Royals

[NewtonHawk11]

There's a lot to like. Even more if Lynch and Kowar can help.

Everything, though - everything - is on Mondesi.

And that's terrifying and exciting all at once.

[jfish26]

There's a lot to like. Even more if Lynch and Kowar can help.

Everything, though - everything - is on Mondesi.

And that's terrifying and exciting all at once.

It's pretty simple. If he's the All Star-level player that his talent and pedigree say he should be, and he stays healthy, this team will compete now and a 5-6 year window is open.

If not, then the window doesn't open yet, and will be shorter, and you'll need to find a solution at short. It can be Lopez if he can hit at all, but he hasn't done that yet. McConnell a possibility, but he's 2022 to arrive at the soonest (and doesn't project as a huge impact guy).

[Sparko]

I would like to bring up Witt early. Get him started in the window

[jfish26]

I would like to bring up Witt early. Get him started in the window

I don't think he's remotely close to ready. Summer 2022 would seem to be on the early side.

[Sparko]

I remember Robin Yount; Seems like they Brewers let him play into a star early as they were building a great team. I say this because we have a hole or two in our batting. . ..

[CrimsonNBlue]

Benintendi, hello.

[NewtonHawk11]

Love it. Guy just entering his prime. Always liked Khalil Lee and Cordero, but Benentendi is better.

[NewtonHawk11]

2022 Royals are going to be insanely good.

[CrimsonNBlue]

Vaccine + Kauffman this summer almost brings tears to my eyes.

[CrimsonNBlue]

Royals likely lineup:

1. Whit - CF
2. Benintendi - LF
3. Salvy - C
4. Santana - 1B
5. Soler - DH
6. Dozier - 3B
7. Mondesi - SS
8. Taylor - RF
9. Lopez - 2B

Update. And didn't give up any arms.

[jfish26]

Love it. Guy just entering his prime. Always liked Khalil Lee and Cordero, but Benentendi is better.

It's not quite apples to apples, but if Lee or Cordero grow up to be Benintendi, it will be a success for them.

I'm very happy about the move.

[jfish26]

Royals likely lineup:

1. Whit - CF
2. Benintendi - LF
3. Salvy - C
4. Santana - 1B
5. Soler - DH
6. Dozier - 3B
7. Mondesi - SS
8. Taylor - RF
9. Lopez - 2B

Update. And didn't give up any arms.

I really don't like Whit being in CF.

[NewtonHawk11]

Yeah I think Taylor is CF and Whit goes to RF. That's my guess.

[NewtonHawk11]

Or does Whit move back to 2B and find someone else to be that RF..?

[CrimsonNBlue]

Or does Whit move back to 2B and find someone else to be that RF..?

I'd be OK with this, Lopez being a question mark and all. Olivares or Heath.

[jfish26]

This is what I'd do:

1. Whit (R) - 2B
2. Benintendi (L) - LF
3. Soler (R) - DH
4. Santana (S) - 1B
5. Perez (R) - C
6. Bradley, Jr. (L) - CF
7. Dozier (R) - 3B -OR- RF
8. Mondesi (S) - SS
9. Taylor (R) - RF -OR- Gutierrez (R) - 3B

In for a penny, in for a pound. Great L/R balance, no black hole at the bottom like the last couple years, can move things around if, for example, Mondesi breaks out or Whit or Salvy turn into pumpkins.

[jfish26]

Or does Whit move back to 2B and find someone else to be that RF..?

I'd be OK with this, Lopez being a question mark and all. Olivares or Heath.

I'd really like Lopez to work. But unless he's done major work on his body, he's useless.

[CrimsonNBlue]

Vern is saying Whit will be in RF--I had just gone off of the ESPN.com depth chart update.

Bradley, Jr. immediately tweeted about the Benni trade. Let's go for it.

[jfish26]

Vern is saying Whit will be in RF--I had just gone off of the ESPN.com depth chart update.

Bradley, Jr. immediately tweeted about the Benni trade. Let's go for it.

Yes, absolutely. If you think you're close enough to give up nine years of Lee/Cordero, you're close enough to spend a little bit more money to chase 3 wins.

[pdub]

Not bad considering one of the two prospects we gave up is the same age as Benintendi - and the Sox are paying part of his deal.