last updated 4/4/12 KANSAS CITY ROYALS 2012
For 2011 Opening Day roster, click HERE. For End-of-Season roster, click HERE.
*Players on the 40-man roster: BOLD.
*Players who are injured: +
*Players who are Out of Options: ##
*Baseball America '12 pre-season prospect rankings: BLUE.
*Baseball Prospectus '12 pre-season prospect rankings: GREEN.
'MLBDepthCharts Magazine'includes this roster projection feature but includes additional info, such as player age, 2011 level and stats, 2012 salary and contract info in an easy-to-read, printer-friendly pdf file and excel spreadsheet.
Projected Disabled List Position Players •C Salvador Perez+ UPDATE 3/20 - placed on 60-Day DL (surgery to repair lateral meniscus tear in knee); likely out 12-14 weeks •C Manny Pina+ UPDATE 3/20 - placed on 60-Day DL (knee injury)
Pitchers •RHP Felipe Paulino+ UPDATE 4/4 - placed on 15-Day DL, retroactive to March 26th (elbow soreness) •RHP Joakim Soria+ UPDATE 4/4 - placed on 15-Day DL, retroactive to March 26th (Tommy John surgery) •RHP Blake Wood+ UPDATE 4/4 - placed on 15-Day DL, retroactive to March 26th (elbow soreness) Optioned to Minors
Minor League Free Agents Position Players IF Joaquin Arias (12/15: signed w/SF)
Pitchers
RHP Edgar Garcia
RHP Willy Lebron (1/13: signed w/CLE)
RHP Jeff Suppan (2/8: signed w/CLE) RHP Robinson Tejeda(1/3: signed w/CLE)
Lost off Waivers/Traded •IF Jeff BianchiUPDATE 12/9 - lost off waivers to Cubs •IF/OF Yamaico NavarroUPDATE 12/7- traded to Pirates •OF Melky Cabrera** UPDATE 11/7- traded to Giants •OF Greg GolsonUPDATE 3/25- traded to White Sox •LHP Cesar CabralUPDATE 12/8 - drafted from Red Sox (Rule V); traded to Yankees •LHP Kevin Chapman BA#18 BP#19UPDATE 3/20 - traded to Astros
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
OFFSEASON PREVIEWposted 9/10/2011
This season, Royals fans experienced the much-anticipated arrival of top hitting prospects Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas, as well as Johnny GiavotellaandSalvador Perez. In 2012, the crop of impressive left-handed pitching prospects was to follow. But John Lamb, who may be the best of the group, underwent Tommy John surgery in June and can't be counted on until 2013. Chris Dwyer and Mike Montgomery had seasons that were less than impressive, although both still have tremendous upside and will be in the mix for a rotation spot next spring. Danny Duffy, who had quit baseball in the spring of 2010, returned to the organization and made it to the big leagues in May. His 5.64 ERA shows that he wasn't quite ready but he should be much better next season with 20 big league starts under his belt.
The lineup appears to be in good shape, with Alex Gordon, Melky Cabrera, Billy Butler, Hosmer, and Jeff Francoeur (aka - the team's 1-thru-5 hitters) all having very good seasons. Moustakas (.566 OPS in 75 games) and Giovatella (.605 OPS in 34 games) have struggled in their rookie seasons but they've been productive minor league hitters and are expected to figure things out eventually. Shortsop Alcides Escobar has also struggled in his first season in Kansas City but his defense has kept him in the lineup. Yamaico Navarro could compete for a starting job at 2B, SS, or 3B, but might fit better in a utility role. Perez, who was ranked as the #17 prospect in the organization by Baseball America coming into the season, is one of the better overall catchers to debut in the majors in some time. Lorenzo Cain is a major league ready center fielder who is blocked by Cabrera, Francoeur, and Gordon, but the surplus could set up the Royals to trade for some help in another area.
Aaron Crow: Successful starter in 2012? Picture courtesy of Icon Sports Media, Inc.
As good as the lineup may be, the starting rotation remains a weakness and will be a huge question mark going into the offseason. Bruce Chen and Jeff Francis, both free agents after the season, have had decent seasons and are candidates to be re-signed. Luke Hochevar, who will likely surpass 200 innings for the first time in his career, still isn't a true 'ace' but he has improved and has a 3.56 ERA since the All-Star break. Felipe Paulino, with his 95 mph fastball, has probably shown enough to be in the mix for a rotation spot while Aaron Crow is expected to start after a solid rookie season out of the 'pen. Montgomery is also likely to get a shot at some point in 2012, if not out of Spring Training. While there are plenty of back-of-the-rotation options, it will be interesting to see how aggressive the Royals will be in pursuing a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. If they feel they can compete next season, I wouldn't be surprised to see them spend money or deal prospects to make it happen.
Moving Crow to the rotation might not have been an option if not for the emergence of relievers Louis Coleman (2.67 ERA, 9.50 K/9, 11 Hld) and Greg Holland(1.83 ERA, 10.33 K/9, 16 Hld), who have each had terrific seasons. Along with lefty Tim Collins and possibly Kelvin Herrera, who is their top relief prospect, the Royals shouldn't have much of a problem getting the lead to closer Joakim Soria.
•UPDATE 11/7 - The team traded from a position of strength to acquire a starting pitcher. Cabrera was traded to San Francisco for Jonathan Sanchez and minor league pitcher Ryan Verdugo. Cain immediately lands in the projected lineup and Sanchez could be a #1 or #2 starter on the current staff. Starting pitching remains a top priority for the Royals.
•UPDATE 11/23 - Chen has agreed to a two-year deal so he'll join Sanchez and Hochevar in the rotation with numerous candidates set to battle for the last two. It's too early to count out another starting pitcher acquisition.
•UPDATE 11/29 - Former Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton has agreed to a one-year deal, giving them an experienced closer in case they choose to trade Soria or possibly move him to the rotation.
Offseason Needs: Middle Infield depth
Potential Position Battles:Getz vs Giovatella (2B)
Yes, they have a need, but in all due respect how do you figure they need a setup man? Holland was one of the best in the game last year.
Again, yes the Royals have needs, but frankly one of their biggest needs (beyond starting pitching) is simply experience. This team is loaded with young talent and they have set up men to spare. Give them another year, maybe two, and we're talking about a dark-horse candidate for the A.L. flag.
M.C., I'm a big fan of Holland and think he'll be fine as the 8th inning setup man. And I like Collins, Coleman, Herrera, etc. to fill the 7th inning role. However, I'm a big believer in bullpen depth and adding a proven setup man to the mix will help greatly. Think of a LaTroy Hawkins type, maybe. Good veteran presence. Could help in the 7th or 8th innings.
Lots of factors but it could happen. If Francouer isn't hitting much, if Myers is tearing up AAA/AA, it's probably a no-brainer. How far they are out of the AL Central or Wildcard race would also contribute.
Yes, I believe the first week of March will be a good time to run the contest.
Would love to see Cain take a big step forward later in the season and take hold of the number 2 spot in the order. Brings a lot of potential to that spot, especially sandwiched between Gordon and Hosmer
Also many in the organization are calling Yuni the frontrunner at 2B. I love his bat but god that defense is horrendous. Gio has had a poor spring and Getz is always a meh player at best. Just food for thought i guess. Absolutely love the site and how its run by the way
I've been ignoring the talk of Yuni as the frontrunner. He's just not a good player and the Royals should know better than anyone. Giavotella was anointed the starting 2B early in the offseason so he'll get every chance to turn it around. Getz is heating up, too. I would hope Yuni doesn't win the job.
And I'm tired of hearing about Yuni's pop. 16 home runs was a career high two years ago. That is called a career year, which means he'll never do it again.
Even a bad hitter is capable of hitting 16-20 HR if given 400-500 AB's. Yuni is a bad hitter that's gotten to play everyday. I don't have too much of a problem with him playing 2B against LHP, though. As long as it's not everyday.
Don't think he's considered much of a defender. Maybe in an emergency. Someone reported that Giavotella's defense, as much as his lack of offense this spring, is the reason he was sent down.
They finally moved Cain to the #2 spot in two of his last three starts. But they've also had Getz in the #2 spot for his last two spots. I guess we'll have a better idea once all the regulars are in the lineup at once.
Anyone else gagging on Hosmers .220 avg and sub .390 "slugging" percentage? For a firstbaseman. Sp is the #1 item, but a firstbaseman who is not a candidate for the balsa wood slugger, league worst at his position, would be nice, too.
Thanks to Pena and Barton Hosmer is not the worst, but hes within spitting distance. Everyone can cite Pujols turnaround as reason to hold on, but Pujols track record justified faith in his recovery. Hosmer might benefit from a 3 or 4 game respite, so the counterproductive habits don't get further entrenched.
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22 comments :
I think they should bring back either Francis or Chen to solidify the rotation, rather than having such an inexperience back-end of the rotation.
I can see them bringing back one of those two and then trying to acquire a #1 or 2 starter via free agency or trade.
Yes, they have a need, but in all due respect how do you figure they need a setup man? Holland was one of the best in the game last year.
Again, yes the Royals have needs, but frankly one of their biggest needs (beyond starting pitching) is simply experience. This team is loaded with young talent and they have set up men to spare. Give them another year, maybe two, and we're talking about a dark-horse candidate for the A.L. flag.
M.C., I'm a big fan of Holland and think he'll be fine as the 8th inning setup man. And I like Collins, Coleman, Herrera, etc. to fill the 7th inning role. However, I'm a big believer in bullpen depth and adding a proven setup man to the mix will help greatly. Think of a LaTroy Hawkins type, maybe. Good veteran presence. Could help in the 7th or 8th innings.
What a lineup ! and it will get better day in and day out as the season progresses.
Moustakas will pick it up and I believe Hosmer will be ENORMOUS. That guy has one of the most pure swings I have ever seen
Jarrod Dyson is listed twice
What do you think about a mid-season callup for Myers? How badly would Francoeur (and Maier?) have to screw up?
Oh, and are you doing that contest again this year about picking the 25-man rosters? That was fun.
Lots of factors but it could happen. If Francouer isn't hitting much, if Myers is tearing up AAA/AA, it's probably a no-brainer. How far they are out of the AL Central or Wildcard race would also contribute.
Yes, I believe the first week of March will be a good time to run the contest.
Who do you think would step in for Soria if his injury is serious, Broxton or Holland?
Broxton, if healthy. Holland is really good, though, and appears to have a future as a closer.
Would love to see Cain take a big step forward later in the season and take hold of the number 2 spot in the order. Brings a lot of potential to that spot, especially sandwiched between Gordon and Hosmer
Also many in the organization are calling Yuni the frontrunner at 2B. I love his bat but god that defense is horrendous. Gio has had a poor spring and Getz is always a meh player at best. Just food for thought i guess. Absolutely love the site and how its run by the way
I've been ignoring the talk of Yuni as the frontrunner. He's just not a good player and the Royals should know better than anyone. Giavotella was anointed the starting 2B early in the offseason so he'll get every chance to turn it around. Getz is heating up, too. I would hope Yuni doesn't win the job.
How can anyone love Yuni's bat? He's a career .268avg .292OBP .391SlG guy. Thats horrible.
And I'm tired of hearing about Yuni's pop. 16 home runs was a career high two years ago. That is called a career year, which means he'll never do it again.
Even a bad hitter is capable of hitting 16-20 HR if given 400-500 AB's. Yuni is a bad hitter that's gotten to play everyday. I don't have too much of a problem with him playing 2B against LHP, though. As long as it's not everyday.
Bourgeois to get play at 2B with the demotion of Giavotella? Also, WTH is with the demotion of Giavotella???
Don't think he's considered much of a defender. Maybe in an emergency. Someone reported that Giavotella's defense, as much as his lack of offense this spring, is the reason he was sent down.
I also think that if Getz is the starting 2b, he won't be hitting in the two hole. I believe Cain will be in that spot.
They finally moved Cain to the #2 spot in two of his last three starts. But they've also had Getz in the #2 spot for his last two spots. I guess we'll have a better idea once all the regulars are in the lineup at once.
Felipe Paulino is out of options - FYI.
Anyone else gagging on Hosmers .220 avg and sub .390 "slugging" percentage? For a firstbaseman. Sp is the #1 item, but a firstbaseman who is not a candidate for the balsa wood slugger, league worst at his position, would be nice, too.
Thanks to Pena and Barton Hosmer is not the worst, but hes within spitting distance. Everyone can cite Pujols turnaround as reason to hold on, but Pujols track record justified faith in his recovery. Hosmer might benefit from a 3 or 4 game respite, so the counterproductive habits don't get further entrenched.
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