Zero to Hero - A Scotsman in MLB

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Financial Update

As we get closer to the start of the season, I have reviewed the team's financial state as of this moment.
As a reminder, you have $302,000,000 available for the total team expenses for the season.

International Amateurs

We just completed our monthly private practice with many young international amateur free agents who we hope can aid our club in the coming years. It was great to meet the players in-person and get to know them better, and I was able to improve my scouting assessment on all invitees.

In fact some of the players impressed me, since they showcased a higher potential than I had previously expected from them:

Massimo DalSoglio, 17 year-old RHP out of Venezuela
Lean and athletic, Massimo DalSoglio hails from Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela. If he develops a swing-and-miss cutter and a good circle change to their potential, he'll have two dominant offerings. He has the raw stuff to succeed when it's combined with average control and giving up an average number of homers. DalSoglio projects to be a solid bullpen contributor who could expect occasional tries and fails as a starter.

David Jauregui, 17 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, David Jauregui hails from La Vega, Dominican Republic. He has a sweet swing and chance to hit for a high average with solid power. He has raw above average power. Jauregui can be a second division starter at center fielder.

However, a few invitees left me disappointed as they did not appear to match my previous assessment, although they may still end up being future stars:

Luis Laconi, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Lean and athletic, Luis Laconi hails from Maracaibo, Venezuela. He projects to have above average contact ability. He has a decent swing and adjusts quickly to pitchers. Repetition and learning which pitches he can drive are essential to his development into an above average power hitter. He is above average on the basepaths. Laconi is a reliable hitter in the organization's grand scheme.

And other players that I was able to further assess were:
David Leal, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Julio Molina, 16 year-old 1B out of Dominican Republic
Jorge Otero, 16 year-old 1B out of Dominican Republic
Luis Salazar, 16 year-old LF out of Dominican Republic
David Baires, 16 year-old 3B out of Dominican Republic
Gerrie Snoek, 16 year-old RHP out of The Netherlands
Juan Zapata, 16 year-old RHP out of Cuba

Fall League News

David Conforto of the Virginia Beach Maulers has been selected the premier pitcher in the Arizona Fall League and will receive the Pitcher of the Year Award for 2048.

The top vote-getter completed the year with a 7-0 record. He started 21 times, threw 99.1 innings, chalked up 109 strikeouts and 9 walks, limited hitters to a .139 batting average and posted an impressive 1.09 ERA.

He received 30 first place votes, as a unanimous winner. Bruce Anglesey of the Milwaukee War Eagles finished second in voting, while David Silva of the Garland Bears finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
David Conforto - Virginia Beach Maulers - 30 - 210
Bruce Anglesey - Milwaukee War Eagles - 0 - 95
David Silva - Garland Bears - 0 - 85
Jorge Salinas - Tucson Stags - 0 - 72
Jesus Portillo - Austin Reds - 0 - 31
Gilberto Aguilar - Dallas Admirals - 0 - 10
Edgar Bujanda - Long Beach Spinners - 0 – 7

Transactions

The Royals miss out on their top two targets, both SP Juan Zapata and 1B Julio Molina signing for more than the $4.75m the Royals have to spend. However, David Baires accepts the Royals offer – with potential plus-plus contact to go with plus power the bat is very much aligned with the Stewart era approach, although without either the glove or the speed the Royals prefer.

Tuesday, January 26th , 2049
Signed international amateur 3B David Baires out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract with a $4,750,000 signing bonus.



Minor League Transactions

Saturday, January 9th , 2049
Promoted international complex member SP David Campos to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Alejandro Ayala to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Yo****imo Hashimoto to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Jesus Higuera to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Jayden Shervill to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Veto Granados to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Luis Heredia to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP David Medina to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Rodolfo Moreno to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Edgar Zaragoza to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member 2B Jesus Caldera to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SS Eleuterio Remartinez to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member C Frank Otero to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member CF Jorge Valero to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member C Juan Arrieta to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member 2B Raul Arrojado to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SS Ismael Castaneda to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member C Julio Lazaro to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member C Alejandro Orozco to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member LF Jorge Osorio to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member CF Juan Saldana to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member C Jorge Saucedo to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member 2B Glenn van Mourik to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Sent C Juan Arrieta from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Sent C Julio Lazaro from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Sent C Alejandro Orozco from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Sent 2B Alejandro Felix from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Sent SS Eleuterio Remartinez from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Sent SS Ismael Castaneda from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Sent 2B Raul Arrojado from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Sent RF Etsuya Hamano from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Sent CF Vicente Ramos from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Sent LF Jorge Osorio from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Sent SP Juan Morales from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Sent RP Jorge Campos from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Sent RP Juan Abalos from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Sent SP David Campos from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Sent RP Alexis Barrera from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted RP Ignacio Vargos from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 2B Alfredo Cuevas from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 3B Jesus Abredo from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 2B Sergio Aguirre from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 2B Sergio Ankele from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 3B Jorge Barrientos from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted LF Jesus Contreras from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Andres Coronado from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SS Abraham Crespo from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted LF Daniel Jaurigui from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 2B Julio Rosas from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP David Varela from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted CF Jesus Villareal from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Rodolfo Barrientos from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Jorge Aguilar from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 3B Jorge Barrera from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Juan Beas from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted LF David Borghese from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Daniel Cabral from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SS Frank Cancel from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted LF Luis Castaneda from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Alexis Cerda from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Jorge de la Fuente from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted LF Sergio Deras from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Jorge Guerrero from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 2B Guadalupe Madrid from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 2B Wilson Meza from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SS Juan Miranda from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 2B Sergio Montalvo from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted LF Alejandro Nieves from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Arturo Olivia from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SP Jesus Puentes from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 3B Julio Silva from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SP David Conforto from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SP Dusty Bartosik from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Eric Isles from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 3B Ernesto Arellano from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 1B Andy Casazza from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Sean Dawson from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Joel Harris from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Jeff Ocampo from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted C Randy Bridenbaker from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SS Andres Machado from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SS Kevin Lawrence from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Kevin Pasquale from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RF Frank Ramirez from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted CF Dan Thomas from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 3B Steve Walker from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SP Josh Weas from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted LF Jon Garrison from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted C Dane Cook from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Sent SP Dusty Bartosik from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Alfredo Compean from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Jorge Contreras from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Jesus Esquivel from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent 1B Sean Gedney from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SS Steve Hendrick from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP David Herrera from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent CF Rodolfo Lara from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Juan Noboa from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP David Padilla from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP David Ramirez from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent C Alejandro Ramos from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Sergio Suazo from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SP David Becerra from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent 2B Alfredo Cuevas from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent CF Vicente Marmolejo from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent C Guonçalle Ales from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent 2B Lílian Ales from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent C Luis Almaguer from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent 2B Corey Bloggs from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent 2B Juan Bonilla from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent LF Sergio Cobian from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SP Jesus Hurtado from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SP Juan Lavariega from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RF Ernesto Sosa from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent 3B Luis Villarreal from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent LF Jon Garrison from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent 1B Andy Casazza from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent 2B Eric Weaver from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent 3B Jesus Mendizabal from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RF Jon Dinsmore from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SP J.P. Carrillo from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Jake Fulmer from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent CL Ferlon Goins from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Jonathan Taylor from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SP Juan Armenteros from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Promoted LF Hee-joon Kim from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted 2B Chris Papp from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted CF Allvaro Pisani from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Juan Portillo from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted LF Juan Soriano from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted SP Jim Stokes from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Danny Wojtaszek from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Daniel Esquivel from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP David Leyva from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Luis Medina from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted C Jorge Navarro from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted SP Juan Ochoa from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted C Steve Finn from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted LF Jon Garrison from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted SS Ben Dart from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted C Frank Guevara from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted CF Esmarly Roseberry from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted SP Dan Kirk from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted SP Dusty Bartosik from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted SP Joe Teichner from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted CL Ferlon Goins from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Ethan del Moral from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Jake Fulmer from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Humberto Loeza from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted C Chris Early from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted CF Sam Heater from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted CF Jake Andree from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted 2B Luis Flores from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted CF Chris Herrera from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted RP Mike Rapp from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted SP Danny Mueller from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted SP Jeremy Jefferson from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted CL Greg Hyder from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted RP Santiago Amaya from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted RP Ernesto Castillo from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted RP Domenic Silk from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted SP Esteban Arenas from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Released 2B Eric Weaver.
Released SS Steve Hendrick.
Released 2B Juan Bonilla.
Released 2B Corey Bloggs.
Released 2B Lílian Ales.
Released LF Sergio Cobian.
Released 3B Julio Silva.
Released 2B Wilson Meza.
Released 2B Sergio Ankele.
Released 3B Jorge Barrera.
Released SS Frank Cancel.
Released SS Andres Machado.
Released 2B Sergio Montalvo.
Released 2B Julio Rosas.
Released SS Abraham Crespo.
Released LF Alejandro Nieves.
Released LF Sergio Deras.
Released LF Jesus Contreras.
Released RP David Leyva.
Released RP Jorge Zendejas.
Released RP Kurt Hershberger.
Released RP Hoshihito Shimizu.
Released RP Greg McDonald.
Released RP Dejan Croom.
Released RP Tsuneto Oka.
Released RP Jaquan Geneus.
Released RP Jorge de la Fuente.
Released RP Daniel Cabral.
Released RP Juan Beas.
Released RP Rodolfo Barrientos.
Released RP Jorge Aguilar.
Released RP Alexis Barrera.
Released SP Veto Granados.

Hall of Fame

Jackson Holliday is a first ballot inductee to the Hall of Fame in 2049, with 98.5% of the vote. No other player gets more than 60%, with Rafael Devers running out of time as he is dropped from the ballot while Bobby Witt Jr. takes a step back in his 4th year on the ballot. It seems unlikely at this stage that he will earn his place in Cooperstown. It is even less likely for Justin Steele, the three time Cy Young Award winner only has one more year left.

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Development Lab

Mike Gronkiewicz has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.

Jorge Corujo has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.

Juan Montelongo has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.

Branson Huot has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.

Steve Katzin has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.

Ben Lane has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his strength and conditioning.

David de Anda has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.

• No noticeable changes.


Bobby Nickelberry has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his strength and conditioning.

• Proneness improves from Somewhat Fragile to Normal Bordering on Fragile

Nelson Saiz has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.

• Current power rating improves by <5

Bernalldino Igrejas has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his quality of contact.

• Current babip rating improves by 5

Jonathan Lish has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.

• Current power rating improves by <5

Dusty Glick has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his strength and conditioning.

• Proneness improves from Very Fragile to Somewhat Fragile
• Current velocity improves from 95-97 Mph to 96-98 Mph

Preseason & Spring Training

The Royals survive preseason with no additional injuries and start Spring Training 3-0, with several new faces on the Spring roster, including three non-roster invites in C Arturo Ruano and CFs Kevin Depke and Rodolfo Lara.

Transactions

Thursday, February 25th , 2049
Purchased the contract of 2B Chad Hart from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of 2B Bernalldino Igrejas from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of 3B David de Anda from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SS Jonathan Lish from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of LF Jorge Morales from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SP Ken Logan from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SP Jorge Zagal from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Zaire McKines from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Steve Campista from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Tim Parsons from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Ed Lauer from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of CL Zion Merkerson from Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Invited non-roster C Arturo Ruano to Spring Training camp.
Invited non-roster CF Kevin Depke to Spring Training camp.
Invited non-roster CF Rodolfo Lara to Spring Training camp.

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Development Lab

Rodolfo Lara has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at left field.

• No noticeable changes (poor).

Mike Gronkiewicz has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at center field.

A.J. Terry has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at center field.

Juan Montelongo has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his base-stealing technique.

David de Anda has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his base-stealing technique.

Jadon Tezeno has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at shortstop.

Chad Hart has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at second base.

Steve Katzin has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at second base.

Nelson Saiz has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at catcher.

David Rojo has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at center field.

• No noticeable changes.

Rob Cope has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his defense at pitcher.

• Hold rating improves by <5
• Infield arm rating improves by <5
• Infield range rating improves by <5
• Infield error rating improves by 5
• Turn doubleplay rating improves by <5

Branson Huot has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his defense at second base.

• Infield arm rating improves by 5
• Infield range rating improves by <5
• Infield error rating improves by 5
• Turn doubleplay rating improves by 5

Spring Training

The Royals go 21-4 over the Spring while allowing all of the new faces to get plenty of reps under their belts – especially in a World Baseball Classic year which saw several Royals represent their country.

There were several injuries unfortunately, with the more serious injuries suffered amongst the bullpen arms.

Tim Parsons, the last name added to the 42-man roster and protected from the Rule 5 Draft, tore his rotator cuff and will miss more than a year. Meanwhile, Mike Krebs and Steve Campista will both miss months, Krebs with a torn tricep, Campista a torn labrum.

Tuesday, March 2nd , 2049
LF Jorge Morales was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: sore groin. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 4 days.
Wednesday, March 3rd , 2049
RP Steve Campista was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: sprained ankle. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 5 days.
Thursday, March 4th , 2049
RP Tim Parsons was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Saturday, March 6th , 2049
RP Steve Campista was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Sunday, March 7th , 2049
RP Tim Parsons diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 14 months.
Monday, March 8th , 2049
2B Bernalldino Igrejas was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: bruised wrist. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 4 days.
RP Mike Krebs was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Wednesday, March 10th , 2049
RP Mike Krebs diagnosed with a torn triceps, will miss 2-3 months.
Thursday, March 11th , 2049
RP Steve Campista diagnosed with a torn labrum, will miss 4 months.
Thursday, March 18th , 2049
RP Zaire McKines was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Friday, March 19th , 2049
RP Zaire McKines diagnosed with a mild shoulder strain, is day-to-day for 3 days.
2B Chad Hart was injured while running the bases. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Saturday, March 20th , 2049
2B Chad Hart diagnosed with back tightness, is day-to-day for 5 days.
2B Steve Katzin was injured. The Diagnosis: heart palpitations. He's expected to miss about 3 days.
Thursday, March 25th , 2049
RP Pete Acors was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: mild calf strain. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 2 days.

Transactions

The only player the Royals lost in Rule 5 Draft doesn’t survive Spring Training with the Giants and is returned to Kansas City; he will be sent to Omaha to open the season.

Thursday, March 25th , 2049
Received former Rule 5 draft pick C Joey Haigh from the San Francisco Giants.

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Major League Predictions

The Royals are predicted to have the best record in baseball once again, a 114-win season giving them a 15 win cushion over the Texas Rangers. No Royals appear in the top performers list, with no former Royals either for the first time in years.



The Dodgers are predicted to be back, and record the only other 100+ win season in baseball to take the NL West. J.J Tjepkema’s move back to LA sees him as the early favourite for the Cy Young Award, which would be a record-setting 8th.



Opening Day Lineup

There are few surprises in the players that make the opening day roster on the position player side for the Royals although perhaps there is in the line ups the Royals will put out. Tonguar Zimmerman is the only player not to have a starting role against either LHP or RHP, with Steve Katzin earning a place ahead of Chat Hart and Branson Huot the only possible controversial decisions.



Opening Day Roster Transactions

Tuesday, March 30th , 2049
Assigned C Arturo Ruano from Spring Training camp to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 3B David de Anda to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 2B Bernalldino Igrejas to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 2B Branson Huot to Triple A Omaha.
Assigned CF Kevin Depke from Spring Training camp to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 2B Chad Hart to Triple A Omaha.
Assigned CF Rodolfo Lara from Spring Training camp to High-A Quad Cities.
Optioned LF Ken Crome to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned LF Jorge Morales to Triple A Omaha.

Opening Day Pitching Battery

The Royals are going to open the season with a 6-man rotation. The quality of all six SP, along with their fragile status, means that Stewart will try this experiment, at least for the opening months. In the bullpen, there are no surprises in the selections as Pete Acors retains his place after his September call up and the rest of the bullpen is made up of returning players – Mike Krebs return will be the first difficult decision.



Opening Day Roster Transactions

Tuesday, March 30th , 2049
Optioned RP Ed Lauer to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Zion Merkerson to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Ken Logan to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Jorge Zagal to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Zaire McKines to Triple A Omaha.

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KC Top Prospects

The Royals have five of the top 20 prospects in baseball, and four of them are at AAA or the MLB level. There is a strong mix of players throughout the system with another year of progress expected.



MLB Top Prospects

It might be a down year for rookies with none of the top five prospects close to the Major Leagues although both the 6th and 7th ranked player will open in MLB, including Mike Gronkiewicz from the Royals.



MLB Farm Systems

The Royals remain at the top of the tree when it comes to the farm system although the Diamondbacks continue to push them with an impressive collection of prospects, including the top ranked prospect in baseball. Behind those two teams, there are a further three team topping 100 points, including the Royals AL Central rival Cleveland Guardians.

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MLB Standings

A month into the season and there are six teams yet to suffer their 10th loss of the season – the Royals won 19 games and find themselves second in the division.



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics







Dusty Glick is the latest American League Pitcher of the Month award winner. The Kansas City starter shone on the hill repeatedly last month and finished April with a sparkling 5-0 record.

In 5 starts he tossed 32 innings, posted 33 strikeouts, and put up a 1.41 ERA.

Transactions & Injuries

A quiet month for the Royals in terms of transactions although Scouting Director Joe Witkowski did uncover a potential gem in Dominican SP Jesus Lara.

Thursday, April 15th , 2049
Signed international amateur SP Jesus Lara out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.

Minor League News

The best pitcher this past month in the International League was Jorge Zagal of the Omaha Storm Chasers. He really razzle-dazzled league hitters, finishing April with a standout 5-0 record and 2.00 ERA.

The Storm Chasers hurler made 5 starts and surrendered 29 hits in 36 innings. He struck out 33 and walked 8.

Jon Garrison has a lot going for him. The Northwest Arkansas left fielder just broke into the majors this year and now the Texas League has just picked him as its top hitter for April.

In 19 games last month this outstanding rookie batted .316 with 6 home runs, 17 RBIs and 15 runs scored.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals celebrated today after the news filtered through the clubhouse that Jim Stokes had been selected as April's Texas League Pitcher of the Month. Stokes's zest for the game has been a frequent topic on the sports pages and his numbers of late have made his fans even more enthusiastic.

"Our coaching staff really helps me prepare well," Stokes said, "and the fans feed off good pitching. Your pitches just seem to have that extra pop to them when the fans are behind you and you feel confident you can get outs."

Stokes tossed 19.2 innings last month, holding opponents to a .138 average while striking out 19 batters. In 3 starting assignments he came away with a 3-0 record, putting together an ERA of 0.92.

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MLB Standings

Two months into the season and there are only three teams with less than 20 defeats, all in the American League. The Royals have opened up a 5 game lead in the AL Central.



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics





Bobby Nickelberry feasted on American League pitching in May and today he walked off with the Batter of the Month award.

The Kansas City right fielder rapped out a .302 batting average while collecting 32 hits, 8 home runs, 32 RBIs and 17 runs scored.

Hitting .311 to date, Nickelberry has 15 home runs and 58 RBIs. He has played in 53 games.



Transactions & Injuries

Mike Krebs returns from injury for an injury rehab in Omaha – it is going to be a difficult decision for Stewart to squeeze him back into the bullpen.

Sunday, May 23rd , 2049
Sent RP Mike Krebs to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics





Bobby Nickelberry capped off a fine June by being named the American League Batter of the Month today.

Kansas City's right fielder hit .382 while collecting 12 home runs, 36 RBIs and scoring 29 runs. He also drew 7 walks to post an OBP of .420.

Currently Nickelberry has 27 home runs and a .335 batting average.



Transactions & Injuries

The only move in the month is the recall fo Mike Krebs at the expense of C.J. Brinkle.

Monday, June 21st , 2049
Optioned RP C.J. Binkle to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SP Mike Krebs from Triple A Omaha.

Minor League News

June's International League Batter of the Month trophy was claimed by left fielder Ken Crome of the Omaha Storm Chasers.

Last month he compiled a .412 batting average with 7 home runs, 29 RBIs, 23 runs scored and a .473 on-base percentage.

Crome is currently hitting at a .341 pace with 27 home runs, 80 RBIs and has scored 67 times.

Dusty Bartosik hasn't been around long enough to know that youngsters shouldn't be winning Texas League Pitcher of the Month. But when you put up numbers like his, you're going to get some notice.

In June the Northwest Arkansas starter earned a 4-1 mark in 5 starts. He threw 35.1 innings, struck out 38 and compiled a solid 1.78 ERA.

In 14 starts this season, Bartosik has picked up 8 wins while suffering 3 losses. He has pitched 94.1 innings, allowed 74 hits, struck out 92 and posted a 2.19 ERA.

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The Royals have a Stewart-era record 10 players selected to the All Star Game, four pitchers and six position players.

On the pitching side, both Dusty Glick (2nd selection) and Cason Willard (1st) earn selections, while Juan Anaya (4th) and Luis Danys Rhodes (9th) are almost gimmes at this stage.

On the position players, infield wise, it’s a second All-Star appearance for C Nelson Saiz, 1B Luis Aceves earns his 4th call although has suffered a season-ending injury so will miss out on playing, and a first call for SS Luis Montelongo, who is repaying Stewart’s faith with 3.0 WAR over the first half of the season. In the outfield, it’s a full set as Mike Gronkiewicz earns a first call in LF, CF Jorge Corujo a second, and Bobby Nickelberry received the most fan votes, with over 4.2m, to earn his 6th All-Star selection.

SP Dusty Glick (KC) - 9-1, 3.22 ERA, 95.0 IP, 1.02 WHIP, 9.0 K/9, 2.1 WAR
SP Cason Willard (KC) - 7-2, 2.86 ERA, 107.0 IP, 1.09 WHIP, 9.3 K/9, 2.7 WAR
RP Juan Anaya (KC) - 3-5, 2.61 ERA, 51.2 IP, 1.12 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, 1.4 WAR
RP Luis Danys Rhodes (KC)* - 7-3, 10 SV, 3.18 ERA, 56.2 IP, 1.20 WHIP, 9.7 K/9, 2.0 WAR
C Nelson Saiz (KC)* - .299/.411/.598, 251 AB, 19 HR, 167 wRC+, 3.5 WAR
1B Luis Aceves (KC)* - .276/.355/.509, 348 AB, 17 HR, 16 SB, 131 wRC+, 2.0 WAR
SS Juan Montelongo (KC) - .301/.366/.517, 236 AB, 11 HR, 6 SB, 136 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
LF Mike Gronkiewicz (KC) - .294/.365/.496, 357 AB, 16 HR, 40 SB, 131 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
CF Jorge Corujo (KC) - .315/.360/.439, 362 AB, 3 HR, 63 SB, 115 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
RF Bobby Nickelberry (KC)* - .314/.351/.618, 369 AB, 27 HR, 102 RBI, 2.8 WAR

Two ex-Royals received All-Star selections, both perennial selections for this game:

SP Greg Moehring (NYY)* - 6-5, 2.36 ERA, 118.1 IP, 1.06 WHIP, 10.5 K/9, 4.2 WAR
1B Juan Minnelli (SF)* - .323/.378/.535, 368 AB, 15 HR, 6 SB, 144 wRC+, 2.6 WAR



The American League fall 6-1 to the National League but not through lack of effort from tne Royals pitchers – Cason Willard and Juan Anaya the two selected to pitch an inning each, both giving up a walk but nothing more. Hitting wise, Saiz, Montelongo, Corujo and Nickelberry were all hitless, although Nickelberry did draw a walk. Gronkiewicz had more success, going 1-3 with a double.



It’s been a highly impressive first half of the season for the Royals with only Dave Forester, Arturo Oramas, and A.J. Terry failing to create runs above league average. Bobby Nickelberry and Jorge Corujo are back in the position of having a shot at Royal single season records for HRs and SBs respectively, while Nickelberry might have his eye on the RBI record as well.



The Royals pitching has been elite, with the six-man rotation working very well so far. All the Royals starters have a FIP- more than 10% better than the league average, with five of the six having pitched over 100 innings so far. In the bullpen, Bob Capozziello and Mike Krebs are the only two not to have a FIP- below league average, while Chris Cirry has a scarely believable FIP of 0.75 across his 22.0 IP. 

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Owner Goals



Team Record:
You have put us in the position to make a second half run at the playoffs. Remember, the postseason has been our goal all year. Keep up the good work during the second half of the year.

Extend your player:
I know it's hard to talk extension early with some guys, but I was hoping that Dusty Glick would have been an exception. Keep the dialog open with him and try to get him signed as soon as you can.

During our time working together, I have been happy with your progress towards the goals I have set out for you. Considering your current and past successes, I am ecstatic with your overall performance. It's important to have success on-field and in the boardroom, and you seem to be on that path.

Prospect Performance



All-Star Prospects selections

SP Dusty Bartosik (KC-AA) - 10-3, 2.13 ERA, 114.1 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 8.8 K/9, 4.2 WAR
2B Bernalldino Igrejas (KC-AAA) - .330/.406/.584, 279 AB, 13 HR, 2 SB, 140 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
3B David de Anda (KC-AAA) - .281/.359/.468, 374 AB, 12 HR, 11 SB, 102 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
CF Rodolfo Lara (KC-A+) - .205/.347/.378, 278 AB, 8 HR, 3 SB, 91 wRC+, 0.4 WAR
CF David Rojo (KC-A+) - .211/.343/.381, 294 AB, 11 HR, 6 SB, 89 wRC+, 1.2 WAR

2049 Draft

The Royals have the 34th pick of the draft and select CF Bobby McDermott, a 17-year old HS player our of New York. While McDermott will likely move to a corner, he has plus speed, and projects to have plus-plus contact to go with plus gap and power, along with an above average eye.



Round 2, Pick 31 - 2B Tim Sinnard, age 17 out of high school
Round 3, Pick 25 - C Mike Hurley, age 17 out of high school
Round 4, Pick 30 - SP Danny Grant, age 18 out of high school
Round 5, Pick 30 - CF Thang Chau, age 17 out of high school

The Royals sign all 20 of their draft class with their four College graduate draftees (6th Round CF Jadon Notice, 8th Round C Jon Magaglio, 13th Round CF Omarion Tennial, and 17th Round RP Dave De Marco) along with 20th Round pick RP Billy Oliver being promoted straight to A ball. The rest of the class will remain in Rookie Ball.

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics





Mike Gronkiewicz of the Kansas City Royals nabbed the Rookie of the Month honors for July in the American League.

Posting a .348 average last month, he collected 32 hits, 6 home runs, 20 RBIs and 24 runs scored.

In the 2049 season Gronkiewicz is hitting .293 with 19 home runs.



Transactions & Injuries

The success of the Royals pre-ASB means that, for better or worse, it is a very quite July in 2049. Losing Luis Aceves to a season ending collision at a base is disappointing, and Bernalldino Igrejas will be asked to learn 1B while playing in the Major Leagues.

Steve Campista also returned from injury and he was optioned to Omaha.

Thursday, July 1st , 2049
Placed RP Steve Campista on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Optioned RP Steve Campista to Triple A Omaha.
Sunday, July 18th , 2049
1B Luis Aceves was injured in a collision at a base. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Monday, July 19th , 2049
1B Luis Aceves diagnosed with a concussion, will miss 4-5 months.
Wednesday, July 21st , 2049
Purchased the contract of 2B Bernalldino Igrejas from Triple A Omaha.

Minor League News

In July, when the name of Jorge Zagal appeared on the Omaha lineup card it was a virtual lock on a victory. He started 6 times and chalked up 5 wins and no losses. With those stats it was also a virtual lock that he would be named the International League Pitcher of the Month.

Zagal shackled opposing batters on 46 base hits and a .275 batting average. He rang up 45 strikeouts in 44.1 innings of work, surrendered 14 walks and fashioned a sparkling 3.86 ERA.

This season, Zagal has fanned 143 in 156.1 innings and collected a 16-2 record with a 3.51 ERA.

Mid-Season Promotions

Promoted 3B Dan Arango from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted CF Deonte Clark from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SS Maxwell Norlander from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SS Ben Puls from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Josh Palmer from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SP Jorge Ramirez from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SP Randy Wambolt from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Jaheim Mikell from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Sent 3B Ernesto Arellano from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent C Dane Cook from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent CF Bobby Friedland from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent 3B Steve Walker from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SS Kevin Lawrence from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RF Frank Ramirez from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent CF Deonte Clark from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SP Jorge Ramirez from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SP David Conforto from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Eric Isles from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent CL Jared Baynes from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SP Randy Wambolt from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Dan McHugh from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Promoted 1B Andy Casazza from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted 1B Sean Gedney from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted 3B Ernesto Arellano from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RF Jon Dinsmore from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted CF Rodolfo Lara from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted CF David Rojo from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Eric Isles from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP David Ramirez from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted CL Eddy Martin from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted CL Jared Baynes from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Jairold Clark from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted SP David Conforto from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted LF Jon Garrison from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted CF Allvaro Pisani from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted 1B Juan Soriano from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted CF Esmarly Roseberry from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted 2B Jesus Perea from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted SP Dusty Bartosik from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted SP Joe Teichner from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted SP Dan Kirk from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted RP Juan Portillo from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted CL Ferlon Goins from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Released CF Sam Heater.
Released CF Chris Herrera.
Released CF Roinny Newman.
Released RP Santiago Amaya.
Released RP Domenic Silk.
Released RP Juan Portillo.  

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MLB Standings

The Royals are one game short of both clinching the AL Central and 100 wins.



Kansas City Results

A strange start to the month as the Royals lost five of six to open the month but then won 18 of the remaining 21 to ensure it was another strong month.



Kansas City Statistics





Mike Gronkiewicz of the Kansas City Royals just ended a sensational month, but it didn't end there. He topped it off with the American League Rookie of the Month award.

The talented left fielder took the honor in August by hitting .295 in 25 games, racking up 28 hits, 6 home runs, 15 RBIs and 24 runs scored.

In 124 games this season, Gronkiewicz is batting .293 with 144 hits and 25 home runs. He has scored 108 runs and driven in 80.



August was a magical month for Cason Willard of Kansas City. He held the American League hitters spellbound, conjuring up a 3-0 mark and a 1.26 ERA.

Willard also chalked up 5 starts, 35.2 innings and 31 strikeouts.

For this outstanding performance he was rewarded with the Pitcher of the Month trophy.

This season, Willard has 10 wins and 3 losses and a 2.66 ERA.

Transactions & Injuries

The injuries keep coming for the Royals as Arturo Oramas misses 7 weeks with a hamstring strain; the Royals will hope to have him back in the last weeks other regular season. The same is true for Rob Cope, the same injury two days later should give him time to return before the playoffs.

Sunday, August 1st , 2049
2B Arturo Oramas was injured while throwing the ball. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Thursday, August 5th , 2049
2B Arturo Oramas diagnosed with a strained hamstring, will miss 7 weeks.
Purchased the contract of 2B Luis Flores from Triple A Omaha.
Saturday, August 7th , 2049
SP Rob Cope was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained hamstring. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Purchased the contract of SP Jorge Zagal from Triple A Omaha.

Minor League News

There's no doubt that Storm Chasers starter Danny Mueller earned his International League Pitcher of the Month award. He left absolutely no room for doubt as he mowed his way through the opposition in August.

During the month Mueller was 4-0 with a 2.01 ERA. He made 5 starts, tossed 31.1 innings and had 35 strikeouts.

This season, Mueller has gone 15-4 with an ERA of 3.21, posting 169 strikeouts in 174 innings.