2008 Kansas City Royals

[catsfan20012002]

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/249782.html

1st Base - Ross Gload (-2 RCAA) and Ryan Shealy (-13) have played the most innings here, but let’s face it: Hopes to improve this position really depend on how much confidence the organization has in Billy Butler’s glove.

VERDICT: Make a change (to Butler).

2nd Base - The Royals already have made their choice here: Mark Grudzielanek (-1) will be next year’s keystone player. Grudz will turn 38 next season, but if he crumbles, Esteban German is an adequate replacement.

VERDICT: Stand pat.

3rd Base - Alex Gordon (-12) has an .831 OPS since June 6. He’ll add 100 points to that in 2008.

VERDICT: Stand pat, unless you’re completely insane.

SS - Tony Peña (-29) notwithstanding, there is no reason to bring another starting big-league shortstop into the system until it’s determined that Mike Moustakas has to move to a different position.

VERDICT: Stand pat.

C - John Buck (-5), if left in the lineup as often as typical starting catchers, would be just fine.

VERDICT: Stand pat.

LF - The Royals do not have a viable big-league left fielder in the system.

VERDICT: Make a change — most important offseason objective.

CF - David DeJesus (1) or Joey Gathright (3) but not both.

VERDICT: Make a change: pick one, trade the other.

RF - Mark Teahen (-8) is just having an off year.

VERDICT: Stand pat and hope for Teahen, circa 2006.

DH - If the Royals re-sign Mike Sweeney (-8), he should not be given an everyday role.

VERDICT: Consult with Billy Beane about where to find the next Jack Cust.

So the objectives for the offseason should be (in order):

1. Insert Billy Butler at First Base
2. Trade Gathright for a Left Fielder
3. Unload Sweeney for a viable DH

[KSU4ME]

Gload is hitting over .300.

See your comment about DH.  Butler at DH, Gload at 1B.

[steve dave]

Gload is hitting over .300.

See your comment about DH.  Butler at DH, Gload at 1B.

Isn't this the most obvious thing in the world?

[jeffy]

I'd love to be good enough to where Gload could play a supporting role and not a front-line role.  He can play the OF and 1B, so he'd be a good substitute for anyone playing those positions now.  I'd love to have his bat come off the bench in key situations and play regularly 2 to 3 days a week.

[KSU4ME]

I'd love to be good enough to where Gload could play a supporting role and not a front-line role.  He can play the OF and 1B, so he'd be a good substitute for anyone playing those positions now.  I'd love to have his bat come off the bench in key situations and play regularly 2 to 3 days a week.

And as soon as we have 4-5 guys hitting .290 or better in the starting lineup, we could consider it.

Right now Gload is one of our best offensive players, and needs to be out there every game.  And he's also our best defensive first baseman.

Very unfortunate name tho.

[steve dave]

Very unfortunate name tho.

For some reason it reminds me of that old computer game....SNOOD