First the Royals free agents list is the following
RHP: Pedro Fernandez (AAA), Luis Hernandez (R), Yimaury Pena (R), Jose Veras (Hi A), Kyle Zimmer(AAA)
LHP: Sam Selman (AAA)
C: Parker Morin (AAA), Luis Villegas (AAA)
2B: Ramon Torres (AAA)
3B: Alex Liddi (AA)
SS: Jack Lopez (AAA)
OF: Billy Burns (AAA), Alfredo Escalera (AA), Paulo Orlando (AAA)

I would expect to see the departures of Orlando, Burns and Sam Selman from the organization. In regards to Selman, I’ve heard so many scouts that like his stuff and think he’s got a shot at a major league career, but the Royals have never made the leap in giving him a look. It’s time for his agent to give him an opportunity to succeed somewhere else.

Others with links to the Royals:
Arizona Diamondbacks
Sam Lewis RHP, traded by the Royals for Peter O’Brien. Struggled at Double-A this past season.

Rey Fuentes OF, received an extended look by the D-Backs last season and didn’t hit to what some thought was his capabilities. Likely will kick around the minor leagues as an emergency corner guy as he rides out the prime of his career.

2017 reliever Neftali Feliz is also a minor league free agent after completing his first year without a major league appearance since 2008.

Atlanta Braves
Lane Adams – Former Royals draftee has had his greatest stretch with the Braves and seems like a good fit to resign there.

Chicago Cubs
Casey Coleman – Brief appearance with the Royals in ’14 has struggled the past two seasons.
Terrance Gore – Now that he’s a minor league free agent Gore will likely sign minor league contracts with contenders in hopes to reprise his playoff role as a pinch runner.

Detroit Tigers
Former Royals draftee Kevin Chapman is a free agent going into his age 31 season.

Chicago White Sox
Patrick Leonard was part of the Wade Davis/James Shields trade way back when but entering his 26-year-old season may want to consider a career in the far east.

LA Angels
John Lamb is a former #11 BP overall prospect, but the lefty hasn’t been able to show he can get major league hitters out on a regular basis in his 129.2 innings.

NY Mets
Buddy Baumann, after being signed by the Padres in free agency the lefty has had problems staying healthy. He flashed his talent in ’17 briefly at the major league level and will surely earn at least a minor league deal to reprise that level.

Once again Christian Colon will be a free agent.

NY Yankees
Rey Navarro a middle infielder acquired for Carlos Rosa in 2010 has seen 10 games in the majors with the Baltimore Orioles back in 2015, but struggled this past year in the Yankees system.

St. Louis Cardinals
People aren’t likely to remember Edward Mujica‘s brief stint in Omaha prior to his season with Detroit and this past year with the Cardinals.

San Diego Padres
Very few Royals fans will forget the baserunning of Dusty Coleman during his brief appearance with the team in ’15. Luckily for him, he got a chance to amend that in ’17 with a 27 game stint for the Padres. Going into his 32-year-old season could make it difficult to catch on with a club as the game turns younger and younger.

Infielder Diego Goris, a former Idaho Falls Chukar in ’11 will also become a minor league free agent.

San Francisco Giants
Former million dollar international signee Orlando Calixte is a minor league free agent after 29 games in the majors with the Giants in 2017. The infielder continues to have solid power and limited on-base skills.

Seattle Mariners
A year after being acquired in a trade with the M’s, Ashton Goudeau is a free agent.

Tampa Bay Rays
Mike Broadway was on the cusp of making the major league roster out of spring training last season.

Washington Nationals
The former mayor of Omaha, Irving Falu will turn 36 years old this year after another season in the minor leagues.

Intriguing Free Agents to Possibly Add
Mason Melotakis, an oft-injured lefty that can run a fastball into the low-90s next to his slider. The results in the minors have been decent when he’s managed to stay on the mound. A couple other names to watch have links to the Astros farm system with former pick Asher Wojciechowski, a starter who worked with the White Sox last year. Working mostly in the low 90s, Asher has a good slider that major league hitters have struggled against in limited competition who might have a role in the pen if not help out in a spot start duty while working mostly with Triple-A Omaha to add depth. The second name that could intrigue is Matt Ramsey, a relief pitcher who dominated with Fresno last season, allowing just a 1.13 WHIP in 33 appearances while striking out 54 in 47 innings. As is the case with Melotakis, this right-hander has had trouble staying healthy at times but when on the mound he’s been dominant and could be a pitcher the Royals want to give a preferred minor league deal with a peak at a spot in spring training.

Most of these players are looking at the twilight of their careers but there are always a couple of gems to find and the Royals have done a decent job of unearthing a few in the past. Here’s hoping they can do the same once again.

Featured Photo Irving Falu via Minda Haas Kuhlmann

The news on Ashe Russell stepping away from the game came out via the KC Star on Friday from Rustin Dodd. On Saturday Russell’s agent made a brief statement via Ken Rosenthal to reiterate that it wasn’t a retirement and just a stepping away to clear his head. In my opinion, if Ashe believes this is the best move for him then it probably is as he’s not going to get back to the prospect that made him a first-round prospect without full commitment.

HR Roll Call Ryan O’Hearn (14), Raul Mondesi (11), Alfredo Escalera (4), Reed Rohlman (1), Nick Hutchins (1), Nick Pratto (1), Randor Vargas (1)

BPKC Hitter of the Day Michael Gigliotti 3-5 2R, 2b, BB, 3 SB

BPKC Pitcher of the Day Pedro Fernandez 4 IP 0 H 0 R 0 ER 0 BB 5 K 6-2 GO-FO 49p/35k

Omaha Storm Chasers 5 Iowa Cubs 1

The Royals shortstop prospect Raul Mondesi had played 135 games between Triple-A and the bigs, hitting 12 home runs in that time but all 12 had come with no one on. Those days are behind him apparently as Mondesi hit a grand slam for the second night in a row, this one off former Royals prospect Aaron Brooks. First base prospect Ryan O’Hearn hit his 14th home run of the year to tack on an insurance run in the ninth.

Boxscore Link

Raul Mondesi 1-4 HR, 4 RBI
Ryan O’Hearn 1-4 HR, 2K
Eric Skoglund 4.2 IP 2 H 1 R 1 ER 5 BB 5 K 6-2 GO-FO 98p/52k
Brian Flynn 3 IP 2 H 0 R 0 ER 0 BB 2 K 2-2 GO-FO 41p/28k

NW Arkansas Naturals 5 San Antonio Missions 3

Naturals reliever Pedro Fernandez was outstanding in this one when forced to relieve Goudeau early. Working four perfect innings with five strikeouts while blistering the zone with 35 strikes on 49 pitches Fernandez lowered his ERA to 2.70 on the season. The righty came into today with a career-high 53% groundball rate on top of his 23% K-rate and should be considered a possibility for a role in the Royals bullpen within a year or so. Outfielder Alfredo Escalera’s three-run home run off former Royals pitching prospect Aroni Nina was the key hit in this one.

Boxscore Link

Alfredo Escalera 1-3 HR, 3 RBI, BB
Anderson Miller 2-4 R
Samir Duenez 0-5
Andrew Edwards 3 IP 1 H 1 R 1 ER 1 BB 2 K 43/25k 6-0 GO-FO

Potomac Nationals 4 Wilmington Blue Rocks 1

The two sluggers at Wilmington do things in a much different way which makes their path an interesting one to compare going forward. The Royals minor league leader in home runs, Chris DeVito came into the High-A game with a sub 7% walk rate and sub 19% K-rate with around a 20% line drive rate with Wilmington. This is a different approach to what Chase Vallot employs, the catching prospect at High-A has hit at just 15.9% linedrive rate with a 59.1% flyball rate. That extreme flyball rate leads the Carolina league and has led to 11 home runs when mixed with his 14% HR/FB record. Unfortunately, Vallot’s extreme 36% K-rate has led to his overall numbers suffering so far this season but at two years DeVito’s junior one can still continue to dream on Vallot.

That age combined with the premium defensive position makes Vallot a higher profile prospect obviously but his inability to make contact at a decent rate shakes things up.

Boxscore Link

Vallot 0-3 2K
DeVito 0-3
D.J. Burt 1-4 2b, RBI

Greenville Drive 6 Lexington Legends 0

Just turned 19-year-old Khalil Lee entered the night in a tie for 3rd in home runs in the South Atlantic League while also tied for first in walks accumulated. The major focus of his game in the second half should be working on contact (32% K-rate) and becoming a better baserunner. The Legends started the day in 1st or 2nd in most offensive categories in the league but the Drive held them to just three hits.

Boxscore Link

Khalil Lee 0-1 K, HBP, 2BB, CS (15)
Emmanuel Rivera 0-4
Gabe Cancel 0-4 E (13)
Meibrys Viloria 2-3 1-3 CS/Attempts

Orem Owlz 12 Idaho Falls Chukars 1

The Angels rookie squad has beaten Idaho Falls by four or more runs in four of their five games this season after this lopsided affair.

Boxscore Link

Burlington Royals 7 Danville Braves 3

Reliever Tyler Zuber is getting plenty of strikeouts (40%) but needs to attack the bottom of the zone better than he did on Saturday. Still, you want domination out of a reliever and he’s showing he can get over on younger hitters.

Boxscore Link

Michael Gigliotti 3-5 2R, 2b, 3 SB
Tyler Zuber 2 IP 2 H 1 R 1 ER 2 BB 4 K 47p/29k 2-0 GO-FO
Cal Jones 2-6 2R, 2b, RBI, 2K
Jeison Guzman 1-6 3K

AZL Padres 6 AZL Royals 3

Royals 1st round pick Nick Pratto hit his first professional home run to tie the game in the eighth after connecting on a sacrifice fly earlier in the game. Stud 18-year-old Dominican prospect Esteury Ruiz walked, stole a pair of bases and scored in the first inning.

Boxscore Link

Nick Pratto
Esteury Ruiz 0-2 R, BB, 2 SB (4)
Nolan Watson 3 IP 1 H 0 R 1 K

DSL Marlins 8 DSL Royals 7

A pair of 17-year-olds worked in this one with lefty Braulio Nunez making his third DSL appearance, working two scoreless innings. Another 17 years old, Victor Medina gave up three runs (1 ER) to start this one. The Marlins walked the game off with a one-out walk followed by a pair of singles off Royals reliever Kelvin De Los Santos.

Boxscore Link

Reynin Reynoso 2-5 R, RBI
Braulio Nunez 2 IP 3 H 0 R 0 BB 0 K
Rafael Romero 1-3 R, BB

HR Roll Call: Jorge Bonifacio (12), Frank Schwindel (12), Alfredo Escalera (2), Brandon Dulin (3), Gabriel Cancel (1)

BP KC Hitter of the Day – Ryan O’Hearn 3-5, 2R, 3-2b

BP KC Pitcher of the Day Yender Caramo 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 1-2 GO-FO, 26p/15k 

Nashville Sounds 9 Omaha Storm Chasers 4 

A big sixth inning answer to the Chasers cutting a two-run deficit in half helped put a game out of reach for Nashville. Christian Binford and Joe Beimel gave up a combined nine runs with three of Binford’s coming in that sixth inning with Beimel on the hill. Binford had loaded the bases with no outs in the inning when Brian Poldberg turned to the veteran lefty. Beimel would have little in terms of answers, allowing all three to come in and another that he put on. Things wouldn’t get much better in the seventh for Beimel after a pair of doubles and a home run plated three runs and pushed the Nashville lead to 9-3 and the eventual win. Outfielder Jorge Bonifacio hit his first home run on the road, a two run shot that temporarily trimmed the deficit to three in the seventh.

Boxscore Link

Hunter Dozier 2-4, 2R, 2b
Jorge Bonifacio 1-4, HR, 2 RBI
Brett Eibner 0-4, 4 K

NW Arkansas Naturals 8 Tulsa Drillers 3

The day after getting shutout, the Naturals busted out the bats to split a series in Tulsa. Every NW Arkansas hitter had at least one hit on the day, while the entire lineup either scored or drove in a run in a complete effort. Ryan O’Hearn, playing left field, had three doubles and scored a pair of runs, while first baseman Frank Schwindel hit his third home run in as many games. All told, the Naturals punched out 17 hits plated a run in each of the final four innings to break open what was a 4-3 lead. Starter Pedro Fernandez didn’t fair quite so well, completing just 3.1 innings before lefty Tim Hill and the rest of the Naturals bullpen bailed him out. The four relievers pitched the final 5.2 innings with just one hit allowed while striking out six Tulsa hitters.

Boxscore Link

Corey Toups 1-4, RBI, SB (11)
Logan Moon 2-5, RBI, 2b
Frank Schwindel 2-5, HR, 2b, 2 RBI

Winston-Salem Dash 5 Wilmington Blue Rocks 1

Hard-throwing Josh Staumont was his usual erratic self Sunday as he had plenty of trouble locating his fastball over a 98 pitch effort. Striking out seven during that time, Staumont seemed to locate his curveball with decent ability but missed glove-side with the fastball with regularity while uncorking two wild pitches, as he hit the zone 57 times while on the hill. It took the Dash five innings to get to Staumont, using an error by leftfielder Cody Jones and a three singles to plate two runs in the inning. The Rocks offense got a solo home run from Alfredo Escalera in his first at-bat following a few missed games from a hamstring strain but didn’t get much going following that. The Dash offense scored three more off reliever Kyle Kubat to drop the Rocks to 1-3 in the second half.

Give @WAdam_McInturff a follow

Boxscore Link

Raul Mondesi 1-4
Alfredo Escalera 1-4, HR
Josh Staumont 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 K, 3-6 GO-FO, 98p/57k

Hagerstown Suns 12 Lexington Legends 9

A Hagerstown come from behind win completed the sweep of the Legends at home. Lexington scored four in the first and had an answer for a couple of the Suns comeback efforts but a big ninth off reliever Nik Stephenson was too much to answer. First baseman Brandon Dulin clubbed a three-run home run in the first that helped build that 4-0 lead. Starter Gerson Garabito labored through 3.2 innings, running his pitch count up to 70 with long at bats while striking out seven and walking four in a game that featured 19 walks between the two teams. Hagerstown took a 6-5 lead in the seventh with three runs, but the Legends quickly answered with three when Mariano Rivera’s control wandered and he was unable to record an out while allowing three walks and a hit. The lead stayed static at two runs until the ninth when reliever Nik Stephenson couldn’t close things out, allowing five runs on top of the run he allowed in the eighth to dig the Legends into a three run hole they couldn’t escape.

Boxscore Link

Gerson Garabito 3.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 K, 1-1 GO-FO, 70p/37k
Anderson Miller 2-4, 2R, BB
Brandon Dulin 1-3, HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB

Idaho Falls Chukars 18 Grand Junction Rockies 7

An Idaho Falls offensive explosion in Grand Junction lead to an easy win in the third game of the series. All nine hitters had at least one hit with all but one getting at least two as the team punched out 23 hits in 51 including 10 doubles. The 23 hits helped them towards 18 runs that gave Alex Luna a victory after his 5.2 innings of two-run ball with nine strikeouts.

Boxscore Link

Luke Willis 4-6, 2R, 3 RBI, 2 SB
Meibrys Viloria 3-6, 3R, 2-2b, 2 RBI
Ricky Aracena 2-6, R, 2-2b, RBI

Bluefield Blue Jays 4 Burlington Royals 3

A lineup with plenty of college hitters isn’t producing much at the rookie ball level as the Royals dropped their third game in four tries. Nine strikeouts against eight hits and no walks littered the lineup that was given ample opportunities to score with four Jays errors on the day. 19 year old Gabriel Cancel drove in a pair with a single in the third and added a solo home run in the eighth to draw Burlington to within a run in the game. They couldn’t even the score in the ninth, popping out with a runner in scoring position and two down. Starter Ofreidy Gomez worked 5.2 innings with six hits and a pair of runs allowed before handing things to Alex Massey who gave up a pair of solo home runs to take the loss.

Boxscore Link

Chris DeVito 1-4, 2b
Gabriel Cancel 2-4, HR, 2 RBI
Nick Lopez 1-4

AZL Angels 6 AZL Royals 1

Kansas City native Cole Duensing worked a perfect first inning in his minor league debut, striking out two in the process. Royals starter Jorge Rodriguez couldn’t match that effort giving up three runs in two innings while Sam Selman gave up a pair in his second rehab appearance. Following Duensing the Angels used Double-A pitcher Blayne Weller who proved too much for the young Royals lineup, striking out 10 over seven innings to help the Angels cruise to a victory.

Boxscore Link

Gustavo Tejeda 2 IP 0 H 0 R 0 BB 3 K – former position player
Cal Jones 1-4 R
Seuly Matias 1-4 2b, RBI, OF assist, E (2)

HR Roll Call Angel Franco (1), Ryan O’Hearn (14), Nick Heath (1), Angel Medina (2), Dennicher Carrasco (2)

BP KC Hitter of the Day – Dennicher Carrasco – 4-6, 3R, 2b, HR, 4 RBI

BP KC Pitcher of the Day – Pedro Fernandez – 7.2 IP, 4 H,, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, HBP, 5 K, 8-4 GO-FO, 87p/56k

Pitcher Emilio Ogando spun one perfect inning during the South Atlantic League All-Star Game with one strikeout on 11 pitches.

Infielder Humberto Arteaga grounded out twice in his two Carolina vs California League All-Star Game appearance.

New Orleans Zephyrs 6 Omaha Storm Chasers 5

The Chasers trailed much of the night in the opener of their series against New Orleans but threatened in the ninth before coming just feet short of tying the game. The Zephyrs knocked around Omaha’s starter John Lannan for five runs to put Omaha into a 5-3 hole. An Angel Franco home run in the seventh cut the two-run deficit in half, before a New Orleans insurance run off reliever Malcom Culver made it 6-4. Omaha threatened in the bottom of the ninth, loading the bases and getting a two out single from Ramon Torres to score Balbino Fuenmayor, but a throw from Destin Hood to the plate cut down Irving Falu to end the game.

Boxscore Link

Ramon Torres 1-5, RBI
Balbino Fuenmayor 3-4, R, 2b, RBI
Angel Franco 2-4, 2R, 2b, HR, BB, 2 RBI

NW Arkansas Naturals 9 Arkansas Travelers 2

The Naturals broke a five game losing streak Tuesday with an outstanding starting pitching performance combined with plenty of offense. Starter Pedro Fernandez, who had not went further than 3.2 innings previously, gave NW Arkansas 7.2 innings of two-run ball to earn the win. The Dominican righty gave up a solo home run to Caleb Adams to start the game and an RBI double to Adams in the third, but around those two hits allowed just two more in his time in the mound. Attacking the zone with a three pitch mix, Fernandez kept the ball on the ground with eight groundouts. The Naturals offense backed up Fernandez with a 13 hit, four walk performance that allowed them to plate nine runs. Sam Houston teammates Corey Toups and Ryan O’Hearn continued their solid seasons with Toups scoring three runs on a pair of hits and walk, while O’Hearn hit his 14th home run of the season.

Boxscore Link

Alex Gordon 1-5, RBI
Ryan O’Hearn 1-4, HR, BB
Corey Toups 2-4, 3R, 2b, BB, 2 RBI

Orem Owlz 7 Idaho Falls Chukars 4 

Angels 1st round pick Matt Thaiss was a little too much for Chukars pitching in game two of their series with Orem. The former Virginia bopper had a pair of doubles and a home run in his five at bats, scoring two runs and driving in four as part of the 7-4 win for Orem. The Owlz had 12 hits, with Thaiss and 8th round pick Troy Montgomery accounting for six of them, while the two drove in five of the seven runs. A three-run home run by Thaiss in the ninth was the difference after Royals 16th round pick Nick Heath had tied the game with a solo home run in the 6th.

Boxscore Link

Manny Olloque 2-4, 2b, 2 RBI
Luke Willis 3-3, R, BB
Tanner Stanley 2-4, R, RBI, BB

AZL Royals 5 AZL Rangers 3

The Arizona squad won their opener thanks in part to a solid pitching effort of Jose Rodriguez. The 19 year old Dominican lefty worked one past the minimum in his five innings relief of Glenn Sparkman. Recording three strikeouts in that time, Rodriguez let the Royals early 3-2 lead stand up until they could tack on a pair of insurance runs in the sixth. In his return from Tommy John surgery, Sparkman gave up a two-run home run in the first, but the Royals quickly gave his squad the lead back with three runs in the bottom of the frame. 2016 draftee Robby Rinn helped pace the offense with two hits, an RBI, and a pair of runs scored.

Boxscore Link

Seuly Matias 1-3, R, BB, SB
Khalil Lee 1-4, R, SB
Jose Marquez 2-3, RBI

DSL Royals 12 DSL Rays 6

A big offensive day for the DSL Royals as the club pounded out 16 hits and 12 runs. Five different Royals had multi-hit games including Dennicher Carrasco and Angel Medina who each drove in four while hitting home runs.

Boxscore Link

Angel Medina 2-5, 3R, HR, 4 RBI
Esteury Ruiz 2-5, 2R, 2b, BB
Darwin Feliz 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

HR Roll Call None 

BP KC Hitter of the Day – Bubba Starling 2-3 2-2b, BB, 2 R, RBI, SB (7)

BP KC Pitcher of the Day – Pedro Fernandez 7 IP 3 H 0 R 0 BB 8 K 91p/60k 3-6 GO-FO

The Royals moved Cheslor Cuthbert up to Kansas City with the injury to Mike Moustakas In addition, Hunter Dozier moved up to Omaha and Zane Evans came off the DL at Double-A.

Omaha Storm Chasers 5 Iowa Cubs 4

The Chasers two biggest name prospects had a couple big RBI hits to help their team take down the Cubs Saturday night. Newcomer Hunter Dozier provided a two run single in the 1st inning and later scored in the 8th for an insurance run that proved to be the difference maker. Along with Dozier, outfielder Jorge Bonifacio provided a key bloop double down the right-field and later scored on one of Jose Martinez’s four hits. Starter Luke Farrell did his job, working five and one-third innings while allowing just one run and striking out seven but missing out on gaining the win. Reliever Peter Moylan loaded the bases with a hit by pitch just a few days after giving up a HBP that allowed Memphis to win in walkoff fashion. The former major league reliever steadied the ship and got the final groundout to hang onto the win for the Chasers who have the best record in the PCL currently.

Boxscore Link

Hunter Dozier 1-3 R, BB, 2 RBI
Jorge Bonifacio 1-3 2b, 2R, RBI, BB
Jose Martinez 4-4 RBI

NW Arkansas Naturals 3 Arkansas Travelers 0

Perhaps it is pitching coach Steve Luebber that is the key to Christian Binford’s success as the right-hander has suddenly found his groove again after a difficult ’15 campaign. It should be considered no coincidence that Luebber’s first season with the Naturals has resulted in Binford finding his former self as he threw his third consecutive seven inning start with this one being even slightly better than the past two. It was a season high seven and one-third shutout innings for Binford with a season high eight strikeouts, working around five hits and a pair of walks. The Naturals lineup was lessened a tad with the loss of Hunter Dozier to Omaha but one of the most talented players, Bubba Starling provided enough offense with a pair of doubles and runs scored in the Naturals fifth consecutive road win.

Boxscore Link

Ryan O’Hearn 1-4 2 K
Christian Binford 7.1 IP 5 H 0 R 2 BB 8 K 5-3 GO-FO 87p/60k
Mauricia Ramos 2-4 RBI hitting .330 w/ 4 consecutive multi-hit games

Game 1
Myrtle Beach Pelicans 4 Wilmington Blue Rocks 0

The debut of Kyle Zimmer didn’t go all that badly as the right-handed starter got in 52 pitches, showed solid velocity while striking out five hitters in 1.2 innings. He tired and missed the zone late but showed the pitches he needs to be successful, now the real test which is the recovery period before his next start. The Rocks Zach Lovvorn followed Zimmer, giving up four runs in 4.2 innings to take the loss when the offense couldn’t push a run across in the seven inning shortened game.

Boxscore Link

Alfredo Escalera 1-3
Kyle Zimmer 1.2 IP 2 H 0 R 2 BB 5 K 52/31k
Corey Toups 1-3

Game 2
Wilmington Blue Rocks 2 Myrtle Beach Pelicans 0

In game two, Wilmington starter Pedro Fernandez put together likely his most impressive start in his career. Working through four perfect innings Fernandez dominated Pelican hitters for a shortened complete game while allowing just 3 hits. The Latin hurlers control has been much better this season culminating in a zero walk performance on the night while striking out eight hitters on the evening and showing resiliency after his worst start of the season. The offense rewarded Pedro with a victory with a Wander Franco RBI double in the first inning and a Robert Pehl run scoring double in the 4th.

Boxscore Link

Brandon Downes 2-3 2b, R
Wander Franco 2-3 2b, RBI
Corey Toups 1-3 R

Greensboro Grasshoppers 9 Lexington Legends 3

The struggles continued for Nolan Watson with a first inning grand slam and another run allowed in the 2nd as he gave up five runs in 4 innings of work The first rounder’s ERA continues to hover around the 11 with over a 2 WHIP and not enough strikeouts to make a dent. The early deficit was enough to win the game but Greenville wasn’t done there, adding a three run 6th inning and another run in the 8th. The offense didn’t put up much of a fight with four hits and no walks on the evening.

Boxscore Link

Nolan Watson 4 IP 4 H 5 ER 3 BB 2 K
Cody Jones 1-4 2b, 2 RBI
Ben Johnson 1-3

HR Roll Call Cheslor Cuthbert (6), Hunter Dozier (7)

BP KC Hitter of the Day Hunter Dozier 2-4 Hr (7), 2b (8), R, 2 RBI, BB

BP KC Pitcher of the Day Brian Flynn 5 IP 4 H 0 R 1 BB 6 K 5-1 GO-FO 66 P/40 K

Ryan O’Hearn – Credit Jake Rose Photography

The Royals have promoted Ryan O’Hearn to AA NW Arkansas following an impressive start in which he hit .352/.408/.670 in 22 games with Wilmington. The 15 home runs in 68 games for O’Hearn at High-A is only bested by Matt Field’s 17 in 67 games for the Rocks back in 2012.

Omaha Storm Chasers 4 Memphis Cardinals 3

The Chasers used a familiar formula of getting timely hits and quality pitching in winning the first of a four game series at Memphis. The most timely hit of the evening was that of Cheslor Cuthbert’s third inning three-run home run off former teammate JC Sulbaran. Those three runs gave starter Brian Flynn plenty to work with as the lefty spun five innings of shutout ball in his first start as a member of the Royals organization. Having allowed just four hits and a walk, Flynn used six strikeouts and a Jorge Bonifacio assist at home to peg Carlos Peguero to turn things over to the bullpen. That pen did just enough, working the final four innings while allowing three runs and taking advantage of an insurance run provided by Balbino Fuenmayor in the sixth to earn the win.

Boxscore Link

Cheslor Cuthbert 1-4 HR (6), 3 RBI
Jorge Bonifacio 1-3 2b, R
Jose Martinez 2-4 2b, R

NW Arkansas Naturals 9 Tulsa Drillers 3

Christian Binford gave the Naturals another quality start in the series finale against Tulsa on Monday. Much like his last start, Binford struggled in the first inning, giving up a pair of runs on three singles and a wild pitch but found his groove to keep his club in the game. Following the run scoring single Binford allowed in the 1st, just a controversial solo home run in the third to Drew Maggi the rest of the way dented his line. The ball appeared to have bounced off the fence and Hunter Dozier’s glove prior to heading over the fence, but manager Vance Wilson argued with umps about that case to no avail. The home run was the only blemish the Naturals starting pitcher had over the last six innings of his outing, retiring 20 of the final 21 hitters he faced on the day. Staying close is what the Naturals offense needed as it took them until the 9th inning to explode for seven runs to capture the lead and the eventual series sweep. Two big hits by Hunter Dozier, a leadoff solo home run and an RBI double, were sandwiched around five other hits and three Tulsa errors to lead to the seven run inning and eventual 9-3 win.

Boxscore Link

Christian Binford 7 IP 4 H 3 R 2 ER 0 BB 3 K 7-6 GO-FO 89 P 65 K
Ramon Torres 1-4 2b, RBI, R, BB reached base in 14 consecutive games
Bubba Starling 1-4 HBP, 2R, SB (6)

Frederick Keys 11 Wilmington Blue Rocks 2

With Ryan O’Hearn no longer in town, Pedro Fernandez picked the wrong day to have his worst start of the year. The right-handed starter struggled controlling his secondary pitches which led to Frederick sitting on the fastball and connecting as the innings drug on. Coming into the game with just a 1.20 ERA and over a K per inning, Fernandez was unable to earn a strikeout while allowing five earned runs in just 4.1 innings of work. Bullpen mate Derek Gordon didn’t fare much better, giving up five runs in his 1.2 innings and the offense continued their struggles in dropping the team’s tenth game in a row. First baseman Josh Banuelos was promoted from Lexington to take O’Hearn’s roster spot.

Boxscore Link

Brandon Downes 1-4 2b, RBI
Wander Franco 2-4 R
Corey Toups 1-3 3b, R, BB

Hickory Crawdads 8 Lexington Legends 4

The Royals moved Emilio Ogando into the rotation and Julio Pinto out for the Legends Monday but received similar results dropping the series finale against Hickory. The left-handed Ogando yielded 10 hits and a pair of walks in just 4.2 innings of work while using seven strikeouts to limit the damage the best he could but ultimately giving up six runs (5 ER) in his time on the hill. The Legends offense kept pace for three innings thanks to an RBI double and run scored by Chase Vallot but some questionable base running by Marten Gasparini killed a 7th inning rally and ended the Legends hopes of a comeback. In that 7th the Legends down two runs, 6-4 had placed Gasparini and Samir Duenez on base with a pair of two out singles, the powerful Vallot at the dish with a shot at tying or taking the lead with a home run watched as Gasparini unfathomably attempted to steal third and was caught for the third out in the inning. The home squad would quickly end any other chance at a Legends comeback with an insurance run in the bottom of the inning and another in the 8th while Lexington went six up and six down to complete the game.

The Royals moved former Michigan shortstop and third baseman Travis Maezes to Lexington to start the month. He appeared in the game at third base following Gasparini’s attempted steal in the 7th inning.

Boxscore Link

Marten Gasparini 2-3 BB, R
Chase Vallot 2-4 2b, R, RBI
DJ Burt 2-4 3 SB, 2 R hitting .242 w/ 13 BB – 15 SO

HR Roll Call Marten Gasparini (2), Cody Jones (1)

BP KC Hitter of the Day – Marten Gasparini 2-5 HR, 2b, 3 RBI

BP KC Pitcher of the Day – Pedro Fernandez 7 IP 4 H 0 R 2 BB 7 K 8-1 GO-FO

Omaha Storm Chasers 6 Colorado Springs Sky Sox 5 F/10

The Chasers bullpen gave five innings out of shutout relief to stabilize things after starter Luke Farrell struggled early to help Omaha to a comeback win. The long ball did Farrell in, giving up a three run home run to Eric Young in the 2nd inning and a two run shot by Keon Broxton in the 4th to account for all five runs off Farrell in his five innings. With the bullpen holding things down, the Chasers dug into a 5-2 deficit with RBI doubles from Clint Barmes in the 4th and Whit Merrifield two innings later. The Chasers tied things with a sac fly in the 8th prior to walking the game off on a Reymond Fuentes single that scored Dusty Coleman.

Boxscore Link

Whit Merrifield 3-5 2-2b, R, RBI, 2 SB (15) in just 18 games
Reymond Fuentes 2-3 2 R, RBI, 3 BB
Malcom Culver 2 IP 1 H 0 R 3 K

Tulsa Drillers 8 NW Arkansas Naturals 6

A five-run 9th inning did in the Naturals Sunday versus Tulsa. The Drillers avoided a four-game sweep by NW Arkansas when they pieced together three singles, a pair of walks and a double to put up a five spot on the relief combo of Eric Stout and Benino Pruneda to build and 8-4 lead into the bottom of the 9th. In that 9th, the home squad would score a pair on a Mauricio Ramos while placing the tying runs at 2nd and 3rd but Frank Schwindel would strikeout to end the game. Former 1st round pick Bubba Starling had a 3 hit day to improve his average to .250 on the season with a respectable .371 on base percentage. Starting pitcher Alec Mills was respectable with 6 innings and just 3 runs allowed but only mustered 2 strikeouts in the process.

Boxscore Link

Bubba Starling 3-4 2-2b, BB, 2 R, RBI hitting .250/.371/.519
Hunter Dozier 1-5 2b (6), 2 RBI
Alec Mills 6 IP 7 H 3 R 2 ER 0 BB 2 K 9 GO 4 FO

Potomac Nationals 3 Wilmington Blue Rocks 1 F/12

It took twelve innings Sunday but the result was same as the Nationals improved to 8-0 at Frawley field while finishing off the five-game sweep of the hometown Rocks. Wilmington starter Pedro Fernandez did all he could to give the Rocks a shot at getting off the schneid, giving his club a career high seven innings of shutout baseball with just four hits and a pair of walks allowed. The performance, which also featured seven strikeouts, lowered Pedro’s ERA to 1.21 through four starts. Both teams were scoreless until the 8th inning when they exchanged a pair of runs, the Rocks run coming courtesy of a Corey Toups RBI single. The game would stay knotted at one until the Nationals Andrew Stevenson doubled in one and later scored on a Jose Marmolejos single. The Rocks would go down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 12th to drop to 6-12 on the season.

Boxscore Link

Ryan O’Hearn 1-4 BB
Corey Toups 2-5 RBI
Evan Beal 3 IP 2 H 0 R 0 BB 5 K 0.90 ERA

Lexington Legends 11 West Virginia Power 10

An epic comeback in Lexington during the final game of the Legends home series with the Power. Trailing 10-1 after 5 innings the Legends finally awoke their bats in a six-run sixth the narrow the gap to 10-7. Amazingly only two players had hits in the inning, Amalani Fukofuka’s leadoff single started the inning and later he capped the scoring on his two run double. Besides that Cody Jones would add an RBI single and Lexington would draw six walks in the frame. With a little bit of momentum Lexington would close the deal by tying it up in the 8th with a Jones solo home run and Marten Gasparini two run double, his second extra base hit of the day. An inning later in the 9th the Legends would move Ben Johnson to 3rd after a leadoff double, the perfect spot for him to score the “run”off win when Eric Karch would uncork a wildpitch to give the home fans something to cheer about.

Boxscore Link

Amalani Fukofuka 3-4 2b, R, 2 RBI, SB (5)
Cody Jones 2-4 2R, HR, 2 RBI
Jacob Bodner 1.1 IP 0 R 1 BB

Over the next two days, I’ll give you some names of prospects to keep an eye on for each of the four full-season teams. Today we’ll look at the Low-A Lexington Legends and the High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks, and tomorrow will be the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals and the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers.

The Royals’ 25-man roster should be fully set tomorrow, and when those final decisions are made, we’ll have a much better idea of which prospect will be playing at which level. Those minor-league affiliates haven’t officially announced their rosters, so what you’ll read below is only educated speculation. But, educated speculation is what the internet was made for. Let’s get to that list.

Lexington Legends

Ashe Russell (RHP): As the Royals’ top draft choice last summer, Russell comes with some question marks, but his fastball/slider combo is electric, and if he can get his changeup to become even an average offering, he has top-of-the-rotation potential.

Nolan Watson (RHP): The other prep arm from Indiana taken by the Royals in the first round of last year’s draft. He has a bit more polish than Russell, a bit less risk, and a bit lower ceiling. It should be fun to watch both guys develop next to each other.

Chase Vallot (C): He has power to spare, along with a good eye at the plate, but a long swing has limited his overall production thus far. Still only 19, he’s got time to work on that, as well as refine his defensive chops behind the dish.

Amalani Fukofuka (OF): You should be rooting for him to make it to the show, if only to hear Rex Hudler attempt to say this 20-year old’s name on live television. He also has some impact potential if his power continues to blossom.

Marten Gasparini (SS): Only 18 years old, Gasparini has some developing to do. But the speed, arm, and patience are enough to see why the Royals handed him the largest bonus ever for a European prospect.

Josh Staumont (RHP): He throws the baseball really, really hard, and sometimes has no idea where it’s going. If that’s not a must-watch player, I don’t know what is.

Wilmington Blue Rocks

Scott Blewett (RHP): A second-round pick in 2014, Blewett is a big, strong righty with an intriguing fastball/curveball combination. The name may not be ideal for a pitcher, but he’s got huge upside.

Pedro Fernandez (RHP): I was really impressed by Fernandez at Spring Training last year, particularly with such a big fastball coming from a 6’0″ frame. Short dudes with fire are always fun. He got knocked around a bit in his first taste of the Carolina League, but I’m expecting a much better showing this time around.

Foster Griffin (LHP): At only 20 years old, Griffin has an advanced feel for his changeup, as well as a lively fastball despite less-than-overwhelming velocity. He struggled in Lexington last year, but this could be a chance to take a leap forward.

Alfredo Escalera (OF): The youngest player ever drafted (at the time), he has plenty of athleticism, as well as the potential to be a regular in the outfield, and a regular on the Good Name All-Stars. He’ll need to tone down his aggressiveness at the plate as he repeats a trip through High-A.

Elier Hernandez (OF): Once a big-time international signing, Hernandez has yet to develop quite like the Royals hoped. Luckily, he’s still only 21 years old, although other outfielders in the system have passed him by.

Anderson Miller (OF): Miller is toolsy, although still raw, partly due to spending some time on the mound in college. He has some potential pop from the left side, as well as above-average arm strength, suggesting a future in right field is plausible if he develops.

Eric Skoglund (LHP): He doesn’t have an overpowering arsenal, but the 6’7″ Skoglund gets good extension and controls his body well enough to repeat his delivery, allowing him to show solid command.

Photo credit: Bill Setliff