How does JJ see his first draft pick make it to the majors?

Where are we? We are witnessing exhibit A on why when the decision is made to change leadership and and go in a new direction, you need to completely change the front office. I’ve heard people mention a "new regime", or a "new GM" over the past few months. Reality is…..it kinda/sorta is…and only kinda sorta. JJ has been the general manager since September 2021 now. His record is 83-146 during that time. This isn’t a new regime, but a new "in theory" way of running a team. Does this mean this is all JJ’s fault? No. Does it mean it is some of JJ’s fault? Yes. The Royals have muddied the lines so much with this half foot in half foot out approach that people are calling for JJ’s job 1/2 through his first season completely running the team. Are they wrong? No….but maybe yes. We can’t even answer that question fully. I’ve heard it needs time. It does….but also isn’t 15 years in the same organization long enough? My point is JJ may be the man for the job, but he is also going to run out of time through no fault of his own. For instance, would fans be clamoring about the GM right now with a "real" new GM running the team? No, of course not. This may not be JJ’s fault, but fans need someone to blame when it goes this bad. Sherman has put JJ in a bad spot.

So here we are. We can’t change the past. Now the question becomes "Will JJ make it to see one of his draft picks make it to the Majors?" I’d put it at 50/50 right now. Before you scoff, think about it. It take 3-4 years for a draft pick to climb the ranks and make it to the show. If this team loses 105 games this year which at this point might be generous, even if they improve 10 games next year they are now at 95 loses. We’ve heard the clamoring the last couple of weeks already about his job….do we expect that to go down if this plays out? If they improve 10 games the next year they are at 85 losses. That might play, but we also have to keep in mind Sherman wants a new stadium and they may need to show more results next year if he wants that on the ballet with any support.

So I ask again, how does JJ make this to year 3 where he has a realistic chance of seeing his draft picks make a difference? How on earth can the team support him enough that the pitch forks don’t come out before then? Here’s how:

1. Bobby Witt HAS to learn plate discipline. It literally has to happen. He is one tool away from being a star. He is still so young. It can happen. It has to happen for JJ to stay here long enough to see his own picks make a difference.

2. He has to be the only person left over from the "old regime". That seems harsh….but it’s not. It’s what should have happened this last offseason. I get you need time. He still has time. However, you can’t have a front office full of the leftover guys. It isn’t working. I don’t know how much more proof you need it isn’t working. Get new voices in. You need to be the only one…or one of just a handful of guys still in the front office after this offseason from the previous years.

3. I don’t want to hear about major league ready return on trades. I heard the interview on 810 yesterday and it pained me to hear him say that. Somehow, someway, you need to get higher upside guys even if they are in A ball.

4. You need to have 4 top 100 prospects in the minors by end of next season. Trades, drafting, doesn’t matter how. If you lose 90-95 games next year people will be at the gates. You can sell future when you have top 100 prospects. You can’t sell future right now except for maybe Vinnie and Bobby.

5. Ask Sherman for some help. You aren’t going to survive 3-4 years without it. You know Sherman wants a new ballpark. I don’t know how you get competent players to the Royals right now via FA. But if you have to overspend so be it.

These items are the only way I can see JJ make it 3-4 years into this thing. It’s the position he has been put in. It’s the position he has partially put himself in. We are not even half way through the first season. Why are we having this conversation already? We shouldn’t be, and that’s on Sherman. There is still time JJ. How do you use that time?