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 $264,000,000 available for the total team expenses for the season.
Development Lab
Juan Bernal 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.
Arturo Oramas 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.
Kevin McDaniel 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.
Chris Ambrose 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
Jorge Corujo 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 center field.
Outfield arm rating improves by 5
Outfield range rating improves by <5
Outfield error 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:
Jorge Morales, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Jorge Morales is a long, lean athletic center fielder who was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He does a great job at the plate working the count and frustrating opposing pitchers. He hits the ball well with a short stroke and is expected to hit for power as his body matures and he gains experience. He has an above average power ceiling. Morales profiles as an above average player.
Ismael Uribe, 16 year-old 1B out of Venezuela
Ismael Uribe is a big 6-foot-6, 210-pound first baseman from Maracaibo, Venezuela. As he adds strength, he'll hit with more authority. He has long arms and a long swing, with above average raw power. He profiles as an above average defensive infielder. Uribe is projected to be an above average, everyday big league player.
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:
Luis Adame, 16 year-old RF out of Mexico
Frank Castorena, 16 year-old 3B out of Dominican Republic
Juan Varela, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Phillam Bagalso, 16 year-old 1B out of Philippines
Cornιlio Canilliac, 16 year-old RF out of Brazil
Jorge Carrillo, 16 year-old 1B out of Venezuela
Luis Castro, 16 year-old RHP out of Dominican Republic
Edgar Pacheco, 17 year-old RF out of Venezuela
It was weak international class of high work ethic players which saw the Royals pivot to one of the top ranked players in the class, securing Cornelio Canilliac for $3.7m. While lacking speed, Canilliac has the potential to be a plus corner outfielder or 1B, with above average contact, a plus eye and 80 power.
Joining Canilliac in the class is 1B Ismael Uribe, a 16-year old our of Venezuela who impressed in training camp. The $1m signing fee paid to Uribe wrapped up the Royals expenditure in 2043 but the Royals are happy with the smaller class this year although both players will start in the International Complex.
Transactions
Wednesday, January 14th , 2043
Signed free agent RP Mearl Bigos to a minor league contract with a major league option.
A quiet month as the sole move made by the Royals was signing Mearl Bigos to a MiL contract, with a $1.4m option. Bigos is another reliever who compromises control for Home Run Suppression, which has been a theme of the Royals offseason RP acquisitions.
Hall of Fame
Manny Machado falls just short of induction in his 5th year with 74.8% of the vote while Corey Seager remains in the sixties (65.2%) of support and is joining by CF Julio Rodriguez (64.5) in his first year. No one else was above 50% on ballots.
