The Kansas City Royals have agreed on a one-year deal with left fielder Alex Gordon worth $4.775 million and have avoided arbitration, per Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star.
Gordon, who made $1.5 million last year, was asking for $5.45 million and the Royals were offering $4.15 million.
As a former No. 2 overall draft pick (2005), Gordon turns 28 tomorrow and is coming off a breakout season.
Last year, Gordon set career highs across the board in 2011: .303 average, 45 doubles, 23 home runs, 101 runs, 87 runs batted in and 17 steals.
Gordon is the 16th-ranked fantasy outfielder in our 2012 preseason rankings.
Showing posts with label Kansas City Royals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kansas City Royals. Show all posts
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Monday, May 30, 2011
Joakim Soria out, Aaron Crow in, as Royals closer
Entering the 2011 season, Joakim Soria posted a sub-2.50 ERA in all four of his seasons as a major league reliever. And his career mark going into 2011 was a miniscule 2.01.
Things haven't gone so well for Soria in 2011.
In his 23rd appearance of the season today, Soria blew another save opportunity, his third in a row and fifth on the season, and in the process relinquished his role as the team's closer.
Not only is Soria's fifth blown save the most he's ever had in a season, but his ERA is 6.55 or more than three times what his career ERA was before this season.
“I went to his office and told him it’s the right time to do it,” Soria said, per Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star. “I don’t want to be (the reason for) this losing streak. The team is playing really well, and they need a man who can go after (the other team). Right now, that’s not (me).”
With Soria out, Aaron Crow will get the majority of save opportunities although he blew a save opportunity in his last appearance as well.
Crow has two blown saves this year but also has an ERA of 1.33, a WHIP of 1.04 and he's holding hitters to a .196 batting average.
Although Crow is only owned in 24 percent of Yahoo! leagues as of tonight, that number will skyrocket soon.
Things haven't gone so well for Soria in 2011.
In his 23rd appearance of the season today, Soria blew another save opportunity, his third in a row and fifth on the season, and in the process relinquished his role as the team's closer.
Not only is Soria's fifth blown save the most he's ever had in a season, but his ERA is 6.55 or more than three times what his career ERA was before this season.
“I went to his office and told him it’s the right time to do it,” Soria said, per Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star. “I don’t want to be (the reason for) this losing streak. The team is playing really well, and they need a man who can go after (the other team). Right now, that’s not (me).”
With Soria out, Aaron Crow will get the majority of save opportunities although he blew a save opportunity in his last appearance as well.
Crow has two blown saves this year but also has an ERA of 1.33, a WHIP of 1.04 and he's holding hitters to a .196 batting average.
Although Crow is only owned in 24 percent of Yahoo! leagues as of tonight, that number will skyrocket soon.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Butler, Royals agree to four-year extension
The Kansas City Royals and first baseman Billy Butler have agreed yesterday to a four-year extension worth $30 million with a club option for a fifth season (2015), per Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star.
With the extension, the Royals avoided arbitration with Butler and keep him from becoming a free agent after the 2013 season.
“It’s personable here, man,” Butler said. “You can’t go anywhere and have fans (act) like the fans here. They love the Royals.”
Butler, who is only 24 years old, has hit over .300 in each of his past two seasons. Although he has only 36 home runs in 1203 at bats over those two seasons, he has 96 doubles during the same span.
“We have a lot of young players that you’re going to start seeing this year,” he said. “You don’t get ranked the No. 1 minor-league system for nothing.”
That said, Bodog has the Royals in their typical spot as the biggest underdog (tied with the Pirates) to win the 2011 World Series at 150-1.
With the extension, the Royals avoided arbitration with Butler and keep him from becoming a free agent after the 2013 season.
“It’s personable here, man,” Butler said. “You can’t go anywhere and have fans (act) like the fans here. They love the Royals.”
Butler, who is only 24 years old, has hit over .300 in each of his past two seasons. Although he has only 36 home runs in 1203 at bats over those two seasons, he has 96 doubles during the same span.
“We have a lot of young players that you’re going to start seeing this year,” he said. “You don’t get ranked the No. 1 minor-league system for nothing.”
That said, Bodog has the Royals in their typical spot as the biggest underdog (tied with the Pirates) to win the 2011 World Series at 150-1.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Alex Gordon out up to four weeks
Per Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star, Royals third baseman Alex Gordon will miss the next 3-4 weeks after breaking his thumb yesterday.
“I’m pretty tired today,” Gordon said. “I didn’t get much sleep. Coming off the injury and now having this … sucks.”
Gordon broke the thumb sliding head-first in an attempt to steal second base and manager Trey Hillman said, “It’s a well-documented fact that more injuries on the basepaths happen from sliding head-first than any other way.”
The injury to Gordon will get some additional at-bats for Alberto Callaspo and Josh Fields.
“He’s a natural third baseman,” Hillman said (of Fields). “It really ups the ante of (Callaspo and Fields) getting the majority of the reps at third base. And Josh, we’ll take a look at him at first base. We’ll see where it goes.”
Gordon, who was the second overall pick in 2005, hasn't even begun to live up to the hype. But several sites have dubbed Gordon as a sleeper pick in fantasy baseball for 2010.
After working with hitting coach Kevin Seitzer to retool his swing, Royals Hall of Famer George Brett said, "He stays on the right plane a little longer, has more of a weight shift. I think he's moved a little off the plate. ...He's changed his swing considerably. Hopefully it will compute when the games start."
In his young career, Gordon has a batting average of only .230 and .232 in April and May, respectively.
This setback will obviously make it tough for him to get off to a strong start.
“I’m pretty tired today,” Gordon said. “I didn’t get much sleep. Coming off the injury and now having this … sucks.”
Gordon broke the thumb sliding head-first in an attempt to steal second base and manager Trey Hillman said, “It’s a well-documented fact that more injuries on the basepaths happen from sliding head-first than any other way.”
The injury to Gordon will get some additional at-bats for Alberto Callaspo and Josh Fields.
“He’s a natural third baseman,” Hillman said (of Fields). “It really ups the ante of (Callaspo and Fields) getting the majority of the reps at third base. And Josh, we’ll take a look at him at first base. We’ll see where it goes.”
Gordon, who was the second overall pick in 2005, hasn't even begun to live up to the hype. But several sites have dubbed Gordon as a sleeper pick in fantasy baseball for 2010.
After working with hitting coach Kevin Seitzer to retool his swing, Royals Hall of Famer George Brett said, "He stays on the right plane a little longer, has more of a weight shift. I think he's moved a little off the plate. ...He's changed his swing considerably. Hopefully it will compute when the games start."
In his young career, Gordon has a batting average of only .230 and .232 in April and May, respectively.
This setback will obviously make it tough for him to get off to a strong start.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Mid-season Awards: A.L. Cy Young
There is a lot of baseball left to be played this year - roughly, half the season.
That being said, I made my pick a couple of weeks ago for N.L. Cy Young based on all the games played (pitched) up to that point. While I may or may not change my choice (see who here), I'm back at it to pick his A.L. counterpart.
Later this weekend, I will pick my Mid-Season A.L. MVP as well. (Click here to see my N.L. MVP.)
Drum roll please ...
A.L. Cy Young: Zack Grienke, Royals - Grienke got the season off to a perfect start with 38 scoreless innings to begin the season. Although Grienke has hit a bit of a rough patch (losing three of last five decisions), he still leads the majors in ERA (2.00) and is one of only five 10-game winners in baseball.
He has five complete games, which also leads the majors. He is second in the American League in strikeouts (120).
The Royals recent slide has knocked them 11 games out of first in the A.L. Central and has put them 13 games under .500. In the games Grienke (10-4) doesn't get the decision, the Royals are 23-42.
Runner-up: Roy Halladay, Blue Jays - It doesn't get much better than Halladay. He began the season with 13 straight starts of 7 innings or more. In addition, Halladay has thrown three complete games trailing only Grienke.
He's one of only five pitchers to win 10 games on the season. He's third in the A.L. in ERA (2.56) and has given up the fewest walks (14) of pitchers who have thrown 100+ innings. Grienke is the only other player with fewer than 20 walks (19)and 100 innings pitched.
Honorable Mention: Edwin Jackson, Felix Hernandez, Mark Buehrle, Justin Verlander, Matt Garza, Nick Blackburn (MIN), Jered Weaver, Kevin Millwood, Josh Beckett
Check back later this weekend for my A.L. Mid-Season MVP
That being said, I made my pick a couple of weeks ago for N.L. Cy Young based on all the games played (pitched) up to that point. While I may or may not change my choice (see who here), I'm back at it to pick his A.L. counterpart.
Later this weekend, I will pick my Mid-Season A.L. MVP as well. (Click here to see my N.L. MVP.)
Drum roll please ...
A.L. Cy Young: Zack Grienke, Royals - Grienke got the season off to a perfect start with 38 scoreless innings to begin the season. Although Grienke has hit a bit of a rough patch (losing three of last five decisions), he still leads the majors in ERA (2.00) and is one of only five 10-game winners in baseball.
He has five complete games, which also leads the majors. He is second in the American League in strikeouts (120).
The Royals recent slide has knocked them 11 games out of first in the A.L. Central and has put them 13 games under .500. In the games Grienke (10-4) doesn't get the decision, the Royals are 23-42.
Runner-up: Roy Halladay, Blue Jays - It doesn't get much better than Halladay. He began the season with 13 straight starts of 7 innings or more. In addition, Halladay has thrown three complete games trailing only Grienke.
He's one of only five pitchers to win 10 games on the season. He's third in the A.L. in ERA (2.56) and has given up the fewest walks (14) of pitchers who have thrown 100+ innings. Grienke is the only other player with fewer than 20 walks (19)and 100 innings pitched.
Honorable Mention: Edwin Jackson, Felix Hernandez, Mark Buehrle, Justin Verlander, Matt Garza, Nick Blackburn (MIN), Jered Weaver, Kevin Millwood, Josh Beckett
Check back later this weekend for my A.L. Mid-Season MVP
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Soria to DL, Royals call up Hochevar
According to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star, the Kansas City Royals have placed closer Joakim Soria on the 15-day disabled list.
The move is retroactive to Friday. Soria, who has been battling soreness in his shoulder, will be out until at least May 23rd.
The move is retroactive to Friday. Soria, who has been battling soreness in his shoulder, will be out until at least May 23rd.
“It’s not going away,” he said, “so I have to take some time (off) so I’ll be ready for the rest of the season. It’s still too early in the season to be pitching like that. I think the better thing is to go on the DL, work hard on my shoulder and see what happens after 15 days.”Luke Hochevar will take Soria's roster spot. Hochevar will start on Tuesday and Sidney Ponson will move to the bullpen.
“He’s coming off one of his best outings this year,” Hillman said, “so, hopefully, that will help our team win ballgames. We just felt this would (make) our club the strongest in … both in the rotation and in the bullpen.”Hochevar is 5-0 with an ERA of 0.90 in six starts for Omaha this season.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Greinke, Santana are April's pitchers of the month
Kansas City Royals ace Zach Grienke was named the A.L. pitcher of the month for April. He was a perfect 5-0 in the month allowing only two earned runs in 36 innings pitched.
Grienke beat out Felix Hernandez (Mariners), Tim Wakefield (Red Sox) and Roy Halladay (Blue Jays).
So far in May, he's picking up where he left off. He's now 6-0 and has lowered his ERA to 0.40 after pitching a complete game shutout last night.
However, he doesn't believe he's the best pitcher in baseball.
Santana went 3-1 in April with an ERA of 1.10. He struck out 44 batters in 32 2/3 innings.
He beat out Chad Billingsley (Dodgers), Dan Haren (Diamondbacks), Heath Bell (Padres) and Ryan Franklin (Cardinals).
Grienke beat out Felix Hernandez (Mariners), Tim Wakefield (Red Sox) and Roy Halladay (Blue Jays).
So far in May, he's picking up where he left off. He's now 6-0 and has lowered his ERA to 0.40 after pitching a complete game shutout last night.
However, he doesn't believe he's the best pitcher in baseball.
“I think Johan (Santana) and Roy Halladay are the two best pitchers,” Greinke said. “Without a doubt. You’ve got to do it for at least three years. That’s my (guideline). When you do it for three years, then you can put your name in stuff like that.”Speaking of Santana, he was named the N.L. pitcher of the month for April.
Santana went 3-1 in April with an ERA of 1.10. He struck out 44 batters in 32 2/3 innings.
He beat out Chad Billingsley (Dodgers), Dan Haren (Diamondbacks), Heath Bell (Padres) and Ryan Franklin (Cardinals).
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Royals place Tony Pena on DL
The Kansas City Royals have placed SS Tony Pena on the 15-day disabled list today.
Pena, who remained in the game, fractured a bone in his left hand during last night's game against the Minnesota Twins.
The Royals have called up Luis Hernandez from from Triple-A Omaha.
Pena, who remained in the game, fractured a bone in his left hand during last night's game against the Minnesota Twins.
The Royals have called up Luis Hernandez from from Triple-A Omaha.
"He's been hitting pretty good," Royals manager Trey Hillman said before Sunday's game against the Twins. "From my understanding, he's been playing well. He gives us another switch hitter, which never hurts. He's got a little bit of experience."Pena was hitless in his 11 at bats on the season.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Streak over for Zack Greinke
Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke entered tonight's game against the Detroit Tigers with a scoreless innings pitched streak of 34.
Tonight Greinke pitched another complete game and allowed no earned runs while striking out 10 batters. However, his scoreless innings pitched streak ended at 38 on a throwing error by Mike Aviles.
The Royals are in first place with a record 9-7 ahead of the Tigers and White Sox, who are both 8-8.
Tonight Greinke pitched another complete game and allowed no earned runs while striking out 10 batters. However, his scoreless innings pitched streak ended at 38 on a throwing error by Mike Aviles.
“He’s got such good stuff,” Tigers catcher Gerald Laird said. “You could tell the last couple innings he kind of just turned it on. He sniffed that complete game, and that’s what the good ones do.”On the season, Greinke is 4-0 with an ERA of 0.00. He has 36 strikeouts in 29 innings pitched.
“It’s fun to watch,” [Royals] third baseman Mark Teahen said. “Tonight, more than anything — maybe it was just the energy or whatever — but he looked unhittable.”
The Royals are in first place with a record 9-7 ahead of the Tigers and White Sox, who are both 8-8.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Zack Greinke - 34 down, 25 to go
Orel Hershiser holds the record for the longest streak of scoreless innings pitched (59).
After pitching a 2-0 shutout yesterday against the Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke is nine innings closer to reaching that streak.
The former sixth-overall pick in 2002, who is only 25 years old, has thrown 20 scoreless innings so far in 2009. He finished 2008 with back-to-back outings of seven scoreless innings.
After pitching a 2-0 shutout yesterday against the Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke is nine innings closer to reaching that streak.
The former sixth-overall pick in 2002, who is only 25 years old, has thrown 20 scoreless innings so far in 2009. He finished 2008 with back-to-back outings of seven scoreless innings.
"That kind of blew me away," Greinke said when someone told him about Orel Hershiser's record 59-inning scoreless streak after the game. "It's just about impossible to get to 34 nowadays. Fifty-nine, that's impossible. I would have been happy with 20."Last year, Greinke finished strong posting an ERA of 2.48 in August and 2.18 in September and he's virtually unhittable in 2009.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Alex Gordon out 10-12 weeks
Kansas City Royals third baseman Alex Gordon had hip surgery performed by (who else?) Dr. Marc Philippon Friday morning.
He is expected to miss 10-12 weeks and the Royals will move Mark Teahan to third.
He is expected to miss 10-12 weeks and the Royals will move Mark Teahan to third.
Gordon, who was the second overall pick in 2005, was struggling early in the season (2-for-21 in seven games)."Gordon is a big part of the team," Teahen said. "But we're off to a good start and we have a deeper team this year.
"It's not a huge adjustment for me. I've been able to go back and forth from the right field to third before."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)