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What did you think of Dayton Moore's comments yesterday about Mondesi? I have a few thoughts but wanted to hear your take.

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I'm likely going to get into that a bit tomorrow. Still sort of processing because it's so surprising to me that he said it out loud. But generally, between those comments and the way they approached the deadline, it think Dayton knows his job isn't nearly as safe as it was and he needs to have a good 2022 to keep it.

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I've been thinking about those remarks too. Dayton is one of the best strategic communicators in baseball. Every word has a purpose, and I guarantee that all of those remarks about Mondesi were planned and intentional. He does not strike me as the kind of guy who would abandon his principles in an effort to save his own job.

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No, I don't think he'd abandon his principles, but he also has to understand that counting on 162 from Mondesi is something that could absolutely cost him his job. And, for whatever it's worth, his job and the team's success appear to be in direct correlation, which hasn't always been the case. So I think saying it when he did was maybe a way to prepare everyone involved that it's happening.

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I didn't read in anything about Dayton Moore thinking his job is in jeopardy but that is an interesting side thought. I hope what it means is Mondesi is about to become our 10th man and get at bats giving others rest at every position except Catcher and 1B. Maybe even be the starting CF unless we pick one up in FA of trade.

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Eli, this sparked another question in my head. Is the outfield easier on a player's body? Maybe if the Royals get Mondesi off the hard infield (and a position that requires a lot of twisting and contorting), maybe he could stay healthier in center field where he can run and go get it.

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That's such a good question and I honestly go back and forth so much on it, and the Dodgers saying Mookie Betts is at second because it's easier on his hip doesn't help matters. Of course, that's a hip vs. muscle issues. I guess what I'm trying to say is I wonder the same thing.

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Hey. Look at us. We're practically doctors.

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I’m sorry. Practically? That’s rude.

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I have talked to several college players that believe outfield is easier than infield on the body. But I'm sure there are differing opinions.

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what becomes of Dozer on this team, what position?

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Well right now, he's the third baseman. When Rivera is back, if he plays, Dozier can DH. But they can also do a lot of rotating with Rivera, O'Hearn (I don't see a point of him on the roster, but whatever), Dozier and Santana and even mix in some sitting of Benintendi against tougher lefties. There should be plenty of ABs for all even with Santana in there every single day.

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I really want to see Rivera get some AB's. He could become a vital part of our future.

My only problem is Dozier has been playing significantly better since settling in at 3B. He is a part of our long term future given his contract extension and 3B seems to be where we will get the best value from him. I also thought the refusal to trade controllable pieces coupled with the statements about Mondesi meant that Witt Jr was definitely going to stay at SS. That is a lot of reading between the lines but that is what I took away from the Mondesi news yesterday.

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Two questions to ask: 1. If I remember correctly, Bret Saberhagen and Mark Gubicza were rushed to the big leagues and were successful from the beginning... so what went right with developing those players that didn't go right with the current crop of college prospects? 2. Outside of Sal Perez, who do you think has the potential to be the Royals' next superstar player? Someone who can be a borderline Hall of Famer like Carlos Beltran and Johnny Damon.

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I don’t think it’s fair to say it hasn’t gotten right with the current crop. Pitching is very different today than it was almost 40 years ago. And we’ve seen Lynch and Bubic both start to figure some things out. I don’t know what was done differently but the way you develop arms in 1984 is so different than what it is in 2021 that I don’t think it would even be instructive anyway.

As for HOF talent, that’s easy. It’s BWJ. Maybe that’s a lot to put on him but if anyone can do it, his talent makes him the best bet.

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