SB Nation User Blog: Royals Nation

Interview with Greg Schaum of 610 Sports, Part II

Royals Nation — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:36:22 -0000

Below is the latter half of a two-part segment with 610 Sports baseball analyst, salesman, and Royals' post-game show co-host Greg Schaum. In this segment, we delved further into Greg's background in baseball and which websites he uses in his baseball research.

Editor's Note: There were originally two questions that were supposed to be asked and answered, but, unfortunately, technical difficulties prevented Greg's comprehensive answer from being submitted to yours truly. My apologies.

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Royals Nation: Do you have a specific background in baseball besides radio? I've heard you mention you took several classes on scouting.

Schaum: I played college baseball at a top NAIA program in Riverside, California. It was a school called California Baptist College. Current Royals Minor Leaguer Aaron Hartsock pitched there. We had three guys get drafted from the team I played on. It was a great league and definitely a tough transition coming from the midwest. The talent pool in California is unreal. I wanted to become a scout before I started here at 610 Sports. I was talking to several Minor League teams about scouting opportunities. I took classes through Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW), which is basically a networking program, but a very effective one as the job placement is fantastic.

Royals Nation: This may sound like a vague question, but how did you obtain so much information about players in baseball? Which websites do you use the most to aid you the most in your analysis? (i.e. Baseball America, Hardball Times, etc.)

Schaum: I perfected my reading skills as a youngster with baseball cards. At one time, my friends could grab one hundred or so TOPPS cards and cover up the name and I would never fail to know the player. I have been and still am an avid baseball card collector. I love collecting vintage Minor League cards too. My best Minor League card is John Elway of the Oneonta Yankees. The Internet has allowed me to gather a lot more information than I ever could have dreamed of as a kid. At that time, Street and Smiths and Athlons were the keys to early spring baseball cravings. I would sit in class and predict stats for every player on each team's 40 man roster. About five years ago, I got involved with a website called mlbcenterforum and I did prospect reports for them. I got really involved with them and provided some comments about each prospect. Basically, I would take requests on players and provide commentary. I would do fun things like who I compared the players to and what their stats would be in their best years. Today, I am a big fan of Royals Corner off of the Scout.com site and The Baseball Cube, Baseball Library, and Baseball Reference. Also, I like Rotoworld for my guilty pleasure rumor threads, Baseball America, and a few others like Baseball Prospectus. I used to really like the John Sickels site Minor League Ball, although I have to admit that I do not frequent that site as much since the look changed. Another guilty pleasure baseball site is the Cardboard Gods site.

Royals Nation: How did you obtain most of your information about the players?

Schaum: I did most of my research through the web and also great baseball prospect books like the Baseball America Prospect Handbook and John Sickels' books. Also, I would use Baseball America, The Baseball Cube, and good old Google for more research.

Royals Nation: Pardon me if this question sounds obvious, but have you ever interviewed Royals or baseball players in general? If so, which players are your favorite interviews and why?

Schaum: I have chosen (thus far) to not interview the players. It really is not my job.

Royals Nation: Do you visit the Royals blogosphere often? I've read much from you over at Royals Corner. Do you ever cruise through other Royals-related content on the web?

Schaum: Of course. I don't think there is a Royals site I have not visited. They are all good and it is encouraging to see so many creative and knowledgeable fans.

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Once again, a special thanks goes to Greg Schaum for agreeing and taking part in this exclusive interview. Tune into 610 Sports (KCSP) for the Royals' post-game show, to listen to Greg Schaum and Marty Wall discuss that day's game and Royals baseball in general.

Royals Minor League Survivor II

Royals Nation — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:01:17 -0000

Royals Minor League Survivor II

Thanks to everyone for participating in the second Royals Minor League Survivor. We eliminated chosen Minor Leaguers one by one until the last one remained. Three votes for one player in one round eliminated that player. Dan Duffy was the winner.

The final 20:

100. Tyler Sample (AZL)
101. Nick Francis (Burlington, IA)
102. Adrian Ortiz (Burlington, IA)
103. Nick Van Stratten (Burlington, IA)
104. Derrick Robinson (Wilmington)
105. Julio Cesar Pimentel (Northwest Arkansas)
106. Eric Hosmer (Unsigned)
107. Henry Barrera (Wilmington)
108. Chris Nicoll (Northwest Arkansas)
109. Michael Montgomery (Arizona)
110. Joe Dickerson (Wilmington)
111. Blake Wood (Northwest Arkansas)
112. Kila Kaaihue (Omaha)
113. Daniel Cortes (Northwest Arkansas)
114. Tim Melville (Unsigned)
115. Mike Moustakas (Burlington, IA)
116. Johnny Giavotella (Burlington, IA)
117. Daniel Gutierrez (Burlington, IA)
118. Carlos Rosa (Omaha)
119. (W) Dan Duffy (Burlington, IA)

Unless Moustakas can rebound completely from his slow start, Hosmer could be our #1 next year (assuming he signs). Interesting list, and Melville and Hosmer were definitely downgraded because of their signing issues. (Sign already!)

2008 Amateur Draft Update

Royals Nation — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 06:46:44 -0000

OK, here are completely updated statistics for our 2008 draftees. This will be organized in order, from our highest to lowest signed pick in the amateur draft. Sorry no explanations or further background information are provided. I have provided some analysis and updates here. The Baseball America database has listed 29 players of 51 draft picks signed. Luckily, we have the vast majority of our first few draft picks signed. We have yet to sign #1 (Eric Hosmer), #4 (Tim Melville....although some BP sources have referenced that he has been signed), and #7 Jason Esposito. Last year, we signed 35 of 50 draft picks. I'd like to get at least 6 or 7 more draft picks signed. Obviously, it's imperative that the Glass/Moore administration follow through with our organizational direction and commit top dollar to Esposito, Melville, and/or Hosmer. Both Melville AND Hosmer have to sign in order for this draft to be a success, in my opinion.

Nonetheless, statistics are provided below.

1a. Mike Montgomery (AZL)
6 G, 4 GS, 1.65 ERA, 16.1 IP, 6 BB, 11 K, .189 BAA

2. Johnny Giavotella (Burlington, IA)
.299/.370/.422, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 147 AB, 37 G, 16 BB, 20 K, 8 SB: 5 CS

3. Tyler Sample (AZL)
6 G, 4 GS, 10.66 ERA, 12.2 IP, 20 BB, 19 K, .217 BAA

5. John Lamb (AZL)
Has not pitched. Broke his collarbone in a car accident in the spring. The organization wants to bring him along slowly. He is listed on the AZL roster but has not accumulated service time.

6. Alex Llanos (AZL)
.165/.226/.227, 16-for-97, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 5 SB: 2 CS, 6 BB, 23 K

8. Malcolm Culver (AZL)
1 GS/1 G, 2 IP, 1 H, .143 BAA, 0.00 ERA

9. JD Alfaro (Idaho Falls)
.259/.286/.464, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 29-for-112, 3 BB, 39 K, 4 SB: 0 CS

10. Mauricio Matos (AZL)
.241/.281/.276, 7-for-29, 1 BB, 4 K, 3 RBI, 0 HR, 0 SB: 1 CS

12. Allen Caldwell (Burlington, NC)
.195/.281/.333, 24-for-123, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 13 BB, 30 K, 1 SB: 2 CS

13. John Flanagan (Burlington, NC)
7 G, 3 GS, 0.74 ERA, 24.1 IP, 7 BB, 26 K, 0.99 WHIP

14. Chase Hentges (AZL)
7 G, 0 GS, 2.70 ERA, 10 IP, 1 BB, 6 K, 1.30 WHIP

15. Alberto Espinosa (Idaho Falls)
.160/.229/.210, 16-for-100, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 8 BB, 20 K, 1 SB: 1 CS

16. Derrick Saito (Idaho Falls)
9 G, 0 GS, 7.30 ERA, 12.1 IP, 12 BB, 19 K, 2.35 WHIP

17. Jacob Kuebler (AZL)
.240/288/.320, 18-for-75, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 4 BB, 7 K, 3 SB: 1 CS

18. Carlo Testa (Idaho Falls)
.188/.350/.313, 3-for-16, 1 RBI, 4 BB, 5 K, 1 SB: 0 CS (for Burlington, NC)
.200/.315/.333, 12-for-60, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 10 BB, 20 K, 2 SB: 1 CS

19. Miguel Moctezuma (Burlington, NC)
.200/.262/.309, 11-for-55, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 4 BB, 17 K, 0 SB: 0 CS

20. Shawn Griffin (Idaho Falls)
.282/.379/.419, 35-for-124, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 19 BB, 35 K, 3 SB: 4 CS

21. Jacob Theis (AZL)
1 G, 0 GS, 27.00 ERA, 0.1 IP, 0 BB, 0 K, 12.00 WHIP

22. Blaine Hardy (Idaho Falls)
10 G, 0 GS, 6.23 ERA, 17.1 IP, 7 BB, 13 K, 1.67 WHIP

23. Dale De Schepper (AZL)
Has not accumulated service time.

24. Jason Morales (Burlington, NC)
.208/.291/.312, 16-for-77, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 7 BB, 19 K, 1 SB: 1 CS

25. Carson Bryant (Burlington, NC)
8 G, 3 GS, 6.11 ERA, 17.2 IP, 4 BB, 19 K, 1.58 WHIP

26. Ryan Morgan (Idaho Falls)
7 G, 3 GS, 5.03 ERA, 19.2 IP, 13 BB, 20 K, 1.93 WHIP

27. Tim Huber (Idaho Falls)
3 G, 0 GS, 18.00 ERA, 3 IP, 2 BB, 4 K, 3.33 WHIP (in Burlington, NC)
3 G, 0 GS, 0.00 ERA, 6 IP, 3 BB, 5 K, 1.17 ERA (in Idaho Falls)

28. Greg Billo (AZL)
2 G, 1 GS, 1.2 IP, 10.80 ERA, 1 BB, 2 K, 1.20 WHIP

34. Brett Richardson (AZL)
9 G, 0 GS, 10.2 IP, 1.69 ERA, 2 BB, 5 K, .256 OPPBA

38. James Thompson (Idaho Falls)
11 G, 0 GS, 3.31 ERA, 16.1 IP, 7 BB, 20 K, 1.41 WHIP

40. Pernell Halliman (Burlington, NC)
7 G, 1 GS, 9.24 ERA, 12.2 IP, 8 BB, 9 K, 1.97 WHIP

47. Stephen Gilgenbach (Idaho Falls)
11 G, 0 GS, 13.86 ERA, 12.1 IP, 16 BB, 12 K, 3.00 WHIP

Interview with Greg Schaum of 610 Sports (Part One)

Royals Nation — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:43:18 -0000

Greg Schaum is the Royals postgame color analyst of the Royals post-game show. He is an avid baseball fan who - get this - has connections toward the Royals *and* Cardinals organization, although the ties to the former are much more fierce and run much deeper than the latter. I used to intern for the Entercom Studios' 'Rock Block', KQRC 98.9, KRBZ 96.5, and KYYS 99.7, three rock stations located in Kansas City, Missouri. Inside the same building reside several different local stations, including Kansas City's KCSP, 610 Sports. It is here that I began holding brief conversations with Schaum. Ironically, he is also a frequent customer at my workplace, where we have also engaged in many conversations about the Royals. His passion and knowledge of the game - and the Royals - are truly second to none. He frequently contributes to the Royals blogosphere, most notably Royals Corner, the Royals' affiliate of Scout.com. Schaum and I have also interacted frequently on the postgame show itself, as I call in as frequently as possible, posing questions and raising topics of discussion that I find intriguing. I recently had the opportunity to catch up with Greg and discuss many things Royals. I hope you enjoy!

Below is part one of the Interview with 610 Sports' radio sales and postgame show analyst Greg Schaum.

*************

Royals Nation: Tell us about your background in baseball. How did you become a Royals fan? Are the rumors of your original Cardinal devotion true?

Schaum: Well, I have been a member of the following ball clubs; Aero Plastics, Shawnee Kawasaki Honda, Roeland Park Merchants, and the Shawnee Northsiders. Basically I have kicked it around ball fields since I was a tike. I have played at the old 3&2 Baseball fields on Pflumm and the still existing 3&2 fields on 87th. I played High School baseball at Shawnee Mission North and was able to play some college baseball at a very good NAIA school in Riverside, California. Baseball runs in my family. My relationship with my grandfather will lead into the next question about the Cardinals. My grandfather was a huge Cardinal fan and I visited my grandparents every summer. He would take me up to Kirkwood Park and hit me fly balls and pitch to me for hours. He would tell me about his friend Joe "Ducky" Medwick and the "Gashouse Gang" and how they played the game the right way. My dad still tells me about the great Bob Gibson. So, I do appreciate the St. Louis Cardinals. However, I was born at Research Hospital and am a born and raised Kansas Citian and Royals fan. My dad faced his truest test in 1985 and cheered for the Royals, so he is a Royals fan, too. I grew up cheering for my favorites like John Mayberry, Amos Otis, UL Washington, and Willie Wilson.

Royals Nation: Discuss your background in radio and broadcasting. How did you become an employee of 610 Sports? How did you work your way up to broadcasting/analyzing for the Royals' post game show?

Schaum: I moved back to Kansas City after spending eight years in Los Angeles. I did not think I was going to stay in Kansas City and was preparing to take on a life in baseball. At the age of 33, I was looking at becoming an executive at the minor league levels and attempt to prove my worth. I was working my connections and also taking a class through Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) specifically designed to teach you about scouting and becoming a baseball executive. Out of nowhere, an opportunity came up to work at 610 Sports. I took the job but was still finishing up my work with SMWW. I realized that I had a great opportunity with 610 Sports and after spending most of my adult life in limbo pursuing an acting career in L.A., I decided that a little security could not hurt. Last summer, 610 Sports had about 3 people pass on doing the Willie Wilson Classic at Community America Ballpark (home of the Kansas City T-Bones) and I told them I could do it. Having already established myself as a walking baseball encyclopedia around the office, they gave me the opportunity. Since I originally went to college to pursue a broadcasting career and also spent 4 years studying improv in L.A., I think my past training and instinct just took over. I think I turned some heads and when the opportunity to do the post game show came up, I was pretty relentless in my pursuit of it. I have to say that, as a kid, I used to play baseball outside with my buddies and I would always do the play-by-play of the games, complete with introducing lineups as each time you batted you became a Major League player and providing statistics.

Royals Nation: Besides on-air analysis, what are your duties at 610 Sports?

Schaum: I was hired to do radio sales and that is my official position at 610 Sports. I love providing creative marketing strategies for my clients and making them a part of our Royals broadcasts has been a great part of my job.

Royals Nation: You originally worked at 610 Sports in a position not on the airwaves. Did you find the transition to the microphone difficult?

Schaum: As I said above, I am a busy man. I do sales during the day. I am also getting married July 24th so I don't have a lot of time to rest. Fortunately, as many people in sales know, I am able to have time to do my prep work and spend time with my fiancee and her 6 year old daughter, Lilly.

***

Editor's note: Thanks to Greg Schaum for taking literally hours out of his busy workdays (and evenings) at 610 Sports for taking part in this exclusive interview. Schaum is currently on a honeymoon with his wife in the Dominican Republic, but will return next week for 'part deux.'

Former Royals Throughout Baseball

Royals Nation — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:22:33 -0000

Former Royals Throughout Baseball

The Royal Treatment writer Ray gives an up-to-date, extensive, and detailed report on how our former Royals are faring throughout baseball.

Royals Review Minor League Project: The Idaho Falls Chukars Hitters

Royals Nation — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:25:02 -0000

The Idaho Falls Chukars reside in the Northern Division of the Pioneer League, a short-season rookie league founded in 1939. The Pioneer League primarily comprises of college and advanced high school draft picks. Eight teams total exist in this league; four in each division. The league is universally considered an 'advanced' rookie league, for older or more advanced draft picks. The Chukars have been affiliated with five different Major League Baseball franchises, and have been the Royals' rookie affiliate since 2004.

Continuing the trend of the much welcomed Minor League analysis here at Royals Review, below is a gander at some hitters who will begin the 2008 season with our Idaho rookie affiliate. I will provide basic profile information (examples include age, height, weight, and date of birth), a brief background and scouting report on each individual player.

POSITION:

PLAYER, B/T, HT, WT, DOB (AGE)

CATCHERS:

Joe Billick, R/R, 6'2", 230, 5/30/85 (23)

via www.peavynet.com

Background:

Selected by the Royals in the 19th round of the 2007 amateur entry draft. Drafted as a college junior from University of Georgia.

2007 statistics:

.186/.319/.237/.556, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 97 AB, 14 BB, 27 K (Idaho Falls [R])

2008 outlook:

Billick is strictly backup catcher material in Idaho Falls. At age 23, he remains one of the oldest members of the team, and two high school draftee catchers - Juan Graterol and Sean McCauley - remain above Billick on the organizational depth chart.

Notes:

Disappointing professional debut, projected backup

Juan Graterol, R/R, 6'1", 170, 2/14/89 (19)

via www.tricitiessports.com

Background:

Signed by the Royals as a non-drafted free agent on 9/6/05.

2007 statistics:

.225/.292/.235/.527, 0 HR, 10 RBI, 102 AB, 9 BB, 17 K (Burlington Royals [R])

2008 outlook:

Thus far, Sean McCauley's backup. Still very young, so he's the frontline candidate if McCauley gets promoted to full-season ball, which is still probably unlikely.

Sean McCauley, R/R, 6'2", 170, 5/13/89 (19)

via media.scout.com

Background:

Selected by the Royals in the 12th round of the 2007 amateur entry draft.

2007 statistics:

.286/.375/.476/.851, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 84 AB, 10 BB, 19 K (AZL Royals [R])

Notes:

- Sore shoulder, out of action until May ..... MRI revealed no damage...rehabbed in Arizona...now back in Idaho Falls

- Possibility of heading to full-season league was slim, anyway (c/o The Royal Tower)

- Skinny catcher from Manassas, VA...played in AZL last season....scouts told him he'd be signed sooner, but Royals offered him sixth-round signing bonus.

- Hit well in debut, but only in 84 AB's

- Needs to increase weight to stay behind dish

INFIELDERS:

John Alfaro, R/R, 5'9", 170, 4/28/88 (20)

via www.perfectgame.org

Notes:

- Most outstanding player at the JuCo World Series last year, led Grayson to national title (hit .476 in postseason) (The Pipeline)

Alberto ("Tito") Espinosa, R/R, 5'11", 210, 9/15/86 (21)

Background:

Selected by the Twins in the 33rd round of the 2006 amateur entry draft.

2008 outlook:

Doesn't really project. Not enough pop in bat.

Notes:

- Comes from Broward JuCo in Florida, former catcher

- Passed on Twins in 2006, will see how he adjusts

Fernando Garcia, S/R, 6'0", 160, 7/28/88 (19)

Background:

Selected by the Royals in the 28th round of the 2007 amateur entry draft (also selected in 2006, but unsigned)

2007 statistics:

.088/.295/.088/.383, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3-for-34, 15 G, 7 BB, 8 K (Idaho Falls [R])

2008 outlook:

Won't hit for much power, showed some speed on the bases in college / Projected full-time second baseman

Antonio Jimenez, S/R, 6'2, 157, 4/20/87 (21)

via media.scout.com

Background:

Signed by the Royals as a nondrafted free agent, 5/18/05.

2007 statistics:

.184/.255/.213/.468, 0 HR, 10 RBI, 136 AB, 11 BB, 45 K, 4 SB/3 CS (Burlington [A])

2008 outlook:

Not enough power for a first baseman. Too lanky.

Yeldrys Molina, R/R, 5'9", 150, 1/8/89 (19)

(photo removed by request)

Background:

Signed by the Royals as a nondrafted free agent, 7/2/05.

2007 statistics:

.209/.242/.281/.523, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 153 AB, 6 BB, 32 K, 2 SB/1 CS (Burlington [R])

2008 outlook:

At shortstop, could provide excellent double-play duo with Perez or Fernando Garcia.

Alwin Perez, L/R, 6'0", 150, 4/4/87 (21)

via assets.mediaspanonline.com

Background:

Signed by the Royals as a nondrafted free agent, 9/3/03.

2007 statistics:

.282/.349/.413/.762, 6 HR, 34 RBI, 206 AB, 19 BB, 40 K, 7 SB/6 CS (Burlington [R])

2008 statistics:

.207/.257/.287/.544, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 174 AB, 12 BB, 43 K, 9 SB/4 CS (Burlington [A])

2008 outlook:

All-defense/little offense player thus far.

Devery Van De Keere, L/R, 6'2", 210, 1/29/85 (23)

via media.scout.com

Background:

Selected by the Royals in the 48th round of the 2007 amateur entry draft

2007 statistics:

.284/.369/.388/.757, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 268 AB, 34 BB, 47 K, 5 SB/2 CS (Idaho Falls [R])

2008 outlook:

College senior draft pick doesn't really project as a corner infielder.

Notes:

Signed quickly last season and opened year at Idaho Falls. Played with Mark Teahen's father on Canada's national team (bloodline) - game projects similar to Teahen

OUTFIELDERS:

Nick Francis, R/R, 6'3", 195, 3/5/86 (22)

Background:

Selected by the Royals in the 15th round of the 2006 amateur entry draft, drafted as a college sophomore from Florida State University, also attended Pensacola Junior College

2007 statistics:

.303/.366/.426/.792, 1 HR, 27 RBI, 155 AB, 15 BB, 41 K, 3 SB/2 CS (AZL [R])

2008 outlook:

Good contact hitter/corner outfielder.

Shawn Griffin, S/R, 6'3", 200, 8/9/86 (21)

via tnjn.com

Background:

Selected by the Royals in the 20th round of the 2008 amateur entry draft, drafted as college junior from University of Tennessee

2007 statistics:

.268/.314/.470/.784, 6 HR, 32 RBI, 168 AB, 12 BB, 43 K, 53 G (Southeastern Conference Eastern Division [NCAA])

2008 outlook:

Contact leaves a bit to be desired, but that and power will develop further with age.

Notes:

Comes from Univ. of Tennessee...hit .314 this season with 12 HR and slugged .586 in 52 games

Patrick Norris, S/R, 6'2", 190, 3/17/86 (22)

via media.collegepublisher.com

Background:

Selected by the Royals in the 16th round of the 2007 amateur entry drafted, also previously drafted by San Diego (2005).

2007 statistics:

.285/.385/.326/.711, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 239 AB, 39 BB, 61 K, 30 SB/5 CS (Split between Burlington [R] and Idaho Falls [R]), 1-for-11 at Idaho Falls, 67-for-228 at Burlington, NC.

2008 outlook:

Speedy center fielder.

Notes:

Speedy outfielder from University of Oklahoma City, boasted speed in pro debut / Slap and go-type hitter, range galore in the outfield

Neder Severino, R/R, 6'2", 205, 2/9/88 (20)

Background:

Signed by the Royals as a nondrafted free agent, 3/15/06.

2007 statistics:

.237/.289/.344/.633, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 186 AB, 12 BB, 42 K, 4 SB/4 CS (Burlington [R])

2008 outlook:

Likely 4th outfielder or reserve.

Royals Minor League Survivor 2.0!

Royals Nation — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:59:09 -0000

Royals Minor League Survivor 2.0!

Eliminate Royals Minor Leaguers one by one until the last one remains. It's a riveting game, I promise. And get to know our Minor Leaguers, if you're not too familiar with the farm.

Rules available in the forum....choose a Royal Minor Leaguer and eliminate away.

MLBallpark Survivor

Royals Nation — Wed, 28 May 2008 09:35:50 -0000

MLBallpark Survivor

For those interested in playing a riveting game of Ballpark Survivor. Continuing that Survivor trend that haunts us at Royals Nation. My money is on Camden Yards. Guests may post, so feel free to cruise by and vote.

Long-Term Contracts: Two Down - Many More To Go

Royals Nation — Fri, 23 May 2008 04:47:54 -0000

Two Down - Many More To Go

We begin our endeavors into analysis of retaining the core by examining the contracts of two current Royals players secured to long-term contracts. In my opinion, former Royals G.M. Allard Baird and current Royals G.M. Dayton Moore were extremely smart in retaining both of these players, as they proceeded at the discretion of scouts within the organization and throughout baseball and their own instincts at securing two players who would, in turn, become legitimate producers at the Major League level. Obviously, David DeJesus has just entered his prime, and Joakim Soria turned 24 less than one week ago. However, both of these players are solid producers.

DeJesus has posted a career OPS of 102+, and a career line of .282/.357/.413, solid enough for any leadoff man and further enhanced by his ability to play center-field with good enough range, instincts, and glove.

Joakim Soria, the Royals' latest birthday boy, has simply been dominant in a closers' role, posting a 2.16 career ERA in 87 1/3 innings. He will arguably be the Royals' dominant closer and cog in late inning games for the forseeable future. However, his long-term contract, agreed to on Saturday, May 17 (one day before his birthday) guarantees him an extra $2 million should he be converted to starter, and some members of the Royals blogosphere or Internet fan-nation are already clamoring for a Soria shift to the starting 5. That wholy realistic possibility makes the Soria contract a possible greater bargain.

Now, onward to the contracts. Let us begin our analysis with the numbers themselves...

Per Cot's Baseball Contracts:

David DeJesus, of

5 years/$13.8M (2006-2010), plus $6M 2011 club option
signed extension 3/06
06:$0.5M, 07:$2M, 08:$2.5M, 09:$3.6M, 10:$4.7M, 11:$6M club option ($0.5M buyout)
if DeJesus does not qualify for arbitration as a Super 2 after 2006, the contract value is reduced to $11.95M (06:$0.5M, 07:$0.6M, 08:$2.3M, 09:$3.45M, 10:$4.6M, 11:$6M / $0.5M buyout)
1 year/$0.32M (2005), renewed 3/05
drafted 2000 (4-104), $0.245M signing bonus
agent: Dan Horwits
ML service: 3.146

At age 28, we can expect DeJesus to maintain his roughly league-average (and actually slightly above average by center fielders' standards) production. While the contract is heavy on years, it is certainly not heavy on actual monetary commitments. In fact, DeJesus won't even cost significantly above average for a post-Free Agency player until the 2011 season, which is actually an option season worth $6 million. One of Baird's finer moves, in my opinion, was agreeing to keep David DeJesus in Kansas City. Although some fans overlook the center fielder, and although this sounds wholesomely cliche, his hustle, hard work, and gritty determination have attracted baseball fans to Kauffman Stadium to watch the Kansas City Royals. This city has, in many symbolic ways, learned to appreciate the type of play that DeJesus brings to the field. He is by all means an excellent teammate and an active contributor to the community. He's the type of player a front office should lock up long-term. Another long-term commitment is below. "Mexican Tough."

Joakim Soria, rhp

1 year/$0.4265M (2008)3 years/$8.75M (2009-11), plus 2012-14 club
options
signed extension 5/17/08
09:$1M, 10:$3M, 11:$4M, 12:$6M club option, 13:$8M club option, 14:$8.75M club option ($0.75M buyout for each option)
escalators based on IP (as starter) or games finished (as reliever)
2012 option guaranteed at $6M with 55 games in 2011 or 110 games in 2010-11
2012 option guaranteed at $6.5M with 400 IP in 2010-11
1 year/$0.4265M (2008), re-signed 2/20/08 (split contract)
1 year/$0.38M (2007), signed 2/07
drafted # 2 (from San Diego) in Rule 5 draft 12/06
signed (by San Diego) as minor-league free agent 12/20/05
signed for 2005 with Mexico City of Mexican League
released (by LA Dodgers) 10/12/04
signed 10/31/01 as amateur free agent (LA Dodgers)
agent: Oscar Suarez
ML service: 1.000

Should I even delve into the magnificence of Soria thus far as Royals closer? He possesses four well above average pitches in a 66-70mph, 12-6 curveball, a slider, a change-up, and a 2-seam fastball that clocks in between roughly 91-93. And according to Sam Mellinger, there is nowhere to go but up for this guy, whom former manager Buddy Bell classically deemed as "Mexican Tough."

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/610579.html

He rocks braces and an Abraham Lincoln beard, plus usually a smile — and why not? He was the primary setup man in his second big-league game, the closer in his fourth, and now, into his second season, looks capable of becoming one of the game’s best.

Numbers don’t always do it justice, but here goes: a perfect eight-for-eight on saves, zero runs surrendered in 13 one-inning appearances, a .071 batting average-against, one walk and 15 strikeouts.

“He’s the only guy on the team any of us would say, ‘I’ll bet my next paycheck this is a strike,’ ” says Brian Bannister. “That’s how much faith we have in him. We all laugh when we watch him pitch. You just know the first pitch is going to be a strike, and it’s probably going to be knee high.”

Soria is so good, so quick — and with seemingly no strain — that teammates and Royals officials can’t help but wonder about someday moving him to the rotation. His use has become one of the perpetual talking points among Royals fans.

Moving on....

In your opinion, which player should we next secure to a long-term contract? In addition, what should the contract entail, money-wise? I believe the next player in line for a long-term contract is starting pitcher Zack Greinke. More on that to come.

Editor's note: I would like to note that I have created a new blog entitled Retaining The Core. In this blog, I will examine long-term, pre-Free Agency contracts throughout baseball and how those deals relate to our own commitment to our young players. I will create an uncompromising tone, urging our brass and front office to guide this organization toward respectability and contention by securing our young core in the form of long-term contracts.

http://retainingthecorekc.blogspot.com/

MLB Top Prospect Survivor!

Royals Nation — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:22:06 -0000

MLB Top Prospect Survivor!

MLB Top Prospect Survivor is happening NOW over at Royals Nation. You know the rules - 3 votes for one player in a round eliminates that player, no voting more than once in each round, and guests may participate (that means you lurkers!)

Also, many thanks to those of you who participated in Royals Survivor 2008. The winner of that contest was not much surprise, but quite accurate.....it was Alex Gordon.

And to make this more relevant to discussion here at RR, which Royals players do you think will pull a Dan Cortes for next year's Top Prospects list? I'm thinking Joe Dickerson and Daniel Gutierrez could make the top 7 or so by next year.