Post by RoyalsGM on Aug 16, 2022 9:38:42 GMT -5
Despite winning 93 games in 2000, Royals GM David Mitchell saw the writing on the wall. "We just did not have enough to compete with the big boys--Chicago, Detroit, California--especially in terms of pitching," he lamented. With a solid core of players in their early 30s, it was either time to double down or tactically retreat--Mitchell chose the latter.
"I usually like to squeeze every last drop out of a core group of players, but this time was different. We have an equally good, if not better group who just debuted or are about to get promoted. We chose to sacrifice our current stars to build even stronger and younger core."
Thus, stars such as Kenny Lofton, Jeff Cirillo, Jose Offerman and even younger prospects (Hebson, Hawpe) were shipped off in return for generational talent. Jason Giambi and Andy Pettitte join the Royals as the new anchors of the lineup and rotation, respectively. Jason's brother Jeremy and Marco Scutaro also were acquired to bolster the long-term roster. They join emerging stars in Trot Nixon, Victor Martinez, Chris Carpenter, Brady Anderson, Matt Morris, Richard Hildalgo, and Coco Crisp; as well as a lights-out bullpen anchored by reigning AL Fireman of the Year Ugueth Urbina and 5 other "plus" arms under age 28.
This younger core is not quite ready for primetime yet and some aging talent still remains on the trading block. Long-term questions remain in the middle-infield and pitching rotation. However, Mitchell is encouraged by the future: "Give us a couple of years and we will have a team that competes for the division, the AL pennant, the World Series title."
"I usually like to squeeze every last drop out of a core group of players, but this time was different. We have an equally good, if not better group who just debuted or are about to get promoted. We chose to sacrifice our current stars to build even stronger and younger core."
Thus, stars such as Kenny Lofton, Jeff Cirillo, Jose Offerman and even younger prospects (Hebson, Hawpe) were shipped off in return for generational talent. Jason Giambi and Andy Pettitte join the Royals as the new anchors of the lineup and rotation, respectively. Jason's brother Jeremy and Marco Scutaro also were acquired to bolster the long-term roster. They join emerging stars in Trot Nixon, Victor Martinez, Chris Carpenter, Brady Anderson, Matt Morris, Richard Hildalgo, and Coco Crisp; as well as a lights-out bullpen anchored by reigning AL Fireman of the Year Ugueth Urbina and 5 other "plus" arms under age 28.
This younger core is not quite ready for primetime yet and some aging talent still remains on the trading block. Long-term questions remain in the middle-infield and pitching rotation. However, Mitchell is encouraged by the future: "Give us a couple of years and we will have a team that competes for the division, the AL pennant, the World Series title."
