Zero to Hero - A Scotsman in MLB

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It’s a beautiful sight for Royals fans as they secure their third World Series in franchise history, and second in four years.

Kansas City Postseason Stats



The hitters had a mixed postseason, showing the need for a balanced roster. The catchers went from regular season mediocrity, to post season King’s with both posting above average wRC+, and contributing 4 HRs. Amongst the infielders, Jadon Tezeno and Estanislau Covete contributed 11 HRs, both slugging over .500 while Arturo Oramas led the team with 14 RBIs. Bobby Nickelberry led the outfielders in RBIs, with 12, and 5 HRs, while Juan Minnelli justified his offseason acquisition with a .309 / .373 / .618 line. Among the starters, therefore, it was Luis Aceves, Luis Aguilar, and Jorge Corujo who struggled although Aceves had 4 HRs, and Corujo 15 Hs. Corujo also stole 13 bases in the 16 games!



Only two pitcher had a FIP- worse than league average in the postseason, neither of whom pitched more than 2 innings so small sample size can certainly be applied. Both Dan Nichols and Luis Danys Rhodes had their moments, both having multiple meltdowns, but more shutdowns overall. Among the starters, all posted ERAs under 4.00 but the two top pitchers Chris Kuehn and Ben Lane had the least impressive statistics, giving up 19 and 14 hits respectively over their 4 outings. Trade acquisition Carson Willard was the best of the expected starters, the leftie going 2-0 with a 1.48 ERA. However, the fans probably give most credit to 2041 3rd round pick Chad Johnson, who pitched 13 innings across two games, including 7.1 IP of 1-hit ball in the game seven victory!

Owner Goal Review



Team Record:
What a tremendous season! All of the late nights I saw you put in clearly paid off and now we all have rings! Thank you for all you do!

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 Estanislau Covete signed to an extension. We've already begun developing next year's marketing plans, but with the status of Covete still up in the air, we've had to put those plans on hold.

Acquire a player:
I'm pleased that you were able to add Juan Minnelli to the roster. He's just the kind of player I had in mind when I told you I wanted a All-Star. Good work.

Long Term:
I gave you 4 years to bring a trophy to the city when I set out my vision years ago. And I certainly can't complain now. Well done!

I am happy 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 ecstatic.

Minor Leagues



Postseason

Omaha Storm Chasers [AAA] won the Championship.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals [AA] lost in the first round of the playoffs.
Quad Cities River Bandits [A+] missed the playoffs by 8 games.
Columbia Fireflies [A] won the Championship (back-to-back).
Kansas City (ACL) Royals [R] missed the playoffs by 0.5 games.
Kansas City (DSL) Royals Stewart [R] lost in first round of the playoffs.
Kansas City (DSL) Royals Glass [R] missed the playoffs by 1.5 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:

Esteban Della Vedova, 17 year-old RF out of Venezuela
Lean and athletic, Esteban Della Vedova hails from San Fernando, Venezuela. He should eventually be an above average contact hitter in the big leagues. His raw power is bigger than his in-game home run production. He projects to have a solid eye at the plate. Della Vedova is a worthwhile development project for a future starting role as a right fielder.

Jesus Ayala, 16 year-old 3B out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Jesus Ayala hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This young man possesses a very good hitting tool. His speed can be a difference-maker in the game. His eye grades out as plus. Ayala is a reliable hitter in the organization's grand scheme.

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:
Jesus Barreiro, 16 year-old 3B out of Cuba
Alexis Guadalupe, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Esteban Aguirre, 16 year-old LF out of Venezuela
Nelson Arellano, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Luis Godoy, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Juan Hueramo, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Alejandro Medina, 17 year-old 3B out of Venezuela
Jesus Palma, 16 year-old LHP out of Panama
You can view your international practice invitees on the international scouting screen.

Transactions

The Royals made one big move heading into the post season, locking Joe Manley into a 5-year contract worth $10m per season. The last two years are Team Options, making this a team friendly contract for a 28-year old closer who has put up almost 3 WAR over the last two years.

Friday, October 5th , 2046
Signed RP Joe Manley to a 5-year contract extension worth a total of $50,000,000.

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It’s tough to find fault with the greatest year in baseball history and it shows for this Royals team. They weren’t elite on the bases or defensively but they more than made up for it across most other categories, clearly the best offense and defense in baseball.



Catcher

The trade deadline change at Catcher didn’t help during the regular season as neither Canjura nor Montoya provided any offense to speak of, although both had positive framing, the key metric for a Royals catcher.

Both are slated for minimum contracts in 2047 and the Royals would be happy should they be the opening day combination, but an internal promotion or the acquisition of an international free agent shouldn’t be ruled out.

Infield

1B Luis Aceves put up 4 WAR, had an above average defensive efficiency, and entered the Royals top ten season lists for slugging (4th, .619), OPS (9th, .963), and HRs (5th, 41). The Royals are not missing Gilberto Matos, and Aceves will be worth his $7.6m arbitration value.

2B Arturo Oramas has his best season as a Royal, with a .307 average helping him to 4.7 WAR. He finished 3 RBI short of a 100-100 R-RBI season, demonstrating his worth to the Royals. An arbitration figure of under $5m is very good value for the elite infielder.

3B Luis Aguilar benefitted from a fast start to the season and clung on to his role with a 106 wRC+ and 19 HRs. However, he is a negative defender at 3B and is certainly at risk of replacement over the offseason. Estanislau Covete hit 30 HRs in a primarily DH role, contributing only 1.8 WAR as he remains a below average defender. His 113 wRC+ is not exceptional and his demand for a 3-year $15m contract reflects that. Even $15m may be too rich for the Royals though and it would seem likely the Royals let Covete test free agency.

Jadon Tezeno was 8% above average defensively, and hit .295 with a 118 wRC+. He is also durable with 5 years more on a contract paying him less than $15m annually. The Royals have no need to go SS shopping this offseason.

Edgar Noriega was unlucky to miss out at the start of the season after a Spring Training injury and never got a chance to show his ability until a September call up that saw him struggle in limited At Bats. An elite infielder, and high end outfielder, Noriega is only 24 so has growth potential. A strong offseason should set him up to compete for a place on the 26-man roster for 2027.

Edgar Mir’s defence continues to decline but he managed to shift into a back up infielder successfully, appearing in 120 games, batting .266 and adding 2.0 WAR. He has a $12m Team Option and, in line with the approach of this front office, the Royals will likely pick this up for the club legend.

Outfield

The outfield for the Royals flourished, after several off season changes. This was headlined by RF Bobby Nickelberry, who had a more than bounce back year as his .360 average saw him clinch the AL Batting Title. This was the second best average in Royals history, with his season also adding him to the Top Ten lists in slugging (1st; .678), OPS (2nd; 1.074), WAR (4th; 7.8), runs (8th; 115), hits (6th; 207), total bases (1st; 390), doubles (10th; 47), HRs (3rd; 44), and RBIs (2nd; 138). It will go down as one of the greatest Royals seasons ever.

In Center Field, Jorge Corujo followed up a strong rookie season with an exceptional sophomore year, as he hit .303 on his way to 5.9 WAR. He didn’t reach his 2045 SB heights, but only finished 2 short with the 4th best season in Royals history.

LF Juan Minnelli, the 2045 offseason acquisition, scored the 5th most runs in a season for the Royals (118), and contributed 4.1 WAR behind a 133 wRC+. Minnelli is looking for a 10-year contract taking him to 38, a deal the Royals are simply unwilling to make for a 28-year old. They will submit the QO and take the 1st round supplementary pick, but there will be a big hole to fill.

The Chris’, Kern and Albright, will have first shot at becoming that every day player. Both put up wRC+ above 115 from over 200 ABs with Albright the quicker, better defender, while Kern has the better walk rate (17%), as well as gap power. Both are arbitration eligible at under $5m, deals worth completing with likely suitors for both if the Royals do decide on a different direction.

2043 4th round draft pick Domingo Carrillo made his debut as a September call up and struggled in his limited opportunities but does provide the switch hitting option that Minnelli provided, along with good speed and plus defence. His rounded profile should make him a consistent player and the Royals will either try to realise the known contact potential to plus or gamble and attempt to find some unrealised power potential from above average.


Offseason / Early 2047 Overview

C Nelson Canjura
1B Luis Aceves
2B Arturo Oramas
3B TBC
SS Jadon Tezeno

LF Chris Kern
CF Jorge Corujo
RF Bobby Nickelberry

DH Domingo Carrillo

C Luis Montoya
IF Edgar Mir
IF Edgar Noriega
OF Chris Albright



Starters

Chris Kuehn first full season in Kansas City saw his lead the AL in wins, with 21, good for 3rd= on the Royals single season list. By winning percent, .913, it was the most successful year for a Royals pitcher, a reflection of the Royals dominance as well as Kuehn’s. The 28-year-old had 5.1 WAR with a FIP- of 74, centred on a HR/9 below 1 and a K/9 above 9. He is out of contract though, and looking for an 8-year contract, which is too high for the Royals. A QO and a 1st round supplemental pick is the likeliest outcome.

Ben Lane had a second year of 30+ starts, earning 16 wins, a FIP- rating of 80. He is set to move up to the top of the rotation with the departure of Kuehn and should be ready to do so.

The star of the season on the mound was Ethan Chafin. Wrecked physically, and always underappreciated, Chafin went 19-3, with 200 K in 195 IP. His .864 winning percentage is good for 3rd on the Royals single season list and he tops the Royals all time winning percentage with .750. He has also moved into the top ten for wins (9th; 105), WAR (9th; 27.8), and Ks (5th; 1403). He is another player with a TO that the Royals will pick up, $15m for his age 33 year.

Chad Johnson did an adequate job in 15 starts with an ERA below 5.00 while the two midseason acquisitions Cason Willard and Benton Geldart improved the rotation. Willard in particular had an ERA of 2.52 in his 11 starts, going 6-0.

Willard is guaranteed a place in the rotation, with the Angels picking up 35% of his $11m salary while both Johnson and Geldart will hope to use Spring Training to earn a spot.

Bullpen

The Royals had four start in the bullpen but they operated as part of a group that were successful all the way through.

Dan Nicols had 11 wins and 7 saves, along with a 23-9 shutdown : meltdown ratio while pitching 92 innings. That took his total for the Royals over 500, and he now heads the career ERA for Royals pitchers, all as a reliever. Nichols is a free agent again and looking for a multi-year contract that the Royals may decide is too big of a risk for a player who turned 41 during the season.

Luis Danys Rhodes was the workhorse, 105 IP with a 58 FIP- and 3.2 WAR setting him up for post season award consideration while Juan Anaya (15:4) and Joe Manley (21:3) could both be guaranteed to solidify a win. Both Rhodes and Manley signed contract extensions during the regular season while Anaya will be arbitration eligible again; he is likely to return unless the Royals receive a very generous offer.

Among the rest of the bullpen, Albert Regalado had an 8:0 ratio in his 36 appearances while Bob Capozziello was 8:3 in his 46.1 IP. Capozziello is arbitration eligible and will likely return at $1.7m while the other arbitration eligible pitcher Jeremy Ogans was good not great in his move to the bullpen and the Royals are likely to see if there is any trade value available for him.

The final team option contract is for Curt Bogans who is recovering well from injury and the Royals are likely to bring him back at $1.8m to give him the chance to end his career on his own terms.

Offseason / Early 2047 Overview

SP Ben Lane
SP Cason Willard
SP Ethan Chafin
SP Benton Geldart
SP Chad Johnson

RP Joe Manley
RP Luis Danys Rhodes
RP Dan Nichols
RP Juan Anaya
RP Curt Bogans
RP Bob Capozziello
RP Albert Regalado
RP TBC
RP TBC

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Owner Goals



An unsurprising set of goals from owner Sherman, incredibly challenging and, in the case of resigning Minnelli, highly unlikely.

Finances

You will have $296,000,000 available for the total team expenses. Given your current spending on staff and other costs, this should allow you a team payroll of around $190,000,000.



Another increase to the Royals budget, by $6m, but a drop of one place to 9th biggest in baseball. There is plenty of money for arbitration/free agent negotiations.

Personnel

After careful consideration, I have decided to extend your contract with the Kansas City Royals. Your new contract is for 2 years and a value of $2,600,000 per year.

The Office of the Commissioner has informed you that the following staff members of the Kansas City organisation have decided to retire:

• MLB Bench Coach Joseph Kantakevich
• AAA Pitching Coach Eric Ridener
• AA Pitching Coach Jin-hyuk Kim
• R (DSL) Hitting Coach Yang Carlos Perez

The Sioux City Explorers have put their money where their mouth is. They've made me a solid offer to fill the role of Hitting Coach. There's still time, if you're thinking about extending my contract or giving me a promotion. I'd appreciate hearing from you soon.

Mark McBratney R (ACL) Hitting Coach

There was only one applicable internal promotion which saw A+ Pitching Coach Sandy Garces promoted to AA.

The following roles will be recruited externally this off season:

• MLB Bench Coach
• AAA Pitching Coach
• A+ Pitching Coach
• R (ACL) Hitting Coach
• R (DSL) Hitting Coach

Minor Leagues

Awards

Royals players take home seven awards across the minor league system with Alan Williams (A), Robert Donovan (AA), and Peter O'Brien (AAA) taking home Manager of the Year Awards, both Williams and Donovan retaining their awards. Four Royals win Outstanding Pitcher Awards, 2042 Scouting Discovery Juan Oyervides (DSL), 2045 4th Round Jeff Mole (ACL), 2043 1st Round Tim Parsons (AA), and 2042 2nd Round Mike Krebs (AAA). 2041 Trade Acquisition (PIT) Sergio Ruiz (AAA) is the only MVP.

Retirements

Only three players retire from the Royals complex, three relievers, none of whom were drafted higher than the 14th round.

Prospect Review

 

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Personnel

The Royals filled their personnel gaps with a mix of expertise and former players:

• MLB Bench Coach - Paul Hoenecke
• AAA Pitching Coach – Mike Wallace
• A+ Pitching Coach – Reggie Meyer
• R (ACL) Hitting Coach – Enny Mijhail Van Dyke (KC 2028 3rd Round; 2033-2039)
• R (DSL) Hitting Coach – KC Huth

Awards

Bobby Nickelberry and Colin Stewart were the only Royals honoured in the annual Awards, with Nickelberry picking up his 3rd Platinum Stick and 2nd MVP for his phenomenal season while Stewart picked up his 7th Manager of the Year Award, all the sweeter as it sits alongside the World Series Trophy.

Elsewhere, there were awards for former Royals Alan Klingsberg (Great Glove), Mike Campney, Mike Thomas, and Gilberto Matos (Platinum Stick) while Pat Black won his 6th Reliever of the Year Award, edging out Luis Danys Rhodes and Dan Nichols, who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.

It was also six time lucky for J.J. Tjepkema, who took home the AL Cy Young Award and burnished his already surefire first ballot career.

AL Great Glove
NL Great Glove Alan Klingsberg ARI
AL Platinum Stick 3B Mike Campney HOU | LF Mike Thomas HOU | RF Bobby Nickelberry (3) KC | DH Gilberto Matos BOS
NL Platinum Stick 1B Juan Moreno MIL
AL Manager of the Year Colin Stewart (7) KC
NL Manager of the Year Johnny Holtman SD
AL Reliever of the Year Pat Black (6) NYY
NL Reliever of the Year Josh Saas COL
AL Rookie of the Year C Jim Clark MIN
NL Rookie of the Year SP Vann Okere STL
AL Cy Young J.J. Tjepkema (6) HOU
NL Cy Young Gil Messiha COL
AL MVP RF Bobby Nickelberry (2) KC
NL MVP CF Ernesto Buenrostro SD

Pre-Arbitration Extensions & Trades

There were few shocks for the Royals ahead of arbitration and free agency as expected from the end of season review. All three Team Options were executed for three club legends Edgar Mir, Ethan Chafin, and Curt Bogans, while the only multi-year extension went to Estanislau Covete who took a 4-year $50m contract that only has the first two years guaranteed, limiting the Royals risk for the 28-year old.

One trade ahead of free agency was moving on from LHP Jeremy Ogans. Ogans was the odd man out amongst a strong starting pitching corps, with his $11m arbitration number a chance for the Royals to make some saving going into the off season. Soriano is a potentially plus contact, plus power 1B prospect with a great personality.

Friday, November 2nd , 2046
Executed the contract year option of 2B Edgar Mir.
Executed the contract year option of SP Ethan Chafin.
Executed the contract year option of SP Curt Bogans.
Traded 27-year old LHP Jeremy Ogans to the Colorado Rockies, getting 20-year old minor league 1B Juan Soriano in return.
Tuesday, November 6th , 2046
Signed RP Bob Capozziello to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,650,000.
Signed 1B Luis Aceves to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $7,400,000.
Signed RP Juan Anaya to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $5,700,000.
Signed CF Chris Kern to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,500,000.
Signed 2B Arturo Oramas to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,550,000.
Friday, November 9th , 2046
Signed LF Chris Albright to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,700,000.
Wednesday, November 14th , 2046
Signed 3B Estanislau Covete to a 4-year contract extension worth a total of $50,000,000.

Arbitration & Qualifying Offers

As expected, neither Juan Minnelli nor Chris Kuehn accepted the QO, and will test free market, giving the Royals two supplementary first round picks when they eventually sign.

The Royals were also not willing to give Dan Nichols a two-year contract so he will go to free agency, with the Royals keen to bring him back for one year if the opportunity arises.

Friday, November 23rd , 2046
LF Juan Minnelli rejected the qualifying offer
SP Chris Kuehn rejected the qualifying offer
Sunday, November 25th , 2046
LF Juan Minnelli becomes a free-agent.
SP Chris Kuehn becomes a free-agent.
RP Dan Nichols becomes a free-agent.

Trades

The arrival of Free Agency saw the Royals make two largish trades, moving on from two World Series contributors.

Luis Aguilar was the weak link of the infield and, with 2042 3rd round pick Tonguar Zimmerman having a strong season in AAA (3.2 WAR), and Covete returning on a multi-year contract, there was no role left for the 25-year old. Adding in former trade acquisition LF organisational piece Alejandro Quintanilla gave the Royals two interesting pieces in return; plus plus power potential, elite defensive infielder Jorge Flores, along with a potential plus stuff SP Danny Mueller.

Replacing Juan Minnelli for the upcoming season was a priority for the Royals with an absence of an immediate in-house option. Chris Albright was a solid contributor for the Royals but as he and Chris Kern entered their latter arbitration years, Stewart decided to cash in while he still had value. Packaging trade acquisition Juan Oviedo, a plus control, plus HRA pitcher with four mediocre pitchers with Albright allowed the Royals to acquire Josh Mangan from the Red Sox. Mangan gives the Royals another left-handed-bat in the lineup, is still arbitration eligible, won the Rookie of the Year Award in 2043 behind a profile showing plus defense, speed, and contact with a plus plus eye and above average power. Mangan led the league in walks in 2046 and the Royals see a spot for him at the top of the line up to go with Jorge Corujo.

Sunday, November 25th , 2046
Traded 25-year old 3B Luis Aguilar, 22-year old minor league LF Alejandro Quintanilla, and $6,000,000 in cash to the San Antonio Avalanche, getting 20-year old minor league 2B Jorge Flores and 20-year old minor league RHP Danny Mueller in return.
Traded 29-year old LF Chris Albright and 20-year old minor league RHP Juan Oviedo to the Boston Red Sox, getting 27-year old LF Josh Mangan in return.

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:

Jesus Ayala, 16 year-old 3B out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Jesus Ayala hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He has the potential to be a .270 hitter. His outstanding speed makes him one of the fastest in the league. He has an advanced feel for the strike zone. Ayala projects to be an above average big league third baseman.

Esteban Della Vedova, 17 year-old RF out of Venezuela
Lean and athletic, Esteban Della Vedova hails from San Fernando, Venezuela. He has a lot of talent, and grades out as a plus contact hitter. He has shown raw power that should generate more home runs as his body matures. He's considered an average right fielder. Della Vedova has potential to unleash his obvious talent both on the field and at the plate.

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:
Esteban Aguirre, 16 year-old LF out of Venezuela
Jesus Barreiro, 16 year-old 3B out of Cuba
Alexis Guadalupe, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Nelson Arellano, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Luis Godoy, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Juan Hueramo, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Alejandro Medina, 17 year-old 3B out of Venezuela
Jesus Palma, 16 year-old LHP out of Panama

Around the League

Retirements

Friday, November 2nd , 2046
New York Yankees: LF Enny Mijhail Van Dyke retired from professional baseball.

Milwaukee Brewers: RF Josh Hays retired from professional baseball.
Los Angeles Dodgers: SP Stephon Mickell retired from professional baseball.
Los Angeles Dodgers: 2B Quency Danner retired from professional baseball.
Chicago White Sox: LF Steve Metzger retired from professional baseball.
Washington Nationals: SP Nate Hall retired from professional baseball.
Chicago Cubs: 1B Yang-joo Kwon retired from professional baseball.
New York Mets: SS Josh O'Neill retired from professional baseball.
San Francisco Giants: RP Chris Reed retired from professional baseball.
Tampa Bay Rays: LF Jonathan Chaloux retired from professional baseball.
Minnesota Twins: CF Dylan Dietz retired from professional baseball.
Atlanta Braves: SP Jim Manrique (AA Mississippi) retired from professional baseball.
RP Sergio Leyva retired from professional baseball.
Boston Red Sox: SP Tyree Sanon (AA Portland) retired from professional baseball.
Boston Red Sox: 2B Luis Barroso (AA Portland) retired from professional baseball.
LF Phil McAuley retired from professional baseball.
Los Angeles Dodgers: CL Randy Navarro retired from professional baseball.
Houston Astros: SP Gwang-woo Kim retired from professional baseball.
RF Juan Pimienta retired from professional baseball.
Boston Red Sox: RP Ed Vanderhart (AA Portland) retired from professional baseball.
2B Zach Masteller retired from professional baseball.
SP Jaime Rhodes retired from professional baseball.
RP Kevin Gibson retired from professional baseball.
2B Alfredo Carbajal retired from professional baseball.
SS Chad DiSandro retired from professional baseball.
LF Jeff Livingston retired from professional baseball.
2B Bobby Swartz retired from professional baseball.
SP Nelson Mora retired from professional baseball.
RP Humberto Cuevas retired from professional baseball.
SP Efren Basa retired from professional baseball.
1B Edgar Flores retired from professional baseball.
RP Chris Anderson retired from professional baseball.
1B Josh Pohea retired from professional baseball.
San Francisco Giants: RP Juan Delgado (AA Richmond) retired from professional baseball.
Colorado Rockies: RP Luis Amaya (AA Hartford) retired from professional baseball.
RP Pete Funny retired from professional baseball.
RP Ken Rodgers retired from professional baseball.
RP Mike DiMaggio retired from professional baseball.
Arizona Diamondbacks: RP Chris Castillo retired from professional baseball.
1B Steve Hocker retired from professional baseball.
1B Alfredo Borjas retired from professional baseball.
RP Ramiro Fuertes retired from professional baseball.
RP Julio Serrano retired from professional baseball.
RP Akira Tanaka retired from professional baseball.
RP Jorge Longoria retired from professional baseball.
RP Tetsuhiko Yukimura retired from professional baseball.
RP Liang-hsi Xue retired from professional baseball.
RP Juan Villarreal retired from professional baseball.

New York Mets: Retired #33 in honor of Josh O'Neill.

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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:

Esteban Aguirre, 16 year-old LF out of Venezuela
Esteban Aguirre is a long, lean athletic left fielder who was born in Filas de Mariche, Venezuela. He has a quick bat that handles most fastballs, but off-speed stuff can challenge him. He has raw above average power. His eye grades out as above average. Aguirre has the talent to flourish as a left fielder.

Jesus Ayala, 16 year-old 3B out of Dominican Republic
Jesus Ayala is a long, lean athletic third baseman who was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He has a chance to be an above average hitter with a loose, quick stroke that works inside the ball. His speed allows him to stretch his hits. He has an advanced feel for the strike zone. Ayala has potential to unleash his obvious talent both on the field and at the plate.

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:
Jesus Barreiro, 16 year-old 3B out of Cuba
Esteban Della Vedova, 17 year-old RF out of Venezuela
Alexis Guadalupe, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Luis Godoy, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Nelson Arellano, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Juan Hueramo, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Alejandro Medina, 17 year-old 3B out of Venezuela
Jesus Palma, 16 year-old LHP out of Panama

Development Lab

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

• No noticeable changes (poor)

Chris Kern 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.

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

• No noticeable changes.

Rule 5 Draft Trades & 42-man Changes

Trades

Tuesday, December 18th , 2046
Traded 22-year old minor league SS Edgar Arriaga, 24-year old minor league 2B Julio Rosario, 21-year old minor league 2B Eytor Avilez, 24-year old minor league LHP Estivinson Nosrati, 24-year old minor league 2B Juan Medina, and 24-year old RHP Tim Hoffman to the Chicago White Sox, getting 24-year old RHP Chase Paggett and 17-year old minor league 2B Federico Bejarano in return.
Wednesday, December 19th , 2046
Traded 24-year old minor league CF Sergio Rulz to the Atlanta Braves, getting 20-year old minor league CF Mauricio Ramos in return.
Friday, December 21st , 2046
Traded 21-year old minor league 2B Nelson Aguirre to the Washington Nationals, getting 23-year old minor league C Dave Forester in return.

42-man Roster Additions

Saturday, December 8th , 2046
Placed CL Chris Curry on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed CF A.J. Terry on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed SP Mike Krebs on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed 3B DeMario Zamano on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Tuesday, December 18th , 2046
Placed RP Chase Paggett on the active roster.
3B Juan Colunga was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
1B Robby Moll was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
RP Mike Gaytan was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Placed SS Joe Hyatt on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed CF Chad Ketcham on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed 2B Chad Hart on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed 2B Argenys Walter on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Wednesday, December 19th , 2046
Placed SP David San Juan on the secondary (42-man) roster.

Rule 5 Draft Transactions

Monday, December 24th , 2046
Lost C Ismael Rivas in the Rule 5 Draft to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Lost RF Juan Escobedo in the Rule 5 Draft to the Cincinnati Reds.
Lost SP Alvaro Flores in the Rule 5 Draft to the San Antonio Avalanche.

Free Agents Signings

The Royals were in conversation with several Free Agents but ultimately either couldn’t agree an appropriate length of contract or felt like the salary didn’t provide value for money. Several former Royals signed contracts with new teams, causing distress to loyal Kansas City fans seeing Dan Nichols, Chris Kuehn and Luis Minnelli departing; however, the Royals will have two supplementary first round picks due to the size of Kuehn and Minnelli’s contracts.

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Financial Update

As we get closer to the start of the season, I have reviewed the team's financial state as of this moment.
As a reminder, you have $296,000,000 available for the total team expenses for the season.

You may review all your financials on your front office page .

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:

Esteban Aguirre, 16 year-old LF out of Venezuela
Esteban Aguirre is a long, lean athletic left fielder who was born in Filas de Mariche, Venezuela. He has above average contact potential. He has a ceiling of a pull hitter with above average power. He projects to have above average strike zone recognition. Aguirre can be a second division starter at left fielder.

Jesus Barreiro, 16 year-old 3B out of Cuba
Lean and athletic, Jesus Barreiro hails from Palma Soriano, Cuba. He has a lot of talent, and grades out as a plus contact hitter. He has above average power potential. Barreiro profiles as an above average 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:
Esteban Della Vedova, 17 year-old RF out of Venezuela
Juan Hueramo, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Alejandro Medina, 17 year-old 3B out of Venezuela
Nelson Arellano, 17 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Jesus Ayala, 16 year-old 3B out of Dominican Republic
Luis Godoy, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Alexis Guadalupe, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Jesus Palma, 16 year-old LHP out of Panama


International Amateur Signings

Sunday, January 20th , 2047
Signed international amateur SS Nelson Arellano out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract with a $3,500,000 signing bonus.
Friday, January 25th , 2047
Signed international amateur SS Alexis Guadalupe out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract with a $1,250,000 signing bonus.





Fall League News

The manager of the Virginia Beach Maulers said he thinks Mike Gronkiewicz is only going to get better as he gets older.

He may only be 20, but it will be hard to top the center fielder's 2046 campaign, as he has been named the winner of the Arizona Fall League Most Valuable Player.

His winning campaign featured a .340 batting average and a .417 on-base percentage this year. In 55 games he piled up 84 hits, 12 doubles, 2 triples, 23 home runs, 47 RBIs and 64 runs scored.

He received 25 first place votes out of a possible 30. Eric Powell of the Bakersfield Tigers finished second in voting with 2 first place votes, while Nate Kees of the Virginia Beach Maulers finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Mike Gronkiewicz - Virginia Beach Maulers - 25 - 395
Eric Powell - Bakersfield Tigers - 2 - 263
Nate Kees - Virginia Beach Maulers - 0 - 199
Terrell Gholston - San Diego Engineers - 0 - 198
Ben Nelson - Phoenix Green Dragons - 0 - 182
Nelson Miranda - Virginia Beach Maulers - 0 - 121
Andy Saintlouis - San Antonio Royals - 3 - 120
Arturo Ruano - Virginia Beach Maulers - 0 - 71
Wilber Treitz - Milwaukee War Eagles - 0 - 41
Dusty Faust - Milwaukee War Eagles - 0 - 39
Mike Plumley - Laredo Typhoon - 0 - 36
Mickey Drover - Austin War Dogs - 0 - 26
Joe Beebe - Dallas Black Gold - 0 - 22
Jon Avery - Fort Worth Sunchasers - 0 - 21
Eddy Urioste - Fort Worth Sunchasers - 0 - 13
David de Anda - Virginia Beach Maulers - 0 - 10
Luis Villarreal - Arlington Smokies - 0 - 6
Juan Arana - Honolulu Norsemen - 0 - 3
Juan Flores - Phoenix Green Dragons - 0 - 3
Juan Villa - Garland Bears - 0 - 1

Transactions

The only surprise in the month is the passion of the fans when Brad Thomas, released from AAA, signs with the Blue Jays. A 2041 trade acquisition, Thomas had never made it to the big leagues but clearly had made an impression in Kansas City folklore.



Hall of Fame

Three new players were welcomed into the Hall of Fame as two Shortstops are inducted, neither of whom is Bobby Witt Jr.

Corey Seager, in his final year on the ballot, jumps from 67% to 86% to secure his place in Cooperstown, while OF James Woods earns his slot at the second time of asking. There is also a first ballot inductee in SS Gunnar Henderson. Bobby Witt Jr. take a leap to 43%, as does Mason Barnett from 21%, although both are looking like long shots for induction at this point.

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Development Lab

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

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

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

Benton Geldart has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his secondary pitch.

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

Jose Corujo 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.

Luis Aceves has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his two-strike approach.

• No noticeable changes.

Arturo Oramas has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his plate discipline.

• Potential eye rating improves by 5
• Current eye rating improves by 5

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

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

Preseason & Spring Training

The Royals avoid any serious injuries during preseason and start Spring Training 5-3, with the usual opportunities being given to the 42-man roster, this year with a couple of prospects from below AAA, in Chad Hart and Juan Montelongo. There is only one non-roster invite, C Joe Suggs getting a chance to separate himself from the glut of Catchers in Omaha ahead of the season.

Thursday, February 21st , 2047
Purchased the contract of 2B Chad Hart from High-A Quad Cities.
Purchased the contract of 2B Juan Montelongo from Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Purchased the contract of SS Joe Hyatt from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of 3B DeMario Zamano from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of 2B Argenys Walter from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of CF A.J. Terry from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of CF Chad Ketcham from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of CF Max Schwind from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SP Mike Krebs from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SP David San Juan from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Chris Curry from Triple A Omaha.
Invited non-roster C Joe Suggs to Spring Training camp. 

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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 defense at right field.

• No noticeable changes (poor)

Luis Montoya 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.

Luis Aceves 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.

Joe Hyatt 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.

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.

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

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

Steve Mitchell 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.

• No noticeable changes.

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

• Current power rating improves by 5

Arturo Oramas 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 Montelongo 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

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

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

Spring Training

The Royals go 17-8 to top the AL Central in Spring Training with only one significant injury, RP C.J. Binkle suffering back spasms that rules him out for 5 weeks. A very competitive bullpen competition could see Binkle returning to Omaha when he is fit again, a tough break but a reflection of the depth these Royals enjoy.

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Major League Predictions

As two years ago the Royals are not predicted to win the AL Central this year with an almost 30-gam dip predicted as the White Sox win 99 games to win the division. The AL Central is predicted to have the best three teams in the league with only one 90-win team outside of the division.

There are no Royals on the top players list, although Chris Albright, fresh off his offseason trade, is the latest former-Royal-now-Red-Sox predicted to have a monster year following Gilberto Matos’ year last year.



Over in the National League, the NL West may be even more dominant, with four teams predicted to be in the race for the playoffs, with reigning NL Chams the Padres predicted to finish a lowly third in their division. Former Royals top both hitting and pitcher lists, with Juan Minnelli set to justify his bumper contract leading the Giants to an NL West title with Greg Moehring doing the same for the Cardinals.



Opening Day Lineup

There are three new faces among hitters in the Royals opening day roster, with offseason acquisition Josh Mangan just about earning his spot in Spring Training, and being joined by 2042 3rd round pick Tonguar Zimmerman, who will start at SS and 2045 trade acquisition (the deal that sent Gilberto Matos the other way) A.J. Terry, who will start in LF against RHP. Terry is the surprise roster inclusion, pushing Domingo Carrillo down to AAA to start the season despite his big improvements in the development lab this offseason.



Opening Day Roster Transactions

Thursday, March 28th , 2047
Optioned 2B Chad Hart to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Optioned 2B Juan Montelongo to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Demoted C Joe Suggs to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 2B Argenys Walter to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 3B DeMario Zamano to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned SS Joe Hyatt to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned CF Chad Ketcham to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned CF Max Schwind to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned CF Domingo Carrillo to Triple A Omaha.

Opening Day Pitching Battery

It is a competitive Spring in the pitching corps as well as the hitters. C.J. Brinkle’s injury made things a little easier but still saw 2046 World Series winners Chad Johnston, Yoichiro Curtsinger, and Jeremy Stockhoff sent down to AAA to start the season.

In the starting rotation, Benton Geldart (2043 and 2046 trade acquisition) and 2042 2nd round pick Mike Krebs both earn places while 2043 8th round pick Chris Curry is the only truly new face in the bullpen.



Opening Day Roster Transactions

Optioned SP Chad Johnston to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Yoichiro Curtsinger to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Jeremy Stockhoff to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP David San Juan to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Chase Paggett to Triple A Omaha.
 

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KC Top Prospects

The Royals farm system is once again rich with a top ten, eight top 50, 17 top 100, and 24 top 200 prospects in the farm. The talent is spread across the farm with A.J. Terry, Mike Krebs, and Tonguar Zimmerman the players making the step up to start on the major league roster.



MLB Top Prospects

Another year of top prospects graduating to the big leagues as three of the top four prospects will debut with their big league club, headlined by the Pirates 2B Ignacio Jarmilllo.



MLB Farm Systems

The quality and quantity of the Royals farm system sees them back on top of the farm systems to start this season, comfortably ahead of the Diamondbacks, who are a long way clear of the Giants.


 

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics





No awards for the Royals in April but A.J. Terry had his own award as he hit the second ball he faced at the Major League level out of the park for a Home Run on Opening Day.



Transactions & Injuries

The Royals lost Steve Mitchell (as is becoming unsustainably regular) for 4-5 weeks with a strained tricep, giving Chase Paggett the chance to make his Royals debut. C.J. Binkle is on an injury rehab in Omaha but the Royals are sweating on an injury to Jadon Tezeno on the final day of the month.

Wednesday, April 3rd , 2047
RP Steve Mitchell was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Thursday, April 4th , 2047
RP Steve Mitchell diagnosed with a strained abdominal muscle, is day-to-day for 2 weeks.
Tuesday, April 9th , 2047
RP Steve Mitchell was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained triceps. He's expected to miss about 4-5 weeks.
Recalled SP Chase Paggett from Triple A Omaha.
Friday, April 19th , 2047
Sent RP C.J. Binkle to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Tuesday, April 30th , 2047
3B Jadon Tezeno was injured being hit by a pitch. The diagnosis is not yet known.

Minor League News

The hottest hurler in the International League last month was Chad Johnston of the Omaha Storm Chasers. He caught the attention of everybody in the league with some eye-catching stats, good enough to win the IL Pitcher of the Month.

In April, Johnston starred with an impressive 4-0 record. In 5 starts he gave up 15 base hits and struck out 36 in 32.2 innings with a 1.10 ERA.

For a rookie just breaking in, Mike Gronkiewicz certainly put together a successful month. It was good enough to win the CAR Batter of the Month award for April.

The 20-year-old center fielder for the Columbia Fireflies hit .416 with 5 home runs, 32 RBIs and 22 runs scored.

The top pitcher this past month in the Carolina League was Jeff Mole of the Columbia Fireflies. He really bewildered league hitters, finishing April with an excellent 4-0 record and 3.42 ERA.

The Fireflies hurler made 5 starts and surrendered 16 hits in 26.1 innings. He struck out 29 and walked 11.