Royals Rumblings - News for June 19, 2024
Kansas lawmakers make their move.
Matt Quatraro explains why Drew Waters was sent down.
“He’s going to work on his total game (in Triple-A),” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Waters. “He’s just like everybody as they all have room to improve. … We know his skills. It’s just a matter of getting consistent reps and performing consistently. But, offensively, he looked good and looked strong. He just needs to be able to recognize off-speed and use the whole field.”
Jaylon Thompson provides some injury updates, and writes Michael Wacha could return this weekend.
“Four innings and 48 pitches,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Wacha’s workload. “He threw another 18 pitches in the bullpen to get his workload up. Said he felt really good.”
Meanwhile, Royals second baseman Michael Massey began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha. He is set to get consistent at-bats in a designated-hitter role before progressing to on-field work. “We are going to start with hitting and see how that goes before we progress to the defense,” Quatraro said.
ESPN writers debate which shortstop they would build a team around, with Buster Olney choosing Bobby Witt Jr.
Why he’s the shortstop to build around: Your ideal shortstop would check every box — someone who excels at defense, someone who gets on base at a high level, someone who hits for power, someone who runs well, someone with the kind of athleticism that will allow him to age well and not become too big for the position. This is Bobby Witt Jr., who has excellent defensive metrics, who is on track to rack up more than 200 hits and 130 runs, more than 80 extra-base hits and close to 50 stolen bases. He plays with an ease that you often see in sons of former MLB players; his comfort zone is anywhere on a baseball field, in the most pivotal moments.
Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter writes about Brady Singer’s repertoire.
Two things have been interesting about Singer in June, though. First, it’s not a control problem. He still has a 3.00 K/BB ratio, and his xFIP of 4.23 isn’t all that far off from his March/April one (3.51). Second, he’s utilizing his four-seamer much more, which contrasts the message from Royals fans that Singer is struggling because he’s only throwing two pitches....
Singer’s sinker has decreased by 10.9%, and his four-seamer has increased by nine percent. In his last start, against the Dodgers of all teams, he threw his four-seamer 18.9% of the time.
The Kansas Legislature approves legislation that would allow the state to offer STAR bonds to finance stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals.
The Royals and Chiefs released a statement.
“We’re grateful to the Kansas Legislature for today’s bipartisan action that gives the state a pragmatic tool in which to achieve its economic development goals,” the Royals said in a statement Tuesday. “The Kansas City Royals look forward to additional conversations as we evaluate where we will play baseball in the future. We will always prioritize the best interests of our fans, associates and taxpayers in this process.”
“We appreciate that leaders in the State of Kansas proactively reached out to us for input on the proposed STAR Bond legislation,” the Chiefs’ statement said. “We support their efforts to expand the existing program and congratulate them on passing the legislation in special session. We look forward to exploring the options this legislation may provide.”
The Omaha Storm Chasers clinched the first-half division title.
Jacob Milham at Kings of Kauffman wonders if the Royals could pursue Luis Robert Jr.
Royals Weekly profiles pitching prospect Ben Kudrna.
David Lesky takes an exhaustive look at potential trade targets for the Royals.
Baseball legend Willie Mays dies at the age of 93.
X-rays are negative for Aaron Judge after he is hit on the hand.
Houston’s Justin Verlander lands on the Injured List.
Can the Dodgers withstand their key injuries?
How are the Mariners so good in one-run games?
Has Grimace turned the Mets season around?
Who will the Guardians select with the #1 pick in the draft?
Triple-A will use the automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system as opposed to full ABS.
Will the Carolina Panthers threaten relocation if they don’t get taxpayer-funded stadium renovations?
Caitlin Clark’s matchup against Angel Reese drew 3 million viewers, the most for the WNBA in 23 years.
Nvidia surpasses Microsoft to become the most valuable public company in the world.
A mysterious monolith appears near Las Vegas and no one knows why.
Matt Bomer and Nathan Lane will star in a re-imagining of Golden Girls.
Your song of the day is The Clash with Should I Stay or Should I Go.