Though the Royals are coming off their best season in nearly three decades, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News writes that the team will soon need to turn its focus to some difficult offseason decisions. Industry expectations, according to Martino, are that the Royals will at least listen to trade offers for its more expensive players — including Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas — if other teams come calling this winter. Gordon’s case is the most pressing, as he’s only controlled through 2015 at $12.5MM before he has a $12.5MM player option. Gordon has publicly stated that he plans to exercise that option, though it’d be a surprise, to say the least, considering he could be in line for a much more sizable long-term commitment next offseason if he turns it down. Martino also notes that the Royals will have interest in re-signing Nori Aoki this offseason. From my vantage point, the team needn’t feel pressure to move any of the three previously mentioned players, though I’ll cover that at greater length in the upcoming Royals Offseason Outlook.
For the time being, here’s more on the AL Champs and the rest of their division…
- The Royals are expected to decline their $12.5MM option on designated hitter Billy Butler in favor of a $1MM buyout, tweets Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. The move isn’t exactly unexpected after the down season he had at the plate. However, Heyman adds that the team may look to pursue Torii Hunter, as they did seven years ago, in the event that Aoki signs elsewhere as a free agent. The Kansas City Star’s Andy McCullough also hears that Butler’s option is likely to be declined.
- The Twins‘ front office flew out to Torey Lovullo’s home in California to conduct their second interview with him on Monday this week, tweets Jason Mastrodonato of MassLive.com, but there’s still been no decision reached as to who will be the team’s next manager. Lovullo and Paul Molitor are believed to be the favorites.
- Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski spoke candidly to reporters, including Matthew Mowery of the Oakland Press, about the team’s lack of financial flexibility this offseason. Said Dombrowski: “We have the most generous owner in baseball you could possibly have in sports. But we’re in a situation where $200 million payrolls aren’t what is common here. … It’s a situation where we’re really in a spot that if you’re going to have four starters being paid and you’re going to have a couple superstars in the middle of your lineup, that means there’s not as much availability to do some other things. And you have to determine what you’re going to do.”
Calling it now: one of the biggest trades this offseason again will be made by Dombrowski who will be trading one of Sanchez/Price/Porcello.
After losing Scherzer too?
Price and Porcello are both free agents after the 2015 season. Tigers have to choose one and let the other go at some point. I guess we’ll see how crafty Dombrowski is this year.
Sure, but I don’t think they have to trade one. They let Scherzer walk, they shipped out pieces to bring in Price, and they are in win now mode with Cabrera and Verlander.
I see your point. However, I view it as a mistake if they mostly focus on starting pitching instead of places where they desperately need support such as CF/bench/BULLPEN (!!!).
Being too top heavy is why the Tigers have made postseason the past 4 years, but is the reason why they havent been able to win. IMO
There was speculation that Price would receive the original Scherzer offer, but I am guessing that money went to Miguel Cabrera’s contract. I could see them holding onto Price and taking the draft pick.
Porcello and Sanchez definitely could be moved.
Scherzer was offered his contract AFTER Cabrera got his.
False
March 23rd, article came out about Scherzer rejecting the offer (whenever it was originally offered, none of us know, but that’s when the report came out).
Miggy got his extension on March 27th.
There is a difference between when an “Article came out” and when the player was actually offered the contract.
If it is reported on March 23rd that a contract offer was rejected, then obviously it means that his contract was offered on March 23rd or earlier. And as I said, Miggy got his extension on March 27th
Therefore in order of appearance, 1 – Scherzer rejects offer, 2- Miggy’s contract is extended.
What likely happened:
1. Miggy gets offer.
2. Scherzer gets offer.
3. Scherzer rejects offer… news comes out.
4. Miggy accepts offer…. news comes out. The actual benhind the scenes verbal acceptance likely happened before #3.
“The actual benhind the scenes verbal acceptance likely happened before #3.”
You can’t prove that at all. All that is is pure speculation by you.
And you’re argument is also speculation. Like the other poster was saying, just because Miggy accepted his offer AFTER news broke out that Scherzer rejected his doesn’t mean that he was offered it after Scherzer. Again, you were also just speculating that Scherzer got his offer before Miggy.
In any case, I don’t see the Tigers trading any pitchee in an attempt to go for it again before Price and Porcello become FAs.
“Again, you were also just speculating that Scherzer got his offer before Miggy.”
I’m not speculating anything. I’m giving dates of 2 events that have happened. Obviously I can’t put the articles on here, but I’m sure you’re able to look them up yourself.
Unless I’m speaking to Dave Dombrowski right now or someone in the Tigers front office, saying “Scherzer was offered his contract AFTER Cabrera got his” without any proof is pure speculation.
The dates you gave are the dates the news broke, nothing else. Everyone is speculating.
The idea that that would extend Scherzer at the expense of Cabrera, though is silly.
They probably approached both, with the intention of extending both. Negotiations took several weeks and the goal was to conclude them before the season started. Scherzer’s rejection took three days less to work out than Cabrera’s acceptance.
But, that’s just my speculation.
Fair enough. All I did was respond to the post of “Scherzer was offered his contract AFTER Cabrera got his”. He has no factual evidence to support that claim.
Nor do I have proof that they TALKED to Cabrera first (which is something I didn’t even say to begin with. All I said was what had happened first based on Reports).
All we know is the dates of reports which is what I provided (again, I can’t post it, but it’s not hard to look it up and you’ll see at least that is accurate).
I completely agree with this post.
Price is going to get the Scherzer offer. Miggy and Verlander were always going to get theirs. Trading Fielder freed up the money to extend Scherzer.
DD said at the Fielder signing, they could afford three $20 million plus a year players, but no more. Those were Miggy, Verlander and Fielder. Now, it’s Miggy, Verlander and Scherzer/Price/somebody else.
They did not negotiate a 10 year Miggy contract in three days.
They made it plain last winter they wanted to extend Miggy and Scherzer if possible.
Im pretty sure that the Tigers goals last season was to extend both Scherzer and Miggy. However, I do see the point because extending all three would mean WAY too much money tied up in 3 individuals (Verlander/Scherzer/Cabrera)
I think they feel they can afford up to three over $20 million a year stars and still field a World Series contender and stay in budget.
That does not mean they have to do it. It depends on who the three are based on ability to perform and draw fans. Cabrera and Verlander are two in their opinion. Scherzer could have been a third. Fielder no longer was considered worth it. Price may be if he’s interested.
In the end, they may agree with you and stick with two and split the third salary up amongst multiple players.
for what, a bullpen ace?
That’s first priority for the Tigers! They will need 2 good relief pitchers like Miller and Gregerson!
Well, Rafael Soriano was just released by the Nats..they can always sign him to big bucks and hope.
And that’s the point……
They keep throwing large amounts of money at players whose teams knew they were overpaid and underperforming – yet for some reason they think those guys are going to turn it around.
I doubt anyone knew Nathan and Soria were underperforming at the time the Tigers acquired them.
Hanrahan and Johnson only cost a pittance.
Chamberlain was a relatively cheap one year deal that looked like a steal for 81 games.
IMHO Nathan and Soria were radically underperforming in regards to both their contracts and their past accomplishments.
and mine as well. I am tired of reading fellow Mets fans clamoring for this big name free agent and that guy…having so quickly forgotten the Jason Bay debacle. GAH.
There are no easy and “quick win” solutions to struggling ballclubs and or successful ones with flaws, but signing over-the-hill FA usually isn’t the case…!
The Tigers need to build up their relief pitching this off season, sign pitchers like Miller and Gregerson.
I’m skeptical about how limited the Tigers are. Obviously they cannot afford a $200MM payroll, but their payroll was *only* $163.6MM in 2014, so I’m not sure anybody expected a nearly $40MM rise. After arbitration, I expect the Tigers to have about $145MM in payroll commitments without touching the market. I don’t see any way they don’t bring the budget up a bit, so I’d guess they have about $20-30MM to spend. They may have to trade one of their starters (I’d guess Porcello,) and they probably won’t be signing any of the top tier free agents, but they will still be looking in the next tier.
Tigers carry a really high payroll proportional to their metro area, and how other teams spend. Detroit has fallen a ton, while other cities have gained, they aren’t really more than a midsize market now.
Detroit ranked seventh in attendance and, since 2012, have averaged 3.01MM fans per year. A mid market team, like Atlanta, has averaged 2.44MM per season in that same time, while Turner Field holds a capacity of 8488 more than Comerica Park. On top of that, according to an article by Forbes in August, Detroit had the highest local television ratings of any team in baseball this season. While the city itself may not be doing great, the team is doing just fine. So I would venture to say that they’re a little more than just a mid market team.
…Also I am not sure you understand how Mike Ilitch works. He is trying to win on the field, not on the balance sheet.
He bought the team for pennies decades ago. Just in franchise value increase alone, he could spend recklessly and still come out way ahead.
Mr. Ilitch is going to have to level with the fans at some point.
DD made the statements quoted above and they’re being ignored in this Comment section.
In the source article, you will see a chart that shows the Tigers were 5th in payroll each of the last 3 years.
While their rank was the same, the dollars spent was not:
2012: $133MM
2013: $148MM
2014: $163MM
Another reasonable increase seems likely. He is simply stating that they will not exceed $200MM payroll… but there is no reason to think they will not exceed $170 or $175MM and maintain their #5 position in 2015.
I would trade Kinsler, upgrade overall defense, get younger and keep Porcello.
I understand that trading a 4 WAR player that plays good defense seems counterintuitive, but the Tigers have 6 middle infielders now. It is the depth strength of this team. If they are lucky, maybe Suarez or Perez turns into Panik.
Trading Kinsler would also keep their payroll in check for upgrades at 3rd, Relief Pitching and in CF.
What was wrong with Castellanos? You’re going to jettison one of the most promising position prospects they’ve had in a decade for a defensive upgrade? Also, I don’t care how many middle infielders there are in the system, trading Kinsler doesn’t improve the defense. If they deal him, it’s 100% a payroll move, and has nothing to do with defense.
Eric Hosmer to the Pirates. Make it happen NH
I’m sure the price’ll be steep.
Hosmer won’t have any teammates in Pitt; they’ll all be in KC.
Yes because if he retired right now he’d be the all time HR leader, hit king, and have the highest AVG of all time. First ballot Hall of Famer no doubt.
What would it cost the Royals to trade for McCutchen? A lot… Same concept for Hosmer.
Hosmer is no where near McCutchen
Still the face of the franchise, the heart of the order, young, and locked up for years. Based on that alone = large haul to acquire him.
Not saying it wouldn’t take a lot to acquire Hosmer (I don’t see him being moved anyway). Just saying he’s not even in the same breath as McCutchen
I don’t want either on my team. McCutchen will be a shell of himself at the end of his current contract, unless he loses a step before then, and Hosmer needs to prove he can be consistent.
You might want to rethink that comment. Have you seen his contract, do you know how old McCutchen is? He will be 31 when his contract is up. did you say that about Gordon’s when he was 27?
I never liked Gordon, personally. He always struck me as “he is what he is”, a steady, everyday player. I can easily see McCutchen’s average dropping into the 280 range here, along with the fact that he doesn’t take enough pitches to “fit” into the system, he wouldn’t be what he is in Pitt.
McCutchen’s contract is right on point if not a steal if you ask me. A CF who bats 280 and hits 20 to 25 hrs and steals 20 bags a year and is going to make between 10-14m a year through the next 4 years. That’s just silly to say you wouldn’t want McCutchen on your team. I guess we will have agree to disagree on this one.
If his numbers would stay the same in the whole “work the count” mindset and against consistently better pitching, yes, I’d take him. I just don’t think his numbers would be as high as they are now.
I think his AVG and SB’s would go up and playing in Kansas City. Royals are a running team and there is plenty of space for gap to gap hits. His HR total would go down a bit. Does’t really matter though cause they would not move him unless they were blown away by a deal.
Until proven otherwise…Hosmer is James Loney. Best case..he turns into Joey Votto.
Did I just say Hosmer? I don’t think so Holland is on the best closers in the game and we have some really good prospects.
I don’t think that offer would get done but it would be a fair one. You start the offer with Hosmer and Holland and go from there.
Sure that could happen Royals would only need McCutchen in return. Hosmer, Holland, Dyson and prospect sounds good to me.
Royals would have the best defensive OF in baseball!
I’d do that deal…as I see Holland and Dyson as expendable.
Gordon was born in Lincoln, and went to school in Nebraska. I think he is publicly stating that under the assumption that he stays a Royal. If he got traded I would fully expect him to decline it for more money, or to return to the Royals.
It has always seemed like he really wants to be there.
I agree. He’s gone through tough times in Kansas City, and after the pasr seasonms success, I doubt he would bail so soon. Then again, things couls be different next year…
In any case, let’s see how their run affect how FAs see Kansas City as a destination.
He’s certainly a popular guy in Lincoln (I’m from there)… he’s also super popular in Kansas City.
That being said, I don’t think KC would have any problems moving him. He’s got a very friendly salary, although KC fans might burn the stadium down if they trade him.
I have a hard time seeing the Royals selling. Attendance should skyrocket next year.
you have to listen to trade offers on any players on your team, but I 100% agree with you, KC is still trying to kill the reputation it got from 29 years of bad baseball. This fan base (novice) needs to see the Royals win for a couple of years before they will be ok with trading off major pieces in the off season.
I’m not clear what you mean by fan base (novice)?
The fan base in KC will finally start going to the Stadium and having big attendances (which I’ve never understood… Kauffman is dirt cheap to go to)… the Royals need to get their fan base showing up more before they sell off the players that are attracting the players.
The Royals have quite an extended regional fan base. The Royals used to actually BE dirt cheap. In about 1999 I was paying $8 to park and $7_for a ticket.. More to park than get in. KC is a great baseball region…but people don’t pay for failure. I don’t think it helped having such a benefactor in Kauffman… and then having Glass running a cheap show. Not sure I’d go as far as saying the fan base is novice…that undersells the multi generational nature of it…but I think I know what you mean. You’d have to be in your mid 30s just to REMEMBER KC being competitive.
I grew up in Nebraska and my family would often hop in the car and could go to a game for about $40 for all 4 of us (plus the cost of gas, parking a food). They weren’t very good, but I loved baseball as did my dad so we went. Then they traded away Damon, Beltran, and Dye… all of those guys were fun to watch and the team just became sad. It wasn’t worth the money to go see them anymore.
I’ve been a Giants fan since I was little (my uncle hates the Royals and is one of the biggest baseball fans I know, so I found a different team… I was 9). But I love baseball and enjoy to going to games anywhere and any time I can. But I agree, if I’m going to spend the cash on baseball, it’s got to be worth the product.
I think the Royals have a product that is worth the cost to go to games now. If they keep Gordon and those guys, I can see the younger fans actually spending some cash to get tickets. Kauffman is one of the most beautiful stadiums in the game and a great atmosphere… KC fans need to embrace what they have.
I grew up in south central Kansas and we made that drive many times as well. The one thing that would also help with marketing is MLB dropping the black out rules. The Royals are blacked out in their own region…even in areas where they aren’t on cable..such as Iowa.
They could have competed around the turn of the century if Glass would have cleared the way for a GM to do his job. They needed some pitching, but that offense was very solid..Beltran/Sweeney/Randa…even Febles and Mark Quinn were contributing. Just didn’t have the arms
I’m glad you understand the geographic reality of the Royals market as well. I’ve heard from various individuals on either coast that don’t grasp the distances involved.
This is coming from a Royals fan but what I meant by novice is that a lot of Royals fans got excited this year in the playoffs and grew to love some of the players like Moose and Hosmer. Hosmer I am ok with but Moose hit below .200 for most of the year. If some team was willing to give you a lot in return for a guy like Moose, it would be looked at from the novice fans like the Royals are still the same old Royals that trade off all their good talent, even though a case could be made that Moose is replaceable. I like Moose’s defense but he really hurts the team on offense. The novice phrase was more to say that a lot of Royals fans showed up because they made a great playoff run, but a lot of those fans didn’t even care about the Royals back in spring training. I went to a lot of games this year with less than 20,000 in attendance but when the playoffs happened tickets were going for on average like 700 bucks. Those are novice fans to me.
It’s hard to predict…because David Glass doesn’t have a history of reinvesting revenue.
There is NO WAY the Royals are trading any of the three you discussed! I also think Aoki is gone! No way they resign him! I do agree and think you are spot on in regards to Billy Butler!
People also said there is no way the Royals trade Will Myers but guess what!
Myers wasn’t selling tickets and didn’t help the Royals make it to the World Series.
A lot of Royals fans thought at the time he would not be moved is all I’m saying. You always have to look at all offers if you want to improve.
What move would you suggest for the Royals where they move a guy like Alex Gordon and get someone who can improve the team? Just curious to hear your ideas.
Gordon I would keep around unless something crazy was offered, but you still have to listen is all I’m trying to say. You just can’t say there is NO WAY.
I would move Hosmer or Moustakas for a proven power bat with a good contract and not even think twice about it. The problem is no one is willing to give that up. But if they were most GM’s would listen.
Trading Gordon would be counterproductive, no way KC replaces his production for less than 12 M.
I thought Torii Hunter was going to retire, no? Actively chase a almost 40 year old? Doesn’t make sense. …and kinda sad that their is “so much” talk about the Royals losing some key players. Full disclosure, I’m a Giants fan, but really like what the Royals had put together this year.
Why on earth were the Tigers in such a hurry to lock up Miggy? If they had let his contract run out they could have had him for much less on the free agent market, or learned something from the Cardinals and let him walk.
There is no doubt that the Tigers should’ve waited to sign the Cabrera extension because as you said, it would’ve costed them less. Probably not much less but, maybe a slightly smaller AAV and a couple less years. However the Cardinals comparison IMO is wrong because when you compare the two teams, the Cardinals had several prospects that looked very promising in the outfield and to fill a void for them, they could put Craig at first, while the Tigers practically have nobody to do that so, their offence would have taken a HUGE blow.
Also keep in mind St. Louis receives an annual sandwich pick due to being a “small market team”, per the league’s definition. This greatly helps St. Louis in replacing older, more expensive talent on a consistent basis.
Not trying to disrespect or mean harm, but what do you think the Cardinals do now in the OF after dealing Craig and losing Tavares?
They have enough pieces (Grichuk, Bourjos, and then some minor league prospects waiting in the wings) to fill the spot.
Exactly.
DD’s Simple Checklist:
1. Trade Kinsler (to stock farm system and save money)
2. Sign VMART
3. Trade Castallanos for Jackie Bradley Jr. or Bourjos and prospect (Fix CF, Defense First)
4. Sign Headley
5. Sign Miller.
They could do all of that for HALF what it would cost to sign Scherzer and their team would be much better.
I’m not sure where Castellanos fits on the Cardinals.
… Just two names that I believe would be fair trades. Castellanos is projected to be a “can’t miss” line drive hitter. However, his defense is below average. He is only 22.
I know who he is, but the Cardinals happen to have a very good 3B locked in for the next few years. I’m not sure on Castellanos OF defense, but there’s no clear path to playing time there either. The Cardinals have put an emphasis on defense lately. It’s a trade that would interest me, I’m just not sure how it fits with the Cardinals current roster.
Sounds like you just read the scouting report on Cechinni for the Red Sox farm. They’re also in the hunt for an MLB-proven 3B, not another prospect.
Scherzer = $30MM per year (maybe a little high, but just for benchmarking).
1. If you want anything for Kinsler, Tigers need to eat salary and you still won’t get what you want in return.
2.VMART = 10-15MM per year (best available offensive C/1B/DH)
3. Red Sox and Cardinals don’t need another 3B prospect, especially for a young, long term, affordable defensive-minded CF.
4. Yankees and Red Sox have interest in Headley = $10-15MM per year
5. Miller = best lefty reliever available = ~$10MM per year.
How will this cost $15MM, or half of Scherzer’s cost?
1. Really? Kinsler was a 5.5 fWAR player last year. Tigers will have to eat salary on a 5.5 win player?
3. JBJ has no starting spot with the Red Sox. Also notice how they are going after Panda and Headley at 3rd. Castellanos is not a prospect anymore. He has played a full year. He would be fine in left field at Fenway if it came to that (though not a great a fit in the much larger Comerica Park).
4. If the Yankees and RS have interest, the Tigers cannot sign him? Is that negotiated into the CBA?
5. I am talking about total contract value.
1. Kinsler demanded a trade from Texas, is making ~$15MM per year for another few years, hasn’t statistically performed as he did when he signed the contract (as expected with any player over 30 on a longer term deal), and you’re looking to move him, meaning his value just decreased further. If he’s
that valuable and great, why do you want to move him and why does his contract seem to make me think he’s overpaid?
2. So agreed VMART = $10-15MM per year?
3. Why does JBJ have to start? He’s under team control for years, so if he’s in AAA or on the bench as a spot starter or defensive sub, he’s locked up. Middlebrooks played 3 years at 3B, and he’s looked awesome, awful, and hurt in
that time. He’s still a ? at 25. You also mentioned the Sox going after Panda and Headley, reiterating that they don’t want an unproven commodity at 3B.
4. I’m stating that the price will increase because of the interest
5. Miller’s total contract will probably be bewteen $20-40MM, depending on the years offered. Under 30 premier lefty reliever/potential closer.
I’m not saying your checklist can’t happen – I’m saying it won’t happen for $15MM per year or $75MM total (assuming 5 year $150MM for Scherzer).
I thought the Tigers were going to keep it simple this year as it should. Resign Vmart to keep middle order in tact, sign a stud reliever, wait for a trade to develop and check January sales. Max should be resigned but that would be pushing payroll. He is an excellent pitcher.
Why should Scherzer be resigned? Price is on the roster because Scherzer is leaving. Do they really need BOTH?
The reason I think Max is not going to be resign is due to cost. He been an excellent pitcher.
Hosmer, Gordon and Moustakas are not going anywhere. Butler will probably be gone. He has been in decline for the past two seasons. Butler did hit better when he filled in for Hosmer at first. Aoki is a tossup to return. I would like to see him comeback. The Royals could look for more of a cheap power guy in the free agent market to play rightfield
The article says they’ll listen to offers, not that they’re actively shopping these players. Theoretically, if (insert any 3 players you want) were offered for Moustakas, and you’re blown away, you make the deal. Listening to offers doesn’t mean “wheeling and dealing”.
I see Moustakas as far from a proven commodity..post season aside. If I could sell high on him…he’d be on the next flight.
Completely agree.
If I’m KC, I look at Morse. Use him in the outfield when there’s little to no defensive liability and use him at DH the other times. He’s not in line for a monstrous payday, either.
The Royals won’t make the same mistake the Rays made, they will trade and sign free agents to keep this team relevant!
What mistake did the Rays make? They traded high-end pitching when they had kids in the farm that were ready to replace them. Their offense is mediocre, but they still have a quality rotation and bullpen. From 2008-2013, they won 90+ games 5 of those 6 years. Now imagine if they could also be in the same division as the Twins, Indians, and White Sox. I think you’re mistaking a fan base problem in Tampa for an organizational problem.
Random Tigers thought I had the other day:
The Tigers could have an “old guy platoon” in RF with Ichiro and Hunter. Offer them each identical 1 year/$5MM contracts, which in total would cost less than Hunter last year.
Then get a solid, boring but inexpensive platoon partner for Rajai in CF as well (JD Martinez stays in left).
Hunter is a better hitter now, but Ichiro is a better fielder… so this would not necessarily be a strict L/R platoon.
This would also upgrade their bench substantially. Either guy would be a solid pinch hitter in late innings.
Ichiro’s marketing $s alone may pay for the contract though it is unrealistic to think he could get to 3000 hits in 2015.
You might get Ichiro for $5MM, if there isn’t much bidding for him and you’ll go more than 1-year, but Hunter just made $14MM. Even if he was overpaid, I don’t see $5MM being the right amount, nor on a 1-year deal. Just my opinion.
Hunter’s motivation would be to get the ring. Tigers would not be able to get much higher than amount… unless they cannot sign VMART.
I would feel comfortable getting both Ichiro and Hunter for $10MM total, but not just one…. because it also gives good bench bat and 4th OF option.
Just because the Tigers won’t pay more than $5MM, doesn’t mean another quality team won’t.
Towards you’re second point, ANY team would be comfortable getting both players at $5MM per year. It’s also a low-ball figure in my mind.
For reference, Johnny Gomes made $5MM. Who would you rather have?
Who do you think will give Hunter more than $5MM?
Ichiro is already down to close to that amount of AAV already.
Yankees, Red Sox (if they trade an OF), Angels, Dodgers, Blue Jays, Orioles, Mariners, Braves, Rangers, Cardinals, Phillies, Mets, Giants, and any other team that wants a steal for a 4th OF. $5MM isn’t a heck of a lot in the MLB, let alone for a quality role player.
Correct, Ichiro made $6.5MM, on a multi-year deal though.
Man, up above you’re talking about ditching a 22yo third baseman for a better glove, and now you want Ichiro and Torii? Don’t get me wrong, I love both those guys, but they are done. Torii looked like he needed a wheelchair in RF and Ichiro isn’t a whole lot better anymore. No thanks. I’d rather try a Moya/JD combo in RF and spend the same amount on an everyday player for LF/CF to spell Davis/JD.
It’s all relative to price and expected contribution. For a big market team, as a bench player, and for $5MM, I’ll take either of these guys. If you need starting material, I agree with you – they aren’t worth going after.
Gordon might exercise the option, if he were still playing with KC–it’s a long shot, but it could happen. But it’s highly unlikely if he’s traded, unless he gets injured in 2015. Then it’s a nice insurance policy for him for a pillow 2016.
It seems extremely unlikely they would trade Gordon. He is arguably their best player with local ties. If they are looking to save money while still getting a good return they should look at trading Davis. His stock is skyhigh.
After 29 years and finally getting the fans back, I find it hard to believe that the Royals trade their young, core players that the fans are supporting.
I could see Davis or Holland dealt potentially… That seems feasable. If anything, though, I see them maybe adding a bit of payroll.
Agreed. KC needs to build off of this year rather than let it be an anomaly. Spending more money may actually help the bottom line.
I do think if a team wanted to buy high on Moose…I might bite.
They’ve been the same team for a couple of seasons. If they hit to potential, and Yost learns to use a bullpen… They can put win totals in the 90’s. I look for them to try and augment to break that barrier and potentially avoid the wild card game.
KC newspapers were talking about them trading Holland at the end of the year back in mid August. They can either move Davis or Hererra to closer, then use Frasor, Finnigan, or one of their minor league pitchers to work the 7th.
They’ll pick up a couple of nice young players for Holland.
Finnegan isn’t a rotation option?
Probably not in 2015. Think the Cardinals with Carlos Martinez and Rosenthal.
I’m figuring they go after Bartolo Colon to take Shields innings.
For sure an innings cap. Bullpen would be a good way to use him next season. However, if they got him up they’d need to use him…he could compile quite a lot of pitches under normal up/down bullpen circumstances.
I need to get a dream employer to fly to my house and interview me.
There is a 0% chance the Royals trade Gordon this off-season. The price for either Hosmer or Moustakas would be sky high – especially since the Royals don’t have a prospect ready at that position. The only Major League players they are going to trade is Wade Davis or Greg Holland – if they get a quality return.
If a team wants Gordon for some reason or another, and is willing to sell the farm / a top player to get him, Gordon is gone. Can’t quite put the % at zero, but then again I’m not sure who would want to trade for him. Quality player but not a game-changer, and the asking price will be high.
You’re right, in a logical world. But I place the odds at Gordon being dealt as close to 0% as is realistically possible. I actually think a team would be buying high on Hosmer right now, and especially Moustakas. Only a few months ago Moustakas was looking a lot like a quad A player.
Gordon is a very nice player. The problem with expecting what the Royals would want back for him is that he means more to the Royals then he would to any other team.
1) Face of the franchise designation coming from Royals country in Nebraska; 2) a perfect fit for the Royals in LF with their spacious OF; and 3) a team leader.
Hunter Dozier(3B) and Cheslor Cuthbert(1B/3B) aren’t THAT far behind. While Dozier has seen AA, Cuthbert has been playing first and third in Omaha.
Dozier is probably at best half a year away and probably a year. Neither one has put up offensive numbers. There is a huge difference between being close to the majors and being productive.
So, could be ready by trade deadline?
Can the royals be interested in Dayan viciedo, conor Gillaspie, and one of the white sox 2nd baseman like a Marcus semien, for moose? The white sox have a lot of pieces to trade for a reliever, outfielder, and a 3rd baseman.
Gillaspie would be an interesting back-up option, I don’t see them being interested in him starting.
Gillaspie is from Omaha, but at the same time, the Royals can’t just go for every local boy. But if they are going to, I would like to see them nab Darin Ruf, Joba Chamberlain, John Mayberry, Jr, Brian Duensing, Tony Watson and a few others.
True. The sox need defense in the outfield, at 3rd base, and they need a reliever. Don’t get me wrong conor is not a bad defender, I just like how moose controls at the 5 position. A very good arm and upside potential. Conor is just going to be a career .270 hitter with 15 homers. At best. What would it take to get moose, wade Davis, or even dyson. The sox need at least one of these guys.I just love how these guys play throughout their whole career. Coming from a south sider!
I like moose as a lefty bat for the Sox… But truth is he hasn’t shown he can be a .270 15 HR bat on the season. Love him best case scenario…worst case is the 15 HR come with a hollow .230 avg
Yet again, he will be playing at the cell, so the numbers will somewhat increase. But that’s not a for sure thing. But I could tell you that I’m more intrigued by his defensive abilities, than Gillaspie.
Moustakas is intriguing, especially at a cost saving over a free agent bat like Sandoval. That average is pesky though…he’d have to keep it at a minimum level for the power to translate.
I’d love to see Eaton and Markakis hitting in front of Garcia and Abreau…I suppose Moustakas plugs in at about the 5_hole. It’ll be interesting for the Sox this winter…I think we’ll see some bullpen help. I can throw a perfect scenario where they also acquire Buehrle back to eat some innings out there. Not all gonna happen, and likely some things coming that are unpredictable.. Wouldn’t be the Sox without craziness.
The White Sox have been building for the past few years through the farm, and nothing against “Moose”, but you don’t sell the farm for him. Keep drafting and developing and spend on some free agents as holdovers and only sell the farm when it’s on a legit star.
I’m only assuming in ANY transaction for Moose that he doesn’t cost the farm. While I like him..much of that is due to a perceived low investment for him.
Problem is KC would be giving up their starting 3B, so they’ll want something of value to make it worth their while – AKA a couple top prospects or a top prospect and a capable 3B.
Yeah..I don’t think its a perfect scenario. I think the Sox would rather sign a 3B maybe. I think were assuming that Moose holds down a full time job…he shared it in KC for awhile. He was abysmal… And I’m not sure a hot stretch changes that.
I’m not even sure if the White Sox should pay for a 3B. The market is thin this offseason, and they aren’t exactly built to win this year. I’d say call up a couple of kids if you have them.
The truth is..I’m not sure if Conor Gillespie won’t actually put up better numbers than Moose in 2015. Oh…the Sox have money off the books…I look for them to spend it on a lefty bat and some pen help. They have a prospect at 3B..not sure they bury him yet.
Not many quality lefty bats available, and I’d say play the kid next year and get a definitive if he can play or not while hoping the 3B market next year is better.
It’s early…and speculative.. But in theory Pablo Sandoval, Nick Markakis, etc are.available..some others. Yeah…I think they’ll let the kids play to a point..but add some vets to the guys in MLB they have. Bullpen gets work etc.
Cots tells me that 2011-2013 Gold Gloves and 2013-2014 All Star appearances have risen Gordon’s 2015 salary to 14 MM and player option to 14 MM.
Good thing they will be getting rid of 12.5 of that in Billy Butler salary.
Where does Billy Butler go from here? He’s only interesting to an AL team, and there’s many of those who’ll take a pass on him. He might have actually not hit himself back into the Royals plans.
My sentiments exactly