It's the end of the world as we know it... and we feel... fine?
2018 is a season of transition for the Royals, or at least it is at this point. Dayton Moore is back. Will he swing full into THE PROCESS 2.0? Or will he try to load up again and make some reload magic happen?
Pending Free Agents:
1B | Eric Hosmer | San Diego Padres, 8 years, $144 million ($5 million signing bonus; $20 million/year in Yrs 1-5; $13 million/year in Yrs 6-8 wth player opt out)
Spoiler!
(DI's Guess: Texas Rangers, 6, $118 million)
3B | Mike Moustaskas | Kansas City Royas, 1, $6.5 million
Spoiler!
(DI's Guess: Los Angeles Angels, 5, $98 million)
CF | Lorenzo Cain | Milwaukee Brewers, 5 years, $80 million
Spoiler!
(DI's Guess: San Francisco Giants, 4, $68 million)
RP | Mike Minor | Texas Rangers, 3, $28 million
Spoiler!
(DI's Guess: Los Angeles Angels, 3, $35 million+ $12 million team option
SP | Jason Vargas | New York Mets, 2, $16 million
Spoiler!
(DI's Guess: Baltimore Orioles, 2, $29 million)
SS | Alcides Escobar | Kansas City Royals, 1, $2.5 million
In case I, picks would be #32, 33, and 34, if Alex Cobb of Rays signs for $50 million guaranteed.
Kansas City will likely have 5 of the top 40-45 picks in the draft, and the bonus pool money should rival that of the teams drafting 1-3 in the 2017 draft. This should give KC tremendous flexibility in acquiring talent that otherwise might slip or not be "signable."
2018 Draft Names to Watch
RHP Kumar Rocker, N Oconnee HS, Georgia.
Spoiler!
Possibly goes top 10 but is a big, physical SP with ace potential. Moore and co. will be all over him if he slips a bit and could offer top 10 money at No. 16
OF Jarred Kelenic, Waukasha West HS, WI
Spoiler!
Kelenic is the top prep bat, toolsy OF. Royals would be ecstatic to have shot at him.
1B Triston Casas, American Heritage HS (FL).
Spoiler!
Tremendous raw power, best in HS bats. Royals typically like HS arms or HS bats with "special" tools. He qualifies.
RHP Carter Stewart, Eau de Gallie HS (Ga).
Spoiler!
Another big, physical specimen with huge upside. More likely to be available mid-first than Rocker.
ANY Any, Any (Any). Any current top projected pick who slides for injury concerns. Includes current top prospect prospect SP Brady Singer, U of Florida. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Mother****erJones:
I was happy. I thought Soler would tee off on Giolito since he had no location whatsoever. But Orlando did sting the ball a couple times. Just had to tip your cap to the defense. But I agree, Soler should’ve been playing.
Even if Orlando went 5-5 with two triples and an inside the park home run, it would have been a pyrrhic victory.
Gordo or Jay need to be the ones benched if Ned wants to give Paulo playing time. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Chiefspants:
Even if Orlando went 5-5 with two triples and an inside the park home run, it would have been a pyrrhic victory.
Gordo or Jay need to be the ones benched if Ned wants to give Paulo playing time.
Oh I agree. Let the young guys play. That’s why the White Sox weren’t signing Moose like many thought. Gota let the young guys play while you rebuild. They need their reps and ABs [Reply]
Originally Posted by Chiefspants:
While we're *****ing, I'm a bit chapped that Ned benched Jorge "he needs 500 AB's this year" Soler for Paulo 32 years old Orlando.
I took this pic on Metcalf in OP 2 weeks ago.. but I think it applies here. [Reply]
Draft pools released. Royals have the highest bonus pool in the draft.
If they’re as effective with that bonus pool as they’ve been the past 2 years with much smaller pools, I think we’ll be pleased with the results. [Reply]
"This move would be head-scratching for any team, but is especially puzzling for a rebuilding team like the Royals. To give up a live, young arm for a replacement-level veteran outfielder makes no sense on paper. There must be more to this story, either an off-field incident, or an awful injury, for this to make any sense. And even then, it seems shortsighted to cut him loose.
The Royals can trade Miguel Almonte once they have designated him for assignment, so perhaps a deal is forthcoming. Stay tuned." [Reply]
"This move would be head-scratching for any team, but is especially puzzling for a rebuilding team like the Royals. To give up a live, young arm for a replacement-level veteran outfielder makes no sense on paper. There must be more to this story, either an off-field incident, or an awful injury, for this to make any sense. And even then, it seems shortsighted to cut him loose.
The Royals can trade Miguel Almonte once they have designated him for assignment, so perhaps a deal is forthcoming. Stay tuned."
If I had to guess, I imagine it's porn-related. [Reply]
