The Royals jumped into the pool mid-draft, joining in at Round 9. As a result, it was a crash course in understanding the constitution. I didn’t focus at all on WAR, I inherited some interesting picks and tried to build a traditional Strat roster with the results. I was a bit surprised to end up in the National League. Time will tell if I am good enough to compete.
Team strengths appear to be corner outfield and bullpen. I don’t see any glaring weaknesses, TBD if I misjudged. Team will definitely be worse next year, with a few guys bitten by the injury bug or slumps in 2024.
2024 Ancaster Royals
Lineup (pending trades) as follows:
C-Sally Perez and his 23 homers, backed up by Carson Kelly
1B-I waited likely a bit long and ended up with a Josh Bell/Alex Kiriloff duo
2B-Thairo Estrada/Pablo Reyes
SS-JP Crawford
3B-Jose Ramirez
LF-Alex Verdugo/Austin Slater
CF-Cedric Mullins
RF-Aaron Judge/Will Benson
DH-Harold Ramirez
Bench-Anthony Rendon/Alex Call
Rotation:
SP-Luis Castillo
SP-Zachary Eflin
SP-Michael Lorenzon
SP-Tyler Wells
SP-Tony Gonsolin
Andre Jackson/Drey Jameson/Keaton Winn fill out the innings for partial cards at bottom of the rotation.
Bullpen:
CL-Emmanuel Clase
RP-Kevin Ginkel
RP-Ryan Pressley
RP-Albert Alzolay
RP-Tyler Holton and his sick WHIP
RP-Scott McGough
Nate Pearson and Victor Gonzalez likely to see time only if usage becomes an issue.
Depth picks of Oswald Peraza and Everson Pereira hope to pan out long term.
Minors picks focused on starters given the unpredictability of the position. I was happy to nab Cade Cavalli coming back from TJ. David Festa is at top of Twins depth chart and Kyle Hurt has been lights out in 2024 as Dodgers #7 prospect.
Good luck to all.