SB Nation User Blog: RoyalsRetro

Here’s the thing: Last year, there were seven players in baseball who qualified for the batting t...

RoyalsRetro — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:04:08 -0000

Here’s the thing: Last year, there were seven players in baseball who qualified for the batting title with OPS+ of 80 or less. You got that number in mind? Seven.

– Two of those players — Yuniesky Betancourt and Jason Kendall — have been locked up by the Royals.

– Jose Guillen had an OPS+ of 80, but did not get enough at-bats to qualify for the batting title — he and his $13 million contract will be in the everyday lineup as either a DH or (gasp) a right fielder.

– Chris Getz, who had an OPS+ of 74 in 415 plate appearances (not enough to qualify) was acquired by the Royals and figures to be in the everyday lineup at second base.

– And now, Brian N. Anderson, with his career 69 OPS+ is the leading candidate to be the Opening Day centerfielder.

So — there were seven every day players in all of baseball last year with OPS+ of 80 or less. The Royals project to have FIVE IN THEIR OPENING DAY LINEUP. And that is assuming that Josh Fields, with his 68 OPS+ in 268 plate appearances last year, does not win a place in the lineup. And he could. The Royals like his bat.

JoPo: Depressing Royals Story of the Day

Should the Braves lock up Jason Heyward?

RoyalsRetro — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:08:14 -0000

Days after he made his MLB debut, the Rays signed 3B Evan Longoria to a six year deal, $17.5 million deal with three option years totaling over $30 million. It shocked many across baseball, but Longoria has thus far more than lived up to the bargain.

via blogs.ajc.com

Locking up young, pre-arbitration players to long-term deals was all the vogue in 2008 with Longoria signing, the Royals locking up Zack Greinke and Joakim Soria, the Marlins signing Hanley Ramirez, the Rays signing Scott Kazmir, the White Sox signing Gavin Floyd and the Rockies signing Troy Tulowitski.

Pre-arb deals haven't been as prevalent lately, probably due to the recession. However, it could end up being a great way to save money, especially when you consider how much a guy like Tim Lincecum may get in arbitration.

So is it too soon for the Braves to lock up a "can't miss" prospect like Jason Heyward? What about Tommy Hanson? Any other young rookies you would consider locking up?

GM Family Tree. Dayton is the bastard son of John Schuerholz.

RoyalsRetro — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:23:44 -0000

GM Family Tree. Dayton is the bastard son of John Schuerholz.

Rays sign 1B Ryan Shealy

RoyalsRetro — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:34:12 -0000

Rays sign 1B Ryan Shealy

So long old friend. Too bad you couldn't turn the 1-3 like Mike Jacobs.

New in Rumor Central: KC, Detroit, Oakland and Seattle among possibilities for Jack Cust.

RoyalsRetro — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:51:50 -0000

New in Rumor Central: KC, Detroit, Oakland and Seattle among possibilities for Jack Cust.

Jerry Crasnick Twitter Page

Royals re-sign OF Shane Costa

RoyalsRetro — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:55:45 -0000

Royals re-sign OF Shane Costa

LUBANSKI NOW!

Royals sign P Phillip Humber to a minor league deal, according to 610's Greg Schaum

RoyalsRetro — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:44:19 -0000

Royals sign P Phillip Humber to a minor league deal, according to 610's Greg Schaum

Royals cancel 2010 Fantasy Camp

RoyalsRetro — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:11:46 -0000

Royals cancel 2010 Fantasy Camp

Insert your own joke here.

Neyer: Top 100 Players of the Decade

RoyalsRetro — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:26:02 -0000

Neyer: Top 100 Players of the Decade

Carlos Beltran at #6 is the only one I saw that played for the Royals. No Zack, no Sweeney, no Elarton.

Kansas City Royals Facebook Page

RoyalsRetro — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:05:59 -0000

Kansas City Royals Facebook Page