***Official 2024/2025 KC Royals Offseason Thread***

[GabyKeepsMeWarm]

Royals went from 56-106 to 86-76.

Made the playoffs. Took out the Orioles on the road.

Lost in four games to the Yankees by 4 runs.

Finally got a bullpen.

Had two pitchers who will finish in the top five for the Cy Young.

Bobby Witt jr turned into a superstar likely being an MVP #2 to that phag in NY.

Salvy just kept doing Salvy stuff.

Vinnie came back from shoulder surgery and had a helluva year.

Cole Ragans had a full season. His arm didn’t fall off. He’s probably top five for Cy Young.

Seth Lugo is gonna finish top five for Cy Young. He’s like Rick Reed. And he’s ours for at least another season.

Brady Singer will get his next time with arbitration. And I’m ambivalent, but I know it’s damn hard to find healthy arms who could be be better as a 3/4 starter.

Michael Wacha was more than everything we could’ve ever wanted, but I say let that man fly unless he wants to take a dumb contract, which he won’t do.

That gives us Alec Marsh who was pretty great for his role.

And we have Wright coming in, plus Bubic who could start.

But this team needs another bat and wingman for Bobby. It’s perfect that Juan Soto would fill many roles, but it ain’t happening.

Adames is someone I like. And we can dangle Massey/Garcia. Just a thought.

This team…. I hope they go into the offseason working hard, and I hope they got the glitter out of their eyes.

Good team with obvious weakness, and a perennial superstar ready to erupt….

Sherman and JJ should be on the phone soon

[dlphg9]

Originally Posted by TomBarndtsTwin

It's not just about home runs, but yes that helps. He averages about 30 doubles and 3 triples a year. With his decent speed, that should play up at Kauffman. He also gets on base (to the tune of about .340 in his last 2 years with Cubs) which is something the Royals lineup DESPERATELY needs. OF glove is solid as well. Maybe not GG caliber anymore, but solid. Doesn't strike out a lot so that fits in well with the Royals. He just matches up with KC well in a LOT of ways.

And if the Royals really did make a trade with the Cubs they would have to eat some of that money . . . . . and they know that.

But I'm all for it if they can work it out . . . .

His 162 game average is 30 2Bs, but he's only been over 30 doubles 1 times in his career. He has missed quite a bit of games during his career, but all we would need him to do is be able to play in what he's been able to the last 3 years.

The only thing that bothers me is if those HRs would actually turn out to be outs instead of 2Bs.

[dlphg9]

Originally Posted by TomBarndtsTwin

QuickNotes:

Glad it's only a one year renewal with FanDuel. As a bonus, though, FanDuel has partnered with Amazon and Royals WILL be available through Amazon Prime (for a monthly fee, of course).

Golden AB rule sucks. Yes, it engages the casuals (which is what baseball wants), but it completely defeats the purpose of lineup construction. Not to mention affecting records long term, putting in relivers in even higher leverage situations (think how that might affect a team like the Royals) which causes more potential for injuries. If they want to trot it out in the ASG for some meaningless exhibition, whatever. But keep it away from the real game. It won't even be baseball anymore if you start instituting stupid shit like that.

Royals, PLEASE, make a trade for Cody Bellinger NOW.

That is all.

The golden AB thing just seems really gimmicky. Idk what you could even compare it to in the other sports leagues. I absolutely hate that idea and they're probably going to implement it in the next 5 years, because it's Manfred's idea.

[TomBarndtsTwin]

Originally Posted by dlphg9

His 162 game average is 30 2Bs, but he's only been over 30 doubles 1 times in his career. He has missed quite a bit of games during his career, but all we would need him to do is be able to play in what he's been able to the last 3 years.

The only thing that bothers me is if those HRs would actually turn out to be outs instead of 2Bs.

That's a fair concern. I'd have to look at more metrics (exit velocity, arc angle) to see if that's a legit concern. More fly balls or more gappers for xbases?

[GabyKeepsMeWarm]

Originally Posted by BWillie

Because I love the Kansas City Royals.

Bring on the metal bats. I wanna see dingers, too. We got rid of the NL DH too and good riddance. Almost every change they've made to baseball in the last 10 years has improved the sport.

Then go watch the Savanah Bananas. That seems like it would be right up your alley. Lemme guess, big fan of the Harlem Globetrotters? Let’s bring back midgets. How about steroid Saturdays? Dime beer Wednesdays? Instead of Disco demolition, we’ll have Diddy demolition. Aluminum bats. Full contact baseball. Nude Mondays. Fans on the field Fridays. Don’t see a pitch to your liking? **** it, make em keep throwing til you get one you like. It’s raining? Who cares, rain is part of nature. Play ball! Just make a mockery of all of it, you know, cause baseball sucks.

[Sassy Squatch]

Originally Posted by GabyKeepsMeWarm

Then go watch the Savanah Bananas. That seems like it would be right up your alley. Lemme guess, big fan of the Harlem Globetrotters? Let’s bring back midgets. How about steroid Saturdays? Dime beer Wednesdays? Instead of Disco demolition, we’ll have Diddy demolition. Aluminum bats. Full contact baseball. Nude Mondays. Fans on the field Fridays. Don’t see a pitch to your liking? **** it, make em keep throwing til you get one you like. It’s raining? Who cares, rain is part of nature. Play ball! Just make a mockery of all of it, you know, cause baseball sucks.

That's pretty much what Manfred intends to do with the game, yes.

[ChiefsCountry]

The ghost runner is great for regular season. We don't need to be blowing bullpens in middle of the summer. It's also a very strategic opportunity.

Pitch clock is good.

[ChiefsCountry]

Here is the info on the tv deal
https://www.mlb.com/royals/news/roya...-deal-for-2025

Interesting tidbit

Sherman also said the Royals are in talks about having some games next year shown over the air – meaning on a local TV station – in Kansas City, simulcasted so fans could watch over the air, as well as the regular cable and streaming options

“That’s going to involve reaching an agreement with television stations to put it over the air here in local territory on a few games, whether that’s 10 or 12 or something like that,” Sherman said. “But that’s a real possibility for us, so we view that as a big positive as well here.”

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by GabyKeepsMeWarm

Then go watch the Savanah Bananas. That seems like it would be right up your alley. Lemme guess, big fan of the Harlem Globetrotters? Let’s bring back midgets. How about steroid Saturdays? Dime beer Wednesdays? Instead of Disco demolition, we’ll have Diddy demolition. Aluminum bats. Full contact baseball. Nude Mondays. Fans on the field Fridays. Don’t see a pitch to your liking? **** it, make em keep throwing til you get one you like. It’s raining? Who cares, rain is part of nature. Play ball! Just make a mockery of all of it, you know, cause baseball sucks.

I agree. Those themed days get people to the ballpark. Attending baseball games is different than most sports. 90% of the people there dont even know or care what is going on at the game. It isnt about winning or losing.

Notice how in the last decade or more teams have focused on ancillary things to get people to the ball park. Gimmicks. Concession food is much better. Craft and draft is nice. The outfield experience at Kaufman is great because it gives kids something to do instead of sitting watching the boredom for 9 innings. Gives them a nice break. More of this stuff even a full fledged BBQ restaurant, pool, HR Derby for adults, interactive seating experiences, photo ops and things like that will get people to the ballpark.

For the at home TV crowd that is where metal bats come in. People like dingers. Nobody wants to watch strikeouts and 1-0 baseball. Do things that will increase scoring, batted balls in play, and excitement. Make it easier to steal. Banning the shift to some degree was a great improvement as well. Baseball is intrinsically a boring sport. These recent changes have been great and need to keep the momentum.

[GabyKeepsMeWarm]

Originally Posted by BWillie

I agree. Those themed days get people to the ballpark. Attending baseball games is different than most sports. 90% of the people there dont even know or care what is going on at the game. It isnt about winning or losing.

That's the whole point. Baseball is different. If you don't like it, nobody is forcing it upon you. And if it isn't about winning or losing, then why do we even keep track of wins, losses, stats, playoffs... Jesus christ you're ****ing stupid.

Notice how in the last decade or more teams have focused on ancillary things to get people to the ball park. Gimmicks. Concession food is much better. Craft and draft is nice. The outfield experience at Kaufman is great because it gives kids something to do instead of sitting watching the boredom for 9 innings. Gives them a nice break. More of this stuff even a full fledged BBQ restaurant, pool, HR Derby for adults, interactive seating experiences, photo ops and things like that will get people to the ballpark.

And NOTHING about this has anything to do with what's actually happening on the field. This is all fan "experience" shit. Since when has anyone complained about having better and more food options? Activities for kids? Oh I'm clutching my pearls! Once again, jesus christ, you're ****ing stupid.

For the at home TV crowd that is where metal bats come in. People like dingers. Nobody wants to watch strikeouts and 1-0 baseball. Do things that will increase scoring, batted balls in play, and excitement. Make it easier to steal. Banning the shift to some degree was a great improvement as well. Baseball is intrinsically a boring sport. These recent changes have been great and need to keep the momentum.

Baseball is not a great tv sport. It's just not built for tv, never has been, probably never will be, and there's nothing wrong with it. Change the channel. And if you introduce aluminum bats to MLB, inevitably you're gonna get someone killed. But sure, let's ruin baseball by seeing musclehead behemoths knocking guys clear out of their cleats with 150 mph screamers. And it's not "nobody" that wants this or that. Speak for yourself dummy. People bitch about the Yankees stupid RF porch and little league homers. If you turn the league into nothing but homers, it dilutes the home run and when you have a generation of kids who see McGwire and Bonds doing it, then this is what you get. MLB ****ed up a generation of players and they're paying for it now. Make it easier to steal? Force the first baseman to play back, and you'll see a million SB's a season, and again, it'll turn into a watered down, stupid stat because they're will be 30 SB's/game.
If you think baseball is intrinsically a boring sport, turn it off. Dear god in heaven, you're so ****ing stupid.



To quote Tommy Lee Jones, "I cannot sanction your buffoonery." And you've proven yet again, loud and clear, just what an absolute buffoon you are.

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by GabyKeepsMeWarm

Baseball is not a great tv sport. It's just not built for tv, never has been, probably never will be, and there's nothing wrong with it. Change the channel. And if you introduce aluminum bats to MLB, inevitably you're gonna get someone killed. But sure, let's ruin baseball by seeing musclehead behemoths knocking guys clear out of their cleats with 150 mph screamers. And it's not "nobody" that wants this or that. Speak for yourself dummy. People bitch about the Yankees stupid RF porch and little league homers. If you turn the league into nothing but homers, it dilutes the home run and when you have a generation of kids who see McGwire and Bonds doing it, then this is what you get. MLB ****ed up a generation of players and they're paying for it now. Make it easier to steal? Force the first baseman to play back, and you'll see a million SB's a season, and again, it'll turn into a watered down, stupid stat because they're will be 30 SB's/game.
If you think baseball is intrinsically a boring sport, turn it off. Dear god in heaven, you're so ****ing stupid.



To quote Tommy Lee Jones, "I cannot sanction your buffoonery." And you've proven yet again, loud and clear, just what an absolute buffoon you are.

Can you believe they gave me a drivers license and let me drive and everything? Crazy!

Never understood this places propensity to call people names because of opinions. It is always fascinating.

[GabyKeepsMeWarm]

Originally Posted by BWillie

Can you believe they gave me a drivers license and let me drive and everything? Crazy!

Never understood this places propensity to call people names because of opinions. It is always fascinating.

It's because you're stupid.

You're like the guy who shows up to a Catholic wedding and walks out disappointed because they're weren't enough clowns or monkeys there.

[Sassy Squatch]

Originally Posted by GabyKeepsMeWarm

Baseball is not a great tv sport. It's just not built for tv, never has been, probably never will be, and there's nothing wrong with it. Change the channel. And if you introduce aluminum bats to MLB, inevitably you're gonna get someone killed. But sure, let's ruin baseball by seeing musclehead behemoths knocking guys clear out of their cleats with 150 mph screamers. And it's not "nobody" that wants this or that. Speak for yourself dummy. People bitch about the Yankees stupid RF porch and little league homers. If you turn the league into nothing but homers, it dilutes the home run and when you have a generation of kids who see McGwire and Bonds doing it, then this is what you get. MLB ****ed up a generation of players and they're paying for it now. Make it easier to steal? Force the first baseman to play back, and you'll see a million SB's a season, and again, it'll turn into a watered down, stupid stat because they're will be 30 SB's/game.
If you think baseball is intrinsically a boring sport, turn it off. Dear god in heaven, you're so ****ing stupid.



To quote Tommy Lee Jones, "I cannot sanction your buffoonery." And you've proven yet again, loud and clear, just what an absolute buffoon you are.

Uhh, a ton of people ARE changing the channel. And that's why the folks at the top of baseball are desperately pulling every lever feasible to try and stem the bleeding of viewership.

[poolboy]

not sure the juice is worth the paycheck on Bellinger

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by GabyKeepsMeWarm

It's because you're stupid.

You're like the guy who shows up to a Catholic wedding and walks out disappointed because they're weren't enough clowns or monkeys there.

I don't even have an extra chromosome or anything. Can you believe that!

Not worshipping baseball does not make one stupid or smart. Wanting changes to a sport is a matter of preference.

Need to get the sport, every team, on a giant streaming service that most people have. Short term for a team bad. Long term for a team and league good.

[Sassy Squatch]

The sport will face a serious reckoning in 2027. If they **** around too much and stop playing long enough that a large portion of fans simply give up like has happened with past stoppages, there may not be a path forward outside of simply existing as another niche sport like MLS or NHL.