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.
Current Prospects to Watch:
OF Seuly Matias - Huge tools. Hit 2 HR in Lexington (A) season opener.
1B Nick Pratto - Top pick in 17 has advanced approach and good glove; needs to start tapping into power in first full year in minors. Also at Lexington.
OF Michael Gigliotti - Good defender in CF, good OBP skills, plus baserunner. Next mainstay in CF for KC, IMO. Advanced college bat also starting at Lexington.
OF Khalil Lee - Probably has highest upside in Royals' system. Could hit 30 HR in majors, could steal 30 bases. Plus defensive ability in RF. Nice test at Wilmington this year.
3B Emmanuel Rivera - Really nice approach and good contact skills. Power is still developing. Also getting a good test at Wilmington.
SP Foster Griffin - Made nice strides in 2017. Needs to continue to progress in 2018. Could be a lefty version of Jakob Junis (good breaking ball that he can really manipulate, OK fastball, good command).
1B Samir Duenez - Duenez still is intriguing, hoping for a step forward in his power production this year at Northwest Arkansas, which would turn him into a legit prospect.
Others to keep an eye on:
SP Gerson Garabito (Wilmington), OF Marten Gasparini (Lexington), C MJ Melendez (Lexington), RP Tyler Zuber (lexington), RP Richard Lovelady (Omaha), SP Dan Tillo (Lexington), SS Nicky Lopez (NWA), SP Scott Blewett (NWA), OF Brewer Hicklen (Idaho Falls),
In general, Lexington and Wilmington are the most interesting spots to watch. Nice depth and a lot of interesting pieces at both. [Reply]
Moore has previously targeted 2021 for when the Royals likely could push for the playoffs, but he has steadfastly refused to purposefully tank. Despite that, the Royals’ record this season is indicative of a team not trying to win.
But Moore clearly doesn’t want triple-digit-loss seasons. The Royals drafted a cadre of college pitchers and traded Mike Moustakas for players who could help the team sooner rather than later.
That would be the case if another team came calling for Duffy or Merrifield after the season.
“If we end up moving any of our players like that, that we have under control that are of value to us,” Moore said, “it’ll be something we look at in the offseason and how can we get back major-league talent to help us win more games in 2019 and 2020.”
This seems like a huge mistake to me. If they hold on to Merrifield and Duffy simply to win a few more games next year when we won't contend, how can that be supported by anyone? And if they trade them for near major league ready talent, how is that any different than the Beltran trade getting Teahen, Buck, and Wood? Rushing the rebuild is a huge mistake IMO. I really hope Moore isn't that dumb. [Reply]
I'm fairly impressed with the re-stock, actually. IF any of the pitching pans out, in this division, it's possible that they could be competitive next year with a little luck. Not likely, mind you, but possible. They're adding a lot of speed and defense. The offense is coming along. It's really the pitching that's still the dumpster fire. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Chris Meck:
I'm fairly impressed with the re-stock, actually. IF any of the pitching pans out, in this division, it's possible that they could be competitive next year with a little luck. Not likely, mind you, but possible. They're adding a lot of speed and defense. The offense is coming along. It's really the pitching that's still the dumpster fire.
There is literally no way they are anywhere close to being competitive next year lol [Reply]
Originally Posted by Chris Meck:
I'm fairly impressed with the re-stock, actually. IF any of the pitching pans out, in this division, it's possible that they could be competitive next year with a little luck. Not likely, mind you, but possible. They're adding a lot of speed and defense. The offense is coming along. It's really the pitching that's still the dumpster fire.
Dayton Moore is desperately trying to not lose fans, that's what all that is about.
Is tanking better in the long run? Probably but he's also been here for so long maybe he thinks if they suck for 4 years his job security will become an issue?
THE BWILLIE MINOR LEAGUE UPDATE! (I just provide stats and let smart people like Duncan talk about it) AAA
Elier Hernandez .298 avg, 3 HR, .725 OPS
Nicky ****ing Lopez .331, 5 HR, .845 OPS
Bubba Starling who cares
Donnie Dewees .207 avg, 4 hr, .638 OPS
Trevor Oaks 96 IP, 2.05 ERA
Josh Staumont 59 IP, 3.05 ERA, 32 BB, 81 SO, 5 starts
Richard Lovelady 56 IP, 2.57 ERA
AA
Samir Duenez 167 AB, .257 avg, 5 HR, .761 OPS. Think he was hurt earlier in year
Khalil Lee .265 avg, 6 HR, 16 SB, .778 OPS. One of our top prospects
Jecksson Flores .317 avg, 3 HR, .702 OPS. No idea who this guy is
Foster Griffin 116 IP, 5.66 ERA
Scott Blewett 106 IP, 5.65 ERA
A-Wilmington
DJ Burt .305 avg, 2 HR, .800 OPS, 26 SB
Brewer Hicklen .287 avg, 13 HR, .848 OPS
Meibrys Viloria .250 avg, 5 HR, .677 OPS
Chase Vallot is hitting .100. ONE HUNDRED. 79ks in 138 abs lol
Gerson Garabito 105 IP, 3.51 ERA
Anthony Bender 78 IP, 4.14 ERA
Daniel Tillo 103 IP, 4.44 ERA. Sioux City Iowa mother****ers