2023 – A new beginning for the Royals. Matt Quatraro era begins. A year to see which of our young players will make up the core going forward. Can Bobby Witt Jr become a superstar SS or will go to the hot corner? Will Brady Singer take the next step forward? Will Salvy be Salvy? Will Big Vin or Pratto take first base? Will they find a position for MJ? Who else emerges from the youth movement? Not to mention the development of the new downtown stadium.
Free Agents/Trades Acquisitions
Jordan Lyles, RHP
Ryan Yarbrough, LHP
Josh Taylor, LHP
Aroldis Chapman, LHP
Top 10 Prospects from Baseball America
1. Gavin Cross, OF
2. Cayden Wallace, 3B
3. Drew Waters, OF
4. Ben Kudrna, RHP
5. Frank Mozzicato, LHP
6. Maikel Garcia, SS
7. Tyler Gentry, OF
8. Nick Loftin, OF/3B
9. Angel Zerpa, LHP
10. Carter Jensen, C [Reply]
Matt Duffy & Jackie Bradley Jr. have been informed they’re making the #Royals roster. Franmil Reyes is likely to make it, too. Edward Olivares & Nate Eaton have made it. Roster won’t be official until Thursday because of 40-man moves. KC working through final bullpen decisions.
I've been worried that JBJ sees a lot of time at the expense of Olivares and each new development takes us one step further down that path. It's the Royal Way.
In other Royal news, MJ Melendez will not be playing LF as previously thought, but RF! I think that's the right spot for him cause he has that cannon for an arm. He was playing RF for Puerto Rico in the WBC and looked plenty capable out there. He went 3 for 15 in the WBC, a double and two singles, walked 4 times and K's 8 times. Not amazing but not a big deal. I'm looking for 33 bombs out of MJ and 95 RBIs.
Originally Posted by :
The report:
Royals manager Matt Quatraro told reporters before Monday's spring game that Melendez will see the majority of his outfield reps in right field to begin the year, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Advice: It was assumed by many that Melendez would see most of his outfield time in left, but instead the promising young hitter will be on the other side of the outfield for the majority of his time. Melednez is also expected to see time at designated hitter while also getting some time behind the plate. No matter the position, his power and likelihood to see plenty of time at the top of the order makes him an intriguing option for the 2023 campaign.
Originally Posted by Mecca:
I think it's mainly that Moore is gone.
While there is some of that, I don’t get the lack of excitement. This is far and away, by a thousand miles, the most interesting royals team in the post WS core era. So basically the last 6 years. You have a guy who could be a super star if he keeps improving, a possible Ace who if he also keeps developing would be our first home grown guy in forever, the ultimate analytics hero in Vinny P who has all sorts of interesting statistical comparisons, and a bunch of guys like Melendez, waters, and Massey who are all going to play and all have some upside as well. Throw in some possible progress in the pitching department in general by switching coaches and who really knows what this team is capable of? Are they all going to work out? No, probably not. But at least it’s interesting to see what happens, which is far more interesting than watching Santana and Benetendi and Taylor play. It’s just weird to me everyone last year was like “let the kids play! We want to see the young guys!” And then the royals are by and large going to do exactly that and now so many are like “nah this is not exciting at all”. Like outside of the royals getting Juan Soto or some other pie in the sky scenario, I don’t know what people are wanting exactly. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Pablo:
Yeah I’m just now today talking myself into caring a little bit and not shitting all over them until they give me good reason.
Excitement level like 1.5/10 currently
Really? I know the team isn’t expected to make a run, but I’m thrilled that spring is arriving and baseball is going to be played soon.
Just the thought of warm weather and baseball on the patio or in person, picks me up. [Reply]
Originally Posted by SithCeNtZ:
While there is some of that, I don’t get the lack of excitement. This is far and away, by a thousand miles, the most interesting royals team in the post WS core era. So basically the last 6 years. You have a guy who could be a super star if he keeps improving, a possible Ace who if he also keeps developing would be our first home grown guy in forever, the ultimate analytics hero in Vinny P who has all sorts of interesting statistical comparisons, and a bunch of guys like Melendez, waters, and Massey who are all going to play and all have some upside as well. Throw in some possible progress in the pitching department in general by switching coaches and who really knows what this team is capable of? Are they all going to work out? No, probably not. But at least it’s interesting to see what happens, which is far more interesting than watching Santana and Benetendi and Taylor play. It’s just weird to me everyone last year was like “let the kids play! We want to see the young guys!” And then the royals are by and large going to do exactly that and now so many are like “nah this is not exciting at all”. Like outside of the royals getting Juan Soto or some other pie in the sky scenario, I don’t know what people are wanting exactly.
Originally Posted by Hank Hill:
Weird. This is the least I've been excited for Royals baseball in many years.
I just don't see it.
This is excited as Ive been for a while. Finally get to see all of our young players play. Just Jackie Bradley blocking ppl...but Im hoping once Waters gets healthy he's DFA fodder. I mean Im not expecting to win, but it will be a fun season when I decide I want to re-log into the Ballys app. [Reply]
