Sunday, March 31, 2013

Only a Dream

I slowly rolled over to the side of the bed to check to see who could possibly be blowing up my phone at such an early hour. I slid my finger across my iPhone and smiled as I gazed at Mike Moustakas lifting James Shields high into the air. I wasted no time in saving the moment from eight hours before as my background. 

I lay back on to my pillow and stared up at the ceiling. I took a moment to reminisce about the summer that could wind up being the best of my life. For the first time in my existence the Royals had made the postseason, which in itself would have been good enough to satisfy me. Man, was that a wonderful ride. 

Less than a year ago, the Royals had cashed in on their prospects and while Wil Myers was fantastic as a Ray, you would be hard pressed to find a Royals fan regretting the trade. James Shields was everything a Royals fan could've hoped for and then some. His effects on the rotation extended well beyond the his own performance. It seemed like every night he was on the top step motivating his guys. There were even rumors that moving forward they are going to implement his training exercises throughout the system. It is incredible that one player could have such a profound affect on an organization.

Of course, Davis was no slouch either. Most of us thought he would be a key factor heading into 2013, but he surpassed expectations. Thanks to those two guys performances and the workloads carried by Ervin Santana and Jeremy Guthrie, the Royals fell just short of 1,000 innings. As a result, the bullpen was dominate in the late innings. Not only was Greg Holland perfect in his save opportunities, but the Royals managed an incredible 73-2 when leading after seven innings.

I couldn't help but laugh at this second thought. You see throughout the second half of the season, there were a couple of fans that really made their mark. One fan dressed sort of resembled a Mario brother with a giant moustache and "Royal Flush" in script across his overalls. The other fan wore a toilet suit with an oversized handle. Each time the bullpen would 'K' a hitter they would make a big scene flushing the batter away. It didn't take long for Crown Vision to get them regular air time.

I glanced back down at my phone and realized I had been in laying awake for nearly ten minutes. I sat up and looked at the wall ahead of me where there hung a framed copy of the Kansas City Star from September 30. The headline simply read "Postseason Bound!". For Royals fans that was enough. On the cover, was a picture of Eric Hosmer being mobbed by teammates at home with Jeff Francoeur undercutting him in his man region. 

Watching Eric Hosmer's two run home run sail into the Kansas City sky before landing in the left field fountain was probably the most beautiful thing I had ever witnessed. It was so fitting. Hosmer, who had struggled so much in 2012, was simply a beast in 2013. It wasn't a coincidence that his division winning home run went opposite field. He led the league with oppo bombs in 2013. Looking back, it is amazing that he wasn't selected to the All-Star game.

Apparently, Jim Leyland felt content with Salvador Perez, James Shields and Alex Gordon on the roster. Again, for Royals fans that felt like enough. I'd be shocked if Perez and Gordon didn't win Gold Gloves in a few weeks. In fact, Lorenzo Cain, Mike Moustakas and Alcides Escobar would also be plenty deserving. That defense was unbelievable. Every night Baseball Tonight would be packed for of Royals in the Web Gems segment. 

Lorenzo Cain's catch against Toronto in the seventh game of the ALCS will be on baseball highlight films for generations. The look on Jose Bautista's face when Lorenzo Cain closed his glove around a ball that was two and a half feet higher than the fence was priceless. What is even more amazing is that it wasn't even the play of the game. That honor will always be held by Moustakas 468 foot home run to put the Royals ahead in the top of the 9th. 

For a guy that watched most of these guys win titles in the Minor Leagues, it was awesome to finally see them have the opportunity to be heroes on the big stage. I finally remembered to check the text message that I had received. Among the congratulatory texts from friends and family members was one text from a friend. It simply read "Plaza, Friday at noon." I smiled bigger than ever. It was seven years ago that Dayton Moore had selected the Plaza as the site for the future World Series parade. I couldn't believe it was finally going to be reality. I only hope that it wasn't just a dream.

Joe Cox, meet the Royals


I currently reside in the capital of my home state, Des Moines, Iowa.  Des Moines is home of the Iowa Cubs, a mainstay of the city as long as I’ve thought of baseball.  They call newly renovated Principal Park home and I must say I have a nice time every time I go.  The Iowa Cubs have long been affiliated with their Chicago counterparts of the same name, who have tainted my love for them over the years with the loss of childhood hero Mark Grace, some steroids and corked bats, and Jim Hendry.  

I am a bad Cubs fan, which is not good, because a lot of people are ‘good’ Cubs fans in the sense that they will back their team during a few good times and many bad times.  I will be happy to see them become successful, but I do not feel that I am allowed back to that fanbase, which is completely fair.  My best memories will always be Kevin Orie, the Glenallen Hill/ Henry Rodriguez left field platoon, Steve Traschel pitching against the Giants in a play-in game to make the playoffs, and my confidence in Wood, Prior, Zambrano before it all went horribly wrong.  And, of course, everything Mark Grace. 

So I am a baseball enthusiast without a team.  I have somewhat latched on to the Braves thanks to their Spurs-like organization.  Chipper Jones plays the role of Tim Duncan while the never-ending supply of starting pitching parallels the Spurs ability to always find the right role players with their big three.  The problem with the Braves is location, as I can only like so many non-midwestern professional sports teams (I messed up with the NBA/ NFL.) 

Meeting Royals backers from this site and otherwise has given me a reason to root for this team.  They are a small market, Midwestern team with young talent and fans my age that deserve to finally see a winning team.  They make some questionable moves at times, but it is hard to fault a small market team making a commitment to win now.  I have also been welcomed to write for Royal Revival, which has allowed me to become more knowledgeable about this team.  It has forced me to think of parts of the Royals organization that I never expected to care about.  

For 2013, at least, I will be a baseball enthusiast who at least has the Royals as a team to follow with purpose.  This is about all I can ask until I can fully recover from my break-up with the Cubs, along with finding it difficult to commit to the Braves.  Thanks Royals and good luck.  

Royal Revival Staff Predictions


Paden Bennett:

1.     Royals Record: 84-78
2.     Final AL Central Standings:
1.     Tigers
2.     Royals
3.     Indians
4.     White Sox
5.     Twins
3.     Team MVP: Alex Gordon
4.     Pitcher of the Year: James Shields
5.     Royals with 20+ Home Runs: 4 (Gordon, Butler, Moustakas, Perez)
6.     Leader Home Runs: Butler (31)
7.     Highest batting average: Butler (.311)
8.     Innings pitched by the rotation: 965
9.     James Shields ERA: 3.46
10. Bullpen ERA: 3.50
11. Team leader in WAR: Gordon (6.2)
12. All-Star(s): Salvador Perez, Billy Butler, Alex Gordon
13. Team leader in steals: Jarrod Dyson (42)
14. Lorenzo Cain games played: 142
15. 1st Round Pick: Austin Wilson OF (Stanford University)
16. Midseason Trade: Royals trade for Jon Jay, Cain moves to RF in place of Frenchy
17. Breakout Prospect: Bubba Starling
18. Jeff Francoeur nude batting practice sessions: just the right amount
19. Number of Cheese references per broadcast made by Rex Hudler: 4.8
20. End of season headline: "Royals struggle down stretch, miss playoffs"

Nathan Bramwell:

1.     Royals Record: 91-71
2.     Final AL Central Standings:
1.     Royals
2.     Tigers
3.     Indians
4.     Twins
5.     White Sox
3.     Team MVP: Alex Gordon
4.     Pitcher of the Year: James Shields
5.     Royals with 20+ Home Runs: 5 (Butler, Gordon, Perez, Mous, Hosmer)
6.     Leader Home Runs: Butler (33)
7.     Highest batting average: Perez (.309) 
8.     Innings pitched by the rotation: 937
9.     James Shields ERA: 3.12
10. Bullpen ERA: 2.95
11. Team leader in WAR: Escobar 
12. All-Star(s): 3 (Perez, Gordon, Butler)
13. Team leader in steals: Jarrod Dyson (41)
14. Lorenzo Cain games played: 101
15. 1st Round Pick: Jonathan Gray, RHP, Oklahoma
16. Midseason Trade: Royals trade Ned Yost and prospects for Joe Maddon. 
17. Breakout Prospect: Bubba Starling
18. Jeff Francoeur nude batting practice sessions: You have my attention.
19. Number of Cheese references per broadcast made by Rex Hudler: 8
20. End of season headline: "Royals win World Series as Chiefs remain unbeaten." 

Joe Cox:

1.     Royals Record: 82-80
2.     Final AL Central Standings:
1.     Tigers
2.     Royals
3.     Indians
4.     White Sox
5.     Twins
3.     Team MVP: Alex Gordon
4.     Pitcher of the Year: James Shields
5.     Royals with 20+ Home Runs: 3 (Hosmer, Butler, Moustakas)
6.     Leader Home Runs & how many: Moustakas (27)
7.     Highest batting average: Butler (.321)
8.     Innings pitched by the rotation: 942
9.     James Shields ERA: 3.42
10. Bullpen ERA: 3.10
11. Team leader in WAR: Alex Gordon (6.0)
12. All-Star(s): (5) Moustakas, Butler, Gordon, Shields, Herrera
13. Team leader in steals: Jarrod Dyson (38)
14. Lorenzo Cain games played: 128
15. 1st Round Pick: Sean Manaea (LHP Indiana St.)
16. Midseason Trade: Royals trade a low level prospect to Baltamore for Brian Roberts, the Orioles eat 6.5 mil on the final year of his 10 million dollar contract for this season.  
17. Breakout Prospect: Miguel Almonte
18. Jeff Francoeur nude batting practice sessions: however  many he feels like.
19. Number of Cheese references per broadcast made by Rex Hudler: from the looks of it he could hover around 10 every game.  
20. End of season headline: "James Shields doesn't disappoint, but the rest of the rotation does, as the Royals miss the playoffs despite reaching .500 for the first time since 2003."

Damion Mandalas:

1.     Royals Record: 86-76
2.     Final AL Central Standings: 
1.     Tigers
2.     Royals
3.     Indians
4.     White Sox
5.     Twins
3.     Team MVP: Alex Gordon
4.     Pitcher of the Year: James Shields
5.     Royals with 20+ Home Runs: 4 (Gordon, Butler, Moustakas, Hosmer)
6.     Leader Home Runs: Butler (27)
7.     Highest batting average: Butler (.306)
8.     Innings pitched by the rotation: 968
9.     James Shields ERA: 3.77
10. Bullpen ERA: 3.23
11. Team leader in WAR: Alex Gordon (6.8)
12. All-Star(s): Alex Gordon and James Shields
13. Team leader in steals: Jarrod Dyson (38)
14. Lorenzo Cain games played: 132
15. 1st Round Pick: Sean Manaea (LHP Indiana State)
16. Midseason Trade: In July, David DeJesus returns to Kansas City for Chris Dwyer and Ethan Chapman
17. Breakout prospect: Cam Gallagher
18. Jeff Francoeur nude batting practice sessions: Not enough
19. Number of Cheese references per broadcast made by Rex Hudler: 6.5
20. End of season headline: "Royals magical season falls just short."

Dan Ware: 

1.     Royals Record: 85-77
2.     Final AL Central Standings: 
1.     Tigers
2.     Royals
3.     Indians
4.     White Sox
5.     Twins
3.     Team MVP: Alex Gordon
4.     Pitcher of the Year: James Shields
5.     Royals with 20+ Home Runs: 3: Billy Butler 32, Mike Moustakas 28, Eric Hosmer 25
6.     Leader Home Runs: Billy Butler, 32 HR
7.     Highest batting average:  Billy Butler, .310
8.     Innings pitched by the rotation: 922
9.     James Shields ERA:  3.52
10. Bullpen ERA: 3.44
11. Team leader in WAR: Alex Gordon, 5.7
12. All-Star(s): Billy Butler and Alex Gordon
13. Team leader in steals: Jarrod Dyson, 39
14. Lorenzo Cain games played:  123
15. 1st Round Pick: Chris Anderson, RHP Jacksonville University
16. Midseason Trade: N/A
17. Breakout Prospect: Cheslor Cuthbert
18. Jeff Francoeur nude batting practice sessions: How about an Alex Gordon sleeveless BP?
19. Number of Cheese references per broadcast made by Rex Hudler: 3; He'll switch to cookies.
20. End of season headline: "Royals lose heart breaker in Wild Card thriller"

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Prospect Countdown: #1 Bubba Starling

1. Bubba Starling Outfielder

www.milb.com

Age: 20
Position: OF
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 180
B/T: R/R
Acquired: Drafted in the 1st Round (5th Overall) of the 2011 Amateur Draft
From: Gardner, KS



Paden Bennett (2):  Bubba Starling is a freak, he has all the tools and God-given gifts that anyone could ask for in an athlete.  Starling has power, speed, agility.  When Starling was drafted he was compared to a young Jeff Francoeur when he first came into the league.  Scouts raved about Frenchy's natural abilities such as: raw power, speed, arm strength and natural athleticism.  However Frenchy has always had a problem, he doesn't walk and he strikes out too much.  Now Starling does compare to Frenchy in terms of how they both were highly touted for their 5 tools and athletic ability but he also compares to Francoeur in terms of strikeouts.  Starling struck out 70 times in just 200 at bats last season, a number that could be a red flag.

However, Starling does do one thing that Francoeur doesn't do.  Starling has some patience at the plate as shown by his 28 walks in 200 at bats.  If Starling can continue to improve on his plate discipline and take walks, in my opinion his strikeouts wont matter as long as he hits for power.  I am fine with a guy that strikes out a lot as long as he gets on base (walks) and hits the long ball.  I always have had that mindset, and some people will disagree with me but that's just how I feel.

In my opinion, I see Bubba panning out and walking just enough to become an above average centerfielder with 25-30 home run power and an average around .240-.250 with good enough on base skills to keep him on the field.

Joe Cox (3)The story of Bubba Starling has been well documented, a high school two-sport star in high school that turned down an opportunity to play quarterback for Nebraska in order to sign with the Kansas City Royals organization after being picked fifth overall in the 2011 amateur draft.  Starling is the classic 5 tool prospect but is by no means a can’t miss prospect, as he is still very raw after focusing on multiple sports up to this point in his life.

Starling’s professional debut came last year in Burlington as a 19 year old, and he put together a pretty solid season in 200 AB’s.  With a triple slash line of .275/.371/.485 Starling displayed his ability to get on base and also displayed is plus power.  Defensively, few scouts seem concerned that he does not have the potential to be a very good center fielder.  The big question mark, of course, is Starling’s ability to make contact.

Starling struck out in over 30% of his at-bats last year, and scouting reports do not like Starling's swing at its current state.  The hitch in his swing and his inability to read breaking pitches could be the driving force that holds Starling back.  With time on his side Starling has plenty of time to figure out his swing in the minors, and the sky is the limit in terms of his raw athletic ability.  A plus defensive power hitting center fielder are a rare breed and very valuable, and Starling could be a middle of the order, All-Star caliber player with those skills.  It is very likely that in a few years we will see Starling in the majors, and obviously, then have a better idea of what kind of player Starling truly is.  Royals fans will have to be patient though because their budding star is still a work in progress.

Damion Mandalas (5): The 2011 first year player draft was absolutely stocked full of talent. The draft was loaded with advanced arms at the top and had it not been for the Seattle Mariners late decision to divert from their draft plans and take Danny Hultzen instead of a bat (I realize that more than likely it wasn't a late decision and instead was simply a smokescreen), the Royals would likely have wound up with pitching phenom Dylan Bundy. I don't think Starlings perceived development has been helped by the shooting stars that surrounded him in the draft.

There are a couple of major reasons to be concerned about Bubba Starling. As my peers have mentioned, the strikeouts are a huge problem. I can't recall the post, but I remember reading about other teenagers to have struck out in over 30% of their at bats in the Appalachian League. Let's just say the list wasn't awe inspiring, and the most successful player from the group was Preston Wilson. I think it is safe to say that if Starling winds up as Preston Wilson, Royals fans will be a bit disappointed.

Having pointed out the two most concerning factors with Starling, I want to point out that we knew Starling would be a project. Entering the draft we heard "5 tool talent" repeatedly, but most that looked closely found concerns about the swing and the ability to hit for average. We also all knew Starling was old for his draft class and given his affection for other sports, would be behind his peers. Ultimately, most of us were fine with those risks. I have my concerns with Starling, but I'm not going to jump off the bandwagon after a .275/.371/.485 campaign in a tough league on hitters. 

Dan Ware (3):  Bubba will be one of the most talked about prospects in the Royals organization this season. Sitting at #35 on Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects for 2013, just 11 spots behind P Kyle Zimmer. Other than the strikeout concerns, Bubba did nothing but impress in his professional debut last year with the Burlington Royals.  Given his age, 19, and that he needs to spend quite some time at each level to mature and to improve his raw talent, there is absolutely no reason for Bubba to be rushed through the system.

Easily considered a '5 Tools guy', Starling is the total package.  He has a tremendous, athletic frame at 6'4'' 180, which could have suited up football pads at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, but chose to put on the baseball uniform instead, which we can all agree was the right decision!  His bat is somewhat of a mystery right now.  He can make contact, and when he does, he can hit with easy plus-plus power.  The problem is his strikeouts.  Last season for Burlington, he walked only 12.1% of his plate appearances, while striking out 30.2% of the time.  For how high our expectations are of Starling, this number is a little disconcerting  but you never know what happens this season. Hopefully he lowers that number and gains a little poise at the plate.

As for the field, there's no question he has tremendous upside in the OF.  His skills are good for his age, but are still unrefined, which will come along with age progression.  He's known for an easy plus arm and has great accuracy on his throws.  He can get to the ball with ease because of his excellent speed and quickness, but I've read he can misjudge a ball and makes his reactions rather late on occasion.  Potential wise, he should stick out in CF for years to come.

I'm expecting some good things out of Starling this season, as he'll start off 2013 for the Lexington Legends.  He'll be apart of an exciting team along with 3 other top prospects in Aldaberto Mondesi, Cameron Gallagher, and Miguel Almonte.  If there are Royals fans out in Lexington, Kentucky.....I'm incredibly jealous you get to see that team this season.

Total Points: 111