Royals Rumblings - News for April 18, 2024
The bats have cooled off.
Salvador Perez’s game-winning home run was a bright spot in a tough week for the offense:
Just three days after suffering a mild left groin strain Sunday against the Mets, Perez silenced any injury doubts by catching Game 1 and ending up the offensive hero Wednesday afternoon with his fifth homer of the season.
“Big-time player doing big-time things,” said Game 1 starter Brady Singer, who allowed two runs in five innings. “It’s incredible to watch him. I’ve been fortunate enough to play with him for a couple of years, just watching him every day is so much fun. Obviously he’s banged up, has something going on — he wants to play, he’s been trying to play since the injury. For him to go out there and do that, it’s incredible.
“... He’s a beast. He’s a warrior.”
Noted sports outlet Forbes says the Royals are hitting and pitching like contenders:
But maybe the pitching doesn’t need to be elite for the Royals to contend. Despite the pitcher-friendly nature of Kauffman Stadium, they could ultimately have an above average offense. They’re 1st in the AL with 87 runs scored, and the bulk of the damage has been done by a cadre of youngsters, led by face of the franchise Witt, 24, whose signing of a long-term, huge-money deal was covered in this space not long ago.
Pasquantino, 26, has locked down first base, MJ Melendez, 25, appears to be coming into his own in left field, while Maikel Garcia, 24, and Nelson Velazquez, 25, are holding down third base and DH while showing impressive batted ball metrics that offer hope for the future.
Craig Brown at Into the Fountains reflects on Whitey Herzog’s career:
The other two would have less of a direct impact, but nonetheless, it’s there. George Brett was the man when I was developing my fandom. I think that when you’re falling in love with a sport or a team, you also need a player to gravitate toward. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a superstar or Hall of Famer. There are plenty of people who are fans because of Bo Jackson. Or Mike Sweeney. Or Mike Moustakas. My god, probably Johnny Damon. I just so happened to come of age when number five manned the Hot Corner and that mattered.
The other person would be Whitey Herzog, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 92. The White Rat was the skipper of the Royals teams of my formative years, developing the competitive edge with speed and defense that came to define his career and would be known as Whiteyball.
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Tyler Wells is headed to the IL with elbow inflammation.
Former top prospect Forrest Whitley is being called up by the Houston Astros.
Yusei Kikuchi is introducing his Toronto teammates to fine Japanese whisky.
As Downtown St. Louis continues to struggle, the Cardinals are seeking public money to renovate Busch Stadium.
Trevor Bauer got lit up in his first outing in the vaunted Mexican League.
Florida’s Jac Caglianone hit a 516 ft (!?) home run.
Texas A&M is the new #1 in this week’s college baseball Top 25.
Inside Bill Belichick’s unsuccessful quest to find a job this offseason.
LeBron James and the Lakers will face the defending champion Denver Nuggets in the postseason after beating the New Orleans Pelicans in their play-in matchup.
The Golden State Warriors face an uncertain future following their play-in tournament defeat. ($)
Rory McIlroy is not, as reported, accepting a near-billion dollar deal to join LIV Golf.
Who exactly is the voluminous, free streaming service Tubi for?
Inside the industry responsible for keeping the world’s internet running.
An elephant roamed the streets of Butte after escaping the circus.
I really feel for Kevin Miles, the actor who is constantly being referred to by those he encounters as “Jake from State Farm.”
Your song of the day is You Make Me Feel... by Cobra Starship and Sabi.