The season is over, because the Royals fell in 4 video games to the Yankees within the ALDS. The Royals had an unimaginable bounceback season after dropping 106 video games, but additionally face plenty of questions as we start the low season. Just some fast ideas.
- The Royals did have a tremendous season that they need to be pleased with, and nobody anticipated them to get this far. Nevertheless, it was nonetheless a missed alternative to fall within the ALDS. There aren’t any ensures Bobby Witt Jr. ever has a season like this once more, or that Seth Lugo performs like a Cy Younger contender, or that Cole Ragans stays wholesome, or that Salvy continues to stave off Father Time. The one different crew to make the playoffs after dropping 100+ video games was the 2017 Twins. The subsequent yr they fell again to 78-84, however then received 101 video games the yr after that. So it’s a superb factor the Royals made the playoffs this yr, however there isn’t any assure of success subsequent yr. You possibly can’t rely on beating the White Sox 12 of 13 instances once more.
- The playoffs are a lot enjoyable, even once you lose.
- Regardless of holes within the lineup, this offense managed to complete within the high half in runs scored – they usually had been high ten a lot of the yr till their September swoon. The offense went chilly within the post-season as most lineups do – you’re dealing with elite pitchers on a regular basis. Every sport on this sequence was determined by two or fewer runs.
- It is simpler to say in hindsight, however others had been saying this on the time – Freddy Fermin ought to have gotten a begin within the ALDS with Salvy at first to interchange Yuli Gurriel. Fermin looks like the form of man that rises to the event. Wouldn’t it have made a distinction? Nicely like I mentioned, each sport was shut!
- Ship a search social gathering for Hunter Renfroe and Paul DeJong! I do know each slumped in September, however everybody slumped in September. The Royals had a ton of bother stringing collectively a sequence of hits, so why not give your self a shot at a run with one swing of the bat? If Renfroe was too damage to contribute, he shouldn’t have been on the roster.
- Alex Duvall of Royals Farm Report made this level on his private social media account and I agree – Yuli Gurriel crammed in admirably at age 40, however it’s unhappy that Nick Pratto didn’t reside as much as his potential right here and grow to be that man that might fill in. I believe he’s on the way in which out.
- The highest precedence this low season must be getting somebody that may get on base and hit on the high of the lineup. Discovering that’s troublesome, and will require being inventive or making a commerce that “hurts”, however it’s paramount to discover a man that Bobby, Vinnie, and Salvy can drive in. I’d be asking about Lamonte Wade of the Giants, Lars Nootbaar of the Cardinals, Mike Tauchman of the Cubs, and Rob Refsnyder of the Pink Sox.
- I like Maikel Garcia and he has some spitfire and pace and a few capacity to attract a stroll. However generally the hassle and focus doesn’t appear to be there. I don’t suppose he must be handed a beginning job subsequent yr. They need to herald a veteran (higher than Adam Frazier) to compete with him and push him to be higher. It additionally is smart to herald depth contemplating Michael Massey’s persistent again points.
- The Royals are caught with Hunter Renfroe and a few followers could not wish to hear this, however they’re in all probability bringing MJ Melendez again too. However they have to be a platoon, neither one is nice sufficient to be a starter at this level. Even then, you’re in all probability a .220/.290/.430 hitter with shaky protection. Kyle Isbel is in for his glove, which means the opposite nook outfield place actually has to hit.
- I’m in all probability studying an excessive amount of into this, however the truth Brady Singer confronted only one hitter in the whole playoffs could say one thing about his future. I’m not essentially saying he’s getting traded, however I don’t suppose he’s getting a long-term deal right here. The crew has talked about being transactional, and buying and selling a man two years earlier than he hits free company for prospects to maintain this factor sustainable could be what groups just like the Rays and Brewers would do.
- The bullpen returning for subsequent yr seems….fairly good? Royals relievers had a 2.77 ERA in September, then a 2.16 ERA in 25 innings within the playoffs. Lucas Erceg, Sam Lengthy, and Angel Zerpa is a stable base and Hunter Harvey must be in that blend subsequent spring. Daniel Lynch IV and Carlos Hernández may be attention-grabbing, though I don’t know that the Royals ought to rely on them but. Will probably be attention-grabbing to see whether or not they strive Kris Bubic as a starter once more, however I believe they like what he brings out of the pen. I’d in all probability nonetheless add an arm, use John Schreiber in decrease leverage innings, and reduce ties with Chris Stratton regardless of his $4.5M participant choice that he could be owed subsequent yr.
- Looming over the low season is the uncertainty with the TV cope with the likelihood that Bally Sports Kansas City may not broadcast games subsequent yr which suggests they received’t pay the Royals. And looming over that’s the crew’s persevering with effort to construct a downtown stadium. The Royals have nearly $60 million in contract obligations subsequent yr if Michael Wacha declines his $16 million participant choice, plus about $25 million in arbitration salaries. Will John Sherman proceed to speculate on this payroll?
What are your preliminary ideas as we start the low season?
