March 15, 2010 edition of Good/Bad/Ugly...
The Good
Royals vs. White Sox tonight at 9:05 is televised and Greinke is pitching. I'll be home in plenty of time to settle in and watch Zack throw. So far, Zack has thrown 6 innings of shutout baseball, posting a 0.00 ERA and striking out five. He's only allowed two hits and a walk so far, for a WHIP of 1.00. We don't have a ton to look forward to when it comes to Kansas City baseball, but we do have Zack.
Other good things: Butler and Callaspo have picked up where they left off - Butler is batting .318 so far and Callaspo .364 (both in 22 at bats). Luke Hochevar has looked decent in three innings as well...maybe things will click and he'll pitch worthy of his draft status.
The Bad
Kyle Davies...yuck. This kid seems to have all the raw ability in the world, but just doesn't have what it takes between the ears. Yeah, it's spring, and yeah, he's only thrown 7.2 innings...but damn...an ERA over 15 doesn't do a whole lot for me - anyone else?? He's allowed 17 hits, 6 walks, and 13 earned runs in that small sample size. My opinion - that small sample size is enough for me. Bye, Kyle. Good to have known you.
The Ugly
Injuries. Alex Gordon is out several weeks with a broken thumb. Will he ever break out? In addition, minor league shortstop Jeff Bianchi is likely out for the year with Tommy John surgery the likely solution to his injured elbow. I had high hopes that Bianchi would have a good year in 2010...but looks like his career will be put on hold for now. On the plus side, I guess it's better than losing one of our "prized" prospects like Hosmer, Moustakas, Montgomery, Crow, Myers, etc.
Showing posts with label billy butler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label billy butler. Show all posts
Monday, March 15, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Infield/Lineup Shuffle Defies Logic
Heading into 2010, the Royals made a trade with the White Sox, sending Mark Teahen to Chicago in exchange for Chris Getz (2B) and Josh Fields, a former first round pick who can play third base and some outfield.
Looking back at 2009, the KC infield included its two most consistent hitters: first baseman Billy Butler and second baseman Alberto Callaspo. Neither of these guys are gold glove material, although Butler seems to keep improving in the field. Callaspo, on the other hand, seems to make one mental mistake after another, and could work on improving his range and glove work as well. At a position like second base, defense is key, and most are of the opinion that Getz, with more defensive upside, will become the everyday player at that position.
So the shuffle begins…
If Getz becomes the second baseman, that leaves us with an alignment of Butler at first, Getz at second, Alex Gordon at third, and (unfortunately) Yuni Betancourt at short. Not exactly the type of infield that a pitcher can believe in defensively, especially up the middle. Betancourt seems to be lazy, and has definitely proven to be an underachiever. Getz, on the other hand, has potential, but only has one year under his belt to this point and is offensively weaker than Callaspo.
With the above alignment, the odd man out appears to be Callaspo. Where does Trey Hillman play him now? The popular idea among fans is to make Callaspo the DH, but isn’t that the ONLY place we can safely slot Jose Guillen into the lineup? We certainly don’t want Guillen roaming the outfield…and honestly, with his lack of range the term “roaming” is being more than generous.
Really, the most efficient way to get a defensive effort from Guillen would be to plant him in one spot, draw a circle around him (about eight feet in diameter), and ask him to defend that area. There’s just too much risk involved in leaving that circle. If he can get to a ball within his designated area, he’s still got a hell of an arm, right? (According to the MLB Network, he’s got one of the top five outfield arms in baseball).
Knowing what we know about Jose (not to mention that Dayton Moore has saddled this roster with a glut of outfielders)…he HAS to be the DH. Which means Callaspo is still without a position. We know he can play a little at 3B, but the Royals really have to put Gordon out there everyday this year. This is the season we need to find out about our “Man of Mystery.” Callaspo is squeezed out yet again. With second base, third base, and DH all locked down, where does Callaspo go?
If you ask me what makes the most sense, it would be to shop Guillen around in a trade and offer to pay 90 percent of his salary. When that fails (I really don’t think anyone would want him even at such a discount), the Royals swallow their pride (and several million dollars) and release Guillen, freeing up space on the roster for players who can, at the very least, still lightly jog. This scenario, however, makes way too much sense…meaning the Royals will surely not go this route. Where Guillen should be the odd man out, it still appears that title belongs to Callaspo.
What does all this mean? Apparently, by the Royals’ logic, Callaspo seems to be the expendable player in Kansas City’s lineup. Yes, this juggernaut of an offense (they were outscored in 2009 by every American League team except Seattle) can clearly afford to jerk around a guy who, in 2009, hit .300 in 155 games and posted an OPS of .813 (second on the team only to Billy Butler). Yet, heading into 2010, it seems that’s exactly what the “brains” of this operation are determined to do.
It’s this kind of thinking – or should I say this Palinesque disregard for simple logic – that could find the Royals ending crossing the 2010 finish line with the most anemic offense in the American League. You’re welcome, Seattle.
Looking back at 2009, the KC infield included its two most consistent hitters: first baseman Billy Butler and second baseman Alberto Callaspo. Neither of these guys are gold glove material, although Butler seems to keep improving in the field. Callaspo, on the other hand, seems to make one mental mistake after another, and could work on improving his range and glove work as well. At a position like second base, defense is key, and most are of the opinion that Getz, with more defensive upside, will become the everyday player at that position.So the shuffle begins…
If Getz becomes the second baseman, that leaves us with an alignment of Butler at first, Getz at second, Alex Gordon at third, and (unfortunately) Yuni Betancourt at short. Not exactly the type of infield that a pitcher can believe in defensively, especially up the middle. Betancourt seems to be lazy, and has definitely proven to be an underachiever. Getz, on the other hand, has potential, but only has one year under his belt to this point and is offensively weaker than Callaspo.
With the above alignment, the odd man out appears to be Callaspo. Where does Trey Hillman play him now? The popular idea among fans is to make Callaspo the DH, but isn’t that the ONLY place we can safely slot Jose Guillen into the lineup? We certainly don’t want Guillen roaming the outfield…and honestly, with his lack of range the term “roaming” is being more than generous.
Really, the most efficient way to get a defensive effort from Guillen would be to plant him in one spot, draw a circle around him (about eight feet in diameter), and ask him to defend that area. There’s just too much risk involved in leaving that circle. If he can get to a ball within his designated area, he’s still got a hell of an arm, right? (According to the MLB Network, he’s got one of the top five outfield arms in baseball).
Knowing what we know about Jose (not to mention that Dayton Moore has saddled this roster with a glut of outfielders)…he HAS to be the DH. Which means Callaspo is still without a position. We know he can play a little at 3B, but the Royals really have to put Gordon out there everyday this year. This is the season we need to find out about our “Man of Mystery.” Callaspo is squeezed out yet again. With second base, third base, and DH all locked down, where does Callaspo go?
If you ask me what makes the most sense, it would be to shop Guillen around in a trade and offer to pay 90 percent of his salary. When that fails (I really don’t think anyone would want him even at such a discount), the Royals swallow their pride (and several million dollars) and release Guillen, freeing up space on the roster for players who can, at the very least, still lightly jog. This scenario, however, makes way too much sense…meaning the Royals will surely not go this route. Where Guillen should be the odd man out, it still appears that title belongs to Callaspo.
What does all this mean? Apparently, by the Royals’ logic, Callaspo seems to be the expendable player in Kansas City’s lineup. Yes, this juggernaut of an offense (they were outscored in 2009 by every American League team except Seattle) can clearly afford to jerk around a guy who, in 2009, hit .300 in 155 games and posted an OPS of .813 (second on the team only to Billy Butler). Yet, heading into 2010, it seems that’s exactly what the “brains” of this operation are determined to do.It’s this kind of thinking – or should I say this Palinesque disregard for simple logic – that could find the Royals ending crossing the 2010 finish line with the most anemic offense in the American League. You’re welcome, Seattle.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Alex Gordon: Man of Mystery
What do the Royals have in Alex Gordon? Do they even know? I'm sure they'd like to think he's still "the next George Brett," although I think that title may need to go to Billy Butler at this point. Butler, in my opinion, looks like the guy who will consistently hit .300 with a little pop.
But this isn't about Billy Butler, it's about Gordon. The enigma. The "Man of Mystery." I like calling him that...it's not only applicable, but gives me an excuse to use this picture of Austin Powers (and more importantly, the lovely "Femme-bots").
Again, I digress. Back to Alex. What we know is, he was supposed to be the next great Royals hitter. He was great in college, and great in his only minor league season in AA. And he's been less than impressive at the big league level. What we hope is that he's not a "bust."
In 2007, after only one year in the minors, Gordon came up and played everyday for KC at third base, logging 151 games and 601 plate appearances. He hit .247 that year, struck out quite a bit (137 times), but showed a little patience with 41 walks. He hit 15 homers that year, and added 36 doubles. Not the breakout rookie we all hoped for...but hey...not everyone has that monster rookie season.
The next season, he played in 134 games and had 571 plate appearance. He stepped up a little in year two, improving as a hitter. His average jumped 13 points to .260, and his OBP went way up to .351 (all the way from .314, a major improvement). His SLG even jumped a bit, up from .411 to .432 - all of which accounted for a .783 OPS in his sophomore season, which was a 58 point improvement from 2007.
Royals fans, including myself, thought 2009 would be it. The year Gordon would hit .280, launch 25 homers, drive in 90 runs...and we all know what happened. He started off slowly, we found out he had a pretty serious injury (same one A-Rod had) and by April 15, he was on the DL, headed for surgery. Oh crap.
He began rehabbing in Rookie ball towards the end of June, and played in the minors through mid-July. He came back to the Royals at that point, struggled, and went back to Omaha until September. This looked ugly, but again, he was recovering from a pretty serious injury. Anyway, he wound up playing only 49 games in 2009 for the Royals. He hit .232, had a .324 OBP, and .378 SLG.
Now we look to 2010. Is this the year? Is it 2010 that will see Alex hit 25 homers, 30 doubles, and knock in 90 runs? Is this the year he becomes a force in the middle of the lineup? Who knows? But he's still only 26. There is still time for him to put a nice run of seasons together. Royals fans - and more importantly, the Royals themselves - need this. We need Alex to become a key part of this lineup. For this offense to really succeed this year, and to have a hope of succeeding over the next three or four years, Gordon needs to step up and become a legitimate middle of the order guy. A guy who can hit somewhere between three and five (or worst case scenario, be very good hitting sixth).
Here's what I could see happening: Gordon proves that he is indeed a blossoming hitter, and he does build on 2008. He plays third base everyday and hits about .270 with 20 homers and 35-40 doubles. He also posts a nice OBP around .360 and has about .800 OPS.
Will it happen? Nobody knows.
For now, he remains simply a "Man of Mystery."
But this isn't about Billy Butler, it's about Gordon. The enigma. The "Man of Mystery." I like calling him that...it's not only applicable, but gives me an excuse to use this picture of Austin Powers (and more importantly, the lovely "Femme-bots").
Again, I digress. Back to Alex. What we know is, he was supposed to be the next great Royals hitter. He was great in college, and great in his only minor league season in AA. And he's been less than impressive at the big league level. What we hope is that he's not a "bust."
In 2007, after only one year in the minors, Gordon came up and played everyday for KC at third base, logging 151 games and 601 plate appearances. He hit .247 that year, struck out quite a bit (137 times), but showed a little patience with 41 walks. He hit 15 homers that year, and added 36 doubles. Not the breakout rookie we all hoped for...but hey...not everyone has that monster rookie season.
The next season, he played in 134 games and had 571 plate appearance. He stepped up a little in year two, improving as a hitter. His average jumped 13 points to .260, and his OBP went way up to .351 (all the way from .314, a major improvement). His SLG even jumped a bit, up from .411 to .432 - all of which accounted for a .783 OPS in his sophomore season, which was a 58 point improvement from 2007.
Royals fans, including myself, thought 2009 would be it. The year Gordon would hit .280, launch 25 homers, drive in 90 runs...and we all know what happened. He started off slowly, we found out he had a pretty serious injury (same one A-Rod had) and by April 15, he was on the DL, headed for surgery. Oh crap.
He began rehabbing in Rookie ball towards the end of June, and played in the minors through mid-July. He came back to the Royals at that point, struggled, and went back to Omaha until September. This looked ugly, but again, he was recovering from a pretty serious injury. Anyway, he wound up playing only 49 games in 2009 for the Royals. He hit .232, had a .324 OBP, and .378 SLG.
Now we look to 2010. Is this the year? Is it 2010 that will see Alex hit 25 homers, 30 doubles, and knock in 90 runs? Is this the year he becomes a force in the middle of the lineup? Who knows? But he's still only 26. There is still time for him to put a nice run of seasons together. Royals fans - and more importantly, the Royals themselves - need this. We need Alex to become a key part of this lineup. For this offense to really succeed this year, and to have a hope of succeeding over the next three or four years, Gordon needs to step up and become a legitimate middle of the order guy. A guy who can hit somewhere between three and five (or worst case scenario, be very good hitting sixth).
Here's what I could see happening: Gordon proves that he is indeed a blossoming hitter, and he does build on 2008. He plays third base everyday and hits about .270 with 20 homers and 35-40 doubles. He also posts a nice OBP around .360 and has about .800 OPS.
Will it happen? Nobody knows.
For now, he remains simply a "Man of Mystery."
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Opening Day is here - get optimistic
After a snow out on Monday, the Royals are set to kick off the 2009 season today in Chicago, versus the White Sox. While I’m looking forward to the season, I do have a couple of complaints regarding the final 25 man roster.
First and foremost, I just don’t understand the decision to option Luke Hochevar to Omaha. Dayton Moore seems set on having a lefty starter – even if that starter is Horacio Ramirez, who hasn’t looked good in that role for a few years now. Also breaking camp on the roster is Sidney Ponson. I just don’t see where either of these guys outpitched Luke this spring. He posted an ERA around 3.8, and without looking up the exact numbers, I’d say Ramirez and Ponson both had ERAs that came close to doubling that number. I heard Moore on the radio the other day, and he said the other guys outpitched Hochevar, and he didn’t grab the open rotation slot. I wish I had been conducting that interview. I would have loved to ask Moore how he was judging these three pitchers. I love what Moore has done to change the culture here in KC, and respect him a great deal, but come on….
Gripe number two: I think Mitch Maier deserved a shot. Brayan Pena was given the last spot on the roster, and I guess I’m okay with that. My initial thought was, “Why do we need three catchers?” But he’s fairly versatile and can play corner infield and outfield positions as well, plus hits from both sides of the plate, making him a decent pinch hitting option (if he can hit). But Maier is a guy we drafted, a homegrown product who has been patiently waiting for his chance. He played very well this spring, and I thought this might be the year. Unfortunately, he’s back in Omaha – but I’m assuming he’s only an injury or a little roster shuffle away from suiting up with the big leauge club.
As for opening day, I’m not sure what to expect. I think Meche gives us a chance to win every time he’s on the mound, so I expect a decent game. I’m hopeful that we get off to a good start this year (I’m getting tired of starting off every season with a horrible April). This division really does seem to be wide open, and anyone – yes…even the Royals – has a shot. Sure, the Royals need more things to go their way than a couple of other teams, but it COULD happen. We’ve got three strong starting pitchers, a solid bullpen, and a very good batting order which has the chance to be exceptional if a couple of guys break out this season. I’m looking at you Alex Gordon and Billy Butler.
It’s the time of year for fans to be optimistic again – so count me in. I say we play .500 ball this season with a chance to contend. Maybe we’ll actually get some meaningful baseball in August and September this year in Kansas City.
First and foremost, I just don’t understand the decision to option Luke Hochevar to Omaha. Dayton Moore seems set on having a lefty starter – even if that starter is Horacio Ramirez, who hasn’t looked good in that role for a few years now. Also breaking camp on the roster is Sidney Ponson. I just don’t see where either of these guys outpitched Luke this spring. He posted an ERA around 3.8, and without looking up the exact numbers, I’d say Ramirez and Ponson both had ERAs that came close to doubling that number. I heard Moore on the radio the other day, and he said the other guys outpitched Hochevar, and he didn’t grab the open rotation slot. I wish I had been conducting that interview. I would have loved to ask Moore how he was judging these three pitchers. I love what Moore has done to change the culture here in KC, and respect him a great deal, but come on….
Gripe number two: I think Mitch Maier deserved a shot. Brayan Pena was given the last spot on the roster, and I guess I’m okay with that. My initial thought was, “Why do we need three catchers?” But he’s fairly versatile and can play corner infield and outfield positions as well, plus hits from both sides of the plate, making him a decent pinch hitting option (if he can hit). But Maier is a guy we drafted, a homegrown product who has been patiently waiting for his chance. He played very well this spring, and I thought this might be the year. Unfortunately, he’s back in Omaha – but I’m assuming he’s only an injury or a little roster shuffle away from suiting up with the big leauge club.
As for opening day, I’m not sure what to expect. I think Meche gives us a chance to win every time he’s on the mound, so I expect a decent game. I’m hopeful that we get off to a good start this year (I’m getting tired of starting off every season with a horrible April). This division really does seem to be wide open, and anyone – yes…even the Royals – has a shot. Sure, the Royals need more things to go their way than a couple of other teams, but it COULD happen. We’ve got three strong starting pitchers, a solid bullpen, and a very good batting order which has the chance to be exceptional if a couple of guys break out this season. I’m looking at you Alex Gordon and Billy Butler.
It’s the time of year for fans to be optimistic again – so count me in. I say we play .500 ball this season with a chance to contend. Maybe we’ll actually get some meaningful baseball in August and September this year in Kansas City.
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