Billy Butler's future at 1B
by KCScuba on Aug 7, 2008 12:32 PM EDT
105 comments
I've been reading a lot of the discussion about our offseason needs and potential FA's this winter. I think one thing that hasn't been discussed as of late is Billy Butler's future at 1B. Have we officially given up on Butler being a legitimate 1B? In our limited sample size, it looks like he’s handled the duty pretty well. I know we've examined that his BA has actually been higher when he plays 1st than when he is DH. I have a hard time slapping the lifetime DH tag on someone as young as Butler - especially if he's viewed as a cornerstone of the franchise. How many legitimate MLB clubs have use the term "cornerstone DH"? I realize we may see him in that role, or a platoon role, if (when) Punch moves up possibly next year. Do we really believe he is nothing more than a lifetime DH or is this just stating the reality of how Hillman has predominately used him this year? i.e. if he can't beat out Gload, he must have no future at 1B.
1 recs |
105 comments
Email
Print
Comments
Butler/Kila
I hope that these 2 are the Royals plan for split time at 1B/DH for the next several seasons. While one is at 1B the other can DH.
Sign Alex Gordon to a life time contract!!!
by eboston on Aug 7, 2008 12:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Kila
Batted almost exclusively against righties in Double-A this year and actually sat once or twice a week when opponents were starting lefties. Kila did start against the only lefty starter so far in Triple-A, so that might be changing as the organization views him as more of a legit prospect, but I think it’s quite likely he’ll end up as a platoon player in the majors.
by kcdc1 on Aug 7, 2008 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two lefty starters
Morales and Redman.
He took Redman deep.
Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.
by doublestix on Aug 7, 2008 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Have we officially given up on Butler being a legitimate 1B?
Judging by the lineups of the last week, I’d say the Royals haven’t.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Aug 7, 2008 12:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
Actions by Hillman speak louder than his words. Does anyone else get that the feel that Hillman is occasionally a contrarian just because? This is just a hunch, but I think the organization is going to give Butler an extended look at 1B for the rest of the season. – TL
by timlacy on Aug 7, 2008 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And, it's clear that...
...Butler’s bat likes being at 1B. That might be what matters the most. – TL
by timlacy on Aug 7, 2008 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's looked decent out there
I don’t think he’ll win any gold glove, but he hasn’t made any obvious errors of note. I hope he gets the majority of PT at 1B like he has the past week or so. I like the idea of rotating him and Kila.
by lordbyronk on Aug 7, 2008 1:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't have any problems with Butler DHing
Kila’s defense is probably a bit better than Billy’s maybe DH Billy most the time and play him at first against lefties. He definitely isn’t a problem at 1b which is nice.
Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin
by kcscoliny on Aug 7, 2008 1:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That's all well in good...
If all this being true, why are so many pushing for a new 1B this offseason? Corner outfield is a given… but why the talk of bringing in Dunn or Burrell AND Hinske, so that Hinske can play 1st?
by KCScuba on Aug 7, 2008 1:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
well *and* good...
I don’t think I like not having the ability to edit a post.
by KCScuba on Aug 7, 2008 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who's talking about bringing in Hinske?
I don’t think that move would help much. I’d rather give Shealy a shot.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Aug 7, 2008 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was talking about it
Others were, too.
I think Shealy should be getting his shot RIGHT NOW so that they don’t waste more time next season messing around with him. That’s why they should get rid of Gload now—see what Shealy’s got, and give Kila and Stodolka all the PT they need in Omaha.
I don’t think giving Hinske a short-term, relatively cheap contract would be all that bad. He can play all 4 corners in a pinch, and hits righties pretty-well. He and Shealy could form an effective platoon (and I think “right-handed platoon guy” is probably Shealy’s ceiling). He’s just an example, but I do think have a Hinske/Shealy platoon and Butler at 1B/DH would markedly improve the offense.
OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG
by devil_fingers on Aug 7, 2008 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shealy = waste of time.
He’s got an .873 OPS.
In OMAHA.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on Aug 7, 2008 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Likely True, BUT
Gload = waste of time. DEFINITELY TRUE.
We always did feel the same, We just saw it from a different point of view, Tangled up in blue.
-Bob Dylan
by Royal Kingdom on Aug 7, 2008 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm trying to fit guys into an $80M payroll
If we theoretically spend big money on a corner OFer, I’d still like to do something about the gaping hole at 1B/DH. Butler can handle one of those positions and we need someone else to handle the other. I don’t know that we’ll be able to afford another big bat. So, going with an affordable platoon might be doable. Hinske handles RHP very well. Shealy could probably handle LHP pretty well (.911 OPS this season against lefties). But I’m not married to this idea. I’m open to other ideas which fit within a realistic budget that don’t involve relying on Kila Kaaihue.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
See above.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on Aug 8, 2008 2:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Above?
I don’t get it. Are you saying that if DDJ is playing, the 1B/DH problem is solved? Only at the expense of the OF. If you’re talking about Guillen DH’ing, then you fill the DH spot and open up a second gaping hole in the OF. I’m trying to come up with some moves that will fill the holes in the OF and 1B/DH. I don’t think rearranging the current deck chairs is enough.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 8, 2008 4:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Frankly
Maier’s more deserving of an actual shot than Shealy, insofar as Maier hasn’t come up here and completely blown a chance before. So, yes. Guillen DH, DDJ LF, Maier CF, let’s see what the kid’s got.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on Aug 8, 2008 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you talking about what should be done for 2009?
If you’re talking about the remainder of 2008, that’s fine. I still think Shealy has a better chance to be the lesser part of a 1B platoon than Maier has of being a starter, but which of them gets more PT for the remainder of 2008 isn’t a big deal. But we were talking about Shealy and potential 1B platoons for 2009. Would you be comfortable with Maier as a full-time OFer for the Royals next year? First, that fills the 1B/DH slot at the expense of an OF slot. You go from having one hole in the OF (Teahen) to two. A DDJ-Maier-Teahen OF would be very good defensively, but couldn’t hit a lick. You’d have one guy who provides league average production for a corner OF position and then two guys who are well below average for their positions.
Acquiring a big bat for the OF, plus a lesser FA (who could possibly platoon with Shealy) would seem to make a lot more sense, wouldn’t it?
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 8, 2008 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about we actually wait and see
what Maier actually does before deciding he can’t hit?
I just don’t see the value in next year’s FA market. If we can land someone like Dunn, fine, but from my perspective there’s “Big Ticket Guys” and “Scrubs We’d Have to Grossly Overpay” with very little in-between.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on Aug 8, 2008 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that's basically what every FA class is like
You always have to pay big money for the top tier guys. And the Royals would benefit greatly from signing Dunn, Burrell, Furcal or Hudson, to name a few.
Both the minor league stats and the opinions of scouts and analysts point to a very low degree of likelihood that Maier can hit as a major leaguer. The Royals need to continue to take steps forward in their build towards contention. Going with an OF of DeJesus, Maier and Teahen would be taking a step backwards. That might be a historically bad OF.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 8, 2008 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Personally, I'd DH Hinske
and only play him at first when Butler is sitting for some reason. I just put 1B/DH by each of their names to show what other position Hinske could play. He could also serve in the OF corners or even 3B if the situation calls for it (Gordon injury/rest, etc.). I thought he would be a cheap way of getting some improvement form the 1B/DH position.
Also, his crappy defense (and short-term contract) would reduce the chances of Butler being moved off 1B because of his glove.
OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG
by devil_fingers on Aug 7, 2008 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Hinske is a waste of time.
Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.
by doublestix on Aug 7, 2008 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
I’m not sure I agree, but that’s neither here nor there. I like to talk about this stuff, though. How do you see/would you like to see the Royals 2009 1B/DH/Corner Outfielder situation go? If they move on from Teahen and sign another LF (Dunn, Burrell), what do you should they do with the 1B/Dh situation. More Gload? Someone else? Or should they keep Butler at DH? Should they sign a DH and keep Butler at first, and stick with Teahen?
OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG
by devil_fingers on Aug 7, 2008 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Optimally I'd like to sign Dunn.
And sign a lefty masher like Nelson Cruz or Juan Rivera.
Hinske is a decent player when used in the right role (platoon), but we already have a guy like that in Teahen if we want to keep doing that.
vs RHP
LF Dunn/Guillen
CF Maier
RF DeJesus
1B Butler
DH Dunn/Guillen
vs LHP
LF Dunn/Guillen
CF DeJesus
RF Cruz/Rivera
1B Butler
DH Dunn/Guillen
Go from there. See how Maier does, and possibly trade DeJesus for a good package if Maier does well. Keep Kaaihue in AAA for most of the season and see how it plays out.
Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.
by doublestix on Aug 7, 2008 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Cruz and Rivera as low-cost options, too
I guess I was thinking of a Hinske/generic right-handed platoon guy (Shealy?) platoon as an option at DH (and Hinske being a corners utility guy) if the FA was a corner outfielder, but your lineups are more exciting if it comes to fruition (although I think Rivera would probably hit better than Maier against, righties, too, and DDJ could stay in center).
OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG
by devil_fingers on Aug 7, 2008 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hinske/Shealy would be a good, cheap platoon to go along with a big money corner OF FA signing
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I liked Rivera
Until I heard from Angels fans that he has slightly less range than the Statue of Liberty.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Aug 7, 2008 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like Dunn and Burrell
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
Which makes me kinda doubt that DM will go after Dunn, Burrell or Rivera. Can you imagine an outfield with one of them AND the limited range of Jose Guillen? And DJ, while I think he’s decent, is no Gold Glover in center. I can’t imagine DM will be happy with that defensive alignment, especially with how spacious and quick our outfield plays.
I think a trade for an young toolsy OF is much more likely.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Aug 7, 2008 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. He might not go after any of them.
I think a trade for an young toolsy OF is much more likely.
That’s quite possible. Maybe even likely. But I think he’ll spend some FA money too. Furcal?
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope not
But it would not surprise me.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Aug 7, 2008 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That wouldn't be the worst idea
Not the best, either. But Furcal would at least give the team a legitimately good SS, both offensively and defensively (with Aviles moving to 2B as an upgrade there). While I like the Dunn/Burrell options, I do recognize that they have significant downside as well as upside (age, decline curve, defense)
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea
I’d be ambivalent about it. One the one hand, he is legitimately good for now and gives a good leadoff hitter. On the other hand, I think he’ll be massively overpaid, and will age rather poorly and decline quickly.
Sounds like he wants to re-up in LA, although I don’t know if the feeling is mutual.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Aug 7, 2008 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ambivalence
He may well get a huge contract that he’s not worth. But what is your concern about him not aging well and declining quickly. He certainly doesn’t fit the “old player skills” model like Sexson (and at least to some extent Dunn). He’s shown good contact hitting, plate discipline and some power. That seems like someone who should at least fit the median model of player decline.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fast, athletic, contact-hitters age pretty well
Going forward, Furcal might be merely league average offensively, but he could lose a step on defense and still be slightly above average.
He is not necessarily a great fit for the Royals, but I am coming around on Orlando Hudson. He should age well like Furcal, and he is worth something like 30 runs above average for his position (and may be underrated as half of that value comes from his defense and 2B in general do not get huge deals).
by Gopherballs on Aug 7, 2008 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Furcal
Over the last six year’s Furcal’s OPS+ has been about 105. That’s quite good for a SS. Shouldn’t we expect him to be above average for his position offensively for the next 2-3 years (ages 31-33)?
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That 76 OPS+ in his last full (and age 29) season
puts a bit of a damper on expections, for me anyway. He will decline some too, but league average I would say is the reasonable pessimistic projection for him. My best guess is he would be a little above average offensively.
by Gopherballs on Aug 7, 2008 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A little above average for MLB baseball players or a little above average for MLB shortstops?
I think an OPS+ a little above 100 is likely for the next 2-3 years which is a little above average for all players and more than a little above average for SS’s.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For SS
Last year per THT, a 94 OPS+ was average for SS. Going forward and without doing any sort of regression calculation, I would think a reasonable projection for Furcal would be an OPS+ around 100 or a shade under. A reasonable pessimistic projection would be mid-to-low 90s, and a reasonable optimistic projection would be around 105.
by Gopherballs on Aug 7, 2008 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When you say "going forward," what kind of time frame are you talking about?
2009, or for the next 2-3 years? My own personal SWAG would be:
2009 – 104
2010 – 101
2011 – 97
2012 – 91
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In context
you were talking about the “next 2-3 years,” so that is what I meant.
I’ll let someone else figure out my prediction—just roll two dice three times, and match up the predicted OPS+ for each year:
Dice Roll - OPS+
2 - 90 OPS+
3 - 92
4 - 94
5 - 96
6 - 98
7- 100
8 - 102
9 - 104
10 - 106
11 – 108
12 - 110
by Gopherballs on Aug 7, 2008 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I like Hudson as well
Very similar to Furcal but should come cheaper.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've talked about my love for the O-Dawg elsewhere
but I don’t see where he fits on the Royals. Yeah, he’d be an upgrade (certainly on defense) over Callaspo (and a big one over German) at 2B, but even if his hitting is a bit better, too (a question outside AZ’s home park), I see this as a marginal improvement relative to adding a big bopper in LF/DH/1B. Particularly relative to his likely payday.
Similar thoughts on Furcal.
OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG
by devil_fingers on Aug 8, 2008 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My take
I would prefer Dunn or Burrell over Furcal or Hudson (as long as the Dunn or Burrell contract is no longer than 4 years), and I agree with your point that the corner OF, 1B/DH holes are bigger and should be priorities, but there are some complicating factors. Dunn and Burrell have some significant negatives (horrible defense limits the value of the overall upgrade somewhat, age/decline concerns, and perhaps cost depending on how the market plays out for them). While 2B/SS is a lesser hole, I still think it is on the list. I don’t think siging Furcal or Hudson would be a mistake; it just wouldn’t be my first or second choice.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 8, 2008 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course,
Angels fans think Garrett Anderson could still play an awesome centerfield and that Casey Kotchman was a terrible defender, so I would not rely on their anecdotes.
Rivera was about average for a corner outfielder per UZR prior to his injury. He has barely played the outfield this year, so in a very small sample size, RZR/OOZ has him about average in LF. But the guy is coming off a broken leg, so his defense could be lagging. Even if he is a little below average now, I doubt he would be in the company of Manny, Burrell, Ibanez, and Dunn.
by Gopherballs on Aug 7, 2008 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Rivera
But shouldn’t one be at least somewhat concerned about the nosedive his stats have taken in the last two years? There is of course a small sample size issue with those stats, but there might be something there.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There might be something there
but he has barely played this year. He missed a year due to a pretty bad broken leg. He is a buy low candidate only—kind of like post-Nationals, pre-Mariners Jose Guillen in more ways than one. His last full season was 310/362/525. The power is still there based on the small returns this year.
by Gopherballs on Aug 7, 2008 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
or
sign Dunn and trade (Kila and a pitcher?) for another pricey OFer. I’d rather have someone long-term, but I’d consider Holliday. That makes:
LF Holiday/other
CF DDJ
RF Guillen
1B Butler/Dunn
DH Butler/Dunn
Of course, I’d really love to have Kila and that he become a star. How many teams have a Hawaiian(?) star?
by BrRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At the moment, Kila's trade value is fairly low right now
One good minor league season isn’t going to give him a lot of trade value.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2 Points
1. Butler is at 1B most of the time now, so I think it’s pretty clear that the organization has most definitely not given up on Butler at 1B.
2. Nobody has mentioned Shealy. I believe he can produce at the MLB level again and is ready for the chance to show it. He keeps hitting at Omaha. He’s good defensively and would be an excellent platoon partner for Kila.
I don't fight extra players.
by paleblueeyes on Aug 7, 2008 1:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think I should clarify...
I was referring to our discussion here and not so much what the organization thinks. We hear about Shealy getting a shot; we hear about possibly bringing in a 1st base. My point is that I believe we have our long term 1B (although not signed as such) – even if Kila comes up and splits the 1B/DH role with him. Shealy has essentially been blocked as an everyday 1B at the major league level – although I’m all for bringing him up and giving him some AB’s to see what he can bring as a sub and pinch hitter.
by KCScuba on Aug 7, 2008 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kila
Kila, all of a sudden, does cause one to pause when thinking of picking up Dunn for a bunch of years. I certainly don’t think you want Dunn in the outfield, but you can’t put Butler or Kila there. I don’t think Kila’s coming up until mid-09 at the earliest, and he could completely fall off the table, too, but I fear having an actual logjam at firstbase/DH and paying one of those guys tons of money when the other two are pretty cheap (until we sign Butler long-term). I know that you can trade guys, but we would almost have to trade one of the cheap ones b/c we’ll have to pay Dunn more than other teams to get him to come here and they won’t want to trade for that greater salary. I’m glad I’m not GM.
That being said, I’d still try to sign Dunn this offseason.
by BrRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 2:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Does anyone know
If Dunn is willing to play 1B or DH with his new team?
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Aug 7, 2008 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think he's said
I know I haven’t heard. I’m sure there will be a lot of talk about this starting a day or two after the last World Series game.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Question of overvaluing defense at expense of the bat
I have noticed this trend with TPJ and Ross Gload. Has the defense been that much worse with Aviles at SS than TPJ? With Butler at 1B instead of Gload? I know that Aviles and Butler won’t be confused with Gold Glovers but what they add with the bats should/could make up for the error or play that didn’t get made in the field.
Personally, I’d like to see KC go with a platoon of Butler and Kila for 09. If Kila isn’t ready, let Butler take the majority of games at 1B and have a Teahen type fill in the others. Time for the Royals to really commit to the youth and see if they can make it.
Like the lineup of Gordon, Aviles, German/Callaspo and Butler in the infield.
by daveyork on Aug 7, 2008 2:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why platoon Butler? He's hardlly get any at-bats
And they should give Kila a couple months, a least, at AAA to see if he continues. Maybe doesn’t need to be platooned, and he and Butler can both hold down full-time 1B/DH spots in KC for years to come.
OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG
by devil_fingers on Aug 7, 2008 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holding down both spots is more of what I meant that straight platoon
KC is making a big mistake if Butler doesn’t have 500+ ABs in 09. Either 1B or DH might depend on who gets signed etc. but Butler is the type of guy that KC has been saying they are trying to develop for years. Now they have him – let him play.
by daveyork on Aug 7, 2008 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We either have a hole at 1B or DH
Butler can play on of those positions at a time. The other position is a hole on this team that needs to be filled. I’m comfortable with Butler playing 1B everyday. I’d be happy to bring someone in to DH. But many/most good FA’s aren’t going to sign with a team to be a full-time DH; they want to play a position in the field. If Dunn were willing to sign with the Royals to be a 1B most of the time, would I do it even if that meant moving Butler to full-time DH? Certainly. But I’m open to options that keep Butler at 1B, while acquiring a good DH.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 2:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good point
Also, there is no rule that the same person must play DH day after day like Frank Thomas or David Ortiz. Let Butler, Guillen, Royal to be named later, and the other good-hitting regulars rotate through DH. The point is to keep the best nine hitters in the lineup as much as possible (provided that does not do more damage than good when defense is considered).
by Gopherballs on Aug 7, 2008 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree with most of that...
It would be easier to sign someone like a Dunn to be a 1B rather than DH. But is there not a separate class of agent free agents that WOULD be looking to end their careers as a DH? If we have a hole at DH, with the progression of Kila, it’s probably more of a stopgap hole. Why not sign another corner outfielder and bring in an older player that would be willing to just DH. Thoughts?
by KCScuba on Aug 7, 2008 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps
If we have a hole at DH, with the progression of Kila, it’s probably more of a stopgap hole.
We can’t count on Kila at all. Moore shouldn’t necessarily limit his FA acquisitions to a stopgap in the expectation that Kila will become a good major leaguer. His one great minor league season shouldn’t affect the Royals plans that much.
But is there not a separate class of agent free agents that WOULD be looking to end their careers as a DH? Why not sign another corner outfielder and bring in an older player that would be willing to just DH.
We definitely need to sign a corner OFer, but I wonder who would fit the class you mentioned above. The problem is that we need a genuinely good bat to fill the 1B/DH hole. Those guys who are older and willing to just be a DH (or DH most of the time) usually aren’t the best hitters, are declining rapidly and cost a lot of money. But I’m not looking at the 2009 FA list right now, so there may be someone who fits. Unfortunately, I think it is more likely that the good bats will be guys who want to play in the field.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
He shouldn’t limit his FA acquisitions based on expectations of Kila, but he should probably prioritize based on them. If Butler can play 1st for us, I think DH is at best a distant second to corner outfield, and maybe the 3rd priority behind another SP or SS if they think Aviles is better suited to 2B.
by KCScuba on Aug 7, 2008 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Something on Kila
Didn’t want to take a whole FanPost or FanShot with this, but it’s from Baseball Analysts, who usually have some pretty good stuff.
Kila Kaaihue may be one of baseball’s biggest teases. But he may also finally be for real after numerous seasons of one step forward and two steps back. The Hawaiian comes from a baseball family, as his father Kala Kaaihue played in the minors for 11 seasons and brother (also named) Kala Kaaihue plays for the Braves organization.Kila was selected in the 15th round of the 2002 amateur draft out of high school and spent the next three seasons putting up OK, but not great, numbers. That changed when he entered the hitters’ haven of High Desert in 2005 and he slugged 20 homers and hit .304/.428/.497 in 493 at-bats. He headed up to Double-A, though, and struggled mightily hitting .202/.305/.303 in 327 at-bats. Kila then split the next year between High-A ball and Double-A with modest results.
The 2008 season began with Kila repeating Double-A for the third time and things finally clicked for the 24-year-old. He hit .314/.463/.624 with 26 homers and 80 walks in 287 at-bats. Kila was recently promoted to Triple-A where he is hitting .375/.423/.750 in five games. He may have finally found the happy medium between selling out for power and waiting for his pitch. With Billy Butler disappointing to a degree, the door may be open for Kila.
target=”new”>Around The Minors, August 6, 2008
Just putting it out there without comment. Feel free to affirm, disagree, complain about the Butler comment, take bets on the date of the Royals acquisition of Kala, Jr., etc.
OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG
by devil_fingers on Aug 7, 2008 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good stuff
I think the Butler comment is just the standard “I don’t know what is going on with that team, and I see that the guy at his position in the majors doesn’t have great stats, so I’ll throw this comment in there.” In reality, it should have been, “With Ross Gload completely failing, the door may be open for Kila.” That at least makes some sense. In my opinion, Kila is knocking at the door and if he hits like this next year in Omaha, he’ll knock it down.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2009 free agents
A good list to look through to see who might fit various holes in various scenarios. If the player’s name has a * by it, then there is an option in the player’s contract so he might not end up becoming a FA.
First Basemen
Rich Aurilia SF
Ben Broussard TEX
Carlos Delgado * NYM
Nomar Garciaparra LAD
Jason Giambi * NYY
Wes Helms PHI
Kevin Millar BAL
Richie Sexson NYY
Mark Teixeira LAA
Frank Thomas OAK
Jim Thome CWS
Daryle Ward CHC
Second Basemen
Jamey Carroll * CLE
Ray Durham MIL
Mark Ellis OAK
Marcus Giles COL
Mark Grudzielanek KC
Orlando Hudson ARZ
Jeff Kent LAD
Felipe Lopez WAS
D’Angelo Jimenez STL
Pablo Ozuna LAD
Nick Punto MIN
Jose Valentin NYM
Jose Vidro * SEA
Shortstops
Orlando Cabrera CWS
Alex Cintron CWS
Alex Cora BOS
Craig Counsell * MIL
Adam Everett MIN
Rafael Furcal LAD
Cesar Izturis STL
Ramon Martinez LAD
Edgar Renteria * DET
Juan Uribe CWS
Third Basemen
Hank Blalock * TEX
Joe Crede CWS
Morgan Ensberg NYY
Chipper Jones * ATL
Corey Koskie MIL
Greg Norton TB
Catchers
Rod Barajas TOR
Henry Blanco * CHC
Johnny Estrada WAS
Toby Hall * CWS
Adam Melhuse TEX
Mike Redmond * MIN
Ivan Rodriguez NYY
David Ross * CIN
Javier Valentin CIN
Jason Varitek BOS
Vance Wilson DET
Gregg Zaun * TOR
Outfielders
Bobby Abreu NYY
Moises Alou NYM
Garret Anderson * LAA
Rocco Baldelli TB
Willie Bloomquist SEA
Emil Brown OAK
Pat Burrell PHI
Endy Chavez NYM
Carl Crawford * TB
Adam Dunn CIN
Jim Edmonds CHC
Cliff Floyd TB
Brian Giles * SD
Ken Griffey Jr. * CWS
Vladimir Guerrero * LAA
Raul Ibanez SEA
Jacque Jones DET
Mark Kotsay ATL
Rob Mackowiak WAS
Kevin Mench TOR
Jason Michaels * CLE
Craig Monroe MIN
Jay Payton BAL
Scott Podsednik COL
Manny Ramirez * LAD
Juan Rivera LAA
Rondell White MIN
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 2:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I got this list from Cots
Not quite sure why Hinske isn’t on it. He is currently on a one-year contract. There might be other omissions on this list as well.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also
I do not think Cot’s added players who signed one-year contracts as free agents before this season.
by Gopherballs on Aug 7, 2008 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, must be
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is a pretty good site
For free agency info:
http://www.mlb4u.com/freeagency08.php
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Aug 7, 2008 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And keep in mind
there will usually be some decent talent with less than six full years of service time who will become available when teams non-tender them in December (although the best non-tender candidates usually get traded for a AA reliever before the deadline to tender contracts). And there will be some international free agents available too.
Minor league free agents and waiver wire pickups also become available throughout the fall (and as early as September when teams have to make room for September callups who are not already on their 40-man roster). Six-year minor league free agents become available right after the season ends (with Billy Beane and Jim Bowden waiting to sign as many as possible of the higher upside guys). In mid-November, teams must set 40-man rosters, and usually some decent players get dropped then. In mid-December, there is the Rule 5 draft and non-tender deadline.
And of course, there is devil finger’s “player ‘exchange’” mechanism.
by Gopherballs on Aug 7, 2008 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vidro Was DFA'd
Yesterday; we don’t want him, anyway.
I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.
by philofthenorth on Aug 7, 2008 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dunn
My fear is 2010. What happens if KC signs Dunn then Kaaihue and Butler develop. It would be a good problem to have too many 1b/DH’s but what if Dunn can’t play OF in a couple years. Then KC could have too much money wrapped in a guy that has to split time with 2 other 1b/dh’s. With his salary KC might have a tough time trading him away.
Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin
by kcscoliny on Aug 7, 2008 3:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If only
there were some way to send a player from one team to another while receiving a player in return. A player “exchange” of sorts.
it’s crazy, but it just might work.
(winky-face)
OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG
by devil_fingers on Aug 7, 2008 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then we could get a bunch of really fast guys with great baseball
skills like jumping over cars!!!
We always did feel the same, We just saw it from a different point of view, Tangled up in blue.
-Bob Dylan
by Royal Kingdom on Aug 7, 2008 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, because Dayton Moore never makes any good trades
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I liked
The Ben Hendrickson for Maxim St. Pierre deal.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Aug 7, 2008 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now THAT is how you build a franchise
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice problem to have
That would be a nice problem to have, and frankly, I don’t think Kila’s MLB success is all that certain a proposition.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Aug 7, 2008 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's the kind of problem we need
And I wouldn’t fail to acquire a player because Kila might turn into a good MLB player at some point in the future
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My point was that KC would still have a hole in the OF
that they currently have.
Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin
by kcscoliny on Aug 7, 2008 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus what will the trade value of a $15 million dollar below to average 1b be
instead KC will be forced to trade one of their younger 1b.
Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin
by kcscoliny on Aug 7, 2008 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whats so wrong with trading a young 1B?
Aren’t you going to get more value than an older expensive player?
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Aug 7, 2008 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
My fear is 2010. What happens if KC signs Dunn then Kaaihue and Butler develop.
This is my original statement. Why would KC want to trade Kila and Butler after they have developed? If Butler in ‘10 is a .300 BA .375 OBP 20-25 HR and is under team control til ‘13 and Kila is a 40 HR same type OBP are you really telling me you would be alright with trading them over Dunn?
I’m looking down the road I advocate getting Dunn but his lack of fielding could be a problem if Kila and Butler both develop and he can’t play in the field. Alot of ifs but a possibility.
I like the idea of getting Hudson. What is his value going to be?
Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin
by kcscoliny on Aug 7, 2008 5:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There are many options and this is a good problem to have
This is my original statement. Why would KC want to trade Kila and Butler after they have developed? If Butler in ‘10 is a .300 BA .375 OBP 20-25 HR and is under team control til ‘13 and Kila is a 40 HR same type OBP are you really telling me you would be alright with trading them over Dunn?
Yes. In the unlikely and wonderful even that all three of them develop into good players, then one could be traded. If you trade a good, young, cheap player under team control for multiple years, then you can get something very valuable back in return which would fill another hole on the team. Trading one good, young, talented player for another doesn’t hurt the team. Hell, I’d trade Soria today for the right kind of return. Also, if we’re talking about 2010, then I think Dunn would definitely be tradable then. Let’s say the Royals sign him. Odds are that he’d have a very good 2009 season. Even with a big contract, he’d still be tradable then.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shealy Platoon
I don’t think a platoon is a good idea.
Career MLB
vs. RHP .823 OPS 123 tOPS+ 347 AB
vs. LHP .477 OPS 32 tOPS+ 118 AB
2008 AAA
vs. RHP .863 OPS 254 AB
vs. LHP .911 OPS 64 AB
I think we should give Shealy at least a month or two of playing every day. His ML numbers against LHP are not going to stay that incredibly low. Of Shealy’s three partial seasons, only one was below league average. If he hit merely league average, he would instantly become one of the Royals top five performers.
Kaaihue can spend a whole year at AAA; there is no reason to rush him after one good year. I suggest looking at the rest of his career stats before getting overly excited about him tearing things up in the big leagues to start next season.
by KCBear on Aug 7, 2008 6:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wait, you don't want to platoon him, but you do want to play him everyday?
At his age, he isn’t going to suddenly turn into a good MLB first baseman. But, regardless of how good he is overall, there is no reason to believe he won’t hit better against lefties. If we need to go with a cheap upgrade at first base, Shealy would probably make an acceptable, cheap lesser part of a platoon.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Platoon Shealy/Butler
The problem with a Platoon is the only way it would work if Gload was gone, otherwise we would be carrying 3 first basemen. I Don’t see it happening. So.. Blutler needs to be everyday 1B. Dh can be by committee, (Olivo being the biggest part of it) and what we really need is a CF/ leadoff guy who can get on and steal 40 bases. This lets us use DDJ in a more productive spot. DDJ can play corner outfeild with Teahen backing up the OF. Way more of a need then any other position, even ss and 2b, I can live with Aviales/German/Callaspo up the middle. The other guy we need is a solid #3 starter. I think we can find our 4th and 5th guys from all the possibilites we have now.
Go Royals!
by BabyBlues on Aug 7, 2008 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ryan Shealy in KC
I just don’t think he is a possibility at all. I would be shocked if he actually worked out in KC.
Here are Shealy MLE numbers
0.237 0.326 0.375 0.701
Most the time these numbers don’t seem very realistic when you look at the equivalents but with Shealy thats probably about right. His career OPS with KC in two 50 game stints is .689. Probably not much of a answer.
Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin
by kcscoliny on Aug 7, 2008 6:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Two 50-game stints (365 at bats) don't tell you much
That’s a very small sample size to evaluate a player from. And, as we all know, he was injured throughout that second 50-game stint.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 7, 2008 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shealy
I am all for Shealy, but they would have to get rid of Gload.
Go Royals!
by BabyBlues on Aug 7, 2008 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And this is an argument against trying Shealy because...
OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG
by devil_fingers on Aug 8, 2008 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gload
I can see the quote now… “Gload has played well enough to support him being on the Royals until he turns 50”...
Go Royals!
by BabyBlues on Aug 7, 2008 6:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Julio Franco had a better OPS+ at 47 years of age than Gload does this season so far
OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG
by devil_fingers on Aug 8, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Regarding Dunn
I would like to see us add Dunn/Burrell, but I don’t think it’s going to happen, and here’s why.
Neither are good defensive OF and with the current roster, putting one of them in the OF would really hurt our defense,
Moore is on the record multiple times saying that a big payroll jump isn’t likely until we start pulling in 2.5 million fans a year.
My feeling is that we could expect a good, low cost pickup like Hinske or Kotchman, and possibly a trade for another bat. Unfortunately, I’m not sold on the idea that we’re going to splurge again this offseason, as much as we’d like it to happen.
I hereby resign from this post.
by Home Run Tony Cogan on Aug 7, 2008 11:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
...
Moore’s also not dense enough to think we’re going to start drawing 2.5 million without spending more and thus winning more.
Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.
by doublestix on Aug 7, 2008 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, that's a good question
which is going to come first, the chicken or the egg? My take is that his plan is to build more through the system than through FA signings, despite the past two years. I think Sweeney’s contract coming off the books gave Moore flexibility to go out and add players, and it is true that we were bidding on multiple FAs last winter; however I don’t get the feeling that we’re going to be all that active this winter for top-shelf talent. I think a trade or two is more likely.
I hereby resign from this post.
by Home Run Tony Cogan on Aug 7, 2008 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where is he on record as saying that?
And what exactly did he say. I would agree that they can’t get up to a $100M payroll without that kind of attendance, but he and Glass tried hard to get the payroll up big this offseason and a bunch of big FA’s turned them down (at last Hunter, Jones, Kuroda and Silva). They got the MLB payroll up to $67M. Considering the very significant revenue increases the team is experiencing, I wouldn’t consider $80M a “big jump.” Long story short, if Moore wants one of them, Dunn, Burrell, Furcal, Hudson or someone like that is affordable.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 8, 2008 4:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A couple of times
I heard it on Petro’s show as well as on 610 sports, both locally. I agree with you, I’m just telling you what the man said. I believe his quote was something like (and I’m working from memory here) that “we can have a payroll in the $75-$80 million range once we can draw 2-2.5 million fans”. If someone else has a better memory of the interview(s)/quotes please help me out.
It’s also entirely possible, as mentioned above, that the spending will come first in anticipation of an increase in fans. It’s also possible that he meant that a sustained payroll in that range would mean that we would need to be drawing that many fans, I mean there could be several permutations of what he really meant, and his recent history has been to go aggressively after free agents.
But, given what he has said, I think that no significant FA activity in 2008/9 is at least a distinct possibility. Who knows, he may decide to spend his money this year on an extension for Greinke.
I hereby resign from this post.
by Home Run Tony Cogan on Aug 8, 2008 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe his quote was something like (and I’m working from memory here) that "we can have a payroll in the $75-$80 million range once we can draw 2-2.5 million fans"
I’ll believe that when I read it or hear it myself. I’m not saying you are fabricating it or anything like that. I just think your recollection is significantly tinged by your interpretation of his remarks. The above paraphrase runs directly contrary to a number of things he’s said over the past couple of years. I really doubt he came out and said that the team will not get a payroll up to 75-80 million unless and until attendance gets up to 2-2.5 million. Even if he meant that, he’s never that direct or undiplomatic. He also knows that if the team doesn’t continue to improve, they’ll never get anywhere near 2.5 million in attendance. That’s why Glass has been spending more and has expressed an interest in spending more.
It’s also entirely possible, as mentioned above, that the spending will come first in anticipation of an increase in fans. It’s also possible that he meant that a sustained payroll in that range would mean that we would need to be drawing that many fans, I mean there could be several permutations of what he really meant, and his recent history has been to go aggressively after free agents.
Ok, I agree with that.
But, given what he has said, I think that no significant FA activity in 2008/9 is at least a distinct possibility. Who knows, he may decide to spend his money this year on an extension for Greinke.
First, the 2009 payroll commitments (including contract raises and arbitration award estimates) is about $60M. So I think they’ve got a lot of money to spend. They tried to spend a lot more than the $67M payroll they ended up with for 2008. (I think the payroll budget was at least $70-75M given the offers they made to multiple FAs). So, given the greatly increasing revenues (particularly the massive money the Royals are getting from MLB), I’d be shocked if the payroll budget weren’t up to $75-80M for 2009. A long-term contract for Greinke wouldn’t even put us close to that budget. Hell it wouldn’t even get us up to this year’s payroll level. In the first two years of such a contract, he’d be getting the rough equivalent of arbitration award money, so it’s not like the Royals would be on the hook for $10M from the beginning. Long story short, there’s every reason to believe that there’s a lot of money there for FA’s. He may well not go after Dunn or Burrell, but not because they are too expensive. He may prefer to go after a top tier FA who has plus defensive skills as well as good hitting (like Furcal or Hudson). While I concede that anything is possible, I don’t think all possibilities are equally likely.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 8, 2008 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
they did go after multiple FA last winter. Also true that revenues are increasing. Moore’s comments I’m sure were made in the context of increasing revenues. You can ignore or discount them, that’s your prerogative, and I readily admit that there are multiple ways to interpret them, but that is a pretty significant piece of evidence.
Would you really be shocked if we went the trade route and didn’t go after a significant FA? I mean, look at Ross Gload and TPJ as examples of the organization seeing things 180 degrees differently than the fans see them.
I didn’t mean to imply that Greinke and a big FA bat are mutually exclusive events. Assume with a Greinke extension for $3mm for 2009 and we’re at $63 million. If we also assume that DM intends to spend at a $75 million level, that leaves about $12 million excluding any other arb awards for Buck, Teahen or others. Add one mid-level FA for let’s say $5 million and that would leave $7 million for Dunn/Burrell.
I hereby resign from this post.
by Home Run Tony Cogan on Aug 8, 2008 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Would you really be shocked if we went the trade route and didn’t go after a significant FA?
I would be surprised if the Royals didn’t attempt to spend significant money. That does not necessarily mean going after Dunn or Burrell. It might not even mean going after Furcal or Hudson, but that would surprise me. It is possible that they could try to get a bunch of mediocre $2-5M FA’s (some of them wouldn’t be a bad idea). Or they could invest heavily in multiple long-term deals for young players. So I’d be surprised if they didn’t spend. How they wish to spend is an open question. I think they will pursue at least two top tier FA’s. As we saw last offseason, even with some big offers (and sometimes even with the biggest offer), they still might not land any.
I mean, look at Ross Gload and TPJ as examples of the organization seeing things 180 degrees differently than the fans see them.
I’m not saying I know for sure who Moore wants. But I think Glass has shown a willingness to spend and didn’t even really get the chance to last offseason. So I think that desire is there, and the financial means are there as well. That is a combination which is conducive to spending.
I didn’t mean to imply that Greinke and a big FA bat are mutually exclusive events. Assume with a Greinke extension for $3mm for 2009 and we’re at $63 million. If we also assume that DM intends to spend at a $75 million level, that leaves about $12 million excluding any other arb awards for Buck, Teahen or others. Add one mid-level FA for let’s say $5 million and that would leave $7 million for Dunn/Burrell.
There are lots of possibilities and lots of variables here. First, you’re assuming a $75M ceiling. I think that is a conservative assumption. I think the payroll budget would be in the $75-80M area, so the realistic ceiling would be more like $80M. And I don’t think there is a hard, finite budget. Every time Moore has talked about making a big contract offer, he talks about going to Glass and asking him if he’s willing to pay that much. So I think the total number has a lot to do with who the player is and how much the contract is. If Moore really wants Dunn, Burrell, Furcal or Hudson, he just has to sell Glass on it.
With regard to the specific numbers $3M for Greinke would take the payroll up to $63M and that includes arbitration awards for all players (including Buck, Teahen and others). I don’t know why, in your scenario, you are adding one mid-level FA first to determine how much money is left for a big FA. The priority would/should be the big bat that this team needs. The team should consider a mid-level FA after it has spent the big money on a top-tier FA. We shouldn’t let the tail wag the dog. So, after Greinke’s deal, there would be $12-17M remaining for FA’s (assuming a $75-80M payroll). That should be enough for one of Dunn/Burrell/Furcal/Hudson (or perhaps another top tier FA). If there is anything left after signing that player, the remainder can be spent on a more mediocre, place-filler FA.
This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.
by NYRoyal on Aug 8, 2008 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
Related FanPosts on Royals Review
Related FanShots on Royals Review
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
