Free Agent Signings:
Carlos Santana
Mike Minor
Michael Taylor
Ervin Santana
Top 10 Prospects:
1 Bobby Witt Jr., SS
2 Asa Lacy, LHP
3 Daniel Lynch, LHP
4 Jackson Kowar, RHP
5 Erick Pena, OF
6 Nick Loftin, SS
7 Kyle Isbel, OF
8 Khali Lee, OF
9 Jonathan Bowlan, RHP
10 Carlos Hernedez, RHP [Reply]
2021 MLB draft prospect rankings: Vanderbilt’s Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker top Keith Law’s list
Originally Posted by : 1. Jack Leiter, RHP, Vanderbilt
Leiter is an age-eligible sophomore, and while he may not be the Commodores’ most famous starter right now, he’s their best prospect, with the best combination of stuff, command, and delivery in the draft. Leiter can pitch at 95-96 mph and hit his spots even at that velocity, with a plus breaking ball and a delivery he repeats very well to keep that command long-term. His father (Al), uncle (Mark), and cousin (Mark Jr.) all pitched in the majors, and he has the track record — Jack was a first-round talent in 2019 out of high school — to give teams the extra comfort level they want when taking someone this high in the draft.
3. Kumar Rocker, RHP, Vanderbilt
The Commodores could very easily have two guys go in the top three picks in the draft, or even 1-2, with Leiter and Rocker. Rocker might be more famous, having thrown a no-hitter in the postseason two years ago and a fastball that’s been up to 99 mph, but he does suffer slightly in comparison to Leiter, with the inferior breaking ball and a grade less command. Rocker is 6-foot-5, 245, with plenty of athleticism (his father, Tracy Rocker, played two seasons in the NFL), but the fastball is really his main weapon, and he could use a plus secondary pitch and/or better movement on the fastball to go before his teammate.
MLB offseason grades for all 30 teams: Padres and Blue Jays ace it, Red Sox sputter, White Sox primed by
Jim Bowden
Originally Posted by : Kansas City Royals
Grade: B
Trades: Acquired OF Andrew Benintendi from Red Sox, trading OF Khalil Lee to Mets and two PTBNL to Red Sox in a three-way deal Free agents: LHP Mike Minor, 2 years/$18 million; 1B/DH Carlos Santana 2 years/$17.5 million; CF Michael A. Taylor, 1 year/$1.75 million; RHP Greg Holland, 1 year/$2.75 million
The Royals did an impressive job of improving their lineup, highlighted by the signing of free-agent first baseman Carlos Santana and the trade for outfielder Andrew Benintendi. Santana is a much-needed bat for the middle of the order, and his ability to work a count and draw walks will be a helpful influence as the young Royals hitters develop. But the Royals’ best move of the offseason was landing Benintendi, 26, who profiles as a 20 home run, 20 stolen base, above-average defensive left fielder when he’s fully developed. They added free agent Michael A. Taylor to play center field. He’s an above-average defender who has power and speed but also a high strikeout rate that’s not going away.
The Royals also did an excellent job of acquiring veteran pitchers Mike Minor, Greg Holland and Wade Davis on club-friendly contracts. All three should contribute. With a young, developing rotation and the additions they made this offseason, don’t be surprised if the Royals finish in third place in the AL Central, ahead of the Indians. To cap things off, earlier this week the Royals agreed to a four-year extension with third baseman Hunter Dozier.
Butler's top 10 in Royals history for hits, doubles, HRs, RBI, etc. He played on a World Series team. I think he's got a shot eventually.
Funny thing is he hasn't played baseball in 5 years and he's still younger than our current 1B. I think that seems to hurt his image a bit. But if you look solely at his overall numbers in Royals history he's up there.
Beltran has the name value. He's certainly one of the most talented players in team history and he put up big numbers over several years. He's still in the top 10 for WAR in Royals history. Where Damon really didn't click until his last couple years in KC, and he went on to win titles in his prime with other teams. [Reply]
Originally Posted by sweendog48:
Suely Matias hit a ball today that was estimated at 500 feet. I want to see the video, but they said it destroyed a palm tree out beyond the bullpen, Matheny said its the farthest he has ever seen a ball hit, he thought it was over 500.
Hey might as well sign Billy Butler. He's only 34, younger than all of our Santanas. He's just been hanging out getting fat in Montana playing beer league softball. He was their MVP last year. [Reply]