Zero to Hero - A Scotsman in MLB

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Development Lab

Zidan Sudani 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 (poor)

Rodolfo Lara 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.

David Rojo 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.

Esmarly Roseberry 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.

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

• No noticeable changes.

Cornélio Canilliac 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 right field.

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

Sergio Rulz has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his base-stealing technique.

• Leg proneness increases from Somewhat Durable to Normal Bordering on Durable

Randy Braun has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his base-stealing technique.

• No noticeable changes.

Chris Albright has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his base-stealing technique.

• Stealing improves by <5
• Stealing aggressiveness improves by <5

Edgar Noriega has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his base-stealing technique.

Max Schwind has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his base-stealing technique.

• Stealing improves by <5
• Stealing aggressiveness improves by 5

Juan Minnelli has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his defense at left field.

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

Spring Training

A 14-13 record for the Royals in 2046 and Edgar Noriega the only injury that will result in regular season time missed. He will miss the first couple of week of the season but the Royals are in a strong position with more flexibility and innings given to as many players as possible over the Spring.

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Major League Predictions

The MLB predictions show the Royals back on top, predicted to win the AL Central by 20 games with the best record in baseball, and one of two 100-win teams in the American League.

It is predicted to be a season built on the team rather than individuals with no Royals in the top four hitters or pitchers, although Gilberto Matos does make an appearance for his new ballclub, the Red Sox, who are predicted to take the last WC slot.



The 90-win Nationals are predicted to be the best team in the National League, although Stewart would expect at least one team to come through and exceed those expectations!



Opening Day Lineup



Opening Day Roster Transactions

Optioned C Nelson Canjura to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 2B Juan Montelongo to Class A Columbia.
Optioned 2B Randy Braun to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 3B Juan Colunga to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned CF Sergio Rulz to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned CF Max Schwind to Triple A Omaha.

Opening Day Pitching Battery



Opening Day Roster Transactions

Assigned SP Mike Krebs from Spring Training camp to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Mike Gaytan to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Cheng Hsien Baker to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP C.J. Binkle to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Eli Blyden to Triple A Omaha.

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KC Top Prospects

With plenty of players making the step up to the big leagues in recent years, the Royals farm system is somewhat depleted with only two top 50 players, although with 20 in the Top 200 the system is certainly not dry – Stewart will be hoping to see a rookie ball heavy programme show some progress over 2046.



MLB Top Prospects

There should be an exciting Rookie of the Year race in the American League with two of the top three prospects in baseball starting the season on AL team rosters, with a third, in the National League.



MLB Farm Systems

The depletion of the Royals farm shows as the system drops to the 10th best in baseball, down on the perennial top ten of the last few years.

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics





Jorge Corujo was on fire, sparking his club to a win, 10-7, over the Blue Jays. The Kansas City center fielder was a tough out and went 5-for-5 against Toronto in a fine hitting display.

"I got my pitches and I connected. They all found the right holes on the diamond. Some days you hit shots and they're right at somebody and some days they fall in."

Jorge Corujo singled in the 1st, doubled in the 2nd, hit an RBI single in the 4th, singled in the 5th and doubled in the 7th.

This season, Corujo has banged out 30 hits in 90 at-bats for a .333 average with 1 home run. He is getting on base at a .398 pace and his totals also include 11 RBIs and 22 runs scored.



Transactions & Injuries

Minimal activity over the first month of the season as the Royals used up the last of their IA pot on a high work ethic relief pitcher, saw Juan Medina returned from his Rule 5 pick, Edgar Noriega and Nelson Maldonado return from injury, and Chad Johnston take a trip to the Injured List to clear out a lingering minimal impact strained back that saw Curt Bogans slot into the Starting Rotation for a turn or two.

Thursday, April 5th , 2046
Assigned 2B Juan Medina to Triple A Omaha.
Wednesday, April 11th , 2046
Sent SS Edgar Noriega to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Thursday, April 19th , 2046
Sent 2B Nelson Maldonado to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Thursday, April 26th , 2046
Signed international amateur RP Humberto Loeza out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract with a $150,000 signing bonus.
Monday, April 30th , 2046
Placed SP Chad Johnston on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to 04/29/2046.
Optioned SS Edgar Noriega to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP C.J. Binkle from Triple A Omaha.

Minor League News

Josh Cleckler put together a good April to earn the Carolina League Batter of the Month prize. A virtual unknown, he made the most of his chance to prove to Columbia officials that he belongs on the big league roster.

The Fireflies center fielder posted a .390 batting average with 9 home runs, 22 RBIs and 17 runs scored.

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results

The Royals have another incredible month, only losing one series to make it two lost series through two months of the year!



Kansas City Statistics







The #1 pitcher this past month in the American League was Ben Lane of the Kansas City Royals. He worked the hitters over real good, finishing May with a superb 6-0 record and a 1.63 ERA.

The Royals star made 6 starts and surrendered 26 hits in 38.2 innings. He struck out 43 and walked 8.

This year, Lane has posted a record of 8 wins and 3 losses with a 4.63 ERA. He has appeared in 12 games and struck out 72 in 68 innings.

Transactions & Injuries

The Royals risky move of having Curt Bogans in the starting rotation backfired as elbow bone chips will rule him out for the rest of the season. Mike Gaytan came up for one ineffective start before Chad Johnston returned from injury, straight into the starting rotation while Steve Mitchell went on an injury rehab stint to end the month.

The Royals also made one trade as versatile infielder Nelson Maldonado returned from injury but with the Royals commitment to Edgar Mir and a lack of options, he was traded to the Orioles for what looks like a couple of Minor League arms. A disappointing necessity for a franchise that shows loyalty to its stars.

Saturday, May 5th , 2046
SP Curt Bogans was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Tuesday, May 8th , 2046
SP Curt Bogans diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow, will miss 8 months.
Purchased the contract of SP Mike Gaytan from Triple A Omaha.
Traded 23-year old minor league 2B Nelson Maldonado to the Baltimore Orioles, getting 23-year old minor league RHP Juan Guadiana and 25-year old minor league RHP Robby Bauer in return.
Tuesday, May 15th , 2046
Optioned SP Mike Gaytan to Triple A Omaha.
Activated SP Chad Johnston from the injured list.
Thursday, May 31st , 2046
Sent RP Steve Mitchell to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.

Minor League News

Northwest Arkansas Naturals fans believe they've got a talented young star in Brad Thomas.

He did nothing to dissuade that notion in May, as he hit .358 with 3 home runs, 18 RBIs and 17 runs scored.

The end result was the second baseman being named the Texas League Batter of the Month.

This year, Thomas is hitting .336, produced 28 RBIs and 7 home runs, scored 30 times and gotten on base at a .492 rate.

In May Northwest Arkansas starter, Juan Oviedo really put the strong arm on the other Texas League teams and hauled in the Pitcher of the Month trophy. He did it with an impressive 3 wins and no losses.

In 4 starts and 29.2 innings of work, Oviedo limited opposing batters to 14 base hits and a .139 batting average. He fanned 30, issued 5 walks and had a 1.21 ERA.

Jeff Mole of Kansas City (ACL) had an award-winning May as he took home the Arizona Complex League Pitcher of the Month award.

"He told me once people used to make fun of the way he pitches," Mole's pitching coach told reporters. "There wasn't anybody laughing in May except for Jeff."

Mole was all business when he took the mound though, collecting a 4-0 record in 5 starts. He struck out 43 batters in 29 innings and kept opponents to a .190 batting average.

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics





It was a big day with the bat for Jorge Corujo of the Kansas City Royals at Colorado Field as he bashed out hit after hit after hit to defeat the Colorado Rockies, 18-7.

After the game he said, "Guys, it's just one game in a long season. I hit it hard and found some holes. 5 hits in 5 tries. But my hits are not the big thing in the game. The victory is the important thing. That's the story."

At the end of the game Corujo had collected 5 hits in 5 at-bats and a small mention in the record book. And the Royals had won. Jorge Corujo singled in the 1st, hit an RBI double in the 3rd, singled in the 4th, walked in the 5th, doubled in the 7th, hit an RBI single in the 8th and walked in the 9th.

So far this year, Corujo is batting .305 with 3 home runs, 33 RBIs and 53 runs scored.



Kansas City Royals starter Chris Kuehn has collected the American League Pitcher of the Month award for a run of lights-out performances.

"This town really appreciates it when you're going well," said Kuehn. "They might boo you when you're getting knocked around, but they love you when you're mowin' them down."

In June the 28-year-old compiled a 5-1 record in 6 starts with a 2.57 ERA. He threw 35 innings, fanning 41 while walking 14.

This year, Kuehn has worked 95.1 innings with 102 strikeouts en route to a 10-2 record and a 3.87 ERA.

Transactions & Injuries

Another month of minimal activity as the Royals received another Rule 5 draft player back in Juan Escobedo, while Chad Johnston returned, got injured, and returned again over the course of the month while Mike Gaytan did himself no favours in his call up. Jeremy Ogans returned after his long term injury but sadly has lost all his stamina so the Royals may move on from him ahead of the trade deadline. The big move was signing Luis Danys Rhodes to a three year extension at an average of $10m per season, although only the first is guaranteed. There is some risk attached to the 30+ reliever but the Royals are banking on at least one more solid season, while the back up of having first refusal on the following two.

Thursday, June 7th , 2046
Received former Rule 5 draft pick RF Juan Escobedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Tuesday, June 12th , 2046
Placed SP Chad Johnston on the 15-day injured list.
Purchased the contract of SP Mike Gaytan from Triple A Omaha.
Wednesday, June 13th , 2046
Signed CL Luis Danys Rhodes to a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $30,000,000.
Sunday, June 17th , 2046
Placed RP Albert Regalado on the 15-day injured list.
Purchased the contract of RP Steve Mitchell from Triple A Omaha.
Tuesday, June 19th , 2046
Sent SP Jeremy Ogans to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Thursday, June 28th , 2046
Optioned SP Mike Gaytan to Triple A Omaha.
Activated SP Chad Johnston from the injured list.

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The Royals have five players named to the All-Star team, although this year’s selections may be more about the snubs than the picks. Chris Kuehn is 2nd in wins, 1st in K/9, 3rd= in WAR and with the top FIP in the American League but misses out while on the hitting side, Jadon Tezeno is ranked ahead of former teammate Chris Ambrose in every batter ranking!

The two legendary Relief Pitchers, Dan Nichols (10th) and Luis Danys Rhodes (6th) head back to the All-Star Game, and they are joined for the 4th time by Bobby Nickelberry, the second time by Luis Aceves, and first timer Jorge Corujo.

RP Dan Nichols (KC) - 7-1, 3.05 ERA, 59.0 IP, 1.22 WHIP, 8.5 K/9, 0.7 WAR
CL Luis Danys Rhodes (KC)* - 3-2, 13 SV, 1.88 ERA, 62.1 IP, 0.90 WHIP, 10.8 K/9, 2.2 WAR
1B Luis Aceves (KC) - .271/.366/.645, 273 AB, 28 HR, 16 SB, 158 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
CF Jorge Corujo (KC) - .301/.368/.428, 332 AB, 5 HR, 52 SB, 115 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
RF Bobby Nickelberry (KC)* - .347/.382/.697, 346 AB, 33 HR, 180 wRC+, 4.5 WAR

Five former Royals make the All Star lists, three in the American League and two for the National League.

3B Mike Campney (HOU)* - .301/.359/.582, 316 AB, 24 HR, 1 SB, 149 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
SS Chris Ambrose (CLE) - .270/.315/.394, 330 AB, 6 HR, 6 SB, 89 wRC+, 1.5 WAR
LF Mike Thomas (HOU) - .288/.384/.548, 323 AB, 17 HR, 13 SB, 149 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
SP Greg Moehring (STL)* - 4-5, 3.32 ERA, 76.0 IP, 1.32 WHIP, 9.2 K/9, 1.9 WAR (Injured)
SS Mike Schwind (CHC) - .256/.305/.458, 332 AB, 14 HR, 1 SB, 101 wRC+, 1.5 WAR



It is a largely fruitless All Star Game for the Royals players. Bobby Nickelberry misses out through suspension, while Luis Aceves and Jorge Corujo go 0-3 between them and Luis Danys Rhodes gives up a HR as he only records one out. Dan Nichols is the most successful, pitching a clean 2/3 of an inning.



The first half of the season has seen the batting line up explode with ever hitter outside of the catchers hitting above league average. Luis Montoya has taken over every day catching due to Mike Woods’ horrific hitting numbers but that is a definite black hole! However, that is offset by the rest of the team, particularly the three All-Stars. Bobby Nickelberry is having an All-Time Royal year and is on track to smash the Royals HR record, with the first 50 HR Royals batter his goal. Luis Aceves is chasing him, with 28 HR at the break. Jorge Corujo already has 52 SB which is good for 11th all time on the Royals single season list, and Willie Wilson’s 83 steal season is in his sights.



Chris Kuehn and Ben Lane have both had excellent seasons, while Mike Herzner is the only starter to struggle. A third front line starter is certainly a chance ahead of the trade deadline. In the bullpen, Luis Danys Rhodes has been fantastic, Dan Nichols. Joe Manley, and Juan Anaya all excelling. 

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Owner Goals



Team Record:
You have done a heck of a job so far with this team. To hit our preseason goal of making the postseason, you'll have to keep it up. I know you can do it.

Extend your player:
Do you remember me telling you to get Estanislau Covete signed to an extension? It's not too late to get going on that. The earlier we lock him up the better it will be.

Acquire a player:
I'm pleased with your prompt action. Bringing in a All-Star like Juan Minnelli is exactly what I had in mind.

During our time working together, I have been happy with your progress towards the goals I have set out for you. Considering your current and past successes, I am very 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



2046 Draft

The Royals, courtesy of the best record in baseball in 2045, had the final pick of the first round of the draft and so, as in recent years, took a lottery ticket with a HS player. John Dinsmore is a left-handed, average outfielder with below average speed, but has the potential for plus contact, power, and eye.



The rest of the Royals bonus picks were:

Round 1 (Suppl.), Pick 3 - 3B Ernesto Arellano, age 18 out of high school
Round 2, Pick 34 - SP Joe Teichner, age 18 out of high school
Round 3, Pick 23 - SP J.P. Carrillo, age 18 out of high school
Round 4, Pick 30 - SS Kevin Lawrence, age 17 out of high school
Round 5, Pick 30 - 1B Andy Casazza, age 17 out of high school

The Royals signed all 21 players drafted, with only 14th round CF Edgar Rojas and 20th round RP Julio Corona starting in A ball, the rest in Rookie Ball.

 

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics







Transactions & Injuries

The month started with the Royals securing stability by resigning all coaches with expiring contracts.

Suspensions and injuries saw some promotion and demotion in the bullpen over the course of the month before 26th July arrived and the Royals shook up their roster for the final push in 2046.

The first move was to trade away Mike Herzner’s $18.5m QO contract to free up around $6m, the return being a lottery ticket infielder who will slot into AA.

Next, the Royals paid the price of 2044 trade acquisition Dusty Cook to reclaim Benton Geldart, a LHP they lost to the Guardians in the Rule 5 draft in 2044.

Finally, the Royals moved on from arbitration C Mike Woods, who had really struggled at the plate this year, along with 76-ranked prospect, and 2041 4th round pick, 2B Randy Braun in exchange for LHP Carson Willard from the Angels. The Angels will retain 35% of his salary, meaning the Royals get the 28-year old on a 4 year contract with a maximum annual commitment of $10.1m.

Willard and Geldart provide some LHP pitching as well as generally strengthening the rotation, which sees Chad Johnston head back to AAA to work on his secondary pitchers for the remainder of the season. In addition, Bob Capozziello heads to AAA as Jeremy Ogan’s weakened stamina sends him to the bullpen.

Coming the other way from AAA is catcher Nelson Canjura, who can’t be worse than Woods at the plate but isn’t seen as a long term solution.

Sunday, July 1st , 2046
Signed 1B Coach Robbie Price to a 5-year contract extension.
Tuesday, July 3rd , 2046
Signed 3B Coach Ari Adut to a 5-year contract extension.
Signed Hitting Coach Victor Ferrante to a 5-year contract extension.
Signed - Peter O'Brien to a 5-year contract extension.
Signed Assistant GM Jake Van Orden to a 5-year contract extension.
Sent RP Albert Regalado to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Wednesday, July 18th , 2046
Traded 23-year old minor league RF Julio Carrillo to the Chicago White Sox, getting 21-year old minor league C Arturo Arellano in return.
Thursday, July 26th , 2046
Traded 32-year old RHP Mike Herzner to the Pittsburgh Pirates, getting 24-year old minor league 2B J.G. Puentes in return.
Traded 22-year old minor league RF Dusty Cook to the Cleveland Guardians, getting 22-year old LHP Benton Geldart in return.
Traded 26-year old C Mike Woods and 23-year old minor league 2B Randy Braun to the Los Angeles Angels, getting 28-year old LHP Cason Willard(retaining 35%) in return.
Optioned SP Chad Johnston to Triple A Omaha.
Saturday, July 28th , 2046
Optioned RP Bob Capozziello to Triple A Omaha.
Placed RP Joe Manley on the active roster.
Tuesday, July 31st , 2046
Purchased the contract of C Nelson Canjura from Triple A Omaha.

Minor League News

Tim Parsons was on cloud nine the entire month of July, capping it off with the Texas League Pitcher of the Month honors.

The Northwest Arkansas starter was spectacular in 5 starting assignments with 4 wins and 1 loss, 28.2 innings pitched, 33 strikeouts and a fine 3.14 ERA.

So far this season, Parsons has logged a 9-3 record with a 4.02 ERA. He has started 20 games, hurled 109.2 innings and registered 101 strikeouts and 68 walks.

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results

The Royals season continues to set records as they secure a 18th consecutive trip to the playoffs on 26 August before they play. Their victory that day is their 100th of the season, their 7th in a row and 9th in the last 10 years.

On the 20th they lost to the Astros 1-5 but still secured the AL Central for the 11th time in a row, the 14th time during Stewart’s, and 21st time overall. Their streak is now second only to the Braves 1991-2005, 14-season streak and is surely in the Royals sights. They will, of course, hope that this year takes them past one WS during the streak.

The goal of the last month of the season is 16 wins to become the first 120-win team in MLB regular season history.



Kansas City Statistics





Another successful month for Royals hitters although all-time seasons are looking less likely with Bobby Nickelberry now in a race with Luis Aceves to lead the team in HR but needing 11 HRs in September to break the franchise record while Jorge Corujo wold need to steal 17 bases in September to take the record so his own 21st century record of 73 is a more likely target, six away.

All three will be looking to secure league-leading numbers, although only Corujo seems on track as he leads by 10; Nickelberry is four back of the Angels Brad Nicastro.



On the pitching side, the quest is wins as Chris Kuehn has a chance at least matching Bret Saberhagen’s 23 win season, sitting at 18 as September begins.

Transactions & Injuries

A quiet month for the Royals as they got lucky with injuries and performances ensured no changes to the roster were necessary.

Wednesday, August 1st , 2046
Placed SP Ben Lane on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to 08/01/2046.
Purchased the contract of RP Albert Regalado from Triple A Omaha.
Friday, August 17th , 2046
Optioned RP Yoichiro Curtsinger to Triple A Omaha.
Placed SP Ben Lane on the active roster.

Minor League News

August is a month A.J. Terry will no doubt remember for quite some time to come.

The 22-year-old Northwest Arkansas center fielder came through all month long for his club and has won honors as the Texas League Batter of the Month.

His standout month saw him put up a .347 batting average, with 12 home runs, 26 RBIs, 22 runs scored and a .432 on-base percentage.

This year, Terry is batting .344 with 45 hits and 15 home runs. He has scored 31 times and has batted in 35 runs. 

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results

Highlights of the month:
23 September – 118th win – this is the most successful KC regular season ever; it’s appropriate that Ethan Chafin got the win (19th of the season) with Dan Nichols getting the save in a 1-0 victory
25 September – the Royals become the greatest regular season team in history with a 12-3 win @ Washington
27 September – Kansas City record the first 120-win season in regular season history with a 5-4 road win against Washington



Kansas City Statistics





Bobby Nickelberry was at the top of the hit parade in the American League throughout September. For the outstanding month, the talented Kansas City right fielder was chosen the Batter of the Month.

He compiled a .449 average with 44 hits, 6 home runs, 27 RBIs and 16 runs scored.

This year, Nickelberry is hitting .360 with 44 home runs and 138 RBIs to his credit. He has gotten on base at a .395 clip and scored 115 runs.



His goal at twenty was to win twenty games one year, pitch until he was thirty, win the league pennant and to make some money. Well, Dan Nichols did something even better -- the 41-year-old Kansas City Royals star has now won 200 games in his career. That put him in a very select group of pitchers.

He joined that exclusive club today at Minute Maid Park by whipping the Houston Astros 2-1, holding them to 2 hits in 2 innings while chalking up 2 strikeouts and no walks.

In the postgame interview, the modest Nichols said, "It's special to win 200 games. You don't do it by yourself. You do it with good stuff and a good bullpen. You are only as good as the guys behind you. Years from now I might look back on it and give myself a little pat on the back."

Over his career Nichols has a 200-140 won-lost record with a 3.32 ERA. In 794 games he has recorded 114 saves, and the 41-year-old has fanned 2902 batters in 2973.2 innings.

Transactions & Injuries

The Royals avoided major injuries during September with the only moves taking advantage of the roster expansion to give some Major League experience to players performing well in Omaha.

Saturday, September 1st , 2046
Purchased the contract of RP Bob Capozziello from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Eli Blyden from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Yoichiro Curtsinger from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SS Edgar Noriega from Triple A Omaha.
Placed 1B Robby Moll on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Purchased the contract of 1B Robby Moll from Triple A Omaha.
Placed CF Domingo Carrillo on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Purchased the contract of CF Domingo Carrillo from Triple A Omaha.

Minor League News

The Pitcher of the Month has been picked and the Texas League trophy went to Northwest Arkansas hurler Edgar Bernal for his strong performance in September.

During the month, Bernal was impressive with a 1.54 ERA and 3 wins and no losses. In 23.1 innings he struck out 18 and gave up 15 hits and 4 walks.

For the season, Bernal has a record of 6 wins and 3 losses in 24 appearances. He has an ERA of 1.61 and has fanned 61 batters in 61.1 innings.

Ken Crome of the Omaha Storm Chasers stood out in September with a .308 batting average against International League pitchers to land him the Batter of the Month award.

The 22-year-old center fielder totaled 10 home runs, 23 RBIs and 18 runs scored. He also chipped in 8 walks for a .382 on-base percentage.

For the season, Crome has produced 155 hits in 559 at-bats for a .277 average with 41 home runs and gotten on base at a .356 clip.

Mike Krebs was on top of the world in September, capping it off with the International League Pitcher of the Month honors.

The Omaha starter was superb in 3 starts with 3 wins and no losses, 22.1 innings pitched, 22 strikeouts and a fine 1.61 ERA.

His record this year is 16-5 in 30 starts and Krebs has a 3.79 ERA. 

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The Royals have earned home field advantage all the way to the World Series should they get that far after their historic season, and that comes with the first-round bye. The Astros take the second bye, after recording another 100-win season. The Wild Card series in the American League has three AL East team, with the Rays taking on the Yankees, and the Red Sox facing the West’s Avalanche. The Avalanche beat out the White Sox thanks to a 4-2 regular season record. The Royals will either face the Yankees for the 6th time in the post season, or the Rays for the first time.

Over in the National League, the Padres earn the top seed with a 99-win season, while the Marlins take the second bye thanks to a 7-6 regular season advantage over the Braves, The Braves will take on NL Central champs the Cardinals, while the second wild card series is an all-NL West match between the Dodgers and the Rockies.

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The Yankees shut out the Rays in back-to-back games to cruise into a Divisional Series match up against the Royals. This will be the first match up between the teams in the post season since the 2032 American League Championship, the Royals sweeping that series 4-0.

The remaining wild card series saw a sweep for the Avalanche to set up a Houston series, and game three wins for the Dodgers, who will take on their NL West foes the Padres, and the Cardinals, who will take on the Marlins.

The Royals will enter the series as strong favourites but, despite taking the regular season series 4-2, the Yankees are running hot after 6-0, 7-0 wild card series victories.

They only ranked 9th and 5th in runs scored and against respectively in the regular season so are very much a team greater than the sum of its parts.

The hitters are led by 1B Jesus Sandoval, a 2037 3rd round pick who led the team in batting average, home runs, and RBIs. 2B Juan Jaramillo is also a threat, having hit 38 HRs while stealing 20 bases while former Royal LF Jamie Edwards will bring some familiarity for the Royals. Future Hall of Famer 2B Grady Emerson will miss the series, a fractured thumb ruling him out for another 4 weeks.

The pitching is headlined by Andy Pennington, a 3.17 ERA with 17 wins and 229 strikes showcasing his ace ability. The bullpen is another strength with 5-time Reliever of the Year Pat Black closing out games (AL-leading 50 saves with a 1.57 ERA), often after setup man Frank Miranda (2046 trade acquisition from Seattle) has held the fort. Another former Royal, Doug Campos (2.66) is one of two further Yankees with an ERA under three in the bullpen, Sergio Carrasco (2.21) rounding out the quartet

Game 1 in Kansas City: Chris Kuehn vs Andy Pennington (2045 Free Agent)
New York wins 4-1
• Pennington (W): 7.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• Kuehn (L): 6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R
• Pat Black (SV): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• New York HRs: Mike Kimmerle (7th, 2R)
• Kansas City HRs: Estanislau Covete (6th)
• New York

Game 2 in Kansas City: Ben Lane vs Mike Asbury (2046 Trade NYM)
• Kansas City wins 3-1
• Lane (W): 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R
• Asbury (L): 6.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R
• Luis Danys Rhodes (SV): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• 1-1 Series Tied

Game 3 in New York: Cason Willard vs Jimmy Mayo (2038 5th Round)
• Kansas City wins 5-0
• Willard (W): 6.0 IP, 6 Y, 0 R
• Mayo (L): 5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Rhodes (SV): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Kansas City HRs: Covete (5th; 9th, 2R), Tezeno (7th)
• POTG: Covete (KC) 2-3, BB, 2 HR, 3 RBI
• 2-1 Kansas City

Game 4 in New York: Ethan Chafin vs Jamie Lieggi (2046 Trade TEX)
• Kansas City wins 7-2
• Chafin (W): 7.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R
• Lieggi (L): 0.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R
• Kansas City HRs: Juan Minnelli (1st, 2R), Bobby Nickelberry (1st), Juan Corujo (5th), Luis Montoya (9th)
• 3-1 KANSAS CITY WINS

Series MVP: Estanislau Covete (KC) 5-13, 3 HR, 5 RBI


 

[benp28]

All four of the top seeds progress from the Division Series, and all by a score of 3-1. That sets out a Padres-Marlin NL Championship and a 6th consecutive Royals-Astros AL Championship, with the Astros winning three of the past five.

The Royals took the regular season series 5-2 between the two winningest teams in baseball in 2046.

The Astros are as balanced a team as the Royals with the 3rd best runs scored and runs against totals in the American League.

These teams are very familiar with each other with the Astros batting line up including three former Royals in 3B Mike Campney, LF Mike Thomas, and CF Juan Soreni (a 2046 Free Agent signing). The two Mikes have once again paced the offence, sitting one and two in average, HRs, and RBIs. Their fourth former Royal, Natalino Villa will miss the series, having again suffered a serious injury, a broken bone in his elbow meaning he is still out for 2-3 months.

First ballot hall of famer J.J. Tjepkema fronts their pitching rotation, and earned 17 wins behind a 3.01 ERA and 228 K over 227 IP. Juan Silva also recorded an ERA under 4.00, as he earned 15 wins while closer Arturo Castillo recorded 36 saves in 60 appearances. The bullpen has one former Royal in LHP Julio Pesina (4.88 ERA) while SP Juan Llamas is another former-Royals who misses out with a torn meniscus in his knee; he will miss another 3-4 months.

Game 1 in Kansas City: Chris Kuehn vs. J.J. Tjepkema (2042 Free Agent)

• Houston wins 3-1
• Tjepkema (W): 7.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• Luis Danys Rhodes (L): 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R
• Arturo Castillo (SV): 2.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R
• Houston HRs: Jake Snyder (5th)
• Kansas City HRs: Nelson Canjura (6th)
• 1-0 Houston

Game 2 in Kansas City: Ben Lane vs Juan Silva (2038 Scouting Discovery)

• Kansas City wins 11-7
• Lane: 4.0 IP, 6 H, 6 R
• Bob Capozziello (W): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Silva (L): 0.2 IP, 6 H, 6 R
• Houston HRs: Nelson Aguirre (1st), Hunter Chaulk (2nd, 3R), Snyder (3rd)
• Kansas City HRs: Estanislau Covete (1st, 2R), Bobby Nickelberry (2nd)
• POTG: Hunter Chaulk (HOU) 2-2, 2 BB, HR, 3 RBI
• 1-1 Series Tied

Game 3 in Houston: Cason Willard vs Monfre Saavedra (2046 Trade PHI)

• Kansas City wins 7-3
• Willard (W): 6.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R
• Saavedra (L): 4.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R
• Houston HRs: Snyder (4th), Mike Haley (5th, 2R)
• Kansas City HRs: Jadon Tezeno (5th, 2R), Luis Montoya (5th), Juan Minnelli (7th)
• Robbie Austin (HOU) Injured while pitching – pending
• 2-1 Kansas City

Game 4 in Houston: Ethan Chafin vs Joe Blevins (2046 Trade STL)

• Kansas City wins 7-4
• Chafin: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• Jeremy Ogans (W): 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R
• Blevins (L): 4.1 IP, 5 H, 6 R
• Rhodes (SV): 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R
• Houston HRs: Juan Soreni (3rd)
• Kansas City HRs: Montoya (2nd, 2R), Nickelberry (5th)
• POTG: Juan Soreni (HOU) 3-4, HR
• Ethan Chafin (KC) injured while pitching – 2 weeks
• 3-1 Kansas City

Game 5 in Houston: Kuehn vs Tjepkema

• Kansas City wins 9-1
• Kuehn (W): 6.0 IP, 9 H, 1 R
• Tjepkema (L) 6.0 IP, 5 H, 5 R
• Kansas City HRs: Luis Aceves (3rd), Tezeno (4th), Arturo Oramas (7th, 3R), Covete (9th, 2R)
• Nelson Aguirre injured running the bases – pending
• POTG: Arturo Oramas (KC) 3-5, HR, 3 RBI
• 4-1 Kansas City wins

Series MVP: Bobby Nickelberry (KC) 8-19, 2 HR, 5 RBI

[benp28]

The Royals will make their 12th World Series appearance, looking for their 4th title. They will meet, for the first time in World Series history, the San Diego Padres. This will be a match of the best regular season teams in the AL and NL respectively. The Padres will also be bidding for their 4th title, having won in 2027 and back-to-back in 2034 and 2035. They have been perfect in the World Series since 2027, with three titles from three NL pennants.

The Padres were one of the very few teams in baseball to get the better of the Royals in the regular season, winning their series 2-1. Their success comes from the number one ranked pitched staff in the NL, while their hitting only managed the 4th most runs in the division.

Their battling line up was anchored by CF Ernesto Buenrostro, who led the team with a .338 batting average and 67 stolen bases alongside 23 HRs (2nd) and 83 RBIs (2nd). However, back tightness will rule him out of the World Series. RF Jorge Arreola will step up in Buenrostro’s absence, the outfielder responsible for a team-high 28 HRs and 86 RBIs over the course of the season.

The pitching corps are led by the 1-2 punch of Bobby Durham and Luis Moreno. Moreno had 16 wins and a 2.91 ERA over the course of the season, while Durham struck out 170 with a 3.50 ERA. Rule 5 draft acquisition from the Royals Nelson Gallegos has started 14 games with an ERA of 3.49. One former Royal missing out is Mike Hoffer, while another will be part of the bullpen in Chris Wagner. That bullpen has a couple of sub 3.00 ERA arms in LHP Joel Lochner and closer Juan Sauceda, who had an NL high 45 saves in 65 appearances.

Game 1 in Kansas City: Ben Lane v Luis Moreno (2040 3rd Round)
Kansas City wins 4-3 (10)
Lane: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R
Moreno: 6.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R
Luis Danys Rhodes (W): 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R
Joel Lochner (L): 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R
Kansas City HRs: Luis Aceves (8th, 2R)
POTG: Luis Moreno (SD)
1-0 Kansas City

Game 2 in Kansas City: Carson Willard vs Nelson Gallegos (2042 Rule 5 KC)
San Diego wins 7-6
Gallegos: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R
Willard: 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R
Jimmy Baker (W): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
Dan Nichols (BS)(L): 1.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R
San Diego HRs: Chris Ring (3rd)
Chris Wagner (SD) injured while pitching – DTD 1 week
POTG: Chris Ring (SD) 4-5, HR, 4 RBI
1-1 Series Tied

Game 3 in San Diego: Chad Johnson vs Bobby Durham (2041 1st Round)
Kansas City wins 10-4
Johnson: 5.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R
Durham: 7.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R
Juan Anaya (W)(SV): 4.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R
Ramiro Castillo (L): 1.2 IP, 5 H, 6 R
Kansas City HRs: Juan Minnelli (1st), Bobby Nickelberry (4th), Jadon Tezeno (5th)
San Diego HRs: Tiburcio Matador (9th)
POTG: Juan Minnelli (KC) 3-6, HR
2-1 Kansas City

Game 4 in San Diego: Chris Kuehn vs Luis Aguilar (2046 Trade AZ)
San Diego wins 10-5
Kuehn (L): 5.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R
Aguilar (W): 6.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R
Kansas City HRs: Estanislau Covete (3rd), Aceves (5th; 8th, 2R)
San Diego HRs: Juan Osorio (4th; 6th, 2R), Luis Castro (6th), Arreola (8th)
Steve Mitchell (KC) injured while pitching – DTD 2 weeks
POTG: Juan Osorio (SD) 2-3, BB, HR, 3 RBI
2-2 Series Tied

Game 5 in San Diego: Lane vs Moreno
Kansas City wins 5-0
Lane (W): 6.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R
Moreno (L): 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R
Nichols (SV): 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R
Kansas City HRs: Tezeno (3rd), Minnelli (7th), Luis Aguilar (9th)
3-2 Kansas City

Game 6 in Kansas City: Willard vs Gallegos
San Diego wins 3-1
Willard: 7 IP, 3 H. 0 R
Gallegos: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 0 $
Joel Lochner (W): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
Rhodes (L): 1.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R
Sauceda (SV): 2.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R
Kansas City HRs: Nickelberry (8th)
Luis Castro (SD) injured running the bases – pending
POTG: Cason Willard (KC)
3-3 Series Tied

Game 7 in Kansas City: Johnson vs Durham
Kansas City wins 7-0
Johnson (W): 7.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R
Durham (L): 4.2 IP 5 H, 4 R
POTG: Johnson (KC)
4-3 KANSAS CITY WINS

Series MVP: Juan Minnelli (KC) 11-31, 2 HR, 4 RBI

They Royals win it all for the second time in the Colin Stewart era! Having only dropped two games across the first two series of the postseason, the Royals take all seven games to see off the Padres. Game 7 is the more fair reflection of the Royals dominance over the season, though, as they shut out the Padres and score 7 runs themselves. Kansas City sets the regular season record and goes on to the win the World Series, following the Astros in achieving that double, and ending with a best-ever 133-45 record across the regular- and post-season.