I'm still an Isbel skeptic. I agree, he doesn't need to be the best hitter on the team. But he'll have to make up for that with value in other places (like defense) otherwise he's just a guy. Royals need contributors more than they need cost savings of a JAG at this point in time.
To me, the best part of this story is the insight into the improved hitting coaching. That's some really impressive work.
Your article reminded me of a bizarre week near the end of last spring training in which, if I remember correctly, Dayton elated us all by saying that the door was open for Bobby Witt to start on Opening Day, and then, not long after, the news showed that he would not (even though I do not remember a breathtaking slump during that short time).
Which is more important at this point - to give Mondi every chance to get and stay healthy and reach his everyday potential - or to better see what we have in Isbel? I would argue Mondi is far more important - because him at his dreamed about best would be far more valuable to the Royals that finding out if Isbel can become an average or slightly above average corner outfielder - though there is also value in finding that out, as it could help us decide if he would be good enough (even though not as good as) Benny - in which case we could trade Benny at the deadline - or at least not waste an expensive extension on him.
Why is this important? Because, to me, giving Mondi every chance means moving Whit to RF so that Isbel will get only infrequent backup outfielder play - maybe not enough to better show us what he can do. But, to me, allowing Mondi every reasonable chance to become Reliable Superstar Mondi is worth is.
Yes, a thorny issue but so important. Thankfully, the next wave of talent (absent changes to the new CBA) will not need to be paid for awhile, so there should be funds (including funds earned now and reserved) to not lose a possible superstar like Mondesi. He seems to be far different than a Bubba Starling who just could not be a good hitter. Each team gets so few chances at reliable superstars (though we can possible have more, to match the White Sox, with Witt, MJ and Pratto), I just hope that we give ourselves every chance to find out, and to keep him if he is, even if it costs more because we foolishly brought him up too early.
One thing that you pointed out was the Isbel doesn’t have to be a star. People seem to really be on either end with Isbel. Maybe not superstar end but fairly high or fairly low. An average player that is young and cost controlled is valuable. I’d rather Isbel play than re-sign Benitendi and use that money on more pitching to supplement the young pitchers. The Braves proved you can find hitters during the season this year to supplement a lineup. Much costlier to find pitchers mid-season it feels like.
Guys, I will stay on the trade Mondesi band wagon until the end. If he starts well then you look to move him. If he doesn’t then you keep him for depth. I don’t think he is resigning with the Royals. Love the potential…..but sometimes a change of scenery is best for everyone to nobody’s fault. Yes, the royals screwed up his development. No question…..but Mondesi hasn’t helped himself any either.
I'm a fan of Isbel and one reason I'd be be skeptical of giving Benny an extension. If you think Isbel can be similar or at least close to the player is you either trade Benny at deadline or let him walk.
I'm still an Isbel skeptic. I agree, he doesn't need to be the best hitter on the team. But he'll have to make up for that with value in other places (like defense) otherwise he's just a guy. Royals need contributors more than they need cost savings of a JAG at this point in time.
To me, the best part of this story is the insight into the improved hitting coaching. That's some really impressive work.
Your article reminded me of a bizarre week near the end of last spring training in which, if I remember correctly, Dayton elated us all by saying that the door was open for Bobby Witt to start on Opening Day, and then, not long after, the news showed that he would not (even though I do not remember a breathtaking slump during that short time).
Which is more important at this point - to give Mondi every chance to get and stay healthy and reach his everyday potential - or to better see what we have in Isbel? I would argue Mondi is far more important - because him at his dreamed about best would be far more valuable to the Royals that finding out if Isbel can become an average or slightly above average corner outfielder - though there is also value in finding that out, as it could help us decide if he would be good enough (even though not as good as) Benny - in which case we could trade Benny at the deadline - or at least not waste an expensive extension on him.
Why is this important? Because, to me, giving Mondi every chance means moving Whit to RF so that Isbel will get only infrequent backup outfielder play - maybe not enough to better show us what he can do. But, to me, allowing Mondi every reasonable chance to become Reliable Superstar Mondi is worth is.
Yes, a thorny issue but so important. Thankfully, the next wave of talent (absent changes to the new CBA) will not need to be paid for awhile, so there should be funds (including funds earned now and reserved) to not lose a possible superstar like Mondesi. He seems to be far different than a Bubba Starling who just could not be a good hitter. Each team gets so few chances at reliable superstars (though we can possible have more, to match the White Sox, with Witt, MJ and Pratto), I just hope that we give ourselves every chance to find out, and to keep him if he is, even if it costs more because we foolishly brought him up too early.
One thing that you pointed out was the Isbel doesn’t have to be a star. People seem to really be on either end with Isbel. Maybe not superstar end but fairly high or fairly low. An average player that is young and cost controlled is valuable. I’d rather Isbel play than re-sign Benitendi and use that money on more pitching to supplement the young pitchers. The Braves proved you can find hitters during the season this year to supplement a lineup. Much costlier to find pitchers mid-season it feels like.
Guys, I will stay on the trade Mondesi band wagon until the end. If he starts well then you look to move him. If he doesn’t then you keep him for depth. I don’t think he is resigning with the Royals. Love the potential…..but sometimes a change of scenery is best for everyone to nobody’s fault. Yes, the royals screwed up his development. No question…..but Mondesi hasn’t helped himself any either.
When I watch Kyle Isbel, I see Jason Kipnis.
I'm a fan of Isbel and one reason I'd be be skeptical of giving Benny an extension. If you think Isbel can be similar or at least close to the player is you either trade Benny at deadline or let him walk.
I really like Isbel. I believe Isbell = Beni ntendi.