Kansas City Royals: A Look At The 2016 Offseason
By Paul York
The only other impact player that departed is Ryan Madson.
This was is kind of a head-scratcher considering what happened upon his departure, but Madson also elected to go play ball closer to his Long Beach roots for the Oakland Athletics.
Dayton Moore doesn’t get enough credit for the Ryan Madson signing.He took a shot on a guy who was literally out of baseball 2012-2014, and turned him into an integral part of a dominant Royals bullpen.
Oakland offered him three years for $22 million this off season to be a staple in their bullpen, if not their closer. In other words, he’s likely going from being a seventh inning guy for the Royals, to at least a set-up role, and quite possibly closer in Oakland. Smart move by both Madson and the Athletics.
Yes, their clubhouse leadership is top-notch, but the Royals have gotten past the need for inspirational speeches and clubhouse pep talks. To defend their crown, they’ll need more stats, less cheerleaders.
Franklin Morales – I mean what can you say? He did an adequate job for the Royals. I’m sure they’ll find someone else to bridge the gap to the sixth and seventh inning when Danny Duffy or Yordano Ventura short-circuits.
Sure, we’ll miss Jonny Gomes and his WWE-themed speeches and cheerleader abilities. The same can be said for Jeremy Guthrie. Can I get two claps and a Rick Flair?
Truth is, neither produced much on diamond last year. Yes, their clubhouse leadership is top-notch, but the Royals have gotten past the need for inspirational speeches and clubhouse pep talks. To defend their crown, they’ll need more stats, less cheerleaders.
Next: GORDO!