Mlb.mlb.com
[pic]
Daily Clips
June 6, 2018
LOCAL
Royals shut out by Angels' Heaney
Keller solid in second start, but steal of home costs KC
June 5, 2018 By Jeffrey Flanagan/
[pic]
Royals take only one high school player in first 10 rounds
June 5, 2018 By Jordan Wolf/
[pic]
Royals are one-hit by Andrew Heaney in second straight loss to Angels
June 5, 2018 By Maria Torres/KC Star
[pic]
Meet the Royals' MLB draft picks: KC takes more college players on Day 2
June 5, 2018 By Maria Torres/KC Star
[pic]
During MLB Draft, Bo Jackson gave Harold Reynolds grief about The Throw from 1989
June 5, 2018 By Pete Grathoff/KC Star
[pic]
'A significant amount of talent.' National experts on Royals' first-day draft picks
June 5, 2018 By Pete Grathoff/KC Star
[pic]
The story behind this video of Royals' draft pick Brady Singer's tirade in the rain
June 5, 2018 By Pete Grathoff/KC Star
[pic]
Florida pitcher Brady Singer was expected to go in the top five. The Royals pounced on him at No. 18
June 5, 2018 By Rustin Dodd/The Athletic
[pic]
On the first day of draft, Dayton Moore and Royals bet big on college pitchers
June 5, 2018 By Rustin Dodd/The Athletic
[pic]
MINORS
Chasers Corral Chihuahuas 6-5
O'Hearn's 8th-inning blast carries Omaha to victory
June 5, 2018 By Omaha Storm Chasers
[pic]
Cardinals Use Six-Run Sixth To Defeat Naturals
Northwest Arkansas falls 2.0 games back of first place following the 12-5 loss to Springfield in the series opener
June 5, 2018 By Northwest Arkansas Naturals
[pic]
Offense Erupts Early for Win
Rocks Win Third Straight Game
June 5, 2018 By Wilmington Blue Rocks
[pic]
Four Lexington Legends Named to South Atlantic League All-Star Team
June 5, 2018 By Lexington Legends
[pic]
NATIONAL
With the Machado sweepstakes nearing, what should the Orioles expect to get in return?
June 6, 2018 By Ken Rosenthal/The Athletic
[pic]
Hendriks activated, Phegley recalled
Gossett placed on disabled list; Lucas optioned
June 5, 2018 By Dave Sessions/
[pic]
Archer lands on DL with abdominal strain
June 5, 2018 By Bill Chastain/
[pic]
MLB TRANSACTIONS
June 6, 2018 •.
LOCAL
Royals shut out by Angels' Heaney
Keller solid in second start, but steal of home costs KC
June 5, 2018 By Jeffrey Flanagan/
Some days you just tip your cap.
Tuesday was one of those days as the Royals fell victim to what was the best start of left-hander Andrew Heaney's career. Heaney, on his 27th birthday, pitched a one-hit shutout in a 1-0 Angels victory at Angel Stadium.
That lone hit came by Hunter Dozier, a solid single to left with one out in the fifth inning.
"He was really good," Royals manager Ned Yost said of Heaney. "Sneaky, sneaky fastball. Got it up to 94 [mph] in the eighth inning. Mixed in some good changeups, curveballs. We just couldn't center his fastball."
Heaney walked one and struck out four.
Royals right-hander Brad Keller, in his second Major League start and certainly a part of the rotation going forward, was stretched out to 75 pitches. He worked 4 1/3 innings and gave up five hits, all singles. Two of the singles were infield hits.
Keller, who touched 97 mph early on, gave up one run while walking one and striking out three. He'll likely be extended to 90 pitches next time out.
"I felt really good today," Keller said. "Balls found holes. That's part of it. My sinker was working really well and I was trying to work it in on their hands, get them to beat it into the ground. That's what they did. Just found holes."
The Angels' run was somewhat tainted. With one out in the fifth, Chris Young and Michael Hermosillo grounded singles through the infield. Right-hander Kevin McCarthy took over for Keller and a flyout to right by Ian Kinsler moved Young to third.
The Angels then started a double steal. Perez threw through to second base, but by the time second baseman Whit Merrifield caught the ball, Young had nearly reached home and Hermosillo had stopped half way. With no other play, Merrifield ran down Hermosillo, but not till after the run scored.
"Obviously you don't want them to score," Yost said. "Salvy made a great quick throw, but the ball had a little tail on it and took Whit's momentum toward first base and by then Young was gone. Nothing you can do.
"You can arm-fake it and let the runner get to second and take a chance on them scoring two. But you got one of the best throwing catchers in baseball. If the second baseman can read the throw and come up and catch it and throw it to home plate, it can work. It was a good play by them."
Another right-hander, Trevor Oaks, who like Keller should be a part of the Royals' future rotation, delivered his best outing in the big leagues, throwing three shutout innings while walking none and striking out three.
"It was a lot better than the first two [outings]," Oaks said. "[Pitching coach] Cal [Eldred] pulled me aside last week and just talked about how I need to drive a little bit more off my back leg. That kind of seemed to fix some other issues, too. The first two outings I had, I just kind of had some trouble with timing. Now I'm sinking back a little bit more, trying to drive off my back leg, and that seemed to help me get out in front."
HE SAID IT
"I grew up near here, so facing the Angels was kinda cool for me." -- Oaks, who grew up in nearby Riverside
UP NEXT
Right-hander Ian Kennedy (1-6, 6.08 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals in the series finale against the Angels at 9:07 p.m CT on Wednesday. Over his last 10 starts, Kennedy is 0-6 with a 7.40 ERA. Last Friday, Kennedy went just three innings and gave up eight runs against Oakland. Right-hander Shohei Ohtani (4-1, 3.18 ERA) will start for the Angels.
[pic]
KC goes back to college on Day 2 of Draft
Royals take only one high school player in first 10 rounds
June 5, 2018 By Jordan Wolf/
The Royals' first five selections in the 2018 Draft had one thing in common: They were all college pitchers.
Right-handers Brady Singer (No. 18), Jackson Kowar (No. 33) and Jonathan Bowlan (No. 58) and lefties Daniel Lynch (No. 34) and Kris Bubic (No. 40) were the Day 1 additions to a farm system in need of college arms, according to general manager Dayton Moore.
Day 2 of the Draft on Tuesday was largely similar for the Royals, as they once again prioritized polished collegiate players over high school talent. With one of the more depleted farm systems in the Major Leagues, Kansas City hopes the crop selected this week can help revitalize its Minor League system.
Round 3: OF Kyle Isbel, UNLV
Kansas City chose Isbel as an outfielder, but he played a bevy of positions for the Runnin' Rebels. He's similar to current Royal Whit Merrifield in that he is comfortable both in the outfield and infield.
"He came here as a second baseman, we moved him to third because we had a need there, and then we had a need in center field this next year," UNLV coach Stan Stolte said. "He went out there and played it so well we just kept him there."
It makes sense that the club projects him as an outfielder, as two of the Royals Top 30 Prospects, Adalberto Mondesi and Nicky Lopez, are middle infielders.
Isbel is graded to be a strong contact bat with decent power. As a three-year starter for the Runnin' Rebels, Isbel is a polished talent, a safe addition to a farm system that has been burned by less-experienced high school players.
In 2016, Isbel earned Collegiate Baseball's Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American Team honors, but his junior season may have been his best. He slashed .357/.441/.643 and hit 14 home runs, doubling the total of his first two years combined.
Round 4: OF Eric Cole, Arkansas
Cole, Southlake, Texas, primarily plays right field, but has spent some time at designated hitter. His season is not over, as the Razorbacks begin Super Regional play in the College World Series this weekend.
He may already know where he's headed after he leaves Fayetteville, but he doesn't see this as a distraction to the team's goal of a national championship. If anything, he thinks it'll help.
"We've got a lot of guys that are about to get drafted, or have been drafted already," Cole said. "Kind of like our last go-around, we feel like. So we'll all kind of be playing for something since we know this is more than likely our last time putting on Arkansas jerseys."
Cole is a large reason for Arkansas' success, as he is one of the anchors of their batting order. With 13 homers, he's tied for the team lead. He will inject a powerful bat into the Royals' farm system.
Born in New Jersey, Cole grew up as a Yankees fan, even after moving to Texas. At Arkansas, however, he said about half of his friends and coaches are Royals fans, so he knows a bit about the team.
"I know they've got a big fan base," Cole said. "I've been to some games. It's a cool park. It's a good organization to be a part of, and I'm excited to get there."
Round 5: LHP Austin Cox, Mercer
Cox has been the Bears' ace for the past two seasons, starting 15 games as a sophomore and 17 as a junior, both team-highs. He operates with a fastball that usually floats around 94 mph, a power 12-6 curve, a slider and a changeup.
He logged a career-high 124 strikeouts this past year, and he cut his ERA from 5.69 to 4.52. While he allows a fair amount of good contact and runs, coach Craig Gibson thinks that comes as a positive.
"Our league is an offensive league, the ballparks are smaller. ... I think he was the premier arm in our league this year," Gibson said. "He's given up some hits, but he's a strike-thrower. His pitch count would get up sometimes because he strikes out so many guys."
Cox attended First Presbyterian Day School in Forsyth, Ga., where he was also a captain of the football team. First Presbyterian is the alma mater of former Royals pitcher John Rocker and current Triple-A Omaha lefty Richard Lovelady.
As the sixth college pitcher drafted by the Royals, Cox made it an even three lefties and three righties added to the farm in the first five rounds.
"We wanted to make a concerted effort on getting some college pitching that we felt had high ceilings, and that could move quickly," Moore said after wrapping up Day 1.
Round 6: RHP Zach Haake, Kentucky
Haake spent just one year with the Wildcats, mostly appearing as a reliever. He finished the 2018 season 2-4 in 15 appearances with an 8.47 ERA, but he struck out 36 batters in 34 innings.
Prior to joining the big blue, Haake pitched at Arkansas State for one year. He finished his time with the Red Wolves having appeared in 11 games with a 6.57 ERA.
Haake then transferred to John A. Logan College, a junior college in Carterville, Ill., and had a stellar season with the Volunteers, going 8-1 with a 2.52 ERA and being named the No. 6 junior college prospect in the country by Perfect Game.
Round 7: RHP Tyler Gray, Central Arkansas
Gray was the 10th player picked by the Royals, and the eighth college pitcher.
He bounced between starting and relief roles in his first three years with the Bears before settling in as the team's ace as a senior. He finished this season with a 3.32 ERA in 14 starts, including two complete games.
Gray has good stamina, topping the 100-pitch mark 10 times during his senior year, including a 137-pitch marathon against Northwestern State.
Round 8: OF Jackson Lueck, Florida State
A switch-hitter, Lueck provided excellent power for the Seminoles, usually batting in the two-hole. He came in as a corner outfielder out of Orangewood Christian in Orlando, Fla., but was often used as a designated hitter at Florida State.
Lueck batted .245 during his junior year, a drop-off from his sophomore season's .318 clip. He improved his power, however, as his homer total rose from nine to a team-high 15.
In the 2017 ACC Tournament, Lueck went 7-for-16, mashing two homers and knocking in seven runs, including a walk-off shot against Notre Dame in the first round. His strong performance earned him ACC Championship MVP honors as he led the Seminoles to their seventh ACC Tournament title.
Round 9: OF Kevon Jackson, Queen Creek (Ariz.)
Jackson, the first high school player drafted by the Royals, is a speedy 5-foot-8, 160-pounder who bats from the right side. In his senior year, he hit .364 in 29 games with five triples and two homers.
Jackson is just the fourth position player chosen by Kansas City, all of whom are outfielders. He projects as a solid contact bat with a good glove and speed in center field.
He is the first Royals draftee born in the 21st century -- Jan. 14, 2001.
Round 10: LHP Austin Lambright, Central Oklahoma
Lambright played one season at Central Oklahoma after transferring from Abilene Christian. He finished the season with a 3.32 ERA in 25 appearances, starting in four games but mostly being used as a reliever, earning three saves. He struck out 52 in just 43 1/3 innings.
Lambright's twin brother, Brandon Lambright, is a pitcher in the Colorado Rockies' system, and was chosen in the 27th round of last year's draft. Both are from Friday Harbor, Wash.
The Draft concludes on Wednesday, with exclusive coverage of Rounds 11-40 beginning on at 11 a.m CT.
[pic]
Royals are one-hit by Andrew Heaney in second straight loss to Angels
June 5, 2018 By Maria Torres/KC Star
Mastered by Angels starter Andrew Heaney, who threw a one-hit shutout, the Royals lost 1-0 at Angel Stadium on Tuesday night.
On the night of his 27th birthday, Heaney iced the Royals more than once. Every time they made hard contact against him, a fielder was there to make an out.
In nine scoreless innings, Heaney threw 116 pitches, struck out four batters and issued one walk. Even as he approached 100 pitches, he continued to throw 94-95 mph.
“Really good," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "Sneaky, sneaky fastball. Got it up to 94 in the eighth inning. Mixed in some good changeups, curveballs. We just couldn’t center his fastball."
The Royals were no-hit into the fifth inning before Hunter Dozier rocketed a single into left field. They reached base just four times against Heaney, who hadn't thrown a complete game previously in his career.
The milestone came on a night when Royals rookie starting pitcher Brad Keller, on a bit of a longer leash making his second start of the season, took the loss despite being effective.
Keller's outing ended in the fifth inning after he yielded back-to-back, hard-hit singles to Angels outfielders Chris Young and Michael Hermosillo with one out. Keller had worked around three prior hits and a walk, stranding all three runners and striking out three batters. At most, he threw 18 pitches in two different frames.
But as the 75-pitch mark approached entering the fifth inning, Kevin McCarthy, who blew a lead for Danny Duffy here on Monday, was asked to warm up quickly in the bullpen. McCarthy was called in within moments, and navigated the jam by retiring Ian Kinsler on a fly ball to center field that allowed Young to move to third base. The third out came when Salvador Perez and Whit Merrifield combined to catch Hermosillo trying to steal second base — but Young stole home before Hermosillo was tagged out.
"That’s kind of a little bit my fault," Perez said. "But I didn’t think he’d go right away because (Jefry) Marte was hitting. Yesterday he got four hits so I thought they were gonna let him hit it … maybe score two, so that’s what I was thinking."
Said Yost: "Obviously you don’t want them to score. Salvy made a great quick throw but the ball had a little tail on it and took Whit’s momentum toward first base and by then Young was gone. Nothing you can do."
Trevor Oaks delivered three scoreless innings in relief, scattering two hits to keep the Royals in the game.
"Cal (Eldred) pulled me aside and just talked about how I need to drive a little bit more off my back leg," Oaks said. "That kind of seemed to fix some other issues too. The first two outings I had, just kind of had some trouble with timing. Needed to make sure I got the ball out in front. Sinking back a little bit more, trying to drive off my back leg seemed to help me get out in front."
The hot corner: Mike Moustakas might have wound up playing third base at Angel Stadium if his attempt at free agency hadn’t been blown up by, among other moves, the Angels’ decision to sign Zack Cozart, the former Reds shortstop, to play the corner infield spot instead.
Moustakas, who returned to the Royals on a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2019, flashed his athleticism at third base on multiple occasions Tuesday night, including in the first inning.
Angels slugger Mike Trout shot a ground ball up the left side of the infield at 109.7 mph — and Moustakas dived to his left to corral it with ease. He made a quick throw from his knees to Whit Merrifield at second base to start an inning-ending double play.
Out in Omaha: Reliever Justin Grimm, who’s been sidelined since the end of April because of lower back stiffness, has gotten himself back on track the last week.
He missed about 10 days of rehab because of the birth of his first child, but since returning to the Storm Chasers last week, he’s tossed 3 1/3 innings, struck out six batters and allowed two earned runs. In his last two outings, he’s not allowed a hit.
With Blaine Boyer on the disabled list because of his own back issues, the Royals lack veteran leadership in the bullpen. Grimm’s return would shore up the lack of experience — especially if he gets his plus-grade curveball back in working order.
Up next: The Royals, who dropped to 21-40, conclude this three-game series with Ian Kennedy on the mound against the Angels’ Shohei Ohtani at 9:07 p.m. Wednesday. The Royals have lost three games in a row.
[pic]
Meet the Royals' MLB draft picks: KC takes more college players on Day 2
June 5, 2018 By Maria Torres/KC Star
The Royals continued a trend on the second day of the 2018 MLB first-year player draft, drafting seven more college players. The Royals picked five college junior pitchers on day one.
Here is a brief look at the players they selected in rounds 3-10 on Tuesday, including their first high school player chosen in this year's draft.
Third round: Kyle Isbel, OF, UNLV, junior
A versatile center-fielder, Isbel tapped into some power at UNLV this spring and helped the Rebels open the season 20-3 before struggling in conference play in the Mountain West. His 14 home runs — which came one year after he clubbed six — were second on the team, but he led the Rebels with a .643 slugging percentage in 59 games. He batted .357 with 56 RBIs.
Isbel was a Cape Cod League All-Star last summer, when he logged some time at second base. He spent his freshman season playing third base for UNLV.
“He could have average power when all is said and done,” ’s scouting report said. “Isbel has good speed on the basepaths and in center field.”
Baseball America reports that “some evaluators believe he would profile better at second base, where he played early in his career. Isbel has a hard-nosed approach to the game and that helps his mostly average tools play up.”
It’s possible the Royals have found the next version of Whit Merrifield, though with a little less power expected from his 5-foot-11, 190-pound frame.
Fourth round: Eric Cole, OF, Arkansas, junior
For their seventh straight pick, the Royals took a player out of college. They went with Cole, a switch-hitting outfielder out of Arkansas who batted .328 with 13 homers and 47 RBIs in 60 games for the Razorbacks.
Undrafted out of Southlake Carroll (Texas) High School, he spent his first two seasons at Arkansas batting just .276 with five homers. But this season, Cole recorded 11 games with three or more hits and helped Arkansas reach the super regionals for the first time since 2015.
“Cole is equally adept from both sides of the plate,” says of the 5-11, 170-pound Cole. “He has a history of making consistent contact and has gotten stronger.”
Fifth round: Austin Cox, LHP, Mercer, junior
The Royals chose a sixth college pitcher with their eighth pick of the draft. In 17 starts for the Southern Conference college, Cox posted a 4.52 ERA. He racked up 124 strikeouts while walking 43 batters.
His 12.8 strikeouts per nine innings ranked second among Division I left-handers.
Cox, 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds, is a graduate of First Presbyterian Day School, the same high school from which Royals prospect Richard Lovelady hails.
Sixth round: Zach Haake, RHP, Kentucky, junior
Already registering 97 mph while throwing a plus-grade slider, scouts project Haake as a bullpen arm. According to Baseball America, he often struggled his second time through a batting order, causing an inflated 8.47 ERA. Of his 15 appearances, six were starts.
Haake struck out 36 batters in 34 innings, but also issued 22 walks and allowed a .290 batting average.
“He's most likely a power reliever in pro ball, but with three pitches, there's still plenty of reasons to dream,” Baseball America states.
Prior to joining the Wildcats for his junior season, the Belleville, Ill., native made just 11 appearances at Arkansas State as a freshman, then went 8-1 with a 2.52 ERA at John A. Logan College (Ill.) as a sophomore transfer.
Seventh round: Tyler Gray, RHP, Central Arkansas, senior
Gray was a four-year member of Central Arkansas’ pitched staff. He posted a career 3.38 ERA in 61 games, 33 of which were starts.
As a senior, he pitched exclusively out of the rotation. He had a 3.32 ERA in 87 2/3 innings, struck out 116 and walked 31.
Eighth round: Jackson Lueck, OF, Florida State, junior
The switch-hitter batted .245/.364/.476 and led the Seminoles with 15 homers this season, a career-high. He was the ACC Tournament MVP the season before.
Ninth round: Kevon Jackson, CF, Queen Creek (Ariz.) HS
Jackson, 17, finished second in the AIA Division II 100-meter championship in 10.63 seconds. 5-foot-9, 180-pound right-handed hitter batted .364/.457/.575 with two home runs, five doubles and five triples in 29 games this year. He stole 24 bases in 29 attempts.
10th round: Austin Lambright, LHP, Central Oklahoma, senior
Lambright, 6-3 and 205, missed 2016 after Tommy John surgery. He struck out 52 in 43 1/3 innings this season, mostly as a reliever. Threw a team-high nine wild pitches, down from 21 the season before with Abilene Christian, where he posted a team-high 65 strikeouts in 57 innings.
His twin brother, Brandon, was drafted by the Rockies out of Abilene Christian in the 27th round last year.
[pic]
During MLB Draft, Bo Jackson gave Harold Reynolds grief about The Throw from 1989
June 5, 2018 By Pete Grathoff/KC Star
Hindsight is 20-20, so yeah, Harold Reynolds shouldn't have tried to score during that Royals-Mariners game on June 5, 1989.
Reynolds, then a Mariners second baseman, was at first in the bottom of the 10th inning when Scott Bradley hit a double to left. Reynolds was running on the pitch and seemed destined to score when Royals left fielder Bo Jackson unleashed "The Throw" from a step in front of the warning track at Seattle's Kingdome.
"It's going to be up to Bo Jackson to try to stop Harold Reynolds from scoring," the announcer said in the clip below. "He can't do it ... yes, he can! I don't believe it! He made an absolutely perfect throw!"
Jackson didn't even attempt to hit the cutoff man and got the throw to catcher Bob Boone on the fly.
As fate would have it, Jackson was the Royals' team ambassador at the Major League Baseball Draft on Monday and Reynolds was there with the MLB Network.
Jackson was asked by MLB Network's Alexa Datt about that iconic play while Reynolds watched. Jackson said Reynolds had envisioned being the hero, but the headline the next day was about Jackson's throw.
"He has been riding me for 20 years and I was only just doing my job," Jackson said.
Datt then asked if Jackson could go back in time and give Reynolds advice, what would it be.
"Stop at third, Harold," Jackson said to laughter. "Stop at third."
Reynolds said Jackson added a little flourish after that throw.
"What he left out was how much trash he was talking, because when he was jogging off the field, he was blowing his finger like it was a gun," Reynolds said. "Yeah, I got you."
Jackson also said he had talked with some players who were drafted and joked that his advice will cost them.
The Royals ended up winning 5-3 in 13 innings in that 1989 game.
[pic]
'A significant amount of talent.' National experts on Royals' first-day draft picks
June 5, 2018 By Pete Grathoff/KC Star
Five picks on the first day of the amateur draft. Five college pitchers.
The Royals stocked up on arms, and here is what draft experts were saying about the how the team did Monday in the draft.
Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter gave the Royals an A-plus for both Florida pitchers Brady Singer and Jackson Kowar. Virginia lefty Daniel Lynch was graded as a B, while Stanford’s Kris Bubic was a B-plus and Memphis’ Jonathan Bowlan was a C-plus.
About Singer, Reuter wrote: “It was hard to envision a scenario where Singer slipped out of the top five heading into the draft, but here we are at No. 18 overall. The Florida ace has frontline upside with a sturdy 6'5" frame and an advanced three-pitch mix that includes a lively mid-90s fastball, wipeout slider and above-average changeup. That all comes from a funky arm slot that adds to his deception. ... Good chance he immediately takes over as the No. 1 prospect in the Kansas City system.”
Reuter wrote of Kowar: “The Florida Gators were the best team in college baseball this spring, so taking their top two starters isn't the worst strategy in the world. Kowar already touches 98 mph with his fastball, and his changeup is a plus secondary offering.”
Baseball America’s Carlos Collazo wrote: “The Royals opted to go all-in on college pitchers after struggling with high school arms in recent years, taking Singer's Florida roommate, Jackson Kowar, with their second pick at No. 33 and Virginia left-hander Daniel Lynch at No. 34. Kowar has long been considered a first-round talent and Lynch got first-round buzz late this spring when his stuff started to tick up. Following Lynch, Kansas City grabbed another college left-hander in Stanford's Kris Bubic (No. 40) and rounded out the evening with Memphis right-hander Jonathan Bowlan at No. 58.
“Both teams (Royals and Rays) managed to draft a significant amount of talent with their first five picks and would seem to be favorites to start taking college seniors early and often on Day 2.”
Brian Sakowski, the national scouting supervisor for Perfect Game USA, tweeted of Singer: "(One) of safer prospects in the class, somewhat limited upside for me, could pitch in MLB bullpen right now."
Tweet: 18. Royals: Brady Singer, rhp, Florida. 1 of safer prospects in the class, somewhat limited upside for me, could pitch in MLB bullpen right now. Lots of strikes with FB usually in 90-93 range w/ sink, excellent cmmnd of avg. SL. Belief is stuff will tick up if put in 'pen.
Sakowski also tweeted that Kowar has "enticing upside."
Tweet: 33. Royals: Jackson Kowar, rhp, Florida. Enticing upside, FB into mid-90's with plus or better changeup, flashes of above avg CB, maddeningly inconsistent throughout career.
Tweet: 34. Royals: Daniel Lynch, lhp, Virginia. Rose up boards this spring, long lanky lefty up to 94 with big angle, slider improved as the year wore on, projectable upside type.
Sam Dykstra of wrote: "Singer will easily be the top-ranked pitching prospect in the Royals system, even if it was a surprise he fell this far. It'll help that the Royals have the largest bonus pool."
J.J. Cooper of Baseball America tweeted that the Royals were "very clever" after they selected Singer: "They used their massive draft pool to swipe a top pitching prospects with the 18th pick. Both them and Rays will go way beyond slot for these signings I would assume."
Tweet: 18. Royals. Brady Singer. Very clever by the Royals too. They used their massive draft pool to swipe a top pitching prospects with the 18th pick. Both them and Rays will go way beyond slot for these signings I would assume.
Tweet: 33. Royals. Jackson Kowar, RHP. Royals got a top 5 pick and a top 20 pick when their first pick wasn't til 18. Great when you have money to spend. And now they get to pick again.
Tweet: 34. Daniel Lynch. LHP. Lynch flashed some good stuff at the ACC Tournament just a week ago. Would expect this pick helps them save some money to sign Singer and Kowar.
Sports Illustrated wrote of the Royals’ first pick: "Singer began the year as a candidate to be the first pick. Inconsistency and minor health issues (he recently returned from a three-week absence due to hamstring tightness) have dropped his stock somewhat — but he is still a top-five prospect. Singer has a Jered Weaver-type build and top of the rotation stuff. A bit quirky, Singer will perform a pirouette when satisfied with a pitch — and often, with two outs, has such confidence in his defense he will walk off the field when a ground ball is still 50 feet from reaching an infielder."
[pic]
The story behind this video of Royals' draft pick Brady Singer's tirade in the rain
June 5, 2018 By Pete Grathoff/KC Star
Not long after the Royals selected Florida pitcher Brady Singer with their first pick in Monday's amateur draft, one particular video clip was widely shared on Twitter.
It showed Singer at a Super Regional game last year leaving the mound as the game was halted by rain.
Singer was furious and used some salty language during his rant.
It had been a long weekend even before Singer took the mound. Rain delays totaling 6 hours and 41 minutes had forced the Gators and Wake Forest to push their Super Regional series to Monday.
Singer got the start in the deciding third game and Florida jumped to a 1-0 lead.
According to the Gainesville Sun, Singer went out to start the third inning and was told by home plate umpire Billy Haze to wait because of a television commercial break. That'll break a pitcher's rhythm.
When Singer was given approval to pitch, a heavy rainfall started and the tarp came out. Then the expletives began to pour out of Singer's mouth and Florida third baseman Jonathan India tried to comfort Singer:
Singer clearly wanted to pitch in that deciding game and it had been a frustrating weekend. As Florida coach Kevin O'Sullivan noted after Singer's last start: "He’s a fierce competitor.”
I think that shows.
[pic]
Florida pitcher Brady Singer was expected to go in the top five. The Royals pounced on him at No. 18
June 5, 2018 By Rustin Dodd/The Athletic
On a night in which the Royals could remake their farm system, selecting five players in the first 58 picks of the MLB Draft, they may have landed a steal in the first round.
At just past 7:56 on Monday night, the club selected right-handed pitcher Brady Singer of the University of Florida with the No. 18 overall pick, drafting a player who was expected to go in the top five for much of the draft process.
Singer, a 6-foot-5 right-hander ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the draft according to Baseball America, was available after tumbling in the early portions of the first round. With five picks in the top 58 — and the largest bonus pool in the draft — the Royals pounced, poised to use a large chunk of their draft pool on the pitcher selected as Baseball American’s 2018 Collegiate Player of the Year.
“We were probably shocked that he did get there,” Royals scouting director Lonnie Goldberg said on late Monday night.
The Royals could not predict that Singer would be available at No. 18. But they were positioned to lean heavy on college arms on the draft’s first day. They concluded the night by taking five college pitchers as they attempt to refill a hollowed-out farm system and spark a fledgling rebuilding process. The selections included Florida right-hander Jackson Kowar, Singer’s college teammate, at No. 33 and Virginia left-hander Daniel Lynch No. 34. The club finished its busy first day by taking Stanford left-hander Kris Bubic at No. 40 and Memphis right-hander Jonathan Bowlan at No. 58.
One season after helping Florida to the College World Series championship as a sophomore, Singer has posted an 11-1 record with a 2.27 ERA during his junior season. He’s struck out 98 hitters in 95 innings. He’s made his case as the best college pitcher in the country, drawing comparisons to Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola.
“Brady Singer, in our minds, is one of the very best pitchers in the country,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore said.
Singer, 21, has been on the radar of major-league teams since his high school days in Eustis, Fla. He was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the second round of the 2015 draft. The Royals scouted him hard as a high school senior, Goldberg said. Yet Singer opted not to sign and headed to pitch for the home-state Gators. He made just one start as a freshman before exploding during his sophomore season.
According to Baseball America, Singer’s “fastball sits in the low to mid-90s with impressive natural movement and he also has a sharp slider that has been a weapon for him in the past.”
Singer will immediately become one of the top prospects in a farm system that ranks among the industry’s worst. The Royals, however, do have a promising young core emerging in the lower levels of the minor leagues. Singer, who graduated from high school in 2015, is 22 months older than outfielder Khalil Lee, the Royals’ top prospect at High-A Wilmington. He is just more than two years older than prospects Seuly Matias, a right fielder, and Nick Pratto, a first baseman.
Once viewed as a possible No. 1 overall pick, Singer appeared to drop in the draft based on questions of signability and potential bonus demands. He was recently bothered by a hamstring injury, yet his overall medical picture appeared clear. If it was his price that caused the slip, the Royals have the bonus money to invest in a top-five talent.
“The fact that Brady Singer was there,” Moore said. “Did we anticipate that? No. But were there other factors involved in that, based on signability, based on other things? Perhaps. Based on taking advantage of the pool money that we have? Perhaps.”
The Royals have a signing bonus pool of $12,781,900 thanks to compensation picks for Eric Hosmer and Lorenzo Cain and a competitive-balance pick at No. 40 overall. Much of that could be earmarked for Singer and Kowar. Yet on the first night of the draft, the Royals came away with something they did not expect: A pitcher that was expected to go in the top five.
“We were obviously very surprised,” Goldberg said. “But our guys did a heck of a job lining up the board.”
[pic]
On the first day of draft, Dayton Moore and Royals bet big on college pitchers
June 5, 2018 By Rustin Dodd/The Athletic
The first pick of the night came in at just past 7:55 p.m Monday. The last arrived to a television studio in Secaucus, N.J., nearly 2 1/2 hours later. In the 144 tense minutes in between, on a wild and unpredictable first night of the MLB Draft, the Royals embraced the game’s great unknown (young pitchers) and placed a futures bet on a quintet of college arms.
Bold in its vision, consistent in its philosophy, the plan came together as the club embarked on the most important draft in a generation. In a little under three hours, the team made five selections among the first 58 picks in the draft: All were pitchers from the college ranks.
“We wanted to make a concerted effort on getting some college pitching that we felt had high ceiling and could move quickly,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore said Monday night. “Pitchers that we had history with. Pitchers that we were comfortable with.”
And so they did. It began with Florida right-hander Brady Singer at No. 18, an unexpected gift. It continued with Singer’s teammate, Florida righty Jackson Kowar, at No. 33 and pressed forward with Virginia lefty Daniel Lynch at No. 34. The pitching binge ended with Stanford lefty Kris Bubic at No. 40 (a competitive-balance round pick) and Memphis righty Jonathan Bowlan at No. 58 in the second round.
You cannot plan out a draft, of course. Not when you are picking 18th in the first round. The Royals, for instance, did not anticipate that Singer, once viewed as a possible No. 1 overall pick and a consensus top-five prospect, would be available when they made their first choice at No. 18. But they gladly picked him anyway, positioning themselves to burn through some of their league-high $12.8 million in bonus pool money.
They did not know, of course, which players would be available when they made successive compensation picks at No. 33 and No. 34, and as he prepped for the draft this spring, Moore maintained his affection for high-ceiling high school players. Yet as the Royals’ brain trust gathered inside a remodeled draft room at Kauffman Stadium on Monday evening, the rough sketch for a daring gambit was outlined. The club needed to inject its thin minor-league system with an infusion of pitching talent. It demanded arms to pair with a collection of premium position players drafted across the last two years, players such as center fielder Khalil Lee, first baseman Nick Pratto and catcher MJ Melendez.
Twelve years ago, in his first year on the job, Moore made his famous claim about pitching being the “currency of baseball.” On Monday night, the old scout sought to invest in arms.
“We wanted to have a strong emphasis on pitching,” Moore said. “Last year, and the last couple years, we felt like we’ve added some high-ceiling position players, as well as players internationally … so it’s the right blend for us.”
This Royals rebuild remains in its infant stages. Its minor-league system ranks among the thinnest in the industry. Its high-ceiling talent is limited to a collection of 19-year-olds at A-ball. When Moore talks about a blend, he is speaking of a group that is still years away. When one club official was asked in April about Royals minor-league pitchers who may be under the radar, the official offered a wry response: “We need some pitchers who are on the radar.”
So, yes, Monday’s additions will deliver a jolt to the farm system. So, too, could a slew of deadline trades that may involve third baseman Mike Moustakas, closer Kelvin Herrera, outfielder Jon Jay and others. But the importance of this draft remains paramount. The Royals pushed their chips into the middle of the table last summer, refusing to trade would-be-free agents Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain or Moustakas. The move did not pay off in a playoff appearance. The club did receive two compensation picks after Hosmer and Cain signed elsewhere. On Monday, Moore used them to collect pitchers.
“The bottom line is, the only way you tilt the scales in your favor is you have pitching,” Moore said. “And so we know that we have to develop pitching. I think we’ve done a really good job of developing pitching. We’ve had our share of failures like anybody else. But we’ve had our share of successes also.”
So what have the Royals added? That is the central question after a night like Monday. It is also the hardest to answer.
Singer, according to prospect-heads and Baseball America, is a 6-foot-5 right-hander who could be ready for the major leagues in a year, an intense competitor who once turned down big money from the Blue Jays after being picked in the second round in 2015.
Some scouts have worried about Singer’s low arm slot and third pitch. (He dominates with a fastball and slider.) They do not worry about the winning pedigree — he helped Florida to a College World Series title in 2017 — or his 11-1 and 2.27 ERA this season.
“He just continues to compete,” Royals scouting director Lonnie Goldberg said. “The one thing that you hear about him is he’s a ‘plus’ competitor — fearless.”
Kowar, meanwhile, is a 6-foot-4, 170-pound right-hander with a fastball in the low- to mid-90s and a sterling changeup. He rated as the country’s No. 17 prospect, according to Baseball America. Some scouts — perhaps a select few — even preferred him to his more lauded teammate.
For now, there is so much unknown. The Royals scouted Lynch, the Virginia lefty, in high school and believe he’s still improving. They also like the upside of Bubic, at 6-3 and 220, and Bowlan, 6-6 and 237. Bubic has a feel for a breaking ball and a delivery that resembles Clayton Kershaw. Bowlan has the frame to add velocity.
“These guys all have ceiling as well,” Moore said. “They’re going to continue to get better.”
That is the hope of draft picks and prospects, and now the work continues. The Royals will make 38 more picks on Tuesday and Wednesday. They will seek to sign Singer, Kowar and the rest of their top picks. The process depends on it.
The Royals did not set out to select five college pitchers on Monday. No team can plan that. They were “shocked” that Singer was available at No. 18. They had high school position players high on their board. But Moore understood that the latest rebuilding process demanded more pitching. And then the names started coming off the board. And by late Monday, after five picks and 144 minutes, they had come away with five collegiate arms.
“It’s all unpredictable,” Moore said. “But certainly this group of pitchers that we’ve selected thus far has a proven track record.”
[pic]
MINORS
Chasers Corral Chihuahuas 6-5
O'Hearn's 8th-inning blast carries Omaha to victory
June 5, 2018 By Omaha Storm Chasers
Omaha designated hitter Frank Schwindel crushed his team-best tenth longball and right fielder Paulo Orlando extended his scorching hitting stretch with three knocks, while first baseman Ryan O'Hearn smashed what proved to be the game-winning hit of the Storm Chasers' 6-5 win over the El Paso Chihuahuas on Tuesday evening at Werner Park.
Entering the last of the eighth even at 5-5, O'Hearn slammed a 1-1 offering to just left of straightaway center field, a 430-foot blast as measured by Trackman technology. One inning prior, Omaha had taken their first lead of the contest at 5-4 with a three-spot thanks to Schwindel's big fly and LF Rosell Herrera 's go-ahead two-run double to left.
Herrera also scored the Storm Chasers' second score of the contest via 3B Humberto Arteaga 's second-inning sacrifice fly. El Paso stormed ahead with a four-run first frame, however Omaha was able to chip away starting in the last of the first when Schwindel slapped an RBI single to center.
Orlando (3-4, R) paced the Storm Chasers offensive with his trio of hits, with Schwindel (2-4, R, HR, 2 RBI) and Herrera (2-3, R, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, BB) adding multi-hit efforts as well. Over the course of his current 11-game hit streak, Orlando has hit .523 (23-44), adding 13 runs, five doubles, two triples, one homer and 4 RBI, leading all qualified minor league hitters in batting average and hits. Chihuahuas C Brett Nicholas (2-4, R, 2B, 2 RBI), 1B Allen Craig (2-4, R, 2B, RBI) and LF Shane Peterson (2-4, RBI) all recorded two hits apiece.
Sparkman (5.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, BB, 3 K) shut down El Paso after the opening frame, at one point retiring ten of 11 batters faced, though he did not factor in the final decisions. Kansas City Royals reliever Justin Grimm (1.1 IP, K) earned the win by setting down all four batters faced as part of his Major League Rehab Assignment, while Brandon Maurer (1.0 IP) notched his fourth save. Chihuahuas reliever Miguel Diaz (3.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K) suffered the defeat.
The two teams are set to meet again on Wednesday evening at Werner Park, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT. Omaha is anticipated to send RHP LHP Jonathan Dziedzic (2-5, 3.39) to the hill, with El Paso expected to give the nod to RHP Seth Simmons (0-0, 1.50).
[pic]
Cardinals Use Six-Run Sixth To Defeat Naturals
Northwest Arkansas falls 2.0 games back of first place following the 12-5 loss to Springfield in the series opener
June 5, 2018 By Northwest Arkansas Naturals
In a key series as the first half of the Texas League North Division hits the closing stretch, the Springfield Cardinals (29-28) used a six-run sixth inning to defeat the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (27-30) in the series opener by a 12-5 final on Tuesday night. The victory extends the Cardinals advantage to 2.0 games over the Naturals in the race for the North.
Trailing 4-3 entering the top of the sixth, the visitors from Missouri exploded for six runs on six hits to blow open a tight game in the series opener on Tuesday night. Blake Drake provided the first big blow of the frame as he connected on a three-run home run down the left-field line to plate Chris Chinea , whom doubled, and Jeremy Martinez , whom walked, for a 6-4 advantage. Tommy Edman then followed with a single and scored on a RBI double by Edmundo Sosa . Then with one-out and a runner at second, Lane Thomas launched his second homer of the game, a two-run shot, to give the Cardinals the commanding 9-4 lead.
The Naturals would get a run back in the bottom of the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Nick Dini to cut the deficit to four runs at 9-5 but the Cardinals would go on to plate two more in the seventh and another in the ninth to set the final score at 12-5.
The series opener started out as a back-and-forth affair. Springfield jumped out to an early 1-0 lead after the top half of the first behind a solo home run off the bat of Thomas. Northwest Arkansas would respond with two runs to take a 2-1 lead after the home half of the frame as Elier Hernandez extended his hitting streak to 14 consecutive games with a RBI single while Erick Mejia stole home as part of a double steal with Hernandez. The steal of home by Mejia was the first by a Natural this season.
More offensive fireworks followed as the Cardinals retook the lead at 3-2 behind a two-run single by Drake in the second inning; however, the lead would not last long as the Naturals would tie the game at 3-3 on a lead-off homer by Jecksson Flores in the second then take a 4-3 lead on an Alex Liddi big fly, which extended his team-best hitting streak to 15 consecutive games.
The Cardinals out-hit the Naturals by a 17-to-9 margin on the night. Sosa and Drake both had four-hit games while Thomas drove in four runs and Drake drove in five out of the nine spot in the order. Mejia and Liddi led the Naturals offensive attack.
Springfield's Jake Woodford (W, 3-6) earned the win after limiting Northwest Arkansas to four runs through 5.0 innings. Meanwhile, Naturals' starter Andres Machado received bad luck yet again as he exited after 5.0 innings as the winning pitcher of record. The veteran right-hander ultimately got the no decision after allowing three runs on six hits while striking out five in his third home start of the season. Walker Sheller (L, 2-1) took the loss after giving up six runs on five hits in 0.1 of an inning.
Northwest Arkansas will continue their series against the Springfield Cardinals, the Double-A Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, with Game 2 of this 4-game set tomorrow night - Wednesday, June 6 - with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
[pic]
Offense Erupts Early for Win
Rocks Win Third Straight Game
June 5, 2018 By Wilmington Blue Rocks
Coming off a quick road trip where they came away with two wins, the Wilmington Blue Rocks (24-33) returned home to Frawley Stadium and surged early offensively and scored nine runs in the first two innings of the ballgame to beat the Lynchburg Hillcats (26-26) by a score of 9-2. Khalil Lee hit his third homer of the season and drove in three runs in the offensive onslaught while eight different Blue Rocks picked up a hit. With the win, the Rocks have won three straight games for just the second time this season.
Lynchburg got the ball rolling in the first frame of the game. After a Jodd Carter triple, Conner Capel doubled down the first-base line to put the Hillcats on top 1-0. The Rocks responded in their half of the first. D.J. Burt singled with one out and stole second base before Lee slugged his third homer of the season over the fence in centerfield to give Wilmington the 2-1 lead.
The Hillcats wasted no time on their turn to score in the top of the second with a lead-off single by Luke Wakamatsu. Trenton Brooks hit a pop-fly to third to bring up Dillon Persinger who hit a perfectly-placed ball into the gap in left-center to leg out an RBI triple to tie the game, 2-2.
Wilmington looking to break the stalemate in the bottom of second, instead blew the game wide open. After Gabriel Cancel singled and Chris DeVito walked to set the inning, Nick Heath put the Rocks back on top with a one-out RBI double to make it 3-2. Kort Peterson put the game out of reach with a two-run RBI single to extend the lead to 6-2. The Blue Rocks tacked on another run on a wild pitch that allowed Lee to score from third, a run-scoring single by Meibrys Viloria and Chris DeVito capped the seven-run inning with an RBI sacrifice fly to right field en route to the 9-2 victory.
The offense for both teams hit an immediate stop in the third inning. Arnaldo Hernandez settled in nicely for the Blue Rocks after the first two frames. Hernandez went five full innings gave up only two runs and one walk along with seven hits and struck out out six batters. The Hillcats used a combination of three relievers to keep Wilmington at bay. Blue Rocks' reliever Carter Hope earned his second, save of the season and threw four scoreless innings to close out the game.
The Rocks will be back in action on Wednesday, June 6 with game one of a doubleheader scheduled for a 5:05 start time at Frawley Stadium. Wilmington will call on southpaw Daniel Tillo (1-1, 2.87 ERA) for his fourth start of the season. Tillo will be opposed by fellow lefty Sam Hentges (3-4, 3.83 ERA) on the mound for Lynchburg. Fans can tune in to the game with Matt Janus and Cory Nidoh on 89.7 WGLS-FM.
PEBBLES OF KNOWLEDGE:
The seven-run, second inning matched the biggest offensive output by the Blue Rocks in a single inning this season. The Rocks sent 12 men to the plate, scored the seven runs on five hits to pull away from Lynchburg. The first time the Blue Rocks scored seven in an inning was on April 19 at Frederick when the scored seven runs in the fourth inning on the way to a 15-4 rout of the Keys.
Khalil Lee launched his third homer of the season to dead center in his first at-bat Tuesday night in the series opener. It was his first homer since April 13 which also came against the Hillcats at Frawley Stadium. With the homer, Lee has reached base in 10 straight games, has picked up a hit in five straight games. The 19-year-old is now second on the team with three home runs, trailing Kort Peterson and Chase Vallot who each have six.
The Blue Rocks have won three straight games for the first time since April 19-21 when they took the first three games of a four-game series at Frederick. Wilmington earned a series win over the weekend at Salem winning two of three games after starting the 2018 season 0-7 at Salem. During the three-game winning streak, the Blue Rocks are outscoring opponents 21-13.
[pic]
Four Lexington Legends Named to South Atlantic League All-Star Team
June 5, 2018 By Lexington Legends
The Legends are excited to announce today that Seuly Matias, Sebastian Rivero, Nick Pratto and MJ Melendez have been named to the South Atlantic All-Star Team for 2018. The 2018 South Atlantic League All-Star Game is scheduled to be played on June 19, 2018, at First National Bank Field in Greensboro, North Carolina, home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers. The full release and complete rosters is below.
"We are very proud to see four Legends be recognized for all their hard work so far this season. They have been leaders on the field and have also been involved in a variety of capacities in the community. We are so excited to see these young men excel on the field, and beyond the diamond as well," said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea.
Seuly Matias has been stellar at the plate, leading the SAL in home runs for the majority of the season. Currently, Matias is batting .247 with 17 home runs, seven doubles, one triple and 34 RBI. His 17 home runs, currently leads all levels of Minor League Baseball. He started the season off with a bang, blasting four home runs in the first three games and recorded a six-game hit streak from 4/05-09 where he went 8-for-19 with one triple, eight RBI and four homers. He had a five-game hit streak from 4/16-25 when he went 8-for-20 with two doubles and home runs in back-to-back games. He has picked up speed again smashing five home runs in five games 5/27-6/02.
MJ Melendez has alternated behind the plate all season with fellow Lexington catcher, Sebastian Rivero. Melendez had a four-game hit streak 4/17-21 going 4-for-16 with two home runs and four RBI. He was named South Atlantic League Player of the Week for the week of 5/14-20 after having a stellar seven days at the plate. During that time, he went 10-for-24 batting .472/.462/1.042 with a double, triple, four home runs, eight RBI and scored six runs. Melendez had another six-game hit streak from 5/20-25 going 9-for-25 with one home run, four doubles and six RBI. Currently, Melendez is batting .263 with 11 doubles, five triples, eight home runs and 29 RBI this season.
Nick Pratto has been the every day first baseman for the Legends, appearing in 49 games. Pratto hit the ground running in his first year with a full-season team, with a six-game hit streak from 4/19-25. He went 12-for-23 with two doubles, one home run and five RBI. From 5/09-514 he recorded another six-game hit streak with one double, two home runs and five RBI. Pratto is currently batting .264 with 10 doubles, seven home runs and 27 RBI.
Sebastian Rivero has been a very valuable backstop for the Legends, as well as productive at the plate. Rivero recorded his first four-game hit streak of the season from 4/18-25 going 9-for-15 with two home runs, six RBI and four runs scored. He had an eight-game hit streak from 5/05-5/14 going 13-for-31 with three doubles, home run, three RBI and six runs. Rivero is currently batting .266 with seven doubles, four home runs and 17 RBI.
[pic]
NATIONAL
With the Machado sweepstakes nearing, what should the Orioles expect to get in return?
June 6, 2018 By Ken Rosenthal/The Athletic
Oh, this is going to be something. Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado will be the best position-player rental ever available at the non-waiver deadline. The Orioles will want at least the same kind of package the New York Yankees received two years ago for closer Aroldis Chapman. But such a deal might not be available based upon the modest returns last season for the two biggest rentals, outfielder J.D. Martinez and right-hander Yu Darvish.
Let’s ignore for a moment the Orioles might not operate coherently enough to successfully pull off a Machado blockbuster, ignore their history of quashing deals over medical concerns, ignore the power struggle within their organization that makes it difficult to know exactly who is in control.
Even if the Orioles had it together, they would need a combination of keen scouting and shrewd negotiating to get anything close to fair value for Machado. Such a deal, though, might not be possible even under the best of circumstances, considering the increasing reluctance — no, outright fear — most teams show when asked to trade top prospects.
Consider this recent text conversation I had with an executive who is unlikely to be involved in the Machado sweepstakes.
Exec: “Rentals faced a brutal market last summer. I’ll be eager to see if that continues or if teams will be willing to pay more to acquire players for a few months of contributions.”
Me: “Agreed. Manny is like an uber-rental. I would think he would merit a Chapman-like return.”
Exec: “It wouldn’t shock me if they hold him because the returns will be underwhelming compared to the Chapman type of return . . . Texas had to work really hard to trade Yu. VERY HARD.”
Hold Machado? It’s almost unthinkable.
All the Orioles must do in a trade is beat the compensation they would receive if they made Machado a qualifying offer and lost him as a free agent. As a likely revenue-sharing recipient, that compensation would be a draft pick between the first round and the competitive-balance A round, provided Machado signed for more than $50 million, which is a lock. In this year’s draft, the comp picks were the 31st through 35th overall selections.
The Yankees did much better than that for Chapman, acquiring infielder Gleyber Torres, reliever Adam Warren and outfielders Billy McKinney and Rashad Crawford. But the most highly regarded of the three players the Detroit Tigers received for Martinez, Double A third baseman Darek Lugo, is only the 15th-ranked prospect in the increasingly rich Detroit system. And the best of the three prospects the Texas Rangers received for Darvish, Triple A second baseman/outfielder Willie Calhoun, was quite expendable for the Dodgers; his defensive shortcomings made him a better fit for the American League.
Machado, who turns 26 on July 6, is three years younger than Martinez was at last year’s deadline. A former first-round pick, he has a much higher pedigree and more established track record than Martinez. He also is a superior defender, and will enter the deadline with a more recent history of good health. Martinez was out from June 17, 2016, to Aug. 3, 2016, with a fractured right elbow and March 31, 2017, to May 12, 2017, with a sprained ligament in his right foot. Machado has not been on the DL since the second of his knee surgeries in 2014.
I do not mean to diminish Martinez, a spectacular hitter who leads the majors this season with 20 home runs. But factor in Machado’s age, increased value as an up-the-middle defender and spectacular offensive performance in the Orioles’ first 59 games, and he trumps every previous position-player rental traded at the deadline. (Oh, and make no mistake — Machado is a rental. He is not going to sign long-term with a team that acquires him when he is only months from free agency).
The following chart features a list of memorable hitters acquired by teams for the final two-plus months of a season. Machado is the youngest of the group. His current OPS-plus would be the highest. His Wins Above Replacement, using ’s version of the metric, is tracking to end up the highest as well. WAR is a cumulative metric, and Machado will play a handful more games due to the earlier start of the 2018 season, but he still is on pace to clear Mark Teixeira’s 4.1 rWAR in ‘08 by a reasonable margin.
Remember, we are talking only about position-player rentals. The list does not include the 2007 version of Teixeira, who was under control for one-plus seasons and, along with reliever Ron Mahay, brought the Rangers a prospect package that included shortstop Elvis Andrus, right-hander Neftalí Feliz, catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and left-hander Matt Harrison.
Fred McGriff in 1993 was not a potential free agent, so he does not qualify for the list. Mike Piazza in 1998 was a potential free agent, but I also did not include him; while the future Hall of Fame catcher was traded twice in May, neither deal qualified as a deadline-type transaction. The Los Angeles Dodgers sent Piazza to the Florida Marlins as a result of a contract dispute in the middle of an ownership change, and the Marlins sent Piazza to the New York Mets because the Marlins of 20 years ago, ahem, were not unlike the Marlins of today.
Yet, even though Machado is a singular commodity, the demand for him is not certain to be intense. He still will be owed just under $5.5 million of his $16 million salary at the deadline, putting him out of financial reach for some clubs. He also is intent on maintaining his commitment to shortstop, his original position, after returning to that spot from third base this season. The metrics show Machado is below-average at short, but a team that acquired him to play third would risk unsettling him, even if his lack of a no-trade clause would leave him powerless to stop such a move.
Position players generally are more difficult to trade at the deadline than during the off-season, when teams operate with greater flexibility. The Orioles, who did not like the offers they received for Machado over the winter, almost certainly will like the offers they receive before the deadline even less. A second executive who is unlikely to be involved in the pursuit of Machado said, “I could see them getting a borderline elite prospect in A ball for him. Doubtful the guy is at the upper levels unless the seller has reason to doubt him (like the Dodgers did with Calhoun).”
How the Orioles’ fractured management team will juggle all of the moving parts at the deadline is anyone’s guess. Machado will not be the only player the O’s shop; their other potential free agents include center fielder Adam Jones and relievers Zach Britton and Brad Brach, and they also would be open to moving others on their roster, though probably not long-term assets such as second baseman Jonathan Schoop and right-handers Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman.
As I’ve reported previously, Orioles executive vice-president of baseball operations Dan Duquette, in the final year of his contract, appears to have lost influence. But those in the organization who might lack confidence in Duquette to navigate the deadline — owner Peter Angelos’ sons, executive VP John Angelos and ownership representative Lou Angelos; VP of baseball operations Brady Anderson and manager Buck Showalter — hardly are experts at negotiating trades.
It’s going to be something, all right. The Orioles are about to auction off a gleaming asset. But it’s unclear who will run the auction, unclear if any team will give the O’s what they want, unclear if the best position-player rental ever available at the deadline will even get moved.
[pic]
Hendriks activated, Phegley recalled
Gossett placed on disabled list; Lucas optioned
June 5, 2018 By Dave Sessions/
The A's reinstated right-hander Liam Hendriks from the 10-day disabled list on Tuesday and recalled catcher Josh Phegley from Triple-A Nashville. Oakland also placed right-hander Daniel Gossett on the 10-day disabled list, retroactive to Monday, with a right elbow strain, and optioned right-hander Josh Lucas to Triple-A Nashville.
Hendriks returns to the A's roster after missing 46 games due to a strained right groin. Hendriks appeared in six games for Oakland before going on the DL on April 14. In those six outings, he had a 9.00 ERA with seven hits, three earned runs, one home run, three walks and one strikeout in three innings of work.
"He's a guy [who's] pitched in leverage stuff for us here in the past," Melvin said of Hendriks. "I know he felt really good in Arizona, we sent him to Nashville a couple days, he felt good there, so no training wheels. We'll just try to pick the situation we feel like is best."
Phegley returns to the A's for his second stint with the club. He spent four days with Oakland while the team was in Toronto, playing in two games and going 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI. In 36 games this year with Nashville, Phegley is hitting .235 with three home runs, 18 RBIs, 15 walks and 31 strikeouts in 119 at-bats.
"It's nice to have another position player here and in [Phegley's] case if I can mix and match a little bit with the catchers, depending on who starts tomorrow night, it gives me some options to potentially [pinch-hit] there," Melvin said.
Gossett threw only 63 pitches over five innings Sunday and was placed on the disabled list retroactive to June 4. He's 0-3 with a 5.18 ERA in 24 1/3 innings this year. He underwent an MRI on Monday and it'll be a few weeks before he can resume throwing activity, head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta said.
Lucas returns to Nashville for his third stint with the club this season. He has a 2.89 ERA in four appearances with Oakland this season. and has a 2.13 ERA in 12 2/3 innings for Nashville.
A's to have their eyes on OU
Oklahoma football will be must-see TV for the A's this fall, as first-round pick Kyler Murray is the favorite to replace Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield as the Sooners' starting quarterback. Melvin said the A's management felt confident Murray was the best athlete on the board for the ninth pick.
"What I'm hearing about his athleticism, it's off the charts," Melvin said. "We've seen athletes like Bo Jackson and Kirk Gibson and these guys really have great careers. You're looking a lot of times for the best athlete and apparently this was the guy. I don't know if it gets me off of Cal football to root for Oklahoma football, but we will definitely watch Oklahoma football a little closer this year."
Injury updates
Paparesta and Melvin gave several updates on injured Oakland players Tuesday:
• Right-hander Paul Blackburn (right forearm strain) is traveling with the club and could be ready to return in a matter of days.
• Right-hander Andrew Triggs (right arm nerve irritation) will likely throw a bullpen session Thursday.
• Outfielder Boog Powell (right knee sprain) is in extended spring training and will begin working out with the A's on Friday, with a rehab assignment planned to follow.
• Lefty Brett Anderson (left shoulder strain) has begun a throwing program and will throw off a mound later this week or next week.
• Left-handed reliever Ryan Buchter (left shoulder strain) was scheduled to throw a bullpen Tuesday, live batting practice Friday and then begin a rehab assignment.
[pic]
Archer lands on DL with abdominal strain
June 5, 2018 By Bill Chastain/
Tampa Bay has placed Chris Archer on the 10-day disabled list with a left abdominal strain, but he should be back soon.
Right-hander Diego Castillo has been recalled from Triple-A Durham to take his place. The Archer transaction is retroactive to June 3.
Archer saw a specialist, Dr. William Meyers, on Tuesday morning in Philadelphia and re-joined the team in Washington D.C., before Tuesday night's game against the Nationals.
"Considering all the possibilities, I think this was the best-case scenario outside of being healthy," Archer said. "We don't have an exact date for how long I'm going to be out, but it's not going to be too long. According to what the expert says."
More dire results could have been an oblique strain or core-muscle repair surgery.
"But it was not even close to anything like that," Archer said. "Very minor. The main thing is right now, I need rest. I'm going to do that for the next few days, and just play it by ear.
"... It's a strain, so there is inflammation and just wear and tear. I've been doing it for a long time without stopping. So, I think my body's telling me, 'Maybe you need to slow down for seven to 10 days.' And then hopefully pick right back up where I left off."
Archer said it's hard to know how much action he'll miss, but "from what [the doctor] saw, he said seven to 10 days. I don't know if the Rays want to push it like that. I don't know if I would throw a large BP, or have a start in the Minors. He said seven to 10 days, so it's minor."
Archer's next scheduled start would have been Friday at Tropicana Field against the Mariners. Rays manager Kevin Cash said Matt Andriese will fill the gap that day, whether that means starting the game, or entering the game after the "opener" to pitch the bulk of the innings after the first or second innings.
Castillo could be used in late-inning situations, according to Cash. When asked if Castillo might be asked to get the last three outs of the game, the Rays' manager suggested the right-hander might be asked to get the final six outs.
Worth noting
• Cash confirmed on Tuesday that left-hander Anthony Banda would have Tommy John surgery. On Monday, the Rays would not confirm a report by the Tampa Bay Times about Banda needing the surgery.
• Pitching coach Kyle Snyder returned home to St. Petersburg on Monday after being hospitalized in Seattle over the weekend with an unspecified illness.
• Class A Advanced Charlotte first baseman Nate Lowe has been named the Florida State League Player of the Month for May. He hit .356/.442/.611 in 24 games with five home runs and 19 RBIs. Lowe, 22, was also the FSL Player of the Month for April.
[pic]
MLB TRANSACTIONS
June 6, 2018 •.
|TEAM |PLAYER |TRANSACTION |
|[pic]ARI |Silvino Bracho |Called Up from Minors |
|[pic]ATL |Julio Teheran |Placed on 10-Day DL (Right thumb|
| | |contusion) |
|[pic]ATL |Luke Jackson |Purchased From Minors |
|[pic]BAL |Austin Wynns |Called Up from Minors |
|[pic]BAL |Darren O'Day |Sent to Minors For |
| | |Rehabilitation |
|[pic]BOS |Drew Pomeranz |Placed on 10-Day DL (Left biceps|
| | |tendinitis) |
|[pic]BOS |Brandon Workman |Called Up from Minors |
|[pic]CHW |Juan Minaya |Return of 26th man |
|[pic]CHW |Juan Minaya |Called Up from Minors (recalled |
| | |as 26th roster player) |
|[pic]CHW |Kevan Smith |Called Up from Minors |
|[pic]CIN |Kevin Shackelford|Released |
|[pic]CIN |Jackson Stephens |Sent to Minors |
|[pic]CIN |Anthony |Removed From 60-Day DL (Left |
| |DeSclafani |oblique strain) |
|[pic]CIN |Anthony |Recalled From Minors Rehab |
| |DeSclafani |Assignment |
|[pic]CLE |Lonnie Chisenhall|Recalled From Minors Rehab |
| | |Assignment |
|[pic]CLE |Bradley Zimmer |Sent to Minors |
|[pic]CLE |Lonnie Chisenhall|Removed From 10-Day DL (Strained|
| | |right calf) |
|[pic]COL |Daniel Castro |Sent to Minors |
|[pic]COL |Mike Tauchman |Called Up from Minors |
|[pic]DET |Alex Wilson |Sent to Minors For |
| | |Rehabilitation |
|[pic]LAA |Kaleb Cowart |Sent to Minors |
|[pic]LAA |Eduardo Paredes |Called Up from Minors |
|[pic]NYM |Gerson Bautista |Sent to Minors |
|[pic]NYM |Todd Frazier |Recalled From Minors Rehab |
| | |Assignment |
|[pic]NYM |Todd Frazier |Removed From 10-Day DL (Strained|
| | |left hamstring) |
|[pic]NYM |Buddy Baumann |Designated for Assignment |
|[pic]NYM |Anthony Swarzak |Recalled From Minors Rehab |
| | |Assignment |
|[pic]NYM |Anthony Swarzak |Removed From 60-Day DL (Strained|
| | |left oblique) |
|[pic]OAK |Daniel Gossett |Placed on 10-Day DL (Right elbow|
| | |flexor strain) |
|[pic]OAK |Liam Hendriks |Removed From 10-Day DL (Right |
| | |groin strain) |
|[pic]OAK |Liam Hendriks |Recalled From Minors Rehab |
| | |Assignment |
|[pic]OAK |Josh Phegley |Called Up from Minors |
|[pic]OAK |Santiago Casilla |Sent to Minors For |
| | |Rehabilitation |
|[pic]OAK |Joshua Lucas |Sent to Minors |
|[pic]PHI |Drew Hutchison |Refused Minor League Assignment |
| | |- Free Agent |
|[pic]SEA |Williams Perez |Signed to a Minor League |
| | |Contract |
|[pic]SF |Kyle Jensen |Released |
|[pic]SF |Madison Bumgarner|Removed From 60-Day DL |
| | |(Fractured left hand) |
|[pic]SF |Madison Bumgarner|Recalled From Minors Rehab |
| | |Assignment |
|[pic]SF |Madison Younginer|Released |
|[pic]STL |Yadier Molina |Removed From 10-Day DL (Pelvic |
| | |injury with traumatic hematoma) |
|[pic]STL |Yadier Molina |Recalled From Minors Rehab |
| | |Assignment |
|[pic]STL |Carlos Martinez |Recalled From Minors Rehab |
| | |Assignment |
|[pic]STL |Steven Baron |Designated for Assignment |
|[pic]STL |Carlos Martinez |Removed From 10-Day DL (Right |
| | |lat strain) |
|[pic]STL |Mike Mayers |Sent to Minors |
|[pic]STL |Greg Garcia |Placed on Paternity Leave List |
|[pic]STL |Preston Guilmet |Purchased From Minors |
|[pic]TB |Diego Castillo |Called Up from Minors |
|[pic]TB |Chris Archer |Placed on 10-Day DL (Left |
| | |abdominal strain) |
|[pic]TEX |Tim Lincecum |Released |
|[pic]TEX |Tim Lincecum |Recalled From Minors Rehab |
| | |Assignment |
|[pic]TEX |Tim Lincecum |Removed From 60-Day DL (Blister |
| | |on right middle finger) |
|[pic]WAS |Jeremy Hellickson|Placed on 10-Day DL (Right |
| | |hamstring strain) |
|[pic]WAS |Matt Grace |Recalled From Minors Rehab |
| | |Assignment |
|[pic]WAS |Matt Grace |Removed From 10-Day DL (Strained|
| | |left groin) |
|[pic]WAS |Tim Collins |Reinstated from Paternity Leave |
| | |List |
................
................
In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.
To fulfill the demand for quickly locating and searching documents.
It is intelligent file search solution for home and business.