Organization Analysis: Bullpen
The bullpen is quickly becoming a strength in the Royals' organization. The Royals have 5 guys who can throw in the mid to upper 90s. The weakness of the bullpen is the closer spot. The Royals have tried several different guys and none of the Royals' young arms have been consistent enough to keep the job.
Middle Relief:
Mike Wood has done a pretty good job in middle relief for the Royals. He seems to have a good feel for pitching and has a good sinker. Wood should be a solid middle reliever for the Royals for the next few years.
Prospects: Failed/Fringe Starters (Gobble, Middleton, Tamayo, etc.)
Set-up/Closer:
The Royals have 5 guys who have good enough stuff to be closers.
1. Mike MacDougal: Right now, the Royals closer is Mike MacDougal. He's been very inconsistent and quite scary to watch in save situations. But, he's had pretty good success recently. If he has command of his fastball and slider consistently, he could be a very good closer.
2. Jeremy Affeldt: Affeldt has also been tried in the closer's role, but injuries have made it difficult to determine whether or not he can handle it. He has a good fastball that hit upwards of 97 mph and a curveball that's one of the best in the American League.
3. Andrew Sisco: Sisco's future could be as the team's closer or as a starter. Hopefully, the Royals give him a chance to be a starter. His strikeout rate has been phenomenal, averaging 10.53 K/9 IP. Control and endurance will determine whether or not he can become a good starter. He projects to add some velocity as well. If he doesn't become a starter, Sisco is and will be a very good set-up man/closer.
4. Ambiorix Burgos: Burgo's fastball might be the best on the team. Burgo can hit 98-99 mph with his fastball. He needs to improve the command of his splitter. Once that comes, he should be a very good closer. Burgos seems to have the right mentality for a closer.
5. Leo Nunez: Nunez looks like a little kid, but throws like a 6'6" 220 lbs pitcher. Nunez's fastball ranges from 94-97 mph. Nunez could be a shutdown set-up man for the Royals.
Prospects: Colt Griffin :), Ryan Braun, Chad Blackwell, Nate Moore
Colt Griffin was just for fun. Ryan Braun has a good fastball, but has struggled a lot this year. Chad Blackwell is having success at Burlington. Blackwell has a 90 mph fastball and a good slider. Blackwell's strength is changing speeds and good command. Moore was the Royals' fourth round pick last year. Moore has a low 90s fastball with good sinking action.
Overall Grade:
1. Current Relievers' Performance: B (not too bad considering they are so young)
2. Current Relievers' Potential: A
3. Current Prospects Depth: C-
4. Current Prospects Potential: C-
What to do this season: The Royals need to protect their young arms and make sure they don't overuse them. This is particularly important with Sisco, as he's had conditioning problems in the past.
What to do this offseason: The Royals need at least one veteran reliever in the bullpen, preferably someone who can close if necessary. The Royals also need to decide whether they want Sisco to be a starter or a reliever and stick with it.
Middle Relief:
Mike Wood has done a pretty good job in middle relief for the Royals. He seems to have a good feel for pitching and has a good sinker. Wood should be a solid middle reliever for the Royals for the next few years.
Prospects: Failed/Fringe Starters (Gobble, Middleton, Tamayo, etc.)
Set-up/Closer:
The Royals have 5 guys who have good enough stuff to be closers.
1. Mike MacDougal: Right now, the Royals closer is Mike MacDougal. He's been very inconsistent and quite scary to watch in save situations. But, he's had pretty good success recently. If he has command of his fastball and slider consistently, he could be a very good closer.
2. Jeremy Affeldt: Affeldt has also been tried in the closer's role, but injuries have made it difficult to determine whether or not he can handle it. He has a good fastball that hit upwards of 97 mph and a curveball that's one of the best in the American League.
3. Andrew Sisco: Sisco's future could be as the team's closer or as a starter. Hopefully, the Royals give him a chance to be a starter. His strikeout rate has been phenomenal, averaging 10.53 K/9 IP. Control and endurance will determine whether or not he can become a good starter. He projects to add some velocity as well. If he doesn't become a starter, Sisco is and will be a very good set-up man/closer.
4. Ambiorix Burgos: Burgo's fastball might be the best on the team. Burgo can hit 98-99 mph with his fastball. He needs to improve the command of his splitter. Once that comes, he should be a very good closer. Burgos seems to have the right mentality for a closer.
5. Leo Nunez: Nunez looks like a little kid, but throws like a 6'6" 220 lbs pitcher. Nunez's fastball ranges from 94-97 mph. Nunez could be a shutdown set-up man for the Royals.
Prospects: Colt Griffin :), Ryan Braun, Chad Blackwell, Nate Moore
Colt Griffin was just for fun. Ryan Braun has a good fastball, but has struggled a lot this year. Chad Blackwell is having success at Burlington. Blackwell has a 90 mph fastball and a good slider. Blackwell's strength is changing speeds and good command. Moore was the Royals' fourth round pick last year. Moore has a low 90s fastball with good sinking action.
Overall Grade:
1. Current Relievers' Performance: B (not too bad considering they are so young)
2. Current Relievers' Potential: A
3. Current Prospects Depth: C-
4. Current Prospects Potential: C-
What to do this season: The Royals need to protect their young arms and make sure they don't overuse them. This is particularly important with Sisco, as he's had conditioning problems in the past.
What to do this offseason: The Royals need at least one veteran reliever in the bullpen, preferably someone who can close if necessary. The Royals also need to decide whether they want Sisco to be a starter or a reliever and stick with it.
posted by SoonerRoyal at 7:57 PM
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