Where has the optimism gone?
Join myself and James Puester as we talk about where all the optimism surrounding the Royals has gone. In the past few years, the Royals have had positive talk surrounding them entering Spring Training. Last year, a few media outlets picked them to win the division, and fans were wondering if it was the year the Royals finally turned the corner.
We'll break this down and more, tomorrow at 4pm only on 1140 KCXL and 1160 KCTO. We might even take some calls to get what your thoughts are on the upcoming season.
*Also an apology for not posting anything new this week! Pretty slow Royals week wouldn't you say?
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Preview for Royals Kingdom Radio 1/24/2010
Big show lined up for tomorrow! We'll have Daniel Shoptaw from the Baseball Bloggers Alliance and C70 at the Bat, a St. Louis Cardinals blog. We'll have his thoughts on Rick Ankiel and we'll talk about the Baseball Bloggers Alliance.
We'll focus on what the Ankiel deal means for the Royals this year and possibly in the future.
Tune in tomorrow at 4pm only on 1140 KCXL! If you aren't in the listening area, stream it on your computer or iPhone here
We'll focus on what the Ankiel deal means for the Royals this year and possibly in the future.
Tune in tomorrow at 4pm only on 1140 KCXL! If you aren't in the listening area, stream it on your computer or iPhone here
After Ankiel, What's Next for KC?
At first there was outrage. Then optimism. Then delusion. Finally, acceptance. Acceptance of the fact that Rick Ankiel will be a Kansas City Royal.
Once again, a move that I am ok with. Ankiel improves our outfield defense. He provides a measure of protection for Billy Butler if his power returns and he is able to stay healthy. His contract is also a very club-friendly deal. His $3.25 million dollar salary is much cheaper than what his agent, Scott Boras was asking for (3 years/$15 million). Included in the deal is a mutual option for 2011 worth $6 million.
Rick Ankiel is not young. He will be 30 when the season starts and 31 when it is over. I'm not sure what the Royals plans are, but I'm sure we are about to see a decent sized roster shakeup.
First off, our outfield is now pretty crowded as Ankiel joins David DeJesus, Scott Podsednik, Brian Anderson, Mitch Maier, Jose Guillen and possibly Josh Fields.
Of that group, Anderson has minor league options left. Maier is out of options and it is possible that Maier will move on after spring training.
So that leaves us with DeJesus, Scotty Pods, Guillen and Ankiel.
I doubt that any of those will accept a role as a 4th OF.
DeJesus has the most trade value out the group, but his production is going to be greatly needed in this lineup. Guillen has little to no trade value as he probably will start the year on the DL. Podsednik has all but been guaranteed a starting spot. Ankiel is too good of a defender to sit on the bench.
I think it is obvious what needs to be done. Jose Guillen needs to be released.
The $12 million dollars is already spent. If you trade Guillen, you will have to eat nearly all of his salary. He is hurt, nobody wants him. You have to designate him for assignment and let him explore his options elsewhere. That leaves you with a quick, defensively sound outfield that is suited for Kauffman Stadium.
Now, if Dayton Moore goes with the not-so-obvious move of trading DeJesus, there are several areas that need improvement on this ballclub. A trade for DeJesus would have to garner a young lefty pitcher and one or two young infield prospects, maybe even a catcher.
If DDJ is traded, this opens up a big competition for the final OF spot between Maier, Anderson and minor leaguers Jordan Parraz (hit .348 in AA and AAA in '09) and David Lough (hit .325 also in AA and AAA in '09).
With either move, it could possibly benefit the Royals. If Guillen is released, I am positive it would benefit the club (see my post below as to why). As for a trade for DeJesus, it would pain me to see him go, but if the return is substantial, then I won't feel too awful about it.
Once again, a move that I am ok with. Ankiel improves our outfield defense. He provides a measure of protection for Billy Butler if his power returns and he is able to stay healthy. His contract is also a very club-friendly deal. His $3.25 million dollar salary is much cheaper than what his agent, Scott Boras was asking for (3 years/$15 million). Included in the deal is a mutual option for 2011 worth $6 million.
Rick Ankiel is not young. He will be 30 when the season starts and 31 when it is over. I'm not sure what the Royals plans are, but I'm sure we are about to see a decent sized roster shakeup.
First off, our outfield is now pretty crowded as Ankiel joins David DeJesus, Scott Podsednik, Brian Anderson, Mitch Maier, Jose Guillen and possibly Josh Fields.
Of that group, Anderson has minor league options left. Maier is out of options and it is possible that Maier will move on after spring training.
So that leaves us with DeJesus, Scotty Pods, Guillen and Ankiel.
I doubt that any of those will accept a role as a 4th OF.
DeJesus has the most trade value out the group, but his production is going to be greatly needed in this lineup. Guillen has little to no trade value as he probably will start the year on the DL. Podsednik has all but been guaranteed a starting spot. Ankiel is too good of a defender to sit on the bench.
I think it is obvious what needs to be done. Jose Guillen needs to be released.
The $12 million dollars is already spent. If you trade Guillen, you will have to eat nearly all of his salary. He is hurt, nobody wants him. You have to designate him for assignment and let him explore his options elsewhere. That leaves you with a quick, defensively sound outfield that is suited for Kauffman Stadium.
Now, if Dayton Moore goes with the not-so-obvious move of trading DeJesus, there are several areas that need improvement on this ballclub. A trade for DeJesus would have to garner a young lefty pitcher and one or two young infield prospects, maybe even a catcher.
If DDJ is traded, this opens up a big competition for the final OF spot between Maier, Anderson and minor leaguers Jordan Parraz (hit .348 in AA and AAA in '09) and David Lough (hit .325 also in AA and AAA in '09).
With either move, it could possibly benefit the Royals. If Guillen is released, I am positive it would benefit the club (see my post below as to why). As for a trade for DeJesus, it would pain me to see him go, but if the return is substantial, then I won't feel too awful about it.
Monday, January 18, 2010
In a Perfect World...
First off, I want to thank everyone who tuned in to the Royals Kingdom Radio Show this weekend. It was another great show that has received tremendous positive feedback. A big thank you to Greg Schaum who was our guest.
On to bigger things...
The thing that stood out to me the most this weekend during my interview with Schaum, was that he said Jose Guillen's rehab is not going as well as the Royals planned (big surprise). So this news stirred up my interest in what may happen before spring training starts on February 18.
We've seen it year in and year out. The Royals make awful trades, sign marginal talent in free agency, etc. But with the news of Guillen's rehab mess, the Royals are presented with a huge decision. Do you try to rehab Jose and try to get at least 100 games out of him or do you eat the $12 million dollar contract, release him and give players already in the organization a shot at the big league club during spring training? Hopefully the Royals are looking at the latter as their primary option. If you release Jose Guillen, it is addition by subtraction. There are no big money, long term contract-type free agents left. You already have money allotted for the draft and you are in year two of a refurbished stadium that will probably continue to generate revenue. Eating $12 million dollars in salary will not hurt you in the short term or the long term.
My advice: eat the contract.
The $12 million still owed to Guillen is not the issue here. The issue is that Guillen will more than likely be a negative influence on the team. If he stays on the team, he will probably see multiple stints on the disabled list and only hamper the development of this team.
So what options do the Royals have?
Option 1: Keep Jose Guillen. Pay him $12 million dollars. Have him play in less than 80 games, hit 8 home runs, drive in 50 runs, commit defensive miscues in Right Field, take away DH reps from Billy Butler, continue to strike out in big situations and prevent this team from winning games.
Option 2: Cut Jose Guillen. Pay him $12 million dollars. Call up Kila Ka'aihue and platoon him with Josh Fields at the DH position. Place Mitch Maier in RF. This immediately improves the Royals defense and gives young players a chance to develop.
It may seem like the Royals don't have many options right now, but this is definitely an option. If Dayton Moore can cut dead weight with Jose Guillen, admit a mistake and eat the huge salary, this will be a positive move for the Royals.
It isn't that complicated. There aren't miles of red tape and circumstances that are inhibiting this team's ability and chance to contend, only a seemingly incompetent GM who can't evaluate talent at the Major League level.
On to bigger things...
The thing that stood out to me the most this weekend during my interview with Schaum, was that he said Jose Guillen's rehab is not going as well as the Royals planned (big surprise). So this news stirred up my interest in what may happen before spring training starts on February 18.
We've seen it year in and year out. The Royals make awful trades, sign marginal talent in free agency, etc. But with the news of Guillen's rehab mess, the Royals are presented with a huge decision. Do you try to rehab Jose and try to get at least 100 games out of him or do you eat the $12 million dollar contract, release him and give players already in the organization a shot at the big league club during spring training? Hopefully the Royals are looking at the latter as their primary option. If you release Jose Guillen, it is addition by subtraction. There are no big money, long term contract-type free agents left. You already have money allotted for the draft and you are in year two of a refurbished stadium that will probably continue to generate revenue. Eating $12 million dollars in salary will not hurt you in the short term or the long term.
My advice: eat the contract.
The $12 million still owed to Guillen is not the issue here. The issue is that Guillen will more than likely be a negative influence on the team. If he stays on the team, he will probably see multiple stints on the disabled list and only hamper the development of this team.
So what options do the Royals have?
Option 1: Keep Jose Guillen. Pay him $12 million dollars. Have him play in less than 80 games, hit 8 home runs, drive in 50 runs, commit defensive miscues in Right Field, take away DH reps from Billy Butler, continue to strike out in big situations and prevent this team from winning games.
Option 2: Cut Jose Guillen. Pay him $12 million dollars. Call up Kila Ka'aihue and platoon him with Josh Fields at the DH position. Place Mitch Maier in RF. This immediately improves the Royals defense and gives young players a chance to develop.
It may seem like the Royals don't have many options right now, but this is definitely an option. If Dayton Moore can cut dead weight with Jose Guillen, admit a mistake and eat the huge salary, this will be a positive move for the Royals.
It isn't that complicated. There aren't miles of red tape and circumstances that are inhibiting this team's ability and chance to contend, only a seemingly incompetent GM who can't evaluate talent at the Major League level.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Royals Kingdom Radio Show Preview for 1/17
This week on Royals Kingdom Radio we take a look at the top prospects coming through the Royals minor leagues. We bring in 610 Sports' Greg Schaum to take a look at which prospects have the best chance at making an impact on the Royals within the next few years.
Tune in tomorrow at 4pm on 1140 KCXL (Liberty) and 1160 KCTO (Cleveland). If you can't find it on the radio, stream it on your computer here.
Tune in tomorrow at 4pm on 1140 KCXL (Liberty) and 1160 KCTO (Cleveland). If you can't find it on the radio, stream it on your computer here.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Royals Awards Night an Eye Opening Success
For a team that has very little to celebrate, it sure seemed like there was a lot more going on than meets the eye at the Overland Park Convention Center on Thursday night. I had the privilege to attend the event and was nothing short of blown away. The night was amazing. From the pre-party in the lobby, all the way to the awards show itself, the Royals pulled out all the stops.
I won't talk about how moist the rolls were, how touching Ryan Lefebvre's introduction of Zack Greinke was, or how perfectly tender the steak was. I will however speak on how I had my sense of hope renewed by a guy who wore the Royals uniform for only one season. David Cone revitalized my hope. Introducing Zack Greinke, along with Bret Saberhagen and Ryan Lefebvre, Coney delivered a speech that would get even Denny Matthews fired up. Cone hearkened Royals fans back to a time when Amos Otis, George Brett and Frank White ruled Royals Stadium. He passionately spoke about how the Royals were always on top back then and how they had to be back on top. That is the only way it should be. Then he turned to Billy Butler and Zack Greinke and said: "You guys are the key to bringing that back."
At that point, I had chills running up and down my spine. Sure we may have screwed up in signing Scotty Pods and Kendall. But look folks, we've got the best young first baseman in all of baseball. We have the best pitcher in the world. We have a closer that has ice water in his veins. My point is, my belief was restored tonight. The belief that this team is headed in the right direction. Belief that Dayton Moore can be a competent Major League GM. Belief that everything can go right at Kauffman Stadium for one magical summer. We're due folks. That has to count for something.
Keep the faith.
I won't talk about how moist the rolls were, how touching Ryan Lefebvre's introduction of Zack Greinke was, or how perfectly tender the steak was. I will however speak on how I had my sense of hope renewed by a guy who wore the Royals uniform for only one season. David Cone revitalized my hope. Introducing Zack Greinke, along with Bret Saberhagen and Ryan Lefebvre, Coney delivered a speech that would get even Denny Matthews fired up. Cone hearkened Royals fans back to a time when Amos Otis, George Brett and Frank White ruled Royals Stadium. He passionately spoke about how the Royals were always on top back then and how they had to be back on top. That is the only way it should be. Then he turned to Billy Butler and Zack Greinke and said: "You guys are the key to bringing that back."
At that point, I had chills running up and down my spine. Sure we may have screwed up in signing Scotty Pods and Kendall. But look folks, we've got the best young first baseman in all of baseball. We have the best pitcher in the world. We have a closer that has ice water in his veins. My point is, my belief was restored tonight. The belief that this team is headed in the right direction. Belief that Dayton Moore can be a competent Major League GM. Belief that everything can go right at Kauffman Stadium for one magical summer. We're due folks. That has to count for something.
Keep the faith.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Podsednik Signs; Dayton Moore's Pseudo-Confidence Soars
Here's the deal. I'm ok with this move. We sign Scott Podsednik to a 1-year deal worth $1.75 million with a mutual option for 2011 if Podsednik gets over 560 ABs. Not a bad deal. This improves our outfield depth, speed and defense. Podsednik's arm may not be the strongest, it might be a slight upgrade over Coco's arm in CF, but he can get to balls just as quickly as Coco.
I'm happy we got him to sign for less than $2 million, as he had a career year at the plate, hitting .304. The defense in the outfield looks improved, we'll probably see this on a regular basis:
LF- David DeJesus
CF- Podsednik
RF- Mitch Maier/Willie Bloomquist
All three have played CF in their careers and have above average speed. Podsednik adds a stolen base threat, but not as much as you would think, he led the league in Caught Stealing twice and was 30 for 43 in steals last year. The Royals will probably be one of the fastest teams in the AL Central next year with the additions of Getz, Brian Anderson and Podsednik, joining the likes of Bloomquist, DeJesus, Maier and Gordon, all players who have decent steal numbers in their careers.
I'm ok with the move. We didn't really have a centerfielder headed into 2010. Hopefully Dayton Moore and Trey Hillman don't move DeJesus out of the leadoff spot in favor of Podsednik, but rather keep him at the bottom of the order and let him set the table for Callaspo, DDJ and Butler in the later innings.
If the Royals do that, then this will be a positive move.
I'm happy we got him to sign for less than $2 million, as he had a career year at the plate, hitting .304. The defense in the outfield looks improved, we'll probably see this on a regular basis:
LF- David DeJesus
CF- Podsednik
RF- Mitch Maier/Willie Bloomquist
All three have played CF in their careers and have above average speed. Podsednik adds a stolen base threat, but not as much as you would think, he led the league in Caught Stealing twice and was 30 for 43 in steals last year. The Royals will probably be one of the fastest teams in the AL Central next year with the additions of Getz, Brian Anderson and Podsednik, joining the likes of Bloomquist, DeJesus, Maier and Gordon, all players who have decent steal numbers in their careers.
I'm ok with the move. We didn't really have a centerfielder headed into 2010. Hopefully Dayton Moore and Trey Hillman don't move DeJesus out of the leadoff spot in favor of Podsednik, but rather keep him at the bottom of the order and let him set the table for Callaspo, DDJ and Butler in the later innings.
If the Royals do that, then this will be a positive move.
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