Royals Rumblings - News for December 3, 2014

Royals Rumblings - News for December 3, 2014

Just as Torii Hunter signs with Minnesota, Sam Mellinger was reluctantly coming around on the idea of the Royals signing him.

I think I’m going to write something about this — or, at least, related to this — in the next few days, but I’m starting to believe the Royals could do a lot worse than Torii Hunter. He’d likely come on a short deal, and if the Royals believe that his defense could be improved by more rest on his legs and better positioning in the outfield, he could be a smart buy.

The dream scenario for me was Yasmany Tomas. I thought he would’ve solved a lot of problems for the Royals — right-handed, lots of power, plays right field — but only if he’s real. There is an undercurrent in the industry that believes the hype on Tomas, for whatever reason, outdistanced the reality and I think we saw that in him signing a six-year, $68 million contract. That’s a lot of money, obviously, but much less than what was being projected in some places.

Anyway, your question wasn’t about Tomas, but I think it’s worth remembering that he’s a complete unknown while Hunter is more of a certain commodity. You know what you’re going to get, probably, and there’s a plausible scenario where he might be the best option for the Royals.

Hunter Samuels at Kings of Kauffman is skeptical.

I see a couple of problems with Hunter. This is a thing I’ve heard many times about myself, but this refers to Torii. First, his cost. Because so many teams are interested, and because he’s been successful recently, Hunter is probably looking at a large one-year deal, although a two-year deal seems likely. I’m guessing this will push him out of the Royals’ price range, but even if it only takes a one-year deal, I’d still be wary of handing him very much money. The aging curve isn’t kind to players in their late 30s, and even a successful 2014 is no guarantee of a successful 2015. I just think Hunter could go in the tank at any minute.

Craig Brown at Royals Authority is skeptical the Royals are really after designated hitter Kendrys Morales.

So you have a player who has no position, struggled with the bat in 2014, and is clearly on the downside of his career. Pass. And when reacting to tweetable rumors, remember the source. In this case, it’s Heyman who seemingly helps advance the cases of Scott Boras clients. Of course it makes sense for Boras to float myriad teams to drum up interest after the DH market has kind of sorted itself out early in the hot stove. With Victor Martinez recommitting to Detroit and Butler going to Oakland, Morales is the next best DH candidate available. If you’re looking for a DH-only candidate. Which most teams are not doing.

I’ve seen estimates for Morales at anywhere from $6 million to $10 million a season. Most of those estimates peg him at a one or two year deal.

I just can’t see the Royals biting at this one.

Carson Cistulli at Fangraphs lists some affordable right-handed options teams like the Royals might want to consider.

First among all players, however, is Kyle Blanks, recently DFA’d by Oakland. Blanks has dealt with health issues for much of his major-league career, indicating that 600 plate appearances is a lot to expect from him. The projections are probably more optimistic than many front offices about the probability of Jesus Montero matching the numbers published here. While he’s recorded 200 major-league innings as an outfielder, Minnesota’s Chris Colabello is probably more well suited to a first-base or DH role. Joe Mauer plays the former for the Twins; Kennys Vargas, it would appear, the latter. Andrew Brown profiles as an average corner outfielder. He’s produced only an 81 wRC+ in 362 plate appearances, but Steamer is more optimistic about his future — likely owing to Brown’s impressive minor-league resume. Like Blanks above, he was also recently DFA’d by Oakland.

Jeremy Guthrie doing some recruiting for the Royals?

Joined by a great group of players&staff from @MLB_PLAYERS for annual board meetings.Players always united & informed pic.twitter.com/CIsukOz2Qa

— Jeremy Guthrie (@TheRealJGuts) December 2, 2014

Well he's dropping some knowledge on us.

I can confirm that all, or most of free agents, are seeking as long of deal as possible.

— Jeremy Guthrie (@TheRealJGuts) December 2, 2014

Sal Perez is up for "Best Instagrammer" at the MLB "Social Media Awards."

Interesting piece at Baseball Prospectus about how agents are now getting overwhelmed with requests from teenagers to be their "source."

Umpire Dale Scott has come out of the closet.

Remember Aramark, the company that was accused of serving moldy and unsanitary food at Kauffman Stadium? Well now they may be using unpaid homeless people as employees.

Nebraska football is not what it once was. What do the Cornhuskers need?

The Big 12 (which has ten teams) announces there may be two "One True Champions". The Big 12 is not good at math.

Gas prices are falling. THANKS OBAMA! What does this mean for American consumers?

Oh no, law schools are closing up shop. Won't someone think of the children?

A member of the Royals internet community needs our help. Sixteen-year old Sarah Davis, of Royals Blue, needs to raise $4,000 to take advantage of a journalism opportunity. Here is her GoFundMe page. Show her how awesome Royals Review can be.

Your song of the day is Led Zeppelin with "Black Dog".