Zero to Hero - A Scotsman in MLB

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Finance

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 $240,000,000 available for the total team expenses for the season.

Development Lab

Mike Murphy 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.

• No noticeable changes (poor)

Zach Herr 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.

Andres Raygoza 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.

• No noticeable changes.

Tony Thompson 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 shortstop.

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

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:

Juan Belderas, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Juan Belderas hails from La Vega, Dominican Republic. He has the potential to display plus power from the right side of the plate. He has a quick bat that handles most fastballs, but off-speed stuff can challenge him. Expect a batting average around .270. He has a sure-handed glove and should provide steady defense as a shortstop. Belderas has all the skills scouts look for in a shortstop.

Alvaro Mohedano, 16 year-old CF out of Argentina
Lean and athletic, Alvaro Mohedano hails from Buenos Aires, Argentina. He generates excellent raw power with his bat speed. He has above average contact potential. He should have average strike zone judgement. Mohedano should be a regular starter.

It was a great practice and none of the invitees disappointed in showcasing their talent.

And other players that I was able to further assess were:
Nelson Aguirre, 17 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Eytor Avilez, 17 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Juan Maldonado, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Arturo Moreira, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Julio Solorzano, 17 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Ignacio Jarmillo, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Juan Medina, 16 year-old 3B out of Dominican Republic
Frank Tarazon, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela


The Royals passed on the top end of the IA market as none of the players, despite impressing Scouts, were without flaw and, for the money, the Royals instead pursued a character based, quantity over quality approach in 2042.

Monday, January 20th , 2042
Signed international amateur CF Arturo Moreira out of Venezuela to a minor league contract with a $1,500,000 signing bonus.
Signed international amateur 3B Juan Medina out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract with a $400,000 signing bonus.
Thursday, January 23rd , 2042
Signed international amateur 2B Frank Tarazon out of Venezuela to a minor league contract with a $850,000 signing bonus.
Saturday, January 25th , 2042
Signed international amateur 2B Eytor Avilez out of Venezuela to a minor league contract with a $700,000 signing bonus.
Friday, January 31st , 2042
Signed international amateur CF Alvaro Mohedano out of Argentina to a minor league contract with a $750,000 signing bonus.

Transactions

The Royals front office was happy for the player but the fans were not as Dan Nichol got his reward for his All Star worthy bull pen season in 2041, signing with the Yankees for two years.

Friday, January 10th , 2042
New York Yankees: Signed free agent RP Dan Nichols to a 2-year contract worth a total of $36,000,000.



Hall of Fame

It was another year with no additions to Cooperstown only Manny Machadao (4th year) and Corey Seager (5th year) received over 60% of votes.

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Development Lab

Chris Albright 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.

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

• No noticeable changes.

Luis Aceves 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

Preseason & Spring Training

Thursday, February 27th , 2042
Purchased the contract of C Luis Rosario from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of CL Juan Anaya from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Alfredo Cadena from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Alvaro Baladez from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SS Jadon Tezeno from Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Purchased the contract of 2B Luis Aceves from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SP Darryel Sabatino from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Jimmy Cappello from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SP Jonathan DePalmer from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of LF Andres Madrigal from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of 2B Juan Parra from Triple A Omaha.
Friday, February 28th , 2042
SP Dan Carrig was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.

Transactions & Injuries

Wednesday, February 5th , 2042
Signed international amateur 3B Vicente Monterroso out of Venezuela to a minor league contract with a $150,000 signing bonus.
Signed international amateur CF Tiago Duro out of Venezuela to a minor league contract with a $150,000 signing bonus.
Monday, February 10th , 2042
Signed international amateur C Ippolito Labrit out of Venezuela to a minor league contract with a $250,000 signing bonus.
Thursday, February 13th , 2042
RP Art Putney was injured while showing off on his motorcycle. The Diagnosis: sore elbow. He's expected to miss about 2 weeks.

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Development Lab

Bobby Nickelberry 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.

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

Bob Crimi 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.

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

• No noticeable changes.

Ben Lane has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to increase his pitch movement.

• Potential movement rating improves by 5
• Current movement rating improves by 10

Jorge Corujo 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.

AJ Pratt 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.

Brad Thomas 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.

• No noticeable changes.

Jaden Tezeno 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 shortstop.

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

Mike Andonian 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

Juan Bernal 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 third 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

Alejandro Quintanilla 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 left field.

• Outfield arm rating improves by 5
• Outfield range rating improves by <5
• Outfield error rating improves by <5

Spring Training

A good set of performances in Spring Training for the Royals who go 17-8. Unfortunantely, new Trainer has had a tough job as the Royals have suffered extensive injuries and will enter the season missing several key pieces of the team.

The injuries were extensive enough for the Royals to sign 30-year old Andy Newsome to a Minor League contract to cover a couple of starts.

Monday, March 3rd , 2042
SP Dan Carrig diagnosed with a bone spur in his elbow, will miss 4 months.
SS Tony Thompson was injured in a collision at a base. The diagnosis is not yet known.
CF Natalino Villa was injured while running the bases. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Tuesday, March 4th , 2042
SS Tony Thompson diagnosed with a fractured finger, will miss 6 weeks.
Thursday, March 6th , 2042
CF Natalino Villa diagnosed with a broken kneecap, will miss 4 months.
Invited non-roster SP Andy Newsome to Spring Training camp.
Saturday, March 22nd , 2042
RP Art Putney was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Monday, March 24th , 2042
RP Art Putney diagnosed with a herniated disc, will miss 3 months.

Transactions

The good news for the Royals came in the form of two long-term contracts being signed for Ben Lane and Bobby Nickelberry. Both players sign 11-year contracts with Ben Lane’s contract reflecting his extra time in the big leagues already.

Tuesday, March 4th , 2042
Signed SP Ben Lane to a 11-year contract extension worth a total of $106,000,000.
Sunday, March 9th , 2042
Signed RF Bobby Nickelberry to a 11-year contract extension worth a total of $85,000,000.

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Major League Predictions

The Royals are predicted to win an AL-high 107 games for the best record in the AL but the Astros are predicted to score the most runs and concede the fewest so the Royals certainly have a fit on their hands. Gilberto Matos and Billy Mumaugh both feature in the top four hitters, and should that be realised the Royals will be in a good position.



In the National League, the models suggest the Dodgers are once again the team to beat.



Opening Day Lineup



Opening Day Roster Transactions

Thursday, April 3rd , 2042
Optioned C Luis Rosario to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 2B Juan Parra to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 2B Luis Aceves to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned SS Jadon Tezeno to Double A Northwest Arkansas.

Opening Day Pitching Battery



Opening Day Roster Transactions

Thursday, April 3rd , 2042
Demoted SP Andy Newsome to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Jimmy Cappello to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Alvaro Baladez to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Alfredo Cadena to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP B.J. Heaton to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Jonathan DePalmer to Triple A Omaha.

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KC Top Prospects

The Royals graduate three of their top prospects to the big leagues to open the 2042 with C Zach Herr, OF Bobby Nickelberry, and RP Juan Anaya all set to have important roles in Kansas City this year.

There remain several exciting prospects at the AAA level while the Royals will be hoping to see some of their younger prospects move through the ranks.



MLB Top Prospects

Three top ten prospects start in ML this year as the two Royals are joined by number one overall prospect Bobby Paulin – everyone will be hoping for a great ROTY contest between Paulin and Nickelberry!



MLB Farm Systems

The Royals retain the number one slot in the Farm Rankings although this is likely to change once the promoted prospects move off the list and it will be time to reload.

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19 April was a sad day at long-time Royals owner passed away John Sherman passed away, one week after his 87th birthday. While overseeing Colin Stewart’s unprecedsnted reign on AL success, he doesn’t see the Royals raise another World Series.



His is succeeded by his son, Jeremy, the 63-year old Kansas City native. From first look, it seems like Stewart’s relationship with ownership is set to get easier as Jeremy is tolerant to John’s controlling nature, is charitable with finances compared to John’s controlling nature, and is generally a hands off owner compared to his father. He is a winner, perhaps unsurprisingly after enjoying Stewart’s leadership as a fan but the proof will only come in the offseason with his first budget.



One change that are a new set of goals for the year for Stewart to achieve. This year’s target of reaching the playoffs remain, as does the goal of building a championship team, although this is pushed two years later to 2045. In addition, the three player goals (improve at Catcher, resign Ethan Chafin, and acquire a hometown player) are replaced by a team record goal to improve in extra-inning games this year. This goal is somewhat confusing as the 2041 record was 10-2 in extra-inning games although there are 0-1 so far in 2042 so perhaps it is simply from the current position.

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics





Bobby Nickelberry made his presence known as one of the best young stars in the American League this past month.

The Kansas City Royals right fielder shined through the month of April and has won the Batter of the Month and Rookie of the Month awards.

The 22-year-old hit .378 with 7 home runs, 26 RBIs and 19 runs scored.


22-year-old Bobby Nickelberry sent shock waves through Major League Baseball last week with an eye-popping performance that brought him the American League Player of the Week Award.

A newcomer to the league, Nickelberry made the establishment sit up and take notice, punishing opposing pitchers with a .417 average, 10 hits in 24 at-bats, 2 home runs and 10 RBI.

Where the Kansas City Royals right fielder goes from here, only the baseball gods know for sure, but Nickelberry certainly made his mark last week.

This year, Nickelberry is batting .424 with 25 hits, 6 home runs, 21 RBIs, 7 walks, .471 OBP and has scored 14 runs.



Transactions & Injuries

Wednesday, April 9th , 2042
SP Ethan Chafin was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Saturday, April 12th , 2042
SP Ethan Chafin diagnosed with a torn back muscle, will miss 4-5 months.
Purchased the contract of SP B.J. Heaton from Triple A Omaha.
Sunday, April 13th , 2042
Sent SS Tony Thompson to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Saturday, April 19th , 2042
2B Edgar Mir was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: patellar tendinitis. He's expected to miss about one week.
Sunday, April 20th , 2042
RP Jon Yuhas was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Monday, April 21st , 2042
SP Eddie Baquerizo was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained oblique. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 3 weeks.
Wednesday, April 23rd , 2042
RP Jon Yuhas diagnosed with forearm inflammation, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Purchased the contract of RP Asher Zigay from Triple A Omaha.
Monday, April 28th , 2042
SP Curt Bogans was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: finger blister. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 2 weeks.

The Royals injury problems continued into the new season as Ethan Chafin became the latest pitcher to break down. A torn back muscle will rule him out until the final month of the season at best. B.J. Heaton comes up to the rotation but the Royals are down to the bones and will be working to survive the next month or two.

Minor League News

At only 25 years of age, Chris Albright could very well have many more months like this last one during his career.

That would be great news for fans of the Omaha Storm Chasers, as April was one to remember for the center fielder and he has captured the International League Batter of the Month award.

On the month he hit .295 with 9 home runs, 27 RBIs and 28 runs scored.

When Mike Ramos takes the hill, he's a good bet to nail down the victory for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. At least that's the way it was in May.

He excelled with a 4-0 mark and 2.10 ERA in 4 starts. In 30 innings, he fanned 31 and walked 8.
That's why he was honored today as the Pitcher of the Month by the Texas League.

There was little doubt around the Carolina League that Guo-qing Jung would be awarded Pitcher of the Month honors for April. Today, they made it official, naming the 25-year-old Columbia Fireflies starter the latest honoree.

He thoroughly dominated the hitters who stood in against him, holding them to a .147 batting average while fashioning a 1.57 ERA in 4 starts. His record for the month was 3-1 in 28.2 innings of work. 

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics





This week's top performer in the American League was right fielder Bobby Nickelberry of the Kansas City Royals.

He pounded out a .435 average and was voted the Player of the Week. Over the last week Nickelberry connected for 10 hits in 23 at-bats and 2 home runs, drove in 8 runs and scored 9 times.

Nickelberry is hitting .349 this season with 9 home runs, 39 RBIs and 30 runs scored. He has 51 hits in 146 at-bats.



Transactions & Injuries

Thursday, May 1st , 2042
Optioned LF Andres Madrigal to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SS Tony Thompson from Triple A Omaha.
SP B.J. Heaton was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: mild shoulder inflammation. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 2 weeks.
Purchased the contract of SP Jonathan DePalmer from Triple A Omaha.
Tuesday, May 6th , 2042
Signed 1B Gilberto Matos to a 9-year contract extension worth a total of $148,000,000.
Monday, May 12th , 2042
RP Bernalldino Caneas was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Wednesday, May 14th , 2042
RP Bernalldino Caneas diagnosed with a strained shoulder, is day-to-day for 3 weeks.
Purchased the contract of RP Alfredo Cadena from Triple A Omaha.
Sunday, May 18th , 2042
Optioned RP Alfredo Cadena to Triple A Omaha.
Activated SP B.J. Heaton from the injured list.
Saturday, May 31st , 2042
SP B.J. Heaton was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.

More injuries followed the Royals into May with B.J. Heaton and Bernalldino Caneas both suffering injuries. B.J. Heaton was rushed back with the lack of MLB-ready arms and reinjured himself on the final day of the month – the Royals will be hoping that he doesn’t miss too much time as reinforcement are still months rather than weeks away.

Minor League News

It's perhaps an award he'll win many more times through his career, as at age 25 Chris Albright has a lot of baseball ahead of him.

But for now the young Omaha Storm Chasers star can enjoy the numbers he put up in May, which have garnered him the nod as the International League Batter of the Month.

His breakout month featured a .376 average with 12 home runs, 26 RBIs and 31 runs scored.

Albright is hitting .337 this year with 21 home runs and 53 RBIs. He also has an OBP of .469, 38 walks and scored 59 times.

Juan Espinosa battered Texas League pitchers all May and wound up taking home the Batter of the Month Award.

"I've been around Texas League long enough to know you really have to work hard day in and day out to be able to put up this kind of consistency," the 28-year-old Espinosa told reporters. "I put in a lot of work, even on the days I might not take the field, and it's always nice when everything comes together for me like it did this last month."

In 23 games, Espinosa hit .344 with 9 home runs, 28 RBIs and scored 18 runs.

In the current season, Espinosa has put up a .329 batting average with 47 hits, 16 home runs, 40 RBI and scored 33 runs.

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics





Fans, friends and family were cheering today when Bobby Nickelberry received June's American League Batter of the Month and Rookie of the Month Award.

Nickelberry stung the ball all month, posting a .371 batting average with 9 home runs, 37 RBIs and 21 runs scored.

Currently Nickelberry is batting .348 with 18 home runs, 84 RBIs and 58 runs scored.

He won two Hitter of the Week Awards, as well as having a 5-5 day against the Twins.



When Curt Bogans took the hill in June, he was in charge. The Kansas City starter never let the American League batters get a foothold against him. For his peerless performance, he came away with an impressive 5-0 record and the Pitcher of the Month award.

The talented Royals hurler made 6 starts, worked 37 innings, permitted 27 base hits, and struck out 27 while putting up a 2.43 ERA.

In 15 starts this season, Bogans has registered a 11-1 record and a 2.55 ERA.

Transactions & Injuries

Sunday, June 1st , 2042
SP B.J. Heaton diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 14 months.
Activated RP Jon Yuhas from the injured list.
Tuesday, June 3rd , 2042
Sent RP Bernalldino Caneas to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Tuesday, June 10th , 2042
Sent RP Art Putney to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Tuesday, June 17th , 2042
CF Chase Standberry was injured on a defensive play. The Diagnosis: sprained wrist. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 1-2 weeks.
Purchased the contract of CF Chris Albright from Triple A Omaha.
Monday, June 23rd , 2042
Optioned RP Jon Yuhas to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Bernalldino Caneas from Triple A Omaha.
Sunday, June 29th , 2042
Sent SP Dan Carrig to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.

The Royals get the worst news regarding B.J. Heaton as he will miss the rest of the season with a torn rotator cuff. The pitching situation begins to recover though with Caneas, Putney, and Carrig all back on Injury Rehab at AAA, Caneas making it back to the big leagues. Chase Standberry suffers a moderate injury, allowing Chris Albright his first call up.

Minor League News

Northwest Arkansas left fielder Juan Espinosa certainly turned heads in June with some impressive numbers. He batted .298 for the month and was voted the Texas League Batter of the Month award.

He banged 12 home runs, collected 27 RBIs, scored 22 times and put up a .353 on-base percentage.

In the current season, Espinosa has put up a .316 batting average with 75 hits, 28 home runs, 67 RBI and scored 55 runs.

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The Royals have six All Stars in 2042, with a mix of young and old. 2B Edgar Mir (6th), LF Billy Mumaugh (5th) and SP Curt Bogans (3rd) are all multi-selection All Stars while CL Nate Avis (reigning AL Reliever of the Year), 1B Gilberto Matos, and rookie RF Bobby Nickelberry all earn their first selections.

SP Curt Bogans (KC) - 15-1, 2.33 ERA, 108.1 IP, 1.06 WHIP, 7.1 K/9, 2.3 WAR
CL Nate Avis (KC) - 5-2, 12 SV, 2.14 ERA, 75.2 IP, 0.78 WHIP, 13.1 K/9, 2.1 WAR
1B Gilberto Matos (KC) - .313/.403/.528, 358 AB, 12 HR, 2 SB, 152 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
2B Edgar Mir (KC) - .271/.376/.485, 303 AB, 15 HR, 14 SB, 133 wRC+, 3.2 WAR
LF Billy Mumaugh (KC) - .291/.403/.478, 337 AB, 11 HR, 22 SB, 144 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
RF Bobby Nickelberry (KC)* - .329/.373/.610, 346 AB, 19 HR, 162 wRC+, 4.6 WAR

Once again there were no former Royals named in the All Star game.



There were mixed results for the Royals in the game, as Mir (0-2) and Mumaugh (0-2) failed to record a hit while Nickelberry (1-3) and Matos (1-2) accounted for 2 of the AL’s 3 runs. Bogans and Avis both pitched clean innings, Bogans taking 14 pitches and Avis only 8.



While Estanislau Covete (99 wRC+) hasn’t hit the heights of his ROTY season yet, the Royals have had some great performances with the bat as rookie Bobby Nickelberry (160), second year Gilberto Matos (153), retained OF Jamie Edwards (152 wRC+) and veteran Billy Mumaugh (145) all have elite wRC+ figures for the pre-AS portion of the season.



The pitching has been a case of holding on for reinforcements as the team has been hit by the injury bug. Among the regular starters all three of Eddie Baquerizo, Curt Bogans, and Ben Lane have been solid without being exceptional. In the bullpen, Nate Avis has seamlessly moved into a stopper role while Juan Anaya has had an exceptional debut season, with a 0.96 WHIP across 34.1 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.

Improve your team record:
Not a bad record in extra-inning games. Could be better, but we're looking up.

During our time working together, I have been ecstatic with your progress towards the goals I have set out for you. I feel similarly about your handling of the team's on-field and front office management.

Prospect Performance



2042 Draft

The Royals had the 33rd pick in the 2042 Draft and selected 18-year old SS Joe Hyatt out of Baltimore. Plus potential ratings across contact, power, and eye give Joe a high ceiling although his defense is unlikely to allow him to play SS as he transitions to the professional game.



The rest of the Royals top five picks were all high schoolers with one SP to go with four position players.

Round 2, Pick 33 - SP Mike Krebs, age 18 out of high school
Round 3, Pick 28 - SS Tonguar Zimmerman, age 18 out of high school
Round 4, Pick 30 - 2B Chad Hart, age 18 out of high school
Round 5, Pick 30 - CF Korey Beadle, age 18 out of high school

In addition, the Royals drafted four players outside of the first five rounds who demanded signing bonuses, which the Royals were happy to accommodate and therefore signed a full draft class of 20 players.

All four college players drafted by the Royals – 7th round CF Dan Brendle, 6th round RP B.J. Hohman, 18th round LF Jimmy Oates, and 9th round C Joe Suggs – will start in A play with the remaining sixteen in Rookie Ball.

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics





It was announced today that Kansas City first baseman Gilberto Matos snagged the American League Player of the Week Award for his outstanding play last week.

He posted a .500 batting average as he collected 12 hits, 1 home run and 5 RBIs.

This year, Matos is batting .316 with 108 hits and 12 home runs. He has scored 66 times and has batted in 53 runs.



Transactions & Injuries

Sunday, July 6th , 2042
Sent CF Chase Standberry to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Wednesday, July 9th , 2042
Optioned RP Bernalldino Caneas to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Art Putney from Triple A Omaha.
Saturday, July 12th , 2042
Sent CF Natalino Villa to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Friday, July 25th , 2042
Signed Pitching Coach Billy Diaz to a 5-year contract extension.
Optioned SP Jonathan DePalmer to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SP Dan Carrig from Triple A Omaha.
Optioned SS Tony Thompson to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of CF Chase Standberry from Triple A Omaha.
Sunday, July 27th , 2042
CF Natalino Villa diagnosed with a sore ankle, but will not miss any additional time.
Monday, July 28th , 2042
Sent CF Natalino Villa to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Tuesday, July 29th , 2042
Signed - Brendan Smith to a 5-year contract extension.

A mixture of injury returners and staff contract extensions for the Royals this month as some roster crunch is looming once Villa returns.

Minor League News

July's top-rated pitcher was Mike Ramos of Northwest Arkansas Naturals. He demoralized Texas League hitters in posting a 4-0 record and captured the Pitcher of the Month award.

In 4 starts, Ramos limited opposing batters to a .250 average. He rang up 32 strikeouts in 26.2 innings of work, issued 5 walks, and crafted a 1.35 ERA.

On the season, Ramos has a 13-2 record with a 2.44 ERA.

Arturo Oramas had quite a month with the bat in July and the Columbia shortstop was crowned Carolina League Batter of the Month for his outstanding efforts.

To win the honor, he batted .341 with 28 hits, 4 home runs, 20 RBIs and 19 runs scored. He also drew 15 walks to post a .434 on-base percentage.

Oramas is batting .330 with 16 home runs and 61 RBIs this season.

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics







Ben Lane of Kansas City had an excellent August with a 4-0 record and was selected as the Pitcher of the Month in the American League.

He finished the month with a 2.01 ERA while piling up 49 strikeouts in 40.1 innings and holding opposing hitters to a .235 batting average.

Thus far this season, Lane has tossed 166 innings in 27 starts, fanned 196 batters, walked 49 and put up a 3.20 ERA with 11 wins and 8 losses.

Transactions & Injuries

Saturday, August 2nd , 2042
LF Billy Mumaugh was injured while running the bases. The diagnosis is not yet known.
RP David Dettori was claimed off waivers from Texas.
Optioned RP Flossy Giordano to Triple A Omaha.
Placed RP David Dettori on the active roster.
Wednesday, August 6th , 2042
LF Billy Mumaugh diagnosed with a strained hamstring, will miss 5 weeks.
Purchased the contract of CF Natalino Villa from Triple A Omaha.
Friday, August 8th , 2042
SP Curt Bogans was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Monday, August 11th , 2042
SP Curt Bogans diagnosed with elbow inflammation, will miss 3 months.
Purchased the contract of SP Edgar Medina from Triple A Omaha.
Friday, August 15th , 2042
Sent SP Ethan Chafin to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.

The Royals lose Billy Mumaugh for 5 weeks but are able to call up Natalino Villa at the end of his injury rehab. More seriously they lose Curt Bogans for the rest of the season, and it may signal the end of Bogans career as a SP in Kansas City. Ethan Chafin is on an injury rehab and will return on 2 September but in the meantime 2033 International Amateur Edgar Medina gets his first call up the big leagues.

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MLB Standings

This year’s pennant was clinched on 20 September in a 4-9 loss to Pittsburgh. The Royals finish the month 2 games short of 100 wins, and having collected a 7th consecutive AL Central title, remarkably only halfway to matching the Braves record from 1991-2005, and 17th all time.



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics





In September, Gilberto Matos beat the baseball like a drum the entire month and netted the American League Batter of the Month award.

In 24 games the Kansas City first baseman hit .358 with 4 home runs, 17 RBIs and 27 runs scored.

So far in 2042 Matos is batting .315 with 24 home runs, 97 RBIs and 127 runs scored. He has 183 hits in 581 at-bats and a .412 OBP.

This month Bobby Nickelberry bashed, belted and battered just about every American League pitcher in his path as he put up some substantial numbers to win the Rookie of the Week honors.

Day in and day out throughout September, the Kansas City right fielder punished opposing teams with base hits, finishing with a .378 average. Nickelberry went 34-for-90 in 24 games with 2 home runs, 13 RBIs, and 19 runs scored.

Nickelberry has a .325 average and a .381 on-base percentage for the year. He has picked up 182 hits, 29 home runs and driven in 131 runs.

Kansas City fans had a lot to cheer about this week as right fielder Bobby Nickelberry brought home the American League Player of the Week trophy.

During his week-long batting binge he reeled off a .542 batting average, 13 hits and 2 home runs. Nickelberry also racked up 9 RBIs and scored 10 runs.

On the year, Nickelberry is hitting .327 with 182 hits, 29 home runs, 131 RBIs, .383 OBP and has scored 100 runs.



Ethan Chafin had an outstanding September -- so good that the American League presented him with the Pitcher of the Month Award earlier today.

"There's no way to know where the Royals would be without Chafin," one fan is quoted as saying.

In September Chafin dominated the competition, running up a 4-1 record, a 2.34 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 34.2 innings.

To date this season, Chafin sports a 4-1 mark with a 2.38 ERA in 7 starting assignments. He has held the opposition to a .184 batting average and has 40 strikeouts in 41.2 innings.

Dan Carrig kept the San Francisco Giants hitters from doing much damage at Kauffman Stadium.

San Francisco could only muster 2 hits and draw 1 walk against the left-handed Carrig, who controlled them throughout the game. Kansas City won the contest, 16-0. Carrig added 9 strikeouts in his complete-game effort.

"I don't know if I was on or if they were off today," Carrig told reporters after the shutout win. "But whatever it was, I hope it happens again next time."

Transactions & Injuries

Monday, September 1st , 2042
Purchased the contract of LF Andres Madrigal from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SS Tony Thompson from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Alvaro Baladez from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Bernalldino Caneas from Triple A Omaha.
Tuesday, September 2nd , 2042
Purchased the contract of SP Ethan Chafin from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SP Jonathan DePalmer from Triple A Omaha.
Wednesday, September 10th , 2042
Sent LF Billy Mumaugh to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Sunday, September 14th , 2042
Sent SP Joe Davis to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Friday, September 19th , 2042
Purchased the contract of LF Billy Mumaugh from Triple A Omaha.
CF Natalino Villa was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: fractured wrist. He's expected to miss about 5-6 weeks.
Saturday, September 27th , 2042
SP Joe Davis diagnosed with a torn back muscle, will miss 5 months.

The Royals aimed to take the pressure off their bullpen by adding several arms during September call ups, as well as giving a couple of extra batters so time in the Big Leagues.

Injury wise, it was a case of one step forward, one step back as Billy Mumaugh returned from injury but the Royals lost Natalino Villa for the season and welcomed back Ethan Chafin but Joe Davis tore a back muscle during his injury rehab.

Minor League News

The Midwest League has made it official -- Tim Panzica is the winner of the Batter of the Month trophy.

In September, the Quad Cities shortstop starred with a .375 batting average, 8 home runs and 12 RBIs. Panzica also had 9 walks, posted a .466 on-base percentage and scored 17 times.

So far this year, Panzica is batting .211 with 19 home runs, 58 RBIs and 68 runs scored.

Nelson Gallegos is the latest Texas League Pitcher of the Month award winner. The Northwest Arkansas starter stood out on the hill time and again last month and finished September with a sparkling 4-0 record.

In 4 starts last month, he fanned 31, walked 6 in 27 innings and posted a 2.67 ERA. Gallegos held opposing teams to a .238 batting average when he was on the mound.

For the season, Gallegos has a record of 7 wins and 3 losses in 10 appearances. He has an ERA of 4.79 and has fanned 69 batters in 62 innings.

The most recent International League Batter of the Month trophy was awarded to second baseman Luis Aceves of the Omaha Storm Chasers.

In September he stood head and shoulders above all other batters by hitting .404 with 14 home runs, 36 RBIs and 27 runs scored.

On the year, Aceves has hit .317 with 59 home runs, 165 RBIs and scored 135 runs.