KANSAS CITY ROYALS

Carlos Beltran (CF, 24, S/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AA 47 182 64 13 3 14 50 44 23 30 352 427 687 7 1 1999 KC 156 663 194 27 7 22 112 108 46 123 293 337 454 27 8 2000 KC 98 372 92 15 4 7 49 44 35 69 247 309 366 13 0

Carlos Beltran (CF, 24, S/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      AA  47 182  64 13  3 14  50  44  23  30  352 427 687   7   1
 1999      KC 156 663 194 27  7 22 112 108  46 123  293 337 454  27   8
 2000      KC  98 372  92 15  4  7  49  44  35  69  247 309 366  13   0

I've seen some bad sophomore seasons, but Beltran's may take first prize. He struggled with the bat, was disabled during the summer with a sore knee, then was suspended by the Royals for failing to report to rehabilitation.
Beltran is still very young, and will likely bounce back with a good season. He still has lots of time to grow as a hitter, and even last season showed more patience at the plate than before. But I'm not sure if he'll ever be a star; he doesn't seem to handle adversity very well, and even in the minor leagues he had a tendency to play very badly at times. I don't expect him to be an All-Star for awhile.

Doug Bochtler (31, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1999 AAA 7 4 32 0 0 0 3 50 34 21 53 288 2000 AAA 2 1 27 0 0 0 2 40 37 28 28 402 1998 DET 0 2 51 0 0 0 0 67 73 42 45 615 2000 KC 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 8 13 10 4 648

Doug Bochtler (31, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1999     AAA   7   4  32  0  0  0  3  50  34  21  53 288
 2000     AAA   2   1  27  0  0  0  2  40  37  28  28 402
 1998     DET   0   2  51  0  0  0  0  67  73  42  45 615
 2000      KC   0   2   6  0  0  0  0   8  13  10   4 648

Bochtler had another rough season; he couldn't stick in the Royals' bullpen, and let me tell you, that was not a good bullpen. His control problems have almost killed his career.

Dee Brown (OF, 23, L/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 A 128 442 114 30 2 10 64 58 53 115 258 347 403 26 10 1999 AA 65 235 83 14 3 12 58 56 35 41 353 440 591 10 8 2000 AAA 125 479 129 25 6 23 76 70 37 112 269 324 491 20 3

Dee Brown (OF, 23, L/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998       A 128 442 114 30  2 10  64  58  53 115  258 347 403  26  10
 1999      AA  65 235  83 14  3 12  58  56  35  41  353 440 591  10   8
 2000     AAA 125 479 129 25  6 23  76  70  37 112  269 324 491  20   3

The Royals' best prospect, Brown went to Omaha last season and struggled a little bit. He's still a terrific player, very young, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him playing well in a Royals' uniform by the end of the season.

Tim Byrdak (27, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AA-AAA 5 6 60 0 0 0 3 89 89 48 69 345 1999 AAA 0 4 33 0 0 0 4 50 39 28 51 181 2000 AAA 6 2 34 1 0 0 4 53 59 29 47 444 1999 KC 0 3 33 0 0 0 1 25 32 20 17 766

Tim Byrdak (27, L)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998  AA-AAA   5   6  60  0  0  0  3  89  89  48  69 345
 1999     AAA   0   4  33  0  0  0  4  50  39  28  51 181
 2000     AAA   6   2  34  1  0  0  4  53  59  29  47 444
 1999      KC   0   3  33  0  0  0  1  25  32  20  17 766

Byrdak spent most of the year at Omaha, but did not perform well. He is left-handed, and that is his biggest asset. He likely will continue to get chances to land a role in the bullpen, but he needs to throw more strikes, and has shown no signs of doing so.

Jeff D'Amico (26, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AA 5 5 24 8 0 0 0 61 77 34 46 767 1999 AA-AAA 4 7 58 0 0 0 8 81 98 29 60 433 2000 AAA 3 3 16 16 1 0 0 92 87 26 66 383 2000 KC 0 1 7 1 0 0 0 14 19 15 9 922

Jeff D'Amico (26, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998      AA   5   5  24  8  0  0  0  61  77  34  46 767
 1999  AA-AAA   4   7  58  0  0  0  8  81  98  29  60 433
 2000     AAA   3   3  16 16  1  0  0  92  87  26  66 383
 2000      KC   0   1   7  1  0  0  0  14  19  15   9 922

Man, you have no idea how disoriented I got during the summer when there were Jeff D'Amico's playing for both Milwaukee and Kansas City. Lucky for the Royals, this Jeff D'Amico does some of the same things well that the other one does. He's been inconsistent so far, but I'm impressed, and I would like to see more from him.

Wilson Delgado (IF, 26, S/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AAA 127 512 142 22 2 12 87 65 52 92 277 344 398 9 5 1999 SF 35 71 18 2 1 0 7 3 5 9 254 312 310 1 0 2000 NYY-KC 64 128 33 2 0 1 21 11 11 26 258 312 297 2 1

Wilson Delgado (IF, 26, S/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     AAA 127 512 142 22  2 12  87  65  52  92  277 344 398   9   5
 1999      SF  35  71  18  2  1  0   7   3   5   9  254 312 310   1   0
 2000  NYY-KC  64 128  33  2  0  1  21  11  11  26  258 312 297   2   1

It seems like Delgado has been around forever; he made his debut with San Francisco in 1996, and is now with his third organization. He's a decent backup infielder, can play several positions and can hit a little. He should keep his job, may a get a few more at bats, and he can probably hit for more power.

Todd Dunwoody (OF, 26, L/L)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 FLO 116 434 109 27 7 5 53 28 21 113 251 292 380 5 1 1999 FLO 64 186 41 6 3 2 20 20 12 41 220 270 317 3 4 2000 KC 61 178 37 9 0 1 12 23 8 42 208 238 275 3 0

Todd Dunwoody (OF, 26, L/L)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     FLO 116 434 109 27  7  5  53  28  21 113  251 292 380   5   1
 1999     FLO  64 186  41  6  3  2  20  20  12  41  220 270 317   3   4
 2000      KC  61 178  37  9  0  1  12  23   8  42  208 238 275   3   0

Dunwoody is steadily regressing as a hitter; he's only 26, but his plate discipline is so awful that it's difficult to see him reversing his decline. Very limited potential in the future.

Chad Durbin (23, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 A 10 7 26 26 0 0 0 148 126 59 162 293 1999 AA 8 10 28 27 1 1 0 157 154 49 122 464 2000 AAA 4 4 12 12 0 0 0 73 75 22 53 446 2000 KC 2 5 16 16 0 0 0 72 91 43 37 821

Chad Durbin (23, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998       A  10   7  26 26  0  0  0 148 126  59 162 293
 1999      AA   8  10  28 27  1  1  0 157 154  49 122 464
 2000     AAA   4   4  12 12  0  0  0  73  75  22  53 446
 2000      KC   2   5  16 16  0  0  0  72  91  43  37 821

Durbin is one of the Royals' best young pitchers, but he struggled badly last season. He began the year in the Royals' rotation, without having thrown a pitch at the AAA level, and that turned out not to be such a good idea. I don't know why a team would do that; what, did they think he might lead them to a championship season? Anyways, he went back to Omaha, and wasn't bad. He'll be back in 2001, and hopefully will be better prepared.

Jermaine Dye (RF, 27, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 KC 60 214 50 5 1 5 24 23 11 46 234 270 336 2 2 1999 KC 158 608 179 44 8 27 96 119 58 119 294 354 526 2 3 2000 KC 157 601 193 41 2 33 107 118 69 99 321 390 561 0 1

Jermaine Dye (RF, 27, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      KC  60 214  50  5  1  5  24  23  11  46  234 270 336   2   2
 1999      KC 158 608 179 44  8 27  96 119  58 119  294 354 526   2   3
 2000      KC 157 601 193 41  2 33 107 118  69  99  321 390 561   0   1

Like his Royals' teammates, Johnny Damon and Mike Sweeney, Dye followed up a terrific season with an even better one. His batting average, home runs and walks were all up, the strikeouts were down. Dye is still very young, and should remain one of the better players in the league for another decade.

Carlos Febles (2B, 25, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AA 126 432 141 28 9 14 110 52 80 70 326 441 530 51 16 1999 KC 123 453 116 22 9 10 71 53 47 91 256 336 411 20 4 2000 KC 100 339 87 12 1 2 59 29 36 48 257 345 316 17 6

Carlos Febles (2B, 25, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      AA 126 432 141 28  9 14 110  52  80  70  326 441 530  51  16
 1999      KC 123 453 116 22  9 10  71  53  47  91  256 336 411  20   4
 2000      KC 100 339  87 12  1  2  59  29  36  48  257 345 316  17   6

Staying healthy is a problem for a lot of young second basemen, and Febles was no exception in 2000. He went on the DL in June with a strained left shoulder, then again in August with a bruised right ankle. He has the potential to be an excellent hitter; if he stays healthy, I expect him to have a terrific year.

Chris Fussell (25, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AA-AAA 8 9 28 28 0 0 0 152 137 80 135 414 1999 AAA 10 3 14 13 1 1 0 81 66 27 80 354 1999 KC 0 5 17 8 0 0 2 56 72 36 37 739 2000 KC 5 3 20 9 0 0 0 70 76 44 46 630

Chris Fussell (25, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998  AA-AAA   8   9  28 28  0  0  0 152 137  80 135 414
 1999     AAA  10   3  14 13  1  1  0  81  66  27  80 354
 1999      KC   0   5  17  8  0  0  2  56  72  36  37 739
 2000      KC   5   3  20  9  0  0  0  70  76  44  46 630

Fussell's second season was almost as bad as his first. His control was awful, and he went on the DL in June with a right medial elbow strain. He has some ability, but everything is messed up right now.

Chris George (22, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 R 0 1 5 4 0 0 0 16 14 4 10 287 1999 A 9 7 27 27 0 0 0 145 142 53 142 360 2000 AA-AAA 11 7 26 26 0 0 0 142 139 71 107 368

The Royals love young George, who has some impressive stuff and who made three impressive appearances at the Summer Olympics. At the moment, I would say that he doesn't throw enough strikes to succeed at the majors, and a full year at Omaha is probably in order.

Jason Grimsley (34, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1999 NYY 7 2 55 0 0 0 1 75 66 40 49 360 2000 NYY 3 2 63 4 0 0 1 96 100 42 53 504

Grimsley has emerged as a workhorse in the Yankees bullpen the past two years, though last season was a struggle. He couldn't be trusted with men on base, getting hit fairly hard and also throwing 16 wild pitches. He's not going to win another World Series this year, but he should land somewhere.

Roberto Hernandez (36, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 TAM 2 6 67 0 0 0 26 71 55 41 55 404 1999 TAM 2 3 72 0 0 0 43 73 68 33 69 307 2000 TAM 4 7 68 0 0 0 32 73 76 23 61 319

Hernandez had another good year for Tampa Bay, then was acquired by the Royals after the season to help stop the bleeding in their own bullpen. Since 1993 he has averaged 32 saves per year, and he has 266 in his career. Hernandez is rarely among the best closers in any given year, but he is consistently solid closer.

A.J. Hinch (CA, 27, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 OAK 120 337 78 10 0 9 34 35 30 89 231 296 341 3 0 1999 OAK 76 205 44 4 1 7 26 24 11 41 215 260 346 6 2 2000 AAA 109 417 111 23 2 6 65 47 45 67 266 344 374 5 5

A.J. Hinch (CA, 27, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     OAK 120 337  78 10  0  9  34  35  30  89  231 296 341   3   0
 1999     OAK  76 205  44  4  1  7  26  24  11  41  215 260 346   6   2
 2000     AAA 109 417 111 23  2  6  65  47  45  67  266 344 374   5   5

Once one of baseball's top catching prospects, Hinch has now devolved into a Triple-A catcher... and not a very good one at that. His impressive power has disappeared, and he no longer seems capable of hitting above .250 in the majors. A comeback isn't too likely.

Ray Holbert (IF, 31, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AAA 86 266 82 17 4 2 38 25 29 66 308 376 425 10 5 2000 AAA 94 338 86 12 1 2 41 40 35 49 254 323 314 14 9 1999 KC 34 100 28 3 0 0 14 5 8 20 280 330 310 7 4

Ray Holbert (IF, 31, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     AAA  86 266  82 17  4  2  38  25  29  66  308 376 425  10   5
 2000     AAA  94 338  86 12  1  2  41  40  35  49  254 323 314  14   9
 1999      KC  34 100  28  3  0  0  14   5   8  20  280 330 310   7   4

Holbert was back in the minors in 2000, and played about as well as he usually does. He's just another spare infielder, doesn't hit much, but can usually be expected to pick up a few at bats in the big leagues.

Brian Johnson (CA, 33, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 SF 99 308 73 8 1 13 34 34 28 67 237 310 396 0 2 1999 CIN 45 117 27 7 0 5 12 18 9 31 231 286 419 0 0 2000 KC 37 125 26 6 0 4 9 18 4 28 208 229 352 0 0

Brian Johnson (CA, 33, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      SF  99 308  73  8  1 13  34  34  28  67  237 310 396   0   2
 1999     CIN  45 117  27  7  0  5  12  18   9  31  231 286 419   0   0
 2000      KC  37 125  26  6  0  4   9  18   4  28  208 229 352   0   0

Johnson played poorly with the Royals, and was released in July. I don't think he returned to the majors after that, and his career may be over. Nah, he's only 33, and it will probably take at least two more lousy seasons for him to play himself out of the league.

Andy Larkin (27, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 2000 AAA 1 0 27 0 0 0 4 42 30 17 40 259 1998 FLO 3 8 17 14 0 0 0 75 101 55 43 964 2000 CIN-KC 0 3 21 0 0 0 1 26 35 16 24 796

Larkin earned another chance after pitching well at Louisville, but once again he performed poorly. He now has thrown 105 innings in the major leagues, and his lifetime ERA is 8.86. I hope he gets another chance, because I would hate to see anyone retire with an ERA that high.

Brett Laxton (27, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AA 11 4 21 21 0 0 0 130 109 79 82 340 1999 AAA 13 8 25 25 3 1 0 161 158 49 112 346 2000 AAA 5 9 21 21 0 0 0 108 118 61 88 532 2000 KC 0 1 6 1 0 0 0 17 23 10 14 810

Brett Laxton (27, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998      AA  11   4  21 21  0  0  0 130 109  79  82 340
 1999     AAA  13   8  25 25  3  1  0 161 158  49 112 346
 2000     AAA   5   9  21 21  0  0  0 108 118  61  88 532
 2000      KC   0   1   6  1  0  0  0  17  23  10  14 810

Laxton had a bumpy season; he didn't pitch very well with either Omaha or Kansas City. Still, his minor league record is pretty solid, and if he throws more strikes he can help a club. He's a better option than Jaime Navarro.

Dave McCarty (1B/OF, 31, R/L)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 2000 KC 103 270 75 14 2 12 34 53 22 68 278 329 478 0 0

McCarty made an unlikely comeback to the majors, and hit fairly well. At least, he was better than Joe Vitiello. He has over 1000 career at bats, and is a life time .239 hitter. He'll be back, but I wouldn't count on him staying around for too long.

Brian Meadows (25, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 FLO 11 13 31 31 1 0 0 174 222 46 88 521 1999 FLO 11 15 31 31 0 0 0 178 214 57 72 560 2000 SD-KC 13 10 33 32 2 0 0 196 234 64 79 513

Meadows is durable, has good control, and doesn't lose all his starts. He's not really a good pitcher, and he isn't improving, but he looks good in the Royals' rotation, where he and Jeff Suppan were apparently separated at birth.

Scott Mullen (26, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 A 8 4 14 14 1 1 0 86 68 25 56 221 1998 AA 8 2 12 12 0 0 0 70 66 26 42 411 1999 AA-AAA 10 10 29 29 0 0 0 169 197 71 117 557 2000 AA-AAA 5 3 49 1 0 0 7 94 80 34 82 316 2000 KC 0 0 11 0 0 0 0 10 10 3 7 435

Scott Mullen (26, L)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998       A   8   4  14 14  1  1  0  86  68  25  56 221
 1998      AA   8   2  12 12  0  0  0  70  66  26  42 411
 1999  AA-AAA  10  10  29 29  0  0  0 169 197  71 117 557
 2000  AA-AAA   5   3  49  1  0  0  7  94  80  34  82 316
 2000      KC   0   0  11  0  0  0  0  10  10   3   7 435

Mullen is a young Royals' pitcher who performed well in the minors last season after being moved to the bullpen. He is a left-hander, and appears to have the equipment to succeed in his role.

Dan Murray (27, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AA 11 6 27 27 1 1 0 164 153 54 159 318 1999 AAA 12 10 29 27 3 1 0 145 149 70 96 497 2000 AAA 10 9 27 22 1 1 1 141 148 60 102 557 2000 KC 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 19 20 10 16 466

Dan Murray (27, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998      AA  11   6  27 27  1  1  0 164 153  54 159 318
 1999     AAA  12  10  29 27  3  1  0 145 149  70  96 497
 2000     AAA  10   9  27 22  1  1  1 141 148  60 102 557
 2000      KC   0   0  10  0  0  0  0  19  20  10  16 466

Murray has performed poorly the past two seasons, making us wonder what happened to the pitcher who looked so good in 1998. He has a chance to stick the Royals, the same team that found a home for Doug Linton.

Luis Ordaz (IF, 26, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1999 AAA 107 362 103 25 4 1 31 45 24 40 285 328 384 3 4 1998 STL 57 153 31 5 0 0 9 8 12 18 203 261 235 2 0 2000 KC 65 104 23 2 0 0 17 11 5 10 221 257 240 4 2

Luis Ordaz (IF, 26, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1999     AAA 107 362 103 25  4  1  31  45  24  40  285 328 384   3   4
 1998     STL  57 153  31  5  0  0   9   8  12  18  203 261 235   2   0
 2000      KC  65 104  23  2  0  0  17  11   5  10  221 257 240   4   2

Ordaz doesn't do anythinge except hit singles. After four years, his career average is .212. I don't know what he could possibly to do surprise us.

Hector Ortiz (CA, 31, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AA-AAA 67 204 45 7 0 0 18 12 11 27 221 264 246 0 0 1999 AA-AAA 95 285 79 13 0 6 31 33 17 44 277 320 386 2 4 2000 AAA 68 227 73 12 0 6 30 24 22 18 322 382 454 4 3 2000 KC 26 88 34 6 0 0 15 5 8 8 386 443 455 0 0

Hector Ortiz (CA, 31, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998  AA-AAA  67 204  45  7  0  0  18  12  11  27  221 264 246   0   0
 1999  AA-AAA  95 285  79 13  0  6  31  33  17  44  277 320 386   2   4
 2000     AAA  68 227  73 12  0  6  30  24  22  18  322 382 454   4   3
 2000      KC  26  88  34  6  0  0  15   5   8   8  386 443 455   0   0

A minor league veteran who is well acquainted with the Mendoza Line, Ortiz suddenly started to hit up a storm at Omaha. He was called up by the Royals - and started to hit even better. He probably just had a career year... but there are lots of spare catchers around who can't hit at all, so I would think that Ortiz is going to get some playing time as long as he wields a hot bat.

Scott Pose (OF, 34, L/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1999 KC 86 137 39 3 0 0 27 12 21 22 285 377 307 6 2 2000 KC 47 48 9 0 0 0 6 1 6 13 188 278 188 0 1

A veteran who has spent a large percentage of his life riding on buses; obviously, Pose is nothing to get exciting about, and has a limited future.

Mark Quinn (OF/DH, 27, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      AA 100 372 130 26  6 16  82  84  43  54  349 424 581   4   1
 1999     AAA 107 428 154 27  0 25  67  84  28  69  360 409 598   7   9
 1999      KC  17  60  20  4  1  6  11  18   4  11  333 385 733   1   0
 2000      KC 135 500 147 33  2 20  76  78  35  91  294 342 488   5   2

Quinn entered the 2000 season with some impressive credentials, and had a good rookie season. Well, it wasn't perfect; he was sent back to the minors in June, apparently for an "attitude adjustment". Whatever; pretty soon, Mr. Quinn will be hitting well enough that no one will be able to send him back. And they'll probably appreciate his attitude a lot more, too. Expect 100 RBI in 2001.

Jason Rakers (28, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998     AAA   8   6  21 21  1  0  0 126 134  38  98 457
 1999     AAA   7   8  23 20  1  0  0 132 151  31  85 492
 2000     AAA   3   2  32  6  0  0  2  75  83  17  68 552
 2000      KC   2   0  11  0  0  0  0  22  33   7  16 914

Rakers had another rough season. He has good control and good strikeout rates, but apparently throws too many pitches out over the plate. The Royals converted him to a reliever last season; if he's lucky, he may get one more chance to save his career.

Joe Randa (3B, 31, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     DET 138 460 117 21  2  9  56  50  41  70  254 323 367   8   7
 1999      KC 156 628 197 36  8 16  92  84  50  80  314 363 473   5   4
 2000      KC 158 612 186 29  4 15  88 106  36  66  304 343 438   6   3

Randa has hit .300 three out of the past four years, and is established as a quality regular. He's not a star, but hits for a good average, has a bit of pop, and stays healthy. I would guess that he has two more seasons of similar performance ahead of him.

Jeff Reboulet (IF, 37, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     BAL  79 126  31  6  0  1  20   8  19  34  246 351 317   0   1
 1999     BAL  99 154  25  4  0  0  25   4  33  29  162 317 188   1   0
 2000      KC  66 182  44  7  0  0  29  14  23  32  242 325 280   3   1

Reboulet is an aging veteran who doesn't hit, but continues to gets lots of at bats every year, presumably because he is trusted in the field by his managers. I might be more impressed if he was trusted by the manager of a good team.

Dan Reichert (25, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998  AA-AAA   2   5  11 11  0  0  0  53  66  31  35 810
 1999     AAA   9   2  17 17  1  0  0 112  92  50 123 371
 1999      KC   2   2   8  8  0  0  0  37  48  32  20 908
 2000      KC   8  10  44 18  1  1  2 153 157  91  94 470

Reichert's second season with the Royals was pretty solid. I expect that he will move into the starting rotation this year on a full-time basis, and I think he's capable of having a good year, but you never know from one year to the next how good his control will be. He needs to throw more strikes to be successful.

Jose Rosado (26, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 KC 8 11 38 25 2 1 1 174 180 57 135 469 1999 KC 10 14 33 33 5 0 0 208 197 72 141 385 2000 KC 2 2 5 5 0 0 0 28 29 9 15 586

The Royals' suffered a grievous blow to their season when they lost Rosado in May. He was supposed to emerge as one of the best pitchers in the league, but instead he tore his rotator cuff. He was an outstanding young pitcher, but who knows whether or not he will recover.

Rey Sanchez (SS, 33, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      SF 109 316  90 14  2  2  44  30  16  47  285 325 361   0   0
 1999      KC 134 479 141 18  6  2  66  56  22  48  294 329 370  11   5
 2000      KC 143 509 139 18  2  1  68  38  28  55  273 314 322   7   3

Late in his career, Sanchez has established himself as a regular in Kansas City, and is probably a good fit there. He's a brilliant defensive player; he doesn't produce many runs, but I doubt that the Royals were in contention to sign Alex Rodriguez. He won't help you win a championship, but pitchers should appreciate having Sanchez behind them.

Jose Santiago (26, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AA 3 4 52 0 0 0 22 72 79 27 31 361 1999 KC 3 4 34 0 0 0 2 47 46 14 15 342 2000 KC 8 6 45 0 0 0 2 69 70 26 44 391

Santiago was the Royals' best reliever in 2000. He was sent to the minors briefly in July, I don't know why, maybe someone in Kansas City knows. Anyways, he should be a good setup man for Hernandez.

Blake Stein (28, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 OAK 5 9 24 20 1 0 0 117 117 71 89 637 1999 OAK-KC 1 2 13 12 0 0 0 73 65 47 47 456 2000 KC 8 5 17 17 1 0 0 108 98 57 78 468

Stein fractured his forearm during the spring, and missed the first half of the season. When he returned he did exactly what the Royals hoped he would, pitching solid ball and winning more games than he lost. I don't think that Stein is much more than a .500 pitcher, but the Royals will be very happy if he can stay healthy the whole year and win a dozen games.

Jeff Suppan (26, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 ARI-KC 1 7 17 14 1 0 0 79 91 22 51 572 1999 KC 10 12 32 32 4 1 0 209 222 62 103 453 2000 KC 10 9 35 33 3 1 0 217 240 84 128 494

Suppan makes all of his starts, eats up some innings, and occasionally wins a game. He's not a good pitcher, and there is no evidence that he is going to improve, but for now he is okay.

Mac Suzuki (26, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AAA 9 10 28 21 2 1 0 132 130 70 117 437 1999 KC 2 5 38 13 0 0 0 110 124 64 68 679 2000 KC 8 10 32 29 1 1 0 189 195 94 135 434

I have to admit, Suzuki pitched much better than I thought he would. I'm still not sold on him as a quality pitcher - he really needs to improve his control, or he will start to struggle again. But he is young and improving, and could have won 15 games with a good team last year.

Mike Sweeney (1B, 28, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      KC  92 282  73 18  0  8  32  35  24  38  259 320 408   2   3
 1999      KC 150 575 185 44  2 22 101 102  54  48  322 387 520   6   1
 2000      KC 159 618 206 30  0 29 105 144  71  67  333 407 523   8   3

Sweeney has clearly established himself as one of the best hitters in baseball. I'm not sure that he will ever drive in 144 runs again, or hit .333 consistently... but you know, I kind of have a feeling that he's got a 35-40 homer season inside him. Don't you have the same feeling?

Kris Wilson (25, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998       A  10   8  28 20  1  0  1 141 138  21  94 357
 1999      AA   5   7  23 10  0  0  0  74  91  14  45 545
 2000      AA   7   3  21 15  1  1  0 103  99  21  69 351
 2000      KC   0   1  20  0  0  0  0  34  38  11  17 419

Wilson has outstanding control, and pitched well in his major league debut for the Royals. I sort of like him... but after four years of moving slowly through the system, the Royals decided that he should skip Triple-A and join the big club. And I don't think he's the type of pitcher who can do that. If he pitches well at Omaha, then I'll believe in him more.

Gregg Zaun (CA, 30, S/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     FLO 106 298  56 12  2  5  19  29  35  52  188 273 292   5   2
 1999     TEX  43  93  23  2  1  1  12  12  10   7  247 314 323   1   0
 2000      KC  83 234  64 11  0  7  36  33  43  34  274 390 410   7   3

He had his best season; Zaun has been up and down his whole career, and has yet to put two good seasons together in a row. But as long as he walks more often then he strikes out, he'll contribute at the plate. I expect his average to drop, but he'll still get on base.