May 6, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Tommy Hottovy (46) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE

Jeffress and Hottovy were both traded on Thursday. In both cases, the Royals received cash in return – Jeffress was dealt to the Blue Jays where he’ll look to gain command of his arsenal. Hottovy was traded to the Rangers (and the Royals will also get a player to be named later for him).

In Jeffress’s case, he’s hoping a change of scenery will help him return to the form that made him one of the Brewers top prospects before they traded him to the Royals in the Zack Greinke deal. He has a huge arm and a good curveball when it’s working, but the problem is that it rarely works. He can hit triple digits on the radar gun with his fastball, but doesn’t have a lot of command with it. He’s been walk-prone through his whole pro career. He’ll be added to Toronto’s 40 man roster. This is an important point for Jeffress, as he’s failed two drug tests in his minor league career and a third would result in a lifetime ban from baseball. In the past, he’s tested positive for marijuana, but according to his agent, he hasn’t been using.

Hottovy is the home-town boy who made it to his home-town team. After attending Park Hill South High School in the Kansas City area, he then went to Wichita State before wandering the minors. He made his major league debut in 2011 for the Boston Red Sox and signed a minor league deal with the Royals last winter. In 9.1 innings in Kansas City, he had a 2.89 ERA. He threw 50 innings in Triple A, finishing with a 2.52 ERA. He’s mostly a left-handed specialist, but the Rangers are among the best at working with pitchers these days, so they may see something they can harness in him.

Jason Bourgeois, however, has not had his name come up in trade news. He may still make it through waivers and could be assigned to the minors.

July 8, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; USA batter Wil Myers drives in a run with a fielder

The Triple-A All-Star Game was held on Wednesday night and Wil Myers took home the MVP award to cap a fine week of All-Star accolades. The Pacific Coast League beat the International League in Buffalo, 3-0. Myers went 2-for-3 with an RBI. He was one of only two players two record a multi-hit game (Leslie Anderson of the IL also collected two hits). Myers played left field.

Clint Robinson came off the bench to play first base and went 0-for-1 (a strikeout). Ryan Verdugo pitched the third inning, walked one, and struck out one. Tommy Hottovy recorded the first two outs in the 8th inning. He struck out one.

NW Arkansas broke their eight game losing streak on Tuesday night with an 8-7 walk-off win over San Antonio. They had Wednesday off before starting a four-game road trip in Springfield on Thursday.

It was ugly in the beginning, as Naturals starter Noel Arguelles didn’t make it out of the first inning after allowing four runs. However the offense battled back, they got enough out of their bullpen, and had a little luck. In the 9th inning, Michael Liberto led off with a single and Yem Prades followed with a walk. After a strikeout and a pitching change, Brian Fletcher walked to load the bases for John Whittleman, who delivered a sac fly to tie the game. A throwing error home led to the winning run scoring.

Wilmington began their home series with Potomac with a 6-2 victory. Brooks Pounders picked up his second win in the Carolina League with six solid innings. He allowed two runs on seven hits while striking out eight.

Matt Fields continued his power-hitting, as he went 3-for-4 with his 7th homerun with the Blue Rocks.

Kane County collected just five hits, but beat South Bend, 3-0. They scored single runs in the first, 5th, and 6th inning.

Aaron Brooks picked up the win with seven shutout innings. He allowed four hits while striking out six.

Bubba Watch: Burlington’s game in Kingsport was postponed.

May 6, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Tommy Hottovy (46) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE

Omaha continued their hot streak Wednesday afternoon, as they finished up their four-game sweep in Iowa with a 5-2 victory. The Storm Chasers have now won eight in a row as they head to Nashville for a four-game series.

Veteran Doug Davis made his first start with Omaha and picked up his first victory, as he allowed two runs on six hits over 5.1 innings. Tommy Hottovy was once again dominant in picking up his sixth save of the season. He pitched two perfect innings while striking out three.

Irving Falu hit his fourth homerun of the season, batting from the leadoff spot. He went 2-for-5, as did Anthony Seratelli.

A four-run bottom of the first inning sent NW Arkansas to their fourth loss in a row, as they were swept by first-place Tulsa by a 6-2 final. The Naturals collected 11 hits, but went just 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

Mario Lisson collected three doubles and Paulo Orlando went 3-for-4, but neither scored a run.

Noel Arguelles took the loss. He allowed five runs on eight hits and two walks over 5.1 innings.

With the rain out on Tuesday, Wilmington and Salem played a doubleheader on Wednesday night. The Blue Rocks lost Game 1, 3-2 and Game 2, 3-0. The Blue Rocks collected just nine hits in the two games. Since Lynchburg won their doubleheader on Tuesday night, they clinched the first half crown in the Carolina League’s Northern Division.

After a fielding error on a sac bunt with one out in the top of the 7th inning, Nick Rogers entered the game. He ended up striking out the side, but allowed a two-run single that gave Salem the 3-2 lead.

Yordano Ventura started for the Blue Rocks and allowed one run (on a solo homerun) on four hits and three walks over five innings (he left with the lead). He struck out eight.

In Game 2, Brooks Pounders made his first start for the Blue Rocks. He was greeted rudely by Red Sox first baseman and CL All-Star Travis Shaw. Shaw homered in the first inning and doubled in two runs in the 3rd inning. Pounders only allowed four hits, two to Shaw, over six innings. He struck out six.

Kane County scored two runs in the top of the 9th inning to increase their lead over Quad Cities, only to see the River Bandits score three runs in the bottom of the 9th and win 6-5 in walk-off fashion in the 10th inning. Matt Ridings took the loss, as he allowed the walk-off double by Anthony Garcia (he recorded just one out).

Four of the Cougars’ five runs were driven in by Jorge Bonifacio, who went 2-for-5. Daniel Mateo also had two hits, while Dean Espy went 3-for-5.

Vin Mazzaro in spring training. Photo: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

Because of that, and because they have two left handed relievers without him, Tommy Hottovy was optioned to make room for Vin Mazzaro.

Mazzaro had made six starts in Omaha covering 35 innings. He’d had a few good outings recently with seven strikeouts and just one walk last Thursday and six innings of one run ball before that. Other than a four inning, eight run game at Albuquerque, he’d gone six innings in each start. He joins Nate Adcock and Luis Mendoza as the other long relief options in the bullpen.

Danny Duffy responded to the news by going 4.1 innings* on Tuesday. Ironically, none of those long relief options filled in for him. Instead, Kelvin Herrera and Jose Mijares kept the team in the game until Jonathan Broxton could close it out.

*This lowers the average Royals starter to 14.75 outs per start, or not quite five full innings. 

Tommy Hottovy made five appearances in Kansas City, striking out five batters and walking one in that span and giving up two runs. When (if?) the rotation gets its legs under it, he could return to be a second left handed specialist out of the bullpen.

Mazzaro of course brings with him the specter of his epic meltdown against the Cleveland Indians almost exactly a year ago. On May 16, he gave up 14 earned runs in 2.1 innings in relief of Kyle Davies. It’s safe to say that everyone hopes he fares better this time around.

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Feb 29, 2012; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Tommy Hottovy (46) poses for a picture during the Royals photo day at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US PRESSWIRE

In what should be a highlighted story tonight, Park Hill South (Kansas City) graduate Tommy Hottovy has earned a spot on the Royals 40 man roster. He’ll join the team in Cleveland tonight. He’d been pitching in Omaha after signing a minor league contract in the offseason. His major league debut came last year as a member of the Red Sox.

Jeremy Jeffress is the roster casualty, getting optioned to Omaha after just two appearances back in Kansas City. He’d allowed four hits and two walks in one inning of work, spaced over the two outings.

Hottovy had 17 strikeouts for the Storm Chasers in 10 innings of work. The Royals now have four left handed relievers in the bullpen. That’s unusual, so there may be other moves soon after Felipe Paulino and Blake Wood start to get healthy again. Greg Holland is also on the DL, while Joakim Soria is out for the year.

You can hear an interview with Hottovy on the Royalman Report. He seems like a laid back guy who’s happy for the opportunity.

Danny Duffy impressed last year as a non-roster invitee and was soon in the big leagues. Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

The Royals released their list of spring training non-roster invitees last week, and as usual the list is filled equally with promising young prospects and replacement level bargains. Many won’t make an impact on the 2012 Royals, but nonetheless it is an opportunity to impress the front office brass. A strong showing as a non-roster invitee can put a top prospect on the fast track.

Non-roster invitees are intriguing because they are all upside. Even established major leaguers who find themselves signed as non-roster invitees are promised nothing but an opportunity. There is nothing to lose, but everything to gain.

For instance, the Royals brought in 23 non-roster invitees in 2011, and only Tim Collins and Louis Coleman made the opening day roster. But they weren’t the only players who made an impression.

Fellow non-roster invitees Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Danny Duffy, Salvador Perez, Johnny Giavotella, and Luis Mendoza eventually played games for the Royals last year. Several other prospects, including Mike Montgomery, impressed as well.

So, you must be thinking, which non-roster invitees have the best chance to make an impact in 2012? How thoughtful of you to ask. I’ve put together my list, ranking each invitee from most to least likely to have an MLB impact this year. I’ll also give percentage odds for each player, in order to show which guys have earned the greatest share of my confidence in their ability to help this year’s Kansas City Royals.

What could be more scintillating than that?

Mike Montgomery – 85%

I’ve already given my thoughts on Montgomery here, so I’ll try to keep this short and sweet. Not only do I think the Royals need Montgomery to produce for the big league club this year, but I also think he almost surely will impress. I expect Montgomery to follow Danny Duffy’s 2011 trajectory and earn a major-league call-up sometime in May. Montgomery simply doesn’t need another full season in Omaha, and he possesses superior raw stuff to Duffy. It’s also important to remember that Duffy’s leapfrog of Montgomery last season was a notable shock. Montgomery remains the better prospect with the better stuff, and I think he’ll have a campaign that’s slightly better than Duffy’s 2011. And this is coming from a guy who thought Duffy positively impressed last season. Montgomery is all set to be a gem.

Kevin Kouzmanoff – 60%

This is where the meaning of the word ‘impact’ becomes skewed a bit. I have no delusions of grandeur regarding Kouzmanoff. Although once a promising prospect, Kouz is essentially a replacement level player at this point (career .300 OBP). At the same time I think he has a fighter’s chance to make the 25 man roster (as a backup to Mike Moustakas at third base), and he very well may be the only person on this list who is able to make that claim.

In order to have an impact, a player actually has to suit up for the team. Whether through an inspired spring performance, injury, or inconsistency, I’m 60% confident that Kouzmanoff will play in 40 or more games for the Royals this season. If that becomes the case, then I am 95% confident that I will inevitably unleash a drunken, expletive-laden tirade against Kouzmanoff this summer when he is mired in a 0-21 spell and sporting a .285 OBP.

Wil Myers – 39%

Ok, hear me out here. Alex Gordon, Jeff Francouer, and Lorenzo Cain will be the starting outfield for the opening day Royals, barring injury. The next best available options appear to be Mitch Maier, Jarrod Dyson, and David Lough.  Each of those guys has their merits, but none of them are Wil Myers.

Here’s a question for you: why can’t Myers be this year’s version of Eric Hosmer? Myers is 21 years old, or to put it a different way, the same age Hosmer was at the beginning of last season. Myers also played last season at Northwest Arkansas, the same level Hosmer reached in 2010 before being placed on the fast track.

Wil Myers played in the Futures game last year, and could potentially play for the Royals this year. Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

Like Hosmer in 2010, Myers dominated in the subsequent Arizona Fall League. Sure, his numbers don’t stack up with Hosmer’s Double-A figures. But Myers had some extenuating circumstances. He suffered a nasty knee injury after a fluky spill at the beginning of the season, and struggled to regain his form afterwards. But like Hosmer, the physical tools are still there: the quick bat, the plate discipline, and the rocket arm have not gone anywhere. Plus, Myers has already played twice as many games at Double-A as Hosmer did. The Royals moved Myers from catcher so that he could progress quickly through the system, and with a strong spring, I think they’ll give him the same chance Hosmer did to shoot through the system like a meteor. Furthermore, after last season, Myers has something to prove. I expect to see him with the Royals by the end of the season, even if it’s just for a cup of coffee.

Max Ramirez – 29%

Here’s a guy who I have had trouble deciding on. He should probably be placed further down this list, since he is ostensibly behind Salvador Perez, Brayan Pena, and Manny Pina on the depth chart. But he is a career .867 OPS hitter in the minor leagues. And since he’s played 646 games in the minors over eight seasons, I’d venture to say that his offensive numbers aren’t a mirage built on small sample size. That .867 OPS is 100 points better than Pena’s minor league total, and 200 points over what Pina has produced thus far.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, I would not be overly shocked if the Royals cut bait with Pena and Ramirez emerges as Perez’ backup this season. Keep in mind that Perez is young and fresh, and may not need more than 30 games off behind the dish this season. Wouldn’t it be nice to finally have some pop and patience at the catcher position? Even if Ramirez is utilized primarily as a pinch hitter, I see some value there. Oh, and while writing this piece, I learned that Ramirez’ given first name is Maximiliano. So there’s also that to inspire confidence.

Irving Falu – 26%

I know what the most cynical and sarcastic of fans will say here: “whenever you can get a 28 year old career minor leaguer with a .696 career OPS into the lineup you’ve got to seize the opportunity.” I know that’s what you’re thinking because it was exactly what I first thought upon seeing Falu’s name among the non-roster invitees. But then I realized that the primary backup infielders will probably be some combination of Kouzmanoff, Yuniesky Betancourt, and Chris Getz, and I suddenly began reconsidering Falu’s candidacy in earnest. And there are some things to like about Falu.

For instance, did you know that he’s recorded more walks than strikeouts during his minor league career? Or that he has logged games at all three outfield spots, second base, shortstop, and third base? Or that 2011 was his best statistical season? I’m not saying he’s a lock to contribute or anything, but I think assuming he’s still with the organization, that he’ll be the first middle infielder recalled if there is an injury. If that’s not a ringing endorsement then I don’t know what is.

Chris Dwyer – 25%

Hey, I’m not saying I’m banking on it, but I would not be shocked to see Dwyer make a couple of starts for the Royals in 2012. After pitching four games for Northwest Arkansas in 2010, Dwyer remained in Double-A for the entirety of 2011. Although he struggled during the first half, Dwyer turned it on in the second half and actually out-produced highly touted prospect Jake Odorizzi while both were toiling for Northwest Arkansas. Dwyer also has more strikeouts than walks in his career, so the stuff is there. If the front office believes that the second half Dwyer is the real version, then he could be a fast riser this season.

Zach Miner – 20%

Sure he doesn’t strike out anybody, and he is still working his way back from a major injury in 2010. I get that. But looking at Miner with squinted eyes, I also see that Miner has a 25-20 career record in the major leagues to accompany his 4.24 cumulative ERA. Once you see the other pitchers on this list, and their career major league experience, you’ll see why Miner is so high up this list.

Will Smith – 16%

Smith would probably be above Dwyer on this list if my intuition hadn’t led me to believe Dwyer will have a breakout season. Smith, though, did plenty well for himself at Northwest Arkansas in 2011. Smith put up a 13-9 record and a 3.85 ERA in a full season of Double-A, and was probably the best pitcher on NWA’s staff. Also going for Smith is the fact that he’s already pitched (albeit poorly) in Triple-A while in the Angels system. There’s no reason that Smith should go back to Northwest Arkansas next year, which means that he will be among the pitchers in Omaha with the best chance to get a late season or injury-induced call-up. I’d say that’s makes him about a 16% chance to make an impact on the big league club.

Jake Odorizzi – 7%

Odorizzi is clearly a year away, and that is not a bad thing. He got roughed up a little bit in his introduction to Double-A last year after torching High-A Wilmington. Odorizzi won’t turn 22 until March, so another season spent between Northwest Arkansas and Omaha could still be constructive for one of the organization’s top young prospects. There is still an outside chance that

Tony Abreu – 6%

I’m just not seeing it with Abreu. Give me Falu every day of the week. Abreu can’t hit and doesn’t walk. He owns a career .279 OBP. He should be purely minor league filler. Major league service time alone places him above the other names on this list.

Greg Golson – 5%

The best thing Golson has going for him is his versatility. He’s played all three outfield positions in the minors and possesses a enough speed to make him dangerous on the base paths. Unfortunately, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Golson has been struck out a whopping 941 times in his minor league career, against just 207 walks. Myers, Jarrod Dyson, and David Lough are simply better players than Golson and will get any call-up before him.

Cody Clark, Paulo Orlando, Tommy Hottovy, Francisley Bueno Julio Rodriguez – 0.00%

None of these guys has a chance to crack the big league roster in 2012. Frankly, their inclusion among the non-roster invitees seems a bit dubious. I’m not even going to sugarcoat it: when I saw Francisley Bueno’s name mentioned among the camp invites, I had no idea who he was. None at all. What is he doing at major league camp?

But I guess that’s the nature of non-roster invitees. There are no expectations. If Dayton Moore wants to bring in a guy whose name translates to “good”, then by all means he should be empowered to do so. And if Bueno somehow turns into Ricky Vaughn, then I will happily eat crow.

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Pitchers: Mike Montgomery, Chris Dwyer, Jake Odorizzi, Will Smith, Francisely Bueno, Tommy Hottovy, Zach Miner

Catchers: Cody Clark, Max Ramirez, Julio Rodriguez

Outfielders:  Wil Myers, Greg Golson, Paulo Orlando

Infielders: Tony Abreu, Irving Falu and Kevin Kouzmanoff

I don’t think I’m alone in saying I want to see what Montgomery and Myers can do in MLB camp but realistically both in my opinion won’t be in Kansas City until after the all-star break. From a practical standpoint I think the team needs the versatile Falu to have a good camp to help the bench. Lastly let’s be realistic, Kouzmanoff was signed to be in KC so this is his tryout to be the team’s backup to Moose at third.

Thanks for visiting Kings of Kauffman. You can stay current on all the Kings of Kauffman content and news by following us on Twitter, Facebook, or by way of our RSS feed.  You can also send your questions to our mailbag at KoKMailbag@gmail.com and follow Mike Vamosi on Twitter to be notified each time he posts a story.

The Royalman Report, LIVE Sundays at 7 pm CST

There was no regular show in studio this week due to Christmas, but we have two never-before-released bonus interviews for you from the Royalman Report.

First, Chris Kamler talks with minor league signee Tommy Hottovy who signed with the Royals in November. He’s from Kansas City and made his major league debut last year with Boston.

Second, Troy Olsen got a couple of minutes with former World Series hero Joe Carter. The interview is from the Buck O’Neil birthday celebration last month.

We finish up with a collection of segments from Joel Goldberg, Sam Mellinger and Rustin Dodd discussing Frank White’s dismissal from the Royals.

It’s been a great first year for the show and we greatly appreciate everything we’ve gotten from our loyal listeners. Included are holiday wishes from many listeners.

There will be a special live event at Kelly’s Westport Inn from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. CST on New Year’s Day. Come out and meet the hosts, talk some baseball and enjoy drink and pizza specials!

Click the embedded player below to listen to this week’s show or you can download the mp3.

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