the Crown this summer. Thank you for the great content.
I sadly agree that Dozier and Santana and O'Hearn (at least for now) are hitting well enough to probably keep MJ off the Opening Day Lineup as DH. And I guess I am okay with that because I am okay if we do not quite make the playoffs this year, even if the reason why is because we favored should be bench vets like Dozier and O'Hearn over an obvious piece of our championship core, MJ, who realistically, would probably be better than their production from Opening Day, not to mention him getting started in the major leagues to hasten the day when he has gone through his adjustment period. MJ had a better year than Bobby last year, and deserves, just as much as him, to not be held back by around average other players. But I think that Dayton's pride as not being able to admit that, and that Dozier was not worthy of his contract (or maybe he is, but as a bench player behind MJ), is causing this. Now with Pratto, it looks like it was also a mistake, but only in retrospect, to give Santana a 2 year deal, but okay because no one could have predicted that MJ and Pratto would have the break out they did last year (which gives you cover, Dayton, to go ahead and get them up here). And, compared to Bobby and MJ, Pratto may also legitimately need a little more minors time to show he can strike out less.
With Zerpa, that first outing seemed like Bubic's, that these guys really can be consistent and successful in a major league rotation. Which means that we are not stuck trotting out a Singer or Keller if they cannot be. That we can do some attitude adjusting moves to the bullpen or AAA if someone is not getting the job done. When you have 9 pitchers for 5 or 6 starting spots, use that to create performance based competition. Reward those who respond to coaching to do what they are supposed to and have success. And punish those who do not.
This list just reminds me of how different our farm system is these days. Up and down that system real prospects are emerging. Hard decisions are going to be made. Today we fall in love with player XYZ and tomorrow it could be the next one in line.
This list is of the most likely to influence this year, to be followed by a similar list for at least another year or two. You've made some pretty good predictions, but somehow I believe even the best of us is not going to be able to pick all the players that will be on this team in 3 - 5 years. The competition will be tough, however like the 2012 to 2015 era, I am so looking forward to those battles. To me, it's more fun watching a team figure things out to success than to know you have a championship team. I hope this is the start of something great. Got my popcorn and soda ready!
100%
The Royals have enough that they should either be looking to move Andrew Benintendi, a pending free agent or look at put Taylor on the bench as a fantastic defensive fourth outfielder.
Players, players, players and so few spots.
Maybe I'm off on the value of players, but I can't believe we can't package Gallagher (solid back up back stops are always in demand), AB and one of the arms (Kowar, Hernandez, Singer, whoever) and get a front line starter or All-Star outfielder.
We finally have some players who can play and their stuck in the mud. Get the kids on the field.
The problem with the way baseball is today is that it's very hard to make a big league for big league deal involving only one side giving up real pitching, at least before the season. You're typically looking at minor league for big league trades because teams that have pitching don't want to give it up only to need it because they traded it. In theory, sure, that should be a deal that could be made, but it's hard to find a team that would both want/need someone like Benintendi *and* would trade pitching or an outfielder. Not impossible, just tough.
I think we need to be patient a little longer. One front line starter or all-star outfielder is not going to turn a 74 win team into a playoff team. And in any case, I don't think Beni will draw much interest from average to good teams. He is adequate, but not a real difference maker either at the plate or in the field. Best to see how the spring and first half of the season shake out, see how the young pitchers and outfielders develop and if Mondesi can stay healthy, and make a move at the all star break if the Royals are in contention. That might also be a good time to flip Beni if he is playing well. But I do have one trade wish: please, please trade Carlos Santana. He is yesterday's news, and is occupying a spot in the order where a young player could develop.
Good thoughts John. While it is true that that wouldn't turn a 74 win team into a contender, my belief is that we aren't a 74 win team now - probably closer to 80 so does an AS outfielder or front line pitcher take us from there to Wild Card contention? Who knows is the answer - we may still be 74 win team after all.
Your wait and see approach is a good as the next. But, patience is a virtue that this Scot doesn't seem to have lol. And with Spring being where hope and optimism bloom and with the Kings of the Cactus league Kings in first place I want my Royals to contend and to do it now!
As for Carlos - I don't think we could move him for a bowl of cold grits right now. But I am hoping he starts off hot and is part of that "we're in contention near the break" package or packages!
Looks like you are correct on Carlos. It is a sad situation. The Royals will be playing him basically because they are paying him a lot of money. To me, it is totally clear that it would be better for Melendez to play first 90-100 games a year and catch 60-70. That way when Salvy DH's, Dozier could move from DH to first, and we'd still have 3 good bats in the lineup. As it is, Gallagher will play those games, which is a major offensive drop-off. But obviously the Royals do not see it that way. On your comment regarding whether the Royals are a 80 win team this year, I would agree with you--except I think the Tigers and Twins are both considerably better than last year and we play them a lot, so I think the Royals could well be 10% better than last year and yet wind up with the same record because the competition is tougher.
David, I’ve followed you for a long time on Twitter. I really enjoy your Royals insight and look forward to following Inside the Crown this summer. Thank you for the great content.
Thanks for subscribing, Chris! Looking forward to providing that content for you!
What's up with Dylan Coleman? He hasn't appeared in a spring training game as of yet.
Great question and I don’t know the answer. I’ve asked around a little, but I’m not sure.
Why didn't you ask earlier? He's in there now.