Zero to Hero - A Scotsman in MLB

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The AL divisions finish up the same way they did in 2049 with the Royals and Rangers earning byes while the Yankees will face a WC series. The Wild Cards are Central dominated and set up two East-Central match ups, as the Twins (in their first post-season appearance since 2027) will face the Blue Jays, and the Guardians (in their first appearance since 2039) the Yankees. The Royals will face the winners of the Toronto-Minnesota series for a place in the ALCS.

Over in the National League, the Mets and the Cardinals were the division winners clinching byes, while the Diamondbacks will face a WC Series. That series will be against the Braves to earn the right to face the Mets, while the Cubs will take on the Rockies, the winner going on to face the Cardinals.

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Only one Wild Card series goes the distant as the AL East-winning Yankees lose a decider at home to the Guardians. The Guardians will face the Texas Rangers in the Division Series. The Cubs swept the Rockies and the Braves swept the Diamondbacks to set up two East-Central matchups in the National League, the Mets will take on the Cubs, and the Cardinals the Braves.

The Twins were the final wild card victors, sweeping the Blue Jays to set up an All-AL Central match up against the Royals, giving the division three of the four Division Series teams. The Royals and Twins will meet for the first time in the postseason, and it will be a 13th AL team that Stewart has faced in October, with the Tigers left as the only AL Central team he doesn’t get to match up against in the playoffs.

The Twins were the hottest team in baseball through June and stayed good enough through the rest of the summer to get to 90 wins as the best of the wild card teams. The Royals took the regular season series 8-5, but with the 4th best runs against total in the AL, this will be a good contest.

That pitching performance was led by the 3rd best starters ERA in the league, with Mauricio Cazares, the pick of the bunch with a 3.57 ERA and a 12-8 record. It is an all-RHP rotation, although the bullpen does have a couple of lefties, including 3.17 ERA Mike Sunden. Their closer role will be an interesting decision with regular season SP Billy Baker (4.01 ERA in 175.0 IP) taking on the role in the WC series.

On the position players side, it has been an underperforming season for the Twins, which will have the Royals worried. They boast the reigning league MVP in T.J. Jaeger, who had 38 HRs and 105 RBI, as well as a catching corps of Jim Clarke and Jesus Contreras. RF Vicente Pimental led the team with a .292 AVE, as well as SBs, with 32.

Game 1 in Kansas City: T.J. Nooks vs. Juan Caldelas (2038 Waivers PHI)
• Kansas City wins 8-7 (10)
• Nooks (6.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R)
• Caldelas (3.2 IP, 9 H, 6 R)
• Omari Ambroise (W): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Billy Baker (L): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R
• Luis Danys Rhodes (BS): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R
• Kansas City HRs: David de Anda (2nd, 2R), Esmarly Roseberry (6th), Domingo Carrillo (10th, WO)
• Minnesota HRs: T.J. Jaeger (8th, 2R), Devin Sapien (9th)
• Luis Danys Rhodes (KC) INJ pitching DTD 4 days
• POTG: Esmarly Roseberry (KC) 3-4, HR, 2 RBI
• 1-0 Kansas City

Game 2 in Kansas City: Braden Montalbano vs Mike Miller (2049 Free Agent)
• Kansas City wins 5-2
• Montalbano (W): 5.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R
• Miller (L): 5.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R
• Ambroise (SV): 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Kansas City HRs: Nelson Saiz (3rd, 2R), Jadon Tezeno (6th)
• 2-0 Kansas City

Game 3 in Minnesota: Steve Mondie vs Mauricio Cazares (2047 Waivers CLE)
• Kansas City wins 13-1
• Mondie (W): 6.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Cazares (L): 4.2 IP. 4 H, 3 R
• Kansas City HRs: Roseberry (6th, 3R), A.J Terry (6th, GS), Saiz (8th, 2R)
• Minnesota HRs: Jim Clarke (9th)
• Jonathan Lish (KC) | Sean LeVan EJECTED brawl
• 3-0 KANSAS CITY WINS

Series MVP: Esmarly Roseberry (KC) 5-12, 2 HRs, 5 RBI

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The Royals sweep their Division Series and will face the Rangers in the 2050 League Championship Series, a repeat of 2049. This will be the 5th postseason matchup between the teams, with the Rangers holding the edge 3-1.

Over in the National League, the Cardinals escaped a game 5 to defeat the Braves, while the Cubs took out the Mets to set up an all-NL Central League Championship Series.

The Rangers had the second best record in the AL behind the Royals the teams split their regular season series 3-3. This has the potential to be a classic series as Kansas City looks for revenge after their 2049 defeat, and the chance for Stewart to win a 5th World Series before leaving the Royals at the end of the season.

The top of the Rangers rotation hasn’t changed since 2049, with two RHPs, Yoshihiro Tani (4.21 ERA, 13-9) and Chris Krupa (4.50, 12-13) leading the way. They have added RHP Luis Trejo (3.64, 9-3) and LHP Nam-seo Kim (3.71, 7-5) who have arguably been more effective that their more well known colleagues. In the bullpen, Dave Watson, an in season acquisition, has been elite as their closer, with 16 SVs and a 1.44 ERA, while LR Edgar Cervantes has a 6-0 record with a 3.89 ERA.

Among position players, the Rangers are led by a trio of elite players – last year’s ALCS MVP LF Sean McCormick (.310, 31 HRs, 115 RBIs), 1B Andy Raines (.294, 26 HRs, 82 RBIs), and C Juan Ortega (.299, 27 HRs, 76 RBIs). With the 4th most runs scored in the AL, there is clearly danger throughout the line up but if the Royals can limit the impact of those three, it will go a long way to deciding the series.

Game 1 in Kansas City: T.J. Nooks vs Chris Krupa (2046 Trade SD)
• Nooks: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R INJ
• Krupa (L): 5.2 IP, 11 H, 5
• Rob Cope (W): 3.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Kansas City HRs: Esmarly Roseberry (3rd), Mike Gronkiewicz (3rd, 2R), David de Anda (6th; 8th)
• T.J. Nooks (KC) INJ pitching DTD 4 days
• POTG: David de Anda (KC) 2-4, 2 HRs, 2 RBI
• 1-0 Kansas City

Game 2 in Kansas City: Braden Montalbano vs Luis Trejo (2048 Waivers LAA)
• Kansas City wins 7-1
• Montalbano (W): 8.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R
• Trejo (L): 2.2 IP, 7 H, 6 R
• Texas HRs: Juan de Alba (6th)
• Julio Cuevas (TEX) INJ throwing DTD 3 days
• 2-0 Kansas City

Game 3 in Texas: Steve Mondie vs Yoshihiro Tani (2047 International Free Agent)
• Kansas City wins 16-7
• Mondie: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 6 R
• Tani (L): 2.1 IP, 7 H, 8 R
• Rob Cope (W): 3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 $
• Kansas City HRs: Nelson Saiz (1st; 6th, 2R; 9th, 2R), Gronkiewicz (1st), Jonathan Lish (2nd, 2R), Juan Montelongo (9th)
• Texas HRs: Sean McCormick (1st), Jeff Abbott (2nd, GS)
• David da Anda (KC) equals KC PS Record, 4 Rs
• Nelson Saiz (KC) equals AL PS Record, 3 HRs
• POTG: Nelson Saiz (KC) 3-5, 3 HRs, 5 RBIs, BB
• 3-0 Kansas City

Game 4 in Texas: Shammond Fairwell vs Nam-seop Kim (2050 Trade HOU)
• Texas wins 16-4
• Kim: 3.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R
• Fairwell (L): 2.2 IP, 4 H, 6 R
• Joey Blanchard (W): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R
• Kansas City HRs: Lish (4th), A.J. Terry (6th)
• Texas HRs: Brendon Pedley (3rd, 2R), McCormick (5th, GS)
• Andy Raines (TEX) INJ running bases DTD 1 week
• POTG: Sean McCormick (TEX) 3-3, HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB
• 3-1 Kansas City

Game 5 in Texas: Nooks vs Krupa
• Texas wins 3-2
• Krupa: 4.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Nooks: 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R
• Dave Watson (BS)(W): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R
• Luis Danys Rhodes (L): 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• Texas HRs: Sergio Morales (1st)
• Chris Krupa (TEX) INJ pitching OUT (pending)
• 3-2 Kansas City

Game 6 in Kansas City: Montalbano vs Trejo
• Kansas City wins 5-3 (12)
• Montalbano: 6.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R
• Trejo: 4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R
• Chris Curry (W): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Federico Ramirez (L): 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R
• Omari Ambroise (BS): 3.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R
• Kansas City HRs: Jaden Tezeno (12th, 2R, WO)
• Texas HRs: Abbott (3rd), McCormick (8th)
• Jamie Robinson (TEX) INJ running bases OUT 6 weeks
• 4-2 KANSAS CITY WINS

Series MVP: David da Anda (KC) 8-23, 2 HR, 7 RBI

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The Royals turn the tables on the Rangers in 2050, a 4-2 victory based on an early series batting masterclass before holding off an attempted Texas comeback to reach their 9th World Series in the last 13 years, and 5th in the last 6. They will come up against the St Louis Cardinals, who were comfortable 4-1 winners over the Chicago Cubs. This is the Cardinals first trip to the World Series of the save, and their first since losing the 2013 World Series to the Boston Red Sox. It will be a second match up between the two ballclubs in the post season, the first taking place back in 1985, the Royals claiming their first WS with a 4-3 victory. The Royals took three of four games during the regular season.

The Cardinals are a bat first ball club, having scored the 3rd most runs in the NL while only recording the 6th fewest runs against.

The position players are led by 2B Julio Roca (.291, 28 HRs, 114 RBIs) and Tanner Meilleur (.259, 31 HRs, 97 RBIs) while CF Jesus Palos is an elite lead off, hitting .308. They arrive with a couple of players missing due to injury, the 3B pair of Luis Ortega and Sergio Aleman, as well as LF Dan Dress. Dress led the team with 40 SBs so will be missed at the top of the order.

On the pitching side, two of the starting rotation recorded ERAs under 3.50 for the season, RHPs Christoph Bondar and Corydon Matthews. Gilberto Estrada had a 3.86 ERA while they also had a LHP in Vann Okere (4.95). In the bullpen, closer Jong-hun Hong recorded 36 SVs (76.6%) with a 3.66 ERA, while Arturo Bello (2.88, 24.0 IP) and C.J. Ndiaye (2.96, 79.0 IP) both recorded ERAs under 3.00.

Game in Kansas City: T.J Nooks vs Christoph Bondar (2049 Free Agent)
• Kansas City wins 9-1
• Nooks (W): 6.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R
• Bondar (L): 5.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R
• Omari Ambroise (SV): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Kansas City HRs: Jonathan Lish (7th, 2R), Bernalldino Igrejas (8th)
• St Louis HRs: Zhi-gang Seah (7th)
• A.J. Terry (KC) equals AL PS record, 3 D
• POTG: David de Anda (KC) 2-3, 2 RBI, BB
• 1-0 Kansas City

Game 2 in Kansas City: Braden Montalbano vs Vann Okere (2041 4th Round)
• Kansas City wins 7-4
• Montalbano (W): 5.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R
• Okere (L): 4.0 IP, 6 H, 5 R
• Chris Curry (SV): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Kansas City HRs: A.J. Terry (2nd, 3R), Jadon Tezeno (5th)
• POTG: Jadon Tezeno (KC): 1-3, HR, RBI, 2 BB
• 2-0 Kansas City

Game 3 in St Louis: Steve Mondie vs Gilberto Estrada (2041 1st Round)
• Kansas City wins 5-1
• Mondie (W): 6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R
• Estrada (L): 6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R
• Curry (SV): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Kansas City HRs: Terry (2nd)
• 3-0 Kansas City

Game 4 in St Louis: Shammond Fairwell vs Corydon Matthews (2050 Free Agent)
• Kansas City wins 14-3
• Fairwell (W): 5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R
• Matthews (L): 3.0 IP, 5 H, 5 R
• Kansas City HRs: David de Anda (4th, 3R), Tezeno (6th, 2R), Mike Gronkiewicz (7th)
• St Louis HRs: Josh Horgan (4th, 3R)
• POTG: Mike Gronkiewicz (KC) 4-5, HR, RBI, BB
• 4-0 KANSAS CITY WINS! KANSAS CITY WINS! KANSAS CITY WINS!

Series MVP: A.J. Terry (KC) 9-16, 2 HR, 5 RBI

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A fifth World Series crown is a fitting end to the Stewart reign in Kansas City. To do it in a sweep is a bonus, especially having taken out the Texas Rangers to gain revenge for the 2049 defeat. The fifth ring lifts Stewart into equal third on the all-time list, level with Connie Mack (Philadelphia Athletics), and two behind Casey Stengel (New York Yankees) and Joe McCarthy (Chicago Cubs | New York Yankees). His tenth pennant takes him one clear of Stengel and John McGraw (New York Giants).

Kansas City Postseason Stats



The MVPs were shared around the team, with Roseberry, de Anda, and Terry each taking home an award. In terms of wRC+ the two former Rookie of the Year winners Nelson Saiz (199) and Mike Gronkiewicz (213) were the stars. Bernalldino Igrejas was the only starter to struggle, with a 65 wRC+ and a .255 AVE.



The Royals aces T.J. Nooks and Braden Montalbano went 4-0, with 5 QS from 8 appearances. The rest of the starters did their job, Steve Mondie going 2-0, while Shannon Fairwell only appeared once.

In the bullpen, Chris Curry had a 0 FIP- across his 3 appearances, while Omari Ambroise had 11.0 IP across 5 appearances, recording 2 SV and a 0.82 ERA.

Only Zaire McKines and Luis Danys Rhodes struggled, although McKines’ struggles came in his only inning pitched so the sample size couldn’t be much smaller.

Owner Goal Review



I have reviewed the goals I have set out for you. My comments are below.

Team Record:
Everyone in the city has your name on the tip of their tongue, and why wouldn't they? It's not everyday someone guides their team to a championship. Fantastic job this year!

Extend your player:
I know there's still a little time before players file for free agency, but I'm very disappointed that you didn't get Dusty Glick signed to an extension. We've already begun developing next year's marketing plans, but with the status of Glick still up in the air, we've had to put those plans on hold.

Acquire a player:
Well, you have figured out a great way to disappoint your boss and the owner of a popular baseball team. I wish you really would have worked harder when I asked you to bring in a Power hitter.

Long Term:
I think team is well on its way to becoming all that I had imagined it to be. If you can bring home another World Series trophy in the near future, that would go further to solidifying your legacy.

I am good with your performance in accomplishing the goals I have given you. However, when I consider the on- and off-field success of the team, my overall mood with your performance is delighted.

Minor Leagues



Postseason

Omaha Storm Chasers [AAA] lost in 1st round of the playoffs.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals [AA] lost in 1st round of the playoffs.
Quad Cities River Bandits [A+] missed the playoffs by 43 games.
Columbia Fireflies [A] missed the playoffs by 27 games.
Kansas City (ACL) Royals [R] missed the playoffs by 3 games.
Kansas City (DSL) Royals Stewart [R] missed the playoffs by 19 games.
Kansas City (DSL) Royals Glass [R] missed the playoffs by 16 games.

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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:

Rodolfo Ramos, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Rodolfo Ramos hails from San Francisco de Macorís, Dominican Republic. He shows tremendous raw power. He projects to hit for .290 batting average because of his above average contact potential. He is expected to be a defensive asset as a second baseman. Scouts project Ramos to fill a key role for a contending team in the big leagues.

Daniel Mandujano, 16 year-old SS out of Venezuela
Lean and athletic, Daniel Mandujano hails from Valencia, Venezuela. With his potential he will be a threat to hit the ball out of the park every time he comes to the plate. He can make hard contact which should translate to a .250 batting average. Mandujano probably won't be a star but he should still be a solid contributor.

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:
Guadalupe Contreras, 16 year-old LHP out of Dominican Republic
Sandro Ojeda, 16 year-old C out of Dominican Republic
Ismael Rivera, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Brody Stobbie, 16 year-old 2B out of Australia
Vicente Chapa, 16 year-old RHP out of Dominican Republic
Cesare Inzaghi, 16 year-old C out of Venezuela
Jorge Salazar, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Juan Silva, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela

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Catcher

Nelson Saiz continues to be a great investment by the Royals, a 138 wRC+ with 23 HRs providing 4.8 WAR. Arturo Ruano was the best backup the Royals have given Saiz, a 117 wRC+ in 165 PA, with a 3.0 FRM rating meaning Stewart expects to Royals to run this duo back in 2051.

Infield

All of the infielders to finish the season returned wRC+ above league average, demonstrating the strength across the batting line up.

1B Bernalldino Igrejas put up a 131 wRC+ with 20+ HRs and a .295 AVE. A league minimum contract means Igrejas is set fair for years to come.

2B Juan Montelongo was this year's best hitter in the American League. The 23-year-old second baseman collected the batting title with a .324 average. In addition, he put up 7.8 WAR (4th best Royals season of all time), with 25 HRs and 79 RBIs. His 117 R is the 7th most in a Royals season.

3B David de Anda took advantage of Jadon Tezeno’s injury and locked himself into the third base position with a 153 wRC+, 31 HRs and 21 SBs. He put up 5.7 WAR despite only appearing in 129 G.

SS Jonathan Lish (126 wRC+) was the hitting weak link of the IF but his glove was exceptional, 5.1% better than league average to give him 5.0 WAR.

Steve Katzin survived the 2B midseason purge and that certainly allowed him to relax, putting up a 100 wRC+ in 175 PAs. He will have to improve in 2051 but Stewart hopes the Royals give him that chance.

Jadon Tezeno suffered an injury early in the season and, on his return, was limited to a DH role. He excelled in this role, with a 126 wRC+ and 20 HRs. With the excess of IF quality on the Royals roster, if anyone is at risk of moving on, Stewart guesses that Tezeno is it.

Outfield

The Royals had some injuries in the OF which saw seven players log over 20 G.

In LF Domingo Carrillo started 79 G and put up a 123 wRC+ with 16 HRs. Later in the season he split time with Esmarly Roseberry, his 132 wRC+ in 167 PAs hinting at a great future. Carrillo is certainly at risk in a crowded OF, Stewart believing he would be ripe to cash in on as he enters his second arbitration year.

In CF Jorge Corujo only managed to appear in 34 G as injuries ruined his season. A 112 wRC+ shows he still has value but injuries are taking a toll on his glove and it may be time to move on from one of the all-time great base stealers in Royals history. That is because CF Mike Gronkiewicz stepped in for Corujo and more than held his own with his glove and his bat is elite – 27 HRs, 98 RBIs, a 134 wRC+, and 56 SBs all adding up to 7.3 WAR, 8th best in Royals history.

RF Bobby Nickelberry also struggled with injury, appearing in only 92 G, but managing a 128 wRC+, with 18 HRs and 2.9 WAR.

A.J. Terry took his chance in Nickelberry’s absence, becoming an everyday player, who hit 147 wRC+ with 39 HRs and 32 SBs. His 6.0 WAR is going to lead to some difficult decisions for the Royals in the offseason as he enters his penultimate arbitration year.

Jon Garrison got his ML chance and, while he didn’t struggle, only managed a 99 wRC+ to look below the required level in this Royals OF. He is a prime candidate for trade over the winter, with multiple years of team control and some untapped potential.



Starters

The Royals midseason revamp of the rotation worked as the Royals win their 5th World Series of the Stewart era. T.J. Nooks and Braden Montalbano were the clear aces, putting up 6.1 and 4.7 WAR respectively. Nooks finished with a scarcely believable 20-1 record while Montalbano put up the 7th best ERA season in Royals history (2.50). Nooks’ .952 winning percentage will go down as the greatest season of all-time, topping Johnny Allen’s .938% from 1937 with Cleveland. It’s the first pitching All-time record to go in the save, and only the third in total after Strikeouts (multiple, currently Evarado Camacho) and Doubles (twice, currently Jake Moore).

Behind them, Rob Cope featured in 28 G, putting up 2.6 WAR with a 96 FIP- to be a little better than league average. Danny Mueller struggled in the first half of the season but ended up only giving away 0.1 WAR and while he is not the future, the Royals will likely try to keep him around, if at AAA. Jeff Mole and Dusty Glick both made minimal starts and, in the case of Glick, probably pitched himself out a contract with the Royals.

Both midseason acquisitions, Shammond Fairwell and Steve Mondie were good, but not great once coming over, but all tied into multi year contracts with the Royals contributing minimal amounts and so are locked in for the coming year.

The big decision for the Royals management will be whether to invest in T.J. Nooks who is QO eligible this offseason and looking for an 8-year, $310m contract which the Royals currently don’t have budget to accommodate.

Bullpen

In the bullpen, performances suggest that every pitcher could come back with the likely exception of Mike Krebs.

However, that doesn’t consider the contract situation. The Royals have two players with TO decisions in Juan Anaya and Luis Danys Rhodes. At $12m Stewart probably wouldn’t bring back Anaya who saw his role change after the trade deadline to a less used MR. Rhodes $7.5m contract is more difficult, having put up 2.2 WAR while appearing in 56 G with a 2.92 ERA. His SD:MD ratio remained high at 21:12 but he struggled in the post season and was injured during the season. This would be a coin flip decision for Stewart.

Eligible for arbitration are C.J. Binkle, Benton Geldart, Krebs, Chris Morrow, and Chris Curry. Reviewing performance the two Chris’ would undoubtably be back but it might be time for the Royals to move on from Binkle, with Geldart and Krebs almost certainly not being offered a contract.


Overall, the Royals remain in an incredibly strong position and, no matter the offseason decisions, will enter the 2051 season as favourites to repeat as World Series Champions. 

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Finances

It’s been a journey, as Stewart leaves the Royals with the 6th highest budget in baseball, in excess of $300m along with a bigger market, a much more loyal fan base with perfect interest.



Personnel

Serving this team as a Manager has been rewarding. But a new challenge beckons with the Montgomery Biscuits. I've agreed to terms to be their new Pitching Coach.

A Manager Quinn Pippin

Minor Leagues

Awards

There was only one award for Royals minor leaguers in 2050 – 2046 2nd Round pick Joe Teichner winning the Outstanding Pitcher Award at AAA.

Retirements

The Royals didn’t have any retirements from drafted or international amateurs.

Prospect Review

Stewart leaves behind the best farm system in baseball with two outfielders ready to make their mark in 2051, along with SP Dusty Bartosik, and RP Jared Baynes, while AAA Outstanding Pitcher Joe Teichner will be hoping to show off his potential in Spring ball.

 

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Personnel

The Royals move quickly and replace Stewart with Manager Hector Figueroa, the Manager of the Houston Astros AA affiliate.

In the GM role, they promoted Angel Bolivar from his Assistant GM role.

Monday, November 7th , 2050
Signed Manager Hector Figueroa to a 5-year, $1,240,000 per year contract.

Awards

A raft of awards for the Royals although the voters don’t appreciate a manager resigning at the end of the season and snub Colin Stewart.

Five platinum bats is a high for the Royals, with Juan Montelongo combining the platinum stick with the great glove. He also took home his first MVP award to go with his Hitting Title.

Pat Black takes his 7th Reliever of the Year Award over Luis Danys Rhodes while J.J. Tjepkema extends his record with a 9th Cy Young Award and few would bet against him getting to double figures next year.

The most controversial voting came in the Cy Young where the Royals two aces, Braden Montalbano and T.J. Nooks maybe took votes from each other, finishing 3rd and 4th behind Cleveland’s Indy Cline. Cline’s 11-8, 3.19 ERA, 87 FIP-, 4.1 WAR is impression but doesn’t seem to match up to either Montalbano (15-3, 2.50, 72, 4.7) or Nooks (20-1, 2.91, 62, 6.1) with the highlighted numbers being league-leading.

AL Great Glove 2B Juan Montelongo KC
NL Great Glove
AL Platinum Stick C Nelson Saiz (2) KC | 2B Juan Montelongo KC | 3B David de Anda KC | CF Mike Gronkiewicz (2) KC | RF A.J. Terry KC | DH Luis Aceves (3) NYY
NL Platinum Stick
AL Manager of the Year Antonio Anderson TOR
NL Manager of the Year Matthew Colantonio (3) NYM
AL Reliever of the Year Pat Black (7) HOU
NL Reliever of the Year David Aguilar CHC
AL Rookie of the Year 3B David de Anda KC
NL Rookie of the Year SS Ken Whitener WAS
AL Cy Young Indy Cline CLE
NL Cy Young J.J. Tjepkema (9) LAD
AL MVP 2B Juan Montelongo KC
NL MVP 1B Zach Jochimsen ATL

Pre-Arbitration Extensions & Trades

A very different pre-arbitration period as the Royals chose not to extend any of their players and only made a couple of small trades of Minor Leaguers.

They did designate Jorge Zagal for assignment, and he was claimed by San Antonio where he will likely be a useful depth piece.

Wednesday, November 2nd , 2050
Traded 22-year old minor league RHP Jonathan Taylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks, getting 22-year old minor league RHP Joe Hull in return.
Saturday, November 5th , 2050
SP Jorge Zagal was claimed off waivers by San Antonio.
Traded 25-year old minor league RHP Esteban Arenas to the Minnesota Twins, getting 20-year old minor league RF Vicente Rivera in return.
Sunday, November 6th , 2050
Purchased the contract of 1B Alejandro Montejo from the Billings Mustangs of the Pioneer League.
Tuesday, November 8th , 2050
Purchased the contract of RP Dan Ledford from the Northern Colorado Owlz of the Pioneer League.
Wednesday, November 9th , 2050
Signed international amateur CF Alfredo Quijada out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Saturday, November 12th , 2050
Signed international amateur SP David Araiza out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.

Arbitration & Qualifying Offers

The Royals go to arbitration with all but Benton Geldart from the list of eligible players. This is perhaps unsurprising for a new management team to take the chance to fully evaluate their programme but will limit budget space in free agency.

Neither Dusty Glick nor T.J. Nooks are offered long term contracts and become free agents, as does AAAA RP Tim Parsons.

Tuesday, November 22nd , 2050
Signed international amateur SP Lazaro Chapa out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
LF Domingo Carrillo received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $2,400,000.
LF A.J. Terry received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $10,000,000.
RP Chris Morrow received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $3,030,000.
RP C.J. Binkle received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $2,814,000.
RP Mike Krebs received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,909,500.
CL Chris Curry received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $8,167,500.
RP Benton Geldart becomes a free-agent.
Thursday, November 24th , 2050
RP Dusty Glick becomes a free-agent.
SP T.J. Nooks becomes a free-agent.
RP Tim Parsons becomes a free-agent.

Transactions

The Royals make some more moves but in the Minor League edges, Nate Kees the only player of note to move this month. There is a change of tack from Stewart’s reign though with the Royals purchasing the contracts of multiple independent league players this month.

Friday, November 25th , 2050
Signed international amateur SP Juan Delgado out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Traded 24-year old minor league CF Nate Kees to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting 18-year old minor league 3B Edgar Osorio and 22-year old minor league LHP Julio Malfabon in return.
Saturday, November 26th , 2050
Traded 22-year old minor league RHP David Ramirez to the New York Yankees, getting 17-year old minor league LHP Esteban Archibeque and 21-year old minor league RHP Largo Ciaccheri in return.
Tuesday, November 29th , 2050
Purchased the contract of SP Shamar Oppong from the York Revolution of the Atlantic League.

Around the League

Retirements

Tuesday, November 1st , 2050
New York Mets: 3B Mike Campney retired from professional baseball.
Boston Red Sox: SP Joe Davis retired from professional baseball.
SP Mike Herzner retired from professional baseball.
SP Dan Carrig retired from professional baseball.
CF Jamie Edwards retired from professional baseball.

Tampa Bay Rays: SP Bobby McPhee retired from professional baseball.
Cincinnati Reds: SS R.J. Frank retired from professional baseball.
Texas Rangers: RP Kymani Pippens retired from professional baseball.
Los Angeles Dodgers: 1B Dylan Cavanaugh retired from professional baseball.
Los Angeles Dodgers: CL Sergio Carrasco retired from professional baseball.
Miami Marlins: RF Juan Serna retired from professional baseball.
Colorado Rockies: LF Mike Hanson retired from professional baseball.
New York Yankees: CL Tim Spangler retired from professional baseball.
SP Josh Dering retired from professional baseball.
SP Ludovic Bruneau retired from professional baseball.
LF Mike Lowe retired from professional baseball.
1B Mike Robinson retired from professional baseball.
New York Yankees: 3B Luis Corral (AA Somerset) retired from professional baseball.
LF Jace Booth retired from professional baseball.
SP Monfre Saavedra retired from professional baseball.
1B Mike Rennaker retired from professional baseball.
2B Josh Yoder retired from professional baseball.
Atlanta Braves: SP Hyun-woo Hwang retired from professional baseball.
RP Jesus Guerrero retired from professional baseball.
RF Frank Posadas retired from professional baseball.
2B Mike Wooldridge retired from professional baseball.
1B Sergio Rivera retired from professional baseball.
RP Ken Bening retired from professional baseball.
SP Curt Buzachero retired from professional baseball.
SP Kevin Reese retired from professional baseball.
SP Bob Harris retired from professional baseball.
RP Luis Carrasco retired from professional baseball.
SP Kennan Yetman retired from professional baseball.
SP Chris Johnson retired from professional baseball.
SP Walt Drueke retired from professional baseball.
Texas Rangers: RP Juan Uribe (AAA Round Rock) retired from professional baseball.
SP R.J. Minggia retired from professional baseball. 

[benp28]

Rule 5 Draft Trades & 42-man Changes

The Royals had a December of roster churn but that didn’t include a single trade, which had been a hallmark of Stewart’s reign.

However, before all the departures there was an arrival through free agency, as the Royals reunited with 1B Gilberto Matos. A one-year, $2.92m deal was agreed to bring the wrecked INF back to Kansas City, although it remains to be seen where he will fit into the loaded Royals INF.

Five pitchers and LF Jon Garrison were designated for assignment to make room for the new crop of Rule 5 eligible prospects. All but C.J. Binkle were claimed, a poor return for the Royals for some contributing players such as Danny Mueller and Steve Campista.

The Royals still lost two players in the Rule 5 Draft, 2046 1st rounder Jon Dismore and 2045 Trade Acquisition Juan Armenteros. Neither were likely long term options for the Royals although Dinsmore was due a shot, having been next man up on several occasions in 2050.

42-man Roster Additions & Designations

Tuesday, December 20th , 2050
Signed free agent 1B Gilberto Matos to a 1-year contract worth a total of $2,920,000.
Saturday, December 24th , 2050
SP Joe Teichner was added to the secondary (42-man) roster.
RP Jeff Mole was designated for assignment, placed on waivers and taken off the secondary (42-man) roster.
RP C.J. Binkle was designated for assignment, placed on waivers and taken off the secondary (42-man) roster.
RP Zaire McKines was designated for assignment, placed on waivers and taken off the secondary (42-man) roster.
RP Danny Mueller was designated for assignment, placed on waivers and taken off the secondary (42-man) roster.
LF Jon Garrison was designated for assignment, placed on waivers and taken off the secondary (42-man) roster.
RP Steve Campista was designated for assignment, placed on waivers and taken off the secondary (42-man) roster.
Purchased the contract of RP Ferlon Goins from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SS Jesus Perea from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SP J.P. Carrillo from Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Purchased the contract of 1B Sean Gedney from Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Purchased the contract of 2B Kevin Lawrence from Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Purchased the contract of 1B Alejandro Montejo from Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Tuesday, December 27th , 2050
Assigned RP C.J. Binkle to Triple A Omaha.
LF Jon Garrison was claimed off waivers by Detroit.
RP Zaire McKines was claimed off waivers by Chicago.
RP Steve Campista was claimed off waivers by Detroit.
SP Jeff Mole was claimed off waivers by Tampa Bay.
SP Danny Mueller was claimed off waivers by Chicago.

Rule 5 Draft Transactions

Saturday, December 24th , 2050
Lost LF Jon Dinsmore in the Rule 5 Draft to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Lost SP Juan Armenteros in the Rule 5 Draft to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Scouting Discoveries

Wednesday, December 7th , 2050
Signed international amateur SS Sergio Portillo out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.

Around the League

The Dodgers won the race to sign the stand out International Free Agent, penning Santiago Castro to a 4-year, $124m contract. They doubled down by signing T.J. Nooks to a 7-years, $278.5m contract to give them the best 1-2 punch in the league. J.J. Tjepkema’s quest for 10 will take place in Atlanta after he signed a two-year, $70m contract, the second of which is a vesting option after 180 IP.

Friday, December 2nd , 2050
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent SP Santiago Castro to a 4-year contract worth a total of $124,000,000.
Monday, December 12th , 2050
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed free agent SS Skyler Webb to a 5-year contract worth a total of $88,000,000.
Wednesday, December 14th , 2050
Atlanta Braves: Signed free agent SP J.J. Tjepkema to a 2-year contract worth a total of $70,000,000.
Tuesday, December 20th , 2050
Houston Astros: Signed free agent C Abraham Mendoza to a 4-year contract worth a total of $88,000,000.
Thursday, December 22nd , 2050
Cleveland Guardians: Signed free agent 1B Estanislau Covete to a 5-year contract worth a total of $62,800,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent SP T.J. Nooks to a 7-year contract worth a total of $278,500,000.

[benp28]

To finish up this part of Stewart’s career, a short summary of his time in Kansas City.

World Series 5
2043 2046 2047 2048 2050
American League Pennants 11
2031 2032 2038 2039 2040 2043 2045 2046 2047 2048 2050
AL Central Divisions 19
2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038 2039 2040 2041 2042 2043 2044 2045 2046 2047 2048 2049 2050
100-win Seasons 13 (122-40 All-time best)
Overall Record 2215-1349 (.621) 3rd most W all time, best W%, 1002 W>.500
Manager of the Year Awards 10 (record all-time)

MVP Awards 6
Edgar Mir (2), Bobby Nickelberry (2), Nelson Saiz, Juan Montelongo
Cy Young Awards 4
Curt Bogan (2), Ben Lane, Cason Willard
Rookie of the Year Awards 6
Edgar Mir, Estanislau Covete, Bobby Nickelberry, Nelson Saiz, Mike Gronkiewicz, David de Anda
Reliever of the Year Awards 7
Luis Danys Rhodes (2), Nate Avis, Banmei Kataoka, Dan Nichols, Wen-Hui Pan, Angel Perdomo
Platinum Bats 32
E. Mir (7), B. Nickelberry (4), L. Aceves (2), E. Covete (2), M. Gronkiewicz (2), N. Saiz (2), J. Corujo B. Crimi, D. de Anda, M. Foggie, J. Goodman, S. Hart, G. Matos, J. Montelongo, A. Orama, H. Owen, A. Terry, J. Tezeno, E. Van Dyke
Great Gloves 12
J. Goodman (4), W. Langford (3), E. Mir, J. Montelongo, J. Moreno, D. Petty, J. Rogerson

Financial Summary & Popularity

The Stewart Era turned the Royals from an unpopular, small market team into a juggernaut. From a bottom third to top 6 budget, Kansas City has grown to an average market while Fan Loyalty increased to great and interest was at 100 for several seasons in a row. From the 22nd to the 11th biggest attendance saw an extra $650k per game in the books while season tickets almost doubles.

[benp28]

Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame welcomes two new members, both first ballots, as Steve Melendy (91.1%) and Josh Cook (84.6%) are both enshrined in Cooperstown. Bobby Witt Jr. drops to 56.1% of ballots in his 6th year and the extra 20% seems a long way off. Joe Kohl will be more hopeful as his first time on the ballot secures 73.6% of votes and a strong chance next year.

Several of Stewart’s early favourites dropped off the ballot this year due to lack of support, Mason Barnett, Billy Mumaugh, Jimmy Goodman, and Jeremy Rogerson all failing to secure the 5% needed to appear again next year.







Arizona Fall League

The end of the Arizona Fall League this offseason sees the end of the competition. Virginia Beach Maulers finish runners up in both Outstanding Pitch and Most Valuable Player Awards but it is a tournament that has been good for the Royals. It’s time is up though to ease the eventual transition to OOTP26.

[benp28]

Major League Predictions

New management but same result is the prediction in the American League with the Royals set to win 100+ games once again, and run away with the AL Central and the best record in baseball. The Mariners look too strong in the West while it could be a great battle in the East between the Yankees and the Rays. The Stewart-less Kansas City Royals have a top position player and a top pitcher in the predicted stats, CF Mike Gronkiewicz and SP Braden Montalbano both making the lists.



In the National League, parity is the order of the day with all three Division winners predicted to have an 87-75 record, the Mets, Cardinals, and Padres the three picked to come out on top. T.J. Nooks and international free agent Santiago Castro are, as expected, predicted to give the Dodgers the best 1-2 punch in baseball. They are predicted to finish 3rd in the NL West but that pitching duo is going to keep him them close and a real danger should they make the post season.



Opening Day Lineup

A quick look at the Royals opening day line up shows little change in the starters from the World Series team, but there are some changes in the back ups as the Royals go position player heavy to start the season, including two 1B utility INF in Gilberto Matos and 2046 supplemental 1st round pick Ernesto Arellano.



Opening Day Pitching Battery

On the pitching side, Joe Teichner earns the 5th starter slot as the Royals return to a more traditional rotation and bullpen. Chris Curry and Chris Morrow are the late innings arms to start the season but there is serious firepower with Mike Smithers and Omari Ambroise. Smithers and Juan Anaya both signed extensions during the offseason, while the Royals also reunited with Art Putney, who starts in a LR role alongside Luis Danys Rhodes.

 

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KC Top Prospects

Three top 100 pitchers will make their MLB debuts for the Royals this year, although Joe Teichner and Dusty Bartosik might be playing for the same 5th starter role. Behind that there are several AAA players and a number of lower level prospects looking to make their mark among the 11 Top 100 and 24 Top 200 players in the Royals farm.



MLB Top Prospects

The number one and three prospects in baseball start the season in the big leagues as Jonathan Herrin and Bob McClelland will look to live up to their hype for the Diamondbacks and Brewers.



MLB Farm Systems

The Royals farm system remains far and away the best in baseball, with the Diamondbacks, Guardians, Cubs and Twins rounding out a top five of 100+ point farms. Only the Dodgers and the Red Sox have zero top 100 prospects entering the season.

[benp28]

There are few surprises at the All Star break with the Royals holding the runaway best record in baseball. All the division leaders hold strong leads with the exception of the NL West where the Padres and Diamondbacks are locked in a close battle.



Draft

It was a college heavy start to the draft as only one high school player is taken in the top five picks.



All Star Selections

The All-Star Classic is here again! It's the 2051 Major League Baseball All-Star Game! This is a game for the fans. They choose the players that are the best at their positions. Then these fan favorites take on one another to determine which league is best. Who will be top league this season: the American League or the National League? We'll get the answer soon.

The American League All-Stars have these fine performers on their roster:

SP Luis Carrillo (CLE) - 10-3, 3.49 ERA, 131.2 IP, 1.07 WHIP, 8.7 K/9, 2.4 WAR
SP Alejandro Curiel (BAL) - 2-6, 3.04 ERA, 115.1 IP, 1.19 WHIP, 8.7 K/9, 2.7 WAR
SP Nate Gunn (TOR) - 7-1, 2.57 ERA, 70.0 IP, 0.84 WHIP, 10.0 K/9, 2.4 WAR (Injured)
SP Chuck Kincey (LAA) - 4-2, 4.90 ERA, 90.0 IP, 1.40 WHIP, 8.3 K/9, 2.0 WAR
SP Josh Madden (CWS) - 7-3, 3.57 ERA, 113.1 IP, 1.15 WHIP, 10.6 K/9, 2.4 WAR
SP Braden Montalbano (KC)* - 13-1, 2.56 ERA, 126.2 IP, 1.11 WHIP, 9.7 K/9, 4.8 WAR
SP Luis Rosas (BAL) - 7-3, 2.63 ERA, 119.2 IP, 0.97 WHIP, 7.3 K/9, 2.2 WAR
SP Andy Saintlouis (SEA) - 7-4, 3.13 ERA, 112.0 IP, 1.21 WHIP, 8.7 K/9, 2.9 WAR
RP Juan Anaya (KC)* - 7-1, 0.85 ERA, 63.2 IP, 0.79 WHIP, 7.8 K/9, 1.6 WAR
RP Juan Monterroso (SA) - 1-4, 3.45 ERA, 60.0 IP, 1.00 WHIP, 8.0 K/9, 1.0 WAR
RP Luis Danys Rhodes (KC) - 4-0, 1.77 ERA, 56.0 IP, 0.88 WHIP, 7.9 K/9, 1.2 WAR
RP Skyler Selly (TB) - 3-3, 2.13 ERA, 50.2 IP, 1.12 WHIP, 8.9 K/9, 0.3 WAR
RP Mike Smithers (KC) - 0-0, 1.85 ERA, 34.0 IP, 1.00 WHIP, 10.9 K/9, 1.4 WAR
CL Chris Curry (KC) - 4-2, 29 SV, 1.12 ERA, 40.1 IP, 0.52 WHIP, 14.7 K/9, 1.8 WAR
C Jim Clarke (MIN) - .225/.311/.506, 271 AB, 21 HR, 114 wRC+, 2.1 WAR
C Eric Neel (SEA) - .281/.356/.549, 288 AB, 21 HR, 1 SB, 145 wRC+, 3.4 WAR
C Nelson Saiz (KC)* - .270/.390/.479, 267 AB, 12 HR, 132 wRC+, 2.5 WAR
1B Dave Humphries (MIN)* - .286/.387/.568, 336 AB, 26 HR, 152 wRC+, 2.5 WAR
2B T.J. Jaeger (MIN) - .289/.361/.543, 339 AB, 19 HR, 11 SB, 138 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
2B Juan Montelongo (KC)* - .287/.366/.469, 335 AB, 12 HR, 8 SB, 125 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
2B Herb Savard (HOU) - .256/.363/.506, 316 AB, 22 HR, 9 SB, 132 wRC+, 3.2 WAR
3B David de Anda (KC)* - .286/.356/.583, 336 AB, 19 HR, 14 SB, 145 wRC+, 4.2 WAR
3B Julio Solorzano (DET) - .298/.336/.485, 305 AB, 10 HR, 6 SB, 122 wRC+, 1.9 WAR
3B Jadon Tezeno (KC)* - .289/.378/.485, 266 AB, 11 HR, 1 SB, 133 wRC+, 1.7 WAR
SS Nelson Aguirre (HOU)* - .290/.366/.530, 338 AB, 17 HR, 26 SB, 141 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
LF Ernesto Chairez (TB) - .328/.380/.546, 357 AB, 19 HR, 1 SB, 150 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
LF Dan Dress (NYY) - .361/.395/.566, 219 AB, 7 HR, 14 SB, 162 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
LF Amari Jennette (BAL) - .280/.327/.563, 350 AB, 23 HR, 37 SB, 134 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
LF Sean McCormick (TEX)* - .316/.394/.590, 329 AB, 22 HR, 1 SB, 157 wRC+, 2.7 WAR
LF Mike Thomas (TOR) - .282/.385/.533, 323 AB, 18 HR, 20 SB, 148 wRC+, 3.5 WAR
CF Fidel Carbajal (TOR) - .284/.351/.456, 366 AB, 13 HR, 29 SB, 118 wRC+, 4.2 WAR
CF Mike Gronkiewicz (KC)* - .327/.430/.651, 272 AB, 22 HR, 27 SB, 187 wRC+, 5.5 WAR
CF Mauricio Ramos (CWS) - .308/.415/.518, 224 AB, 11 HR, 8 SB, 145 wRC+, 2.7 WAR
RF Ramiro Aguirre (TOR) - .333/.384/.599, 357 AB, 24 HR, 5 SB, 163 wRC+, 4.2 WAR
RF Edgar Siguenza (BOS) - .289/.332/.538, 318 AB, 19 HR, 4 SB, 127 wRC+, 1.7 WAR
RF A.J. Terry (KC)* - .286/.327/.540, 339 AB, 20 HR, 7 SB, 128 wRC+, 2.0 WAR (Injured)

While the National League All-Stars will be represented by these talented players:

SP Wilfredo Arteaga (AZ) - 14-4, 3.60 ERA, 135.0 IP, 1.12 WHIP, 9.5 K/9, 3.9 WAR
SP Ken Coyle (MIL) - 6-5, 2.10 ERA, 124.1 IP, 1.09 WHIP, 8.3 K/9, 2.4 WAR
SP Keondre Dampier (WSH) - 11-2, 2.54 ERA, 138.1 IP, 1.07 WHIP, 11.1 K/9, 4.6 WAR
SP Andy Frederick (SF) - 7-7, 3.12 ERA, 124.0 IP, 1.19 WHIP, 9.3 K/9, 3.2 WAR
SP Billy Henricksen (SD) - 3-6, 2.64 ERA, 88.2 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 8.3 K/9, 2.6 WAR
SP T.J. Nooks (LAD) - 6-4, 3.44 ERA, 110.0 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 9.8 K/9, 3.4 WAR (Injured)
SP Micah Ramirez (MIL) - 9-5, 3.44 ERA, 115.0 IP, 1.29 WHIP, 9.6 K/9, 2.6 WAR
SP J.J. Tjepkema (ATL)* - 10-5, 3.71 ERA, 123.2 IP, 1.13 WHIP, 10.0 K/9, 3.1 WAR (Injured)
SP Cason Willard (SF) - 4-8, 5.19 ERA, 109.1 IP, 1.40 WHIP, 11.4 K/9, 3.0 WAR
RP Mike Stark (STL) - 5-1, 2.91 ERA, 52.2 IP, 0.99 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, 1.2 WAR
RP Marquis Toure (SD) - 6-1, 2.15 ERA, 50.1 IP, 1.33 WHIP, 8.0 K/9, 0.7 WAR
CL Pat Black (PIT) - 3-3, 18 SV, 1.53 ERA, 35.1 IP, 0.85 WHIP, 15.5 K/9, 1.6 WAR
CL Nate Olson (LAD)* - 3-6, 23 SV, 3.68 ERA, 36.2 IP, 1.23 WHIP, 5.6 K/9, 0.5 WAR
CL Josh Parker (SF) - 3-4, 16 SV, 1.07 ERA, 33.2 IP, 0.62 WHIP, 11.0 K/9, 1.4 WAR
CL Andy Thompson (COL) - 2-4, 24 SV, 5.19 ERA, 34.2 IP, 1.30 WHIP, 11.2 K/9, 0.9 WAR
C Rogelio Guerra (MIL) - .240/.294/.400, 250 AB, 9 HR, 1 SB, 89 wRC+, 1.7 WAR
C Tanner Meilleur (STL)* - .319/.375/.628, 288 AB, 24 HR, 168 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
C Mike Waite (MIA) - .269/.413/.447, 253 AB, 8 HR, 1 SB, 141 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
1B Dave Morrison (LAD) - .329/.373/.671, 353 AB, 31 HR, 177 wRC+, 3.9 WAR
1B Daniel Soto (AZ)* - .312/.364/.536, 375 AB, 22 HR, 16 SB, 142 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
2B Jesus Cardenas (COL) - .296/.395/.516, 304 AB, 12 HR, 1 SB, 141 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
2B Ben Headley (CIN) - .234/.315/.458, 334 AB, 19 HR, 8 SB, 105 wRC+, 2.7 WAR
2B Nelson Marrujo (ATL) - .284/.351/.543, 328 AB, 20 HR, 2 SB, 137 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
2B Julio Roca (STL)* - .316/.379/.563, 332 AB, 19 HR, 1 SB, 151 wRC+, 3.5 WAR
3B Edgar Herrera (NYM)* - .261/.329/.436, 349 AB, 12 HR, 19 SB, 110 wRC+, 2.0 WAR
3B Zach Jochimsen (ATL)* - .300/.410/.578, 320 AB, 19 HR, 1 SB, 165 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
3B Vicente Montes (CHC) - .312/.351/.574, 176 AB, 11 HR, 3 SB, 146 wRC+, 1.7 WAR
3B Chad Schmidt (STL) - .280/.344/.557, 357 AB, 22 HR, 17 SB, 137 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
SS Gilberto Castaneda (ATL) - .333/.413/.689, 135 AB, 12 HR, 2 SB, 191 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
SS Kevin Forrest (SD)* - .283/.348/.464, 304 AB, 6 HR, 33 SB, 120 wRC+, 2.7 WAR (Injured)
LF Juan Bustamante (SD) - .267/.394/.467, 330 AB, 16 HR, 24 SB, 137 wRC+, 1.9 WAR
CF Edgar Aguirre (PHI) - .284/.356/.506, 324 AB, 16 HR, 22 SB, 130 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
CF Ernesto Buenrostro (SD) - .324/.380/.507, 349 AB, 8 HR, 44 SB, 137 wRC+, 4.7 WAR
CF Frank Moroyoqui (MIL)* - .330/.391/.556, 349 AB, 19 HR, 7 SB, 155 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
CF Jesus Palos (STL)* - .303/.352/.456, 360 AB, 7 HR, 11 SB, 117 wRC+, 1.8 WAR (Injured)
RF Edgar Cabral (CIN) - .330/.378/.492, 333 AB, 13 HR, 19 SB, 135 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
RF Tiago Duro (COL)* - .299/.366/.521, 284 AB, 15 HR, 9 SB, 133 wRC+, 1.2 WAR (Injured)
RF Morton Henrik (WSH) - .285/.400/.509, 344 AB, 15 HR, 7 SB, 140 wRC+, 2.5 WAR
RF Ken Hildebrandt (ATL) - .280/.353/.528, 214 AB, 14 HR, 2 SB, 134 wRC+, 2.2 WAR



Prospects All Star Game

One game to which fans always look forward is the annual Major League Baseball Prospects Game. No doubt, this year's contest, which features the league's emerging talent, will be filled with riveting moments.

Check out the official All-Star rosters:

American League:

SP D.J. Carlson (SEA-R) - 0-6, 8.43 ERA, 47.0 IP, 1.87 WHIP, 9.8 K/9, -0.7 WAR
SP Vicente Chapa (CLE-R) - 0-6, 12.91 ERA, 23.0 IP, 2.43 WHIP, 8.6 K/9, -0.4 WAR
SP Dan Dansie (CLE-AAA) - 9-3, 3.15 ERA, 94.1 IP, 1.18 WHIP, 11.1 K/9, 3.6 WAR
SP Chris Lyle (TEX-A+) - 7-4, 3.67 ERA, 88.1 IP, 1.27 WHIP, 10.8 K/9, 2.4 WAR
SP Frank Salazar (MIN-A+) - 3-3, 3.74 ERA, 79.1 IP, 1.13 WHIP, 12.9 K/9, 1.4 WAR
SP Juan Zapata (CLE-R) - 4-1, 2.68 ERA, 50.1 IP, 1.61 WHIP, 11.4 K/9, 1.2 WAR
RP Chris Kelley (KC-R) - 3-0, 5 SV, 1.17 ERA, 23.0 IP, 0.70 WHIP, 15.3 K/9, 1.6 WAR
RP Randy Wambolt (KC-AAA) - 4-3, 2.70 ERA, 40.0 IP, 1.20 WHIP, 9.2 K/9, 0.9 WAR
CL Jesus Antuna (HOU-R) - 1-0, 5 SV, 0.00 ERA, 7.1 IP, 0.82 WHIP, 14.7 K/9, 0.6 WAR
CL Chase Bethea (CLE-A) - 1-0, 18 SV, 2.61 ERA, 20.2 IP, 1.35 WHIP, 14.8 K/9, 1.5 WAR
C Giovanni Alessandro Butkus (LAA-A) - .256/.344/.469, 254 AB, 12 HR, 135 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
C Jessie Dean (LAA-R) - .240/.336/.352, 125 AB, 3 HR, 79 wRC+, 0.2 WAR
C Tim White (SA-A+) - .231/.367/.475, 221 AB, 15 HR, 121 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
1B David Abrev (BAL-AA) - .234/.348/.448, 252 AB, 13 HR, 1 SB, 103 wRC+, 0.1 WAR
1B Ignacio Pavon (BOS-A+) - .269/.373/.469, 324 AB, 13 HR, 15 SB, 116 wRC+, 1.6 WAR
2B Alexis Guadalupe (KC-A) - .308/.439/.481, 185 AB, 3 HR, 170 wRC+, 2.7 WAR
2B Alfredo Olmeda (TOR-A) - .253/.411/.506, 241 AB, 16 HR, 2 SB, 130 wRC+, 1.8 WAR
2B Dan Siders (TOR-R) - .223/.321/.342, 184 AB, 3 HR, 1 SB, 67 wRC+, -0.2 WAR
2B Joe Walls (DET-R) - .174/.379/.306, 121 AB, 2 HR, 86 wRC+, -0.1 WAR
3B Zach Cavanaugh (KC-A) - .279/.428/.498, 315 AB, 18 HR, 173 wRC+, 4.0 WAR
3B Jorge Merlos (NYY-R) - .200/.300/.276, 105 AB, 1 SB, 21 wRC+, -0.9 WAR
3B Biagio Torrisi (KC-R) - .339/.493/.713, 171 AB, 16 HR, 220 wRC+, 3.4 WAR
SS Nelson Arellano (TB-A) - .259/.329/.562, 320 AB, 25 HR, 155 wRC+, 5.4 WAR
LF Robby Baker (KC-R) - .302/.429/.628, 172 AB, 12 HR, 4 SB, 183 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
LF Zach Blessett (TB-A+) - .290/.360/.498, 269 AB, 12 HR, 14 SB, 117 wRC+, 1.8 WAR
LF Randy Damon (LAA-R) - .176/.288/.294, 51 AB, 1 HR, 48 wRC+, -0.3 WAR
LF David Rostro (DET-R) - .225/.326/.450, 40 AB, 2 HR, 1 SB, 92 wRC+, 0.1 WAR
CF Juan Herrera (CWS-AAA) - .330/.392/.603, 330 AB, 24 HR, 1 SB, 144 wRC+, 4.2 WAR

National League:

SP Greg Dills (SD-R) - 4-2, 3.19 ERA, 53.2 IP, 1.42 WHIP, 9.7 K/9, 0.7 WAR
SP Jake Harmon (CHC-R) - 3-4, 3.58 ERA, 55.1 IP, 1.21 WHIP, 12.8 K/9, 1.9 WAR
SP Eric Lundquist (AZ-A) - 7-3, 2.81 ERA, 80.0 IP, 1.02 WHIP, 11.8 K/9, 3.2 WAR
SP Billy Mills (ATL-AAA) - 6-6, 4.04 ERA, 104.2 IP, 1.60 WHIP, 6.4 K/9, 1.9 WAR
SP Luis Morales (CHC-R) - 3-5, 4.61 ERA, 56.2 IP, 1.52 WHIP, 13.8 K/9, 2.0 WAR
SP Amani Skeete (LAD-R) - 3-3, 3.57 ERA, 58.0 IP, 1.22 WHIP, 12.7 K/9, 2.2 WAR
SP Paullo Vorilhoins (PIT-R) - 2-4, 5.40 ERA, 46.2 IP, 1.59 WHIP, 9.1 K/9, 0.3 WAR
RP Juan Bonilla (STL-A) - 0-0, 3 SV, 3.00 ERA, 18.0 IP, 1.56 WHIP, 11.0 K/9, 0.2 WAR
RP Jeremy Polycarpe (SF-R) - 4-3, 8.10 ERA, 20.0 IP, 1.85 WHIP, 13.9 K/9, -0.2 WAR
CL Luis Borja (AZ-A) - 3-1, 10 SV, 2.49 ERA, 21.2 IP, 1.11 WHIP, 13.3 K/9, 1.1 WAR
C Juan Contreras (NYM-A) - .249/.379/.434, 221 AB, 9 HR, 1 SB, 118 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
C Joe Mann (MIA-AAA) - .232/.318/.426, 272 AB, 12 HR, 81 wRC+, 0.4 WAR
C Arturo Moreno (AZ-R) - .330/.474/.582, 91 AB, 4 HR, 149 wRC+, 1.3 WAR
1B Ovadia Shinwell (AZ-AAA) - .312/.417/.526, 266 AB, 12 HR, 4 SB, 130 wRC+, 1.6 WAR
2B Alejandro Arcos (ATL-R) - .195/.316/.390, 159 AB, 6 HR, 3 SB, 79 wRC+, 0.2 WAR
2B Jerry Benton (CIN-R) - .367/.527/.746, 169 AB, 12 HR, 1 SB, 244 wRC+, 4.2 WAR
2B Mike Henry (PIT-R) - .284/.385/.463, 190 AB, 3 HR, 1 SB, 116 wRC+, 1.5 WAR
2B Eric Knott (MIL-A) - .285/.433/.465, 256 AB, 11 HR, 1 SB, 162 wRC+, 2.0 WAR
2B Damião Melchior (PHI-A+) - .218/.284/.369, 271 AB, 8 HR, 61 wRC+, -0.0 WAR
2B Julio Valenzuela (CHC-R) - .371/.507/.590, 105 AB, 3 HR, 8 SB, 156 wRC+, 1.2 WAR
2B Mike Wilkinson (CIN-AAA) - .276/.341/.437, 341 AB, 10 HR, 14 SB, 90 wRC+, 1.8 WAR
SS Jorge Castro (CHC-R) - .330/.496/.670, 97 AB, 7 HR, 1 SB, 168 wRC+, 1.7 WAR
LF Wilfredo Polo (SF-AA) - .261/.364/.479, 303 AB, 13 HR, 115 wRC+, 0.6 WAR
LF Giampaolo Savelli (PHI-R) - .260/.391/.456, 169 AB, 7 HR, 120 wRC+, 0.6 WAR
LF Shamar Tyrus (STL-R) - .162/.298/.236, 216 AB, 1 HR, 46 wRC+, -0.8 WAR
CF Jesus Quintero (WSH-R) - .288/.420/.535, 215 AB, 13 HR, 1 SB, 146 wRC+, 2.1 WAR
RF Darwin Arredondo (WSH-A) - .280/.358/.470, 336 AB, 7 HR, 7 SB, 136 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
RF Juan Zambrano (COL-R) - .232/.333/.358, 95 AB, 3 HR, 1 SB, 48 wRC+, -0.2 WAR

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2051 Regular Season Review

The Royals matched the team of 2046 with an 122-40 season, losing on the last day to miss out on a new record. One year on from Colin Stewart’s departure and there is no change in the regular season dominance enjoyed by the Royals as they extend their streak of consecutive division titles to 16, moving ahead of the Yankees for total division titles and trailing only the Dodgers and the Braves.

There was little change in the top of the standings from the All Star Break, with five of the six division winners having led at the All Star Break. The one exception was the NL West, where the Padres were overtaken by both the Diamondbacks and the Dodgers but still holding on to take the final wild card.

The wildcards were taken by the Rays, the Guardians, and the Twins in the AL, highlighting the strength of the Central division while the Mets joined the Dodgers and the Padres in the NL.



Pitching Triple Crown

Few men in league history have won the pitching triple crown. Braden Montalbano of the Kansas City Royals joined this elite company today when the season ended, officially making him the league leader in ERA, K's and wins.

Montalbano put up a 20-3 record, an ERA of 2.92 and 235 strikeouts this season. He started 34 times, walked 59 and held opposing clubs to a .214 average.

Montalbano is the odds-on favorite to capture the Cy Young Award this year.

Batting Titles

Ernesto Chairez of the Tampa Bay Rays capped a fine season by winning the American League batting crown.

He outpaced all others with his .323 average. For the season, the Rays right fielder played in 158 games, collected 195 hits, 33 home runs, scored 93 times, and knocked in 103 runs.

Ernesto Buenrostro was at the head of the class in the National League this year.

The standout Padres center fielder posted a .343 average to capture the batting crown.

Buenrostro went to the plate 571 times and collected 196 hits, including 58 doubles, 4 triples and 13 home runs. This season's batting leader also drove in 91 runs, scored 85 times and played in 149 games.

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The top half of the AL bracket fell all-Central as the Royals would take on the winner of the Twins-Guardians Wildcard Series while the Blue Jays would face one of the two World Series-less teams held in baseball, as the Mariners and the Rays would face off.

In the National League, the Diamondbacks were waiting for the winners of the ‘money’ series between the Mets and the Dodgers, while the Braves would take on the Padres or the Cardinals.



The list of clubs without a World Series is down to one after the Mariners went from a Wild Card to the World Series. They did it the hard way, taking out the best two regular season teams, firstly the Royals in 6, before a game 7 win over the Diamondbacks. The Royals become the winningest team in history to not win the World Series in what is ultimately a disappointing end to the first season post-Stewart.