Reliever Optimism

by Boots 58 on Apr 15, 2010 1:54 PM EDT

In the wake of the rumors that the Royals are looking to shop Juan Cruz, I can't help but feel a bit of optimism. I didn't say a lot of optimism, but a little bit. And of course this is an unverified source outside the Royals organization, but let's forget about that for a second.

The reason for this slight, miniscule optimism is the fact that it appears the Royals are attempting to make some sort of chance to their bullpen. Perhaps they realize that things are not working in 7th or 8th inning in the current state, and that a change of some sort is necessary.

Now, Juan Cruz is likely the 3rd or 4th best reliever on the roster right now, and he also probably has the most upside other than Soria, but to me the fact that the Royals are willing to reportedly consider making a change to their bullpen is promising. Cruz of course is one the highest paid players in our bullpen, and as reported we would likely have to pay some of his salary if we traded him, but he is also the only player that we can likely get any player in return. Do you think anyone would trade us a prospect for Colon or Mendoza? (Nevermind the question of whether another team would even pick either of these players up should we DFA them). I wouldn't mind the Royals picking up someone they think could be useful in the future, while at the same time saving a little money and potentially bringing up someone useful that may help our bullpen.

Unloading Cruz would free up a spot on the major league roster for us to bring up a player in the minors. This could be Alex Gordon, who is expected to return soon. Or it could be for a AAA player that management feels deserves a shot at some playing time. Rany and other RR contributors have already discussed who they would like to be brought up, so I won't go into that. All we can hope is that they bring up someone that is useful to the team.

The last bit of optimism I feel is the fact that, should this reported potential deal fall through the Royals may be tempted to get rid of another reliever currently on the roster because they don't think things are currently working out. Or the Royals strike a deal with someone and DFA another guy anyways, giving another one of the AAA guys a shot (or Crow) to prove something. As Soria's Unibrow was kinda to point out, there is no gurantee or even reasonable reason to think that this could happen, but that's not what this fanpost is about.

It's still early in the season, the Royals can get back to .500 tomorrow, and Jo-gui and Pods are carrying my AL-only fantasy team right now. Let's have some optimism people!

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Comments

I do feel kind of good about it

But I would feel a lot better if not for two things: a) if we do find a taker for him, we won’t actually save any money because we are going to pick up his salary, and b) I have no faith in this being a harbinger of further bullpen moves to come from Dayton. I’m assuming this is just a way of freeing up a roster spot for Josh Fields.

by Soria's Unibrow on Apr 15, 2010 1:58 PM EDT reply actions

Oh, you mentioned what I just said at the bottom of your article

Durr, I guess I should read the whole thing before I reply. Sorry.

by Soria's Unibrow on Apr 15, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions

:P

I forgot about Fields though, who also seems likely

But like I said, Im trying to be optimistic with the Royals management. Who knows, maybe a light will click on and they’ll do the kind of moves that will make us a better team.

by Boots 58 on Apr 15, 2010 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll be optimistic when Dayton Moore shows that he recognizes which pitchers are the problem and need to be dumped.

It isn’t so much Juan Cruz. It is definitely Mendoza and Colon. Unfortunately I see no rumors about them being shopped or DFA’d.

The immoderate moderator

by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2010 2:30 PM EDT reply actions

to be fair though. there aren't rumors about DFA'ing someone; it just happens.

So that being said, I’m hoping that the Cruz talk is just the public portion of a multi-reliever purge that’s about to take place.

by AtTheWall on Apr 15, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed in hoping there is a purge coming

It’s not so much that Cruz is the problem, simply that the Royals recognize that there is a problem (if this rumor is true).

by Boots 58 on Apr 15, 2010 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions

I found the button, not sure if Dayton will hit it though

- .... .- - .----. ... / .-- .... .- - / ... .... . / ... .- .. -..

by MarioVanPeebles Republic of China on Apr 15, 2010 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Dayton doesn't have that on his keyboard--

because they don’t use newfangled computer-traptions at the New K

by AtTheWall on Apr 15, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions

To be fair, neither do I

I am using a laptop though, limited buttons. Maybe my desktop at home has this??

by Boots 58 on Apr 15, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions

There was a Star article

with Hillman talking about how they’d love to bring up someone to help out in the bullpen, but none of their preferred candidates have done well so far in the young season. Crow and Monty have performed well, but you’d really like to keep them in the minors at least long enough to delay their arb clocks. Monty could probably use some AA and AAA experience for at least half a season before jumping into the big leagues.

I think it’s very likely that if a guy like Wood puts together a strong 5-10 game string, he’ll get a quick call to replace Mendoza in the pen.

by kcdc1 on Apr 15, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions

There must be something about Carlos Rosa they just don't like

The dude has thrown four scoreless innings in Omaha with three strikeouts and two walks. I don’t know how that’s “not doing well”, so he must not be a "preferred candidate.

You also have Josh Rupe having yet to allow a run this year, and while I’m not a big fan of Victor Marte or Bryan Bullington, they both have some good stats to begin the year. So I don’t know what they’re smoking.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Apr 15, 2010 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

They seemed high on Carlos Rosa pre-injury

but you’re right, his name has been strangely absent from their minor league bullpen option quotes. He’d be the #1 person I’d mention if Dutton asked me. Maybe it’s an accident that his name hasn’t showed up in those quotes and he’ll be a front-runner for a bullpen slot if he keeps up the good work for another couple weeks, or maybe they just haven’t liked his arm as much since he returned from injury last year.

by kcdc1 on Apr 15, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions

I keep forgetting about Rupe

I thought he had potential coming out of ST, so it’s good to see that he’s churning out good numbers down there. Rupe, Rosa, and Bullington might be an interesting combo. It can’t hurt anything. If they blow up repeatedly just rotate the relievers with AAA, pending options of course.

by MinnesotaRoyal on Apr 15, 2010 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions