The Royals hold a 6m team option on David DeJesus for the 2011 season. To me, it seems like an easy option to exercise. DeJesus has been a solid/major contributor to the Royals for a long time and was in the midst of what was possibly his best season ever, posting a .827 OPS until he went down. Throw in the fact that 6m isn't exactly the toughest pill to swallow and DeJesus himself seems to want to be back... this has to be a no brainer right?
Well for some reason with less than a month until a decision needs to be made in regards to the option, Dayton Moore has yet to make a decision regarding that option. It's certainly not time to panic or anything, but given DeJesus' consistent performance and his bargain price - Fangraphs has only once pegged his open-market value at less than 10m since 2005 - it seems silly to drag this out.
Given a somewhat crowded outfield picture looking forward, the Royals seemed poised to move DeJesus this summer and until he broke his thumb, he was one of the better outfield trade chips on the market. That however should not mean the Royals simply cut-bait on DeJesus.
This decision should be made all the easier given that Alex Gordon, who the club sent down to AAA in hopes he could rediscover his swing, has not. Gordon lit up AAA pitching (not a huge shock) while the Royals moved him to left field in order to create a spot Alberto Callaspo - who they promptly traded. But Gordon has yet to translate any of that to the Majors as he's posted an OPS of just .725 since returning.
By all measures DeJesus' option is one that should be exercised. His performance more than justifies it, there are no age concerns, there shouldn't be any concerns about the injury, and it's not like Gordon is banging down the door with his bat or anything. Not having done so already only feeds the impression that the Royals front office just doesn't get it.
Showing posts with label Alberto Callaspo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alberto Callaspo. Show all posts
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Alex Gordon Demoted
If I were to tell you that the Royals personnel decisions baffle me, I'd only joining the chorus of tens of thousands of disgruntled Kansas City fans. Well, I'm joining. Officially.
Earlier this year I suggested that the Royals had a potentially solid infield once they got all their players healthy, suggesting that a lineup of Billy Butler at first, Alberto Callaspo at second, Mike Aviles at short, and Alex Gordon at third was potentially quite strong offensively.
The Royals brass obviously doesn't see it that way. While it was initially reported that Gordon would be benched once second baseman Chris Getz returned from his DL trip, there was also speculation that he could be sent to the minors outright.
That's precisely what has happened.
One one hand I suppose it's good that if Gordon isn't going to be utilized on a regular basis, he can at least get consistent at-bats. But is it the best overall decision? I certainly don't think so. With that said, lets not fool ourselves into believing that Gordon is something that he is not. He has a career .744 OPS, huge strikeout rates, and both UZR and the +/- system rank him as below average at third base.
That's a bad combination.
But what does sending him down do? He isn't going to learn anything new at AAA. He isn't going to learn to adjust to Major League breaking balls, that's for sure. What's more, it probably isn't in the Royals best interests right now, or in the future. It isn't in their best interests because it leaves one of the few players with any discernible upside in the minor leagues. It isn't in their best interest because it lowers his already marginal trade value.
Furthermore, bringing up Aviles, who they sent down less than a month ago because he didn't have the arm-strength to sit on the bench in Gordon's stead is equally baffling. Both of these players need at-bats, and while Aviles who is recovering from injury would be better suited to get those innings in the minors, he'll sit on the bench in the Majors. Gordon, who has nothing left to prove but needs to continue to adjust to Major League play, will sit in the minors.
Baffling.
*Update*
The Royals now apparently plan on switching Gordon off of third base entirely and teaching him to play left field and first base. With top prospect Mike Moustakas at third base long-term, and Butler, along with prospect Kila Ka'aihue, at first, one would presume that left field will be where he spends most of his time.
Given that they're moving him off the hot corner, and given the absences they'll have in left field and at designated hitter after Scott Podsednik and Jose Guillen depart after this season, it certain appears that this is more of a move to find a way to make Gordon fit better into their long-term plans.
Earlier this year I suggested that the Royals had a potentially solid infield once they got all their players healthy, suggesting that a lineup of Billy Butler at first, Alberto Callaspo at second, Mike Aviles at short, and Alex Gordon at third was potentially quite strong offensively.
The Royals brass obviously doesn't see it that way. While it was initially reported that Gordon would be benched once second baseman Chris Getz returned from his DL trip, there was also speculation that he could be sent to the minors outright.
That's precisely what has happened.
One one hand I suppose it's good that if Gordon isn't going to be utilized on a regular basis, he can at least get consistent at-bats. But is it the best overall decision? I certainly don't think so. With that said, lets not fool ourselves into believing that Gordon is something that he is not. He has a career .744 OPS, huge strikeout rates, and both UZR and the +/- system rank him as below average at third base.
That's a bad combination.
But what does sending him down do? He isn't going to learn anything new at AAA. He isn't going to learn to adjust to Major League breaking balls, that's for sure. What's more, it probably isn't in the Royals best interests right now, or in the future. It isn't in their best interests because it leaves one of the few players with any discernible upside in the minor leagues. It isn't in their best interest because it lowers his already marginal trade value.
Furthermore, bringing up Aviles, who they sent down less than a month ago because he didn't have the arm-strength to sit on the bench in Gordon's stead is equally baffling. Both of these players need at-bats, and while Aviles who is recovering from injury would be better suited to get those innings in the minors, he'll sit on the bench in the Majors. Gordon, who has nothing left to prove but needs to continue to adjust to Major League play, will sit in the minors.
Baffling.
*Update*
The Royals now apparently plan on switching Gordon off of third base entirely and teaching him to play left field and first base. With top prospect Mike Moustakas at third base long-term, and Butler, along with prospect Kila Ka'aihue, at first, one would presume that left field will be where he spends most of his time.
Given that they're moving him off the hot corner, and given the absences they'll have in left field and at designated hitter after Scott Podsednik and Jose Guillen depart after this season, it certain appears that this is more of a move to find a way to make Gordon fit better into their long-term plans.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Alex Gordon Returns to Royals Roster
Alex Gordon hadn't had an at-bat against live pitching since breaking his right thumb in early spring training. But that didn't stop manager Trey Hillman from throwing him into the fire with his team down a run in the 9th to the Twins. There would be no heroics for Gordon on this day, but he didn't manage to work a walk.
How Gordon performed in this early season plate appearance of course isn't really the point. The point is that the Royals have their regular third baseman back. Gordon of course was supposed to become the franchise player for the Royals after being drafted in the first round and tearing up the minor leagues.
The Majors haven't been so kind to Gordon. While Gordon has struggled to the tune of a career triple slash of .250/.331/.415. Those aren't terrible numbers for a young player, but they certainly aren't what was envisioned. Much of Gordon's inability to develop into the player many thought he could be can be attributed to the litany of injuries he's suffered.
But what really matters at this point, is what Gordon can contribute going forward. Judging by his minor league performances the past few seasons, the abilities that intoxicated scouts and fans alike still seems to be there. Haunting Gordon are very high strikeout rates. I've written about how high strikeout rates can turn great Minor League hitters into Major League cannon fodder at length. But Gordon's MiLB strikeout rates, while high weren't high enough to convince me he could succeed at the next level.
Which isn't to say he hasn't been plagued by the issue. It's difficult to be a great hitter at this level when you aren't able to put the ball in play in 25% of your at-bats, and Gordon has learned this the hard way. All the same, Gordon still possess very good power, and an ability to draw walks (which helps offset his strikeout numbers). It's unlikely that Gordon will ever hit for average, but if he can play solid defense - he has a career UZR of 1.4, so right around league average - hit for power and draw walks, he retains the ability to be a well above average player.
The question is how much of all that talent remains? We'll have to wait for that answer.
In the meantime, the return of Gordon will allow the Royals to move Alberto Callaspo back to his natural position of second base. That brings the Royals just one step away from what I view as their ideal middle infield, with Mike Aviles eventually returning to shortstop once hi arm strength is back to an acceptable level.
While horrendous bullpen performances have ruined much of the early season for the Royals, the starting pitching has been surprisingly effective, and the offense has hit a lot. It's unlikely those two trends are anything more than mirages, but it's encouraging all the same.
How Gordon performed in this early season plate appearance of course isn't really the point. The point is that the Royals have their regular third baseman back. Gordon of course was supposed to become the franchise player for the Royals after being drafted in the first round and tearing up the minor leagues.
The Majors haven't been so kind to Gordon. While Gordon has struggled to the tune of a career triple slash of .250/.331/.415. Those aren't terrible numbers for a young player, but they certainly aren't what was envisioned. Much of Gordon's inability to develop into the player many thought he could be can be attributed to the litany of injuries he's suffered.
But what really matters at this point, is what Gordon can contribute going forward. Judging by his minor league performances the past few seasons, the abilities that intoxicated scouts and fans alike still seems to be there. Haunting Gordon are very high strikeout rates. I've written about how high strikeout rates can turn great Minor League hitters into Major League cannon fodder at length. But Gordon's MiLB strikeout rates, while high weren't high enough to convince me he could succeed at the next level.
Which isn't to say he hasn't been plagued by the issue. It's difficult to be a great hitter at this level when you aren't able to put the ball in play in 25% of your at-bats, and Gordon has learned this the hard way. All the same, Gordon still possess very good power, and an ability to draw walks (which helps offset his strikeout numbers). It's unlikely that Gordon will ever hit for average, but if he can play solid defense - he has a career UZR of 1.4, so right around league average - hit for power and draw walks, he retains the ability to be a well above average player.
The question is how much of all that talent remains? We'll have to wait for that answer.
In the meantime, the return of Gordon will allow the Royals to move Alberto Callaspo back to his natural position of second base. That brings the Royals just one step away from what I view as their ideal middle infield, with Mike Aviles eventually returning to shortstop once hi arm strength is back to an acceptable level.
While horrendous bullpen performances have ruined much of the early season for the Royals, the starting pitching has been surprisingly effective, and the offense has hit a lot. It's unlikely those two trends are anything more than mirages, but it's encouraging all the same.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Royals Offense Batters Tigers Pitching
In a three game set at Comerica Park, last years AL Central cellar team, the Royals, took it to Tigers pitching. In three games the Royals amassed 45 hits - an average of 15 per game. That's an astounding number when you really think about it. For the series, the Royals hit .357 while drawing an additional 8 walks for an OBP of .396.
No single series, especially early in the season, can be taken too seriously. In many ways, hitters are still finding their timing, and pitchers are still honing their command. But for both clubs, this has to mean something, no matter how minute.
For the Royals, who's poo-poo platter of a lineup includes all of two players to post an OPS over .800 last year, it's a sign that even though they aren't going to hit many home runs, they can put runs on the board when they have everyone contributing. Especially promising has been the early season performance of Jose Guillen, who has been all but invisible the past two seasons. While it's early enough in the season that I need to remind people, "it's very early in the season," he could be for real. I'll elaborate more in a later post.
Overall, there is little hope for the Royals offense. They're running out below average hitters at at least six of the nine positions, and there isn't much immediate help on the way in the minors. If the Royals are going to hit this season, they'll need continued improvement from star first baseman Billy Butler, second baseman Alberto Callaspo, a strong bounce back season from Alex Gordon (if he ever gets healthy), solid production from David DeJesus, and the return of Mike Aviles circa 2008.
Even then, with everyone hitting on all cylinders, that offense isn't particularly good.
With all that being said, there is no way the Tigers are going to succeed this season if they can't get consistently strong starting pitching. In particular, they need their starters to get deeper into games to prevent their bullpen, which isn't particularly deep, from having to throw too many innings. While you can almost certainly count on ace Justin Verlander to get back on track, young guns Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer need to do so as well.
I've spoken about how essential it is that Detroit's starting pitching remain healthy given their lack of depth Well, now I'm compelled to state that it's every bit as essential that their top three starters be very effective. I'm confident that both Scherzer and Porcello, who were amongst the games best first year starters last season, will resume their strong pitching, but it is absolutely essential that they do.
No single series, especially early in the season, can be taken too seriously. In many ways, hitters are still finding their timing, and pitchers are still honing their command. But for both clubs, this has to mean something, no matter how minute.
For the Royals, who's poo-poo platter of a lineup includes all of two players to post an OPS over .800 last year, it's a sign that even though they aren't going to hit many home runs, they can put runs on the board when they have everyone contributing. Especially promising has been the early season performance of Jose Guillen, who has been all but invisible the past two seasons. While it's early enough in the season that I need to remind people, "it's very early in the season," he could be for real. I'll elaborate more in a later post.
Overall, there is little hope for the Royals offense. They're running out below average hitters at at least six of the nine positions, and there isn't much immediate help on the way in the minors. If the Royals are going to hit this season, they'll need continued improvement from star first baseman Billy Butler, second baseman Alberto Callaspo, a strong bounce back season from Alex Gordon (if he ever gets healthy), solid production from David DeJesus, and the return of Mike Aviles circa 2008.
Even then, with everyone hitting on all cylinders, that offense isn't particularly good.
With all that being said, there is no way the Tigers are going to succeed this season if they can't get consistently strong starting pitching. In particular, they need their starters to get deeper into games to prevent their bullpen, which isn't particularly deep, from having to throw too many innings. While you can almost certainly count on ace Justin Verlander to get back on track, young guns Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer need to do so as well.
I've spoken about how essential it is that Detroit's starting pitching remain healthy given their lack of depth Well, now I'm compelled to state that it's every bit as essential that their top three starters be very effective. I'm confident that both Scherzer and Porcello, who were amongst the games best first year starters last season, will resume their strong pitching, but it is absolutely essential that they do.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Alex Gordon To Begin Rehab Assignment
Alex Gordon, the erstwhile once-franchise-player-to-be has had his career largely derailed by injuries. Last season it was hip-surgery that kept him from ever really being 100%. This spring, he broke his thumb after sliding headfirst into second. Never fun from what I hear.
In my experience thumb injuries, or rather, hand injuries in general, aren't the sorts of things that go away quickly. Instead they tend to linger and have pronounced negative effects with hitters. Gordon will be rehabbing with the Blue Rocks, one of the Royals A-Ball affiliates, beginning Thursday. While Gordon will be eligible to come off the DL on Saturday, it doesn't sound like that'll be the case. There are plenty of good reasons for that, but mostly because few players can simply go from not playing baseball to playing Major League Baseball, and secondly because his hand will need more time to heal and get it's strength back.
What remains to be seen is how Gordon's return will effect the infield rotation of the Royals. I actually kind of like their potential infield when healthy, the problem is that I'm not the manager of the Royals and the guy who is, Trey Hillman, doesn't seem to have the same faith in certain players that I do. But can you really tell me that an infield of Billy Butler at first, Alberto Callaspo at second, Mike Aviles at short, and Gordon at third would really be much worse than any of their AL Central counter-parts? It's not the strongest defensive group - though I really like Aviles at short. But what it loses in defense, it makes up for in offense.
In my experience thumb injuries, or rather, hand injuries in general, aren't the sorts of things that go away quickly. Instead they tend to linger and have pronounced negative effects with hitters. Gordon will be rehabbing with the Blue Rocks, one of the Royals A-Ball affiliates, beginning Thursday. While Gordon will be eligible to come off the DL on Saturday, it doesn't sound like that'll be the case. There are plenty of good reasons for that, but mostly because few players can simply go from not playing baseball to playing Major League Baseball, and secondly because his hand will need more time to heal and get it's strength back.
What remains to be seen is how Gordon's return will effect the infield rotation of the Royals. I actually kind of like their potential infield when healthy, the problem is that I'm not the manager of the Royals and the guy who is, Trey Hillman, doesn't seem to have the same faith in certain players that I do. But can you really tell me that an infield of Billy Butler at first, Alberto Callaspo at second, Mike Aviles at short, and Gordon at third would really be much worse than any of their AL Central counter-parts? It's not the strongest defensive group - though I really like Aviles at short. But what it loses in defense, it makes up for in offense.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Who will start at third for the Royals?
With Alex Gordon out to start the season with a broken right thumb, Alberto Callaspo has been the likely replacement. But now there are reports that he's hurting a bit with a potential oblique pull. Reports are that it isn't bothering him when he throws or when he bats right handed, but that he does feel it when he tries to hit left handed.
If Callaspo isn't ready to go, could the Royals turn to former White Sox prospect Josh Fields? Fields is the classic example of a AAAA player, and highlights precisely why high strikeout rates in the minors suggest significant struggles in the Majors.
If Callaspo isn't ready to go, could the Royals turn to former White Sox prospect Josh Fields? Fields is the classic example of a AAAA player, and highlights precisely why high strikeout rates in the minors suggest significant struggles in the Majors.
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