Daily Clips
December 29, 2017
LOCAL
Inbox: Could KC get Hoz with Moreland to Sox?
Royals beat reporter Jeffrey Flanagan answers fans' questions
December 28, 2017By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com
Fire ravaged historic baseball stadium in the Dominican Republic
December 28, 2017By Pete Grathoff/KC Star
NATIONAL
Twins issue statement on Sano allegations
December 28, 2017By Rhett Bollinger/MLB.com
MLB TRANSACTIONS
December 29, 2017 •.CBSSports.com
LOCAL
Inbox: Could KC get Hoz with Moreland to Sox?
Royals beat reporter Jeffrey Flanagan answers fans' questions
December 28, 2017By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com
Royals general manager Dayton Moore spent the majority of his time at the Winter Meetings laying the groundwork for potential trades that will assist a major rebuild.
Moore has two goals this offseason: Trade his desired assets to help restock the farm system, and trim payroll.
Oh, and the possibility of re-signing free agent Eric Hosmer may have gotten a boost when the Red Sox, believed to be one of the suitors for Hosmer, signed first baseman Mitch Moreland instead.
With all that in mind, let's get on with the final Royals Inbox of 2017:
@daniellep2594: what do you think our Hos chances are now that Moreland signed with the Red Sox?
Better. Much better. But it's still very iffy. Moore made it clear at the Winter Meetings that Kansas City has to keep payroll in the $115-120 million range or lower (it was about $150 million in 2017). The payroll right now is in the $115 million range. So to sign Hosmer, who could get $15-20 million a season, Moore will have to get creative to make room. But make no mistake: The Royals would love Hosmer to be around to shepherd in the youth movement and rebuild.
@RatliffJosh: With all eyes and ears on Moose and Hos, what are the rumblings regarding Escobar? I’d still love to see a full season of he and Mondesi after a Whit trade. But can’t foresee a Whit trade and no Esky. Dayton loves strength up the middle, right?
The truth is, there isn't a huge market for Alcides Escobar. He can still play high-quality defense, but his poor on-base percentage really hampers his market value. I think there's a good chance that Escobar could be around to sign on the cheap in late January or early February if the Royals want a backup plan in the event Raul Mondesi struggles at shortstop.
@jhb2006: Will any of the rule 5 picks be a part of the starting rotation if Hammel/Kennedy/Duffy get moved?
Kansas City believes right-hander Brad Keller will get a chance regardless of who might get traded out of the rotation. Right-hander Burch Smith, the other Rule 5 Draft pick the Royals acquired in a trade, likely will head to the bullpen with his power arm -- he can touch 100 mph.
@HuskersRob: Will the pending tear down of the Royals affect the upcoming negotiation of local TV rights? I would think so but they’ve got to get a better deal to be competitive.
This is a question I get a lot. The Royals' present deal with FOX Sports Kansas City ends after 2019. There are a lot of moving parts here, starting with Disney's acquisition of FOX and all its Regional Sports Networks. Will Disney turn these RSNs into ESPN-run operations (ESPN Kansas City)? Will Disney want to pour money into the RSNs? Whatever lays ahead, the Royals are hoping to beef up their local TV intake by anywhere from $20-40 million per year.
@jessica4739: Any word on the status of Luke Hochevar? Is a reunion a possibility?
Moore said at the Winter Meetings that he has not spoken to Hochevar in a while. Kansas City isn't sure if Hochevar will return to baseball. It has been almost 18 months since Hochevar's thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, so Hochevar will possibly be ready for Spring Training. There would be interest in a reunion from the Royals' standpoint at a bargain price.
@bballkansas: Centerfield near future and 3 years from now?
The near future will be Paulo Orlando. Moore said there is no interest right now in bringing back free agent Jarrod Dyson, so it will be Orlando's job to start 2018. But the Royals are really hoping Bubba Starling turns the corner this year and can take over the job at some point. Defensively, Starling is ready. Offensively, it is a big ask.
Fire ravaged historic baseball stadium in the Dominican Republic
December 28, 2017By Pete Grathoff/KC Star
Some Dominican Winter League playoff games are being delayed because of a huge fire that broke out at one of the stadiums on Wednesday night.
Fire engulfed the Quisqueya Stadium Juan Marichal in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, not long before Gigantes del Cibao were to face Leones del Escogido. The game was postponed.
Two Royals minor leaguers — outfielder Elier Hernandez and pitcher Miguel Almonte — play for Gigantes.
Thursday night’s game between Tigres del Licey and Aguilas Cibaenas, which was to be played at the stadium, was postponed.
Royals outfielder Jorge Bonifacio plays for Licey. Ditto for his brother Emilio Bonifacio, a former Royals player. On the Aguilas Cibaenas roster is Royals minor-league pitcher Pedro Fernandez.
The stadium opened in 1955, according to ballparkdigest.com, and is a shared home for LIcey and Escogido.
According to ESPN, the fire started when an air-conditioning unit in the pressbox is suspected to have short-circuited.
The images of the fire and the aftermath were frightening: (click link for photos and video).
NATIONAL
Twins issue statement on Sano allegations
December 28, 2017By Rhett Bollinger/MLB.com
Twins third baseman Miguel Sano denied an accusation of sexual assault made by a local photographer via Twitter on Thursday.
The Twins were previously unaware of the allegations, which occurred during the 2015 season, and released the following statement:
"Today, the Minnesota Twins were made aware of allegations involving Miguel Sano at an offsite appearance during the 2015 season," the statement read. "The Twins, along with Major League Baseball, take these allegations very seriously. Until more information is gathered, the Twins will have no further comment."
Betsy Bissen, a photographer for TwinsDaily.com, described an incident following an autograph signing involving Sano, who recognized her from games she worked at Target Field. Bissen wrote that Sano forced her to go to a nearby Apple Store with him after the signing, and the alleged sexual assault occurred as he left to use the restroom.
Bissen alleges that Sano tried to kiss her and force her through the bathroom door before he relented after 10 minutes of struggle.
Through his agent, Sano denied the allegations.
"I unequivocally deny the allegation made against me today -- it never happened," Sano's statement read. "I have the utmost respect for women, especially those working in professional sports, and I deeply sympathize with anyone who has experienced sexual harassment. There is no place for it in our society."
Bissen also accused an unnamed former Twins first-base coach of sexual harassment, including asking for her phone number despite being a married man, in her social media post.
MLB TRANSACTIONS
December 29, 2017 •.CBSSports.com
Atlanta Braves / Adonis Garcia / Released
Atlanta Braves / Adonis Garcia / Signed to Play in Korea, (LG Twins)
Chicago Cubs / Kyle Ryan / Signed to a Minor League Contract