The Royals

[TownieCat]

We're not trading Ventura so those rumors are very stupid.

Also, our need for a RF is becoming less and less important as Rios continues to stay hot. He's hitting .345/.483/.880 in July with 8 multi hit games, 5 2B, 1 HR, and 4 SB.

[WildcatNkilt]

Pretty confident Vargy will be Tommy John for the next year and a half.  I think this event will solidfy the Royals needing an ace for the postseason.  We can't go into the playoffs with Blanton listed as a starting pitcher. 

Some rumors are that Detroit would want Ventura and Holland for Price and Cespedes.  I don't see the Royals doing an inner-division trade.  Hopefully it makes Cueto more desirable and less expensive.  We will need an ace or at the least a #2 guy to have a chance in the World Series.  We also need Ventura to be the 2014 Ventura to have a chance advancing through he playoffs.

Ventura isn't going to be 2014 Ventura until next season at the earliest. Trading him for an ace would greatly improve the team this year. I'd have a hard time supporting that, though.

Especially if it is to Detroit.  We would have to see him for the next 5 years.  I don't mind giving up Holland though.  He is falling off this year and we have great options in the bullpen to fill is void.

[WildcatNkilt]

Unfortunately, the problem with going after Cueto and Price is they are most likely a package deal with oscar and Cespedes.  Having an outfielder like Cespedes may not be the worst thing in the world.  He could start LF until Gordo gets back.  Dyson shouldn't be a full time starter anyways.  Send Paulo back down until 40-man opens up. 

[TownieCat]

But by all means continue to crush Rios for dropped foul balls.

[Rage Against the McKee]

But by all means continue to crush Rios for dropped foul balls.

A dropped foul ball tends to hurt more than a base hit helps.

[TownieCat]

But by all means continue to crush Rios for dropped foul balls.

A dropped foul ball tends to hurt more than a base hit helps.

That dropped foul ball led to no runs. His double last night was a crucial hit in a 3 run inning.

[Rage Against the McKee]

But by all means continue to crush Rios for dropped foul balls.

A dropped foul ball tends to hurt more than a base hit helps.

That dropped foul ball led to no runs. His double last night was a crucial hit in a 3 run inning.

Frasor was constantly getting into jams that led to no runs, but I recall you calling him a "C- pitcher". Giving a team 4 outs to work with will more often than not result in a big inning.

[420seriouscat69]

For as much crap Rios gets, he's got a beautiful swing. Especially when he connects.

[TownieCat]

But by all means continue to crush Rios for dropped foul balls.

A dropped foul ball tends to hurt more than a base hit helps.

That dropped foul ball led to no runs. His double last night was a crucial hit in a 3 run inning.

Frasor was constantly getting into jams that led to no runs, but I recall you calling him a "C- pitcher". Giving a team 4 outs to work with will more often than not result in a big inning.

He allowed 31% of inherited runners to score and the league average is 29%, so C- is accurate IMO.

[8manpick]

Interesting read
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/whats-happened-to-teams-that-traded-for-aces/

[8manpick]

100% of the last two WS Champs traded for Jake Peavy midsession. We should do that

[WildcatNkilt]

What if the Royals traded for James Shields?  We would have him for this year and next.  Think of the rest of this year with Big Game James back in our pocket.  The morale in the clubhouse would be ridiculous and maybe he could help get Ventura back on track?

[Rage Against the McKee]

What if the Royals traded for James Shields?  We would have him for this year and next.  Thing of the rest of this year with Big Game James back in our pocket.  The moral in the clubhouse would be ridiculous and maybe he could help get Ventura back on track?

We want somebody who can win in October.

[8manpick]

What if the Royals traded for James Shields?  We would have him for this year and next.  Thing of the rest of this year with Big Game James back in our pocket.  The moral in the clubhouse would be ridiculous and maybe he could help get Ventura back on track?

Trading for Shields means you thought he wasn't worth the $$ he is getting paid during the offseason, and now you think he is worth that plus players/prospects.

[WildcatNkilt]

What if the Royals traded for James Shields?  We would have him for this year and next.  Thing of the rest of this year with Big Game James back in our pocket.  The moral in the clubhouse would be ridiculous and maybe he could help get Ventura back on track?

Trading for Shields means you thought he wasn't worth the $$ he is getting paid during the offseason, and now you think he is worth that plus players/prospects.

We also didn't think Ventura would suck and Vargy would be out.  Different circumstances now.  If Vargy has Tommy John, he is out all next year as well.  We would have Shields to fill that void.  Any other pitcher we get will be rented for 3 months. 

[Rage Against the McKee]

I'd trade Holland for Cespedes. That would be exciting.

[Rage Against the McKee]

What if the Royals traded for James Shields?  We would have him for this year and next.  Thing of the rest of this year with Big Game James back in our pocket.  The moral in the clubhouse would be ridiculous and maybe he could help get Ventura back on track?

Trading for Shields means you thought he wasn't worth the $$ he is getting paid during the offseason, and now you think he is worth that plus players/prospects.

The Royals were dumb to not pay for a front-line starter in the offseason. At least they got a bargain on Volquez.

[8manpick]

What if the Royals traded for James Shields?  We would have him for this year and next.  Thing of the rest of this year with Big Game James back in our pocket.  The moral in the clubhouse would be ridiculous and maybe he could help get Ventura back on track?

Trading for Shields means you thought he wasn't worth the $$ he is getting paid during the offseason, and now you think he is worth that plus players/prospects.

The Royals were dumb to not pay for a front-line starter in the offseason. At least they got a bargain on Volquez.

I don't disagree, but I think trading for Shields specifically means admitting that mistake in too direct a way for it to happen.

[mocat]

it's not so much admitting a mistake as it is like hooking up with your ex because your new gf is in a coma. i mean it's still a shitty thing to do

[420seriouscat69]

I seriously think Volquez is a legit #1. I mean, is he in the top half? Hell no, but I've really enjoyed him.

[Rage Against the McKee]

I seriously think Volquez is a legit #1. I mean, is he in the top half? Hell no, but I've really enjoyed him.

He was a much better addition than I feared the Royals would make. I figured they would find a Vargas/Guthrie clone.

[WildcatNkilt]

Sure...shitty to do to Shield, but unexpected circumstances for each team.  Padre's flopped and no longer have a need for Shields.  Shields wants to win a title and has a year left on his contract.  Royals need a #1/#2 caliber pitcher.  Ventura might be on crack.  Vargas is probably going to have Tommy John and will be out for the next 2 years.  Two Royals middle relievers are starters because of Vargas and Ventura.  Duffy is inconsistent.   

This team will not get to the ALCS without a #1/#2 guy.

[WildcatNkilt]

And now Guts is probably going to get injured on Verruckt!

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article28264912.html

[sys]

Interesting read
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/whats-happened-to-teams-that-traded-for-aces/

i think people don't do the math when thinking about the impact of upgrading a starter.  like with the royals, adding an "ace" in the place of whoever their fourth starter would be might raise their chances of winning the ws from like 19% to 20%.  something along those lines.  it's not a huge difference.

if you need to improve to get into the playoffs, that's a different story.  but the royals pretty much have a spot locked up.

[sys]

shields is interesting because they could probably get him for just cash.  not sure that'd be a good use of the cash, but it's potentially an interesting alternative to giving up prospects.