Weekend Rumblings - News for July 27, 2024

The trade market is moving!

Sam McDowell writes how a meeting near the end of last year impacted the outlook for this year.

That was a component of Quatraro’s meeting — to ensure that didn’t happen — but with more narrow focus. At one point, he told the players that he anticipated they already had a growing list of things they would work to improve in the offseason.

“Do it now,” he said. “Don’t wait.”

But, and I’ll apologize, I’m burying the headline in this meeting, which came next:

“I remember telling guys, ‘Here’s what’s guaranteed: Bobby and Salvy will be on the team next year,’” Quatraro said. “Beyond that? We don’t know. So if you have ideas, start now.”

Blunt.

Truthful.

Purposeful: a message that the results were unacceptable, and they would prompt change.

Anne Rogers has an MJ Melendez update.

Melendez headed to Double-A on Thursday for his rehab assignment and went 0-for-3 with an RBI while playing all nine innings in left field (while getting no defensive opportunities throughout the game). It’s expected to be a short rehab assignment for Melendez, who could be reinstated sometime this weekend against the Cubs. Manager Matt Quatraro said pregame Friday that Melendez is scheduled to be in Northwest Arkansas for three days, but that could be shortened or extended based on how the outfielder feels.

David Lesky addresses the fans who think this team has little chance of advancing in the post-season.

Look, the odds are that those who say they won’t are right. In the end, 11 out of 12 playoff teams finish their season just by going home and not riding trucks, buses or whatever in a parade. And let me tell you, too, that 18 of 18 non-playoff teams have the same end to their season. But how many fans of teams like the Marlins or the White Sox or the Angels or the Giants or any team that doesn’t make it wouldn’t love to see two more games? Or six more games? Or whatever the number is? Of course they would! Every fan of every one of those teams wants to see more baseball, especially if that baseball can send their team to the next round. You know who else wants to be given that shot? The players. You know who else? The coaches? You know who else? The front office.

Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter thinks the bullpen needs more than just a new closer.

I get that the Royals bullpen situation has been particularly frustrating this year for Royals fans, especially with the club 56-47 and in the hunt for their first postseason berth since 2015, when they won the World Series. The Royals may be tempted to do “whatever it takes” to upgrade the bullpen by July 30th to take advantage of this playoff window.

On the other hand, there are many ways to improve a bullpen, and the Royals need to do a better job of honing their processes to strengthen their bullpen long-term. There are no “quick fixes” in baseball, especially when it comes to relief pitching.

Ben Clemens at Fangraphs ranks Bobby Witt Jr. as the second-most valuable player in baseball.

His contract isn’t quite as much of a tailwind as you’d expect given his age and the fact that it could theoretically extend through 2037. He has an opt out after each year from 2030 through 2033, and if he hits his median projections, he’d probably be able to make more money by doing so. That kind of contingent risk hurts a little. The future is wildly unknowable. The very best Witt outcomes probably mean this contract will end in 2030, though that’s still forever away and he could always sign a new deal with the Royals; he seems keen to stay in Kansas City. The worst result in him staying longer. I’d have Witt number one if he were on Rodríguez’s contract, but this one isn’t bad by any means. You’d love to have the guy who might be the best player in baseball for this long at these prices.

Royals games may be back on Comcast/Xfinity soon.

The Mariners get Zach Eflin from the Rays.

The Orioles send outfielder Austin Hays to the Phillies.

Boston acquires veteran pitcher James Paxton.

The Mets acquire reliever Ryne Stanek from the Mariners.

The Mets have discussed a reunion with outfielder Michael Conforto.

Mets pitcher Kodai Senga returns, but exits the game with an injury.

Is Blake Snell on the trade block?

What is it like to be a GM at the trade deadline?

Jordan Love’s new contract with the Packers will make him tied for the highest salary in the NFL.

Court filings from the NCAA detail how they plan to compensate athletes.

The good, bad, and weird from the Olympics Opening Ceremonies.

Why the United States has more tornadoes than any other country.

Michael Bay is bringing “Skibidi Toilet” to cinema.

Your song of the day is Fleetwood Mac with Everywhere.