The Royals finished up with another win today their 20th of the spring while also finalizing their major league roster. As most people expected Coleman, Mendoza, Zach Miner, Irvin Falu and Lance Zawadzki will all be reassigned with Vin Mazzaro to minor league camps. Coleman, Mendoza and Zawadzki pushed hard going to the final day of spring but the fact that they weren't on the 40 man roster hurt their chances to break with the team. I expect Zawadzki and Coleman to get a shot at the bigs prior to the end of the year if they perform in Omaha.
Prior to these moves the Royals picked up Matt Treanor from the Rangers and added him to the 25 man roster while leaving Lucas May exposed. There are many in Royal fandom that have a problem with this and while Treanor may not be an average catcher in the bigs assuming that Lucas May who has just one average season at AAA is a huge loss is somewhat funny. I saw May quite a few times last season and he seemed like a straight fastball hitter that would get exposed by breaking stuff in the majors while also being a below average defensive catcher. I'm not saying I'm excited by this move but on the other hand I see the writing on the wall and this Salvador Perez's job and pitching staff for that matter in 2012 with a possibility of picking up a catcher via free agency if he struggles this season. I would rather the young bullpen guys had a chance to work with a experience vet like Treanor in the meantime.
The other moves that caused waves were adding Aaron Crow to the bullpen and taking Jarrod Dyson to KC while exposing Gregor Blanco to waivers. I had already expressed how I liked the Crow decision prior to KC making it here so I'll address the Dyson decision instead. Blanco is a nice player but has little to no longterm future with this team so keeping him isn't a huge addition while losing him isn't big either. Dyson is 26 going on 27 so the chance of him finding some kind of playable power to allow him to be a everyday centerfielder is asking alot especially after 1200+ minor league ABs. He is what he is a speedy defensive outfielder/pinch runner. If the Royals have a upside speedy centerfielder who could develop some pop it's Derrick Robinson in AA not Jarrod Dyson.
I don't understand the uproar about Blanco, when was he supposed to play after Cain was called up? His only available playing time at this point would be if Frenchy and Alex both fell off the canyons edge of performance something even I don't believe will happen with both of them. Maier is the better player and Blanco out of the fold is good to me in case Frenchy or Alex fold then KC might have to give David Lough a look as opposed to running Maier and Blanco both out there everyday. Lough has more upside than Gregor and Mitch and if he performs in Omaha should be in line for a spot after Cain. Blanco was given an edge to win a spot in the spring and he just didn't take hold of it.
The hyperbole is funny that has been tossed out there, these moves haven't stopped or slowed the process these were players that had little to no future with the Royals and losing them now isn't causing any losses to the huge talent pool that already exist.
Showing posts with label Mitch Maier. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mitch Maier. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Friday, July 30, 2010
Countdown Deadline
GMDMs objectives should be simple:
#1 Find Kila Ka'aihue At Bats- KC goes into next season without a bonafide DH on the roster due to the Jose Guillen contract expiration and GMDM needs to find out if Kila Ka'aihue is a real option. If GMDM can unload Guillen at the deadline then Kila could appear in as many as 58 games, earning in the neighborhood of 260 ab's which should be enough to see if the AAA stats translate or not.
#2 Bring back prospects- GMDM already has done that with the additions of O'Sullivan, May, Pimentel and Smith but any other additions are worth it. There are going to be casualties in the prospect rise and any other troops GMDM can bring in will help soften the blow.
#3 Adding positional prospects- So far GMDM has concentrated on pitching but he needs to look at the possibilities of adding more positional prospects because the guys in the system are far from locks. Just taking a quick peak at the prospects at positions at the upper levels one can see some shaky ground up the middle.
C Pina, May
1b Hosmer, Kila, Robinson
2b Giavotella, Bianchi
SS Bianchi, Falu
3b Moustakas
RF Parraz
LF Lough, Smith, Orlando
CF Dyson, Lough, Robinson, Orlando
There doesn't appear to be much coming up the middle although Giavotella has had a good second half offensively, his defense is still very bad though. Who knows how Bianchi recovers from Tommy John and Falu profiles as a Bloomquist type not an everyday player. The outfielders look more like a group of 4th outfielders with perhaps Lough being the best of the group if he can build on his more patient approach in July. 1b and 3b look to be set if Moose can hit at AAA while Colon and Myers aren't far behind and could be the starters of the future at SS and C/RF. GMDM needs to see if he can add some positional prospects at the upper levels the way he added Pina, Parraz and Smith the last couple of seasons.
#4 Trade Joakim Soria- Anytime a team like Kansas City has an opportunity to trade a closer and redirect the direction of their franchise they should really consider it. Montero is on the board for the Yankees if they add one more upper tier prospect to the mix or maybe Brett Gardner then GMDM should do it. He'll have 2 to 3 years to find a replacement closer since KC isn't looking at being in the mix again for a division until 2012 or 2013. After seeing what the Nats pulled for 1+ year of Matt Capps, Montero and Gardner doesn't seem out of line.
#5 Giving Alex and Maier playing time- Need to move Ankiel it appears to do this and that seems unlikely but GMDM needs to see if these guys are real starter options for next season. I believe Maier could be a 2 WAR player in CF which is definitely worth him starting everyday in KC but Gordon's return is bringing up more and more question marks. Alex's offense is the worry to me as he has shown no pop since his callup maybe he just needs more time to recover but his good second half in '08 is getting farther and farther away while career path is looking more like Mark Teahen's, one good half of baseball and below average play besides that.
I don't expect all of this to get done in fact just a Jose Guillen trade would be enough as long as Kila was called up but anything more on top of that would help clear up the foggy 2011.
#1 Find Kila Ka'aihue At Bats- KC goes into next season without a bonafide DH on the roster due to the Jose Guillen contract expiration and GMDM needs to find out if Kila Ka'aihue is a real option. If GMDM can unload Guillen at the deadline then Kila could appear in as many as 58 games, earning in the neighborhood of 260 ab's which should be enough to see if the AAA stats translate or not.
#2 Bring back prospects- GMDM already has done that with the additions of O'Sullivan, May, Pimentel and Smith but any other additions are worth it. There are going to be casualties in the prospect rise and any other troops GMDM can bring in will help soften the blow.
#3 Adding positional prospects- So far GMDM has concentrated on pitching but he needs to look at the possibilities of adding more positional prospects because the guys in the system are far from locks. Just taking a quick peak at the prospects at positions at the upper levels one can see some shaky ground up the middle.
C Pina, May
1b Hosmer, Kila, Robinson
2b Giavotella, Bianchi
SS Bianchi, Falu
3b Moustakas
RF Parraz
LF Lough, Smith, Orlando
CF Dyson, Lough, Robinson, Orlando
There doesn't appear to be much coming up the middle although Giavotella has had a good second half offensively, his defense is still very bad though. Who knows how Bianchi recovers from Tommy John and Falu profiles as a Bloomquist type not an everyday player. The outfielders look more like a group of 4th outfielders with perhaps Lough being the best of the group if he can build on his more patient approach in July. 1b and 3b look to be set if Moose can hit at AAA while Colon and Myers aren't far behind and could be the starters of the future at SS and C/RF. GMDM needs to see if he can add some positional prospects at the upper levels the way he added Pina, Parraz and Smith the last couple of seasons.
#4 Trade Joakim Soria- Anytime a team like Kansas City has an opportunity to trade a closer and redirect the direction of their franchise they should really consider it. Montero is on the board for the Yankees if they add one more upper tier prospect to the mix or maybe Brett Gardner then GMDM should do it. He'll have 2 to 3 years to find a replacement closer since KC isn't looking at being in the mix again for a division until 2012 or 2013. After seeing what the Nats pulled for 1+ year of Matt Capps, Montero and Gardner doesn't seem out of line.
#5 Giving Alex and Maier playing time- Need to move Ankiel it appears to do this and that seems unlikely but GMDM needs to see if these guys are real starter options for next season. I believe Maier could be a 2 WAR player in CF which is definitely worth him starting everyday in KC but Gordon's return is bringing up more and more question marks. Alex's offense is the worry to me as he has shown no pop since his callup maybe he just needs more time to recover but his good second half in '08 is getting farther and farther away while career path is looking more like Mark Teahen's, one good half of baseball and below average play besides that.
I don't expect all of this to get done in fact just a Jose Guillen trade would be enough as long as Kila was called up but anything more on top of that would help clear up the foggy 2011.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Quick Thought David Lough
Lough continues to be impatient at the plate but has added some punch to his bat since April. Eight home runs, five doubles and six triples since May 1 leading to a .284/.318/485 while the BA and the SLG are definitely good enough to play CF instead of Maier the on base percentage isn't going to cut it. Lough makes easy contact has plenty of speed and arm to hack it defensively in center but his lack of patience will create a tough hill to climb to the majors. I've always contended that Lough could be DDJ with less on base skill but more power and I think he is well on his way to becoming that player although a sprinkle more of patience would definitely help. July was the month Lough took off last season so be on the lookout for a leap in numbers hitting at the top of the order in Omaha.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Alex Gordon to the Outfield?
When GMDM first made this move the other day I was quite angry. I felt it was just another move one of many the last three seasons that has stunted what looked like the development of Gordon in '08. After reviewing GMDMs quotes and the subsequent side moves that seem to be taking place though I find myself more on board with it, here's why:
#1 Mike Aviles got called up. Yuni was starting to become Yunified going 1 for his last 21 and while the Royals have talked a good game I don't think they were fully on board with his offseason training. Mariners fans and front office have said how lazy he was in the past and while the Royals were gung-ho about him if his laziness was an issue then that could quickly have soured the Royals on him. Scouts and GMDM might have liked Yuniesky but Trey has got to watch Aviles and Yuni play everyday for the last two seasons and one would think that Trey with his job on the line would lean more towards Aviles after his '08 production.
Aviles good start 3-5 with a HR Tuesday.
#2 Alberto out of the middle of the field. Alberto's defense has been horid the last couple years and I don't think it has to do with his hands as much as his feet. The guy has great hand eye coordination but he just isn't quick enough to play in the middle of the diamond. Maybe he is Ryan Braun light and just can't hack it with the glove but I think the move to third initially plays to his strengths as a ball player.
#3 Ankiel won't be here long. I think this definitely signals that Ankiel won't be with this organization long. While Gordon won't play centerfield I don't think they make this move if they thought that Ankiel and Podsednik could both possibly be with this team for long. While I'm not sure they have given up on Podsednik due to his production I do believe Trey and GMDM have already grown tired of Ankiel's Jacobslike performance. Still I wouldn't be shocked if we saw a outfield of Gordon-Pods-DDJ instead of the preferred Gordon-Maier-DDJ.
I don't know if GMDM is really being honest to why he is doing this after years of watching his disasterous moves no one could really no but until proven wrong I'll go along with it.
UP NEXT: Alex in Omaha, I'll take video Thursday and post.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Omaha Royals Out with the Old in with the New
The baseball climate in Omaha has fallen victim to a decade long winter. In turn the town has become disenchanted with the Royals failures, prospects bouncing from Memphis directly to KC, GM closeout specials and bad baseall for the Omaha hometown team. Due to this fact Rosenblatt stadium became a barren stadium except for the CWS, 4th of July and Creighton-Nebraska showdowns. THIS IS ALL ABOUT TO CHANGE ! The current GM when hired made a proclamation that Omaha would no longer be a graveyard of 4A hacks and former pro castoffs. It would be a destination of development like it was in the 70's and 80's and while KC hasn't had much upper level talent in the system the few they have had have made stops thru Omaha Billy Butler (57 games in 2007) Luke Hochevar (10 starts in '07) despite having zero ML blocks. It appears the GM is going to be good to his word and route some nice talent thru Omaha and just in time for the closing of Rosenblatt and the opening of the Papillion park in 2011.
Who are the possible interesting players for the Omaha Royals in 2010.
Position Breakdown
1b Kila Ka'aihue 6'3 220-Clearly this Hawaiian born former Husker recruit never thought he would be spending multiple years in Nebraska this way but unfortunately for him he is in the wrong organization. Does he deserve a shot in the bigs? Of course he does.
Strengths- Patience and Power - Only one other Royal possesses the patience and plate discipline that Kila does, unfortunately the FO does not grade that as a skill.
Weakness- Long swing, injury prone, lack of speed. The FO might think that Kila's lack of speed offsets his great ability to get on base. That is misguided but maybe that's what it is. Who knows?
Last season Kila was blocked by Jacobs this season he appears to be blocked by Jose Guillen, Josh Fields and other DH options. In the end while I like Kila's ability no one other than Kila can be blamed for his not playing in KC. He had a window of opportunity and unlike '08 with Aviles he didn't force the front offices hand last season. Lets hope this year will be different.
Strengths- Good Pop, Good Speed, Good Arm
Weaknesses- He is a Royal prospect = Lacks Patience. SB% isn't great despite having good speed.
BA Compared his upside to that of David DeJesus which some would say is a average ceiling. DeJesus ceiling is greater than average but he is compared that way DDJs stats don't jump off the page, this is a very good comparison for Lough but I do however think Lough has a slightly better upside than most because he does have a bit more power without the OB skills of DDJ. Hopefully KC will let him play CF in Omaha but don't count on it. Maier could get optioned back to Omaha and Jared Dyson could also get a look at AAA(I would guess a short one). I wouldn't be shocked if Lough became the Top position prospect in the system and a everyday regular by Aug-Sep once the likes of Pods or Anks doesn't work out at the ML level.
OF Tim Smith- Acquired in the Gutierrez trade, one that I absolutely hated at first glance until I read Guts was still fighting his third pitch and still fighting maturity. Smith doesn't possess any outstanding skill. His ceiling looks to be that of a ML 4th OF.
Strenghts-Has Patience
Weakness-Below Average Athlete, Avg to Below defense, Long Swing
Others
Buck Coats CF - another light hitting fast CF type who can't really play his position.
Jarrod Dyson CF - duplicate above with better defense
Shane Costa OF - Resigned again Costa could start his 5th season in Omaha '06-'10.
Brian Anderson/Mitch Maier Loser- Mitch has no business playing in the minors and despite his light hitting should be the starting CF in the bigs. This is why our FO is very weak at building a ML roster.
Pitchers-Designing this crew is a bit of a challenge with the uncertainty of the KC Roster but I'll give it my best shot.
SP Blake Wood- Wood has enormous talent and when he is on he is as good as it gets in the system unfortunately he is rarely on. Fastball sits in the low to mid 90's with a plus changeup and curve. Wood has great size at 6'4 225 lbs but his overall lack of consistency has hurt him.
Strengths- Looks the part size, arm power and plus stuff when on.
Weaknesses- Consistency of pitches.
This could be Woods last chance as a starter, a move to the pen could allow him to touch that 97 mph mark on his fastball more consistently. Woods K numbers were down quite a bit in AA ball (7.6 to 5.44/9). He doesn't really deserve a promotion but he needs a new challenge.
SP Chris Nicoll- I expect Nicoll will be used as a starter once again in Omaha despite the fact that his best shot at making the major league roster is as a reliever. Nicoll had a strong start at AA NW Arkansas in the pen and then was transferred to the rotation in Omaha. Nicoll has a below average fastball (88-91) but has great command of his change up and curveball. Nicoll could profile as a Sorialite in the majors with his good command and 3 decent pitch combo.
Who are the possible interesting players for the Omaha Royals in 2010.
Position Breakdown
1b Kila Ka'aihue 6'3 220-Clearly this Hawaiian born former Husker recruit never thought he would be spending multiple years in Nebraska this way but unfortunately for him he is in the wrong organization. Does he deserve a shot in the bigs? Of course he does.
Strengths- Patience and Power - Only one other Royal possesses the patience and plate discipline that Kila does, unfortunately the FO does not grade that as a skill.
Weakness- Long swing, injury prone, lack of speed. The FO might think that Kila's lack of speed offsets his great ability to get on base. That is misguided but maybe that's what it is. Who knows?
Last season Kila was blocked by Jacobs this season he appears to be blocked by Jose Guillen, Josh Fields and other DH options. In the end while I like Kila's ability no one other than Kila can be blamed for his not playing in KC. He had a window of opportunity and unlike '08 with Aviles he didn't force the front offices hand last season. Lets hope this year will be different.
Others
1b/DH Scotty Thorman
2b Irving Falu, Kurt Mertins
SS Mario Lisson
3b Wilson Betemit
C Manuel Pina- One of the pieces in the Gutierrez trade Pina is said to be a good defensive light hitting catcher hmm sounds like a FA KC just signed. Edwin Bellorin
None of the above are anything more than minor league filler.
OF Jordan Parraz- In a very good trade prior to last season the GM traded failing lefty Tyler Lumsden to Houston for Parraz. This looks to be a very good move as Parraz busted out in AA with a .358/.451/.553 slash line prior to injuring his hamstring. Parraz definitely appears to have the game of at least a 4th OF and maybe more.
Strengths-BA rates him as having the best arm in the system. Parraz hasn't had lower than a .360 OBP since his first season of pro ball(2005-.304OBP). That OBP stat might disqualify him from getting a serious look from the org.
Weakness- Average at best defensively but his arm should makeup for that weakness. Average pop at best with the bat.
OF David Lough- Lough experienced a terrific 2009. Lough might be considered a late bloomer because he didn't fully choose to concentrate on baseball until getting drafted by the Royals. Lough season really exploded when he got away from Frawley field and to Arkansas as he got better every month he was there (.891,.910,1.057). Loughs power shined in AA as he hit 11 HRs and 15 2bs in just 265 ABs. Lough will get a look at spring training this season and could possibly start '10 in AA.Strengths- Good Pop, Good Speed, Good Arm
Weaknesses- He is a Royal prospect = Lacks Patience. SB% isn't great despite having good speed.
BA Compared his upside to that of David DeJesus which some would say is a average ceiling. DeJesus ceiling is greater than average but he is compared that way DDJs stats don't jump off the page, this is a very good comparison for Lough but I do however think Lough has a slightly better upside than most because he does have a bit more power without the OB skills of DDJ. Hopefully KC will let him play CF in Omaha but don't count on it. Maier could get optioned back to Omaha and Jared Dyson could also get a look at AAA(I would guess a short one). I wouldn't be shocked if Lough became the Top position prospect in the system and a everyday regular by Aug-Sep once the likes of Pods or Anks doesn't work out at the ML level.
OF Tim Smith- Acquired in the Gutierrez trade, one that I absolutely hated at first glance until I read Guts was still fighting his third pitch and still fighting maturity. Smith doesn't possess any outstanding skill. His ceiling looks to be that of a ML 4th OF.
Strenghts-Has Patience
Weakness-Below Average Athlete, Avg to Below defense, Long Swing
Others
Buck Coats CF - another light hitting fast CF type who can't really play his position.
Jarrod Dyson CF - duplicate above with better defense
Shane Costa OF - Resigned again Costa could start his 5th season in Omaha '06-'10.
Brian Anderson/Mitch Maier Loser- Mitch has no business playing in the minors and despite his light hitting should be the starting CF in the bigs. This is why our FO is very weak at building a ML roster.
Pitchers-Designing this crew is a bit of a challenge with the uncertainty of the KC Roster but I'll give it my best shot.
SP Blake Wood- Wood has enormous talent and when he is on he is as good as it gets in the system unfortunately he is rarely on. Fastball sits in the low to mid 90's with a plus changeup and curve. Wood has great size at 6'4 225 lbs but his overall lack of consistency has hurt him.
Strengths- Looks the part size, arm power and plus stuff when on.
Weaknesses- Consistency of pitches.
This could be Woods last chance as a starter, a move to the pen could allow him to touch that 97 mph mark on his fastball more consistently. Woods K numbers were down quite a bit in AA ball (7.6 to 5.44/9). He doesn't really deserve a promotion but he needs a new challenge.
SP Chris Nicoll- I expect Nicoll will be used as a starter once again in Omaha despite the fact that his best shot at making the major league roster is as a reliever. Nicoll had a strong start at AA NW Arkansas in the pen and then was transferred to the rotation in Omaha. Nicoll has a below average fastball (88-91) but has great command of his change up and curveball. Nicoll could profile as a Sorialite in the majors with his good command and 3 decent pitch combo.
SP Phil Humber, SP Bruce Chen
Relief Pitchers- Omaha's Bullpen could be quite intriguing due to the fact it might actually be better than the KC bullpen with the exception of closer Joakim Soria.
Bryan Bullington- The former #1 Overall pick in 2002 by the Pittsburgh Pirates was moved to the bullpen by the Toronto Blue Jays and enjoyed a renaissance of sorts. Why did it take so long to move him to the pen, god only knows but maybe KC will be the beneficiaries of that move. Bullington in the very hitter friendly side of the PCL put up solid numbers 2.62 FIP, 9.6 K/9, 1.56 BB/9, 53% GB Rate over 40.2 IP. Maybe the move to the pen is all Bullington needed.
Chris "Disco" Hayes- Everyones favorite blogger/submariner enjoyed some succes at AA and a little bad luck at AAA in '09. Hayes is a groundball machine and will need a return to his AA numbers and perhaps some forward thinking by the FO to get a look at the ML level.
Devon Lowery, Victor Marte
Dusty Hughes- Hughes tossed 87+ innings at Omaha last season and earned a cup of coffee at the big league level. The former starter could possibly earn a shot at the major league since he is one of the few leftees at the upper levels besides Osuna.
Overall this roster is probably one of the better ones that Omaha has had in a while. I wouldn't be surprised if the roster looked slightly different than this on opening day but either way I would expect to see most of these guys at some point in Omaha this season. People and fans have a good reason to compain about the roster of the big league club but hopefully longterm the draft strategy will pay dividends in KC. If it does work the fans of Omaha could come back and make those I-29 trips more and more.
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