The Royals (?) Show How Rebuilding Is Done

Between a disappointing season ‘due to injuries’ and a disappointing season due to regression of performance of individual players.

The former has occurred with more frequency than the latter. And, to not clearly state that that is the issue, is misleading and inaccurate.

Rudy Owens, Bryan Morris, Jeff Locke, Justin Wilson, Nathan Baker, Phillip Irwin, Alex Presley, Brandon Moss, Diego Moreno, Matt Hague, Mel Rojas, Jr., Matt Curry, ZVR, Colton Cain, Brooks Pounders, Exicardo Cayonez (and other DSL/VSL guys) have all had good seasons and have improved this year, both in their development and in their prospect status (and, in Moss’s case, seems to have revived it somewhat).

That doesn’t even discuss the fact that Tony Sanchez was playing well with a great OBP before being injured; same with Starling Marte, who appears to have picked up where he left off following his injury; Gorkys Hernandez was doing a revival act before he got injured; Chase D’Arnaud has been steadily improving since the beginning of the year, making it more likely (as opposed to less) that his bout with mono was a factor in his early season struggles), etc. Also, the additions of Andrew Lambo (not far removed from being #1 on the Dodgers prospect lists) has been very solid, and showing some pop, since being acquired.

And, hell, Walker/Tabata/Alvarez were all prospects at the beginning of the year who had such good seasons at AAA that they are now helping us at the ML level. That is what prospects are being counted on…..

So, I just don’t see the ‘disappointment’ that some do. Especially, in terms of development and performance. I just don’t…..

Has gotten a tons of attention, as it should. They are the talk of the blogs, the talk of scouts/GMs everywhere, and anyone who follows the minor leagues, has been well aware of the abundance of talent that the Royals organization currently possesses.

So, again, to say that the system hasn’t ‘gotten the attention it deserves’ is a misnomer and completely inaccurate.

We need to wait and see if the 3 rookies Tabata, Walker, and Alvarez can keep up their production next year.

I wonder if the Pirates could make a play at one of these guys at some point next season. If Hosmer’s production keeps up, he should be in the major’s by June/July. It would be my assumption they wouldn’t want to DH either capable young talent.

I’m guessing Butler is more attainable, as his power isn’t where it was last season (Despite the OPS only being 10 points down… shhhh, don’t tell Dayton).

It would still take a BIG deal to get Butler, but maybe we have what it takes.

Hear me out: Rudy Owens, Starling Marte, and a buy-low throw in like Charlie Morton for Billy Butler.

Always tough giving up two top organizational prospects, but IMO Butler’s worth it. Only 24 years old, career OPS already above .800, and still a ton of upside. I’d even consider Morris/Marte, but Butler has already been in the league 3 plus years, so I’d imagine he’s FA eligible within 2-3 years.

What’s interesting to me is how aggressive the Royals have been with Montgomery and Lamb. The equivalence for the Pirates would be seeing two out of ZVR, Cain, Dodson, Pounders, etc. reach AA next year. I don’t see this management team doing that, though hopefully they will at least reach A+.

I don’t know if it’s different philosophies of whether both teams would say that it just depends on the player. But what’s a better long-term strategy? One school of thought is that because pitchers are so prone to injuries, the quicker you get them throwing meaningful pitches in the majors, the more you get out of your investment in them. Of course the other school of thought is that you need to be patient with their development before exposing them to the stress of the majors (and I think Porcello may be an interesting case study).

Another less interesting point—Tabata and Moustakas are essentially the same age (born a month apart in 1988). NH’s trade for Tabata somewhat makes up for not getting a top prospect in the 2007 draft.

Kin to the Pirates pitcher of the same name of the early ’70s?

other posters.

This is a combination of two things. Luck and drafting high schoolers. Our previous two draft picks were college guys, one who has already graduated. Also, everyone of their big names have had a great year. Plus, if you take our top prospects “left” and add Cutch, Walker, Tabata, and Alvarez (and Lincoln) we look better than the Royals. Outside of Grenkie (who may not be part of the movement either) the Royals have… Alex Gordon? and Billy Bulter.

Compare

McCutchen, Alvarez, Walker, Tabata, Lincoln, Morris, Locke, Sanchez, Taillon, Allie.

Butler, Gordon, Myers, Lamb, Montgomery, Hosmer, Moustakas, and Colon

It’s pretty close. Especially considering that a few of the Royals guys are still in the low minors.

I do find it amusing that so many of you look at the Pirates minor league system and somehow find it important, while our major league team might be the worst of the last 30 years.