Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

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Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

CESSA, LOPEZ SWITCH ROLES
Righty struggled in April after solid 2019 campaign
By artoodeetoo
04/30/2020

After posting an 8.39 ERA in 24 2/3 innings in April, manager Ned Yost has decided to move Luis Cessa out of the rotation and into the bullpen. Jorge Lopez, who made a handful of starts for the Royals in 2018 and 2019, is going to get another shot at the rotation with the Royals.

Cessa was a very reliable starter in 2019, posting an ERA of 3.76 in 179 1/3 innings of work, making twenty-nine starts in all. He struck out 150 with just fifty-three walks, and finished with an 11-8 mark.

And the best part is that he cost the Royals nothing -- out of options, the Yankees placed him on waivers in the final days of Spring Training last year, and the Royals picked him up, making two bullpen appearances in the first week of the season before moving into the rotation.

"He was a damn fine pitcher all year long last year," said Yost. "We still have a lot of confidence in him; but obviously don't want to risk outrighting him, because he'd get picked up pretty quick, so the bullpen is the next best solution."

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Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

MLB NEWS AND NOTES
Verlander released for second time this month; Cueto also released
By MLB.com Staff
04/30/2020

VERLANDER RELEASED BY PHILS; CONTEMPLATING RETIREMENT?

In a bit of a surprise, the Phillies released Justin Verlander outright despite not allowing an earned run in five innings, covering two appearances, with one save in the last week. He had allowed just two hits and two walks with four strikeouts in that same time frame.

However, he's dealt with a serious drop in velocity since his 2017 season, seeing his fastball diminish from the mid-to-upper 90's, into the high 80's-low 90's. He topped out at ninety-one MPH with the Phillies this past week.

The veteran right-hander was quoted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, saying "maybe it's time for me to go...it's really not fun knowing where you're going to be playing next. I still have the fire to play, but I just need a team to believe in me." --Evan Smith

GIANTS RELEASE CUETO; EAT NEARLY $50M

Johnny Cueto, who helped Kansas City win a World Series in 2015, has been released by the San Francisco Giants with two more years remaining beyond 2020 on his $130M deal that he signed prior to the 2016 season.

The Giants will eat roughly $50M worth of salary, which is a massive pill to swallow, but the veteran right-hander has been ineffective for the Giants since 2017. In 2016, he made the Giants' front office look like geniuses with an 18-5 All-Star season, including a top-five ERA of 2.79. However, it's been all downhill from there, with progressively worsening seasons, culminating in a 6.3 ERA last season and a career-worst WHIP of 1.63.

He was designated for assignment on April 24th, and was not picked up by any one. San Francisco had also tried to trade him, according to reports, with no takers. --David LoPietro

CONFORTO, METS IN EARLY STAGES OF EXTENSION TALKS

The Mets' front office, led by general manager Dan Uggla, and outfielder Michael Conforto have begun preliminary talks on an extension with the club. The 27-year-old left fielder won the Silver Slugger for NL left fielders last year, and hit a career-high forty-two homeruns with 119 RBI in 2019.

No exact figures have been made public, nor have any rumors of exact figures been bandied about, but it is thought that he is looking for a contract in the realm of what Bryce Harper signed after the 2018 season. Harper signed a seven-year, $200M contract with the Red Sox prior to 2019. --Jason Frampton

HELLICKSON CLOSE TO DEAL WITH TORONTO

With pitchers Aaron Sanchez, Marcus Stroman, and now Brandon McCarthy on the disabled list for extended periods of time, the Blue Jays are hurting for veteran pitching help as they are off to a solid start.

They appear to be close to a deal to bring former Phillies and Rays right-hander Jeremy Hellickson on board. It would be on a one-year, incentive-laden deal, but no details are public as of yet.

Hellickson spent 2019 with the New Britain Bees of the Atlantic League, an independent league that covers much of the northeastern U.S. He was 7-6 for them last year with a 2.92 ERA in twenty-five starts. He last pitched in the majors in 2018; going 2-2 with the Nationals, spinning a 5.26 ERA in seven starts (covering 39 1/3) innings. --Evan Smith

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Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

GENERAL MANAGER'S APRIL REPORT

AL CENTRAL STANDINGS

Kansas City Royals: 15-10
Cleveland Indians: 14-10
Minnesota Twins: 11-12
Detroit Tigers: 8-18
Chicago White Sox: 5-19

MAJOR TRANSACTIONS

None.

MINOR LEAGUE AFFILIATE RECORDS

Omaha: 6-15 (4th, PCL Amer. North)
NW Arkansas: 11-9 (2nd, Texas League North)
Wilmington: 9-12 (4th, Carolina League, Northern Division)
Lexington: 8-13 (t-6th, South Atlantic League, Southern Division)

REPORTS FROM MINOR LEAGUE MANAGERS

Omaha manager Bip Roberts reported that there may be some grumbling about playing time, especially amongst some of the veterans on the club. That said, it's still pretty early, so things may yet shake out differently.

PLAYERS OF THE MONTH - APRIL

Kansas City: Cheslor Cuthbert, 3B
Cuthbert slashed .327/.364/.594 in 107 plate appearances, with six doubles and seven homeruns in the season's opening month. In addition, he drew six walks and struck out just eight times.

Omaha: Seuly Matias, OF
Matias was also named the PCL Player of the Month for April, a month in which he hit .374 (31-for-83), with seven doubles, seven homeruns, and twenty-three RBI, all of which led the league. He still strikes out a lot, but walked nine times and stole five bases.

NW Arkansas: Nick Pratto, 1B
The 2017 first-round pick may finally be starting to live up to his lofty potential, hitting .302/.348/.500 in April, with eight doubles, three homeruns, and fifteen RBI. He had the second-most hits (26), and also struck out just thirteen times against five walks.

Wilmington: Francis Grullon, SS
He has yet to turn twenty, but the young shortstop looks like he's improved after last year's stint with the Blue Rocks. In eighty-six April plate apperances, he hit .354/.402/.430, smacking a homerun, three doubles, and stealing four bases to go with a team-high thirteen RBI.

Lexington: Kyle Marsh, 2B
Marsh led all Legends' hitters in hits (24), doubles (6), and homeruns (2); and was second in RBI (9) in April, slashing .393/.464/.623 in sixty-nine plate appearances.

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Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

LOS ANGELES ANGELS (16-11) @ KANSAS CITY ROYALS (15-10)



PITCHING MATCHUPS

05/01: RHP Yadier Alvarez (4-1, 2.43) vs RHP Trevor Oaks (2-1, 6.00)
05/02: RHP Hunter Wood (0-1, 9.31) vs LHP Danny Duffy (1-2, 3.30)
05/03: RHP Dan Slania (0-2, 5.13) vs RHP Jorge Lopez (2-0, 3.60)

GAME RECAPS

Friday, May 1st, 2020 - First pitch, 6:05 CST
LA Angels (17-11) 6, Kansas City (15-11) 4
Winner: Jose Alvarez (1-1) Loser: Nate Jones (0-1) Save: Anthony Swarzak (1)
HR-LAA: Chris Shaw 2 (8), Jonathan Lucroy (1) HR-KC: Adalberto Mondesi (4)

ROYALS DROP FIRST GAME TO ANGELS

Kansas City didn't have an answer for Chris Shaw, as the Angels' first baseman cracked a pair of homeruns, driving in three as the Angels withstood a few comeback attempts from the host Royals to post a 6-4 victory. Shaw also walked twice, and leadoff hitter Andrew Toles drove in two runs as part of a 3-for-5 day. While Trevor Oaks gave up ten hits in six innings, he surrendered just three earned runs with no walks as he didn't factor into the decision. Still, the Royals had a chance late. The lead changed hands twice in the final innings, as Adalberto Mondesi drilled a two-run homerun off Jose Alvarez in the bottom of the seventh inning, just a half-inning before the Royals' bullpen surrendered three runs in the eighth. A couple of errors, one by Cheslor Cuthbert and the other by catcher Patrick Mazeika, led to two unearned runs charged to Nate Jones, who took the loss.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
LA Angels (17-11) 6, Kansas City (15-11) 4
Oakland (11-16) 10, Toronto (15-11) 6
Tampa Bay (15-11) 9, Boston (18-9) 0
Cleveland (15-10) 4, Houston (14-12) 0
Detroit (9-18) 5, Chi. Sox (5-20) 2
Texas (11-15) 2, Seattle (11-16) 0
Baltimore (12-15) 1, Minnesota (12-12) 3

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Colorado (17-9) @ Atlanta (10-15) -- PPD
Cincinnati (16-10) 6, St. Louis (11-14) 7 (Final/10)
NY Yankees (12-14) 5, San Francisco (13-13) 2
San Diego (11-15) 2, Washington (7-17) 0
Miami (13-13) 4, Philadelphia (14-12) 6
Milwaukee (10-17) 2, NY Mets (15-10) 8
Chi. Cubs (17-8) 6, Arizona (13-14) 1
Pittsburgh (14-11) 1, LA Dodgers (17-11) 11

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Yanks' Stanton, Dodgers' Bellinger earn April Batter of the Month awards
Houston's McCullers, Cubs' Hendricks win April Pitcher of the Month honors
Seattle's Chono, Mets' Brodey win April rookie honors

Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 - First pitch, 4:10 CST
LA Angels (17-12) 0, Kansas City (16-11) 4
Winner: Danny Duffy (2-2) Loser: Dan Slania (0-3) Save: Corey Knebel (4)
HR: None

ROYALS WIN BEHIND DUFFY'S BAKER'S DOZEN

Behind thirteen strikeouts from Danny Duffy over eight-plus innings of work, the Royals posted a 4-0 shutout victory over the Angels. Duffy, who evened his record at two wins and two losses apiece, worked two hitters into the ninth; but was pulled after allowing singles to Chris Shaw and Zack Cozart in favor of Corey Knebel, who worked around the two baserunners to pick up his fourth save. Four different Royals picked up RBI hits, with Nicky Lopez and Patrick Mazeika each going 2-for-3 with an RBI. Cheslor Cuthbert also collected a pair of singles, going 2-for-4 in the process. Former Royal Brian Flynn pitched three scoreless innings in relief of starter Dan Slania for the Angels, striking out four.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
LA Angels (17-12) 0, Kansas City (16-11) 4
Oakland (12-16) 5, Toronto (15-12) 4
Tampa Bay (15-12) 3, Boston (19-9) 4
Cleveland (15-11) 0, Houston (15-12) 4
Detroit (10-18) 8, Chi. Sox (5-21) 3 (Final/12)
Texas (12-15) 4, Seattle (11-17) 2 (Final/10)
Baltimore (12-16) 4, Minnesota (13-12) 7

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Colorado (18-9) 6, Atlanta (10-16) 5 (G1)
Colorado (18-10) 5, Atlanta (11-16) 6 (G2, Final/17)
Cincinnati (16-11) 3, St. Louis (12-14) 12
NY Yankees (12-15) 2, San Francisco (14-13) 7
San Diego (11-16) 2, Washington (8-17) 3
Miami (13-14) 1, Philadelphia (15-12) 7
Milwaukee (10-18) 0, NY Mets (16-10) 7
Chi. Cubs (17-9) 5, Arizona (14-14) 9
Pittsburgh (15-11) 6, LA Dodgers (17-12) 3

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Nats OF Andre Ethier to retire at season's end

Sunday, May 3rd, 2020 - First pitch, 6:30 CST
LA Angels (18-12) 3, Kansas City (16-12) 2
Winner: Will Smith (2-0) Loser: Luis Cessa (1-4) Save: Kyle Barraclough (7)
HR-LAA: Nolan Fontana (1) HR-KC: None

ROYALS LOSE BY THIN MARGIN

Making his first start of the season, Jorge Lopez threw seventy-two pitches in four innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits and three walks, but the Royals eventually fell 3-2 to the Angels. Luis Cessa pitched four innings out of the bullpen, and only made one mistake, but it was costly -- a solo homerun in the sixth inning by Nolan Fontana that snapped a 2-2 tie, and ended up being the difference. Nicky Lopez extended a pair of hitting streaks, as his RBI streak is up to five, and his hit streak is up to a career-high nineteen games after going 2-for-3. The other run came courtesy of Adalberto Mondesi, who drove in a run in the fifth against Drew Pomeranz, who couldn't make it out of the fifth inning. After a blistering 8-1 start at home, the Royals are now 2-4 in their last two home series. They continue the homestand tomorrow night against the Tampa Bay Rays.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
LA Angels (18-12) 3, Kansas City (16-12) 2
Oakland (13-16) 8, Toronto (15-13) 4
Tampa Bay (15-13) 1, Boston (20-9) 5
Cleveland (16-11) 13, Houston (15-13) 4
Detroit (11-18) 4, Chi. Sox (5-22) 2
Texas (12-16) 0, Seattle (12-17) 3
Baltimore (12-17) 2, Minnesota (14-12) 3

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Colorado (19-10) 7, Atlanta (11-17) 0
Cincinnati (16-12) 6, St. Louis (13-14) 7 (Final/10)
NY Yankees (13-15) 9, San Francisco (14-14) 4
San Diego (11-17) 6, Washington (9-17) 7
Miami (14-14) 3, Philadelphia (15-13) 1
Milwaukee (11-18) 6, NY Mets (16-11) 3
Chi. Cubs (17-10) 1, Arizona (15-14) 3
Pittsburgh (16-11) 1, LA Dodgers (17-13) 0

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Angels acquire OF Odubel Herrera from Philadelphia for RHP Griffin Canning, C/1B Matt Thaiss

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Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

PILLAR TO REHAB AT OMAHA
Veteran outfielder has been on disabled list since mid-April with shoulder issue
By artoodeetoo
05/04/2020

Royals centerfielder Kevin Pillar will begin a short rehab assignment in Omaha tomorrow night, one that is not expected to last more than a week according to manager Ned Yost. Pillar injured his shoulder in the sixth inning on April 14th against Seattle, a game in which the Royals won 12-3.

He was removed from the game for Brett Phillips, and didn't return the rest of that series until being placed on the disabled list a few days later with what was termed as a shoulder impingement.

Pillar was just 8-for-36 (.222) prior to the injury, but Yost hopes a quick rehab stint will get him back up to playing speed. Phillips, in the meantime, has been solid since taking over in center, slashing .275/.362/.431 in fifty-seven plate appearances.

"He's such a steadying presence in the clubhouse," he said. "But we're going to send him on a quick detour to make sure that he's fully healed, and ready to get back in the lineup."

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Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

MLB NEWS AND NOTES
Herrera dealt to Phillies; Ethier to retire at season's end
By MLB.com Staff
05/04/2020

ANGELS, PHILLIES STRIKE TRADE

In the first major trade of the season, the Angels have sent right-hander Griffin Canning and first baseman Matt Thaiss to the Phillies in exchange for Odubel Herrera; who has been usurped as the starting centerfielder by rookie Kevin Markham, although he's probably a better fit as a left fielder down the line.

Philadelphia general manager Matt Klentak has been fielding offers for the mercurial outfielder, who signed a very team-friendly seven-year contract back in early 2017, prior to that season. He was paid just $17M through the first four seasons, including just $7M for this year, but those numbers escalate to $10M in 2021, and $11.5M in 2022 before a team option worth $12.5M in 2023 could activate.

With Markham's emergence, and the need to think about extensions for infielders J.P. Crawford, and outfielders Nick Williams and Rhys Hoskins, the Phillies are thinking more long-term with this deal. They've already signed team-friendly extensions with second baseman Scott Kingery and right-hander Aaron Nola in the past calendar year.

Canning struggled in 2019 with the Angels (5.90 ERA, 6.17 FIP) in 71 2/3 innings, but is just twenty-three and figures to only get better; and Thaiss is a potential solution at first base, as the Phillies do not plan on re-signing current first baseman Carlos Santana, whose contract expires after this year.

On the Angels' end, Herrera gives them a somewhat-decent replacement for Mike Trout, who was dealt to the Dodgers over the offseason after the two sides could not come to terms on an extension. Herrera had a career-year in 2018, hitting twenty-nine homeruns, driving in 103 runs, and hitting forty-eight doubles. He also had over two hundred hits, and was one of just five position players with a WAR over 6.0 that season.

ETHIER TO CALL IT A CAREER AFTER 2020

Washington Nationals reserve outfielder Andre Ethier has decided to hang up the cleats, but wants to finish out the 2020 season according to the Washington Post. Despite putting up 2.3 WAR in 302 plate appearances with the Nats last season, he was not signed to a major-league contract anywhere this past offseason, and settled on a minor league deal with Seattle.

The Mariners added him to the active roster prior to Opening Day, but was waived by the Mariners about ten days into the season, and was re-acquired by Washington. He has just thirteen plate appearances for Washington so far, going 3-for-12 (.250) with a walk and two RBI. Ethier is just eleven hits away from the 1,500-hit plateau, and has twenty-five homeruns to go to reach two hundred for his career.

MARTINEZ'S JOB SAFE - FOR NOW

Nationals manager Dave Martinez's job is seemingly safe, according to writers at the Washington Post, citing sources from "deep within the front office". However, rumors have been swirling with the Nats' poor start that the third-year manager's job is on less than stable ground after back-to-back 82-80 seasons, and a deep stable of talent in the starting lineup and in the pitching staff.

However, they rank in the bottom-third in most offensive categories, and aside from the bullpen, the pitching has been less than stellar. They rank 13th overall in the National League in ERA (4.86), and they are dead last in starter's ERA (5.53).

Washington is in last place in the NL East with a 7-16 mark at the end of April, and while there is consternation around Martinez's status with the club, it does not appear to be weighing on the lockerroom at all.

"There's still a very long way to go in this one," said veteran closer Sean Doolittle, who has struggled out of the gate somewhat this season. "If seasons ended in April, there would be a lot of really, really good teams that wouldn't have gone as far as they did back then."

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Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

TAMPA BAY RAYS (15-13) @ KANSAS CITY ROYALS (16-12)



PITCHING MATCHUPS

05/04: LHP Brandon Finnegan (4-1, 1.71) vs RHP Jake Junis (4-1, 2.94)
05/05: RHP Jacob Faria (1-2, 3.50) vs RHP Ben Lively (3-2, 3.41)
05/06: RHP Jose De Leon (1-2, 5.40) vs RHP Trevor Oaks (2-1, 5.75)
05/07: RHP Brent Honeywell (3-2, 3.07) vs LHP Danny Duffy (2-2, 2.61)

GAME RECAPS

Monday, May 4th, 2020 - First pitch, 1:30 CST
Tampa Bay (16-13) 5, Kansas City (16-13) 2
Winner: Brandon Finnegan (5-1) Loser: Jake Junis (4-2) Save: Diego Castillo (8)
HR-TB: Jesus Sucre (3), Kendrys Morales (1), Jake Bauers (1) HR-KC: Salvador Perez (2)

THREE HOMERUNS POWER RAYS VICTORY

The Royals couldn't overcome three homeruns in the first two innings from the Rays, as they made a 5-0 lead after two innings hold up throughout in an eventual 5-2 victory. Jake Junis went just five innings, leaving after ninety-seven pitches in favor of Nathan Karns, who allowed just three baserunners over three innings of relief, fanning five. Only a Peter Alonso single, and Salvador Perez solo homerun accounted for the Royals' offense, as Alonso hit a single to score Nicky Lopez in the third, and Perez hit his second homerun of the season in the fifth against former Royal Brandon Finnegan, who picked up his AL-best fifth victory. Lopez had his hit streak snapped at nineteen games, but kept his reached-base streak alive at twenty, and stole his team-best 10th base in the first inning.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Baltimore (12-18) 1, Chi. Sox (6-22) 2
Tampa Bay (16-13) 5, Kansas City (16-13) 2
Oakland (13-17) 8, Boston (21-9) 10
Houston (16-13) 9, Minnesota (14-13) 6

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
St. Louis (14-14) 6, Washington (9-18) 5
San Diego (11-18) 3, Atlanta (12-17) 4
Cincinnati (16-13) 0, NY Mets (17-11) 3
Colorado (20-10) 4, Milwaukee (11-19) 0
LA Dodgers (18-13) 9, San Francisco (14-15) 4

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
A's Olson, Rox' Dahl named Players of the Week
Angels, Bucs new entrants into the Power Rankings' top four

Tuesday, May 5th, 2020 - First pitch, 6:30 CST
Tampa Bay (17-13) 13, Kansas City (16-14) 1
Winner: Jacob Faria (2-2) Loser: Ben Lively (3-3) Save: None
HR-TB: Christian Arroyo (5) HR-KC: None

ROYALS FALL UNDER RAYS' 20-HIT BARRAGE

Tampa led 9-1 after four innings, and added a grand slam in the ninth for good measure, as they destroyed the Royals 13-1 to hand the Royals their fourth straight defeat for the first time in 2020. Ben Lively was charged with six earned runs (eight total) in three and one-third innings, as the Rays chased him from the game in a five-run fourth inning. Drew Smith and Brad Hand provided the Royals with four and two-third scoreless innings in relief; with Smith striking out eight in three and two-third innings himself, but righty reliever Nate Jones surrendered a grand slam to Christian Arroyo before getting the final two outs of the ninth. The Royals' only run came on back-to-back doubles in the seventh inning from Brian Goodwin and Nick Castellanos.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Baltimore (12-19) 3, Chi. Sox (7-22) 6
Tampa Bay (17-13) 13, Kansas City (16-14) 1
Oakland (13-18) 2, Boston (22-9) 7
Houston (16-14) 2, Minnesota (15-13) 3
Toronto (15-14) 4, LA Angels (19-12) 7
Chi. Cubs (17-11) 2, Seattle (13-17) 3
Pittsburgh (16-12) 0, Texas (13-16) 2

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Cleveland (17-11) 4, Miami (14-15) 2
St. Louis (14-15) 2, Washington (10-18) 9
Detroit (11-19) 5, Philadelphia (16-13) 9 (Final/11)
San Diego (11-19) 9, Atlanta (13-17) 10
Cincinnati (16-14) 2, NY Mets (18-11) 6
Colorado (20-11) 6, Milwaukee (12-19) 8
LA Dodgers (19-13) 3, San Francisco (14-16) 1
NY Yankees (13-16) 3, Arizona (16-14) 4 (Final/11)

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Oakland infielder Franklin Barreto hits for 2020's first cycle

Wednesday, May 6th, 2020 - First pitch, 6:30 CST
Tampa Bay (17-14) 2, Kansas City (17-14) 3
Winner: Trevor Oaks (3-1) Loser: Jose De Leon (1-3) Save: Corey Knebel (5)
HR-TB: Kevin Kiermaier (3) HR-KC: Patrick Mazeika (1), Nick Castellanos 2 (4)

BULLPEN HOLDS ON TO SLIM LEAD IN VICTORY

After a string of poor starts, Trevor Oaks allowed just two earned runs in seven and one-third innings of work, and the bullpen held the Rays scoreless the rest of the way as the Royals stopped a four-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory. Oaks, who had scattered just six hits through seven innings, allowed three of the first four hitters of the eighth to load the bases before getting pulled for southpaw Richard Lovelady. Lovelady, who was one of the best in baseball last year with inherited runners, surrendered a sac fly to Jake Bauers; but coaxed a groundball from Kendrys Morales to get out of the inning before Corey Knebel locked down the ninth for his fifth save. Nick Castellanos was the offensive MVP for the Royals, hitting a pair of solo homeruns in a 2-for-4 day. Patrick Mazeika was 1-for-3, with his lone hit his first MLB homerun.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Baltimore (12-20) 1, Chi. Sox (8-22) 12
Tampa Bay (17-14) 2, Kansas City (17-14) 3
Oakland (14-18) 10, Boston (22-10) 0
Houston (17-14) 7, Minnesota (15-14) 5 (Final/10)
Toronto (15-15) 0, LA Angels (20-12) 5
Chi. Cubs (18-11) 6, Seattle (13-18) 4
Pittsburgh (16-13) 2, Texas (14-16) 3

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Cleveland (18-11) 2, Miami (14-16) 1
St. Louis (15-15) 6, Washington (10-19) 1
Detroit (11-20) 4, Philadelphia (17-13) 10
San Diego (11-20) 0, Atlanta (14-17) 10
Cincinnati (16-15) 2, NY Mets (19-11) 8
Colorado (20-12) 2, Milwaukee (13-19) 7
LA Dodgers (20-13) 5, San Francisco (14-17) 3
NY Yankees (13-17) 6, Arizona (17-14) 7

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Cardinals RHP Bobby Wahl has surgery to remove bone chips from elbow; will miss up to six months

Thursday, May 7th, 2020 - First pitch, 2:30 CST
Tampa Bay (17-15) 4, Kansas City (18-14) 8
Winner: Danny Duffy (3-2) Loser: Brent Honeywell (3-3) Save: Brad Hand (2)
HR-TB: Christian Arroyo (6) HR-KC: Nick Castellanos (5), Adalberto Mondesi (5)

ROYALS PULL AWAY LATE IN VICTORY

Danny Duffy continues to pitch well, allowing just two earned runs over six innings as the Royals salvaged a series split with Tampa in an 8-4 victory. In addition, Duffy walked just one with seven strikeouts in eighty-four pitches; just five days after a career-high 120 pitches in eight shutout innings against the Angels. The Royals had eight extra-base hits out of their eleven total, including six doubles and two homeruns. Adalberto Mondesi hit a two-run homerun in the third, just one inning after Nick Castellanos hit his third homerun in two days in the second. Nicky Lopez also drove in a run, going 2-for-5 with a pair of two-baggers.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Baltimore (12-20) 1, Chi. Sox (8-22) 12
Tampa Bay (17-14) 2, Kansas City (17-14) 3
Oakland (14-18) 10, Boston (22-10) 0
Houston (17-14) 7, Minnesota (15-14) 5 (Final/10)
Toronto (15-15) 0, LA Angels (20-12) 5
Chi. Cubs (18-11) 6, Seattle (13-18) 4
Pittsburgh (16-13) 2, Texas (14-16) 3

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Cleveland (18-11) 2, Miami (14-16) 1
St. Louis (15-15) 6, Washington (10-19) 1
Detroit (11-20) 4, Philadelphia (17-13) 10
San Diego (11-20) 0, Atlanta (14-17) 10
Cincinnati (16-15) 2, NY Mets (19-11) 8
Colorado (20-12) 2, Milwaukee (13-19) 7
LA Dodgers (20-13) 5, San Francisco (14-17) 3
NY Yankees (13-17) 6, Arizona (17-14) 7

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
MLB hands down three-game suspensions to Indians' Zimmer, Marlins' Torres-Costa for bench-clearing fight on September 6th
Royals trade pitchers Ian Kennedy, Luis Cessa to Toronto in prospect swap, salary dump

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Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

ROYALS DEAL KENNEDY, CESSA TO BLUE JAYS IN PROSPECT SWAP
Deal unloads nearly $9M of 2020 salary
By artoodeetoo
05/08/2020

Ian Kennedy was designated for assignment a week ago, but general manager Travis Greenleaf has been working behind the scenes to engineer a deal for Ian Kennedy, and found a willing buyer in Toronto, who have 80% of their starting rotation on the disabled list barely a month into the season.

The Blue Jays are going to take on nearly two-thirds of Kennedy's remaining 2020 salary, plus fellow right-hander Luis Cessa's salary, in exchange for pitchers Brayan Mejia, Patrick Murphy, and Cobi Johnson, along with infielder Richard Urena.

The Royals also sent minor league pitchers Bryar Johnson and Kyle Hinton in the deal, along with minor league catcher Dallas Beaver.

Murphy, who has made a handful of starts for the Blue Jays since September of last season, will report to Triple-A Omaha after southpaw Foster Griffin was demoted to Double-A. Johnson will begin his Royals career in Single-A Lexington, while Mejia won't begin until later next month, as a member of the Royals' Dominican Summer League squad.

Urena was a former top prospect who saw time with Toronto as a 21-year-old infielder in 2017, but hasn't been in the majors since. He'll start out at Triple-A after infielder Erick Mejia was re-called to replace Cessa on the active roster.

In other roster news, right-hander Nate Jones was optioned to Omaha, and fellow right-hander Josh Staumont was re-called to take his place. Staumont was briefly with the Royals last season, pitching in two games, covering one and one-third innings with one walk and three strikeouts before suffering an elbow strain.

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

MLB NEWS AND NOTES
Conforto extends with the Mets; Royals deal two to Toronto
By MLB.com Staff
05/08/2020

METS, CONFORTO AGREE TO SEVEN-YEAR EXTENSION

As reported last week, the Mets were seeking to extend outfielder Michael Conforto, but the two sides appeared to be far apart. Fast forward to Thursday, and the two sides have come to an agreement on a seven-year extension that will pay out just over $190M to the two-time All-Star.

He will be paid just $12.1M in 2021, which is the final year of the Mets' team control before free agency. After 2021, however, the price jumps up -- to $29.8M per year after that, to be exact, through 2027. He'll also have up to $4.5M in incentives over the life of the contract.

Conforto made his second All-Star team last season, and earned his first Silver Slugger award as well. He also finished fourth in the MVP voting for the National League. --Jason Frampton

BLUE JAYS ACQUIRE KENNEDY, CESSA FROM ROYALS IN PROSPECT SWAP

To help aid a rotation ransacked by multiple long-term injuries, the Blue Jays acquired veteran right-handers Ian Kennedy and Luis Cessa from the Royals, as well as two minor league pitchers and a minor league catcher; in exchange for pitchers Patrick Murphy, Brayan Mejia, and Cobi Johnson. Infielder Richard Urena was also shipped to Kansas City in the deal.

Right-handed pitchers Bryar Johnson and Kyle Hinton head to Toronto, along with catcher Dallas Beaver in the deal. In a win for the Royals, they clear Cessa's salary, along with nearly $8.6M of Kennedy's remaining 2020 salary hit, which is roughly $13M.

Kennedy was designated for assignment on May 2nd, after a brief and unsuccessful rehab stint in the minors. He missed most of last season after rotator cuff surgery, posting an ERA over 7.00 in nine 2019 starts. It is also not out of the question that the Blue Jays have no plans to keep him, but rather release him as part of the deal, as he would take up a 40-man roster spot. --Evan Smith

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

ROSTER UPDATE (05/08/2020)

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

KANSAS CITY ROYALS (18-14) @ DETROIT TIGERS (11-20)



PITCHING MATCHUPS

05/08: RHP Jorge Lopez (2-0, 3.86) vs RHP Artie Lewicki (2-1, 3.18)
05/09: RHP Jake Junis (4-2, 3.72) vs RHP Jordan Zimmermann (0-4, 7.34)
05/10: RHP Ben Lively (3-3, 4.54) vs RHP Kyle Funkhouser (0-0, 1.59)

GAME RECAPS

Friday, May 8th, 2020 - First pitch, 7:10 CST
Kansas City (18-15) 4, Detroit (12-20) 9
Winner: Scott Kazmir (2-0) Loser: Nathan Karns (0-2) Save: None
HR-KC: Peter Alonso (3) HR-DET: Christin Stewart (3), Willi Castro (6)

TWO SWINGS LEAD TO LOSS

A grand slam off the bat of Willi Castro in the first, and a sixth-inning three-run homerun by Christin Stewart were the two big Tiger blows in the Royals' 9-4 series-opening loss at Detroit. Jorge Lopez went just four and two-third innings, walking five while striking out just one. Nathan Karns finished the fifth inning, but lasted just three hitters into the sixth after a walk, double, and homerun chased him from the game. Peter Alonso went 2-for-5 with a two-run homerun in the third inning, and Adalberto Mondesi also collected a pair of hits and an RBI, including a triple.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Kansas City (18-15) 4, Detroit (12-20) 9
Seattle (14-18) 1, Cleveland (18-12) 0
Toronto (16-16) 13, Texas (14-17) 5
Minnesota (16-15) 3, NY Yankees (14-17) 5
Tampa Bay (18-15) 6, Baltimore (12-21) 3
Boston (23-11) 7, Chi. Sox (9-23) 4 (Final/16)

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
St. Louis (15-17) 5, Chi. Cubs (19-11) 8
Oakland (14-19) 2, Pittsburgh (17-13) 5
Washington (12-19) 7, Philadelphia (17-14) 3
San Francisco (14-18) 5, Cincinnati (17-16) 6
Atlanta (15-18) 2, Miami (15-16) 3 (Final/14)
LA Dodgers (21-13) 8, San Diego (11-22) 0
NY Mets (21-11) 2, Milwaukee (13-21) 1
Arizona (17-15) 5, Colorado (22-12) 8

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Boston releases RHP David Phelps

Saturday, May 9th, 2020 - First pitch, 4:10 CST
Kansas City (19-15) 4, Detroit (12-21) 3
Winner: Nathan Karns (1-2) Loser: Gerson Moreno (0-4) Save: Corey Knebel (6)
HR-KC: Brett Phillips (2) HR-DET: Casey Gillaspie (5)

ROYALS HOLD OFF LATE RALLY

Detroit got the winning run to first base in the bottom of the 11th, but Corey Knebel was able to hold the Tigers off in a 4-3 11-inning victory. Brett Phillips put the Royals up 4-2 with two outs in the top of the 11th, hitting a two-run homerun against Gerson Moreno. Josh Harrison's one-out double cut their deficit in half, but after Knebel walked Trevor Story, he struck out both Pedro Severino and Troy Montgomery to end the contest. Salvador Perez and Phillips each had two hits and two RBI, with Perez's two-run double in the seventh the game-tying hit at the time. Adalberto Mondesi was 2-for-2 before being lifted for an undisclosed illness in the seventh. Jake Junis didn't factor into the decision, but overcame a first-inning two-run homerun to post a solid line of six and one-third innings, scattering five hits and two walks with five strikeouts.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Kansas City (19-15) 4, Detroit (12-21) 3 (Final/11)
Seattle (15-18) 5, Cleveland (18-13) 2
Toronto (16-17) 4, Texas (15-17) 6
Minnesota (16-16) 5, NY Yankees (15-17) 7
Tampa Bay (19-15) 16, Baltimore (12-22) 5
Houston (18-15) 3, LA Angels (21-13) 0
Boston (24-11) 10, Chi. Sox (9-24) 3

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Oakland (14-19) @ Pittsburgh (17-13) -- PPD
St. Louis (15-18) 3, Chi. Cubs (20-11) 4
Washington (12-20) 5, Philadelphia (18-14) 8
San Francisco (14-19) 4, Cincinnati (18-16) 7
Atlanta (16-18) 8, Miami (15-17) 4 (Final/14)
LA Dodgers (22-13) 8, San Diego (11-23) 7
NY Mets (22-11) 12, Milwaukee (13-22) 8 (Final/13)
Arizona (18-15) 8, Colorado (22-13) 7

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Chicago White Sox release RHP Drew Hutchison

Sunday, May 10th, 2020 - First pitch, 1:10 CST
Kansas City (20-15) 11, Detroit (12-22) 1
Winner: Ben Lively (4-3) Loser: Beau Burrows (1-4) Save: None
HR-DET: None HR-KC: Brian Goodwin (5), Brett Phillips (3)

K.C. PUTS UP CROOKED NUMBERS IN RUNAWAY WIN

The Royals jumped all over Tigers starter Beau Burrows, scoring four runs in the first and six in the fifth, as they cruised to a decisive 11-1 victory over Detroit to win their fourth game in their last five, and the series. Ben Lively nearly went the distance, scattering five hits and two walks while striking out three to pick up his fourth victory. Brian Goodwin and Brett Phillips each hit three-run homeruns, and Cheslor Cuthbert reached base four times, collecting a pair of hits and walks apiece. Cuthbert, Nick Castellanos, Patrick Mazeika, and Jose Peraza all collected RBI in the victory.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Kansas City (20-15) 11, Detroit (12-22) 1
Seattle (15-19) 5, Cleveland (19-13) 6 (Final/13)
Toronto (16-18) 7, Texas (16-17) 8 (Final/12)
Minnesota (16-17) 4, NY Yankees (16-17) 5
Tampa Bay (19-16) 4, Baltimore (13-22) 7
Houston (19-15) 6, LA Angels (21-14) 3
Boston (24-12) 2, Chi. Sox (10-24) 3

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Oakland (14-20) 0, Pittsburgh (18-13) 3 (G1)
Oakland (15-20) 3, Pittsburgh (18-14) 1 (G2)
St. Louis (15-19) 0, Chi. Cubs (21-11) 5
Washington (12-21) 4, Philadelphia (19-14) 14
San Francisco (15-19) 5, Cincinnati (18-17) 2
Atlanta (17-18) 5, Miami (15-18) 4
LA Dodgers (23-13) 5, San Diego (11-24) 3
NY Mets (22-12) 4, Milwaukee (14-22) 5
Arizona (18-16) 3, Colorado (23-13) 7

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Twins LHP Lewis Thorpe to miss one start, Yanks' Miguel Andujar three games after fracas

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

ROYALS MAILBAG
Unpacking the Kennedy deal; Royals' starting pitching concerns
By artoodeetoo
05/11/2020

The first mailbag of the season is jam-packed with news and happenings from the first month and change of the season, with the headlining event being the massive salary-dump trade involving Ian Kennedy. We'll also examine the Royals' rotation a little more closely, as they've struggled mostly through the first handful of weeks. Enjoy!

What do you make of the Kennedy deal?

I'll have a more detailed unpacking of it later, but my first reaction was complete and utter surprise. I didn't think they would get a bucket of balls for him, let alone four prospects AND for some poor team to take on 2/3rds of his remaining salary.

Luis Cessa is out of options; and despite a slow start for him this year, has good stuff and the Jays are obviously betting (hoping?) that they're going to get the 2019 Cessa, and not the disaster he's been so far this season. I don't think they're going to keep Kennedy (e.g., release him), so much of the success of this deal hinges on Cessa being successful.

The only player the Royals received in the deal that we'll see in the near future is Patrick Murphy, likely out of the bullpen. He's made a dozen MLB appearances to this point, including eight starts (56 2/3 IP), so there's not a huge sample size. But it's promising, with a 2.84 ERA and a walk rate of 2.6 BB/9.

Is it time to sound the alarm on the starting pitching?

There are definitely reasons to be concerned, but it's not at Defcon-1 yet. One of the big offenders is now gone (Cessa); and I'm at least hopeful that Jorge Lopez can put it together as a starter in the short-term, and if not, someone from Triple-A can step up. Mitchell White seems like the most likely candidate, if not Heath Fillmyer.

The over-arching problem that these guys mostly have, outside of Danny Duffy, is that they don't miss bats. Oaks doesn't walk many, but he's been getting knocked around at a higher rate over 2019, including nine homeruns, and has just nineteen strikeouts in forty-three innings of work. Ben Lively is a notoriously-proficient flyball pitcher, and has managed to miss the homerun bugaboo early. That said, he isn't much better at missing bats, with twenty punchouts in 46 2/3 innings.

The veteran acquistions in the bullpen have been disappointing in the early going as well. Despite a solid ERA of 2.70, Brad Hand has a 2.00 WHIP, which is absurdly awful. Nate Jones, who has since been optioned to Omaha, has struggled to a 10.80 ERA in 8 1/3 innings of work, and Jake Diekman has walked seven in ten innings. Fortunately, the back end of the bullpen has been phenomenal, with Corey Knebel looking unhittable, and Richard Lovelady off to a fast start. Drew Smith also looks like future back-end-of-the-bullpen material, also.

Thoughts on the new changes in baseball?

They're a good thing for baseball overall. I'm less inclined to be in favor of the 28-man roster limit after September, than I am the 26-man active roster limit. A limit of thirty after September 1st is more appropriate, but otherwise, I'm fine if twenty-eight is a jumping-off point. That said, teams like the Royals utilize the 40-man limit pretty extensively for evaluation purposes, so I do think it will hurt small-market clubs, at least in the short-term.

Roster size aside, the best change is the merging of the two trade deadlines into one. Major League Baseball is the only sport of the four majors where there are two different trade deadlines, and the rule change will make (in what is my opinion) the best trade deadline of the four majors even better.

The change has its pros and cons. One big pro is that it should encourage more activity around an already hectic time of the season, and another is that it may entice teams that would normally wait out the July 31 deadline to dip their toes in the water, so to speak.

On the other hand, with one deadline, the bidding wars could get out of control, and you might see small-market teams balk at giving away the farm for a rental that may or may not help you win a title, or even worse, just to reach the playoffs, so it would just be the same big-market clubs with money to burn grabbing the same caliber of talent at the deadline year in and year out.

Does Derek West's success so far bump up his ETA?

He just went on the disabled list for what hopefully is a minor shoulder issue, so for now, I'll say no. But if he returns healthy with no issues, and continues to perform, then of course it's possible. Don't forget, though, that he's not even on the 40-man roster, and there are others that would likely get a shot first over West even if he was.

His numbers from this year don't jump out at you -- he's averaging roughly 8.5 K/9, and has a 3.32 ERA combined between High-A and Double-A. But his groundball rate (70.7%) does, which indicates that his changeup has become a viable third pitch, in addition to a bonkers-good fastball and slider. If that changeup translates to the MLB level, he has the potential to front a rotation, or be a great number-two at the very least.

To me, I think he could begin 2021 in the rotation at the absolute earliest, with September 2021 most likely. Large-scale injuries would have to happen for him to see an MLB diamond this year, or if the Royals fall out of the race and deal not just Danny Duffy, but quite possibly Jake Junis and/or Trevor Oaks.

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

KANSAS CITY ROYALS (20-15) @ HOUSTON ASTROS (19-15)



PITCHING MATCHUPS

05/11: RHP Trevor Oaks (3-1, 5.19) vs RHP Lance McCullers, Jr. (5-1, 2.36)
05/12: LHP Danny Duffy (3-2, 2.66) vs RHP Collin McHugh (1-4, 5.25)
05/13: RHP Jorge Lopez (2-0, 4.82) vs RHP Forrest Whitley (1-2, 6.23)

GAME RECAPS

Monday, May 11th, 2020 - First pitch, 3:30 CST
Kansas City (20-16) 0, Houston (20-15) 6
Winner: Lance McCullers, Jr (6-1) Loser: Trevor Oaks (3-2) Save: None
HR-KC: None HR-HOU: Kyle Tucker (6), Paul Goldschmidt (5)

MCCULLERS, ALMONTE BLANK ROYALS IN FIRST GAME SINCE 2019 ALDS

Reigning AL Cy Young winner Lance McCullers, Jr., shut the Royals out over seven and two-third innings, allowing just four hits and a walk as the Astros cruised to a 6-0 victory. He also fanned nine before giving way to former Royal farmhand Miguel Almonte, who struck out a pair and walked one in one and two-third innings. Nicky Lopez reached base three times in the loss, going 2-for-3 with a walk. Peter Alonso was 1-for-2 with a single and was hit once, while Cheslor Cuthbert went 1-for-4 for the only other Royals' hit. Trevor Oaks surrendered five runs (three earned) over six and one-third innings, fanning three with one walk.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Kansas City (20-16) 0, Houston (20-15) 6
Chi. Sox (11-24) 8, Cleveland (19-14) 4
Seattle (15-20) 2, NY Yankees (17-17) 4
Boston (25-12) 6, Baltimore (13-23) 5
Minnesota (17-17) 10, Toronto (16-19) 0
Arizona (18-17) 2, Tampa Bay (20-16) 4

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
San Francisco (16-19) 4, Cincinnati (18-18) 1
Philadelphia (19-15) 3, St. Louis (16-19) 5
NY Mets (23-12) 8, San Diego (11-25) 0
Washington (13-21) 14, Milwaukee (14-23) 2
Atlanta (18-18) 8, LA Dodgers (23-14) 2
Miami (16-18) 6, Chi. Cubs (21-12) 2

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Blue Jays claim RHP Derek Law on waivers from San Francisco

Tuesday, May 12th, 2020 - First pitch, 5:05 CST
Kansas City (20-17) 1, Houston (21-15) 5
Winner: Collin McHugh (2-4) Loser: Danny Duffy (3-3) Save: None
HR-KC: None HR-HOU: Carlos Correa (6)

MCHUGH, ASTROS STIFLE KANSAS CITY OFFENSE

With seven strikeouts over seven innings, Collin McHugh did what he couldn't do in last year's ALDS -- shut the Royals' potent offense down, as he limited the Royals to one earned run over seven innings in a 5-1 Houston victory. The lone earned run wasn't even batted in, as a wild pitch allowed Nick Castellanos to score in the seventh. Danny Duffy pitched well in the defeat, allowing three earned runs over his six innings of work, fanning eight with just one walk. Adalberto Mondesi was 2-for-4 at the plate, with only Nicky Lopez, Peter Alonso, and Brian Goodwin reaching base via base hits other than Mondesi.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Cincinnati (19-18) 5, Oakland (15-21) 1
LA Angels (21-15) 2, Detroit (13-22) 4
Kansas City (20-17) 1, Houston (21-15) 5
Chi. Sox (11-25) 1, Cleveland (20-14) 5
Seattle (15-21) 2, NY Yankees (18-17) 12
Boston (25-13) 1, Baltimore (14-23) 3
Minnesota (17-18) 3, Toronto (17-19) 4
Arizona (19-17) 5, Tampa Bay (20-17) 3

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
San Francisco (17-19) 3, Colorado (23-14) 1
Philadelphia (19-16) 5, St. Louis (17-19) 7
Texas (16-18) 4, Pittsburgh (19-14) 6
NY Mets (24-12) 2, San Diego (11-26) 1
Washington (13-22) 6, Milwaukee (15-23) 9
Atlanta (19-18) 9, LA Dodgers (23-15) 5
Miami (16-19) 1, Chi. Cubs (22-12) 4

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Yankees' Stanton reaches 400-homerun milestone
Ryan Braun collects 2,000th career hit

Sunday, May 13th, 2020 - First pitch, 7:05 CST
Kansas City (20-18) 4, Houston (22-15) 5 (Final/10)
Winner: Jandel Gustave (3-0) Loser: Richard Lovelady (0-1) Save: None
HR-KC: Brian Goodwin (6), Yoenis Cespedes HR-HOU: Wilson Ramos (6)

REDDICK ROCKS THE ROYALS IN WALK-OFF

Josh Reddick's bases-loaded single in the bottom-half of the 10th inning brought home Jose Altuve with the game-winner, as the Royals suffered a road sweep at the hands of the Astros in a 5-4 defeat. Richard Lovelady absorbed his first loss of the season, allowing Reddick's game-winning hit; but pitched well overall, striking out four while allowing just the two hits in one and two-third innings of work. Jorge Lopez got the start for the Royals, allowing five hits, four runs, and four walks with just one strikeout; throwing a season-high eighty-seven pitches. The Royals twice were handed gifts in the late innings with the score tied at four apiece; with a throwing error by third baseman Alex Bregman with no outs in the 9th, and another throwing error from catcher Wilson Ramos on a steal attempt in the 10th with two out, but could not take advantage of either. Brian Goodwin hit his sixth homerun of the season in the second inning, and was 2-for-4 overall to snap a 2-for-24 (.083) slump.

AMERICAN LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
Cincinnati (19-19) 1, Oakland (16-21) 5
LA Angels (22-15) 7, Detroit (13-23) 6
Kansas City (20-18) 4, Houston (22-15) 5 (Final/10)
Chi. Sox (11-26) 2, Cleveland (21-14) 5
Seattle (16-21) 7, NY Yankees (18-18) 4 (Final/10)
Boston (25-14) 3, Baltimore (15-23) 4
Minnesota (18-18) 10, Toronto (17-20) 8
Arizona (19-18) 7, Tampa Bay (21-17) 8 (Final/10)

NATIONAL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
San Francisco (18-19) 9, Colorado (23-15) 7
Philadelphia (20-16) 4, St. Louis (17-20) 2
Texas (16-19) 2, Pittsburgh (20-14) 7
NY Mets (25-12) 4, San Diego (11-27) 3
Washington (14-22) 5, Milwaukee (15-24) 2
Atlanta (20-18) 3, LA Dodgers (23-16) 1 (Final/10)
Miami (17-19) 5, Chi. Cubs (22-13) 3

MAJOR NEWS/TRANSACTIONS
Twins reliever Aaron Loup to miss the remainder of 2020 season with torn UCL, will require Tommy John procedure

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

UNPACKING THE KENNEDY DEAL
Royals grab raw, but talented pitchers in exchange
By artoodeetoo
05/14/2020

There's been a little time to digest the Ian Kennedy deal, and this is what we already know about the deal -- it frees up roughly $9M in capital when you combine Kennedy's salary with Luis Cessa's, which is really the most important thing when it comes to flexibility at the trade deadline in July. Even if the prospects acquired in the deal don't pan out for one reason or another, it's still worth it.

Secondly, while Cessa was a revelation last year, there were troubling signs that his 2019 season was a bit of a mirage. His ERA was 3.76 with an ERA+ of 120 in 179 1/3 innings of work, and posted solid BB/9 and K/9 rates of 2.7 and 7.5, respectively. Good, solid numbers; and the Royals most certainly sold the Jays on the idea they would get the 2019 Cessa, and not the one that has been an abject disaster to this point in 2020.

That said, his FIP graded out at 4.55, and his FIP- was smack dab at 100, which means he benefitted somewhat from a borderline-elite defense in Kansas City last year. Unless Cessa dramatically improves his swing-and-miss stuff, he's likely going to struggle in the crackerbox that the Rogers Centre is. He is also out of options, and the Royals used Toronto's desperation against them to get those lack of options off the roster.

We also know about right-handed pitcher Patrick Murphy from last week's mailbag, but what about the other two pitchers acquired in the deal? The one that gets the most buzz is right-hander Brayan Mejia, a 19-year-old fireballer with three solid, MLB-average or better pitches, but has dealt with control issues (5.8 BB/9).

Kansas City is obviously hoping he'll harness his stuff, but also concerning is his low-ish K/9 career rate (6.5 K/9); although he's managed to improve that figure each year as a pro, from 4.0 in 2017, to 7.2 in 2018, and to 7.8 in 2019.

The other is Cobi Johnson, who has drafted by the Blue Jays in Round 30 of the 2018 draft out of Florida State. The big right-hander doesn't have overwhelming velocity, but controls it well and has enough movement to avoid too many homeruns. Last year was his best professional season since breaking into the minors, posting a 3.34 ERA in 29 2/3 innings with Dunedin, the Jays' High-A affiliate.

He'll start with Lexington, the Royals' Single-A affiliate, but he's a candidate as a quick-riser with his advanced age (twenty-four) and stuff (good fastball, changeup, developing 12-6 curve).

The last player acquired in the deal was infielder Richard Urena, a former top prospect in their system that broke into the bigs as a 21-year-old reserve infielder in 2017, but his bat never came around, and hasn't seen the majors since. His main value derives from his defense, which has been above-average at second, shortstop, and third in his professional career, and in his short stint with Toronto that year.

[artoodeetoo]

Re: Royal Rebuild [OOTP 19]

MLB NEWS AND NOTES
Stanton hits 400th homerun; Braun surpasses 2,000 hits
By MLB.com Staff
05/14/2020

CAREER MILESTONES REACHED BY BRAUN, STANTON

Two MLB stars hit huge milestones during Tuesday's action -- Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton hit his 400th homerun in a 12-2 victory over Seattle, and Milwaukee first baseman/outfielder Ryan Braun collected two hits to surpass the 2,000-hit plateau in a 9-6 victory over Washington.

Stanton hit another homerun, his 18th of the season and 401st career, in yesterday's action against the Mariners in a 7-4 defeat. Braun went 1-for-1 in a pinch-hit appearance against the Nationals as they lost 5-2.

MULTIPLE TEAMS INTERESTED IN FORMER KBO HURLER SAMPSON

Right-hander Keyvius Sampson, who has spent time overseas since exhausting his guaranteed minor-league service years, has received interest from multiple clubs regarding a major-league contract. In 2018, the 2009 fourth-round pick of the San Diego Padres the led all of the KBO in strikeouts with 164 in 178 innings of work, but didn't get a lot of interest from MLB teams after posting a 4.81 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in that same time frame.

However, he pitched well last year in the Astros' system for Triple-A Fresno, posting a 3.87 ERA in seventy-nine innings of work, striking out eighty-two with thirty-eight walks. He was even better to date in 2020 with Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia's Triple-A affiliate, fanning sixteen in 10 2/3 innings before being released by the Philadelphia organization. With mid-90's velocity and a solid curveball, he could hold some value as a middle-innings reliever for a team in need.