Daily Clips
November9, 2017
LOCAL
Moose's comeback year honored by peers
Royals third baseman wins Players Choice award
November 8, 2017By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com
Yost breaks pelvis in fall, expected to be OK
November 8, 2017By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com
Royals’ competition for signing Eric Hosmer? Look at these teams
November 8, 2017By Rustin Dodd/KC Star
Yankees, Angels and Mets? Mike Moustakas could have big-market suitors
November 8, 2017By Rustin Dodd/KC Star
The market for Lorenzo Cain? Who will pursue Royals’ star center fielder
November 8, 2017By Rustin Dodd/KC Star
Lifelong Royals fan gifts KCPD officer a surprise trip to alumni fantasy camp
November 8, 2017By Maria Torres/KC Star
Royals manager Ned Yost breaks pelvis in accident on property in Georgia
November 8, 2017By Rustin Dodd/KC Star
Mike Moustakas wins comeback player award, donates money in Yordano Ventura’s memory
November 8, 2017By Rustin Dodd/KC Star
MINORS
Gordon, Hosmer & Greinke Tabbed Gold Glovers
Trio of Omaha alums honored as best at their positions
November 8, 2017Omaha Storm Chasers
Chasers Announce Front Office Staff Promotions & Additions
Organization fortifies front office in preparation for 50th Season
November 8, 2017Omaha Storm Chasers
Andy Shea and Lexington Legends to receive prestigious distinguished philanthropist award
The National Philanthropy Luncheon will be held on Friday, November 10, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington. The Distinguished Philanthropist Award will be presented between 12:45 p.m. and 1:15 p.m.
November 8, 2017Lexington Legends
NATIONAL
Altuve tops Players Choice Awards' many honorees
November 8, 2017By Paul Hagen/MLB.com
MLB TRANSACTIONS
November 9, 2017 •.CBSSports.com
LOCAL
Moose's comeback year honored by peers
Royals third baseman wins Players Choice award
November 8, 2017By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com
The Players Choice Awards confirmed what every Royals fan knew in 2017: Third baseman Mike Moustakas had a monster comeback season.
Moustakas was voted by his peers as the Players Choice Comeback Player of the Year on Wednesday night on MLB Network.
"This means a lot," Moustakas said on the show. "It means a lot, especially with all the great comeback stories there were. It shows how much hard work the training staff put in to get me ready."
Moustakas, 29, played only 27 games in 2016 after sustaining an ACL tear in May. He bounced back this season to hit .272 with a career-high and franchise-record 38 home runs. He also had 85 RBIs.
"You're always hoping for a great year," Moustakas said. "But it's crazy to have a year like that."
Moustakas, the Royals' first-round Draft pick in 2007, is one of nine Royals free agents. With tight financial limitations, Kansas City is hoping the market will soften enough that it can afford to re-sign some of its free agents.
The Royals' previous single-season home run record was 36, set by Steve Balboni in 1985. Moustakas broke the record on Sept. 20 in Toronto.
"It's something I'll remember the rest of my life," Moustakas said.
Moustakas said he'll use the charity funds that come with winning the award to donate to the ACE 30 Fund in honor of late Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura. The ACE 30 Fund helps support youth baseball in Ventura's native Dominican Republic.
Yost breaks pelvis in fall, expected to be OK
November 8, 2017By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com
Royals manager Ned Yost sustained a broken pelvis after a fall on his property near Atlanta, a club official said on Wednesday.
Yost evidently was working on a tree stand before he fell.
The Royals said that Yost is resting comfortably in an Atlanta hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
Royals’ competition for signing Eric Hosmer? Look at these teams
November 8, 2017By Rustin Dodd/KC Star
Royals general manager Dayton Moore prefers a simple analogy for free agency: Musical chairs.
There are participants and music and there are a limited number of chairs. There is also a time constraint, and at some point, the music will stop.
The children’s game metaphor glosses over the realities of the market, the competition between teams, the levers of supply and demand that dictate the process. But one thing is true: In more than a decade in Kansas City, Moore has never entered an offseason with so many of his players looking for new chairs.
The Royals had nine players become free agents this month, including stars Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Lorenzo Cain. All three will be among the most coveted players on the market this winter.
Kansas City is expected to be active in retaining its homegrown players. Yet the process depends on a set of unknowns: Which teams will be interested in Hosmer, Moustakas and Cain? How will their markets take shape? Will the price, as it did for Alex Gordon two years ago, fall back into the Royals’ neighborhood?
“You just never really know,” Moore said.
The market is expected to heat up next week when officials from all 30 teams convene in Orlando, Fla., for the annual general managers meetings. The rumor mill will churn. Agents and representatives will talk with individual clubs. The event will not offer total clarity. But markets will start to develop.
For now, let’s look at teams that might emerge as possible destinations for Hosmer, Moustakas and Cain. We’ll start with Hosmer, a 28-year-old first baseman projected as one of the top available position players this winter.
His position could limit his possible suitors. A survey of big-market clubs reveals many with long-term answers at the spot. The Dodgers have Cody Bellinger; the Cubs are set with Anthony Rizzo; the Braves have Freddie Freeman, while the Nationals can move forward with former third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. The Giants have Brandon Belt signed to a long-term contract, while the Toronto Blue Jays found a breakout star in Justin Smoak. The Phillies believe they have a star in Rhys Hoskins, while the Yankees have a young and cheap option in Greg Bird and a desire to stay under the game’s luxury-tax threshold.
Here’s a look at some teams that could be possible fits:
Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox have long been considered as a possible landing spot for Hosmer. Their lineup lacked a middle-of-the-order presence last season after the retirement of David Ortiz. They have young talent all around the diamond, though not at first base, where Mitch Moreland and Hanley Ramirez spent time last season. Hosmer’s opposite-field power and hitting style would also play well with the Green Monster in left field at Fenway Park.
The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier reported this week that evaluators around the game believe the club could prefer outfielder J.D. Martinez as a middle-of-the-order bat in free agency. But the potential presence of Boston in a Hosmer sweepstakes would likely serve to drive up the price.
New York Yankees: Hosmer’s intangibles, including his clubhouse leadership and media-savvy ways, would play well in a Yankees clubhouse that continues to get younger. His power numbers would likely explode playing in Yankee Stadium. This is why the Yankees were considered a likely suitor for most of the season. At least two things could change that: The Yankees have said they wish to get under the $197 million luxury-tax threshold in 2018, according to the New York Post, and relying on young first baseman Greg Bird would serve that end. In addition, they could be gearing up for a record-breaking free-agent class in 2018 that will feature Washington’s Bryce Harper and Baltimore’s Manny Machado. Perhaps there’s still a way.
The Royals: It remains possible that no team will value Hosmer like the Royals. He is a part of a franchise lore now, one of the faces of the 2015 World Series champions, and the leader inside the clubhouse. The Royals put high value on his defensive stability. He will likely be the focal point of the offseason, with the ripples from his decision shaping the future of the club.
Seattle Mariners: Looking for a dark horse contender to emerge? Could it be a team like the Mariners, owners of the longest playoff drought in baseball? They could use an upgrade at first base, and the franchise has won a free-agent bidding war before, landing Robinson Cano in 2013. That was four years ago, though, and under a previous front office, and there’s been little indication, to this point, that the Mariners are interested.
Colorado Rockies: The Rockies snagged an unexpected National League wild-card spot in 2017, and like the Mariners, could also use an upgrade at first base. The Rockies signed Ian Desmond to a long-term deal last offseason, and he can play first base. But he also possesses the ability to move around. Again, is there interest?
St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals have missed the playoffs in consecutive years as the Cubs have taken control in the National League Central. General manager John Mozeliak has said he’s not using the “rebuild” word this offseason, and that could mean an active offseason. St. Louis could use Hosmer’s bat in its lineup. But then again, so could most teams. The Cardinals shifted infielder Matt Carpenter to first base in 2016, and he’s under club control for three more seasons. So no, not a perfect fit.
Los Angeles Angels/San Francisco Giants: Finally, here are two big-market clubs with a track record of spending money. But these teams might not fit as well. The Angels, who also project as a possible landing spot for Moustakas, might not have the money for two big signings this winter. The Giants still have money invested in Brandon Belt. But in looking for possible suitors, put them on the list — for now.
Yankees, Angels and Mets? Mike Moustakas could have big-market suitors
November 8, 2017By Rustin Dodd/KC Star
There is an old cliche in free agency that timing dictates everything. The latest case in point: Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas.
Moustakas, 29, has reached the open market after posting career highs with 38 homers and an .835 OPS in 2017. In his last two healthy seasons, he has averaged 30 homers and 29 doubles and made two All-Star appearances.
He is also one of nine Royals who became free agents earlier this month, a list that includes first baseman Eric Hosmer and center fielder Lorenzo Cain. All three are among the most coveted players on the market this winter.
Kansas City is expected to be active in retaining its homegrown players. Yet the process depends on a set of unknowns: Which teams will be interested in Hosmer, Moustakas and Cain? What will their markets look like? Will the price, as it did for Alex Gordon two years ago, fall back into the Royals’ neighborhood?
“You just never really know,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore said.
The market is expected to heat up next week when officials from all 30 teams convene in Orlando, Fla., for the annual general managers meetings. The Star is looking at which teams might be interested in Hosmer, Moustakas and Cain. Earlier this week, we looked at possible destinations for Hosmer. Now let’s look at which teams might be a fit for Moustakas.
Los Angeles Angels: The Dodgers have a franchise third baseman in Justin Turner. Yet there is still a possible homecoming destination for Moustakas in Southern California. The Angels have potential holes at both corner infield positions, though Luis Valbuena could be positioned to play one of those two spots. Moustakas would offer another power bat to a franchise that is trying to maximize Mike Trout’s prime years and return to the playoffs. The Angels spent some money to extend outfielder Justin Upton earlier this month, yet there will likely be enough left for another big acquisition.
New York Yankees: Todd Frazier is a free agent after being acquired before the trade deadline last summer. Chase Headley is still under contract for one more season at $13 million. Moustakas would likely be an upgrade over both. After hitting 38 homers while playing half his games at Kauffman Stadium, it’s reasonable to believe that Moustakas could approach 45 homers while taking aim at the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium. But as we mentioned with Hosmer, the Yankees will be trying to get under the $197 million luxury tax this offseason.
New York Mets: The Mets could be searching for a long-term successor to David Wright, a franchise cornerstone whose career has been crippled by injuries in recent years.
San Francisco Giants: After a disappointing season in 2017, the Giants are still seeking to contend with their current core of players. They finished last in the majors in home runs last season with 128. Part of that, of course, can be attributed to their ballpark. But Moustakas would offer a missing element of power. There’s a hole at third base, too.
Atlanta Braves: The Braves have a loaded farm system and some payroll flexibility. At some point, they will spend money. But prospect Austin Riley, who finished last season at Class AA, could be a long-term solution at third base.
The Royals: For now, the Royals appear to be prioritizing Hosmer in free agency. That, of course, could change if the markets for each player change. But it appears likely Moustakas could have a handful of aggressive suitors. Kansas City has some internal replacements at third base in Cheslor Cuthbert and Hunter Dozier. Neither is likely to hit more than 35 homers next season. But there is a ready backup plan.
The market for Lorenzo Cain? Who will pursue Royals’ star center fielder
November 8, 2017By Rustin Dodd/KC Star
By most measurements, Lorenzo Cain should be one of the top free agents on the market this offseason. Since 2014, he ranks 20th in the majors in Fangraphs’ Wins Above Replacement. In the same span, he ranks fifth among all outfielders. And in 2017, he batted .300 with a .363 on-base percentage and 15 homers while playing a career-high 155 games.
But then there is another rather important metric: Age.
Cain will turn 32 in April, just weeks after his ninth major-league season begins. That fact alone could curb interest in the former All-Star center fielder this winter.
One of nine Royals who became free agents this month, Cain joins a list that includes first baseman Eric Hosmer and third baseman Mike Moustakas. All three will be among the most coveted players on the market.
Kansas City is expected to be active in retaining its homegrown players. Yet the process depends on a set of unknowns: Which teams will be interested in Hosmer, Moustakas and Cain? What will their markets look like? Will the price, as it did for Alex Gordon two years ago, fall back into the Royals’ neighborhood?
“You just never really know,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore said.
The market is expected to heat up next week when officials from all 30 teams convene in Orlando, Fla., for the annual general managers meetings. The Star is looking at which teams might be interested in Hosmer, Moustakas and Cain. Earlier this week, we looked at possible destinations for Hosmer and Moustakas. Now let’s look at which teams might be a fit for Cain.
While his age could limit the length of a long-term deal, his ability to play above-average defense in right field as he ages could alleviate teams’ concerns over an extended investment.
San Francisco Giants: The Giants have long been considered a likely landing spot for Cain, whose premium defense would be a strong fit in the spacious confines of AT&T Park. He would be an upgrade over an aging Denard Span in center field and join a core group that helped the Giants to three World Series before an unexpected 98-loss season last year.
New York Mets: The Mets could see Cain as an upgrade over their internal options in center field (Juan Lagares and Brandon Nimmo). Just like AT&T Park in San Francisco, his defense would translate well to Citi Field.
Seattle Mariners: Seattle has a long playoff drought, a closing window to compete with its current roster and a decent hole in center field. Jarrod Dyson occupied this spot for stretches last season before becoming a free agent. Could the Mariners be interested in his good friend?
The Royals: Kansas City was burned two years ago when it signed an outfielder in his early 30s (Alex Gordon) to a four-year deal. Club officials may be hesitant to repeat the mistakes of the past, especially if it appears the team will move into rebuild mode. Yet if Cain is unable to find a long-term deal, perhaps Kansas City would be interested in something more short term.