Hokius

I knocked Salvy's salary down because of deferrals and non-tendered India. In this scenario, the Royals can't get a platoon partner for Cags, but if he falters, they can just start Frazier. At least they'd have one competent outfielder in Bellinger. I trade away Zerpa and Schreiber for prospects to help fill the farm system and save money, add Soto for a power lefty, and I still end up well over-budget but I think the Royals are going to have to go over-budget if they want to win, and I think they will, with the expectation they can spend less later as their farm system continues to improve under Bridges. C: Carter Jensen ($0.8M) 1B: Vinnie Pasquantino ($5.40M) 2B: Jorge Polanco ($14.0M) 3B: Maikel Garcia ($4.80M) SS: Bobby Witt Jr. ($13.70M) LF: Cody Bellinger ($28.0M) CF: Kyle Isbel ($2.70M) RF: Jac Caglianone ($0.80M) DH: Salvador Perez ($7.5M) 4th OF: John Rave ($0.80M) Utility: Adam Frazier ($2.5M) Utility: Tyler Tolbert ($0.80M) Backup C: Luca Tresh ($0.80M) SP1: Cole Ragans ($4.60M) SP2: Michael Wacha ($18.00M) SP3: Kris Bubic ($6.00M) SP4: Seth Lugo ($23.00M) SP5: Noah Cameron ($0.80M) RP: Carlos Estevez ($10.10M) RP: Lucas Erceg ($0.80M) RP: Luinder Avila ($0.8M) RP: Taylor Clarke ($1.90M) RP: Gregory Soto ($8.0M) RP: Steven Cruz ($0.8M) RP: Jonathan Bowlan ($0.80M) RP/SP: Stephen Kolek ($1.0M) Payroll is 12.06% over budget

I hadn't given Daniel Vazquez any consideration before the AFL, but showing up with some power there will have me watching him closely this summer.

I was always a Bubic believer and people kept telling me I was crazy. But I loved his approach to the craft. If Black has a little of that, I think he can thrive with this coaching staff.

Massey might not be healthy, but Adam Frazier is. And if the Royals don't re-sign him I'll eat my hat.

Thanks!

FWIW, India ended up at about $7 million this year after incentives. He's probably going to get closer to $10 in arbitration next season. The Royals HAVE to move on from him. But I hope they can do better than Pham or Refsnyder to improve the lineup...

Blake was rated higher, but Carter was always closer. The injury definitely slowed Blake down, but Carter was always probably going to get to KC first.