I hear from an Arkansas source that 2nd Round Pick Brett Eibner signed with the Royals on Monday. Terms or the deal are unknown. Eibner has been seen with Royals officials including Dayton Moore and Mike Arbuckle at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Arkansas, the past several days.
I wouldn't be surprised if the deal was a bit overslot and thus will not be announced until the deadline is nearer. Eibner also sustained an arm injury and still may not be ready to play and so there is no rush for the Royals to make the deal public at this point. Eibner was a two way star at Arkansas but the Royals plan to make him their centerfielder of the future.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Ankiel and Farnsworth Dealt to Atlanta
Royals Lose: Rick Ankiel & Kyle Farnsworth
Like Podsednik, I supported the Ankiel signing with the reasoning that he could have a good first half and then be good trade bait at the deadline. This didn't exactly workout as I had hoped but amazingly the Royals were able to flip him at the deadline along with probably the most effective reliever to ever be so hated by the Royals faithful. He pretty much sealed his fate with his first week in the Royal blue. Anyways, Farnsworth should provide some help to the Atlanta bullpen and Ankiel got just hot enough to allow the Royals to package him, opening up another roster spot for something that could be a part of the future of the organization.
Royals Acquire: Jesse Chavez, Gregor Blanco, & Tim Collins
My I first glanced over the stats of the three players acquired I told my friends that "I was less than overwhelmed by the return." Two days later, this statement doesn't entirely hold true and here is are my reasons:
1) Jesse Chavez- Originally I saw his career era of 4.95 and the fact that he has been abysmal this season in the NL East. But after watching him pitch the on television I am somewhat optimistic that with the quality of his stuff and McClure's track record of improving bullpen arms that he could be turned into a viable reliever that is under team control for the next several seasons.
2) Gregor Blanco- I am still less than thrilled about Gregor Blanco, however he seems to have decent speed and a knack for getting on base at a decent clip. Hopefully he can develop into a somewhat decent defensive outfielder and he can be a fourth outfielder guy. If not he can help hold down the fort until an outfield prospect is ready to claim it from him. Anyone? Please...
3) Tim Collins- Collins is the reason why I am excited about this trade. At first glance (literally a couple of seconds before I had to go out the door.) of his statistics there were two things that my eyes focused on: his height which is 5-7, and his 5.68 era last season in double-A. But wait! This season as a twenty year old his double A era is a glistening 2.29 and even more impressive is the fact that he has averaged 15.4 Ks per 9 innings this season. Collins will be assigned to triple A, Omaha and should be a fast riser to the majors. He could be a lefty set up man with his low 90s heat, deceptive arm angle, and plus curveball.
For Collins I've heard comparisons to Billy Wagner thrown out there and even a lefty Tim Lincecum. He's an exciting prospect but let's not get crazy. It's not that unordinary to record that many strikeouts. How many was it? Oh yeah 308 in 202 career minor league innings. Okay, I'll admit that's impressive.
Conclusion:
Once again Royals open two spots for younger guys that will be under team control for longer than the remainder of the season. They acquire several years of a reliever with above average stuff, several years of a fourth outfielder, and six years of a potentially dominant reliever. I approve.
Like Podsednik, I supported the Ankiel signing with the reasoning that he could have a good first half and then be good trade bait at the deadline. This didn't exactly workout as I had hoped but amazingly the Royals were able to flip him at the deadline along with probably the most effective reliever to ever be so hated by the Royals faithful. He pretty much sealed his fate with his first week in the Royal blue. Anyways, Farnsworth should provide some help to the Atlanta bullpen and Ankiel got just hot enough to allow the Royals to package him, opening up another roster spot for something that could be a part of the future of the organization.
Royals Acquire: Jesse Chavez, Gregor Blanco, & Tim Collins
My I first glanced over the stats of the three players acquired I told my friends that "I was less than overwhelmed by the return." Two days later, this statement doesn't entirely hold true and here is are my reasons:
1) Jesse Chavez- Originally I saw his career era of 4.95 and the fact that he has been abysmal this season in the NL East. But after watching him pitch the on television I am somewhat optimistic that with the quality of his stuff and McClure's track record of improving bullpen arms that he could be turned into a viable reliever that is under team control for the next several seasons.
2) Gregor Blanco- I am still less than thrilled about Gregor Blanco, however he seems to have decent speed and a knack for getting on base at a decent clip. Hopefully he can develop into a somewhat decent defensive outfielder and he can be a fourth outfielder guy. If not he can help hold down the fort until an outfield prospect is ready to claim it from him. Anyone? Please...
3) Tim Collins- Collins is the reason why I am excited about this trade. At first glance (literally a couple of seconds before I had to go out the door.) of his statistics there were two things that my eyes focused on: his height which is 5-7, and his 5.68 era last season in double-A. But wait! This season as a twenty year old his double A era is a glistening 2.29 and even more impressive is the fact that he has averaged 15.4 Ks per 9 innings this season. Collins will be assigned to triple A, Omaha and should be a fast riser to the majors. He could be a lefty set up man with his low 90s heat, deceptive arm angle, and plus curveball.
For Collins I've heard comparisons to Billy Wagner thrown out there and even a lefty Tim Lincecum. He's an exciting prospect but let's not get crazy. It's not that unordinary to record that many strikeouts. How many was it? Oh yeah 308 in 202 career minor league innings. Okay, I'll admit that's impressive.
Conclusion:
Once again Royals open two spots for younger guys that will be under team control for longer than the remainder of the season. They acquire several years of a reliever with above average stuff, several years of a fourth outfielder, and six years of a potentially dominant reliever. I approve.
Scott Podsednik takes Playmate Wife back to Hollywood
Royals Lose: Scott Podsednik
This past offseason I was one of many Royals fans that viewed the signing of Scott Podsednik as a blend of a stop gap and a sign and trade option. I approved of the deal at the time, and even more so now that the Royals have been able to flip in for a couple of pieces that should be able to add some depth to the organization.
Podsednik exceeding my expectations this season with the stick, batting .310/.353/.400 in his time with the Royals. He also added 30 steals and played an average left field. Podsednik should be a useful player on the Dodgers roster, but I don't expect him to tip the scales in the NL West.
Royals Acquire: Lucas May & Elisaul Pimentel
Lucas May is a 25 year old catching prospect. He entered the season as the top catching prospect in the Dodgers system, and upon his arrival in Kansas City he will be the most major league catching prospect in the organization. Like other present and former Dodger catching prospects, Lucas May has converted from another position on the diamond. As a result of this he is a bit behind in his ability to block baseballs and his game calling. May is said to be a strong fastball hitter, that can struggle mightily with offspeed stuff. Oh and John Wathan- did I mention that May is a good runner for a catcher? May has a strong arm, but his mechanics are a work in progress.
This season May was hitting .296/.352/.496 in the Pacific Coast League before being traded. However, this is in one of the most hitter friendly enviornments in triple A. I'd like to think that May has the upset of a good obp, decent pop kind of catcher that could provide a great match with the defensive first Manny Pina, until Wil Myers or Salvador Perez are ready to take the throne, however I'm skeptical that his offensive success will translate to the Major League level.
The other part of the deal is a 22 year old righty by the name of Elisaul Pimentel. Pimentel is a mildly intriguing arm, but given his age and the fact that he is only in the Midwest League I'm not overly excited by him. He has averaged over a strikeout an inning this season and he has shown the ability to keep the ball in the ballpark. He should provide some starting pitching depth in the system and probably has the upside of a back end starter or a bullpen guy.
Conclusion:
The Royals did what they needed to do by trading Podsednik. Dayton Moore is initiating the youth movement by creating openings on the Major League roster, while acquiring more depth in the minor leagues. In this deal the Royals acquired a team's top catching prospect and an intriguing arm for the last two months of a 34 year old veteran.
I don't know what other deals were available to the Royals, but it's hard to complain about this one. The haul wasn't overly impressive but then again neither was the player that was being dealt.
This past offseason I was one of many Royals fans that viewed the signing of Scott Podsednik as a blend of a stop gap and a sign and trade option. I approved of the deal at the time, and even more so now that the Royals have been able to flip in for a couple of pieces that should be able to add some depth to the organization.
Podsednik exceeding my expectations this season with the stick, batting .310/.353/.400 in his time with the Royals. He also added 30 steals and played an average left field. Podsednik should be a useful player on the Dodgers roster, but I don't expect him to tip the scales in the NL West.
Royals Acquire: Lucas May & Elisaul Pimentel
Lucas May is a 25 year old catching prospect. He entered the season as the top catching prospect in the Dodgers system, and upon his arrival in Kansas City he will be the most major league catching prospect in the organization. Like other present and former Dodger catching prospects, Lucas May has converted from another position on the diamond. As a result of this he is a bit behind in his ability to block baseballs and his game calling. May is said to be a strong fastball hitter, that can struggle mightily with offspeed stuff. Oh and John Wathan- did I mention that May is a good runner for a catcher? May has a strong arm, but his mechanics are a work in progress.
This season May was hitting .296/.352/.496 in the Pacific Coast League before being traded. However, this is in one of the most hitter friendly enviornments in triple A. I'd like to think that May has the upset of a good obp, decent pop kind of catcher that could provide a great match with the defensive first Manny Pina, until Wil Myers or Salvador Perez are ready to take the throne, however I'm skeptical that his offensive success will translate to the Major League level.
The other part of the deal is a 22 year old righty by the name of Elisaul Pimentel. Pimentel is a mildly intriguing arm, but given his age and the fact that he is only in the Midwest League I'm not overly excited by him. He has averaged over a strikeout an inning this season and he has shown the ability to keep the ball in the ballpark. He should provide some starting pitching depth in the system and probably has the upside of a back end starter or a bullpen guy.
Conclusion:
The Royals did what they needed to do by trading Podsednik. Dayton Moore is initiating the youth movement by creating openings on the Major League roster, while acquiring more depth in the minor leagues. In this deal the Royals acquired a team's top catching prospect and an intriguing arm for the last two months of a 34 year old veteran.
I don't know what other deals were available to the Royals, but it's hard to complain about this one. The haul wasn't overly impressive but then again neither was the player that was being dealt.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
How to be a Man: Be John Lamb
John Lamb doesn't kill two birds with one stone. He kills all birds with his fastball.
John Lamb doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
John Lamb isn't politically correct. John Lamb is always correct with his fastball.
John Lamb doesn't sleep. He waits to strikeout Major League hitters.
The original opening sequence for Saving Private Ryan was going to feature Tom Hanks standing in the batter's box against John Lamb, but the director's deemed it to intense for audiences.
Scientists estimate that the energy given off from the big bang can only be rivaled by the devasting force of a John Lamb outpitch.
When you are facing John Lamb anything + anything = 1. One trip back to the dugout.
Since August 6, 1945, John Lamb hasn't been allowed to pitch in Japan.
John Lamb once successfully separated conjoined twins with a fastball.
The only thing John Lamb has ever missed? Bats.
The Biblical image of the Lion and the Lamb was loosely based off John Lambs first trip to the zoo. The Lion was scared to death of Lamb's fastball.
There are only two things that cut diamonds: other diamonds, and John Lamb's fastball.
John Lamb was what Willis was talking about.
"Let the Bodies hit the Floor" was originally inspired by John Lamb's chin music.
Life is like a box of chocolates. Well if you are facing John Lamb life is like a box of outpitches that will ultimately send you back to the bench.
Because of John Lamb the Texas League has considered new rules in which anyone named John Lamb isn't allowed to pitch. They figure it is the only way to ensure competitive balance.
That's right the news just came in tonight. John Lamb has been promoted to Northwest Arkansas. I couldn't be happier for him and his family. I look forward to seeing him live as soon as possible. He hasn't had the easiest road as a prospect, and he is sure to know that it won't get easier. But I'm putting my money on John Lamb everytime.
John Lamb doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
John Lamb isn't politically correct. John Lamb is always correct with his fastball.
John Lamb doesn't sleep. He waits to strikeout Major League hitters.
The original opening sequence for Saving Private Ryan was going to feature Tom Hanks standing in the batter's box against John Lamb, but the director's deemed it to intense for audiences.
Scientists estimate that the energy given off from the big bang can only be rivaled by the devasting force of a John Lamb outpitch.
When you are facing John Lamb anything + anything = 1. One trip back to the dugout.
Since August 6, 1945, John Lamb hasn't been allowed to pitch in Japan.
John Lamb once successfully separated conjoined twins with a fastball.
The only thing John Lamb has ever missed? Bats.
The Biblical image of the Lion and the Lamb was loosely based off John Lambs first trip to the zoo. The Lion was scared to death of Lamb's fastball.
There are only two things that cut diamonds: other diamonds, and John Lamb's fastball.
John Lamb was what Willis was talking about.
"Let the Bodies hit the Floor" was originally inspired by John Lamb's chin music.
Life is like a box of chocolates. Well if you are facing John Lamb life is like a box of outpitches that will ultimately send you back to the bench.
Because of John Lamb the Texas League has considered new rules in which anyone named John Lamb isn't allowed to pitch. They figure it is the only way to ensure competitive balance.
That's right the news just came in tonight. John Lamb has been promoted to Northwest Arkansas. I couldn't be happier for him and his family. I look forward to seeing him live as soon as possible. He hasn't had the easiest road as a prospect, and he is sure to know that it won't get easier. But I'm putting my money on John Lamb everytime.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Alberto Goes Home
Yesterday the rumors that Callaspo was going to be traded to the Angels for Sean O'Sullivan and a minor league prospect proved to be true. My suspicision is that the reason it was first reported to be rejected by Dayton Moore is that Moore wanted more than the fringe prospect that the Angels were offering. Whether Moore was successful in this tactic cannot totally be known, but I approve of the deal. Let's look at the deal piece by piece:
Royals Lose: Alberto Callaspo
Alberto Callaspo didn't feature into the Royals long term plans, you knew he wouldn't stay at third because of Moustakas right behind him and if you are one of those demented people that think the Royals would actually consider moving him back across the diamond to second then you need to get a clue. I am not of the group that believes that Callaspo's value is lost at third base, however I think at best he can be slightly above-average at the position offensively (if he can replicate his career year from a season ago). But with Moustakas knocking on the door the Royals were smart in being proactive in their search for a decent return.
The Angels get a steadier option at the hot corner with above average contact skills and the potential for a little pop. Callaspo's line drive percentage is down just a tad this year, but it's his BABIP that has really caused his decrease in offensive numbers (has dropped from .312 to .278). This would suggest that his average should improve in the second half.
Royals Acquire: Sean O'Sullivan & Will Smith
In case you haven't noticed the Royals rotation is falling to pieces. Hochevar and Meche find themselves on the disabled list and Bannister and Davies are managing to actually regress, an incredible feat for two pitchers with some promise that are reaching the prime years of their repsective careers. Not to mention that Anthony Lerew could be heading to the DL soon enough after taking a liner off the ribs on Wednesday. O'Sullivan should be able to slide into Lerew's spot and instantly upgrade the rotation, which isn't saying much. He should also be able to hold down a back end rotation spot until the farm system's pitching product is ready for harvest.
O'Sullivan has been described as a bulldog on the mound that is hard to rattle. He commands three pitches, but it's his lack of a true out pitch that holds him back from being a front of the rotation kind of guy. He has a big frame so he should be a servicable innings eater at the back end.
The other player in the deal is left handed pitching prospect Will Smith. Smith entered the season rated as the #15 prospect in the Angels organization and due to a total lack of depth and some injuries at the higher levels he has been rushed thru the system all the way up to triple A. The Royals are going to assign Smith to high A, a place he should have been assigned in the first place.
Smith possesses a fastball that typically sits in the 87-89 range but on some nights can touch 92-93. He also has an advanced curveball and change up. He has great control of his three pitches and is able to keep the ball down in the zone on a regular basis. However, like Kyle Davies he tends to nitpick around the zone at times which can get him into bad counts and cause him some trouble. Smith is a finesse guy that like O'Sullivan lacks an outpitch at this point in his career. Some scouts believe that his changeup could become one and that will probably be the decider on if becomes a mid-rotation starter or if he winds up on the back end or in the bullpen.
Conclusion:
Royals acquire a rotational bridge until the prospects are ready in O'Sullivan. They add to their left-handed pitching prospect depth and they give up a player that has already reached his ceiling and doesn't figure into the team's long term plans in anyway. In principle this deal seems like a good move for the Royals, but as with all trades only time will tell.
Royals Lose: Alberto Callaspo
Alberto Callaspo didn't feature into the Royals long term plans, you knew he wouldn't stay at third because of Moustakas right behind him and if you are one of those demented people that think the Royals would actually consider moving him back across the diamond to second then you need to get a clue. I am not of the group that believes that Callaspo's value is lost at third base, however I think at best he can be slightly above-average at the position offensively (if he can replicate his career year from a season ago). But with Moustakas knocking on the door the Royals were smart in being proactive in their search for a decent return.
The Angels get a steadier option at the hot corner with above average contact skills and the potential for a little pop. Callaspo's line drive percentage is down just a tad this year, but it's his BABIP that has really caused his decrease in offensive numbers (has dropped from .312 to .278). This would suggest that his average should improve in the second half.
Royals Acquire: Sean O'Sullivan & Will Smith
In case you haven't noticed the Royals rotation is falling to pieces. Hochevar and Meche find themselves on the disabled list and Bannister and Davies are managing to actually regress, an incredible feat for two pitchers with some promise that are reaching the prime years of their repsective careers. Not to mention that Anthony Lerew could be heading to the DL soon enough after taking a liner off the ribs on Wednesday. O'Sullivan should be able to slide into Lerew's spot and instantly upgrade the rotation, which isn't saying much. He should also be able to hold down a back end rotation spot until the farm system's pitching product is ready for harvest.
O'Sullivan has been described as a bulldog on the mound that is hard to rattle. He commands three pitches, but it's his lack of a true out pitch that holds him back from being a front of the rotation kind of guy. He has a big frame so he should be a servicable innings eater at the back end.
The other player in the deal is left handed pitching prospect Will Smith. Smith entered the season rated as the #15 prospect in the Angels organization and due to a total lack of depth and some injuries at the higher levels he has been rushed thru the system all the way up to triple A. The Royals are going to assign Smith to high A, a place he should have been assigned in the first place.
Smith possesses a fastball that typically sits in the 87-89 range but on some nights can touch 92-93. He also has an advanced curveball and change up. He has great control of his three pitches and is able to keep the ball down in the zone on a regular basis. However, like Kyle Davies he tends to nitpick around the zone at times which can get him into bad counts and cause him some trouble. Smith is a finesse guy that like O'Sullivan lacks an outpitch at this point in his career. Some scouts believe that his changeup could become one and that will probably be the decider on if becomes a mid-rotation starter or if he winds up on the back end or in the bullpen.
Conclusion:
Royals acquire a rotational bridge until the prospects are ready in O'Sullivan. They add to their left-handed pitching prospect depth and they give up a player that has already reached his ceiling and doesn't figure into the team's long term plans in anyway. In principle this deal seems like a good move for the Royals, but as with all trades only time will tell.
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