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Nzoner's Game Room>*** Official 2017 Royals Repository ***
Chiefspants 10:55 AM 04-05-2017
Chiefsplanet’s (Proposed) 2017 Season Title: One Last Ride

Midish-Season Update (Royals 51-47, 2nd Wild Card, 1.5 GB of ALC):

We're halfway through 2017, and fittingly to the Chiefsplanet's 2017 Season Title, the Royals are all-in on what will likely be one final run with the current core. While many are worried the Royals will take a 2004 style tumble after this year, the farm system is hardly the barren wasteland it was during the Baird years. To see what's in the pipeline and what we have to look forward to, check out this exceptional list and analysis that Duncan put together of our system.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...htmlview#gid=0

While I had the honor of starting this thread this year, Duncan will always have a VIP pass to this OP, and can add more content at any time.

2017's Burning Questions Revisited:

1. What is the threshold between being “buyers” and “sellers” at the deadline?

We're buyers, baby.

In April, I argued that it would be a wise strategy for us to sell if we were 5 GB or worse, but that Dayton would likely add supplemental pieces for us to load up for another run if we were 1-2 GB. On July 24th, the Royals found themselves in sole possession of the 2nd wild card spot and 1.5 games back of the division. In April I said the Royals might pull the trigger on someone like Alex Cobb and resign Luke Hochevar, but since the Rays are also buyers and Luke's shoulder hasn't rebounded, this prediction hasn't come to fruition. Luckily, Dayton Moore again proved much more adept and creative than me by adding Trevor Cahill (good call, Duncan), Brandon Maurer and Ryan Buchter in a single trade. Giving us a solid starter to compete in 2017, and two relievers whom we will control through 2019 and 2021, respectively, keeping Moore's new vision through 2019-2020 intact. Moore has hinted that the Royals will continue to pursue the right deals if they're there, so the fun may not be over just yet. While we may not have the bullets to pull in a "star" like Cueto or Zo, Moore's adeptness may yet again net us what we need for another run in October.

2. Can Gordo and Moose bounce back to 2015 levels?

In April I asked if Gordo could at least set the table at a 265/325/425 clip and if Moose could deliver damage around a 265/335/500 clip for an entire year. This season Mr. Moustakas has been the prospect that was promised, delivering at a 277/307/568 clip as of this update. Gordo, on the other hand, has put up an unbelievably abysmal line thus far. But, if there is a silver lining, it's that Gordo has performed at a 246/311/432 line since June 1st, and if he can continue to perform near that mark, he will be more than a valuable asset at the bottom of the lineup while he continues to provide the best LF defense in the league.

3. Can Ned Yost manage a bullpen?

In April, I felt that despite the poor start, Royals bullpen would ultimately be "solid" this year, but the question was whether "solid" was good enough for Ned. I argued that the Royals needed Soria to bounce back and that Ned would need to start being strategic in his L/L and R/R matchups. While Ned has still made at times baffling and frustrating decisions with his starters (such as allowing Travis Wood to try to "get the win" and still insisting on sending Hammel out for the 6th, he's mostly done a good job).

MASH: Minor/Moylan - Alexander - Soria - Herrera (Credit to C3HIEF3S for the origins of the phrase) have cemented into reliable pieces, and now that Herrera is showing signs of stabilizing, our dumping of Wood, our call up Flynn, and the acquisition of Buchter and Maurer, the Royals have the potential to enter October with one of the best and deepest bullpens in the postseason.

4. Will the Royals find a boost from an unexpected X-Factor to lift them to contention?

Cool-Whit, Boni, Mike ****ing Minor, and Alexander have come up huge thus far. Cool Whit is, incredibly, is second on the team in WAR and has more than replaced Zo's presence on the team. They, like the X-Factors on the 2014-2015 teams, have been critical cogs as we've raced back to contention, while Cool-Whit and Boni also have provided a rosier outlook for this team's future. It's worth noting that Salvador Perez and Jason Vargas has been beasts on offense and the mound (along with Sal providing his customary defensive excellence), but I am still a bit wary of Salvy's annual Yost assisted offensive drought as the team moves into August, along with Vargy regressing to his averages.

5. Can Jorge Soler and Brandon Moss be productive contributors in Kauffman’s dimensions?

Ouch, no, but the Royals shift to power-hitting in the juiced ball era looks like one that will pay off. Thankfully, Moss is showing signs of entering his seasonal hot streak where he becomes corn-fed Jesus for a month, and we'll need him hot to keep up with Cleveland down the stretch. While Jorge has been painful to watch in the majors, his scorching performance in AAA should give one a bright hope for the future. While some may disagree, I offer Moose, Hos, Gordo, and Duffy's struggles as exhibit A for why it is far too early to give up on Soler's potential.

Bonus Question - Is Raul Mondesi truly ready to be an everyday player?

Ha! Not even close. However, like Soler, his progress in AAA is incredibly encouraging. With ceilings like Lindor and floors being Esky being thrown out there, it's hard not to be excited about his future.

The Picture Forward

There are many reasons to be excited, and not only for 2017. The Royals emergence of Cool Whit, Bonifacio, and Scott Alexander, and the fact that we have pieces like Salvador Perez, Danny Duffy, Kelvin Herrera, Jorge Soler, Ryan Buchter, Brandon Maurer Cheslor Cuthbert, and Raul Mondesi until at least 2019 should leave one feeling pretty optimistic. Re-up Moose or Hos (and heck, re-sign Dyson while we're at it), and suddenly this team looks very much like one that could compete for the indefinite future.

The Royals are all in again, buckle in and enjoy the ride.

April OP:

Spoiler!

[Reply]
WilliamTheIrish 08:36 PM 05-15-2017
Originally Posted by BWillie:
Ned Yost is 0% the reason we won a World Series.
:-)
[Reply]
ChiefsCountry 08:43 PM 05-15-2017
Originally Posted by WilliamTheIrish:
:-)
It's BWillie. Enough said.
[Reply]
lewdog 09:11 PM 05-15-2017
Originally Posted by BWillie:
Ned Yost is 0% the reason we won a World Series.
So you agree that managers have little to do with the outcomes of success at the MLB level?

I agree.
[Reply]
tk13 09:45 PM 05-15-2017
Even in that first playoff run, Ned grew a lot. He stopped being quite so rigid with roles and learned to feel the game a bit better. Don't kid yourself, he came a long, long, long way from his Brewers days.

I don't think managers have 0% influence on winning... they definitely matter, especially with clubhouse management. But it's definitely not the NFL. If you polled most people, they'd take someone like Buck Showalter over Ned 10 times out of 10... yet Ned has a ring, and way more postseason success than Showalter.
[Reply]
duncan_idaho 10:01 PM 05-15-2017
tl; dnr version

Royals trade Lorenzo Cain, Kelvin Herrera, Eric Hosmer, Joakim Soria, Mike Minor, Jason Vargas and Mike Moustakas and get in return:

SPs Erick Fedde (AA), David Paulino (AAA), Jay Groome (A), Travis Lakins (A+), James Kaprielian (AA)
OFs Teoscar Hernandez (AAA), Dustin Fowler (AAA),
1B Nick Longhi, SS/3B Carter Kieboom,

Long version:

Nationals get Lorenzo Cain and Kelvin Herrera.
Royals get: SP Erick Fedde, SS Carter Kieboom

KC gets a major return by packaging its two biggest assets together and completing the National League's best team. Fedde is a ready-now SP with No. 2 upside, a righty with three advanced pitchesAnd Kieboom is a high-upside hitter likely to move to 3B in the future.

Astros get Jason Vargas and Mike Minor
Royals get OF Teoscar Hernandez and SP David Paulino,

The Astros went for it by acquiring one of the hottest SP on the market to anchor their rotation, and add to their bullpen with Minor. Though some might view Soria as being more vauable, Minor's short-term deal - and the great spin rate on his fastball - make him more appealing to the Astros.

In Hernandez, the Royals get a toolsy OF ready to play in the major leagues, and Paulino adds another high-velocity arm to either their rotation (potential No. 3 starter) or bullpen (closer stuff).

Red Sox get 3B Mike Moustakas, RP Joakim Soria
Royals get SP Jay Groome, SP Travis Lakins, 1B Nick Longhi

Groome is talented but troubled and off to a rough start - opportunity to buy low for KC or still sell high-ish for Boston. Lakins is a rising RH who lacks great size but has good stuff. Longhi is a contact-oriented 1B with good athleticism. This return would break down to one top 75 prospect (Groome) with top 10 potential, a fringe top 100 guy in Lakins, and a solid starter projection in Langhi.

New York Yankees get 1B Eric Hosmer
Royals get RHP James Kaprelian, OF Dustin Fowler
I've long poo-poohed the thought of Eric Hosmer as a Yankee, but it is making sense to me now, considering Bird is still struggling, Chris Carter is terrible, and Tyler Austin is not the answer.

In Fowler, the Royals get a player who is extra inventory for the Yankees (with Clint Frazier, Aaron Judge, Jacoby Ellsbury signed for several more years, as well as the likelihood of the Yankees adding Bryce Harper after 2018) and projects as an all-around player. Between Fowler, Teoscar Hernandez, and Andrew Stevenson, Kansas City suddenly has inventory and options in its OF, with a very near future-dream of Fowler/Stevenson/Hernandez in the OF and Jorge Soler DH-ing.

Kaprelian is the real prize, a RH horse with the potential to be a No. 2 starter.

Pair this type of trade return with a strong draft- highlighted by Jeren Kendall, say, who could jump into the top 25 with a strong start to his pro career - and you're back to a top 10 system, one that's prepared to pump out reinforcements in the near term.
[Reply]
Prison Bitch 10:11 PM 05-15-2017
187 qualified hitters. Lowest wRC+:


187. Alshittys 23
183. Gordon 31


Yes, we are putting a 23 wRC+ dude in the lead off spot
[Reply]
Pitt Gorilla 10:20 PM 05-15-2017
Originally Posted by duncan_idaho:
tl; dnr version

Royals trade Lorenzo Cain, Kelvin Herrera, Eric Hosmer, Joakim Soria, Mike Minor, Jason Vargas and Mike Moustakas and get in return:

SPs Erick Fedde (AA), David Paulino (AAA), Jay Groome (A), Travis Lakins (A+), James Kaprielian (AA)
OFs Teoscar Hernandez (AAA), Dustin Fowler (AAA),
1B Nick Longhi, SS/3B Carter Kieboom,

Long version:

Nationals get Lorenzo Cain and Kelvin Herrera.
Royals get: SP Erick Fedde, SS Carter Kieboom

KC gets a major return by packaging its two biggest assets together and completing the National League's best team. Fedde is a ready-now SP with No. 2 upside, a righty with three advanced pitchesAnd Kieboom is a high-upside hitter likely to move to 3B in the future.

Astros get Jason Vargas and Mike Minor
Royals get OF Teoscar Hernandez and SP David Paulino,

The Astros went for it by acquiring one of the hottest SP on the market to anchor their rotation, and add to their bullpen with Minor. Though some might view Soria as being more vauable, Minor's short-term deal - and the great spin rate on his fastball - make him more appealing to the Astros.

In Hernandez, the Royals get a toolsy OF ready to play in the major leagues, and Paulino adds another high-velocity arm to either their rotation (potential No. 3 starter) or bullpen (closer stuff).

Red Sox get 3B Mike Moustakas, RP Joakim Soria
Royals get SP Jay Groome, SP Travis Lakins, 1B Nick Longhi

Groome is talented but troubled and off to a rough start - opportunity to buy low for KC or still sell high-ish for Boston. Lakins is a rising RH who lacks great size but has good stuff. Longhi is a contact-oriented 1B with good athleticism. This return would break down to one top 75 prospect (Groome) with top 10 potential, a fringe top 100 guy in Lakins, and a solid starter projection in Langhi.

New York Yankees get 1B Eric Hosmer
Royals get RHP James Kaprelian, OF Dustin Fowler
I've long poo-poohed the thought of Eric Hosmer as a Yankee, but it is making sense to me now, considering Bird is still struggling, Chris Carter is terrible, and Tyler Austin is not the answer.

In Fowler, the Royals get a player who is extra inventory for the Yankees (with Clint Frazier, Aaron Judge, Jacoby Ellsbury signed for several more years, as well as the likelihood of the Yankees adding Bryce Harper after 2018) and projects as an all-around player. Between Fowler, Teoscar Hernandez, and Andrew Stevenson, Kansas City suddenly has inventory and options in its OF, with a very near future-dream of Fowler/Stevenson/Hernandez in the OF and Jorge Soler DH-ing.

Kaprelian is the real prize, a RH horse with the potential to be a No. 2 starter.

Pair this type of trade return with a strong draft- highlighted by Jeren Kendall, say, who could jump into the top 25 with a strong start to his pro career - and you're back to a top 10 system, one that's prepared to pump out reinforcements in the near term.
Don't love that return for Moose. Other than that, it looks fine.
[Reply]
penbrook 10:35 PM 05-15-2017
Originally Posted by Prison Bitch:
187 qualified hitters. Lowest wRC+:


187. Alshittys 23
183. Gordon 31


Yes, we are putting a 23 wRC+ dude in the lead off spot
Esky magic!!
[Reply]
duncan_idaho 04:54 AM 05-16-2017
Originally Posted by Pitt Gorilla:
Don't love that return for Moose. Other than that, it looks fine.

I struggled to find a deal that made sense for Moustakas. That would be a gamble of a trade for KC, dependent on Groome fulfilling his potential to really be a smash success. In Latina and Longhi, you have a couple of solid regular types, with Lakins maybe being more (his size is a concern, and the stuff is more No. 4 starter).

The Red Sox are the best fit, but other than Devers - who would be way too much for a half season of a player - don't have a slam dunk prospect.

The Cardinals also would make sense in theory but seem pretty happy with their current situation. Other potential suitors like the Mets and Giants may not be in buy modes - in fact, they look like they won't be.

I also think that Nationals return might be a little light in terms of volume. Kieboom and Fedde are badasses, but a third piece probably needs to be included for that to work for KC. I toyed with CF Andrew Stevenson, but he's off to a great start and has rising stock.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
[Reply]
mr. tegu 08:47 AM 05-16-2017
Originally Posted by Prison Bitch:
187 qualified hitters. Lowest wRC+:


187. Alshittys 23
183. Gordon 31


Yes, we are putting a 23 wRC+ dude in the lead off spot
Winning!


[Reply]
BlackHelicopters 10:06 AM 05-16-2017
Gordon out of options?
[Reply]
BWillie 11:25 AM 05-16-2017
Originally Posted by lewdog:
So you agree that managers have little to do with the outcomes of success at the MLB level?

I agree.
Yes. Probably worth about 5-6 games. That is what Ned blows every single year. That can matter.

I've hated Ned Yost my entire Royal fandom life. Before the World Series. During those runs. And after it. I've said as much and maintained my stance. My stance doesn't change just because they happen to win.
[Reply]
Dartgod 11:57 AM 05-16-2017
Originally Posted by BWillie:
Yes. Probably worth about 5-6 games. That is what Ned blows every single year. That can matter.

I've hated Ned Yost my entire Royal fandom life. Before the World Series. During those runs. And after it. I've said as much and maintained my stance. My stance doesn't change just because they happen to win.
So Ned is only responsible for the blown games and gets zero credit for any of the wins?
[Reply]
Chiefspants 12:05 PM 05-16-2017
Ned outmanaged every opposing manager in the 2015 playoffs. In fact, the only time he's ever been outmanaged in a playoff series was the 2014 World Series (Game 4).

He learned his lessons from the 2014 World Series and applied them to the 2015 postseason - and it was a definitely a reason why we took the crown.
[Reply]
siberian khatru 12:06 PM 05-16-2017
Marlins claimed Christian Colon
[Reply]
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