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Royals Confidence Index

Some other fan sites/blogs have some version of index or poll which measures and tracks fan confidence, excitement, happiness, etc.  So I thought I'd give it a try.  Of course this isn't a real measure of anything, except for how fans on this site feel about this team.  So, give me your answers and after I get a bunch, I'll crunch the numbers and report back on the averages, including some kind of wild-ass mega-number which will purport to be the Royals Confidence Index (c).  I'll do this fairly regularly and track and report the changes.

Here's the deal.  For each of these questions, give me a number from 1-10.  1 means you feel very bad/unhappy/negative about the item in question right now.  10 means you feel extremely good/happy/positive about it.  (If you want to use decimals like 6.5, feel free).  These are
intended to be snapshots of how you feel about these things right now.

  1. How do you feel about the 2008 Royals team overall?
  2. How do you feel about the 2008 Royals pitching?
  3. How do you feel about the 2008 Royals hitting?
  4. How do you feel about the 2008 Royals defense?
  5. How do you feel about Dayton Moore?
  6. How do you feel about Trey Hillman?
  7. How do you feel about the Royals minor league system?
  8. How do you feel about the Royals future?
If anyone has any suggestions about adding or subtracting questions or changing wording, please share.

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I'm in optimistic spring-training mode
# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals team overall?
7.5

# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals pitching?
8

# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals hitting?
5

# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals defense?
8

# How do you feel about Dayton Moore?
8.5

# How do you feel about Trey Hillman?
9

# How do you feel about the Royals minor league system?
7

# How do you feel about the Royals future?
8

by raefzilla on Feb 24, 2008 6:39 PM EST reply actions  

I guess I should post mine too
  1. 8 (not because they are going to be great, but because they should improve and are going in the right direction)
  2. 8
  3. 6.5
  4. 8.5
  5. 8
  6. 5.5
  7. 6
  8. 8.5
I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Feb 24, 2008 6:45 PM EST reply actions  

#6
Does that reflect a moderate amount of confidence in Hillman or a moderate amount of relevance that you attribute to the manager?

by Billex Gordler on Feb 24, 2008 6:50 PM EST up reply actions  

Hillman
It was tough for me to come up a number for Hillman.  I'm all over the place on him.  Of course, he's still largely an unknown.  The number I gave was based on my concerns about him.  I'm concerned he'll use too much small-ball.  I'm worried that there will be too many sac bunts, hit-and-runs and stolen base attempts.  But I really don't know how likely these things are.  Mostly, he's an unknown.  And one could argue that a complete unknown should get a "5".  Once he starts actually managing regular season games, we'll know a lot more about him and the number I give him could change greatly.

With regard to the relative importance of managing, I'm going to account for that when I put together the mega-index.  The pitching and hitting numbers will be weighted much more highly than the fielding and manager numbers.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Feb 24, 2008 6:58 PM EST up reply actions  

I hear you...
The more I hear from Hillman, the more I like him.  He seems to have a better grasp on what it takes to win baseball games, tactically and strategically, than any Royals manager since, I don't know, Howser?  Herzog?  He's got them working on bunting and situational hitting, not because he's going to be doing a lot of it, but because when he does choose to do it, it will be in close and late situations, when it's both most advantageous and most critical.     He goes out of his way to talk about OBP as the most important offensive statistic.  This guy gets it.  

by Billex Gordler on Feb 27, 2008 10:40 AM EST up reply actions  

Feeling pessimistic...
  1. 5
  2. 8
  3. 4
  4. 8
  5. 7
  6. 9
  7. 4
  8. 6
Basically, I'm using statistical projections to set my expectations.  The offense looks bad.

by Billex Gordler on Feb 24, 2008 6:53 PM EST reply actions  

the long version...
1.  I feel great about the Royals because everyone on here knows I root for my homies, not just the guys that perform well ...this years is exceptionally wonderful...I've got Gload, Tomko (always been a favorite of mine), Gathright, Guillen (hate the signing, but I always liked him pre HGH, so I guess I have to mention this, but viva la Fukudome also!), Maroth (always liked), Nomo (always liked), Gordon, Butler, Teahen, and the nicest guy in the world Bannister, plus everyone else...its like GMDM is putting together a team of my favorite players...minus the possible outcome of the season, WHAT IS NOT TO LIKE ABOUT THIS TEAM?  

A+ for character alone

2.  Meche, Greinke, Bannister will be great...if Tomko gets 15 wins I'm gonna LMBO (laugh my bologna off)...Hochevar could be something...I feel very good, but the track record makes me feel shaky...

A for GMDM
B- for overall performance

3.  this is very questionable...

the positives:
Gordon could be George Brett or he could be Dean Palmer or he could be Robin Ventura...I'm hoping Robin Ventura with 30 HRs and 20 SBs...

Butler should be a solid .300 hitter

Guillen provides a tiny bit of pop

DeJesus SHOULD be solid

Olivo provides solid output with Buck from the catcher spot

Grudz solid and if not there is solid offensive replacement

Teahen is the big key to the puzzle...if performs at a mix between the ARod-Teahen and the next-to-last-offensive RF-Teahen that will be a plus

VERY solid bench

only weakness is TPJ and the fact that the Royals are extremely weak offensively in the AL, but would be extremely powerful offensively in the NL

confidence level:  B

4.  lets cover all the bases again:

LF Teahen:  a mix between shaky and great
CF DeJesus:  slightly below solid
RF Guillen:  very solid (based on others' opinion)
3B Gordon:  best 3B I've ever seen, just got a few kinks that are prolly gone by now
SS TPJ:  by my opinion...very good with not very good range
2B Grudz:  very, very good with range becoming smaller each year
1B  Butler/Gload:  Gload is above average and Butler well below average to the normal eye, but I see Butler being very good at 1B and by that I mean just average (if he could be a minor league OF he can be a MLB 1B for sure YO!)
C  Buck/Olivo:  still not sold on Buck because he doesn't seem able to call a great game, but I like Olivo here for sure

overall:  C...Gordon and Guillen will turn heads, range up the middle will hurt and we end up league average

5.  couldn't be more high on GMDM...sure he's made some questionable moves...but what else is a GM supposed to do in a small market atmosphere...the Bannister trade has to trump all other trades...he hasn't been on the Bannister side of a trade yet, and with Meche getting crazy he is a proven he can do it with a small market team...we will see what Guillen does, but for now:

A-

6.  dude is a proven winner...he's motivated in a wierd evangilistic way...he knows how to rally those that aren't of his background, so it would seem to me he could win more games than a normal manager would...with that said I think Frank White was the man this time around...dude knows how to win and K.C. and witnessed how Dick Howser did it...Frank was the man and got screwed, so...

A if Frank wasn't up for the job
C+ because Frank was up for the job

7.  getting stronger by the day...no nothing about AA and A, but that AAA possible rotation this year speaks volumes, and we are signing very talented guys and ignoring Boras:

B+

8.  A++++++++...I'm just happy to have a team the rest is a bonus

It's all relative...and relative to us being a "small market team," the grades have a little extra hop to 'em

Don't be lonesome for your heroes. Be your own hero.

by PhattStairs on Feb 24, 2008 7:16 PM EST reply actions  

Thanks for your answers
But can you also give me a 1-10 number for each of the eight questions so that I can plug your responses in with everyone else's when I generate the overall averages?
I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Feb 24, 2008 7:18 PM EST up reply actions  

ok...
  1. 10
  2. 8
  3. 5
  4. 6
  5. 10
  6. 8
  7. 8
  8. 10
Don't be lonesome for your heroes. Be your own hero.

by PhattStairs on Feb 24, 2008 7:31 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah...
1)5
2)6.5
3)1.5
4)7.5
5)6.5
6)3
7)6
8)5
Blown Save

by BlownSave on Feb 24, 2008 7:19 PM EST reply actions  

Yikes!
I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Feb 24, 2008 7:21 PM EST up reply actions  

go Blown Save, go Blown Save
I wanna know what love is, I want you to show me

by LeoBloom on Feb 24, 2008 8:11 PM EST up reply actions  

mine
   1. 7
   2. 7
   3. 6.5
   4. 7.5
   5. 7.5
   6. 3.5
   7. 6
   8. 8
I wanna know what love is, I want you to show me

by LeoBloom on Feb 24, 2008 8:11 PM EST reply actions  

Spring optimism..
1. How do you feel about the 2008 Royals team overall?
9

2. How do you feel about the 2008 Royals pitching?
8

3. How do you feel about the 2008 Royals hitting?
7

4. How do you feel about the 2008 Royals defense?
7

5. How do you feel about Dayton Moore?
8

6. How do you feel about Trey Hillman?
7

7. How do you feel about the Royals minor league system?
6

8. How do you feel about the Royals future?
9

by stuckinstl12 on Feb 24, 2008 8:42 PM EST reply actions  

A subjectivly objective view
  1. 9.5 (We're undefeated so far, aren't we?)
  2. 7.5
  3. 6
  4. 7
  5. 9.5
  6. 9
  7. 6
  8. 7

by BobHamelin on Feb 24, 2008 8:50 PM EST reply actions  

I'll take a shot
 How do you feel about the 2008 Royals team overall? 5 -

Lineup is still shaky but has more potential with Gordon, Butler and I hope an improved Teahen.  I like Callaspo trade alot!

How do you feel about the 2008 Royals pitching? 6

Much improved over the last few years.  Better quality in the top 3 rotation spots.  Bullpen is deeper with good LHers in Mahay, Gobble and Bale.  Soria as a closer is a keeper - best closer since Monty. Could be the sleeper of AL

How do you feel about the 2008 Royals hitting? 4

KC will struggle to score runs but could gel if two of these four have big years - Guillen, Gordon, Butler, Shealy or Teahen.  Very little speed and lack of execution hurt KC in past.  Offense strikes out too much for so little power.  

How do you feel about the 2008 Royals defense? 5

Gordon, TPJ and Grudz are terrific - 1B with Gload or Shealy - OK.  Butler will need lots of patience.  OF is average.  Buck is average at best.

How do you feel about Dayton Moore? 8

More winners than losers in player acquisition - Bannister was a gem.  Good value with Gload.  I believe Olivo and Callaspo should be improvements over 2007.  Meche is an ace.  If Guillen will put up his average numbers, he will be best hitter in lineup.  Remember last year's RBI leader was below 70.  KC is headed in right direction at major and minor league level.

How do you feel about Trey Hillman? 7
First glance - I like him, good energy and enthusiasm.  Winner in Japan.  We'll see how he does on the field and with pitching staff.

How do you feel about the Royals minor league system? 3

Only 2 top 50 prospects in BA with Moustakas and Hochevar.  Cortes could be a front end of rotation guy soon.  Pitching depth is much improved.  AA rotation should be loaded and Omaha's staff could be better the KC staff of 2005 or 2006.  Don't think there is much in the way major league potential as far as regulars except Moustakas and others who are at least 3 years away.

How do you feel about the Royals future? 7

KC is on the right track and I am optimistic for the future.  The investment in draft picks and development is getting beyond lip service.  KC's lack of depth can be traced to lack of ownership commitment and poor drafts 2001-2004.  

by daveyork on Feb 24, 2008 8:53 PM EST reply actions  

Here are mine.
How do you feel about the 2008 Royals team overall?

7.5.  I'm cautiously optimistic overall, and think we have a decent chance at improving on our 74-88 pythag. from last year.  I believe we have depth in some respects and definitely have upside; but players like Pena and (to a lesser extent) Olivo take away from that a bit.  Minor question marks include Nick Swartz and hitting coach Mike Barnett.  I wish we would have committed at least $5MM more in payroll, and landed a high-profile Free Agent instead of players like Tomko, Olivo, and the flurry of fringe Major Leaguers.

How do you feel about the 2008 Royals pitching?

8.  Despite my discontent with the Tomko signing, I'm not really concerned.  We have enough candidates for the 4/5 slots that struggles in those spots become less of a concern.  The bullpen matches up very well with virtually every bullpen in baseball.  I generally trust Peralta, Gobble, Mahay, et al. to hold the lead.  A lot of depth there.  Starting pitching talent has improved considerably since last year.  Compare starting fives.  We need someone unexpected (Davies?) to emerge in a Minor way in order for us to finish 6th or 5th in American League ERA.

How do you feel about the 2008 Royals hitting?

5.  The most questionable aspect of the team, in my opinion.  I have not been impressed with Dayton Moore's easy access to improvement this offseason (what with our $20+MM to spend).  Olivo is an OBP-black hole, another black hole in Pena still occupies that SS role, Ross Gload is the projected everyday first baseman, if Shealy performs in Spring Training, Huber will net us nothing in return when he leaves K.C., and we still have a lack of power overall.  Remember that most of our productive position players Moore has inherited!  I think if many Royals fans step outside the box a bit, we find that Moore hasn't improved our offense in a tangible way since Baird left.  Moore's O-building is questionable, but I'm still (as always) holding out hope that 7 or 8 players improve significantly from '07 and 5 or 6 more beat their projections.

How do you feel about the 2008 Royals defense?

8.5.  Defense is important, but the difference between great and poor defenses isn't as great as the difference between great and poor offenses or pitching.  Nonetheless, here's how I rank each of our players on a 1-5 scale (3 being average)

C - Buck (3)
1B - Gload/Shealy (3.5)
2B - Grudz (4.5)
SS - Pena (4.5)
3B - Gordon (4.5)
LF - Teahen (3.5)
CF - DeJesus (3.5)
RF - Guillen (4)

The makings of an above average defense.  I really like the range on the left side to counter for our average range on the right side.  We have a couple strong arms in the outfield to compensate for the average to slightly below average arm in DeJesus.  I really see no defensive liabilities.  We have three potential gold glovers on our team as well, in Pena, Gordon, and Grudz.

How do you feel about Dayton Moore?

7  I think he has demonstrated he's at least a league average GM.  In my humble opinion, he's an above average GM.  He has not made any foolish signings, thus far.  The 2007 draft, in my opinion, was excellent.  However, I worry about our offensive philosophy; more specifically, OBP (plate discipline) and utilizing our speed potential in guys like DeJesus and Gathright.  He has an unquestionably keen eye for pitching talent, and I love our direction on that front (starting and bullpen).  Defense is good.  Hitting has been a letdown, as explained above.

How do you feel about Trey Hillman?

7.5.  Since being introduced as manager, Hillman has said a lot.  Much of it I heartily applaud, and some of it I disagree with.  I like that he's letting Buck implement his leg kick.  I agree with NYRoyal that I'm a bit concerned - not worried, but concerned - at his "small ball" comments, and also his lineup proposals.

How do you feel about the Royals minor league system?

6.  That score is inflated because I'm really optimistic that we can improve our system in this coming draft.  I have faith in our organizational management and actual system, even if that system is deprived, somewhat, of talent in early 2008.  Undoubtedly, we have a good amount of pitching prospects - Rosa, Pimentel, Johnson, Wood, Cortes, Hochevar, Duffy, Mitchell, De La Cruz, to name a select few.  Offensive prospects?  Helloooooooo???!!!!

How do you feel about the Royals future?

7.5  Score deflated because I feel .500 is attainable, but is .550+, with our projected payroll?  I'm skeptical, at this point.  If we finish with 78 or more wins in 2008 (not likely, but attainable), this would probably become an 8 or an 8.5.  I remain cautiously optimistic.

by Royals Nation on Feb 24, 2008 8:57 PM EST reply actions  

My feelings
# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals team overall?
7, We are taking steps forward but we have plenty of holes.

# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals pitching?
7.5, Good first three, but we need to have solid back end prove themselves by middle of year.

# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals hitting?
4.5, We have young players who need to take steps forward if we hope to contend in the next 2-3 years.  We could also have one of them develop into a perennial 30 HR guy.

# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals defense?
8.5, when a priority to fill a position is 1B that could generally show that you have a solid D in place.  

# How do you feel about Dayton Moore?
7.5, I don't care for the Olivo signing.  I would just promote Tupman and not run a catching platoon.  But since he's been here things have become much improved and I'm as optimistic as I've ever been as a Royals fan.

# How do you feel about Trey Hillman?
7.5, I like the new blood approach.  Like NYRoyal said above he talks a lot about small ball so I am worrisome he may use it too much.

# How do you feel about the Royals minor league system?
6.5, We've added some good pitching depth but on the offensive side we are woefully thin.

# How do you feel about the Royals future?
9, Dayton Moore has a good approach, Trey Hillman seems capable.  Our minor league system and scouting is improving.  We have some great young players already in KC.  And like Rany, I'm forever an optimist with the Royals.

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Feb 24, 2008 9:14 PM EST reply actions  

Here
1.7
2.8
3.5
4.6
5.9
6.8
7.6
8.9

by I need more Esteban on Feb 24, 2008 9:27 PM EST reply actions  

fire bell's
  1. 5
  2. 7
  3. 4
  4. 6
  5. 7
  6. 6
  7. 4
  8. 5
Hillman, you're on notice.

by FireBell on Feb 24, 2008 9:39 PM EST reply actions  

Interesting survey

5
7
4
7
8
6
3
6

by Melchizedek on Feb 24, 2008 10:00 PM EST reply actions  

My turn
How do you feel about the 2008 Royals team overall?

How do you feel about the 2008 Royals pitching?
8

How do you feel about the 2008 Royals hitting?
7

How do you feel about the 2008 Royals defense?
8

How do you feel about Dayton Moore?
10

How do you feel about Trey Hillman?
7

How do you feel about the Royals minor league system?
7

How do you feel about the Royals future?
10

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Feb 24, 2008 10:23 PM EST reply actions  

Whoops....
For my first question, pencil in a 7.5
Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Feb 24, 2008 10:24 PM EST up reply actions  

here are mine
# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals team overall?  7.  I'm pretty optimistic that the Royals will improve on 2007, but I don't think it'll be to the point that they'll be playing .500 ball for the full season.

# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals pitching?  8.5.  The core of the rotation is staying intact, we have way more choices for the #4/5 spots, and the bullpen has significantly improved.

# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals hitting?  5.  I hope Guillen will provide a needed boost, but the only other hitters in the Royals' lineup I am genuinely excited about are Butler and Gordon.

# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals defense?  8.  Aside from first base, the Royals look pretty set defensively.

# How do you feel about Dayton Moore?  8.5.  So far, so good.  He's done a few things I was skeptical of (getting Davies for Dotel, re-signing Gload, etc), but overall, I have little to complain about.

# How do you feel about Trey Hillman?  6.  I'm mostly neutral on him, hence the lower rating, but he gets an extra point because he likely will be better than his predecessor.

# How do you feel about the Royals minor league system?  4.  We have some good pitching prospects in Cortes, Pimental, et al, but what good hitting prospects do we have besides Moustakas?

# How do you feel about the Royals future?  7.

by DarthYoshi on Feb 24, 2008 11:00 PM EST reply actions  

answers
How do you feel about the 2008 Royals team overall?

How do you feel about the 2008 Royals pitching?
7

How do you feel about the 2008 Royals hitting?
4

How do you feel about the 2008 Royals defense?
6

How do you feel about Dayton Moore?
7

How do you feel about Trey Hillman?
7

How do you feel about the Royals minor league system?
6

How do you feel about the Royals future?
6

by adam11509 on Feb 24, 2008 11:57 PM EST reply actions  

answers
  1. 4
  2. 8
  3. 3
  4. 7
  5. 8
  6. 10
  7. 3
  8. 7
Never giving up on your team is what makes you a good fan.

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Feb 25, 2008 12:44 AM EST reply actions  

lovely night here in the flint hills
   1. 8
   2. 9
   3. 8.2
   4. 8
   5. 8.5
   6. 9
   7. 8
   8. 8.9

I like decimals

by FlintHillsRoyal on Feb 25, 2008 2:57 AM EST reply actions  

Count the moose in...
1.How do you feel about the 2008 Royals team overall?
8

2.How do you feel about the 2008 Royals pitching?
9

3.How do you feel about the 2008 Royals hitting?
3.5

4.How do you feel about the 2008 Royals defense?
8

5.How do you feel about Dayton Moore?
10

6.How do you feel about Trey Hillman?
7

7.How do you feel about the Royals minor league system?
6.5

8.How do you feel about the Royals future?
10

Waiting for the Royals to appear on ESPN everynight!

by MooseTacos25 on Feb 25, 2008 10:47 AM EST reply actions  

Mine
  1. 7
  2. 7
  3. 5
  4. 8
  5. 9
  6. 8 (better track record then past few managers)
  7. 8
  8. 8
Fairly optimistic...but the hitting has me worried still.
I'd rather be watching baseball.

by Sisquatch Kids on Feb 25, 2008 10:58 AM EST reply actions  

Royals Confidence Index
  1. 7.5 - I'm guardedly optimistic!
  2. 8 - Top 3 get 8-9, and the rest get 5-8.  Much improved field to choose from over previous years!
  3. 6.5 - Not sure on this one. Mostly awful last year, but I see plenty of room for improvement. Could definitely be higher or lower if you had asked on a different day.
  4. 8.5 - Infield is pretty dang solid, and outfield will be fairly solid as well.
  5. 9.5 - Not a lot to complain about here.  I've questioned some moves, and some still need to pan out (see Shealy, Gaithright, Callaspo), but you cannot argue about the young guns he's collecting.
  6. 8.5 - Not enough to go on yet, but I like most of his interviews so far and his track record is considerably more appealing than a certain previous manager.  I don't know enough about his game plan stuff yet.  I think he will be huge in the morale dept, though...
  7. 7 - And quickly on the rise!
  8. 10 - I've got to go 10 here; I'm an incurable optimist.
This whole confidence index thing sounds pretty intriguing to me.  Do you have a timeframe on putting this out, and how often are you going to try and update it through the year?  It sounds like quite the undertaking, so good luck!  You could maybe add a question about confidence in a 0.500 season, playoffs appearance, etc...  I'd be curious to see how those change through the year.  But not really all that necessary as those would be directly proportional to the confidence in team and what not.

I'm really itching for some games to friggin' start!!!  Go Royals!

by KC Chris on Feb 25, 2008 1:06 PM EST reply actions  

Your questions
As far as timeframe for doing this, I was thinking monthly.  I think late in each month makes sense.  This one is the early spring training perspective.  The next one will be late in spring training.  Then one late in the first month of the season, and so on.  I'm just going to plug the numbers into an Excel spreadsheet, so it will be pretty easy.

As the season progresses, I might add those questions about a .500 season or getting to the playoffs.  Those are good ideas.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Feb 25, 2008 1:16 PM EST up reply actions  

mine
  1. 5
  2. 8
  3.  6
  4.  8
  5. 7
  6. 9
  7.  8
  8.  6

by test on Feb 25, 2008 1:14 PM EST reply actions  

Ratings
# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals team overall?
7

# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals pitching?
8

# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals hitting?
6

# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals defense?
9.5

# How do you feel about Dayton Moore?
10

# How do you feel about Trey Hillman?
8

# How do you feel about the Royals minor league system?
5

# How do you feel about the Royals future?
10

by eakers on Feb 25, 2008 2:29 PM EST reply actions  

mine
1. How do you feel about the 2008 Royals team overall?

5

2.  How do you feel about the 2008 Royals pitching?

7 - excited to see what a number of guys have

3.  How do you feel about the 2008 Royals hitting?

5 - weird mix of excitement and pessimism

4.  How do you feel about the 2008 Royals defense?

5- who ever got excited about the D?

5.  How do you feel about Dayton Moore?

4- I am in the minority, I guess. I see some good moves, but also many I just don't understand. Turning garbage into mediocrity isn't hard, its the next step that matters.

6.  How do you feel about Trey Hillman?

3- I acknowledge it doesn't  really matter, but potential devotion to small ball scares me. Otherwise, i'm sure he's a great leader of men and all that. How he handles the pitching staff is the main thing, and for that, we really don't know. Comments about pitchers going longer in games not especially reassuring. Ideally, he'd reach the guillen scenario: starters worked hard, btu almost never overworked.

7. How do you feel about the Royals minor league system?

3- if you fully disassociate butler and hochevar from the system, it looks pretty barren still. pessimists even doubt the ability of guys like costa/huber to even be useful non-star regulars, so yowza

8. How do you feel about the Royals future?

5- this may look negative and maybe it is, then again, two years ago i would have put a 1 down. we've made it to 5, we'll see what happens from here

by Freneau on Feb 25, 2008 2:59 PM EST reply actions  

Here we go
  1. 5
  2. 7
  3. 4
  4. 5
  5. 10
  6. 7
  7. 6
  8. 10
I know #8 doesn't make much sense, considering the dearth of high grades elsewhere, but for me, it is directly tied to my answer to #5. Good things will happen, but it's gonna take some time. There is quite a mess to clean up due to poor ownership for a decade and a half.

by loyal2s dad on Feb 25, 2008 4:03 PM EST reply actions  

5.5 Average
  1.  6.  This is the numerical representation for cautiously optimistic.
  2.  6.  The front of the rotation and Soria look good, but the rest is still a work in progress.
  3.  4.  The offense is moving in the right direction, but 1B and SS still need fixing.  A Gordon or Butler breakout would really help too.
  4.  7.  The defense should be good but not great.
  5.  6.  Moore was a good pick to start a rebuilding process, but he has very little margin for error in the draft, international signings, and free agents to keep the momentum going.  He seems to understand that guys like Guillen and Mahay are a bridge to respectability, not a building block.
  6.  5.  This is the default for an incomplete.
  7.  3.  This is what happens when all you have to show for rounds two or lower in this decade's drafts are DeJesus and Callaspo via Buckner (with 2006 and 2007 still pending).  This could change if some of the interesting arms in the low minors start proving themselves at AA.
  8.  7.  There is a future, which is nice.

by Gopherballs on Feb 25, 2008 5:22 PM EST reply actions  

These sure seem high....
Q1) 6
Q2) starters 1-3: 9
    starters 4-6: 4
    closer: 9
    bullpen other: 7
    overall: 7
Q3) 1-3 spots: 8
    4-6 spots: 8
    7-9 spots: .5
    overall: 6
Q4) inf: 7
    of: 8
    overall: 7.5
Q5) draft: 7
    roster management: 3
    trades: 8
    overall: 5
Q6) 4
Q7) pitching: 8
    hitting: 4
    overall: 5.5
Q8) 6.5
- i'll put this succinctly.  I don't trust Dayton Moore's evaluation of hitters and how to build an offense.  On pitching, I think he and McClure can do some great things.  In evaluating hitters, he has picked up Joey Gathright (and tried to supplant a better hitter in DDJ), Ross Gload (and allowed Buddy Bell the leash to grant him 300+ PA), Tony Pena Jr (one of the worst hitting regular players in baseball, who was given up for a promising pitcher in Cordier), Miguel Olivo (who is disturbingly similar to John Buck), Ryan Shealy (who is looking more and more like a AAAA player, though at least he still has a shot to prove himself), and Jose Guillen (who is a live MLB hitter).  He has also given up on players who are still youngish and have a chance at success and determined their value based on spot starts and pitch hitting appearances in Costa and Huber.

by ajblobaum on Feb 25, 2008 5:36 PM EST reply actions  

34 responses so far
Unfortunately none from NHZ, JQ, royaldaddy, grudz, loyal2theroyals, royalretro, lordybronk and some other regulars.  I'd really love to have your responses before I crunch the final numbers.
I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Feb 25, 2008 5:42 PM EST reply actions  

slowly growing optimism!
  1. overall:   5
  2. pitching:  7
  3. hitting:   4
  4. defense:   6
  5. Moore:     7
  6. Hillman:   8
  7. minors:    4
  8. future:    6
That's prolly a bit lower than some other numbers, but it's a lot higher than in past years!!!

by Sean O Se on Feb 25, 2008 10:51 PM EST reply actions  

it's spring, we're optimistic - it snowed today
gotta love this time of year - someone wake up Grudz.

# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals team overall?  8

# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals pitching?
9
# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals hitting?
6
# How do you feel about the 2008 Royals defense?
7
# How do you feel about Dayton Moore?
8
# How do you feel about Trey Hillman?
7
# How do you feel about the Royals minor league system?
4
# How do you feel about the Royals future?
9

Success is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed. - Emily Dickinson

by buddyball on Feb 25, 2008 11:27 PM EST reply actions  

OK, I'll Show
My ignorance:

How do you feel about the 2008 Royals team overall?
7
How do you feel about the 2008 Royals pitching?
8
How do you feel about the 2008 Royals hitting?
7
How do you feel about the 2008 Royals defense?
8
How do you feel about Dayton Moore?
9
How do you feel about Trey Hillman?
8
How do you feel about the Royals minor league system?
5
How do you feel about the Royals future?
9

Feelings; nothing more than feelings......

I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Feb 26, 2008 12:11 AM EST reply actions  

just numbers, no explanations...
suck it.
  1. 7
  2. 8
  3. 6.5
  4. 7
  5. 10
  6. 9
  7. 6
  8. 8
i am pretty optimistic, especially on hillman. i just have a feeling he is exactly what this team needs, the perfect mix of fresh blood and someone who isnt learning on the job. that is almost impossible to find, yet somehow it seems GMDM has found it.

of course, his potential small ball could drive me u a wall, but i trust him right now...

by rockchalk on Feb 26, 2008 1:24 AM EST reply actions  

re: small ball
i don't understand why people are so against stealing bases, hit and runs, and yes, even bunting.  i did some basic math the other day on stealing--as long as you're success rate is above about 70%, stealing is a positive.  hit and runs put the defense out of position and prevent double plays.  as for bunting, guys like teahen and gathright will have better OBP bunting than they will swinging.  and, of course, advances the runner.  sure, it kills the chance for extra bases, but it's a situational tactic.  are we that worried that hillman is going to be bunting us out of the first inning?

yes, getting on base is more important than what you do once you're on, but there's no reason not to try to score as many of your baserunners as possible.  

by kcdc on Feb 26, 2008 2:51 AM EST reply actions  

I think...
That playing small ball in the early innings is for the most part a bad idea.  When you get things going on offense the last thing you want to do is stop your momentum.  I think that putting the knife in your opponent early on drains their confidence and therefore has the chance to seal the game early.  By bunting people over all you do is give the pitcher a way to get out of the inning without giving up a bunch of runs, and in turn increases the likelyhood that he will stay in the game.
Waiting for the Royals to appear on ESPN everynight!

by MooseTacos25 on Feb 26, 2008 7:51 AM EST up reply actions  

part of my deal
is that i am worried that Hillman/Moore think that small ball may be THE solution, when its just not

if we had the personnel to steal a lot of bases, i wouldn't be against it, so long as we also didn't have huge CS numbers

the yankees, actually, have been a very good basestealing team the last few years

by Freneau on Feb 26, 2008 1:45 PM EST up reply actions  

I bunted and stole a lot!
I really doubt that we are going to be tied to one approach, based on the interviews I've seen/heard.  This is actuall one of the things I've heard that I've been pretty excited about: playing to your strenghts as opposed to trying to get guys to do things they can't do.  If we had big boppers, I guatantee we would be swinging for the fences.  The philosophy has to match the personnel, and that means your original philosophy may need to change until the personnel you have are capable of your original philosophy.  So for the time being, we may hit-and-run more, bunt more, etc... and as long as it is done effectively, I'm all for it.  

Did any of that make sense?

 

by KC Chris on Feb 26, 2008 2:29 PM EST up reply actions  

by request
  1.  7
  2.  8
  3.  6
  4.  7
  5.  6
  6.  4.5  (would be a N/A score of 5, but gets -.5 for the mullet)
  7.  6.5
  8.  9
It's tough to capture opinions as a number, so almost all of these carry caveats.  

Take #7, for example -- overall, I feel good about the direction of the minor league system, but the current crop of talent is lacking.  But it's lacking because a lot of players graduated to the majors.  So, I could really go anywhere from 4.5 to 8.5 on that one.

You could very well see that sort of variation on every one of my answers.

This space intentionally left blank.

by marbotty on Feb 26, 2008 8:52 AM EST reply actions  

Here you go.
  1. How do you feel about the 2008 Royals team overall? - 7
  2. How do you feel about the 2008 Royals pitching? - 7
  3. How do you feel about the 2008 Royals hitting? - 5
  4. How do you feel about the 2008 Royals defense? - 7
  5. How do you feel about Dayton Moore? - 8
  6. How do you feel about Trey Hillman? - 7
  7. How do you feel about the Royals minor league system? - 5
  8. How do you feel about the Royals future? - 8

by James Quinn on Feb 26, 2008 10:25 AM EST reply actions  

Sorry to post this here
But Royals Review has been named one of the 101 best baseball blogs!

And Sam Mellinger references this thread in his blog.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Feb 26, 2008 10:37 AM EST reply actions  

the truth...according to me.
How do you feel about the 2008 Royals team overall?
7

How do you feel about the 2008 Royals pitching?
7

How do you feel about the 2008 Royals hitting?
5.5

How do you feel about the 2008 Royals defense?
9

How do you feel about Dayton Moore?
8

How do you feel about Trey Hillman?
6

How do you feel about the Royals minor league system?
6

How do you feel about the Royals future?
8.5

by royallyblue on Feb 26, 2008 12:53 PM EST reply actions  

Here's how I see it
1.)    Generally Positive with an outside chance at .500
2.)    Pitching will regress a little (Meche and Bannister).  I expect Greinke to take a big step forward and the bullpen will be just as good if not better than last year.  
3.)    Offense will be significantly improved probably middle of the pack in the AL.
4.)    Defense will stay about the same.  Should be a lot better in the OF.  
5.)    GMDM has done wonderful work overturning the roster and putting pieces together for the next winning team.  
6.)    Hillman was a good hire.  We'll know more when we see his team on the field.  
7.)    Minor league system is improving.  A lot of good pitching depth set to make a breakthrough in 2009.  A promising sign.  
8.)    Positive.  I think realistically the Royals win 76 to 80 games this year missing .500 ball my a smidge.  

by lordbyronk on Feb 26, 2008 2:21 PM EST reply actions  

If it's not too late
Saw you pimpin this diary in another one, hope you haven't crunched those numbers yet.
  1. 7
  2. 8
  3. 6
  4. 7
  5. 8
  6. 6
  7. 5 (but improved)
  8. 7

by MileHighKCfan on Feb 26, 2008 2:32 PM EST reply actions  

Not too late
But I'm going to be putting together the RCI this afternoon.  So any stragglers need to get their votes in prett quickly.
I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Feb 26, 2008 2:35 PM EST up reply actions  

Here we go
1 - 8
2 - 8
3 - 7
4 - 8
5 - 9
6 - 7
7 - 6
8 - 9
Marriage is a great institution, for those that like being in institutions.

by fats on Feb 26, 2008 2:37 PM EST reply actions  

Curious
to see which question has the highest variance...without cheating (meaning not looking above and not using any PEDs) I would think confidence levels in Hillman would vary the most considering he is the most unknown variable.

by royallyblue on Feb 26, 2008 4:10 PM EST reply actions  

You're right
The highest standard deviation so far is Hillman, closely followed by the minors and the future.
I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Feb 26, 2008 4:40 PM EST up reply actions  

Royals Reviw's resident JoPos:
1. How do you feel about the 2008 Royals team overall?

10

2. How do you feel about the 2008 Royals pitching?

10

3. How do you feel about the 2008 Royals hitting?

10

4. How do you feel about the 2008 Royals defense?

10

5. How do you feel about Dayton Moore?

10

6. How do you feel about Trey Hillman?

10

7. How do you feel about the Royals minor league system?

10

8. How do you feel about the Royals future?

10

Note:  As pessimistic as I may become over the course of a season - it is Spring Training right now.  The wonderful time of the year that cleanses all the sins of the past and all things become possibe.

I am 100% optimistic and confident in the Royals for 2008 until they get onto the field and prove otherwise.  

Like the rat that continues to receive an electro-shock every time it goes for another pellet, I continue to set myself up for disappointment.  One of these years the Royals will meet all my expectations . . . I hope . . .  

by royalstern05 on Feb 26, 2008 5:06 PM EST reply actions  

no
I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Feb 26, 2008 7:28 PM EST up reply actions  

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