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04-05-2017, 10:55 AM | |
World's Best Boss
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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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07-06-2017, 01:30 PM | #3406 |
LEGEND!
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07-06-2017, 01:31 PM | #3407 |
In Search of a Life
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42
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07-06-2017, 01:32 PM | #3408 |
The Beast Inside Your Head
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Eskys defense isnt what it once was and Cuth just needs regular at bats. He was nearly an 800 ops guy for most of last year until he hit that rookie wall.
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07-06-2017, 01:33 PM | #3409 |
LEGEND!
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What would it take to get Gerrit Cole?
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07-06-2017, 01:34 PM | #3410 |
In Search of a Life
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Location: Kansas
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07-06-2017, 01:34 PM | #3411 |
Special Teams ACE!!!
Join Date: Apr 2002
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Are we concerned about Boni? He's going to be fine long term probably, but even Whit had his struggles after initial success? Is Boni now hitting that roadblock?
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07-06-2017, 01:34 PM | #3412 |
LEGEND!
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Yes but Esky is still a gold glove caliber type. He might not have the range but he can still make plays that make you go Wow. Cuttys defense is good but idk if his bat will ever catch up to him
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07-06-2017, 01:35 PM | #3413 |
LEGEND!
Join Date: Feb 2013
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Yea he needs to make adjustments. Whit made the adjustment. Pitchers ar figuring Boni out and now it's up to him to make the adjustment
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07-06-2017, 01:35 PM | #3414 |
Let's Get Weird
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07-06-2017, 02:06 PM | #3415 |
Let's Get Weird
Join Date: Apr 2013
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Let's talk about Hunter Dozier.
Assuming his recovery is on-schedule, he should return to Omaha within the next 2-3 weeks allowing him to be eligible to be traded prior to the July 31 deadline. With GMDM and Ned Yost both stating that the Royals will be buyers at the deadline, take the following factors into consideration: 1. Hunter Dozier is likely bound to be in the Big Leagues next year (once again, assuming he recovers back to 100%) 2. Since 2016, Hunter Dozier has played third base, or a corner outfield position when needed: -- 2016: AA/AAA 102.0 innings played in LF -- 2016: AAA/MLB 165.0 innings played in RF -- 2016: AA/AAA 679.1 innings played at 3B 3. Assuming Moose walks in free agency, Hunter Dozier and Cheslor Cuthbert can duke it out in spring training for the starting 3B job. Officially turning the page to the "second wave" of the GMDM era. 4. Next year's outfield will likely consist of Gordon/Soler/Bonifacio/new CF 5. Cuthbert's only viable position long-term is third base at this point. In addition to him being out of options, and not being serviceable without getting those everyday reps needed for his progression. Do you view Hunter Dozier as expendable, with Cuthbert an option at third and there being corner outfield depth for next year? Are you willing to put Dozier as the head of a package to, for example, the Rangers who desperately need some youth in the OF to pair with Profar in center? A team who has frontline pitching to sell in Darvish, who is out of the division entirely, and a team hanging on to the WC by a thread. (this is all just an example for the scenario) Or Do you view Hunter Dozier as a vital piece towards the future? Is he a guy that can challenge Cuthbert for the 3B job? Leaving Cuthbert in another odd position next year, not being able to be sent down, and not being viable at any other position? Are you a fan who believes Dozier can rotate between 3B/LF/RF/DH for the coming years? If this is the option of choice, what would your ideal trade be to constitute being 'buyers' at the deadline? Who is untouchable? Who would you package? What would your definition of being "all in" for this year be? |
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07-06-2017, 02:33 PM | #3416 |
George Brett shit his pants
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I would rather trade Bonifacio more than anyone. Assuming he has more value than Hunter Dozier.
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07-06-2017, 03:29 PM | #3417 | |
MVP
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Quote:
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07-06-2017, 03:44 PM | #3418 |
World's Best Boss
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If our goal is to re-up on our team swag and maintaining the "face of the franchise", sure. But Hos has a long, complicated swing and relies on his youthful athleticism over playing fundamental defense. Both of these factors put him at a high risk for a steep decline.
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07-06-2017, 03:46 PM | #3419 |
The Beast Inside Your Head
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Best guesses on the contract Moose gets. 7 for 150?
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07-06-2017, 04:04 PM | #3420 |
I’m a Mahomo!
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The M.A.S.H. unit has been pretty good this season.
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