We now have several young guys that have EARNED the chance for more playing time. Rivera, Olivares, and Isbel. The hardest part for the Royals is finding opportunities for them. And the reason it is hard is because we HATE letting go of veterans. I thought signing Santana was a great move to bridge the gap younger players. We need to be able to admit he has sharply declined and move on from the player. Hunter Dozier has rebounded. Santana is taking AB's and development time away from the list above. At some point MAT has to be moved to a part time role. I imagine that only happens if Isbel and Olivares hit so well they have to play every day.
Also in this same vein, they Royals basically extended Whitt Merrifield for another season by restructuring/picking up his option. I thought given his gradual decline over the last 4 years coupled with the surplus of middle infielders in the minor leagues that look close to major league ready, this wouldn't happen. But it has and I while I love Whitt, I thought his time in KC was coming to an end. I hate to say it but I believe Merrifield will give us the same Santanaesque decision to make next year.
We now have several young guys that have EARNED the chance for more playing time. Rivera, Olivares, and Isbel. The hardest part for the Royals is finding opportunities for them. And the reason it is hard is because we HATE letting go of veterans. I thought signing Santana was a great move to bridge the gap younger players. We need to be able to admit he has sharply declined and move on from the player. Hunter Dozier has rebounded. Santana is taking AB's and development time away from the list above. At some point MAT has to be moved to a part time role. I imagine that only happens if Isbel and Olivares hit so well they have to play every day.
Also in this same vein, they Royals basically extended Whitt Merrifield for another season by restructuring/picking up his option. I thought given his gradual decline over the last 4 years coupled with the surplus of middle infielders in the minor leagues that look close to major league ready, this wouldn't happen. But it has and I while I love Whitt, I thought his time in KC was coming to an end. I hate to say it but I believe Merrifield will give us the same Santanaesque decision to make next year.