Daily guess at the 2010 Royals.

by OCastle on Nov 24, 2009 11:22 PM EST

Let's really get into DM's head. He's the type of guy to get rid of his mistakes.

C - new starter - backup - B Pena

1B - Butler

2B - Getz

3B - Gordon

SS - Betancourt

LF - DeJesus

CF - new player

RF - new player

DH - any one of a number of players but maybe Ka'aihue

Bench - Bloomquist, Fields, Betemit, Anderson

Starters - Greinke, Meche, new #3 (Bedard rumor), Hochevar, Bannister

(read that Hochevar actually had decent numbers, but was unlucky - I'm still looking for that article and he's turning 26 next year - a supposedly major maturing point - but who knows.)

Bullpen - Soria, Cruz, Farnsworth (until July), Campillo and a couple others.

Traded - Aviles, Callaspo, Guillen

My take: resign Crisp, sign a legit #2-3 starter and utilize the new medical staff to get / keep guys healthy!

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My take

The Royals need to upgrade the starting rotation.

ADD Doug Davis or
ADD Erik Bedard

The Royals need to upgrade at least one bullpen spot.

Dump Farnsworth
ADD Brandon Lyon

The Royals need to improve the overall run production

Trade for Conor Jackson
ADD Yorvit Torrealba

The Royals need to improve the OF, vastly.

Trade for any of the following

Nelson Cruz, Melky Cabrera, Lastings Milledge, Vernon Wells (yes, I said it)

The Royals have zero talent in the OF, outside of DJJ. They need to address CF/RF. It is a MUST.

The Royals could use a middle infield prospect.
The Royals could use another OF prospect.

Proposed lineup:

Melky Cabrera
David Dejesus
Conor Jackson
Billy Butler
Alex Gordon
Chris Getz
Yorvit Torrealba
Mike Aviles / Yuniesky Betancourt
Mitch Maier

Rotation:

Zack Greinke
Gil Meche
Doug Davis or Erik Bedard
Luke Hochevar
Robinson Tejada / Brian Bannister

Bullpen

Colon
Wright
Lyon
Tejada
Soria
Campillo

[img]http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0eTH2sm73rf3u/610x.jpg[/img]

by Peterman700 on Nov 25, 2009 12:42 AM EST reply actions

Good take

I’m a big fan of Conor Jackson. Last year was a waster with his weird illness but I like where you go with this.

by OCastle on Nov 25, 2009 12:48 AM EST up reply actions

Jackson is s rich man's Mark Teahen

doesn’t field well enough to be average at 3B, can’t hit well enough to be average at 1B or the OF.

Why trade for that when there are players about as good for cheap on the FA market?

These moves sound like a lot of work and given up money/talent to produce a team that still would be lucky to get to .500.

I'm not a sabermetrician, but I do play one at FanGraphs.

Can't get enough of me? Check out my Twitter feed.

by Matt Klaassen on Nov 25, 2009 1:13 AM EST up reply actions

While I’m not a huge fan of his defense, I disagree on where Jackson could go offensively. He’s a gap hitter with power and average with a terrific OBP that hasn’t truly shown it. Last year was suppose to be a breakout but that didn’t happen.

But then again, maybe he won’t get there. I was a fan of Ryan Shealy and look where that got me :o/

by OCastle on Nov 25, 2009 1:29 AM EST up reply actions

That description of Jackson sounds just like Teahen

except Teahen showed it for about 3 months. I guess that was his peak.

by AxDxMx on Nov 25, 2009 1:56 AM EST up reply actions

It does - doesn't it?

by OCastle on Nov 25, 2009 10:10 AM EST up reply actions

Didn't we have a Bannister for Melky deal almost done a couple years ago?

Coffee. The NEW Performance Enhancing drug for Sport's Writers. Just ask Ken Rosenthal.

by 306008 on Nov 25, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions

Here's that Hochevar article

http://pom.baseball.cbssports.com/news/12530258

Two names you probably didn’t expect to see here are Barry Zito and Luke Hochevar. The former had been mired in a three-year funk that looked like the beginning of the end of his career; the latter was a Fantasy albatross in ‘09, registering a 6.55 ERA and 1.49 WHIP. Zito’s return to the good side of league average was not merely cosmetic. He registered his highest strikeout rate since 2001, got his walk rate back to just a shade over his career average, and moderated a flyball rate that had surged in 2008.

Hochevar was much better than his Fantasy stats would indicate. He improved both his strikeout and walk rates substantially, and his 2.3 K/BB rate was better than the major league average. His .323 BABIP and 57 percent left-on-base rate destroyed his Fantasy value, and those indicators should improve vastly next season. Add in the continued skill development one would expect from a 26 year-old, and Hochevar could take an enormous step forward in 2010.

by OCastle on Nov 25, 2009 12:54 AM EST reply actions

on a side note...

there is NO reason the Royals can’t adjust the spending a bit and improve this roster a ton.

They have many nice pieces to build upon.

Moore needs to work tirelessly over the next few weeks and make smart moves.

Enough freakin waiting.

[img]http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0eTH2sm73rf3u/610x.jpg[/img]

by Peterman700 on Nov 25, 2009 12:56 AM EST reply actions

I don't trust Dayton with more money.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Nov 25, 2009 9:43 AM EST up reply actions

Conor Jackson is an upgrade in KC.

Everyone looking for the Bay’s Holliday’s and Granderson’s should root for another team.

The Royales with Cheese have to shop, wisely. Like Indiana Jones picking a cup.

[img]http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0eTH2sm73rf3u/610x.jpg[/img]

by Peterman700 on Nov 25, 2009 1:36 AM EST reply actions

In what world do you live?

The Royales with Cheese have to shop, wisely. Like Indiana Jones picking a cup.

You say something like this quote, and you think they have the farm system depth and payroll flexibility to do everything you asked for above?

by AxDxMx on Nov 25, 2009 2:00 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Royale with Cheese?

Are we shopping for Quarter Pounders in Paris?

This space for rent.

by averagegatsby on Nov 25, 2009 9:27 AM EST up reply actions

Ummm

Do you really think Grienke deserves to be on another loser?

The Royals have to shake things up and create a better team. For years I’ve seen other clubs do it. Staying competitive.

This is what GM’s are paid to do, make their teams competitive.

I think the time of waiting for prospects needs to end in KC. I am tired of it. “oh boy, in three years we have a prospect to look forward too.”

If the Royals can land Cabrera for a couple of prospects, do it!!!!

[img]http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0eTH2sm73rf3u/610x.jpg[/img]

by Peterman700 on Nov 25, 2009 3:01 PM EST up reply actions

Melky isn't worth 1 prospect, let alone 2.

Dayton has said no payroll increase, and at this point that leaves about $10M to play with. Your moves would fit nowhere near under that. You do realize Doug Davis made $8.75M last year right? Brandon Lyon cost $4.25M last year. How do you propose to sign the other players you want?

Plus, you want to trade for a bunch of average or worse players and rid the farm system of our newly gathered talent. The pitching talent alone down there has the upside of being off the charts. There are some damn good kids down there, and we’ve already shipped 2 out for crap because of discipline issues. Just be patient. We likely have to suffer through 1 more season before we start seeing dividends on the field. It’s the main reason Dayton shouldn’t sign a bunch of average veterans to big contracts. Help is coming.

by AxDxMx on Nov 25, 2009 3:36 PM EST up reply actions

And why are the Yankees dealing Melky?

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Nov 25, 2009 8:34 PM EST up reply actions

obviously so they can acquire Mario Lisson

all in all, a brilliant offseason so far for Dayton Moore

I'm not a sabermetrician, but I do play one at FanGraphs.

Can't get enough of me? Check out my Twitter feed.

by Matt Klaassen on Nov 25, 2009 8:48 PM EST up reply actions

No Robinson Tejeda?

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Nov 25, 2009 9:42 AM EST reply actions

Tejada

His advancement would be a nice problem to have! While he pitched well down the stretch, he’ll be working on the 5th spot / long relief.

by OCastle on Nov 26, 2009 12:45 AM EST up reply actions

I like what I see

I think the Royals can improve, and the moves made this last week by the royals (save not protecting Disco) were pretty smart overall. We need more low cost lottery tickets, especially for lefty relievers and CF. If they can do that, then great. Right now, I think the only MLB ready lefties on our 40 man are Hughes and Bale. Dusty looked decent in September and deserves a shot as lefty specialist and long relief. However, Bale needs to go.

Bottom line: we cannot survive with only one legit lefty pitcher on both the MLB and AAA squad. As long as they are going to open the purse a little, I wouldn’t mind seeing them get a decent second lefty. Darren Oliver anyone?

by bas on Nov 25, 2009 12:04 PM EST reply actions

Honestly

Would you guys really rather wait for Aaron Crow, Eric Hosmer and or Mike Montgomery or would rather have a gold glove caliber center fielder who is just 25?

[img]http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0eTH2sm73rf3u/610x.jpg[/img]

by Peterman700 on Nov 25, 2009 3:14 PM EST reply actions

If you are talking about Melky Cabrera you are full of it.

by AxDxMx on Nov 25, 2009 3:39 PM EST up reply actions

And touting anyone as "Gold Glove caliber"

isn’t going to get you very far with the regulars on this site.

"Now…put that in your [BLEEP]ing pipe and smoke it." -Hal McRae

"I was doing this when BJ was in his father's nutsack." -Renzo Gracie

by Sweep_the_Leg on Nov 25, 2009 5:25 PM EST up reply actions

Full of it?

I think Cabrera would be a huge addition for KC.

He actually has talent.

Conor Jackson too.

I would make this team a winner with just a few easy moves, c’mon Dayton, do something.

[img]http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0eTH2sm73rf3u/610x.jpg[/img]

by Peterman700 on Nov 25, 2009 8:25 PM EST reply actions

Where are they going to play

Melky over MITCH in CF adds one win.

Jackson over replacement player adds another 1.5 wins.

3 more wins makes the Royals MAYBE a 78 win team next season (if everything breaks right)… whlie giving up (probably) younger talent and thus part of the real future to acquire these mediocre players.

I guess we understand “winner” differently.

I'm not a sabermetrician, but I do play one at FanGraphs.

Can't get enough of me? Check out my Twitter feed.

by Matt Klaassen on Nov 25, 2009 8:34 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, another 5 or 6 of those incremental improvements might get the team to .500

by AxDxMx on Nov 26, 2009 10:40 AM EST up reply actions

Seriously dude, everyone else here can do it,.

You need to learn to hit the REPLY button.

by AxDxMx on Nov 26, 2009 10:39 AM EST up reply actions

@devil_fingers

You need to remember that the Royals had god awful defense last season as well.

Good team defense begins up the middle.

Catcher, SS, 2B, CF.

If the Royals can add an everyday CF, like Cabrera that will lead to more than just one win.

Getz and Betancourt can field well also, maybe the jury is out on their hitting, but the defense will be improved next year. I also think Hochevar and Meche will be sub 4 ERA pitchers next season.

[img]http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0eTH2sm73rf3u/610x.jpg[/img]

by Peterman700 on Nov 25, 2009 8:51 PM EST reply actions

What makes you say Betancourt fields well?

And how does Cabrera add more than a win? What else does he do to provide value to this team over Maier or another random CF’er?

Would also love to know why you think Meche and Hochevar will be sub 4 ERA pitchers next season.

I used to work with an old man that told me. Son, every workplace has a dumbass, if you don't have one where you work, then I'm afraid you're it.

by Warden11 on Nov 25, 2009 9:02 PM EST up reply actions

Would also love to know why you think Meche and Hochevar will be sub 4 ERA pitchers next season.

The awesome up the middle defense of Yuni, Melky, and Getzy, of course!

I'm not a sabermetrician, but I do play one at FanGraphs.

Can't get enough of me? Check out my Twitter feed.

by Matt Klaassen on Nov 25, 2009 10:09 PM EST up reply actions

D'oh

Forgot about the new guys!

I’d love for it to happen, just don’t think it will.

I used to work with an old man that told me. Son, every workplace has a dumbass, if you don't have one where you work, then I'm afraid you're it.

by Warden11 on Nov 25, 2009 11:04 PM EST up reply actions

Defense

If the Royals can improve the defense, like Moore is obviously trying to do, the Royals will win a few more games.

Meche wasn’t healthy much of 2009, and Hochevar had his first full season as a starter.

I feel that Meche will return to his normal 12-14 wins, a solid ERA and WHIP and of course, lots of innings. Hochevar had flashes of brillance in 09, and with a year under his belt, and improving defense(hopefully) he can find the form – 12-13 wins, 3.90 ERA 200k’s.

We need a lefty in the rotation, some speed, and some run production.

If the Royals go into 2010 expecting big things again from Gordon, FAIL. The run production and speed must be addressed now.

[img]http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0eTH2sm73rf3u/610x.jpg[/img]

by Peterman700 on Nov 26, 2009 6:35 AM EST reply actions

Hello Dayton.

If the Royals can improve the defense, like Moore is obviously trying to do, the Royals will win a few more games.

It’s easy to know what Moore is doing, when you are Dayton Moore.

by AxDxMx on Nov 26, 2009 10:43 AM EST up reply actions

"We need a lefty in the rotation"

I know I sound like a three-year-old when I ask this, but…why?

This kind of thinking is what led Moore and friends to flush nearly $2 mil down the crapper last year in the form of Horacio Ramirez. What little FA money we have should be spent elsewhere.

by DarthYoshi on Nov 26, 2009 4:36 PM EST up reply actions

Getz is clearly an upgrade with the glove, or so his scouting reports indicate.

Callaspo is going to get traded, I feel pretty strongly about that.

I think having an effective southpaw in the rotation gives a team more balance – The Royals would look a lot better with a healthy, effective Bedard in the 3 spot.

A good lefty also keeps the opposition from stacking left hand hitters in a series.

Ramirez was worth the gamble, but I am talking about an effective left hander, someone who actually has a good track record.

[img]http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0eTH2sm73rf3u/610x.jpg[/img]

by Peterman700 on Nov 26, 2009 4:41 PM EST reply actions

Just curious, is there a reason you refuse to use the "reply" button?

Other than that, Horacio Ramirez was not worth the gamble. Almost every person that participates here knew he was terrible when the contract was signed, that’s not a gamble that is lighting money on fire.

I used to work with an old man that told me. Son, every workplace has a dumbass, if you don't have one where you work, then I'm afraid you're it.

by Warden11 on Nov 26, 2009 5:44 PM EST up reply actions

Ramirez

Horacio Ramirez showed signs of ability in Atlanta.

Sure he was overpaid and unproductive, but I guess we chalk that up to Moore taking a gamble on a guy he felt could help the team.

Bedard would be worth a 2 year incentive laden contract, and I hope he would be willing to sign with KC.

I also think Crisp could be a solid option with a similar incentive laden contract.

I would love to see Conor Jackson in KC – Between Jackson, Butler and hopefully a more consistant Gordon, we would have three guys with a potential for over 100 doubles.

[img]http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0eTH2sm73rf3u/610x.jpg[/img]

by Peterman700 on Nov 26, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions

we already have 3 guys that can produce 100 doubles

Billy, Callaspo, and any other player on the roster. The first two combined for something like 93 last year.

That sure got us a long ways.

Congrats on finding the reply button.

by play4'ships on Nov 30, 2009 10:06 PM EST up reply actions

My guess

C – Pudge (or similar) backup – B Pena
1B – Butler
2B – Getz
SS – Betancourt
3B – Gordon
LF – DeJesus
CF – Crisp
RF – Guillen / Maier
DH – Ka’aihue, Guillen, Maier

Utility – Bloomquist, Betemit

Rotation
Greinke
Meche
Hochevar
Bannister
LHP?

by AlanSimpson on Dec 4, 2009 2:52 AM EST reply actions