Royals Rumblings - News for August 18, 2024
The Royals need more yellow crayon bats!
The Royals dominated the Reds this weekend, writes Jaylon Thompson.
Outscoring the Reds 28-3 in this series, the Royals improved to 69-55 and climbed further up the American League Central standings.
“I think we did a good running the bases and I think we played solidly on defense,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “So, it was more or less well-rounded. You can’t argue with the results.”
Dairon Blanco had a career day on Saturday against the Reds.
He became the fifth player in the Majors with a 7-RBI game this season and second to do it from the 9-hole, along with Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (April 27 vs. Cubs). No player has had more than 7 RBIs in a game from any lineup spot since Rangers slugger Adolis García had eight on April 22, 2023, against Oakland.
“He was incredible,” first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino said. “What he did tonight was unbelievably impressive for a guy in the role that he’s in. To step in tonight and do that is crazy impressive. He won us the game tonight.”
Royals players ragged Blanco for changing his bat after hitting two home runs with a yellow crayon bat.
“He’s a little stupid,” Royals captain Salvador Perez joked. “It’s OK, just a little. Sometimes he doesn’t know what he does. I don’t know, he is the only player in the world to change his bat after two homers. It’s OK. Guy is different.”
Prior to the game, Blanco decided to use the yellow bat after chatting with his family. The reason for that consensus pick? It’s his mom’s favorite color. “So, once I hit the first home run, you know, I just laughed,” Blanco said via a translator. “It was a good feeling. Yellow bat, I just stuck with it.”
Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com writes about Bobby’s “four moms.”
But that’s not the only element of Witt’s DNA that defines him. Because when Junior is asked who in his life is worthy of a nod of appreciation as part of the Players’ Weekend festivities in which big leaguers celebrate those who helped get them here, he is just as quick to acknowledge his “four moms” — his actual mother, Laurie, and his three older sisters Nikki, Kianna (who he calls “Kiki”) and Shaley
“They always pushed me to want to be the best I possibly can be,” Witt says, “and then they’re always there for me to comfort me whenever I need it.”
Vinnie Pasquantino touted a local pet shelter for Players Weekend.
Kevin O’Brien at Farm to Fountains wonders if Carlos Hernandez can be a bullpen solution.
The Reds claim Amed Rosario off waivers from the Dodgers.
The Dodgers and Phillies pursued White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet at the trade deadline.
The White Sox are eliminated from post-season contention.
The Mariners and Mets will play in next year’s Little League Classic.
Jose Canseco is inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame.
Which impeding free agents have improved their stock the most?
Can the Dodgers be caught in the NL West?
Vladmir Guerrero Jr. is a superstar again.
What’s left of historic Tiger Stadium in Detroit?
Patrick Mahomes did a behind-the-back pass in the Chiefs preseason game against the Lions.
The 76ers sign Guerschon Yabusele after his Olympic run with France.
The sports streaming venture by Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery gets blocked by a federal judge.
People are sending wedding invitations by text.
Could we soon harness the potential of lucid dreams?
Your song of the day is Chris Farren with Doom Singer.