Odds and ends

by royaldaddy on Mar 15, 2008 4:09 PM EDT Comment 4 comments

Hello all. I'm sure you're all aware that random thoughts flood my mind constantly. Sometimes I like to share them with you because I value your opinions and I often learn something by listening to you guys.

With all of our out of option guys, what kind of trades can we hope for? Would a package of guys return anything useful? The Phillies are supposedly looking for bullpen help. The Nats and Astros are shopping for starters. The Dodgers are looking for a third baseman. You guys got anything?

What is reasonable to expect from Billy "Boom Boom" Butler? Am I crazy for thinking 25-30 homers and 100 RBI with an average above .300 is possible? And what about Gordon?

Guys like Mike Maroth and Damon Hollins are NRIs and not real likely to head to KC when camp breaks. Does anyone see these guys accepting an assignment to Omaha or attempting to catch on somewhere else?

We now have 9 for the single season fantasy league. We're set up for 12, but we have to at least be even to draft. We have to have one more, but 3 more would be awesome. Come on over. We draft tomorrow.

NON BASEBALL TOPIC

- I don't know if any of you guys watch the show Psyche on USA, but you should check it out if you get the chance. Good humor and a good cast make it easily the best show on Friday nights. They're on break right now, but they'll pick up again in the summer.

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Mike Maroth

Was behind in spring training because of an illness, and I believe I read that he knew he's most likely headed to Omaha, and was ok with that.

I think your estimates on Butler and Gordo are realistic, although probably not both of them this year. I am personally expecting huge progression from Gordon. Butler could just expload as well, I guess. He already has 4 HR this spring, right?

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

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 15, 2008 4:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

My thoughts

You can't ever expect to get much in return for a guy out of options who doesn't quite have room on the 25-man roster. First, these guys are, by definition, just marginal major leaguers. Second, it is a motivated seller situation, which further drives down the player's value. Typically these trades look a lot like the Pena-for-Cordier trade. Pena is a decent player with some real positives and big negatives (like most out of options players). And all Atlanta got for him was a pitching prospect in the low minors who has had two major operations, the most recent of which put him out for an entire seasons. Long story short, we'd get a mediocre prospect for any of our out of options players.
I expect very good things from both Butler and Gordon. I don't think in terms of counting stats or batting average, so my prediction is:

Gordon 275/350/475
Butler 300/350/475

But either of them could have a big break out. I've read many different commentators saying that Butler has a good chance to really break out.

They could both go to Omaha as it is highly questionable that there is room for them on any team's 25-man roster.
I'd love to help you out, but one fantasy baseball league is all I can handle. Between that and the Royals and this site, I have too many obsessions already.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Mar 15, 2008 6:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Just throwing out ideas

NYRoyal is right, that a lack of options tend to reduce a player value. I think a team could use a guy like JDLR if they had bullpen room. The Rays are looking for a lefty reliever, I'm sure a few other teams may be looking as well. You're probably not going to get much for him, but its better than losing him on waivers.

Huber's trade value is significantly diminished by his lack of defense, but some NL team that wants a bench bat my pick him up. The Giants have a crowded outfield, and some guys out of options, but if they could make room, they could use a power bat like Huber. The Mets are looking for some reserve outfielders after some injuries, and they know Huber. Really hard to say what interest, if any would be out there for Huber.

I have to think Nunez is going to make this team.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 17, 2008 11:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

My hope for trades with Dela Rosa, Huber

German, and the like is minor league depth. Remember KC trade Elmer Dessens for Julio Pimental, Blake Johnson and Odalis Perez. Pimental and Johnson are top 15 prospects for KC now. Or Mike MacDougal for Lumsden and Daniel Cortes. Cortes in now a top 100 prospect in all baseball.

KC is in need of minor league depth especially for regulars. Of course, pitching is always needed. The minor trade or throw in guy can pay off in the future.

Regarding Maroth and Hollins, I believe they'll take the assignment to Omaha. They need the work and it gives them a chance to play. Remember, it is a job with a pay check. Also, they need a chance to play and continue to impress. Getting called up in the middle of season happens every year.

by daveyork on Mar 17, 2008 6:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs