I could easily see them turning it around in 2-3 years and really making some noise, getting that stadium truly rocking again.

 

:lol

 

 

 

 

did i tell a joke or something?

 

 

I'm dead serious.

 

I guess if what you mean by turning it around is to not be the worst team in the major leagues, maybe they can be middle of the table type team but I dont think they will be contenders anytime soon or for a while for that matter. I have seen tons of their highly touted prospects turn out to be nothing more than mediocre major leaguers and Im solely going to name pitchers but wasnt Runelvys Hernandes (or Fernandes or Gonzalez) whatever it is, supposed to be a rock for their rotation for years to come but now he is bouncing around the league, same with Greinzke (sp?) and Berroa (as a position player) and others who seem to come and go with tremendous hype and tools but give no results. Im not doubting the talent but they never seem to break out the way they are supposed to. I dont see what changes it now.

 

just my opinion

I could easily see them turning it around in 2-3 years and really making some noise, getting that stadium truly rocking again.

 

:lol

 

 

 

 

did i tell a joke or something?

 

 

I'm dead serious.

 

I guess if what you mean by turning it around is to not be the worst team in the major leagues, maybe they can be middle of the table type team but I dont think they will be contenders anytime soon or for a while for that matter. I have seen tons of their highly touted prospects turn out to be nothing more than mediocre major leaguers and Im solely going to name pitchers but wasnt Runelvys Hernandes (or Fernandes or Gonzalez) whatever it is, supposed to be a rock for their rotation for years to come but now he is bouncing around the league, same with Greinzke (sp?) and Berroa (as a position player) and others who seem to come and go with tremendous hype and tools but give no results. Im not doubting the talent but they never seem to break out the way they are supposed to. I dont see what changes it now.

 

just my opinion

 

 

 

all pre dayton moore. i.e. when they were just going through the motions, being an idiotic organization.

 

and grienke could still be something good. i.e. middle of the rotation. his problems werent physical by and large.

 

they have some really good positional players. they need pitching, and they know that. expect moore to focus on pitching by and large come june.

You can't blame Moore for the sins of Allard, people seem to miss the importance of that transition.

What the Royals need are some pitching prospects in their minor league system. They have position players of every description coming out their butts but their recent draft classes have been "largely" (there are exceptions) failures when it comes to pitchers.

 

I've been posting all winter about the KC situation and hardly think Andino would be considered any kind of upgrade over Berroa. Petit for Gathright, if we're not using him to get Benitez makes some sense, but frankly Harvey Garcia or Jesus Delgado or someone not in the top five but better ranked than 20+ might be more appropriate. This is Gathright's last option I believe and there's so many guys coming up through the system they either lose/trade him this season or next.

 

As for other outfielders, you aren't going to pry Butler away but Maier is probably the guy you want to target if you're willing to give him half a season to grow into the job. He's defensively ready and had a great AFL offensively.

I like Maier...a lot!, Gotta love Butler also

What the Royals need are some pitching prospects in their minor league system. They have position players of every description coming out their butts but their recent draft classes have been "largely" (there are exceptions) failures when it comes to pitchers.

 

I've been posting all winter about the KC situation and hardly think Andino would be considered any kind of upgrade over Berroa. Petit for Gathright, if we're not using him to get Benitez makes some sense, but frankly Harvey Garcia or Jesus Delgado or someone not in the top five but better ranked than 20+ might be more appropriate. This is Gathright's last option I believe and there's so many guys coming up through the system they either lose/trade him this season or next.

 

As for other outfielders, you aren't going to pry Butler away but Maier is probably the guy you want to target if you're willing to give him half a season to grow into the job. He's defensively ready and had a great AFL offensively.

I like Maier...a lot!, Gotta love Butler also

Trust me, the Royals aren't parting ways with Maier.

What the Royals need are some pitching prospects in their minor league system. They have position players of every description coming out their butts but their recent draft classes have been "largely" (there are exceptions) failures when it comes to pitchers.

 

I've been posting all winter about the KC situation and hardly think Andino would be considered any kind of upgrade over Berroa. Petit for Gathright, if we're not using him to get Benitez makes some sense, but frankly Harvey Garcia or Jesus Delgado or someone not in the top five but better ranked than 20+ might be more appropriate. This is Gathright's last option I believe and there's so many guys coming up through the system they either lose/trade him this season or next.

 

As for other outfielders, you aren't going to pry Butler away but Maier is probably the guy you want to target if you're willing to give him half a season to grow into the job. He's defensively ready and had a great AFL offensively.

I like Maier...a lot!, Gotta love Butler also

Trust me, the Royals aren't parting ways with Maier.

 

 

Why would you consider Maier an untouchable? Of course they would part with him for the right deal.

What the Royals need are some pitching prospects in their minor league system. They have position players of every description coming out their butts but their recent draft classes have been "largely" (there are exceptions) failures when it comes to pitchers.

 

I've been posting all winter about the KC situation and hardly think Andino would be considered any kind of upgrade over Berroa. Petit for Gathright, if we're not using him to get Benitez makes some sense, but frankly Harvey Garcia or Jesus Delgado or someone not in the top five but better ranked than 20+ might be more appropriate. This is Gathright's last option I believe and there's so many guys coming up through the system they either lose/trade him this season or next.

 

As for other outfielders, you aren't going to pry Butler away but Maier is probably the guy you want to target if you're willing to give him half a season to grow into the job. He's defensively ready and had a great AFL offensively.

I like Maier...a lot!, Gotta love Butler also

Trust me, the Royals aren't parting ways with Maier.

 

 

Why would you consider Maier an untouchable? Of course they would part with him for the right deal.

Because the team is very high on him, for whatever reason. As much as they need decent pen pitching, it would take more than Petit to get Maier. A lot more.

Because the team is very high on Maier. It would take more than Petit to get Maier. A lot more.

 

Respectfully, I doubt that (Petit isn't enough for Maier) unless we're going down the AA/AAA outfielder is worth a major league starter with a winning record road. Maier was shocked when he was one of the very first players sent to the AAA camp this spring while others stuck around much longer. Moore sent him down (I believe) because he knew he just doesn't fit in the team's plans anytime soon. To me that translates into potential trade candidate.

 

DeJesus is going to be there (CF) for quite a long time, Teahen is about to take over RF on a permanent basis and Butler is virtually unstoppable as he makes his way to the majors sometime this season or surely next. That's your Royals outfield of the future. I like Maier and have said so repeatedly and for months, but there's higher ranked OF prospects ahead of him and more coming through the system below him to where a case can be made he's in wrong place at the wrong time. He's 25 or almost, and it's either now or next season for him, and I ask this question without malice - how do you see him fitting into the Royals roster this year or next, except perhaps as a bench jockey, and even then at whose expense?

 

Of course injuries occur, trades take place, but it's very telling that with DeJesus out they've moved their right fielder who's trying to learn that position, into center rather than either bringing up Maier from the AAA camp as a reward or playing Gathright/Costa. For me, I think (my opinion) Moore is signaling who is and isn't available for the right price.

 

And I think Maier is among them.

Because the team is very high on Maier. It would take more than Petit to get Maier. A lot more.

 

Respectfully, I doubt that (Petit isn't enough for Maier) unless we're going down the AA/AAA outfielder is worth a major league starter with a winning record road. Maier was shocked when he was one of the very first players sent to the AAA camp this spring while others stuck around much longer. Moore sent him down (I believe) because he knew he just doesn't fit in the team's plans anytime soon. To me that translates into potential trade candidate.

 

DeJesus is going to be there (CF) for quite a long time, Teahen is about to take over RF on a permanent basis and Butler is virtually unstoppable as he makes his way to the majors sometime this season or surely next. That's your Royals outfield of the future. I like Maier and have said so repeatedly and for months, but there's higher ranked OF prospects ahead of him and more coming through the system below him to where a case can be made he's in wrong place at the wrong time. He's 25 or almost, and it's either now or next season for him, and I ask this question without malice - how do you see him fitting into the Royals roster this year or next, except perhaps as a bench jockey, and even then at whose expense?

 

Of course injuries occur, trades take place, but it's very telling that with DeJesus out they've moved their right fielder who's trying to learn that position, into center rather than either bringing up Maier from the AAA camp as a reward or playing Gathright/Costa. For me, I think (my opinion) Moore is signaling who is and isn't available for the right price.

 

And I think Maier is among them.

Well they've been trying to boost Gathright's stock for a year and a half now. The guy probably won't start 10 games this year in center field for them. Its been told, clearly, that the Royals want to get rid of Gathright. I think Gathright for Petit is more likely than Petit for Maier but that's just my opinion, based off of following the Royals for a few years.

Well they've been trying to boost Gathright's stock for a year and a half now. The guy probably won't start 10 games this year in center field for them. Its been told, clearly, that the Royals want to get rid of Gathright. I think Gathright for Petit is more likely than Petit for Maier but that's just my opinion, based off of following the Royals for a few years.

 

We have no argument there.

 

And frankly, it isn't a break the bank price for the Marlins, and certainly better than what was discussed with TB last off-season. Putting Gathright at the top of the lineup really gives Gonzalez a chance at reworking the lineup (and maybe being able to move Miggy down to cleanup where he belongs - perhaps Gathright, Uggla, Jacobs, Cabrera, Ramirez, Willingham...)

Well they've been trying to boost Gathright's stock for a year and a half now. The guy probably won't start 10 games this year in center field for them. Its been told, clearly, that the Royals want to get rid of Gathright. I think Gathright for Petit is more likely than Petit for Maier but that's just my opinion, based off of following the Royals for a few years.

 

We have no argument there.

 

And frankly, it isn't a break the bank price for the Marlins, and certainly better than what was discussed with TB last off-season. Putting Gathright at the top of the lineup really gives Gonzalez a chance at reworking the lineup (and maybe being able to move Miggy down to cleanup where he belongs - perhaps Gathright, Uggla, Jacobs, Cabrera, Ramirez, Willingham...)

Sounds good to me.

perhaps Gathright, Uggla, Jacobs, Cabrera, Ramirez, Willingham

ewww

 

move Jake and Uggla down, not Hanley and Hammer

One man's idea (and that's all it is) of how to bolster Cabrera's protection in lineup.

 

Ramp, you're certainly entitled to your opinion, but I'm bettin' (in the figurative sense) before the season is over Ramirez bats behind Cabrera.

Ramp, you're certainly entitled to your opinion, but I'm bettin' (in the figurative sense) before the season is over Ramirez bats behind Cabrera.

well that's absolutely retarded... with all due respect

We have a whole season to see who's right and wrong. 162 games is a long time and since either the FO or Fredi has already mentioned moving Ramirez down in the lineup, I'd say my odds are*n't* that bad.

 

Of course the whole thing is moot until the fantasy trade becomesa reality and there's a speedy lead-off guy at the top of the lineup. Gotta learn to walk before you run.

you might be right, it might happen

 

it still wouldn't be the smartest thing to do

Ramp, you're certainly entitled to your opinion, but I'm bettin' (in the figurative sense) before the season is over Ramirez bats behind Cabrera.

well that's absolutely retarded... with all due respect

 

seriously

 

ahead of Cabrera sure but I dont think batting behind Cabrera is so smart

Ramp, you're certainly entitled to your opinion, but I'm bettin' (in the figurative sense) before the season is over Ramirez bats behind Cabrera.

well that's absolutely retarded... with all due respect

 

:lol :lol

 

Almost as bad as:

 

"With all due respect, I wish you were dead." Yes, very respectful indeed. :lol

Gathright hitting lead off? Are you out of your mind? Has he ever posted an OBP out of the .320s?

depends where you look

 

his minor league numbers say .315/.391, while his majors say .251/.319

Gathright hitting lead off? Are you out of your mind? Has he ever posted an OBP out of the .320s?

depends where you look

 

his minor league numbers say .315/.391, while his majors say .251/.319

 

And then there's his numbers once he gets away from Tampa Bay in August and Sept (albeit small sample size, all that stuff) roughly .300/340 which at least gives you some hope in the NL he can build on that.

 

But one thing I would repeat (although I like Maier better) the price for a Gathright if it's Petit is not enormous, and if it doesn't work out, it isn't the end of the world.

 

And not say we should be scrounging around looking to Rule 5 for our next all-star but this year's draft is going to be stocked with gangbuster talent because all the rule change did this year was put players off for one additional season and the next draft will feature alot of guys who are one year closer to being major league ready who escaped this year while there will be more and more guys coming up from the lower levels who need roster spots.

 

I would think he who should remain nameless *cough*ramp*cough* might have a better handle on how actively the Marlins really are looking for outfield talent (yeah I said outfield, not centerfield) regardless of how it's reported they are content with what they have in-house. I'm guessing, perhaps incorrectly, but as I have all along, the next week brings us at least one new outfielder.

 

I wouldn't under-estimate how important roster management is going to be for a lot of teams and some players we haven't even dared think would be available might be. I think throughout baseball it's going to be an interesting seven or eight days.

I don't know which is worse, the thought of taking away AB's from Hanley for Gathright, or the idea of batting Jacobs third.

 

Either way, I'm nauseous.

Gathright should bat #8. You don't bat him leadoff just because he's a fast runner.

like it or not the Royals already have a better shortstop than Robert Andino who they are trying to upgrade.

 

you could argue that Andino has more upside than Berroa, he certainly has a much much much better glove

for what it's worth, the Royals traded for SS prospect Tony Pena Jr today

like it or not the Royals already have a better shortstop than Robert Andino who they are trying to upgrade.

 

you could argue that Andino has more upside than Berroa, he certainly has a much much much better glove

for what it's worth, the Royals traded for SS prospect Tony Pena Jr today

 

And many experts felt they overspent.

 

Just my opnion but Andino > T.Pena Jr

like it or not the Royals already have a better shortstop than Robert Andino who they are trying to upgrade.

 

you could argue that Andino has more upside than Berroa, he certainly has a much much much better glove

for what it's worth, the Royals traded for SS prospect Tony Pena Jr today

 

And many experts felt they overspent.

 

Just my opnion but Andino > T.Pena Jr

 

 

I'd agree. Regarding Pena, the compensation is a pitcher recovering from surgery who may not be ready until 2009 if ever so nobody got or gave much here. This is probably a stopgap.

 

Couple of other things, have to run, Gathright in a rained-out game yesterday testing his sore hamstring, laid down a bunt single on the first pitch of the game. Also, Marlins have renewed interest in Ellison who is out of options with Giants.

 

The story is posted all over the place easy to find. Gotta go.