Royals

With college basketball in full swing, we have neglected the Royals. Spring Training is under way and I already have Royals fever. On Monday, the Royals announced a "Major Announcement" was coming. Everyone assumed Alex Gordon had signed a long-term contract extension. Then we learned it wasn't him. Was it a Roy Oswalt signing? No. Hosmer or Moustakas? No. We were all stunned to find out that 21-year old catcher Salvador Perez - who had played just 38 games for KC last season and just 59 games over AA - had signed a very club-friendly extension worth $7 million over five years, with three club options that could keep him in Kansas City through 2019, with the last two years being free agent years. Dayton Moore said catcher is the "most important position on the field" and when manager Ned Yost was asked to compare Perez to someone, he kept saying, "Salvador Perez." Yost was so impressed with Perez last spring that he wanted him to make the team as a 20-year old, but Moore wouldn't [Read more...]

Bruce Chen agreed to a 2-year deal worth at least $9 million, plus the possibility of $2 million more in incentives, with a base salary of $4.5 million each year with the Kansas City Royals. "Bruce has been our most consistent pitcher over the last two years," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. "He's someone we count on -- for not only his leadership, but his ability to be a consistent performer in our rotation." The deal will be finalized when Chen, 34, returns from Panama to take a physical examination next week. With the acquisition of Jonathan Sanchez from the Giants for Melky Carbrera, Chen, Sanchez, Luke Hochevar, Danny Duffy and Felipe Paulino appear to be the Royals 5-man rotation with All-Star Aaron Crow, Pacific Coast Pitcher of the Year Luis Mendoza - who was dominant in two starts at the end of the season - Sean O'Sullivan, Mike Montgomery, Vin Mazzaro, Nate Adcock and Everett Teaford as other fringe candidates for the rotation. That's if they are done [Read more...]

Last off-season, in a six-player deal, the Royals acquired center fielder prospect Lorenzo Cain as one of four players from the Brewers in the Zack Greinke deal. He was expected to make the team out of spring training. But didn't. Then he was expected to be called up soon, but Melky Cabrera was in the midst of a career-year, and Cain, who was considered the main piece of the Greinke trade, spent all but a handful of games in late September, in AAA Omaha. Cain will not be blocked any longer. Today, the Royals dealt Melky Cabrera to the Giants for left handed starting pitcher Jonathan Sanchez, and throw-in minor leaguer Ryan Verdugo. Sanchez, 28, battled injuries last season that limited him to 19 starts but made at least 29 starts in each of the three previous seasons. He was 13-9 with a 3.07 ERA in 2010 while helping the Giants win the World Series. He also pitched for Puerto Rico in the Baseball. Sanchez has a career record 38-46 record and a 4.26 ERA. "He's a very dynamic [Read more...]

One day after earning the American League left field Gold Glove for outstanding defense, Gordon continues to be rewarded for his breakout season buy winning the Royals Player of the Year. Gordon, who hit guaranteed to dominate this season, did just that, hitting .301 with 23 home runs, 87 RBI, 101 runs, 45 doubles and team-highs .376 on-base percentage and a .502 slugging percentage, all personal best. “The dominate (quote) did come up a lot this year,” he acknowledged. “I just came into this year motivated – not that I didn’t before. But the previous two years, with injuries and being sent down, that drove me a little bit in the offseason to work even harder. “I was hoping to go out there and play well, but I didn’t have Royals’ player of the year or Gold Glove on my mind. I just wanted to go into the season with a positive mind-set and knowing I could play well.” Defensively, Gordon tied a franchise record and led the majors with 20 outfield assist. “Throughout the [Read more...]

Brian Graham, KC SportsNation Alex Gordon promised to "dominate" in 2011. He didn't lie. Not only did he come have a breakout year at the plate, with career-highs in every offensive stat - batting .303 with 101 runs, 45 doubles, 23 homers, 87 RBIs and team-highs .376 on-base percentage and a .502 slugging percentage - Gordon also stood out on defense. And Tuesday the Royals left fielder reaped the benefits as he was awarded the Gold Glove, receiving the honor as recognition as the best defensive player at his position by a vote of managers and coaches. “I’m thrilled,” said Gordon, who led the majors with a club-record 20 assists. “I couldn’t be happier about the award. I have a lot of people to thank."