Kansas City Royals: The Road Back to Glory

loyalroyal · 06-06-2020, 05:09 PM

Instead of doing your typical back story to start off a new dynasty, I've decided to post an article from the website Pitch.com that pretty much summarizes why I'm starting a Royals dynasty. A lot has changed in Kansas City since 2001 but it does a nice job of giving a history of the struggles the franchise has faced since the strike of '94.

Strike Zone

Royals fans are the last to forgive baseball for the 1994 shutdown.
By Greg Hall Thursday, Apr 5 2001

Kansas City is a mid-major metropolis that rarely sets the pace for the rest of the nation. That changed in 1994 when the Major League Baseball Players' Union walked out on America's pastime and eventually forced the cancellation of the World Series: No baseball fans in the country grabbed their wallets and ran faster than we did.

"The last strike hurt Kansas City more than any other town," says Tony Muser, the Royals' manager the past four seasons. "When I came here and talked baseball and started going out shaking hands and meeting people, a lot of people said they still didn't go to games because of the strike." But something is stirring here in the town where baseball died its most public death. The 41,000 tickets for opening day sold out in 36 hours this year. That's faster than it used to take Bob Hamelin to go from first to third. In contrast, last year the Royals started selling tickets for opening day on February 5 and didn't sell out until March 20.

The Royals were near rock bottom with their fans as the strike-delayed 1995 season was about to open. Not only had the lengthy labor dispute left the fans with the taste of a rosin bag in their mouths, but in a front-office move that can best be described as self-mutilation, Herk Robinson traded the club's two most popular players, Brian McRae and David Cone -- both hometown heroes -- on back-to-back days. In the Royals' dugout, a new skipper sat on the bench. Bob Boone had replaced the fired but still popular Hal McRae.

Ewing Kauffman's death in 1993 left a lifeless collection of suits and gowns, known officially as the Royals' board of directors, in charge of the team. Jason Whitlock, the rookie Kansas City Star sports columnist, called for Royals fans to boycott the home opener. Jeff Montgomery, the Royals' closer and most outspoken proponent of the players' strike, left little doubt how the players felt about the fans. "At this stage, we're not concerned if there are 10,000 or 40,000," Monty said shortly after a half-full Kauffman Stadium crowd greeted the Royals on opening day. As bleak as April 1995 was for this franchise, it might have been the team's high point for the remainder of the decade. Last-place finishes, rent-a-player lineups and skeleton crowds replaced the mayhem that made Royals Stadium the place to be in the '70s and '80s. "When I got here [in December of 1995], Herk told me that if you looked up the Royals in the dictionary you'd see a line through [the word]," says Mike Levy, the team's vice president of marketing. "We just weren't fun." Levy set out to erase that line and the Royals' stodgy image by introducing Sluggerrr the mascot, field-level suites, a video board that did more than run Coke ads, and a lot of gimmicks that fell as flat as those $5 beers -- remember the "diamond in the rough" ruse?

Levy has had one of the toughest jobs in this city over the past six years. How do you coax people into spending money to watch one of the worst teams in baseball? You don't. Levy says the missing piece is finally in place for the Royals. "We now have an owner that's committed to baseball, and that is huge," explains Levy.

Just how committed David Glass is to Kansas City and the Royals remains to be seen. He flunked his first test when he let the team's marquee player, Johnny Damon, be dealt away to the Oakland A's. Despite the Damon trade (or because of it), the Royals are telling anyone who will listen that they plan to sign such All-Star caliber players as Mike Sweeney and Jermaine Dye to long-term contracts. Whether it is Glass' presence, Levy's marketing, the Royals' perceived talent or that itch fans feel from a scab that's healed, baseball is king for a summer again this year. Can it last? And what would another work stoppage do to baseball in Kansas City if the owners lock out the players in November, as many believe they will? "We aren't allowed to even comment on it," a very serious Levy says when asked about the probability of a lockout. "We can't even give our personal opinion." You can bet, though, that the Royals' fans will.

Obviously this article was written nineteen years ago. Under the direction of Dayton Moore things turned around. Moore took over in 2006 and built one of the best farm systems in all of baseball. In 2013 the Royals would finish 86-76, their best winning percentage since the strike season of 1994. They would follow that up with a division title, AL Championship and a World Series appearance the following year. Ultimately losing the World Series to the San Francisco Giants in seven games. The next season they would not be denied. They would beat the Mets in five games, with Game 5 being one of the most memorable games in Royals history. Since then the team has seen it's core group of players leave via free agency but Moore has built a solid core again after four years of mediocrity. He has had his time...it's my turn now.

loyalroyal · 06-06-2020, 05:16 PM

Royals General Manager Dayton Moore Retires; Shipman hired

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Had he been willing to wait, Justin Shipman might one day have been general manager of one of the most admired organizations in baseball. Instead, he chose to leave the New York Yankees and become general manager of the Kansas City Royals, a team that hasn't been to the postseason in four years. The fast-rising Shipman accepted a challenging job Wednesday, taking the reins in Kansas City after the club announced the retirement of GM Dayton Moore. "If I didn't think we would win a world championship in Kansas City, there is no way I would commit myself to this team and this city," said the 43-year-old Shipman, who last year became the Yankee's assistant general manager for baseball operations. "To me, this is the perfect opportunity for me to be a general manager, do something I love to do and build something special and give Kansas City something to really cheer for. That's simply what it is." Shipman declined to discuss terms of his contract, which was believed to be a five year deal. He did indicate he was given complete responsibility for baseball decisions. "I feel very comfortable with the autonomy I've been given as general manager of the Kansas City Royals to not only get the answers that we need but also the flexibility to go forward and make decisions and do what needs to be done to be successful," Shipman said.

loyalroyal · 06-06-2020, 11:01 PM

Let's Meet The Team!!!

loyalroyal · 06-07-2020, 08:19 PM

Starting Pitchers:

SP Brad Keller
Age: 24 Throws: RHP Velocity: 94-96 MPH Height: 6'5" Weight: 230lbs
Contract: 1 Years Remaining ($578,175) Arbitration Eligible
Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5*
Scouts Evaluation: Kansas City Royals' starting pitcher Brad Keller is a 24-year-old from Flowery Branch, Georgia. He has learned many different pitches but has failed to really master any of them. While his stuff is a bit below average, he does combine that with above average command and control. Keller has the potential to develop into a solid #2 starter, but don't be surprised if he looks overmatched today. He may have some trouble getting lefties out.

SP Jakob Junis
Age: 27 Throws: RHP Velocity: 92-94 MPH Height: 6'2" Weight: 225lbs
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($578,250) Arbitration Eligible
Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5*
Scouts Evaluation: Jakob Junis is a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher. He features a good changeup, a nifty slider, a good fastball, and a decent sinker. With good control, he'll at least force hitters to swing at pitches. However, he will give up some home runs, and won't win any strikeout titles. Junis should have no trouble filling a role in the middle or back half of any rotation. Left-handed hitters fare better against him because he has difficulty pitching effectively inside on them.

SP Danny Duffy
Age: 31 Throws: LHP Velocity: 93-95 MPH Height: 6'3" Weight: 205lbs
Contract: 2 Years Remaining ($15,250,000 / $15,500,000)
Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5*
Scouts Evaluation: Danny Duffy is a 31-year-old left-handed pitcher currently playing for the Kansas City Royals, He throws five pitches, with his bread and butter pitch a good fastball. His stuff is only average, and his command and control may hold him back a little bit. Duffy should have no trouble filling a role in the middle or back half of any rotation.

SP Mike Montgomery
Age: 30 Throws: LHP Velocity: 91-93 MPH Height: 6'5" Weight: 215lbs
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($3,100,000)
Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5*
Scouts Evaluation: Mike Montgomery is a 30-year-old starting pitcher currently playing for the Kansas City Royals. He induces plenty of ground balls with a mix of an average sinker, an average fastball, an average curveball, an average changeup, and an average cutter. Best described as a crafty pitcher, he won't wow anyone with his stuff, but uses his command and control to get outs. Montgomery should have success at the back-end of the rotation.

SP Brady Singer
Age: 23 Throws: RHP Velocity: 93-95 MPH Height: 6'5" Weight: 210lbs
Contract: Minor League Contract
Overall Rating: 2* Potential Rating: 3*
Scouts Evaluation: Brady Singer is a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher. He projects to have a four-pitch repertoire which includes a slider, sinker, fastball, and changeup. His strike throwing ability and movement of his pitches will limit the long ball and he has the stuff to generate swings and misses. Singer has enough traits to develop into a mid-rotation option.

ForeverRoyalKC · 06-07-2020, 08:34 PM

I certainly HOPE you shake this team up! This coming from another loyal Royal!

I was anxious to get the real season going 'cause I was kinda pulling for McBroom to make a name for himself.

loyalroyal · 06-07-2020, 09:10 PM

Relief Pitchers:

RP Glenn Sparkman
Age: 27 Throws: RHP Velocity: 94-96 MPH Height: 6'2" Weight: 210lbs
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Arbitration Eligible
Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5*
Scouts Evaluation: Glenn Sparkman is a 27-year-old starting pitcher with the Kansas City Royals and has been with the team for 2 years. The only pitch he throws is a plus fastball, a decent slider, a decent curveball, and an average changeup. His secondary pitches aren't great, but he somehow manages to throw them all for strikes on almost any count. Sparkman needs a little more experience before he transitions from a spot starter into a back of the rotation option.

RP Jorge Lopez
Age: 27 Throws: RHP Velocity: 94-96 MPH Height: 6'3" Weight: 195lbs
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Auto Renewal
Overall Rating: 2* Potential Rating: 2*
Scouts Evaluation: Jorge Lopez is a lanky and long-armed right-hander who was born in Cayey, Puerto Rico. He throws four pitches with the best a quality fastball. He profiles with decent stuff. Not going to knock anyone's socks off, but not batting practice fodder either. Lopez can fill out a bullpen but will frustrate with self-inflicted jams.

RP Tyler Zuber
Age: 24 Throws: RHP Velocity: 91-93 MPH Height: 5'11" Weight: 175lbs
Contract: Minor League Contract
Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 3.5*
Scouts Evaluation: Kansas City Royals' reliever, Tyler Zuber is a 24-year-old right-hander. He should feature an elite slider as well as a good fastball at his peak. His stuff has explosiveness and could become elite when he fully develops. Zuber projects to provide consistently reliable middle relief.

RP Greg Holland
Age: 34 Throws: RHP Velocity: 90-92 MPH Height: 5'10" Weight: 205lbs
Contract: Minor League Contract
Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5*
Scouts Evaluation: Greg Holland is a reliever and 10-year Major League Baseball veteran. His arsenal features three plus pitches and includes a nasty slider, a 12-to-6 curve, and a fastball with good life. He has the pure stuff that will rack up strikeouts, and the poor control that will yield plenty of walks. Holland looks like an average reliever.

RP Scott Barlow
Age: 27 Throws: RHP Velocity: 91-93 MPH Height: 6'3" Weight: 215lbs
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($650,000) Auto Renewal
Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5*
Scouts Evaluation: Scott Barlow is a big 6-for-3, 215-pound reliever from New London, Connecticut. His arsenal features three plus pitches and includes a great changeup, a 12-to-6 curve, a fastball with good life, and a great slider. He profiles with good stuff, ans has the command to avoid serving up meatballs to opposing hitters. Barlow can provide adequate middle relief.

RP Trevor Rosenthal
Age: 29 Throws: RHP Velocity: 98-100 MPH Height: 6'2" Weight: 230lbs
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500)
Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5*
Scouts Evaluation: Trevor Rosenthal is a 29-year-old reliever currently playing for the Kansas City Royals. His arsenal features three plus pitches and includes a fastball with explosive life, a good circle change, and a nifty slider. Players will be frustrated a lot by his elite stuff, and has a great ability to keep the ball in the park, but will certainly give up more than his share of free passes. Rosenthal looks like an average reliever.

RP Richard Lovelady
Age: 24 Throws: LHP Velocity: 94-96 MPH Height: 6'0" Weight: 175lbs
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Auto Renewal
Overall Rating: 3* Potential Rating: 3*
Scouts Evaluation: Richard Lovelady is a 24-year-old left-handed pitcher. His most consistent pitch right now is an excellent slider, which he pairs with a good, hard fastball. He makes up for pedestrian stuff with pinpoint command. Lovelady has the potential to step into a set-up role.

CL Ian Kennedy
Age: 35 Throws: RHP Velocity: 93-95 MPH Height: 6'0" Weight: 205lbs
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($16,500,000)
Overall Rating: 3* Potential Rating: 3*
Scouts Evaluation: Ian Kennedy has been with the Kansas City Royals for 4 years. Throwing a plus circle change, his arsenal numbers four pitches. He profiles as above average across the board, unlikely to post elite strikeout or walk rates, but solidly consistent performance. Kennedy has the stuff to succeed as a middle-innings reliever.

loyalroyal · 06-07-2020, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForeverRoyalKC

I certainly HOPE you shake this team up! This coming from another loyal Royal!

I was anxious to get the real season going 'cause I was kinda pulling for McBroom to make a name for himself.

Yeah I am a lifelong Royals fan. Love this team almost more than anything in the world other than my wife and son. I really thought they stood a good chance at possibly .500 ball this year. Stupid COVID-19!

loyalroyal · 06-07-2020, 10:53 PM

Catchers:

C Salvador Perez
Age: 29 Bats: RHB Height: 6'4" Weight: 240lbs
Contract: 2 Years Remaining ($13,000,000 / $13,000,000)
Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5*
Scouts Evaluation:Salvador Perez is a native Venezuelan who currently plays for the Kansas City Royals. He is strong defensively as a catcher. He has enough power to keep pitchers honest and could connect with 30 homers a season. However, he can be overly aggressive at the plate, chasing too many bad pitches. Perez looks like an average Major League Baseball starter.

C Cam Gallagher
Age: 27 Bats: RHB Height: 6'3" Weight: 230lbs
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Auto Renewal
Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5*
Scouts Evaluation: Cam Gallagher is a catcher and 3-year MLB veteran. He is strong defensively as a catcher. While he is talented at putting the bat in play, he does not have a good stroke overall and it often results in easy outs. Gallagher looks like an average Major League Baseball starter.

loyalroyal · 06-08-2020, 09:03 PM

Infielders:

1B Ryan McBroom
Age: 27 Bats: RHB Height: 6'3" Weight: 235lbs
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Auto Renewal
Overall Rating: 2* Potential Rating: 2*
Scouts Evaluation:Ryan McBroom is a right fielder and 1-year MLB veteran. He has adequate power which should result in a fair number of homers. He rolls weak groundballs far too often and will barely manage to hit over the Mendoza line. McBroom could be a fringe everyday player.

1B Ryan O'Hearn
Age: 26 Bats: LHB Height: 6'3" Weight: 200
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Auto Renewal
Overall Rating: 2* Potential Rating: 2*
Scouts Evaluation:Kansas City Royals' first baseman Ryan O'Hearn is a 26-year-old left-handed hitter. He has power and can go yard if a pitcher makes a mistake. He demonstrates good plate discipline. His pure power and patience at the plate will help overcome his low contact. O'Hearn is on the bubble for a big league role.

2B Nicky Lopez
Age: 24 Bats: LHB Height: 5'11" Weight: 175
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Auto Renewal
Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 3*
Scouts Evaluation:Nicky Lopez is a second baseman from Bolingbrook, Illinois. He can range far and make a play on a groundball. He has average speed on the bases. He is a decent, average hitter. Lopez looks like an average Major League Baseball starter.

3B Maikel Franco
Age: 27 Bats: RHB Height: 6'1" Weight: 215
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($2,950,000) Arbitration Eligible
Overall Rating: 2* Potential Rating: 2*
Scouts Evaluation:Maikel Franco is a third baseman and 6-year MLB veteran. He has quick hands and can hit for some power. On the negative side, he'll swing at anything and will get himself out. Franco could be a fringe everyday player.

SS Adalberto Mondesi
Age: 24 Bats: SHB Height: 6'1" Weight: 190
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($576,000) Arbitration Eligible
Overall Rating: 3* Potential Rating: 3.5*
Scouts Evaluation:6-foot-1 shortstop Adalberto Mondesi is from Los Angeles, California. He should have the green light every time he reaches base with blazing speed and great timing on when to take off. He should be among the leaders in stolen bases. He is a smooth defender at shortstop. However, he can be overly aggressive at the plate, chasing too many bad pitches. Mondesi can start as a Major League Baseball shortstop.

loyalroyal · 06-09-2020, 08:13 PM

LF Alex Gordon
Age: 36 Bats: LHB Height: 6'1" Weight: 225lbs
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($4,000,000)
Overall Rating: 2* Potential Rating: 2*
Scouts Evaluation: Alex Gordon is a left fielder and 13-year MLB veteran. He's a sure-handed left fielder position with the ability to pick the ball up off the bat. He has very little speed, but has good instincts on the bases and could steal an above average number of bases. He has decent judgment of the strike zone. At this stage of his career, Gordon may be best suited for a bench role.

CF Whit Merrifield
Age: 31 Bats: RHB Height: 6'0" Weight: 195lbs
Contract: 4 Years Remaining ($5,000,000 / $6,750,000 / $2,750,000 / $6,500,000)
Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5*
Scouts Evaluation: Whit Merrifield is a second baseman and 4-year MLB veteran. He makes repeated contact by zeroing in on pitches and turning his wrists with relative ease. He is an above average runner. He provides average defensive value. Merrifield is an above average big league second baseman.

CF Brett Phillips
Age: 25 Bats: LHB Height: 6'0" Weight: 185lbs
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Auto Renewal
Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5*
Scouts Evaluation: Brett Phillips is a 25-year-old center fielder with the Kansas City Royals and has been with the team for 2 years. He grades out as an above average runner on the basepaths. He may not be an elite defensive center fielder, but he's solidly above average. He'll take a walk if he doesn't get a pitch to hit. Phillips looks like an average Major League Baseball starter.

CF Bubba Starling
Age: 27 Bats: RHB Height: 6'4" Weight: 215lbs
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Auto Renewal
Overall Rating: 2* Potential Rating: 2*
Scouts Evaluation: Bubba Starling is a big 6-for-4, 215-pound center fielder from Gardner, Kansas. His strong arm allows him to play deep in center field. He will never be known for his speed, but is an average runner. While he has a lot of offensive talent, he is limited by his lack of discipline. Starling could be a fringe everyday player.

RF Hunter Dozier
Age: 28 Bats: RHB Height: 6'4" Weight: 220lbs
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($567,225) Auto Renewal
Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5*
Scouts Evaluation: Kansas City Royals' right fielder Hunter Dozier is a 28-year-old from Wichita Falls, Texas. His power doesn't live up to his massive size, but he'll still hit a good number of home runs. His speed is slightly below average, but is above average at stealing bases. With his pitch recognition he should draw an average number of walks. Dozier is a league average type of player, who should manage to hold down a role in the majors.

RF Jorge Soler
Age: 28 Bats: RHB Height: 6'4" Weight: 230lbs
Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($7,300,000) Arbitration Eligible
Overall Rating: 3* Potential Rating: 3*
Scouts Evaluation: Jorge Soler is a right fielder and 6-year MLB veteran. He uses his entire intimidating frame to do real damage at the plate. A true threat. He has above average speed and is a threat to steal 10 bases each year. He is patient at the plate and will draw an above average number of walks. Soler's an above average ballplayer and should have no trouble as a Major League Baseball right fielder.

loyalroyal · 06-13-2020, 11:15 PM

March 26th, 2020

GM Notes:

Opening Day in Chicago and we come out absolutely flat. Lucas Giolito was virtually unhittable, holding us to three hits and striking out nine. Brad Keller didn't pitch bad, allowing two runs and striking out seven in seven innings pitched. The offense was just no where to be found.

W - Lucas Giolito (1-0)
L - Brad Keller (0-1)
S - Alex Colome (1)

- We submitted a waiver claim for C Kyle Higashioka.

loyalroyal · 06-13-2020, 11:26 PM

March 28th, 2020

GM Notes:

Better offensive effort in this one but same result. We got homeruns from Alex Gordon and Ryan "Boom Boom" McBroom but it wasn't enough. Jake Junis allowed 5 runs in 4 2/3 innings and Jorge Lopez followed, allowing another three. Rookie Tyler Zuber made his ML debut and struck out the only batter he faced. The White Sox were led by Royal killer Yoan Moncada (3-for-5, 2 2Bs, 2 R) and Nomar Mazara (3-for-4, 2B, HR, 2 R, RBI).

W - Dallas Keuchel (1-0)
L - Jake Junis (0-1)
S - Alex Colome (2)

loyalroyal · 06-14-2020, 08:03 AM

March 29th, 2020

GM Notes:

White Sox SP Dylan Cease turned in a better performance than Giolito did in the opener of the series. Cease would take a no-hitter into the 9th inning but would lose it when 2B Nicky Lopez homered for our only run of the game. Cease would pitch 8 1/3, allowing only the one run and striking out 11. For the series we struck out 30 times!

W - Dylan Cease (1-0)
L - Danny Duffy (0-1)

- Kyle Higashioka waiver claim finished and executed successfully
- Place C Kyle Higashioka on the 40-man roster.
- Place C Kyle Higashioka on the active roster.
-Optioned C Cam Gallagher to Triple A Omaha.

ForeverRoyalKC · 06-14-2020, 11:48 AM

An immediate sweep to start the season.

loyalroyal · 06-14-2020, 02:23 PM

March 30th, 2020

GM Notes:

Things don't get much better for us in the first game in Detroit. We manage only a homerun from DH Jorge Soler and Mike Montgomery allows 5 runs in
four innings. To make things worse, we lose LF Alex Gordon for 5-6 weeks with a hamstring strain. Not exactly how I envisioned Gordon's potential final season in KC playing out. CF Brett Phillips will assume left field duties for now and we have also called up CF Nick Heath. Heath doesn't provide much with the bat but plays solid defense and is an exceptional base runner.

W - Matt Manning (1-0)
L - Mike Montgomery (0-1)
S - Buck Farmer (1)

- Placed LF Alex Gordon on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to /30/2020.
- Placed CF Nick Heath on the 40-man roster.
- Purchased the contract of CF Nick Heath from Triple A Omaha.

loyalroyal · 06-14-2020, 02:48 PM

April 1st, 2020

GM Notes:

We grabbed our first lead of the season in the 2nd inning on DH Jorge Soler's 2nd homerun of the season. C Salvador Perez would score later that inning on a wild pitch for a 2-0 lead. Things would get out of control in the 3rd. Nursing the 2-0 lead, SP Brad Keller opened the inning by allowing a solo HR to C Eric Haase. Cameron Maybin and Victor Reyes would follow with singles. After getting C.J. Cron to fly out, 2B Jonathan Schoop would jack a 3-run HR and just like that we were down 4-2. Keller then took his frustrations out on Christin Stewart by nailing him with the first pitch he saw. Stewart then charged the mound and both benches cleared. Keller and Stewart were both ejected from the game. 1B Ryan McBroom would launch his 2nd homer of the season to start the 7th, making it a 4-3 game. Maikel Franco would tie the game later than same inning with an RBI single that scored Whit Merrifield. After two quick outs in the 9th, LF Brett Phillips drew a four pitch walk and then scored the go ahead run on a Merrifield triple. CL Ian Kennedy would pitch the 9th for his first save of the season, as we finally we able to capture our first win of the season. Hopefully the little brawl will kickstart this team and get us on track.

W - Richard Lovelady (1-0)
L - Joe Jimenez (0-1)
S - Ian Kennedy (1)

- We were informed after the game that SP Brad Keller has been suspended for 6 games by the Office of the Commissioner.

loyalroyal · 06-14-2020, 07:55 PM

April 2nd, 2020

GM Notes:

We return to Kansas City for the home opener and got off to a quick start. An RBI double from Ryan McBroom and an RBI single from Adalberto Mondesi got us in front 2-0 in the 2nd inning. Rookie SP Brady Singer looked good through six innings and striking out five in his ML debut. Tides turned once Singer exited the game. The bullpen would give up six runs (only two earned) as the Mariners exploded for an 8-2 victory. Trying not to panic but another few games of this and some changes will be made.

W - Mike Magill (1-0)
L - Trevor Rosenthal (0-1)

loyalroyal · 06-14-2020, 09:40 PM

April 4th, 2020

GM Notes:

An RBI single from 3B Maikel Franco in the first gave us an early 1-0 lead. That would be all we would get. SP Jake Junis was masterful through 5 innings, taking a no hitter into the 6th. That is when it all fell apart. Seattle would score four runs that inning, capped by a 3-run HR from 1B Daniel Vogelbach. Junis didn't pitcher horrible. Only three of the runs were earned and he struck out eight in 6 2/3. The bullpen was equally good, pitching 2 1/3 of scoreless relief and striking out another five.

W - Justus Sheffield (1-1)
L - Jake Junis (0-2)
S - Taylor Guilbeau (1)

loyalroyal · 06-18-2020, 09:27 AM

April 5th, 2020

GM Notes:

Things continue to spiral out of control. Not only did we lose another game but also have lost SP Danny Duffy and RP Glenn Sparkman to injuries. Both are pending further evaluation from our team doctor. As for the game, there wasn't much to talk about. Seattle jumped out to a 3-0 in the 3rd and we responded with three runs thanks to a 3-run double from RF Hunter Dozier. After that the flood gates opened. The Mariners would score four in the 5th with three of them coming on a 3-run HR from SS J.P. Crawford. They would add another in the 6th and cruise to an easy win. Trying not to get discouraged as the White Sox and Mariners are a combined 13-6. We are off to Detroit where I expect the lineup to be juggled up a little and where we need a strong showing in this three game series.

W - Wei-Yin Chen (1-0)
L - Greg Holland (0-1)

loyalroyal · 06-18-2020, 02:13 PM

April 6th, 2020

GM Notes:

For the first time all season we gave up total lineup control to manager Mike Matheny. What transpired was our best game of the season. We would threaten in the first when rookie CF Nick Heath, making his ML debut would hit a double for his first big league hit. Then he stole 2nd. Then we proceed to not get him in with zero outs. SS Adalberto Mondesi would get things started in the 2nd with a double. He would score two batters later when 2B Nicky Lopez knocked him in with an RBI single. Lopez finished the day 2-for-4 with two single and an RBI. LF Brett Phillips would bring in Lopez with a 2-run HR and just like that we were up 3-0 but with this team no lead is safe. We added RBI ground outs in the 4th and 5th and that would be all we needed. SP Mike Montgomery faced one batter in the 1st before exiting with an injury. The team is pretty thin right now, as we are already awaiting injury news on Danny Duffy and Glenn Sparkman. Now this happens. The bullpen responded though, throwing 8 2/3 scoreless innings and striking out eight.

W - Jorge Lopez (1-0)
L - Matthew Boyd (0-1)

06-06-2020, 05:09 PM	#1
loyalroyal Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 142	Kansas City Royals: The Road Back to Glory Instead of doing your typical back story to start off a new dynasty, I've decided to post an article from the website Pitch.com that pretty much summarizes why I'm starting a Royals dynasty. A lot has changed in Kansas City since 2001 but it does a nice job of giving a history of the struggles the franchise has faced since the strike of '94. Strike Zone Royals fans are the last to forgive baseball for the 1994 shutdown. By Greg Hall Thursday, Apr 5 2001 Kansas City is a mid-major metropolis that rarely sets the pace for the rest of the nation. That changed in 1994 when the Major League Baseball Players' Union walked out on America's pastime and eventually forced the cancellation of the World Series: No baseball fans in the country grabbed their wallets and ran faster than we did. "The last strike hurt Kansas City more than any other town," says Tony Muser, the Royals' manager the past four seasons. "When I came here and talked baseball and started going out shaking hands and meeting people, a lot of people said they still didn't go to games because of the strike." But something is stirring here in the town where baseball died its most public death. The 41,000 tickets for opening day sold out in 36 hours this year. That's faster than it used to take Bob Hamelin to go from first to third. In contrast, last year the Royals started selling tickets for opening day on February 5 and didn't sell out until March 20. The Royals were near rock bottom with their fans as the strike-delayed 1995 season was about to open. Not only had the lengthy labor dispute left the fans with the taste of a rosin bag in their mouths, but in a front-office move that can best be described as self-mutilation, Herk Robinson traded the club's two most popular players, Brian McRae and David Cone -- both hometown heroes -- on back-to-back days. In the Royals' dugout, a new skipper sat on the bench. Bob Boone had replaced the fired but still popular Hal McRae. Ewing Kauffman's death in 1993 left a lifeless collection of suits and gowns, known officially as the Royals' board of directors, in charge of the team. Jason Whitlock, the rookie Kansas City Star sports columnist, called for Royals fans to boycott the home opener. Jeff Montgomery, the Royals' closer and most outspoken proponent of the players' strike, left little doubt how the players felt about the fans. "At this stage, we're not concerned if there are 10,000 or 40,000," Monty said shortly after a half-full Kauffman Stadium crowd greeted the Royals on opening day. As bleak as April 1995 was for this franchise, it might have been the team's high point for the remainder of the decade. Last-place finishes, rent-a-player lineups and skeleton crowds replaced the mayhem that made Royals Stadium the place to be in the '70s and '80s. "When I got here [in December of 1995], Herk told me that if you looked up the Royals in the dictionary you'd see a line through [the word]," says Mike Levy, the team's vice president of marketing. "We just weren't fun." Levy set out to erase that line and the Royals' stodgy image by introducing Sluggerrr the mascot, field-level suites, a video board that did more than run Coke ads, and a lot of gimmicks that fell as flat as those $5 beers -- remember the "diamond in the rough" ruse? Levy has had one of the toughest jobs in this city over the past six years. How do you coax people into spending money to watch one of the worst teams in baseball? You don't. Levy says the missing piece is finally in place for the Royals. "We now have an owner that's committed to baseball, and that is huge," explains Levy. Just how committed David Glass is to Kansas City and the Royals remains to be seen. He flunked his first test when he let the team's marquee player, Johnny Damon, be dealt away to the Oakland A's. Despite the Damon trade (or because of it), the Royals are telling anyone who will listen that they plan to sign such All-Star caliber players as Mike Sweeney and Jermaine Dye to long-term contracts. Whether it is Glass' presence, Levy's marketing, the Royals' perceived talent or that itch fans feel from a scab that's healed, baseball is king for a summer again this year. Can it last? And what would another work stoppage do to baseball in Kansas City if the owners lock out the players in November, as many believe they will? "We aren't allowed to even comment on it," a very serious Levy says when asked about the probability of a lockout. "We can't even give our personal opinion." You can bet, though, that the Royals' fans will. Obviously this article was written nineteen years ago. Under the direction of Dayton Moore things turned around. Moore took over in 2006 and built one of the best farm systems in all of baseball. In 2013 the Royals would finish 86-76, their best winning percentage since the strike season of 1994. They would follow that up with a division title, AL Championship and a World Series appearance the following year. Ultimately losing the World Series to the San Francisco Giants in seven games. The next season they would not be denied. They would beat the Mets in five games, with Game 5 being one of the most memorable games in Royals history. Since then the team has seen it's core group of players leave via free agency but Moore has built a solid core again after four years of mediocrity. He has had his time...it's my turn now.

06-07-2020, 08:19 PM	#4
loyalroyal Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 142	Starting Pitchers: SP Brad Keller Age: 24 Throws: RHP Velocity: 94-96 MPH Height: 6'5" Weight: 230lbs Contract: 1 Years Remaining ($578,175) Arbitration Eligible Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5* Scouts Evaluation: Kansas City Royals' starting pitcher Brad Keller is a 24-year-old from Flowery Branch, Georgia. He has learned many different pitches but has failed to really master any of them. While his stuff is a bit below average, he does combine that with above average command and control. Keller has the potential to develop into a solid #2 starter, but don't be surprised if he looks overmatched today. He may have some trouble getting lefties out. SP Jakob Junis Age: 27 Throws: RHP Velocity: 92-94 MPH Height: 6'2" Weight: 225lbs Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($578,250) Arbitration Eligible Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5* Scouts Evaluation: Jakob Junis is a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher. He features a good changeup, a nifty slider, a good fastball, and a decent sinker. With good control, he'll at least force hitters to swing at pitches. However, he will give up some home runs, and won't win any strikeout titles. Junis should have no trouble filling a role in the middle or back half of any rotation. Left-handed hitters fare better against him because he has difficulty pitching effectively inside on them. SP Danny Duffy Age: 31 Throws: LHP Velocity: 93-95 MPH Height: 6'3" Weight: 205lbs Contract: 2 Years Remaining ($15,250,000 / $15,500,000) Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5* Scouts Evaluation: Danny Duffy is a 31-year-old left-handed pitcher currently playing for the Kansas City Royals, He throws five pitches, with his bread and butter pitch a good fastball. His stuff is only average, and his command and control may hold him back a little bit. Duffy should have no trouble filling a role in the middle or back half of any rotation. SP Mike Montgomery Age: 30 Throws: LHP Velocity: 91-93 MPH Height: 6'5" Weight: 215lbs Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($3,100,000) Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5* Scouts Evaluation: Mike Montgomery is a 30-year-old starting pitcher currently playing for the Kansas City Royals. He induces plenty of ground balls with a mix of an average sinker, an average fastball, an average curveball, an average changeup, and an average cutter. Best described as a crafty pitcher, he won't wow anyone with his stuff, but uses his command and control to get outs. Montgomery should have success at the back-end of the rotation. SP Brady Singer Age: 23 Throws: RHP Velocity: 93-95 MPH Height: 6'5" Weight: 210lbs Contract: Minor League Contract Overall Rating: 2* Potential Rating: 3* Scouts Evaluation: Brady Singer is a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher. He projects to have a four-pitch repertoire which includes a slider, sinker, fastball, and changeup. His strike throwing ability and movement of his pitches will limit the long ball and he has the stuff to generate swings and misses. Singer has enough traits to develop into a mid-rotation option. Last edited by loyalroyal; 06-07-2020 at 08:25 PM.

06-07-2020, 08:34 PM	#5
ForeverRoyalKC All Star Starter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Hop, skip and a jump from Pomme De Terre Lake, MO. Posts: 1,226	I certainly HOPE you shake this team up! This coming from another loyal Royal! I was anxious to get the real season going 'cause I was kinda pulling for McBroom to make a name for himself. Last edited by ForeverRoyalKC; 06-07-2020 at 08:35 PM.

06-14-2020, 02:23 PM	#15
loyalroyal Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 142	March 30th, 2020 GM Notes: Things don't get much better for us in the first game in Detroit. We manage only a homerun from DH Jorge Soler and Mike Montgomery allows 5 runs in four innings. To make things worse, we lose LF Alex Gordon for 5-6 weeks with a hamstring strain. Not exactly how I envisioned Gordon's potential final season in KC playing out. CF Brett Phillips will assume left field duties for now and we have also called up CF Nick Heath. Heath doesn't provide much with the bat but plays solid defense and is an exceptional base runner. W - Matt Manning (1-0) L - Mike Montgomery (0-1) S - Buck Farmer (1) - Placed LF Alex Gordon on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to /30/2020. - Placed CF Nick Heath on the 40-man roster. - Purchased the contract of CF Nick Heath from Triple A Omaha. Last edited by loyalroyal; 06-14-2020 at 02:26 PM.

06-14-2020, 02:48 PM	#16
loyalroyal Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 142	April 1st, 2020 GM Notes: We grabbed our first lead of the season in the 2nd inning on DH Jorge Soler's 2nd homerun of the season. C Salvador Perez would score later that inning on a wild pitch for a 2-0 lead. Things would get out of control in the 3rd. Nursing the 2-0 lead, SP Brad Keller opened the inning by allowing a solo HR to C Eric Haase. Cameron Maybin and Victor Reyes would follow with singles. After getting C.J. Cron to fly out, 2B Jonathan Schoop would jack a 3-run HR and just like that we were down 4-2. Keller then took his frustrations out on Christin Stewart by nailing him with the first pitch he saw. Stewart then charged the mound and both benches cleared. Keller and Stewart were both ejected from the game. 1B Ryan McBroom would launch his 2nd homer of the season to start the 7th, making it a 4-3 game. Maikel Franco would tie the game later than same inning with an RBI single that scored Whit Merrifield. After two quick outs in the 9th, LF Brett Phillips drew a four pitch walk and then scored the go ahead run on a Merrifield triple. CL Ian Kennedy would pitch the 9th for his first save of the season, as we finally we able to capture our first win of the season. Hopefully the little brawl will kickstart this team and get us on track. W - Richard Lovelady (1-0) L - Joe Jimenez (0-1) S - Ian Kennedy (1) - We were informed after the game that SP Brad Keller has been suspended for 6 games by the Office of the Commissioner. Last edited by loyalroyal; 06-14-2020 at 07:55 PM.

06-06-2020, 05:16 PM	#2
loyalroyal Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 142	Royals General Manager Dayton Moore Retires; Shipman hired KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Had he been willing to wait, Justin Shipman might one day have been general manager of one of the most admired organizations in baseball. Instead, he chose to leave the New York Yankees and become general manager of the Kansas City Royals, a team that hasn't been to the postseason in four years. The fast-rising Shipman accepted a challenging job Wednesday, taking the reins in Kansas City after the club announced the retirement of GM Dayton Moore. "If I didn't think we would win a world championship in Kansas City, there is no way I would commit myself to this team and this city," said the 43-year-old Shipman, who last year became the Yankee's assistant general manager for baseball operations. "To me, this is the perfect opportunity for me to be a general manager, do something I love to do and build something special and give Kansas City something to really cheer for. That's simply what it is." Shipman declined to discuss terms of his contract, which was believed to be a five year deal. He did indicate he was given complete responsibility for baseball decisions. "I feel very comfortable with the autonomy I've been given as general manager of the Kansas City Royals to not only get the answers that we need but also the flexibility to go forward and make decisions and do what needs to be done to be successful," Shipman said.

06-06-2020, 11:01 PM	#3
loyalroyal Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 142	Let's Meet The Team!!!

06-07-2020, 09:10 PM	#6
loyalroyal Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 142	Relief Pitchers: RP Glenn Sparkman Age: 27 Throws: RHP Velocity: 94-96 MPH Height: 6'2" Weight: 210lbs Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Arbitration Eligible Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5* Scouts Evaluation: Glenn Sparkman is a 27-year-old starting pitcher with the Kansas City Royals and has been with the team for 2 years. The only pitch he throws is a plus fastball, a decent slider, a decent curveball, and an average changeup. His secondary pitches aren't great, but he somehow manages to throw them all for strikes on almost any count. Sparkman needs a little more experience before he transitions from a spot starter into a back of the rotation option. RP Jorge Lopez Age: 27 Throws: RHP Velocity: 94-96 MPH Height: 6'3" Weight: 195lbs Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Auto Renewal Overall Rating: 2* Potential Rating: 2* Scouts Evaluation: Jorge Lopez is a lanky and long-armed right-hander who was born in Cayey, Puerto Rico. He throws four pitches with the best a quality fastball. He profiles with decent stuff. Not going to knock anyone's socks off, but not batting practice fodder either. Lopez can fill out a bullpen but will frustrate with self-inflicted jams. RP Tyler Zuber Age: 24 Throws: RHP Velocity: 91-93 MPH Height: 5'11" Weight: 175lbs Contract: Minor League Contract Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 3.5* Scouts Evaluation: Kansas City Royals' reliever, Tyler Zuber is a 24-year-old right-hander. He should feature an elite slider as well as a good fastball at his peak. His stuff has explosiveness and could become elite when he fully develops. Zuber projects to provide consistently reliable middle relief. RP Greg Holland Age: 34 Throws: RHP Velocity: 90-92 MPH Height: 5'10" Weight: 205lbs Contract: Minor League Contract Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5* Scouts Evaluation: Greg Holland is a reliever and 10-year Major League Baseball veteran. His arsenal features three plus pitches and includes a nasty slider, a 12-to-6 curve, and a fastball with good life. He has the pure stuff that will rack up strikeouts, and the poor control that will yield plenty of walks. Holland looks like an average reliever. RP Scott Barlow Age: 27 Throws: RHP Velocity: 91-93 MPH Height: 6'3" Weight: 215lbs Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($650,000) Auto Renewal Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5* Scouts Evaluation: Scott Barlow is a big 6-for-3, 215-pound reliever from New London, Connecticut. His arsenal features three plus pitches and includes a great changeup, a 12-to-6 curve, a fastball with good life, and a great slider. He profiles with good stuff, ans has the command to avoid serving up meatballs to opposing hitters. Barlow can provide adequate middle relief. RP Trevor Rosenthal Age: 29 Throws: RHP Velocity: 98-100 MPH Height: 6'2" Weight: 230lbs Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5* Scouts Evaluation: Trevor Rosenthal is a 29-year-old reliever currently playing for the Kansas City Royals. His arsenal features three plus pitches and includes a fastball with explosive life, a good circle change, and a nifty slider. Players will be frustrated a lot by his elite stuff, and has a great ability to keep the ball in the park, but will certainly give up more than his share of free passes. Rosenthal looks like an average reliever. RP Richard Lovelady Age: 24 Throws: LHP Velocity: 94-96 MPH Height: 6'0" Weight: 175lbs Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Auto Renewal Overall Rating: 3* Potential Rating: 3* Scouts Evaluation: Richard Lovelady is a 24-year-old left-handed pitcher. His most consistent pitch right now is an excellent slider, which he pairs with a good, hard fastball. He makes up for pedestrian stuff with pinpoint command. Lovelady has the potential to step into a set-up role. CL Ian Kennedy Age: 35 Throws: RHP Velocity: 93-95 MPH Height: 6'0" Weight: 205lbs Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($16,500,000) Overall Rating: 3* Potential Rating: 3* Scouts Evaluation: Ian Kennedy has been with the Kansas City Royals for 4 years. Throwing a plus circle change, his arsenal numbers four pitches. He profiles as above average across the board, unlikely to post elite strikeout or walk rates, but solidly consistent performance. Kennedy has the stuff to succeed as a middle-innings reliever.

06-07-2020, 10:53 PM	#8
loyalroyal Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 142	Catchers: C Salvador Perez Age: 29 Bats: RHB Height: 6'4" Weight: 240lbs Contract: 2 Years Remaining ($13,000,000 / $13,000,000) Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5* Scouts Evaluation:Salvador Perez is a native Venezuelan who currently plays for the Kansas City Royals. He is strong defensively as a catcher. He has enough power to keep pitchers honest and could connect with 30 homers a season. However, he can be overly aggressive at the plate, chasing too many bad pitches. Perez looks like an average Major League Baseball starter. C Cam Gallagher Age: 27 Bats: RHB Height: 6'3" Weight: 230lbs Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Auto Renewal Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5* Scouts Evaluation: Cam Gallagher is a catcher and 3-year MLB veteran. He is strong defensively as a catcher. While he is talented at putting the bat in play, he does not have a good stroke overall and it often results in easy outs. Gallagher looks like an average Major League Baseball starter.

06-08-2020, 09:03 PM	#9
loyalroyal Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 142	Infielders: 1B Ryan McBroom Age: 27 Bats: RHB Height: 6'3" Weight: 235lbs Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Auto Renewal Overall Rating: 2* Potential Rating: 2* Scouts Evaluation:Ryan McBroom is a right fielder and 1-year MLB veteran. He has adequate power which should result in a fair number of homers. He rolls weak groundballs far too often and will barely manage to hit over the Mendoza line. McBroom could be a fringe everyday player. 1B Ryan O'Hearn Age: 26 Bats: LHB Height: 6'3" Weight: 200 Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Auto Renewal Overall Rating: 2* Potential Rating: 2* Scouts Evaluation:Kansas City Royals' first baseman Ryan O'Hearn is a 26-year-old left-handed hitter. He has power and can go yard if a pitcher makes a mistake. He demonstrates good plate discipline. His pure power and patience at the plate will help overcome his low contact. O'Hearn is on the bubble for a big league role. 2B Nicky Lopez Age: 24 Bats: LHB Height: 5'11" Weight: 175 Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Auto Renewal Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 3* Scouts Evaluation:Nicky Lopez is a second baseman from Bolingbrook, Illinois. He can range far and make a play on a groundball. He has average speed on the bases. He is a decent, average hitter. Lopez looks like an average Major League Baseball starter. 3B Maikel Franco Age: 27 Bats: RHB Height: 6'1" Weight: 215 Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($2,950,000) Arbitration Eligible Overall Rating: 2* Potential Rating: 2* Scouts Evaluation:Maikel Franco is a third baseman and 6-year MLB veteran. He has quick hands and can hit for some power. On the negative side, he'll swing at anything and will get himself out. Franco could be a fringe everyday player. SS Adalberto Mondesi Age: 24 Bats: SHB Height: 6'1" Weight: 190 Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($576,000) Arbitration Eligible Overall Rating: 3* Potential Rating: 3.5* Scouts Evaluation:6-foot-1 shortstop Adalberto Mondesi is from Los Angeles, California. He should have the green light every time he reaches base with blazing speed and great timing on when to take off. He should be among the leaders in stolen bases. He is a smooth defender at shortstop. However, he can be overly aggressive at the plate, chasing too many bad pitches. Mondesi can start as a Major League Baseball shortstop.

06-09-2020, 08:13 PM	#10
loyalroyal Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 142	LF Alex Gordon Age: 36 Bats: LHB Height: 6'1" Weight: 225lbs Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($4,000,000) Overall Rating: 2* Potential Rating: 2* Scouts Evaluation: Alex Gordon is a left fielder and 13-year MLB veteran. He's a sure-handed left fielder position with the ability to pick the ball up off the bat. He has very little speed, but has good instincts on the bases and could steal an above average number of bases. He has decent judgment of the strike zone. At this stage of his career, Gordon may be best suited for a bench role. CF Whit Merrifield Age: 31 Bats: RHB Height: 6'0" Weight: 195lbs Contract: 4 Years Remaining ($5,000,000 / $6,750,000 / $2,750,000 / $6,500,000) Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5* Scouts Evaluation: Whit Merrifield is a second baseman and 4-year MLB veteran. He makes repeated contact by zeroing in on pitches and turning his wrists with relative ease. He is an above average runner. He provides average defensive value. Merrifield is an above average big league second baseman. CF Brett Phillips Age: 25 Bats: LHB Height: 6'0" Weight: 185lbs Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Auto Renewal Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5* Scouts Evaluation: Brett Phillips is a 25-year-old center fielder with the Kansas City Royals and has been with the team for 2 years. He grades out as an above average runner on the basepaths. He may not be an elite defensive center fielder, but he's solidly above average. He'll take a walk if he doesn't get a pitch to hit. Phillips looks like an average Major League Baseball starter. CF Bubba Starling Age: 27 Bats: RHB Height: 6'4" Weight: 215lbs Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($563,500) Auto Renewal Overall Rating: 2* Potential Rating: 2* Scouts Evaluation: Bubba Starling is a big 6-for-4, 215-pound center fielder from Gardner, Kansas. His strong arm allows him to play deep in center field. He will never be known for his speed, but is an average runner. While he has a lot of offensive talent, he is limited by his lack of discipline. Starling could be a fringe everyday player. RF Hunter Dozier Age: 28 Bats: RHB Height: 6'4" Weight: 220lbs Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($567,225) Auto Renewal Overall Rating: 2.5* Potential Rating: 2.5* Scouts Evaluation: Kansas City Royals' right fielder Hunter Dozier is a 28-year-old from Wichita Falls, Texas. His power doesn't live up to his massive size, but he'll still hit a good number of home runs. His speed is slightly below average, but is above average at stealing bases. With his pitch recognition he should draw an average number of walks. Dozier is a league average type of player, who should manage to hold down a role in the majors. RF Jorge Soler Age: 28 Bats: RHB Height: 6'4" Weight: 230lbs Contract: 1 Year Remaining ($7,300,000) Arbitration Eligible Overall Rating: 3* Potential Rating: 3* Scouts Evaluation: Jorge Soler is a right fielder and 6-year MLB veteran. He uses his entire intimidating frame to do real damage at the plate. A true threat. He has above average speed and is a threat to steal 10 bases each year. He is patient at the plate and will draw an above average number of walks. Soler's an above average ballplayer and should have no trouble as a Major League Baseball right fielder.

06-13-2020, 11:15 PM	#11
loyalroyal Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 142	March 26th, 2020 GM Notes: Opening Day in Chicago and we come out absolutely flat. Lucas Giolito was virtually unhittable, holding us to three hits and striking out nine. Brad Keller didn't pitch bad, allowing two runs and striking out seven in seven innings pitched. The offense was just no where to be found. W - Lucas Giolito (1-0) L - Brad Keller (0-1) S - Alex Colome (1) - We submitted a waiver claim for C Kyle Higashioka.

06-13-2020, 11:26 PM	#12
loyalroyal Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 142	March 28th, 2020 GM Notes: Better offensive effort in this one but same result. We got homeruns from Alex Gordon and Ryan "Boom Boom" McBroom but it wasn't enough. Jake Junis allowed 5 runs in 4 2/3 innings and Jorge Lopez followed, allowing another three. Rookie Tyler Zuber made his ML debut and struck out the only batter he faced. The White Sox were led by Royal killer Yoan Moncada (3-for-5, 2 2Bs, 2 R) and Nomar Mazara (3-for-4, 2B, HR, 2 R, RBI). W - Dallas Keuchel (1-0) L - Jake Junis (0-1) S - Alex Colome (2)

06-14-2020, 08:03 AM	#13
loyalroyal Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 142	March 29th, 2020 GM Notes: White Sox SP Dylan Cease turned in a better performance than Giolito did in the opener of the series. Cease would take a no-hitter into the 9th inning but would lose it when 2B Nicky Lopez homered for our only run of the game. Cease would pitch 8 1/3, allowing only the one run and striking out 11. For the series we struck out 30 times! W - Dylan Cease (1-0) L - Danny Duffy (0-1) - Kyle Higashioka waiver claim finished and executed successfully - Place C Kyle Higashioka on the 40-man roster. - Place C Kyle Higashioka on the active roster. -Optioned C Cam Gallagher to Triple A Omaha.

06-14-2020, 11:48 AM	#14
ForeverRoyalKC All Star Starter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Hop, skip and a jump from Pomme De Terre Lake, MO. Posts: 1,226	An immediate sweep to start the season.

06-14-2020, 07:55 PM	#17
loyalroyal Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 142	April 2nd, 2020 GM Notes: We return to Kansas City for the home opener and got off to a quick start. An RBI double from Ryan McBroom and an RBI single from Adalberto Mondesi got us in front 2-0 in the 2nd inning. Rookie SP Brady Singer looked good through six innings and striking out five in his ML debut. Tides turned once Singer exited the game. The bullpen would give up six runs (only two earned) as the Mariners exploded for an 8-2 victory. Trying not to panic but another few games of this and some changes will be made. W - Mike Magill (1-0) L - Trevor Rosenthal (0-1)

06-14-2020, 09:40 PM	#18
loyalroyal Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 142	April 4th, 2020 GM Notes: An RBI single from 3B Maikel Franco in the first gave us an early 1-0 lead. That would be all we would get. SP Jake Junis was masterful through 5 innings, taking a no hitter into the 6th. That is when it all fell apart. Seattle would score four runs that inning, capped by a 3-run HR from 1B Daniel Vogelbach. Junis didn't pitcher horrible. Only three of the runs were earned and he struck out eight in 6 2/3. The bullpen was equally good, pitching 2 1/3 of scoreless relief and striking out another five. W - Justus Sheffield (1-1) L - Jake Junis (0-2) S - Taylor Guilbeau (1)

06-18-2020, 09:27 AM	#19
loyalroyal Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 142	April 5th, 2020 GM Notes: Things continue to spiral out of control. Not only did we lose another game but also have lost SP Danny Duffy and RP Glenn Sparkman to injuries. Both are pending further evaluation from our team doctor. As for the game, there wasn't much to talk about. Seattle jumped out to a 3-0 in the 3rd and we responded with three runs thanks to a 3-run double from RF Hunter Dozier. After that the flood gates opened. The Mariners would score four in the 5th with three of them coming on a 3-run HR from SS J.P. Crawford. They would add another in the 6th and cruise to an easy win. Trying not to get discouraged as the White Sox and Mariners are a combined 13-6. We are off to Detroit where I expect the lineup to be juggled up a little and where we need a strong showing in this three game series. W - Wei-Yin Chen (1-0) L - Greg Holland (0-1) Last edited by loyalroyal; 06-18-2020 at 02:16 PM.

06-18-2020, 02:13 PM	#20
loyalroyal Minors (Double A) Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 142	April 6th, 2020 GM Notes: For the first time all season we gave up total lineup control to manager Mike Matheny. What transpired was our best game of the season. We would threaten in the first when rookie CF Nick Heath, making his ML debut would hit a double for his first big league hit. Then he stole 2nd. Then we proceed to not get him in with zero outs. SS Adalberto Mondesi would get things started in the 2nd with a double. He would score two batters later when 2B Nicky Lopez knocked him in with an RBI single. Lopez finished the day 2-for-4 with two single and an RBI. LF Brett Phillips would bring in Lopez with a 2-run HR and just like that we were up 3-0 but with this team no lead is safe. We added RBI ground outs in the 4th and 5th and that would be all we needed. SP Mike Montgomery faced one batter in the 1st before exiting with an injury. The team is pretty thin right now, as we are already awaiting injury news on Danny Duffy and Glenn Sparkman. Now this happens. The bullpen responded though, throwing 8 2/3 scoreless innings and striking out eight. W - Jorge Lopez (1-0) L - Matthew Boyd (0-1) Last edited by loyalroyal; 06-18-2020 at 07:48 PM.