Development of the Royals’ minor league teams is the crucial issue for JJ. It is hard to believe how bad it is at this point in time. I still haven’t read an in depth story on how it got to this stage.
I don't think they had the right people in the right positions under the old GM. Picollo revamped the scouting department in September of '23. It's going to take some time, but most evaluators agree they're heading in a positive direction.
Most of JJ’s misses were still defensible moves. Renfroe was signed to address a clear need. Hampson less so but I can’t care much about one year deals.
The biggest change from GMDM to JJ is the feeling that JJ’s signings generally make sense. It’s why I feel optimistic about the teams future
I agree. No GM is going to bat 1.000. A move like Hampson (or Frazier) isn't surprising when it doesn't work, but it was done in a way that didn't really have much impact at all.
Same with his trades last year. I wasn't a huge fan of the Pham trade, but it made sense given the needs. It didn't work, but there's an alternate universe where the dude gets at least lukewarm for a few weeks. What I'm saying is, it was definitely worth the shot.
I was very encouraged by JJ's moves after Vinnie went down. He also didn't mortgage the little upside he has in the minors. Still a lot to do in the farm system, but I can already see the difference in player development philosophy on both the pitching and hitting side.
I hated the Chapman signing, but I want to adopt Ragans.
Never liked the Renfroe $, but man those were bleak times. I can't imagine there were many vets lining up to get signed by the Royals after the '23 season. I just heard Vinnie on some random YouTube interview talking about how much Renfroe and others, including Frazier, got everyone in the right frame of mind to win. Pretty sure I remember pitchers saying the same about Smith and Stratton. So maybe it was money well spent to get their (club)house in order?
Today I am thinking JJ and Q are without a doubt the right guys for the job, but that might change some night in June if there still is no offense from the OF and Erceg comes in instead of Estevez.
A big part of most of the free agent signings last year were for that “veteran presence,” but I maintain that it doesn’t work if the veterans can’t even perform to replacement level. Although there were some dividends if Vinnie is still talking about how they helped the team in the clubhouse. There’s something to that, for sure.
I agree, Terry. These guys are a perfect foundation for this team.
Development of the Royals’ minor league teams is the crucial issue for JJ. It is hard to believe how bad it is at this point in time. I still haven’t read an in depth story on how it got to this stage.
I don't think they had the right people in the right positions under the old GM. Picollo revamped the scouting department in September of '23. It's going to take some time, but most evaluators agree they're heading in a positive direction.
Most of JJ’s misses were still defensible moves. Renfroe was signed to address a clear need. Hampson less so but I can’t care much about one year deals.
The biggest change from GMDM to JJ is the feeling that JJ’s signings generally make sense. It’s why I feel optimistic about the teams future
I agree. No GM is going to bat 1.000. A move like Hampson (or Frazier) isn't surprising when it doesn't work, but it was done in a way that didn't really have much impact at all.
Same with his trades last year. I wasn't a huge fan of the Pham trade, but it made sense given the needs. It didn't work, but there's an alternate universe where the dude gets at least lukewarm for a few weeks. What I'm saying is, it was definitely worth the shot.
I was very encouraged by JJ's moves after Vinnie went down. He also didn't mortgage the little upside he has in the minors. Still a lot to do in the farm system, but I can already see the difference in player development philosophy on both the pitching and hitting side.
Exactly. He reacted in a way that made a lot of sense. I really like how Picollo approaches his job.
I hated the Chapman signing, but I want to adopt Ragans.
Never liked the Renfroe $, but man those were bleak times. I can't imagine there were many vets lining up to get signed by the Royals after the '23 season. I just heard Vinnie on some random YouTube interview talking about how much Renfroe and others, including Frazier, got everyone in the right frame of mind to win. Pretty sure I remember pitchers saying the same about Smith and Stratton. So maybe it was money well spent to get their (club)house in order?
Today I am thinking JJ and Q are without a doubt the right guys for the job, but that might change some night in June if there still is no offense from the OF and Erceg comes in instead of Estevez.
A big part of most of the free agent signings last year were for that “veteran presence,” but I maintain that it doesn’t work if the veterans can’t even perform to replacement level. Although there were some dividends if Vinnie is still talking about how they helped the team in the clubhouse. There’s something to that, for sure.
Fantastic article.
Thanks, Jeff!