SB Nation User Blog: King Billy Royal

Alvarez Reaches Deal

King Billy Royal — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:48:50 -0000

From Baseball Prospectus:

"As first reported by the excellent DeJan Kovacevic, Pedro Alvarez agreed to terms last night with the Pirates. The deal is not fully completed and executed, but there is no reason to think it won’t happen, and the grievance hearings that were scheduled this week likely will not occur. As opposed to a standard $6 million bonus which was the original deal, this deal has a minimum value of $6.355 million, but could be worth just short of $8 million should Pedro reach the big leagues in 2010. Here are the details. The bonus remains $6 million; however there are significant monetary add-ons, not to mention the advantages of a major league deal, which include the salary guarantee provision.

Bonus: $6 million
Guaranteed Salary: $335,000 ($88,750 per year for four years)
Guaranteed Salary if in the big leagues: A total of $550,000 above major league minimum for the years 2010-2012, escalating to $700,000 in the final year.
Non-Arbitration Guarantee: Following the four years, should Alvarez not be arbitration eligible, his minimum salary, even if still in the minors, will be $500,000.

In Frank Coonelly’s initial statement once these shenanigans began, he and the Pirates took a hardline stance and called agent Scott Boras’ wish for a re-opening of negotiations, “meritless”.

I’m guessing that opening statements and the first day of testimony in the grievance hearing gave it some more merit.
More to come."

Best lefty prospect for Texas......and it's not Derek Holland?

King Billy Royal — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:14:17 -0000

I found this quote from John Manuel at a recent Baseball America chat and found it very interesting:

Greg, TX: Who is the best left handed pitcher on the Rangers farm not named Derek Holland?

John Manuel: It might be Martin Perez even INCLUDING Derek Holland. I got a Johan Santana comp on Perez from a scout in the Northwest the other day, he sounds extremely exciting.

I have to admit that this floored me. I don't know much about Perez but whenever someone receives a Johan Santana comp, there is plenty of reasons to be excited. His numbers are very good for short season ball and he only is 17 years old. Does anyone have any additional information on this youngster? Specifically, does anyone know what pitches he throws, velocity, etc?

What is going on with Gio Gonzalez?

King Billy Royal — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:01:17 -0000

Gio Gonzalez is a rather interesting prospect. He really seems to polarize the prospecting community. Some think he has the potential to be a 1 or 2 starter, while others view him as a backend rotation guy at best. He is known for his great curve but so far it has not helped him gain much success to date in the majors. His line this year is an embarassing:

28 innings, 9 HR allowed, 30 hits allowed, 24 walks, 28 strikeouts, 9.32 ERA,, 1.93 WHIP

While the strikeout totals are encouraging, his walk and HR totals are big red flags.

What does everyone see in Gio's future? Is he a future 1 or 2 starter, perhaps a backend rotation starter, or is the bullpen his destiny? I am anxious to hear varying opinions.

BRUCE IS ON THE LOOSE!!!!!!!!!!!

King Billy Royal — Mon, 26 May 2008 22:18:23 -0000

From Rotoworld:

"The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Jay Bruce will be called up before Tuesday's game."
"It was definitely time. The report doesn't indicate what change will be made to open up a roster spot. The Reds might as well release Corey Patterson, who shouldn't have a role with Bruce up. Ryan Freel can continue to get some starts versus lefties, though the Reds probably won't use Bruce as a true platoon player."

Personally I think this is long overdue. According to Yahoo in his last 14 games Bruce is hitting .529 in his last 14 games with five home runs and 15 RBIs at Triple-A Louisville. I expect him to continue to rake when he makes his debut and I could see a line along that of Braun from last season. What does everyone else see for this future superstar?

Gomez's Big Day

King Billy Royal — Thu, 22 May 2008 20:18:11 -0000

Gomez has had another strong performance so far today going 4 for 4 with his fourth HR of the season (the game is still underway at this time). I remember when we discussed him earlier that many people thought he would be Juan Pierre at best. He has always had the speed but is now hitting the ball with more authority than Pierre ever did. It is apparent that he has a lot more upside then that and is already outproducing many other OFs.

What is everyone's thoughts on Carlos Gomez to date? He has shown flashes of extra base pop and has maintained a very resepctable average. Also, what type of player does the community see Gomez developing into?

MOD Reds

King Billy Royal — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:19:51 -0000

Hey Reds fans,

We have a lot of blue chip prospects in our minors and majors but we still need to draft more potential impact players if we are going to turn this team into a modern day Big Red Machine. Post your suggestions of what positions and players you think we should be targeting.

Also, I am looking for an assistant GM so let me know if you are interested. I will be back later on tonight to post some players I am hoping are available at our draft position. Lets find some more pieces to join the likes of Votto, Bailey, Bruce, and Cueto!!!

Todd Frazier: The Big Red Machine!!!!!

King Billy Royal — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:01:37 -0000

The latest amongst a group of fantastic prospects, shortstop Frazier has opened his 2008 season with a bang. While old for Low A Ball, the 2007 1st round pick is off to a great start:

.314 AVG, 657 SLG, 6 HR, 14 RBI

I wouldn't be suprised to see Frazier move quickly through the system, especially after his impressive 2007 debut where he posted a line of:

.319 AVG, .538 SLG

BA feels that he has above average raw power and he has the size and strength to hit 20-25 HR per yer. He already has shown a great eye amassing 12 walks to date this season. With Votto and Cueto already making their impact in Cincy and Bruce and Bailey dominating Triple A, will Frazier join these 4 in the bigs in the next 2 seasons. I could see him moving quickly through the minor league ranks and joining the Reds sometime in the 2010 season. What does everyone else think about this promising young offensive shortstop?

The Return Of Jesus

King Billy Royal — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:50:21 -0000

I have to say that I am blown away by the awesome start of Yankee's catching prospect Jesus Montero. He has started his 2008 in a big way with fantastic early stats:

.368 AVG, .563 SLG, 3 HR, 17 RBI

Montero $1.6 million bonus in 2006 was the highest for any international amateur free agent. Baseball America applauded this decision and raved about his skills stating "Montero has exceptional raw power to all fields, coupling a discerning eye for a young plaer with brute strength and bat speed." So far it looks like he is worth every penny.

The primary question regarding Montero is whether he can remain at catcher? He has strong arm strength but he needs to work on his fundamentals to improve his ability to throw out basestealers. If he can do this it looks likes he will be an All-Star for years to come.

What does everyone else think about the heir to Jorge Posada?