A week ago I said if JBJ gets a large number of at bats for this team something has gone terribly wrong…..and here you are saying you think he is going to make the team now! Noooooo, stop this from happening. Lol
It’s a rebuild year…everyone has said that. If it’s not Isbel then try Eaton. I don’t understand this love the Royals (half this administration) has had with JBJ. Its happening…..
Thanks David, good thoughts. My favorite thing is what you mentioned; we're talking about guys beating out others for roster positions, not slotting guys in due to no alternatives. Plus, there always seems to be the player who tears it up in spring training and falls off a cliff the next month. Injuries also are always lurking (see Waters). Depth, and next guy up are important.
If BWJ at third base is really what's best for the team then that should happen at once! His defense at SS last year was far from encouraging but they need his bat in the lineup and his speed on the bases.
I like the potential of this roster. 3b likely needs an upgrade, and we really need at least 1 of the OF positions to turn out way better than expected, but if the rest just meet expectations or perhaps be slightly better than expected, this team will score some runs and be exciting to watch. Starting pitching as you've mentioned is the big concern, but if the coaching can make a significant impact, this team could surprise people. I'm not saying we're World Series bound or anything, but I don't think being above .500 is out of the realm of possibilities.
I’m definitely hoping for some “possible, if not probable” scenarios. But, hey it’s less of them than usual, so that’s progress!
The lineup is better top to bottom and if all the improved Coaching staff talk is to be believed then the pitching should be at least a bit better as it’s almost the same staff. Soooo, the over/under is 69.5. I’m taking the over.
And glad to see you’ve moved to subscriptions and getting paid Lesky. Just because the franchise has stunk for a while doesn’t mean your work did.
Pure blue-sky hypothetical here: what if Dozier has a first half of the season that's on par with what he did in 2019 (.279/.348/.522)? Does this Royals braintrust decide they've fixed him and he's a keeper, or do they see it as a chance to sell high?
Regarding JBJ and Franmil: Bradley is the argument against bringing in these non-roster invitee vets and hoping you pick up some free value. He is who he is. If you fool yourself into thinking you've got something good, you end up with a vet clogging up a roster spot and potentially even a spot in the everyday lineup. As Joel said above, they shouldn't be doing anything that is contrary to their development goals.
As for Reyes, he's looking like a great example of why it makes sense to bring in other teams' castoffs. Who knows if he keeps up this kind of production but it's exciting to think that for the price of a minor league contract they bought a legit power threat who could be a major trade chip in July.
Not sure how I feel about JBJ making this team. However we do need an infusion of one or two more veterans in the clubhouse maybe. I would rather see him make roster than Olivares. Also very interesting opinion on Porter. I did not think he was even on their big league radar yet. That's gonna be very interesting to watch. Especially given Salvys injury past. Logan might have a chance to get in some games up here.
I hated the JBJ signing when it happened. If we still had the previous regime in charge, there is no doubt he would be on the Opening day roster. But I am also hopeful that MQ represents a new set of ideas and they cut and we don't have to see him again. I agree on the rest of your projections. Looking forward to Opening Day.
I was happy to subscribe, David - and I encourage others to do the same if they have the means. What’s up with the lack of beat writers for the club? Is this a trend with other MLB clubs?
And if anyone hasn’t read Logan Porter’s backstory - it’s a great one. We were in Surprise and caught 4 games a couple weeks ago and man is he a guy that’s easy to root for… The Athletic took a deep dive into Logan’s journey about a year ago and I’ve been rooting for him since.
David I really enjoy your articles on the Royals and I'm glad to subscribe to support you. It wouldn't surprise me if they optioned Olivares and keep Bradley. I could see them using Eaton, Baty & Isbel in RF when Bradley is in CF. Probably DFA Bradley when Waters is ready. I go up to the complex frequently since I only live a mile away. Looking forward to your projection for the pitchers!
I am right there with you on Olivares, Isbel, Melendez and Eaton being OF. (for now)
When you write " I think the idea of an outfield with both Olivares and Melendez isn’t exactly the Royals dream scenario" are you referring to offense, defense or both?
I think pasquintino hits better than 255 and I think Lopez hits better than that. I don't think Witt hits 260. I also think pasquintino's war will be higher than Witt. He may not be a great defensive 1st baseman but Witt isn't all that great at short. He's quick and has a good arm but at least for a few years he's going to throw some balls in the seats. I think dozier average will be higher just because he'll be more motivated this year and I think if he's hitting above 260 with a few home run at the break they will trade him. Other than that I pretty much agree with all the others. I'm just not a big fan of Witt or pratto. Witt might become a superstar I just don't like his game. He strikes out way too much and doesn't take enough walks to suit me. Pratto will never hit and royal stadium will hurt his power. He might hit better with the shift gone but I think the pitchers will adjust and he'll end up striking out more than ever.
A week ago I said if JBJ gets a large number of at bats for this team something has gone terribly wrong…..and here you are saying you think he is going to make the team now! Noooooo, stop this from happening. Lol
It’s a rebuild year…everyone has said that. If it’s not Isbel then try Eaton. I don’t understand this love the Royals (half this administration) has had with JBJ. Its happening…..
Thanks David, good thoughts. My favorite thing is what you mentioned; we're talking about guys beating out others for roster positions, not slotting guys in due to no alternatives. Plus, there always seems to be the player who tears it up in spring training and falls off a cliff the next month. Injuries also are always lurking (see Waters). Depth, and next guy up are important.
If BWJ at third base is really what's best for the team then that should happen at once! His defense at SS last year was far from encouraging but they need his bat in the lineup and his speed on the bases.
I like the potential of this roster. 3b likely needs an upgrade, and we really need at least 1 of the OF positions to turn out way better than expected, but if the rest just meet expectations or perhaps be slightly better than expected, this team will score some runs and be exciting to watch. Starting pitching as you've mentioned is the big concern, but if the coaching can make a significant impact, this team could surprise people. I'm not saying we're World Series bound or anything, but I don't think being above .500 is out of the realm of possibilities.
I’m definitely hoping for some “possible, if not probable” scenarios. But, hey it’s less of them than usual, so that’s progress!
The lineup is better top to bottom and if all the improved Coaching staff talk is to be believed then the pitching should be at least a bit better as it’s almost the same staff. Soooo, the over/under is 69.5. I’m taking the over.
And glad to see you’ve moved to subscriptions and getting paid Lesky. Just because the franchise has stunk for a while doesn’t mean your work did.
I like your Next One Up projection because I can see the depth that the Royals have.
Pure blue-sky hypothetical here: what if Dozier has a first half of the season that's on par with what he did in 2019 (.279/.348/.522)? Does this Royals braintrust decide they've fixed him and he's a keeper, or do they see it as a chance to sell high?
Regarding JBJ and Franmil: Bradley is the argument against bringing in these non-roster invitee vets and hoping you pick up some free value. He is who he is. If you fool yourself into thinking you've got something good, you end up with a vet clogging up a roster spot and potentially even a spot in the everyday lineup. As Joel said above, they shouldn't be doing anything that is contrary to their development goals.
As for Reyes, he's looking like a great example of why it makes sense to bring in other teams' castoffs. Who knows if he keeps up this kind of production but it's exciting to think that for the price of a minor league contract they bought a legit power threat who could be a major trade chip in July.
Not sure how I feel about JBJ making this team. However we do need an infusion of one or two more veterans in the clubhouse maybe. I would rather see him make roster than Olivares. Also very interesting opinion on Porter. I did not think he was even on their big league radar yet. That's gonna be very interesting to watch. Especially given Salvys injury past. Logan might have a chance to get in some games up here.
I hated the JBJ signing when it happened. If we still had the previous regime in charge, there is no doubt he would be on the Opening day roster. But I am also hopeful that MQ represents a new set of ideas and they cut and we don't have to see him again. I agree on the rest of your projections. Looking forward to Opening Day.
I was happy to subscribe, David - and I encourage others to do the same if they have the means. What’s up with the lack of beat writers for the club? Is this a trend with other MLB clubs?
And if anyone hasn’t read Logan Porter’s backstory - it’s a great one. We were in Surprise and caught 4 games a couple weeks ago and man is he a guy that’s easy to root for… The Athletic took a deep dive into Logan’s journey about a year ago and I’ve been rooting for him since.
https://theathletic.com/3220383/2022/03/31/royals-logan-porter-traveled-baseballs-backroads-then-reached-his-dream-across-the-street-from-high-school/?source=user_shared_article
I like it.
David I really enjoy your articles on the Royals and I'm glad to subscribe to support you. It wouldn't surprise me if they optioned Olivares and keep Bradley. I could see them using Eaton, Baty & Isbel in RF when Bradley is in CF. Probably DFA Bradley when Waters is ready. I go up to the complex frequently since I only live a mile away. Looking forward to your projection for the pitchers!
I am right there with you on Olivares, Isbel, Melendez and Eaton being OF. (for now)
When you write " I think the idea of an outfield with both Olivares and Melendez isn’t exactly the Royals dream scenario" are you referring to offense, defense or both?
Would love to see the previous methodology when doing your calculations (see if there’s a significant difference)
I think pasquintino hits better than 255 and I think Lopez hits better than that. I don't think Witt hits 260. I also think pasquintino's war will be higher than Witt. He may not be a great defensive 1st baseman but Witt isn't all that great at short. He's quick and has a good arm but at least for a few years he's going to throw some balls in the seats. I think dozier average will be higher just because he'll be more motivated this year and I think if he's hitting above 260 with a few home run at the break they will trade him. Other than that I pretty much agree with all the others. I'm just not a big fan of Witt or pratto. Witt might become a superstar I just don't like his game. He strikes out way too much and doesn't take enough walks to suit me. Pratto will never hit and royal stadium will hurt his power. He might hit better with the shift gone but I think the pitchers will adjust and he'll end up striking out more than ever.
They just optioned Fermin to Omaha. Interesting.