An obvious but also smart move. The pitching staff looks good now, although I’d like to add another back end of the bullpen guy. Now if only they can add an outfield bat (or maybe Lotenzen is that guy, too!).
I am glad that Lorenzen is back. He can be a good starter/reliever and has the ability to hit. If he goes to the bullpen, who then starts? Bubic? Marsh? Lynch IV? How about Kyle Wright? What is the status of Kyle Wright? He didn't pitch in 2024, surely he will be ready for spring 2025. I really haven't seen much about him but it will be 16 months for surgery date when spring training opens. I hope Wright is able to take the mound and pitch in his 2022 form.
Wright is a big question mark. I don't think we should expect much and with these moves, I feel like the Royals are being realistic about what he can contribute. Maybe he's in the bullpen to manage his innings and they ease him into the role the way they did Bubic at the end of last year? I feel like that's the most likely scenario at the moment.
I had read somewhere that the Royals had received a pretty bad one year TV deal. So, I have been concerned they were at the top of their payroll. But this signing shows they may at least have some payroll flexibility for the right player.
The TV deals for all the Diamond Sports teams has been a bit of a mess. Although I feel like Sherman will jump on the right deal, even if the budget is close to maxed out. Despite what others may say, Sherman wants to win. Badly. He also wants a partially publicly funded stadium. These are not mutually exclusive wants.
Your latter point is the first one that came to my mind: Wacha and Lorenzen signed very reasonable deals, which suggests to me that there are intangibles at play: they like the clubhouse, believe in Q & the pitching coaches, want to play on a contender with guys like Salvy & Bobby, etc. Very positive!
Good point about the guys who are already here. I've seen it mentioned a few times that players like to be on teams with guys like Witt. Who wouldn't? The core is here and it will be for a few years. That's attractive to players, especially ones who have been here before.
Like this signing. The rotational depth is encouraging, even with the Singer trade. I can't imagine that they get as many innings out of their starting five as they did last year. One must assume more injuries or decrease in performance. Thus I think the starting depth is essential. Even with a couple of guys that miss the rotation going to the bullpen, there may be an addition or two there. And of course, the elusive big bat...
I agree. When I say that I don't think the rotation can match what they accomplished last year, that's not pessimism on my part. You just can't count on the health AND performance being there like that for two consecutive seasons. Too many things can—and will—happen. But like you said, Picollo has build some depth even after dealing Singer, which was done to acquire a leadoff hitter. There's still work to be done (hello, outfield!) but this has been a solid offseason.
Pleasantly surprised with this signing. I thought when his agent started peddling him as a two way player, he was looking for more money than royals were willing to give.
I love this move! I still hope the winners of spot 4 and 5 in the rotation are Bubic and Marsh but Lorenzen would be fine as long as the loser still goes to the MLB bullpen for long relief. I also hope the first one up from AAA is Noah Cameron. We need to debut a rookie pitcher in 2025 to keep the MLB pipeline replenished. We know they all don't work out (Kowar) or may end up in the bullpen (Lynch) but you have to find eventually find out at the highest level.
Cameron is in position to be the first man up, as long as he puts up the results in Omaha. Agree with you in that the Royals need to see at the ML level what they have.
I can't say enough about what Picollo has built in terms of the on-field staff. And the behind the scenes guys as well. The players seem to agree!
An obvious but also smart move. The pitching staff looks good now, although I’d like to add another back end of the bullpen guy. Now if only they can add an outfield bat (or maybe Lotenzen is that guy, too!).
Maybe Lorenzen and Greinke will be the corner outfielders.
You ask yourself, "Can it be worse?" And the answer is, "No, probably not."
They've got a surplus of starters now, which will be useful. And agree on the bullpen. Can never have enough relief arms in the mix.
And the outfield bat remains the largest need going forward.
I am glad that Lorenzen is back. He can be a good starter/reliever and has the ability to hit. If he goes to the bullpen, who then starts? Bubic? Marsh? Lynch IV? How about Kyle Wright? What is the status of Kyle Wright? He didn't pitch in 2024, surely he will be ready for spring 2025. I really haven't seen much about him but it will be 16 months for surgery date when spring training opens. I hope Wright is able to take the mound and pitch in his 2022 form.
Wright is a big question mark. I don't think we should expect much and with these moves, I feel like the Royals are being realistic about what he can contribute. Maybe he's in the bullpen to manage his innings and they ease him into the role the way they did Bubic at the end of last year? I feel like that's the most likely scenario at the moment.
I had read somewhere that the Royals had received a pretty bad one year TV deal. So, I have been concerned they were at the top of their payroll. But this signing shows they may at least have some payroll flexibility for the right player.
The TV deals for all the Diamond Sports teams has been a bit of a mess. Although I feel like Sherman will jump on the right deal, even if the budget is close to maxed out. Despite what others may say, Sherman wants to win. Badly. He also wants a partially publicly funded stadium. These are not mutually exclusive wants.
Those are good observations. I hope the Royals will continue to build on their remarkable success of last season.
Your latter point is the first one that came to my mind: Wacha and Lorenzen signed very reasonable deals, which suggests to me that there are intangibles at play: they like the clubhouse, believe in Q & the pitching coaches, want to play on a contender with guys like Salvy & Bobby, etc. Very positive!
Good point about the guys who are already here. I've seen it mentioned a few times that players like to be on teams with guys like Witt. Who wouldn't? The core is here and it will be for a few years. That's attractive to players, especially ones who have been here before.
Like this signing. The rotational depth is encouraging, even with the Singer trade. I can't imagine that they get as many innings out of their starting five as they did last year. One must assume more injuries or decrease in performance. Thus I think the starting depth is essential. Even with a couple of guys that miss the rotation going to the bullpen, there may be an addition or two there. And of course, the elusive big bat...
I agree. When I say that I don't think the rotation can match what they accomplished last year, that's not pessimism on my part. You just can't count on the health AND performance being there like that for two consecutive seasons. Too many things can—and will—happen. But like you said, Picollo has build some depth even after dealing Singer, which was done to acquire a leadoff hitter. There's still work to be done (hello, outfield!) but this has been a solid offseason.
Pleasantly surprised with this signing. I thought when his agent started peddling him as a two way player, he was looking for more money than royals were willing to give.
I thought the two-way thing was just a creative way to drum up some interest. I wonder if the Royals will use him that way? Wouldn't put it past Q.
It could be fun to give him an AB in a blowout situation.
I love this move! I still hope the winners of spot 4 and 5 in the rotation are Bubic and Marsh but Lorenzen would be fine as long as the loser still goes to the MLB bullpen for long relief. I also hope the first one up from AAA is Noah Cameron. We need to debut a rookie pitcher in 2025 to keep the MLB pipeline replenished. We know they all don't work out (Kowar) or may end up in the bullpen (Lynch) but you have to find eventually find out at the highest level.
Cameron is in position to be the first man up, as long as he puts up the results in Omaha. Agree with you in that the Royals need to see at the ML level what they have.