Zero to Hero - A Scotsman in MLB

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Team Statistics




Kansas City Royals bombardier Mike Murphy set his sights on the stands and blasted three balls over the fence as his club beat the Cleveland Guardians, 12-1.

"I guess you could say I was a good guesser today, especially on the last one," Murphy told writers in the postgame press room. "I was ahead in the count, so I gambled that I'd get a certain pitch, and got all of it."

For the game, the Kansas City catcher had 4 hits in 5 at-bats, drove in 5, and scored 3 runs.

Mike Murphy hit a solo-shot off Javonta Janzen in the 2nd, singled in the 3rd, hit a solo-shot off Christian Lim in the 5th, hit a three-run home run off Juan Estrada in the 6th and struck out in the 8th.

At the moment, Murphy is batting .267 with 4 home runs and 11 RBIs. He has played in 23 games and scored 7 times.



Transactions & Injuries

Tuesday, May 1st , 2040
Optioned RP Alfredo Cadena to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SP Tsuguo Abe from Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Dan Acton to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Jon Hall from Triple A Omaha.
Wednesday, May 2nd , 2040
Sent SP Ethan Chafin to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Friday, May 4th , 2040
Optioned RP Dan Carrig to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SP B.J. Heaton from Triple A Omaha.
Wednesday, May 9th , 2040
RF Esteban Medina was injured while running the bases. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Friday, May 11th , 2040
RF Esteban Medina diagnosed with a fractured foot, will miss 5 weeks.
Purchased the contract of 3B Jorge Calvo from Triple A Omaha.
Saturday, May 19th , 2040
SP Min-ho Kim was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Tuesday, May 22nd , 2040
SP Min-ho Kim diagnosed with elbow tendinitis, will miss 7 weeks.
Purchased the contract of SP Ethan Chafin from Triple A Omaha.

Minor League News

May's #1 hurler was Chris Kern of Quad Cities. He gunned down Midwest League hitters the whole month and claimed the Pitcher of the Month award. The River Bandits star piled up 5 wins and no losses to take the honor.

The 22-year-old Kern added 25 strikeouts in 30.2 innings and 11 walks to his season record and compiled a 1.17 ERA. Other clubs hit .110 against him.

This season, Kern has 5 wins and 2 losses and a 2.22 ERA.

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Team Statistics





Despite the number of years he's been in the league, Eddie Baquerizo still gets excited when he puts together a quality stretch like he had in June. The 31-year-old starter for Kansas City was named American League Pitcher of the Month earlier today.

He collected 4 wins and no losses with 46 strikeouts in his 6 starts, putting up a fine 1.30 ERA in 41.2 innings of work.

In 18 starts this season, Baquerizo has crafted a 9-1 record with a 1.83 ERA.

It was a trophy-winning month for Jonathan DePalmer of the Kansas City Royals. He started 5 games and came away with 4 victories and the American League Rookie of the Month honors.

DePalmer fashioned a 4-1 record, worked 29.1 innings, allowed 21 base hits, struck out 25 and walked 13. Teams combined to hit .194 against him in June.

In 17 starts this season, DePalmer has picked up 10 wins while suffering 2 losses. He has pitched 102.1 innings, allowed 75 hits, struck out 81 and posted a 3.34 ERA.

Transactions & Injuries

Wednesday, June 6th , 2040
RF Billy Mumaugh was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: bone bruise (wrist). He's expected to miss about 3 weeks.
Purchased the contract of CF Natalino Villa from Triple A Omaha.
Monday, June 11th , 2040
Sent RF Esteban Medina to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Tuesday, June 12th , 2040
Sent RF Jimmy Goodman to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Sunday, June 17th , 2040
3B Jorge Calvo was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: twisted ankle. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 1-2 weeks.
Purchased the contract of RF Jimmy Goodman from Triple A Omaha.
Monday, June 25th , 2040
Sent RF Billy Mumaugh to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Tuesday, June 26th , 2040
LF Mike Connelly was injured while running the bases. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Wednesday, June 27th , 2040
LF Mike Connelly diagnosed with a strained lat, will miss 5-6 weeks.
Purchased the contract of RF Esteban Medina from Triple A Omaha.

Minor League News

The premier hitter in the Texas League in June was Northwest Arkansas right fielder Bobby Nickelberry. For his standout play, he was voted the Batter of the Month.

Nickelberry was selected after batting .406, hitting 8 home runs, scoring 27 runs and driving in 23.

Thus far this season in 72 games, Nickelberry is batting .368 with 27 home runs, 77 RBIs and 59 runs scored. He has 103 hits in 280 at-bats.

Ben Lane of Northwest Arkansas excelled on the mound in June with a 4-0 record and was named the Pitcher of the Month in the Texas League.

Lane restricted opposing batters to 15 base hits and a .119 batting average. He rang up 43 strikeouts in 37.1 innings of work, surrendered 6 walks, and fashioned a 1.45 ERA.

On the season, Lane has 11 wins and 1 loss and a 1.94 ERA.

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The Royals see a Stewart-era-high seven players selected to the All-Star Game with multi-selections Edgar Mir (6), Bob Crimi (2), Curt Bogans (2), Eddie Baquerizo (2), Mike Connolly (2), and Banmei Kataoka (2) being joined by first-timer, and rookie, Tsuguo Abe with four pitchers and three bats fairly representing the breakdown in performance over the first half of the season.

SP Eddie Baquerizo (KC) - 11-1, 1.71 ERA, 126.0 IP, 0.86 WHIP, 8.4 K/9, 4.9 WAR
SP Curt Bogans (KC) - 10-6, 2.97 ERA, 118.0 IP, 1.01 WHIP, 9.7 K/9, 3.6 WAR
RP Tsuguo Abe (KC) - 1-3, 2.67 ERA, 57.1 IP, 0.98 WHIP, 10.5 K/9, 2.0 WAR
RP Banmei Kataoka (KC) - 9-2, 1.94 ERA, 60.1 IP, 0.90 WHIP, 10.3 K/9, 1.7 WAR
1B Bob Crimi (KC)* - .283/.367/.509, 346 AB, 20 HR, 10 SB, 138 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
2B Edgar Mir (KC)* - .273/.401/.539, 304 AB, 22 HR, 16 SB, 151 wRC+, 4.8 WAR
LF Mike Connelly (KC)* - .234/.359/.437, 286 AB, 12 HR, 18 SB, 118 wRC+, 2.3 WAR (Injured)

In addition, four ex-Royals make the All Star Game with fans happy to see Jeremy Rogerson return from his injury and earn his 3rd, and first since 2034, selection.

CF Juan Soreni (CLE) - .254/.363/.583, 307 AB, 27 HR, 154 wRC+, 4.6 WAR
SP Daniel Nava (ATL) - 7-6, 3.45 ERA, 128.0 IP, 1.07 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, 3.1 WAR
RP Eric Cook (PHI) - 1-2, 2.23 ERA, 48.1 IP, 1.06 WHIP, 8.6 K/9, 0.6 WAR
SS Jeremy Rogerson (MIL) - .322/.450/.463, 177 AB, 3 HR, 162 wRC+, 2.8 WAR



In the game, Crimi went 0-1 with a walk, Mir 0-2 while Connelly is still injured so missed the game. Bogans, Baquerizo, and Abe all pitched a single inning – Bogans and Abe with 1 K and 0 H while Baquerizo took the loss, his inning costing 2 R on 3 H.



A range of performance from the Royals bats leaves some questions at the All Star Break. Eric Rose’s return hasn’t been smooth while Jimmy Goodman has been poor since his injury and Billy Mumaugh isn’t quite at his prior heights. Sincere Latin’s bat hasn’t shown up but his defensive value means he has contributed almost 1 WAR.



Despite some injuries the pitching battery has been elite. All five starters have a FIP- under 100, while of the relievers, only Alvaro Baladez is over that league average 100 level.

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Owner Goals

Team Record:
I'm very excited by how the team has performed so far. If you keep up this rate, I have no doubt that you will win the championship like I asked you to!

Upgrade a position:
I don't see an improvement from where we were last year at Third Base. Please be on the lookout for an upgrade, if you want to keep me happy.

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

Improve your team record:
Things have improved in road games. Keep up the good work!

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

Prospect Performance



2040 Draft

The 30th pick of a weak draft saw the Royals select Puerto Rican SP Julio Bonilla. A groundball pitcher with potential plus stuff to go with above average movement and control. He has a 6 pitch arsenal with his fastball, slider, and curveball all almost MLB ready at 17.



Round 2, Pick 30 - 1B Robby Moll, age 18 out of high school
Round 3, Pick 33 - 2B Jonathan Boykin, age 18 out of high school
Round 4, Pick 28 - 2B Randy McCormick, age 18 out of high school
Round 5, Pick 29 - CF Jake Adams, age 17 out of high school

The Royals signed all 20 of their draft class and all will start in Rookie Ball with the hope to play in the Autumn League at the end of the season.

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Team Statistics




The American League has chosen Bob Crimi of the Kansas City Royals as Player of the Week.

What a week Crimi had. He hit .350 (7-for-20) with 4 home runs, 6 RBIs and 5 runs scored.

This year, Crimi is batting .288 with 23 home runs.

The "hardest feat in sports" debate is a never-ending one with no correct answer, but hitting three home runs is certainly in the conversation. That's exactly what Bob Crimi did at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, going deep three times and carrying his team to victory, 12-3.

"It all came together. I was seeing the ball well and I got some good pitches to hit," Crimi said. "Good things happen, when that happens."

The Kansas City Royals first baseman blistered the Baltimore Orioles for 3 hits, batted in 4 runs and scored 3 times.

"It ain't like we weren't trying," Baltimore manager Jeff Bruksch said. "He was hot and really torched my boys today."

Bob Crimi hit a solo-shot off Sergio Flores in the 1st, struck out in the 3rd, hit a two-run home run off Julio Castillo in the 4th, hit a solo-shot off Julio Castillo in the 6th and struck out in the 8th.

So far this year, Crimi has hit .288 with 23 home runs, 75 RBIs and 61 runs scored.



Transactions & Injuries

Sunday, July 1st , 2040
SP Bailey Pinsmail was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Thursday, July 5th , 2040
SP Bailey Pinsmail diagnosed with radial nerve compression, will miss 5-6 months.
Optioned CF Natalino Villa to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RF Billy Mumaugh from Triple A Omaha.
Friday, July 6th , 2040
Purchased the contract of SP Dan Carrig from Triple A Omaha.
Monday, July 9th , 2040
Sent SP Min-ho Kim to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Thursday, July 26th , 2040
Traded 30-year old 3B Eric Rose and 19-year old minor league RHP Jonathan Foot to the San Diego Padres, getting 27-year old 2B Mike Campney(retaining 70%) in return.
Placed 2B Mike Campney on the active roster.
Saturday, July 28th , 2040
Sent LF Mike Connelly to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.

Two major pieces of news in July as Bailey Pinsmali is ruled out for the season with radial nerve compression. Dan Carrig is called up from AAA and impresses after struggling out of the bullpen at the start of the season. With Min-ho Kim on an injury assignment in AAA a crunch is coming in the Royals pitching staff.

Approaching the trade deadline, the Royals started looking at areas for upgrade and Eric Rose’s return to Kansas City had not been the power bat success that had been hoped. With the Padres out of contention, they were willing to shed some contracts and the Royals swooped for 2B Mike Campney, who is making $10m in his second year of arbitration. The Royals had to give up 2039 16th round pick RP Jonathan Foot who had a good year in Rookie Ball, but the chance to give the offense a lift entering the crucial months of the season was too good to turn down.

Minor League News

Jorge Calvo capped off a fine July by being named the International League Batter of the Month today.

Omaha's third baseman hit .359 while collecting 7 home runs, 20 RBIs and scoring 17 runs. He also drew 9 walks to post an OBP of .420.

Looking at his present stats, Calvo has compiled a .324 batting average in 57 games with a .402 on-base percentage, while hitting 18 home runs and driving in 49 runs.

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Team Statistics





Kansas City starter Curt Bogans claimed the American League Pitcher of the Month Award today with his strong performance in August.

The 31-year-old starter tossed 39.1 innings of solid baseball, putting up a 1.83 ERA, 34 strikeouts and a 5-1 record in 6 starts.

On the season, Bogans has compiled a 16-7 mark with a 2.79 ERA in 27 starts. In pitching 168 innings he has 173 strikeouts and 40 walks while limiting the opposition to a .213 batting average.

Transactions & Injuries

Wednesday, August 1st , 2040
Optioned RP Alvaro Baladez to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SP Min-ho Kim from Triple A Omaha.
Friday, August 10th , 2040
Optioned RF Esteban Medina to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of LF Mike Connelly from Triple A Omaha.
Tuesday, August 14th , 2040
RF Billy Mumaugh was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: strained oblique. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 4 weeks.
Placed RF Billy Mumaugh on the 10-day injured list.

Minor League News

Jorge Calvo said the baseball "looked as big as a beach ball" in August.

It's no surprise then that the Omaha third baseman captured the International League Batter of the Month Award.

On the month, he had a .472 batting average, with 6 home runs, 22 RBIs, 20 runs scored and a .552 on-base percentage.

Calvo is currently hitting at a .367 pace with 24 home runs and 71 RBIs.

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MLB Standings

The Royals only had to wait 5 days in September before clinching their 16th pennant, and fifth in a row, on 5 September when they beat the White Sox 7-5 at Kauffman Stadium. The final standings saw the Royals 10 games better than any other team in baseball, a franchise record 111-51.



Kansas City Results



In addition to the pennant clinching win against the White Sox on 5 September, the Royals were able to celebrate two other milestones in front of their home fans, as they reached 100 wins against the Twins on 9 September, and retained some significance in their traditional pennant clinching series against the Giants by using the game on 23 September to break the franchise record for games won in a season.

Kansas City Team Statistics




Bob Crimi of the Kansas City Royals had an award-winning week and today was voted the Player of the Week by the American League.

For the week the 26-year-old first baseman batted .400 (10-for-25) with 3 home runs and 6 RBIs.

In his season totals, Crimi has 32 home runs, .287 BA, .354 OBP, 103 RBIs and 100 runs scored. He has played in 142 games. Bob Crimi of the Kansas City Royals had an award-winning week and today was voted the Player of the Week by the American League.

For the week the 26-year-old first baseman batted .400 (10-for-25) with 3 home runs and 6 RBIs.

In his season totals, Crimi has 32 home runs, .287 BA, .354 OBP, 103 RBIs and 100 runs scored. He has played in 142 games.



Transactions & Injuries

Saturday, September 1st , 2040
Purchased the contract of SP Joe Davis from Triple A Omaha.
Placed RP Jon Yuhas on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Purchased the contract of RP Jon Yuhas from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of 2B Gilberto Matos from Triple A Omaha.
Placed RF Chris Slate on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Purchased the contract of RF Chris Slate from Triple A Omaha.
Wednesday, September 12th , 2040
Activated RF Billy Mumaugh from the injured list.

Minor League News

Question: Who was the #1 pitcher in the Texas League in September?
Answer: That would be Chris Kern of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.
He excelled with a 3-0 mark and a 0.42 ERA in 3 starts, tossed 21.1 innings, fanned 18 and held opposing teams to a .123 average. That's exactly why the Texas League scribes voted him the Pitcher of the Month.

This year, Kern has posted a record of 8 wins and 1 loss with a 1.88 ERA. He has appeared in 11 games and struck out 72 in 72 innings.

Jorge Calvo of the Omaha Storm Chasers has won the International League Batter of the Month award, and it's no surprise.

It was difficult to keep the 25-year-old off the bases in September, as he batted .358, hit 8 home runs, drove in 20 runs, scored 14 times and compiled a .470 on-base percentage.

In his season totals Calvo has 32 home runs and a .366 batting average.

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The Avalanche and Royals swap seeds with the Royals taking the top spot in the AL playoffs. Their reward will be a Division Series against either the Angels or the Astros, who face off in an AL West wildcard series.

A match up against the Angels would be a repeat of the 2039 Division Series which the Royals won, 3-1, in the second ever postseason series between the teams.

Facing the Astros would be a first postseason series between the sides since the Astros eliminated the Royals in 5 in the 2035 League Championships Series, and fourth all time, with the Royals ahead 2-1.

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It’s the Angels who upset the Astros in a game three decider and advance to face the Royals for the second year in a row.

The Angels went 91-71 in the regular season to finish 3rd in the AL West. Their bats were led by LF Callum Maclean, who hit .303 while stealing 54 bases. RF Steve Metzger lead the team with 37 HRs and 126 RBIs, while 3B Ernesto Carmona had 98 RBI, 27 HRs, and a .298 average.

Their pitching staff was led by Chris Weathers, who had a 2.79 ERA across 24 starts, including a no-hitter against his old team the Rays, although none of their other starters had an ERA lower than 3.70. Former Royal Chris Wagner (5th All-time Royals 81 SV in 156.2 IP) has a setup role while their closer, Jon Gray, provided 32 saves in 68 appearances during the season.

The teams split the regular season series 3-3.

Game 1 in Kansas City: Curt Bogans vs. Chris Weathers (2035 Waivers TB)
• Kansas City wins 5-3
• Bogans (W): 5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R
• Weathers (L): 4.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R
• Banmei Kataoka (SV): 2.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R
• Kansas City HRs: Mike Campney (1st, 2R), Mike Connelly (2nd), Bob Crimi (6th)
• 1-0 Kansas City

Game 2 in Kansas City: Eddie Baquerizo vs Josh Balkey (2031 4th Round)
• Kansas City win 13-3
• Baquerizo (W): 6.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R
• Balkey (L): 1.2 IP, 5 H, 7 R
• POTG: Mike Campney (KC) 3-3, 2 BB, 4 RBI
• 2-0 Kansas City

Game 3 in Los Angeles: Ethan Chafin vs Chad Shaffer (2040 Trade CIN)
• Kansas City wins 7-1
• Chafin (W): 7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R
• Shaffer (L): 2.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R
• Kansas City HRs: Campney (1st, 2R; 3rd, 2R), Edgar Mir (8th, 2R)
• POTG: Campney (KC) 3-5, 2 HR, 4 RBI
• 3-0 KANSAS CITY WINS

Series MVP: Mike Campney (KC) .583, 3 HR, 10 RBI

 

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The Royals will take on the AL East Champ, the Baltimore Orioles for the American League Crown. This will be the 6th postseason meeting between the teams, making the Orioles the most-faced team in Royals postseason history. The Royals lead the series 3-2, although the Orioles have the most recent win, taking the 2036 Division Series, 3-1.

The Orioles went 89-73 to comfortably win the AL East by 7 games.

Future HOFer, and 10-time All Star, Jackson Holliday remains an elite hitter although is struggling with a knee injury and only managed 18 HRs with a .249 average this year while mostly playing 1B. RF Juan Lozoya held the batting line up together, hitting 33 HRs with 96 RBI. C Clint Perna led the time in batting average, his .272 rate over .010 higher than the next best.

The Orioles rotation is LHP heavy, with three of the four slated for duty being lefties, including Rodolfo Tovar who put up at 2.92 ERA in 21 starts. Their bullpen had the 3rd best ERA in the league with both Closer Shawn Denn and LR Jake Ovca having an ERA below 3.00. After a LHP dominated rotation, only one of their reliever is a leftie, Jorge Zambrano putting up a 3.70 ERA and recording 20 saves with an 80% success rate.

Game 1 in Kansas City: Curt Bogans vs Daniel Mendoza (2034 1st Round(S))
• Kansas City wins 4-1
• Bogans (W): 6.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R
• Mendoza (L): 5.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R
• Tsugo Abe (SV): 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Kansas City HRs: Bruce Zglinicki (4th, 2R), Edgar Mir (6th)
• 1-0 Kansas City

Game 2 in Kansas City: Eddie Baquerizo vs Jadon Everette (2038 Trade MIN)
• Kansas City wins 4-1
• Baquerizo: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• Everette: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R
• Min-ho Kim (W): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Vann McClenton (L)(BS): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R
• Banmei Kataoka (SV): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Kansas City HRs: Mike Campney (8th, 2R)
• 2-0 Kansas City

Game 3 in Baltimore: Ethan Chafin vs Steve Dorrough (2038 Trade CLE)
• Kansas City wins 10-3
• Chafin (W): 7.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R
• Dorrough (L): 3.1 IP, 5 H, 6 R
• Baltimore HRs: Gilberto Carrillo (9th, 2R)
• POTG: Mike Campney (KC) 4-5, BB, 4 RBI
• 3-0 Kansas City

Game 4 in Baltimore: Dan Carrig vs Rodolfo Tovar (2039 R5 CWS)
• Kansas City wins 9-5
• Carrig: 4.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R
• Tovar: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R
• Tsuguo Abe (W): 3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R
• Shawn Denn (L): 1.0 IP, 4 H, 5 R
• Kansas City HRs: Bob Crimi (4th, 3R; 8th, 2R)
• Baltimore HRs: Clint Perna (3rd, 2R), Jimmy Johnson (3rd), Juan Ramos (9th)
• POTG: Bob Crimi (KC) 2-4, 2 HRs, 5 RBI
• 4-0 KANSAS CITY WINS

Series MVP: Bob Crimi (KC) .500, 2 HRs, 6 RBI

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For the third year in a row the World Series will be contested between the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Dodgers. The 99-win Dodgers have lost only one game in each of their series to get here, taking out the Pirates in the Division Series before eliminating the top seeded Braves 4-1 in the League Championship Series. They will be aiming to become the first team in this OOTP era to threepeat and they have a batting line up few would bet against. Meanwhile the Royals will be looking to avoid becoming the first team since the 1911-13 New York Giants to lose three World Series in a row, and for Stewart to lose his first four World Series having lost two in a row in 2031 and 2032.

The Dodgers team is based on their bats. They were the best offensive team in the NL, with three players (RF Ben Glaze, 2B Grady Emerson, and SS Vince Elkins) having over 100 RBIs while Glaze also hit 50 HRs and Emerspn averaged .308 and stole 75 bases, the most since Jose Reyes stole 78 in 2007.

Their pitching is led by All-Star Josh Contreras who had a 2.92 ERA with 231 Ks. He was the only starter with an ERA under 4.00, though, while their bullpen leaned heavily on former Cy Young winner Dan Nichols in a setup role, his 2.86 the only ERA under 3.00 to go with his 26 saves. Closer Jesus Medina recorded 38 saves at an 83% rate following his midseason trade from the Guardians.

The Royals swept the regular season 3-0, often a bad omen in the post season.

Game 1 in Kansas City: Curt Bogans vs Mike Spence (2027 1st Round)
• Los Angeles wins 3-1
• Spence (W): 7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R
• Bogans: 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R
• B.J. Heaton (L): 1.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R
• Jesus Medina (SV): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Kansas City HRs: Bob Crimi (2nd)
• 1-0 Los Angeles

Game 2 in Kansas City: Eddie Baquerizo vs Zach Woodall (2034 4th Round)
• Los Angeles wins 4-1
• Woodall (W): 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R
• Baquerizo (L): 5.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R
• Dan Nichols (SV): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Los Angeles HRs: Vince Elkins (3rd, 2R)
• Kansas City HRs: Mike Connolly (5th)
• 2-0 Los Angeles

Game 3 in Los Angeles: Ethan Chafin vs Josh Contreras (2030 1st Round)
• Kansas City wins 12-3
• Chafin (W): 6.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R
• Contreras (L): 2.2 IP, 7 H, 7 R
• Kansas City HRs: Mike Campney (6th, 3R), Edgar Mir (8th)
• Los Angeles HRs: Jens Broder Mosser (5th)
• POTG: Edgar Mir (KC) 5-5, HR, 5 RBI
• 2-1 Los Angeles

Game 4 in Los Angeles: Dan Carrig vs Josh Cook (2036 Trade DET)
• Los Angeles win 6-1
• Cook (W): 6.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R
• Carrig (L): 5.2 IP, 8 H, 3 R
• Los Angeles HRs: Ben Glaze (5th), Butch Anderson (8th)
• POTG: Ben Glaze (LAD) 3-4, HR, 3 RBI
• 3-1 Los Angeles

Game 5 in Los Angeles: Bogans vs Spence
• Los Angeles win 5-0
• Spence (W): 5.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R
• Bogans (L): 5.0 IP, 5 H, 5 R
• Los Angeles HRs: Glaze (5th, 2R), Conrad (7th)
• 4-1 LOS ANGELES WINS

Series MVP: Ben Glaze (LAD)

It’s a repeat of last year as the Dodgers prove too strong for the Kansas City Royals and become the first threepeat team since the 1998-2000 Yankees while the Royals earn the dubious honour of joining another New York team, the 1911-1913 Giants, in losing three World Series in a row.

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Kansas City Post Season Stats



Too many bats went quiet in the postseason with the outfield in particular struggling, only Chase Standberry really contributing. With Team Options and Free Agency looming there are some decision for the Royals to make.



The pitching battery did what they could but came up against one of the great batting line ups in the World Series and didn’t get enough support from the offense to get them through.

Owner Goal Review



Team Record:
I told you before the season to win it all, and you almost did! Next year we'll bring the championship home to Kansas City.

Upgrade a position:
Well done finding an improvement at Third Base. I know it wasn't that easy of a task, but Mike Campney looks like he'll be a great player for us.

Extend your player:
It's not easy to lock up a guy who doesn't want to talk. Keep the discussions open with Ethan Chafin.

Improve your team record:
Things have improved in road games. Let's keep the arrow trending upward.

Long Term:
You made the playoffs. I had set out a longer vision to bring a championship to Kansas City by 2043, and that time isn't up yet. You do know it's been 25 years since this franchise has won? That may not be as bad as some teams, but I think the fans are starting to wonder when the next one will come.

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 very happy.

Minor Leagues



Post Season

Omaha Storm Chasers [AAA] won the Championship.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals [AA] won the Championship.
Quad Cities River Bandits [A+] won the Championship.
Columbia Fireflies [A] lost in the Championship.
Kansas City (ACL) Royals [R] missed the Playoffs by 5 games.
Kansas City (DSL) Royals Stewart [R] missed the Playoffs by 3 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:

Jorge Asebedo, 16 year-old CF out of Mexico
Lean and athletic, Jorge Asebedo hails from Río Bravo, Mexico. He has shown flashes of light-tower power. He hits with his hands, stays inside the ball, and works it up the middle. He should have an overall good eye. Asebedo looks like a potential regular in a key role at the big league level.

David Mancero, 16 year-old C out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, David Mancero hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He has tremendous power potential. He has good range and gives maximum effort without being careless. He should have good strike zone recognition. Mancero can be a second division starter at catcher.

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:
Juan Landeros, 16 year-old RF out of Dominican Republic
Edgar Quintero, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Daniel Guerra, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Luis Quintanilla, 15 year-old 3B out of Netherlands Antilles
Jorge Soriano, 16 year-old CF out of Panama
Aroghetto Badoglio, 16 year-old RF out of Italy
Nelson Covarrubias, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Juan Mendoza, 18 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic

Personnel

A new contract for Stewart, one retirement, and a couple of expired contracts for the Royals to start the offseason.

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 $2,200,000 per year.

The Office of the Commissioner has informed you that the following staff member of the Omaha Storm Chasers (IL, AAA) has decided to retire:

Pitching Coach Roger Carter

The Office of the Commissioner has informed you that the following staff members of the Kansas City (ACL) Royals have left the team because their contracts ran out or they have been promoted:

Manager T.R. Keating

The Office of the Commissioner has informed you that the following staff members of the Kansas City (DSL) Royals Stewart have left the team because their contracts ran out or they have been promoted:

Pitching Coach Dylan Lesko

Promotions were made, with offers submitted to fill the resultant gaps:

AAA Pitching Coach Eric Ridener from AA
AA Pitching Coach Dan Wright from A+
A+ Pitching Coach Jin-hyuk Kim from DSL Glass

Retirements

The day has arrived as, following another World Series defeat, Bobby Witt Jr. retires from baseball.



The Royals, as with Salvador Perez, choose not to retire his number which comes as something of a surprise given his standing on the All-Time lists:

TEAM BATTING SINGLE SEASON LEADERS

SLUGGING PCT - SINGLE SEASON
Rank Player SLG Year
6 Bobby Witt Jr. 0.567 2024
7 Bobby Witt Jr. 0.565 2025

OPS - SINGLE SEASON
Rank Player OPS Year
10 Bobby Witt Jr. 0.947 2025

WAR - SINGLE SEASON
Rank Player WAR Year
1 Bobby Witt Jr. 8.4 2025
3 Bobby Witt Jr. 8.1 2024
4 Bobby Witt Jr. 7.7 2030

RUNS - SINGLE SEASON
Rank Player R Year
4 Bobby Witt Jr. 118 2024
9 Bobby Witt Jr. 109 2025

HITS - SINGLE SEASON
Rank Player H Year
10 Bobby Witt Jr. 196 2024

TOTAL BASES - SINGLE SEASON
Rank Player TB Year
2 Bobby Witt Jr. 350 2024

DOUBLES - SINGLE SEASON
Rank Player 2B Year
3 Bobby Witt Jr. 51 2025
7 Bobby Witt Jr. 47 2024

TEAM BATTING CAREER LEADERS

WAR - CAREER
Rank Player WAR PA
2 Bobby Witt Jr. 65.2 9083

GAMES - CAREER
Rank Player G PA
3 Bobby Witt Jr. 2146 9083

RUNS - CAREER
Rank Player R PA
2 Bobby Witt Jr. 1268 9083

HITS - CAREER
Rank Player H PA
2 Bobby Witt Jr. 2316 9083

TOTAL BASES - CAREER
Rank Player TB PA
2 Bobby Witt Jr. 3871 9083

SINGLES - CAREER
Rank Player 1B PA
3 Bobby Witt Jr. 1421 9083

DOUBLES - CAREER
Rank Player 2B PA
2 Bobby Witt Jr. 521 9083

TRIPLES - CAREER
Rank Player 3B PA
3 Bobby Witt Jr. 88 9083

HOME RUNS - CAREER
Rank Player HR PA
3 Bobby Witt Jr. 286 9083

RBIS - CAREER
Rank Player RBI PA
2 Bobby Witt Jr. 1165 9083

STOLEN BASES - CAREER
Rank Player SB PA
2 Bobby Witt Jr. 396 9083

WALKS - CAREER
Rank Player BB PA
5 Bobby Witt Jr. 644 9083

Around the League

Retirements

Atlanta Braves: SP Mason Barnett retired from professional baseball.
Texas Rangers: SS Justin Lebron retired from professional baseball.
Chicago Cubs: RP William Schmidt retired from professional baseball.
New York Mets: SP Cade Townsend retired from professional baseball.

Los Angeles Angels: 3B Coby Mayo retired from professional baseball.
Houston Astros: SP Ricky Tiedemann retired from professional baseball.
Chicago Cubs: SP Adam Kloffenstein retired from professional baseball.
Chicago Cubs: CF Pete Crow-Armstrong retired from professional baseball.
San Francisco Giants: SP Tink Hence retired from professional baseball.
Toronto Blue Jays: 2B Cole Young retired from professional baseball.
Arizona Diamondbacks: SP Paul Skenes retired from professional baseball.
Milwaukee Brewers: CF James Wood retired from professional baseball.
Los Angeles Angels: C Cade Arrambide retired from professional baseball.
Cleveland Guardians: RF Cam Cannarella retired from professional baseball.
Philadelphia Phillies: CL Chan-koo Kim retired from professional baseball.
New York Yankees: 3B Ju-chan Bae retired from professional baseball.
Miami Marlins: CF Bobby Osier retired from professional baseball.
Pittsburgh Pirates: 1B Takashi Toguchi retired from professional baseball.
Chicago Cubs: CL Chris Kurtz retired from professional baseball.

Baltimore Orioles: Retired #9 in honor of Coby Mayo.
Washington Nationals: Retired #29 in honor of James Wood.

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Perhaps unsurprisingly for a three-time World Series team, this was a season of success for the Royals although the bats did take a step back from previous years and this may be a focus for any gains to be had.



Catcher

Both Sam Hart (107 wRC+) and Mike Murphy (119 wRC+) were above average bats with Hart still offering elite defense to go with the bat.

Murphy has one more year on the league minimum so would be a candidate for trade if the right offer came in but the Royals would be very comfortable with a Hart-Murphy battery next season.

Infield

Bob Crimi (129 wRC+) was the Royals third best bat and earned another All Star selection. 33 HRs was second on the list and he will certainly line up on the field to start 2041; the only question is whether it will be at 1B or in one of the outfield spots to free up a slot for a defensive limited infielder.

Edgar Mir (145 wRC+) was the Royals best player, as would be expected of the league superstar. Mir drew over 100 walks, his 103 total being the 5th most by a Royals player in history on his way to the second best season by WAR of any Royal, 8.3 being only 0.1 behind Bobby Witt Jr’s best season. He is up to 4th on the all time list for the Royals with at least five more seasons under contract.

Mike Campney (139 wRC+) was a great midseason acquisition by the Royals as he added some needed power to the lineup. He is in his second year of arbitration with an expected number of $18m. This is a number the Royals may be ready to meet in 2041 but, like Murphy, would be open to offers with several potential 3B players behind him.

Sincere Latin (56 wRC+) was defensively elite, a 1.095 efficiency rating allowing him to produce positive WAR despite a batting average that just managed to exceed the Mendoza line. He is a free agent who is eligible for a QO and is looking for $18m per year, so an interesting decision for Stewart.

Bruce Zglinicki (101 wRC+) was not quite as good defensively, and mostly played 3B, putting up a 1.052 efficiency but was an above average bat. He is also eligible for a QO with a similar contract ask; can the Royals keep both players, as well as Campney. That will be the question for Stewart.

Bobby Witt Jr.’s retirement will open up at least one slot in any case for 2041 with neither Jorge Calvo (84 wRC+) nor Gilbero Matos (15 wRC+) grabbing their limited opportunity with both hands.

Outfield

The outfield was the big disappointment of the Royals season as a couple of stalwarts taking steps backwards with injuries and form leaving some challenging decisions for Stewart in the offseason.

In left field, there were three main players – Mike Connolly, Jamie Edwards, and Jimmy Goodman. Connolly (114 wRC+) was the pick of the bunch but is entering his second year of arbitration. Edwards (105 wRC+) was above league average and mostly player DH while having one more year on the league minimum salary. Goodman (87 wRC+) was hurt, moved from RF to LF, while having his worst offensive year of his career. He is QO-eligible and is looking for $10m for three years, so would be overpaid on that one year deal. The Royals will likely let him walk but could resign him in Free Agency.

Chase Standberry (84 wRC+) took over the CF position full time and had a 1.061 defensive efficiency to see him offer over 2 WAR despite a below average bat. Another player earning league minimum in 2041 he will be back. Natalino Villa (63 wRC+) had some time in the big leagues and offers a similarly high level glove but really struggled with his bat. He does have two more years at the league minimum though so will likely have a shot at Spring Training to be the Royals 5th outfielder due to his elite defense.

In right field, Billy Mumaugh (114 wRC+) made the move over from left and put up a 1.073 efficiency rating. He missed a third of the season with injury but has enough credit in the bank that the Royals will pick up his $19m TO for 2041.

Esteban Medina (108 wRC+) spent some time covering for injuries and was solid in his debut season in the big leagues and will be in the mix for a spot on the roster but could find himself squeezed out and on the trade block while Chris Slate impressed in very limited time in September.

Offseason / Early 2041 Overview

C Sam Hart
1B Bob Crimi
2B Edgar Mir
3B Mike Campney
SS Bruce Zglinicki

LF Mike Connolly
CF Chase Standberry
RF Billy Mumaugh

DH Jamie Edwards

C Mike Murphy
IF Gilberto Matos
IF Sincere Latin
OF TBC



Starters

The starting rotation had a fantastic year with all six regular rotation starters having a FIP- below 100. There were two clear aces in Eddie Baquerizo and Curt Bogans who had top-ten Royals seasons in various categories: Bogans in wins (20), K/BB (4.36), and WHIP (1.05); Baquerizo in winning percentage (.800) and WHIP (1.01).

The others all had either some injury time, or covered some injury time, with Dan Carrig making his first starts on the way to a 2.81 ERA and a 10-4 record while Ethan Chafin (3.64) and Min-ho Kim (3.69) both maintained ERAs below 4.00 despite injury trouble. Jonathan DePalmer was solid but his FIP- of 99 was the highest of the group.

With Kim entering the final year of his contract, the Royals may look to get off that $27m but might be lucky to find a suitor.

Bullpen

The bullpen was arguably even stronger than the starting rotation with a team ERA of 3.01. Stoppers Banmei Kanaoka and Tsuguo Abe were excellent with Abe providing 99.2 IP, 2.6 WAR, and an ERA of 2.53. Closer Eric Jones had an 88.9% success rate in saves, registering 24 with a 2.84 ERA while Art Putney (1.71 ERA), Jon Hall (2.08 ERA), and Bernalldino Caneas (1.82 ERA) all excelled in specialist roles.

Both Hall and Kanaoka are arbitration eligible although Hall’s $2.2m is a lot more manageable than Kanaoka’s $19.11m which looks too rich for the Royals and he will likely move on 6th in the Royals all time list for saves with 60.

The rest of the bullpen was solid but there can always be change with a couple of young arms in Joe Davis and Jon Yuhas making September appearances which could carry on into 2041.

Offseason / Early 2041 Overview

SP Curt Bogans
SP Eddie Baquerizo
SP Dan Carrig
SP Ethan Chafin
SP TBC

RP Tsuogo Abe
RP Eric Jones
RP Jon Hall
RP Art Putney
RP Bernalldino Caneas
RP TBC
RP TBC
RP TBC
RP TBC 

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Owner Goals



John Sherman, now 85, is likely to be disappointed as it is unlikely the Royals can afford to resign Ethan Chafin to any sort of long term contract while the Hometown player acquisition will not be a priority for Stewart.

Finances

I have just decided on your budget for the upcoming season.
You will have $238,000,000 available for the total team expenses. Given your current spending on staff and other costs, this should allow you a team payroll of around $160,000,000.



Minor Leagues

Awards

It was a more successful year for the Farm as the Royals won Manager of the Year Awards from A-AAA through Alan Williams, Miguel Garcia, Robert Donovan, and Peter O'Brien.

At AA, Royals claimed the best bat and arm as Bobby Nickleberry and Ben Lane were recognised, despite both receiving midseason promotions to AAA.

Retirements

The Minor Leagues only saw one former draft pick retire, as 2034 17th round pick RP Jimmy Davis retired from AA.

Prospect Watch

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Personnel

The Royals filled the three open positions with 5-year contracts with Jason Hammel returning to the Royals in a pitching coach role, 22 years after he was a starting pitcher in Kansas City.

Rookie Manager Yoiber Ocopio
DSL Glass Pitching Coach Sandy Garces
DSL Stewart Pitching Coach Jason Hammel (SP KC 2017-18)

Awards

The Royals were rewarded for another stellar regular season when it came time for the annual Awards. Edgar Kir took home the hat trick of Great Glove, Platinum Stick (fourth) and his second MVP Award while Bob Crimi joined him in earning a Platinum Stick at 1B.

On the pitching side, Banmei Kataoka ended his time with the Royals as the unanimous Reliever of the Year while Curt Bogans and Eddie Baquerizo finished 2nd and 3rd in Cy Young voting.

There was also a fourth Manager of the Year Award for Colin Stewart.

AL Great Glove 2B Edgar Mir KC
NL Great Glove 3B Jeremy Rogerson MIL
AL Platinum Stick 1B Bob Crimi | 2B Edgar Mir (4) KC
NL Platinum Stick
AL Manager of the Year Colin Stewart KC
NL Manager of the Year Generoso Gonzalez LAD
AL Reliever of the Year Banmei Kataoka KC
NL Reliever of the Year Zion Nodd SF
AL Rookie of the Year Bredon Pedley TEX
NL Rookie of the Year Alvaro Esparza MIA
AL Cy Young Josh Webb CWS
NL Cy Young Luis Peralta PIT
AL MVP Edgar Mir (2) KC
NL MVP Josh O’Neill (3) NYM

Pre-Arbitration Extensions & Trades

Saturday, November 3rd , 2040
Signed SP Ethan Chafin to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $7,800,000.
Signed RP Jon Hall to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,100,000.
Tuesday, November 6th , 2040
Signed LF Mike Connelly to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $7,800,000.
Tuesday, November 13th , 2040
Traded 33-year old RHP Min-ho Kim and 21-year old minor league CF Damani Squalls to the Philadelphia Phillies, getting 25-year old CF Ken Troutman and 24-year old minor league 2B Kelven Atlas in return.
Traded 27-year old 3B Mike Campney and 19-year old minor league LHP Juan Llamas to the Houston Astros, getting 19-year old minor league RHP Joe Randolph, 23-year old minor league RF Chris Albright, and $25,000,000 in cash in return.

There were two big trades ahead of arbitration as the Royals looked to get their salaries back under control. Min-ho Kim’s $27m was too much for a 33-year old who was likely to be a 5th starter and Stewart had been worried about finding a partner for that salary. When the Phillies offered a AAAA outfielder and some infield Minor League depth for Kim and former 11th round pick OF Damani Squalls it was simply too good of an offer to refuse.

Moving on from Mike Campney was a more difficult decision. He had been a great midseason addition at 3B and was had local and national popularity. However, an arbitration figure of over $18m was a lot of money for a short term contract and, with 2039 trade acquisition, and number 59 prospect in baseball, Estanislau Covete ready for a shot at the big leagues Stewart was willing to listen to offers. The best offer was a pair of former first five round picks in SP Randolph and OF Albright. Both young players, Randolph profiles to have two plus pitches in his 4-pitch arsenal to go with plus plus control and average or above stuff and movement, while Albright has plus speed and plus corner outfield defense to go with potential plus power and average or above contact and eye.

Arbitration & Qualifying Offers

Tuesday, November 20th , 2040
RP Banmei Kataoka was not offered arbitration, becomes a free agent.
SS Bruce Zglinicki rejected the qualifying offer
Thursday, November 22nd , 2040
LF Jimmy Goodman becomes a free-agent.
SS Sincere Latin becomes a free-agent.
SS Bruce Zglinicki becomes a free-agent.

There were further tough decisions for the Royals as Reliever of the Year Kataoka was not offered arbitration while neither Sincere Latin nor Jimmy Goodman were given a QO. Goodman departs the Royals after 11 years in the big leagues, with one All-Star selection, one Platinum Stick, four Great Gloves, and 34 WAR. He features in 12 of the Royals top ten lists, with the most impressive being 2nd place all-time for walks, with 828 in 5825 PA. He will no doubt find a ML home for next year, and he is looking for $10m over 4 years.

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 Asebedo, 16 year-old CF out of Mexico
Lean and athletic, Jorge Asebedo hails from Río Bravo, Mexico. He possesses middle of the order power potential. He projects to be a serviceable contact hitter with good instincts. He should draw an average number of walks. Scouts project Asebedo to fill a key role for a contending team in the big leagues.

Juan Landeros, 16 year-old RF out of Dominican Republic
Juan Landeros is a long, lean athletic right fielder who was born in Azua, Dominican Republic. His towering presence at the plate is real and he projects to send many pitches into the bleacher seats. He has above average contact potential and could hit for a .270 batting average. He should have decent judgement of the strike zone. Landeros is a reliable hitter in the organization's grand scheme.

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

Nelson Covarrubias, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Nelson Covarrubias hails from Santiago, Dominican Republic. His future looks bright as a contact hitter. He projects to be a .290 hitter. The power is more a projection right now, but he has above average power potential. He can range far and make a play on a groundball. Covarrubias looks like a potential regular in a key role at the big league level.

And other players that I was able to further assess were:
David Mancero, 16 year-old C out of Dominican Republic
Edgar Quintero, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Luis Quintanilla, 16 year-old 3B out of Netherlands Antilles
Aroghetto Badoglio, 16 year-old RF out of Italy
Daniel Guerra, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Juan Mendoza, 18 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Jorge Soriano, 16 year-old CF out of Panama