KC Royals: Why Cheslor Cuthbert Will Replace Terrance Gore

The KC Royals optioned outfielder and pinch running specialist Terrance Gore to NW Arkansas on Wednesday. I’m predicting Cheslor Cuthbert will get the call to Kansas City.

Fellow FanSided site KC Kingdom posted an excellent rundown of all the possible players the Kansas City Royals could choose to bring to the big club in place of Terrance Gore. Scott Dillon’s 10-part slide show made a similar article I planned to write on Thursday morning simply redundant. So instead, I decided to “call my shot” along with my reasons why I think 23-year-old AAA prospect Cuthbert will get the call.

I want to make clear that I don’t have an “source”, or some other form of inside knowledge, about what the Royals brain trust intends to do. I’m simply applying deduction to make a guess. If you don’t like such a speculative story,  then this piece isn’t for you.

As for me, I like puzzling through situations like this. So, with no further ado, let’s begin:

We’re all presuming, of course, that Gore’s replacement will come from the KC Royals minor-league system. That’s not necessarily the case. Kansas City Royals general manager Dayton Moore could be adding a free-agent such as Alex Rios (which I doubt), or could have agreed to a trade.

While possible, I don’t see either type of move as likely. I agree that Gore’s replacement will come from the system. Trades rarely come this early in the season. And about the only free agent I’d like the KC Royals to sign would be Tim Lincecum, and he’s holding his showcase later today.

I somehow doubt the Kansas City Royals would clear roster space for Lincecum before even seeing him pitch.

Hence we come to my first reason:

Next: Reason No. 1

2.) Hitting Has Been The Problem, Not Pitching

Before Wednesday’s 13-2 debacle against the Nationals, the KC Royals ranked third in the American League with a staff ERA of 3.45. Thus, pitching has not been the reason for Kansas City’s disappointing 14-13 start. The team’s recent 2-7 slide that included a five-gaming losing streak has been more about the offense failing to produce runs more than any issue with the pitching staff.

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In fact, the Kansas City Royals got shut out in three of four games before winning 7-6 on Tuesday night. The offense is in dire need of a spark and isn’t going to get it by adding another pitcher.

Yet, the KC Royals COULD decided to add another bullpen arm. A good candidate would be veteran lefty reliever Brian Duensing, who was Alex Gordon‘s roommate at Nebraska. The 33-year-old Duensing’s contract includes a May 15 opt out clause, which might make him an attractive candidate for promotion. And yes, Deunsing has pitched well in AAA, with a 1.82 ERA in 14.2 innings pitched with 13 strikeouts. The lefty would give manager Ned Yost another southpaw bullpen arm to go with long-reliever Danny Duffy.

Another reason that Yost could choose to go with a 13-man bullpen up from 12, is that the Kansas City Royals will play 13 games before their next off day. Given the KC Royals starters rank no. 26 in innings pitched, perhaps another reliever would be a good idea.

However, I’d find this decision a bit strange coming off an off day on Thursday. All the bullpen arms should be rested.

Next: Reason No. 3

3.) Mike Moustakas Has A Sore Thumb

Moose sat out on both Monday and Tuesday, despite being one of two hitters exceeding expectations on a sputtering KC Royals offense that needs all the help it can get.  On Tuesday, Ned Yost admitted that Moustakas was suffering with a sore thumb and wanted to rest his third baseman. However, Yost was forced to use Moustakas as a pinch hitter at a critical point of Tuesday’s three-run, ninth-inning rally for a walk-off win.

On Wednesday, Yost told the press Moustakas’ thumb was still sore.

With Moose still hurting, one can imagine that Yost would like to give him more rest over the next few weeks. While utility infield Christian Colon can play third base, he’s not hitting so far this season (.200/.273/.250).

Yuck.

Enter Cheslor Cuthbert. He has been primarily a third baseman in his career, who has also filled in at first base. He’d be a better Moustakas substitute than Christian Colon over the long term, since Colon has much more experience as a middle infielder than he does at third base.

In his short trial with the Kansas City Royals last season, Cuthbert showed a strong arm and quick hands around third base. He looked ready for a big-league job at age 22 last season. He’s showed even more polish in the opening month of play at Omaha.

The last thing Ned Yost wants to do is play Moustakas into a season-long nagging injury when you’ve got a third-sacker who can help waiting for an opportunity in the big leagues.

Next: Reason No. 4

4.) Cuthbert Is Raking At Omaha

The Kansas City Royals really need some offense. Cheslor Cuthbert is smashing Omaha with a .322/.388/.589 triple slash along with 4 doubles, 1 triple, 6 home runs, and 27 RBIs in 90 at bats. Cutbert is very much playing up to the expectations the KC Royals organization had when they signed him as a high-priced international prospect at age 16.

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Cheslor Cuthbert started at the Arizona Rookie League at age 17, and continued to get pushed up the ladder rather quickly. Thus, Cuthbert has posted only moderate numbers throughout his minor league career with a .262/.327/396 career triple slash for an .723 OPS.

Cuthbert is dominating at a level for the first time in his career.

Really, KC Royals fans. This isn’t rocket science. The Kansas City Royals need help on offense, and Cheslor Cutbert is the best hitter on the team’s top minor-league team. Who else really makes sense under the circumstances?

Let’s not overthink this.

Not only could Cuthbert help prevent too much wear and tear on Mike Moustakas, he could also spell Eric Hosmer at first base. Conveniently, Cuthbert is a right-handed batter. That makes him a good platoon partner for both Moose and Hoz if they need rest. Yost can insert Cuthbert into the lineup against a tough lefty and get a platoon advantage to offset the offensive loss.

Cuthbert could also give designated hitter Kendrys Morales a mental break. Morales is wallowing at the plate and could use an off-day to get some respite from frustrating results.

Next: An Early Evaluation Of The Royals Starting Rotation

Add it all up, and I believe Cheslor Cuthbert is the clear choice to take Terrance Gore’s spot. Just watch Ned prove me wrong a few hours from now when the team announces its roster move.