Comments on: This Bullpen’s Looking Crowded

By: So How Was Your Week? - Kings of Kauffman - A Kansas City Royals Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 23:43:20 +0000

[...] liked the Jonathan Broxton signing, it’s an odd use of $4 million when the Royals have an overflowing bullpen as it [...]

By: The Royals Aren't Having Luck Staying Healthy - Kings of Kauffman - A Kansas City Royals Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 04:30:02 +0000

[...] 8 K/9) over 69.2 innings, Wood was a decent bet to make the team again. Now, after the injury and a bullpen that’s notably crowded, he might not get that chance. The Royals have other options, but the depth is [...]

By: mmeade17

mmeade17 — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 07:33:45 +0000

@davidwlowe Bold prediction having Duffy in the minors. I could certainly see it happening though. I worry it might hurt his confidence, but if he can stay confident, I think it might help in the long run. I don’t think Mendoza should be in the starting rotation immediately, though I do think he’s figured something out and could fill in if someone struggles.

By: davidwlowe

davidwlowe — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 06:28:04 +0000

My prediction for the starting rotation:
1. Luke Hochevar (R)
2. Jonathan Sanchez (L)
3. Luis Mendoza (R)
4. Bruce Chen (L)
5. Felipe Paulino (R)

My prediction for the bullpen:
1. Joakim Soria (R)
2. Jonathan Broxton (R)
3. Aaron Crow (R)
4. Greg Holland (R)
5. Jose Mijares (L)
6. Louis Coleman (R)
7. Tim Collins (L)
**8. Everett Teaford (L)

** = only if the Royals break camp with a 13-man pitching staff instead of a 12-man.

My prediction for those left out and sent to the minors:
1. Danny Duffy (L)
2. Mike Montgomery (L)
3. Vin Mazzaro (R)
4. Sean O’Sullivan (R)
**5. Everett Teaford (L)
6. Kelvin Herrera (R)
7. Jeremy Jeffress (R)
8. Ryan Verdugo (L)
9. Blake Wood (R)
10. Nate Adcock (R)
11. Noel Arguelles (L)

Quick Hits: Luis Mendoza: will end up having the best season of the 5 starting pitchers.

Luke Hochevar: this year will be the final year Luke Hochevar is given a chance to solidify himself as a good starting pitcher…there are too many other good options in the system for the Royals to have any more patience. If he cannot have a solid season, he will be traded midseason to the NL for minor leaguers.

Felipe Paulino: given the competition for starting pitching in 2012, Paulino will not be given very much rope with which to hang himself. He must perform very well in order to keep Duffy and Montgomery in the minors.

Mike Montgomery and Danny Duffy: both will be called up at some point during 2012.

Everett Teaford: will be called up if Tim Collins and/or Jose Mijares falter and cannot throw strikes.

Kelvin Herrera: the first right-handed reliever to be called up in case of injury or lackluster performance by Soria, Broxton, Crow, Holland or Coleman.

Nate Adcock: I like this young pitcher a lot, and I think the Royals will send him to AA Arkansas, or maybe even Wilmington, to see what they really have.

Omaha’s pitching staff is going to be loaded with Duffy, Montgomery, Mazzaro, O’Sullivan, and Zack Miner. Decisions will have to be made about where Chris Dwyer and Jake Odorizzi go, but it will likely be AA Arkansas. Chris Dwyer has an outside shot of starting in Omaha.

David

By: jim fetterolf

jim fetterolf — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 06:15:43 +0000

I think Crow should go to Omaha’s rotation. With his problems against lefties he’s little more than a Roogy and needs time to perfect the 3rd pitch and command the fastball to go with the nasty slider. I’ld keep Herrera instead.

As for Mendoza, I’ve discussed him with Mike and we disagree. Of course, I’m not as crazy about K9 as some folks, so am able to look at GBs and runs allowed. Mendoza might be a fluke, he might be the right-handed Bruce Chen, we’ll have a much better idea by the end of spring training. I think he gets the long relief/spot starter job and Teaford goes to Omaha.

Quite the challenge having competition. That will take some getting used to.