I still think it makes more sense for Lynch to start the year in Omaha and keep stretched out as a starter with Hernández staying on the big league roster to avoid being exposed to waivers.
I also think Bubic will get the fourth start of the season, but for me it's about keeping Lorenzen and Wacha - a couple right-handed changeup specialists - from pitching back to back
I'm completely convinced after Qutararo's comments and how the pitching stacks up for the next couple of games that Lynch is in the bullpen to open the year.
Couldn't figure out why they were sticking with Hernandez, Nelson V and Nick P so long, but your explanation makes perfect sense. Would really hate to see Pratto go; had high hopes for his glove and his pop but the K-Rate absolutely sunk him. Good riddance, hopefully, to the Carlos Hernandez experiment. Never had the faith in Velazquez that everyone else seemed to. Completely agree with you, Mr B, up and down the roster.
Thanks, Terry. It will be a bit of a waiver frenzy just before Opening Day. One or two of those guys may go unclaimed. It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
I would start Lynch...Bubic to the pen (this will happen regardless as the season advances...Bubic just doesn't have the tools to start now) ...Biggio out the door... spring training walks dont cut it with me. I’m so disappointed in the whole Carlos Hernandez saga...I think he both blew his opportunity (coming to camp fat after his promising showing) and was mishandled by the organization... hope he gets picked up by someone else so he can start...that's what he's suited to and wants...I think. Goodbye to Nick Pratto...so much promise but that's baseball.
Lynch was always considered the guy with more upside in that pitching-heavy Royals draft class. But Bubic was making considerable strides prior to his injury. It’s been two years since he’s been in the rotation and still should get a look.
I think a lot of this we could see coming. Hate to expose Pratto, Hernandez and Velasquez to waivers, but it's a nice problem to have...players being squeezed out by better players. Two other notes:
Excellent Heads reference.
Hernandez reminds me of another Hernandez...Runelvys, who only pitched opening day due to a terrible rotation.
The outfield is terrible. Absolutely terrible. I will never understand the long leash KC has given Melendez or Garcia. Melendez has been as bad or worse than Velazquez or Pratto (or even Drew Waters) and is a poor defender to boot. Garcia is a lesser version of his cousin Alcides Escobar at the plate. Neither were ever even top prospects. I fully expect Renfroe to bounce back and have an average season for him, but MJ, Garcia, and Isbel are 3 of the worst hitters in baseball this century. The best option KC could come up with is replacing Isbel with Garcia. Melendez needs to be sent down to the minors and be forced to prove his way back to KC. Drew Waters deserves a chance to play. He at least has defensive value and was a highly ranked prospect.
I still think it makes more sense for Lynch to start the year in Omaha and keep stretched out as a starter with Hernández staying on the big league roster to avoid being exposed to waivers.
I also think Bubic will get the fourth start of the season, but for me it's about keeping Lorenzen and Wacha - a couple right-handed changeup specialists - from pitching back to back
I'm completely convinced after Qutararo's comments and how the pitching stacks up for the next couple of games that Lynch is in the bullpen to open the year.
As for the rotation, that works, too!
Nailed it!
100% guarantee.
Couldn't figure out why they were sticking with Hernandez, Nelson V and Nick P so long, but your explanation makes perfect sense. Would really hate to see Pratto go; had high hopes for his glove and his pop but the K-Rate absolutely sunk him. Good riddance, hopefully, to the Carlos Hernandez experiment. Never had the faith in Velazquez that everyone else seemed to. Completely agree with you, Mr B, up and down the roster.
Thanks, Terry. It will be a bit of a waiver frenzy just before Opening Day. One or two of those guys may go unclaimed. It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
Hey, this looks familiar! Love being on the same page.
Haha...I tried to talk myself into Castro. And keeping Hernández around. Nope and nope.
With Biggio, Loftin, Castro and Tolbert all having nice springs, KC has some incredible middle infield depth.
Craig, you have motivated me to put on some Talking Heads.
My work here is done.
Likewise. I opened a tab and watched about five videos and came back to baseball.
I put on Fear of Music. That helped curb the urge.
I would start Lynch...Bubic to the pen (this will happen regardless as the season advances...Bubic just doesn't have the tools to start now) ...Biggio out the door... spring training walks dont cut it with me. I’m so disappointed in the whole Carlos Hernandez saga...I think he both blew his opportunity (coming to camp fat after his promising showing) and was mishandled by the organization... hope he gets picked up by someone else so he can start...that's what he's suited to and wants...I think. Goodbye to Nick Pratto...so much promise but that's baseball.
Lynch was always considered the guy with more upside in that pitching-heavy Royals draft class. But Bubic was making considerable strides prior to his injury. It’s been two years since he’s been in the rotation and still should get a look.
If not Biggio, then Castro?
I think a lot of this we could see coming. Hate to expose Pratto, Hernandez and Velasquez to waivers, but it's a nice problem to have...players being squeezed out by better players. Two other notes:
Excellent Heads reference.
Hernandez reminds me of another Hernandez...Runelvys, who only pitched opening day due to a terrible rotation.
The outfield is terrible. Absolutely terrible. I will never understand the long leash KC has given Melendez or Garcia. Melendez has been as bad or worse than Velazquez or Pratto (or even Drew Waters) and is a poor defender to boot. Garcia is a lesser version of his cousin Alcides Escobar at the plate. Neither were ever even top prospects. I fully expect Renfroe to bounce back and have an average season for him, but MJ, Garcia, and Isbel are 3 of the worst hitters in baseball this century. The best option KC could come up with is replacing Isbel with Garcia. Melendez needs to be sent down to the minors and be forced to prove his way back to KC. Drew Waters deserves a chance to play. He at least has defensive value and was a highly ranked prospect.
Ys castro ... would be nice to see Nick Pratto on the roster for one last shot...