2 Runs Away - A KC Royals Dynasty

RoyalsBlue · 03-28-2015, 03:02 PM

Last season was nearly perfect for long-suffering Royals fans as their team took them on a long-awaited roller coaster ride in the post season for the first time since George Brett, Frank White and Bret Saberhagen laced up the cleats for the team from the heartland.

From the nerve shattering extra-inning win against Oakland in what many consider to be one of the greatest elimination games of all time through their sweeps of the Angels and Orioles in the ALDS and ALCS respectively to the agony of leaving the tying run on base in the 9th inning of a game 7 World Series loss to the Giants, these Royals gave their fanbase a ride which will never be forgotten by any that witnessed it.

Now it's time for the 2015 team to pick up the pieces and get the final two runs and fulfill the dreams of Royals fans everywhere with the ultimate in baseball trophies: a World Series championship.

With the loss of James Shields, Billy Butler and Nori Aoki to free agency, the Royals acquired Kendrys Morales, Alex Rios and Edinson Volquez to fill their spots, if not their shoes. Early indications are that fireballing young righty Yordano Ventura is ticketed for the opening day start at Kauffman Stadium and will be the ace of the staff.

RoyalsBlue · 03-28-2015, 04:48 PM

After last season's surprising World Series run, you'd have thought that there wasn't anything left that would shock Kansas City Royals fans.

However, you would be wrong as the entire Royals fanbase was taken aback by Dayton Moore's sudden and immediate decision to step away from the helm of his boyhood team.

And the shocks didn't stop there, as owner David Glass announced Moore's successor, Rob Hill, and publically announced the goals that he had in mind for the new general manager.

"Rob is going to have all the support of our entire family along with the Royals organization and fanbase as he continues the work started by Dayton. Obviously we will need to continue winning, but more importantly we want to get back to the World Series, if not this year at least within the next five or six years. I don't want to meddle much with player acquisitions, but it sure would be great to have Alex Gordon finish his career here in Royals blue. Now I give you the new general manager, Rob Hill."

No pressure on the new guy eh?

"It's a dream to be standing here as the new general manager of the Royals, a team I grew up following, much as my predecessor did. I'd like to thank Dayton for everything he did and how hard he worked to rebuild this franchise from the ground up. Regardless of the expectations that Mr. Glass or his family has for me, I know in my heart that mine are even more strict. I'll accept nothing less than winning the World Series and we'll do everything in our power to bring the trophy back here to 1 Royal Way."

RoyalsBlue · 03-29-2015, 10:56 AM

Sign Alex Gordon to an extension? Sure no problem Mister Glass. I can get it done for you.

Those words may come back to haunt me after I contacted his agent to begin negotiations for a contract extension. I nearly spit my drink out when his agent threw out a 5 year deal for 25 million per.

First of all, for a market the size of Kansas City, 125 million for one guy is nearly impossible. Secondly, Alex is on the wrong side of thirty and while he's a very good player, that magnitude of contract is reserved for the elite players and I can't in good conscience try to spin his career as one of the elite.

Damn, I need another hurricane, it's going to be a long night working up a contract counter-offer that won't insult our left fielder.

Stupid owner goals anyway.

RoyalsBlue · 03-29-2015, 03:00 PM

Starting Pitching

Yordano Ventura - The 23 year old came in 6th in the AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2014, so Kansas City is looking for even better things this year as he's been named the opening day starter for Ned Yost and the Royals. Ace, as he's been affectionately named by teammates and fans alike, will be taking over the role vacated by the departed James Shields.

Danny Duffy - The 26 year old lefty seemed to come into his own last season as he pitched effectively and lowered his walks considerably. The only real issue is can he stay healthy as he's already had Tommy John surgery and battled nagging injuries last season, which limited him to under 150 innings during 2014 and minimized his appearances in the postseason.

Edinson Volquez - Was last year the re-launching of the enigmatic hurlers career or just a once in a lifetime fluke? For a man that was once traded for slugger Josh Hamilton, he's been cut more than Rocky Balboa was by his trainer Mick. KC is gambling that Volquez has finally conquered his wildness and will become a steady number three in the rotation.

Jason Vargas - Vargy was a pleasant surprise to the Royals fanbase last year as he more than earned the paycheck that former gm Dayton Moore signed him to. This year, he'll be towards the back of the rotation and should be able to come close to replicating his numbers from a year ago.

Jeremy Guthrie - Guthrie was a steal of an acquisition from the Rockies a couple of seasons ago and he's a great clubhouse presence. Steady veteran role is perfect for him as the number five in the rotation.

Bullpen

Greg Holland - One of the premiere closers in the game today. The North Carolina native is unflappable no matter the situation and can be counted on to shut the door nearly all of the time with 93 saves over the past two seasons

Wade Davis - Coming off one of the most dominant seasons by a set-up man in the history of baseball, most would think the lanky righty would be eager to be the closer, but Davis seems content as the setup man. Who can blame him when he gets to set the stage for Holland?

Kelvin Herrera - The third component of the HDH bullpen, he is the very definition of flamethrower as he routinely hits 100 on the radar gun. Change up? That's about 88-90!

Luke Hochevar - Hoch is coming off of Tommy John surgery last season but he performed much as Wade Davis did after moving to the bullpen. The former number one pick struggled as a starter, but blossomed as a reliever.

Jason Frasor - Veteran presence in the pen, will do whatever Ned Yost asks of him. Solid hurler overall.

Brandon Finnegan - From college World Series to the MLB World Series last year, the youngster rocketed through the minors and was a key in the extra-inning thriller of a wildcard game against Oakland. Now we will see if he can continue to progress.

Louis Coleman - Coleman is one of the guys that just keeps sticking around. Numbers are solid and he never complains, just keeps working and getting better.

mpejkrm · 03-29-2015, 03:35 PM

This should be good, i'll be following along. Interesting decision to leave Finnegan in the MLB bullpen rather than develop as a starter.

RoyalsBlue · 03-31-2015, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpejkrm

This should be good, i'll be following along. Interesting decision to leave Finnegan in the MLB bullpen rather than develop as a starter.

I thought about starting the season with Finnegan in the minors, but just went with a gut decision to keep him in the pen. Worse comes to worse he'll get sent down and I'll start him on the path to being a starter. We've got depth and that's always a good thing.

thanks for checking in!

RoyalsBlue · 04-01-2015, 07:31 AM

Perennial rivals Los Angeles and San Francisco completed a trade involving three players yesterday.

The Giants sent right handed pitcher Jean Machi along with minor league righty Chris Stratton to the Dodgers in exchange for Justin Turner.

All indications from the Giants are that Turner is expected to be their third baseman for the upcoming season. None of the principals were available for comment.

RoyalsBlue · 04-01-2015, 09:09 PM

POSITION STARTERS

C Salvador Perez : Two-time all-star and he caught 1250 innings last season, so he's durable as all get out, however he did fade down the stretch, so we'll try to get him regular rest so that he's strong the entire season.

1B Eric Hosmer : Outstanding defensive first baseman and his run in the playoffs really got him noticed nationally, now we see if he can be consistent over an entire season. 15-20 homers and 80-95 rbi are a fair estimate, provided he keeps his focus.

2B Omar Infante : 2014 was probably his worst season in a while, but it was an upgrade over what was passing for second base offense over the past several seasons in KC. If Omar can stay healthy, expectations are that he can at least replicate his offensive production this year.

3B MIke Moustakas : Moose has been consistently inconsistent ever since landing on the main roster. He needs to find his groove quickly or he could wind up as the latest third sacker to be unable to conquer the ghost of number 5 on the hot corner.

SS Alcides Escobar : Durable and dependable, Esky played in all 162 games of the regular season and all postseason as well. If he can improve his pitch selection he will be a solid leadoff hitter. Defensively, he has the potential to grab his first gold glove this season.

LF Alex Gordon : Named a Platinum Glove award winner by his peers last season, Gordo is the undisputed leader of the Royals clubhouse, albeit by example more than words. He has a player option after the season, so this could be his final year with the team that drafted him number 2 overall.

CF - Lorenzo Cain : Until last season, Lo-Cain had a hard time staying healthy, but he finally did get over 500 at bats for the first time in the majors. Last years ALCS MVP for his offense, he's another gold glove caliber defender that makes hard plays look routine.

RF Alex Rios : After a injury plagued 2013 & 2014, the Royals are betting on the veteran to bounce back. He may never regain the 20 plus homer power of his younger days, but 15-20 and improved defense in right will sit just fine with the KC faithful

DH Kendrys Morales : Perhaps best known for breaking his leg after jumping on home plate in celebration of a win for the Angels, the switch-hitter is being counted on to be an upgrade at DH for the Royals.

BENCH
C Erik Kratz
IF Christian Colon
IF Rafael Furcal
OF Jarrod Dyson

buckeye22 · 04-03-2015, 03:14 AM

As a fan of a different AL Central team, I certainly hope you're not able to get the Royals back to the World Series.

But I did enjoy the run they had last year, it's always fun to see long suffering franchises and fan bases get their moment in the sun. I remember what it was like back in 06 and I'm happy for anyone who sticks by their team through all the bad and finally gets that experience.

Out of the all of the Central teams that aren't the Tigers, the Royals are the one I tolerate the most, so I'll be following along here. Best of luck!

03-28-2015, 03:02 PM	#1
RoyalsBlue Major Leagues Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Section 406, Row A, Seat 1 Posts: 375	2 Runs Away - A KC Royals Dynasty Last season was nearly perfect for long-suffering Royals fans as their team took them on a long-awaited roller coaster ride in the post season for the first time since George Brett, Frank White and Bret Saberhagen laced up the cleats for the team from the heartland. From the nerve shattering extra-inning win against Oakland in what many consider to be one of the greatest elimination games of all time through their sweeps of the Angels and Orioles in the ALDS and ALCS respectively to the agony of leaving the tying run on base in the 9th inning of a game 7 World Series loss to the Giants, these Royals gave their fanbase a ride which will never be forgotten by any that witnessed it. Now it's time for the 2015 team to pick up the pieces and get the final two runs and fulfill the dreams of Royals fans everywhere with the ultimate in baseball trophies: a World Series championship. With the loss of James Shields, Billy Butler and Nori Aoki to free agency, the Royals acquired Kendrys Morales, Alex Rios and Edinson Volquez to fill their spots, if not their shoes. Early indications are that fireballing young righty Yordano Ventura is ticketed for the opening day start at Kauffman Stadium and will be the ace of the staff. __________________ A bad day at the ballpark is still better than the best day in the office!

03-28-2015, 04:48 PM	#2
RoyalsBlue Major Leagues Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Section 406, Row A, Seat 1 Posts: 375	Moore Steps Away; Hill Takes Over After last season's surprising World Series run, you'd have thought that there wasn't anything left that would shock Kansas City Royals fans. However, you would be wrong as the entire Royals fanbase was taken aback by Dayton Moore's sudden and immediate decision to step away from the helm of his boyhood team. And the shocks didn't stop there, as owner David Glass announced Moore's successor, Rob Hill, and publically announced the goals that he had in mind for the new general manager. "Rob is going to have all the support of our entire family along with the Royals organization and fanbase as he continues the work started by Dayton. Obviously we will need to continue winning, but more importantly we want to get back to the World Series, if not this year at least within the next five or six years. I don't want to meddle much with player acquisitions, but it sure would be great to have Alex Gordon finish his career here in Royals blue. Now I give you the new general manager, Rob Hill." No pressure on the new guy eh? "It's a dream to be standing here as the new general manager of the Royals, a team I grew up following, much as my predecessor did. I'd like to thank Dayton for everything he did and how hard he worked to rebuild this franchise from the ground up. Regardless of the expectations that Mr. Glass or his family has for me, I know in my heart that mine are even more strict. I'll accept nothing less than winning the World Series and we'll do everything in our power to bring the trophy back here to 1 Royal Way." __________________ A bad day at the ballpark is still better than the best day in the office!

03-29-2015, 10:56 AM	#3
RoyalsBlue Major Leagues Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Section 406, Row A, Seat 1 Posts: 375	He wants how much?!? Sign Alex Gordon to an extension? Sure no problem Mister Glass. I can get it done for you. Those words may come back to haunt me after I contacted his agent to begin negotiations for a contract extension. I nearly spit my drink out when his agent threw out a 5 year deal for 25 million per. First of all, for a market the size of Kansas City, 125 million for one guy is nearly impossible. Secondly, Alex is on the wrong side of thirty and while he's a very good player, that magnitude of contract is reserved for the elite players and I can't in good conscience try to spin his career as one of the elite. Damn, I need another hurricane, it's going to be a long night working up a contract counter-offer that won't insult our left fielder. Stupid owner goals anyway. __________________ A bad day at the ballpark is still better than the best day in the office!

03-29-2015, 03:00 PM	#4
RoyalsBlue Major Leagues Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Section 406, Row A, Seat 1 Posts: 375	Starting Pitching Yordano Ventura - The 23 year old came in 6th in the AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2014, so Kansas City is looking for even better things this year as he's been named the opening day starter for Ned Yost and the Royals. Ace, as he's been affectionately named by teammates and fans alike, will be taking over the role vacated by the departed James Shields. Danny Duffy - The 26 year old lefty seemed to come into his own last season as he pitched effectively and lowered his walks considerably. The only real issue is can he stay healthy as he's already had Tommy John surgery and battled nagging injuries last season, which limited him to under 150 innings during 2014 and minimized his appearances in the postseason. Edinson Volquez - Was last year the re-launching of the enigmatic hurlers career or just a once in a lifetime fluke? For a man that was once traded for slugger Josh Hamilton, he's been cut more than Rocky Balboa was by his trainer Mick. KC is gambling that Volquez has finally conquered his wildness and will become a steady number three in the rotation. Jason Vargas - Vargy was a pleasant surprise to the Royals fanbase last year as he more than earned the paycheck that former gm Dayton Moore signed him to. This year, he'll be towards the back of the rotation and should be able to come close to replicating his numbers from a year ago. Jeremy Guthrie - Guthrie was a steal of an acquisition from the Rockies a couple of seasons ago and he's a great clubhouse presence. Steady veteran role is perfect for him as the number five in the rotation. Bullpen Greg Holland - One of the premiere closers in the game today. The North Carolina native is unflappable no matter the situation and can be counted on to shut the door nearly all of the time with 93 saves over the past two seasons Wade Davis - Coming off one of the most dominant seasons by a set-up man in the history of baseball, most would think the lanky righty would be eager to be the closer, but Davis seems content as the setup man. Who can blame him when he gets to set the stage for Holland? Kelvin Herrera - The third component of the HDH bullpen, he is the very definition of flamethrower as he routinely hits 100 on the radar gun. Change up? That's about 88-90! Luke Hochevar - Hoch is coming off of Tommy John surgery last season but he performed much as Wade Davis did after moving to the bullpen. The former number one pick struggled as a starter, but blossomed as a reliever. Jason Frasor - Veteran presence in the pen, will do whatever Ned Yost asks of him. Solid hurler overall. Brandon Finnegan - From college World Series to the MLB World Series last year, the youngster rocketed through the minors and was a key in the extra-inning thriller of a wildcard game against Oakland. Now we will see if he can continue to progress. Louis Coleman - Coleman is one of the guys that just keeps sticking around. Numbers are solid and he never complains, just keeps working and getting better. __________________ A bad day at the ballpark is still better than the best day in the office!

04-01-2015, 07:31 AM	#7
RoyalsBlue Major Leagues Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Section 406, Row A, Seat 1 Posts: 375	Non-Royals Trade Perennial rivals Los Angeles and San Francisco completed a trade involving three players yesterday. The Giants sent right handed pitcher Jean Machi along with minor league righty Chris Stratton to the Dodgers in exchange for Justin Turner. All indications from the Giants are that Turner is expected to be their third baseman for the upcoming season. None of the principals were available for comment. __________________ A bad day at the ballpark is still better than the best day in the office!

03-29-2015, 03:35 PM	#5
mpejkrm All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 951	This should be good, i'll be following along. Interesting decision to leave Finnegan in the MLB bullpen rather than develop as a starter.

04-01-2015, 09:09 PM	#8
RoyalsBlue Major Leagues Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Section 406, Row A, Seat 1 Posts: 375	POSITION STARTERS C Salvador Perez : Two-time all-star and he caught 1250 innings last season, so he's durable as all get out, however he did fade down the stretch, so we'll try to get him regular rest so that he's strong the entire season. 1B Eric Hosmer : Outstanding defensive first baseman and his run in the playoffs really got him noticed nationally, now we see if he can be consistent over an entire season. 15-20 homers and 80-95 rbi are a fair estimate, provided he keeps his focus. 2B Omar Infante : 2014 was probably his worst season in a while, but it was an upgrade over what was passing for second base offense over the past several seasons in KC. If Omar can stay healthy, expectations are that he can at least replicate his offensive production this year. 3B MIke Moustakas : Moose has been consistently inconsistent ever since landing on the main roster. He needs to find his groove quickly or he could wind up as the latest third sacker to be unable to conquer the ghost of number 5 on the hot corner. SS Alcides Escobar : Durable and dependable, Esky played in all 162 games of the regular season and all postseason as well. If he can improve his pitch selection he will be a solid leadoff hitter. Defensively, he has the potential to grab his first gold glove this season. LF Alex Gordon : Named a Platinum Glove award winner by his peers last season, Gordo is the undisputed leader of the Royals clubhouse, albeit by example more than words. He has a player option after the season, so this could be his final year with the team that drafted him number 2 overall. CF - Lorenzo Cain : Until last season, Lo-Cain had a hard time staying healthy, but he finally did get over 500 at bats for the first time in the majors. Last years ALCS MVP for his offense, he's another gold glove caliber defender that makes hard plays look routine. RF Alex Rios : After a injury plagued 2013 & 2014, the Royals are betting on the veteran to bounce back. He may never regain the 20 plus homer power of his younger days, but 15-20 and improved defense in right will sit just fine with the KC faithful DH Kendrys Morales : Perhaps best known for breaking his leg after jumping on home plate in celebration of a win for the Angels, the switch-hitter is being counted on to be an upgrade at DH for the Royals. BENCH C Erik Kratz IF Christian Colon IF Rafael Furcal OF Jarrod Dyson __________________ A bad day at the ballpark is still better than the best day in the office!

04-03-2015, 03:14 AM	#9
buckeye22 Major Leagues Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 322	As a fan of a different AL Central team, I certainly hope you're not able to get the Royals back to the World Series. But I did enjoy the run they had last year, it's always fun to see long suffering franchises and fan bases get their moment in the sun. I remember what it was like back in 06 and I'm happy for anyone who sticks by their team through all the bad and finally gets that experience. Out of the all of the Central teams that aren't the Tigers, the Royals are the one I tolerate the most, so I'll be following along here. Best of luck!