Royals Rumblings - News for May 17, 2024

Salvy is playing A-OK!

Sam Blum of The Athletic writes about Salvador Perez’s resurgence.

With the Royals in the AL Central mix, while currently holding a wild-card spot, Perez’s decision to remain has paid off. He’ll probably retire a Royal. They’ll retire his number, and maybe even build him a statue.

And if he ever does go to Cooperstown, it’ll be with the only team he’s ever known.

“If you don’t think about making it to the Hall of Fame, what are you doing here?” Perez said. “Everybody wants to be in the Hall of Fame.”

So, does he believe he’s on that trajectory?

“One hundred percent,” Perez said. “Yes.”

David Lesky was impressed with Alec Marsh on Wednesday.

I found myself actually quite encouraged by Alec Marsh’s uneven outing yesterday. The Mariners offense isn’t especially good. They struggle to score runs and they strike out a lot. But that doesn’t mean that Marsh’s performance wasn’t something to appreciate. He ended up going just five innings but he allowed only two runs with one earned while he struck out seven and walked just one. He didn’t have it easy. He had six different at bats where he threw six or more pitches. And it would have been a seventh if not for picking off Julio Rodriguez on first base after he threw five pitches to Mitch Haniger without a decision.

R.J. Anderson at CBS Sports hands out first quarter grades.

Kansas City Royals: A

The secret to the Royals’ early-season success has been their play against bad teams. They’re 18-6 when faced with a losing club, and that performance has them on pace for 96 wins overall. Kansas City was hyperactive over the offseason, but we must admit that even with the upgrades we felt they’d fall somewhere around .500. Will they maintain this level heading forward? We’re skeptical. The lineup is shallow, and we expect some regression from Seth Lugo, Brady Singer, and Alec Marsh. Still, the Royals are well positioned to enjoy their first winning season since 2015.

Jim Callis at MLB.com has his latest mock draft.

6. Royals: Konnor Griffin, SS/OF, Jackson Prep, Flowood, Miss. (No. 9)

Griffin has the best all-around tools and the highest ceiling in the entire Draft, and he projects as a plus defender at shortstop or a Gold Glover in center field. There are some mixed opinions about his hitting ability, though his proponents think concerns are overblown. If the White Sox take Griffin, the Royals could turn to Smith or Burns.

Jaylon Thompson talks to Royals players about their first MLB home runs.

Zac Miller at Farm to Fountains is ready for Walter Pennington to get a chance.

The Angels acquire pitcher Roansy Contreras from the Pirates.

Oakland acquires pitcher Brandon Bielak from Houston.

Pitcher Eric Lauer opts out of his deal with the Pirates.

The White Sox acquire outfielder Corey Julks from the Astros.

The Rangers transfer Max Scherzer to the 60-day Injured List.

Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco is suspended 10 games for using a foreign substance.

Writers at CBS Sports discuss who is the best team in the AL Central.

The A’s bullpen has gone from worst to one of the best.

Is Giancarlo Stanton a future Hall of Famer?

The Yankees are expected to discuss a long-term deal with Juan Soto.

ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery will start a joint streaming service called Venu Sports.

An “epic fart” loosened up the Knicks before their Game 5 victory.

What are the most misunderstood emojis?

Does our accent really change from a short visit abroad?

Grand Theft Auto VI is launching in fall 2025.

Your song of the day is Toadies with “I Come From The Water”.