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KC Royals: Louis Coleman To Omaha

By John Viril

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KC Royals reliever Louis Coleman cleared waivers and has been assigned to AAA Omaha on Friday. Kansas City Star reporter Andy McCullough tweeted the news on Friday morning:

The Kansas City Royals cut Coleman on Thursday, leaving former Phillies closer Ryan Madson and lefty Brian Flynn to contend for the last available spot in the KC bullpen. Since Flynn has minor league options remaining while Madson has an opt-out clause in his contract if he does not make the major-league roster, I have to think Madson is the favorite to win the job.

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Not only would the KC Royals risk losing Madson if he does not make the team, he also brings closing experience to the table. Before suffering a torn ulnar ligament in his right elbow before the 2012 season, Madson saved 32 games as Philadelphia’s closer in 2011.

KC Royals manager Ned Yost expressed a desire to keep Ryan Madson, but thinks he needs to build up his arm strength after spending three full seasons out of baseball.

I was surprised that Louis Coleman cleared waivers after he enjoyed a solid spring at Surprise. Coleman posted a 3.55 ERA in 12.2 innings pitched with an excellent 1.03 Walks Hits per Innings Pitched (WHIP) and 15 strikeouts against only 0 walks.

That last number is significant, since Coleman was plagued with control problems in 2014 with an unacceptable 4.8 BB/9 (walks per 9 innings) and a poor 5.56 ERA.

Before his struggles in 2014, Louis Coleman had been a steady performer out of the Kansas City Royals pen, with a 2.69 ERA in 140.1 inning pitched from 2011 through 2013. He never displayed the dominance of the HDH trio, but Coleman was a useful member of the KC Royals pen until he lost his command.

Perhaps, the Royals got a bit lucky that most teams have their rosters set with the season about to begin, or teams weren’t anxious to add Coleman after his poor performance last season.

Whatever the reason, the KC Royals have caught a break.

Now KC Royals general manager Dayton Moore can stash Louis Coleman at AAA Omaha while still maintaining their bullpen options. With Kris Medlen set to be ready to return to the major-leagues by mid-season, the Kansas City Royals appear to have enviable depth for both the rotation and the bullpen.

Right now, Kansas City’s impressive bullpen looks even stronger than last season headed into Opening Day against the Chicago White Sox.

Next: Lorenzo Cain Fantasy Profile

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