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04-05-2017, 10:55 AM | |
World's Best Boss
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bronco Country
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*** Official 2017 Royals Repository ***
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!
Last edited by Chiefspants; 08-02-2017 at 01:53 PM.. |
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06-27-2017, 12:07 PM | #2881 |
In Search of a Life
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Kansas
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06-27-2017, 12:09 PM | #2882 |
You don't faze me, Gobble.
Join Date: Dec 2005
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My family went on an awesome road trip earlier this month. We followed the Royals to SD, SF, and Anaheim. Here are a few pictures from our trip. I hope you enjoy the awesome sign we made for my daughter's birthday on Madison Bumgarner t-shirt night.
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Posts: 13,675
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06-27-2017, 12:18 PM | #2883 |
Stay positive, don't give up
Join Date: Dec 2001
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Still early to think bout buying or selling. Hopefully they are leading the central or a couple back at worst in late July
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Posts: 46,189
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06-27-2017, 12:21 PM | #2884 | |
Draft a QB
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: JoCo
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Quote:
The sign is awesome BTW. |
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Posts: 5,753
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06-27-2017, 12:37 PM | #2885 |
In Search of a Life
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Kansas
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Awesome! Brought my wife and 2 kids out for the SD series. Good times.
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06-27-2017, 12:42 PM | #2886 |
You don't faze me, Gobble.
Join Date: Dec 2005
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Posts: 13,675
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06-27-2017, 12:44 PM | #2887 |
In Search of a Life
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Kansas
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PETCO is a phenomenal place to see a game. Not a bad view from anywhere and great food options. We go to SD a few times a summer anyway and often hit a game or two regardless of who the Padres are playing just for the atmosphere
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06-27-2017, 12:45 PM | #2888 |
MVP
Join Date: Feb 2013
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06-27-2017, 01:33 PM | #2889 |
sorta mod-ish
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: KC North
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"Delete that video!"
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06-27-2017, 04:09 PM | #2890 |
Im a Mahomo!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Mid-Missouri
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MLB trade rumors: Top 25 trade assets for deadline
MLB trades are in the air, and it is officially the best time of year to be a baseball fan. For a few short weeks, MLB rumors and breaking news get to dominate the news cycle (unless of course there is something earth-shattering that comes out of NFL mini-camp). The rumors are already flying hot and heavy, and dozens of players and prospects will be on the move before the clock strikes four on July 31. While the trade market is still a bit nebulous with so much of the American League still alive in the playoff race, lets attempt to break down the top-25 assets that could be used to help push a contender over the top and the best prospects that should have rebuilding teams drooling. Keep in mind, that while compiling this list, an effort was made to evaluate only the players that seem most likely to be on the move at the deadline. Honorable Mention: Howie Kendrick will move, quality veteran who can play multiple spots Brad Brach will move if the Orioles go into a rebuild Todd Frazier will likely move, but stock has fallen Yonder Alonso has an OPS near 1.000 but may want to stay in Oakland Erick Fedde may help the Nationals land a closer Ervin Santana only available if the Twins collapse Melky Cabrera solid, but expensive and defense has fallen off Kyle Tucker Astros top offensive prospect Pat Neshek veteran reliever with closing experience Alex Verdugo hard to find a fit in Dodgers outfield, but a polished hitter Jay Bruce one-dimensional slugger, but may be useful to an AL contender Jed Lowrie veteran second baseman having a career year Marcell Ozuna can you ever really tell what Jeffrey Loria will do? Curtis Granderson realistically does not have much left in the tank Brad Hand solid reliever, but has been hit hard lately Jedd Gyorko the Cardinals need all the power they can get, so probably staying put Trevor Cahill has re-established himself as a starter, but has a history of shoulder issues Derek Holland left-handers ERA has been blowing up in June Jeremy Hellickson has not been able to defeat FIP this season Welington Castillo not a great defender, but has been hitting all year Drew Storen has quietly rebounded in Cincinnati The San Francisco Giants its time to sell everyone Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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06-27-2017, 06:53 PM | #2891 |
Let's Get Weird
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Austin
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06-27-2017, 06:56 PM | #2892 |
Stay positive, don't give up
Join Date: Dec 2001
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Royals need to take this tigers series
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Posts: 46,189
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06-28-2017, 08:51 AM | #2893 |
MVP
Join Date: Mar 2013
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Not off to a good start.
The Royals have been downright AWFUL against AL Central teams this year: 9-19. 1-3 vs. Detroit, 1-7 vs. Minny, 2-5 vs. ChiSux, and 5-4 against Cleveland. If they can't win their division games, they have no chance of staying in the playoff race and should just sell now. They seem to be able to beat everyone else? (minus the Yanks) Ned needs to remind them division games are kind of important. |
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06-28-2017, 09:18 AM | #2894 |
In Search of a Life
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Kansas
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06-28-2017, 09:33 AM | #2895 |
The Beast Inside Your Head
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Parts Unknown
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