I'd be interested in your opinion re: Matheny's approach to establishing a consistent batting order against LH or RH pitching. Seems like he consistently slots BWJ at 2 and Salvy at 3 and then just shuffles the cards each night hoping something good happens. At a minimum, can we put someone in the 4 slot who hits better than .212 with 1 HR (O'Hearn)? Maybe Pratto has now earned that spot until Vinny returns.
I think you'll find I care a lot less about the lineup than most people. I agree that O'Hearn shoudn't be hitting fourth. I mean, I would never play him, but it seems Matheny is trying to create some balance in the lineup while also trying to avoid putting too much on some of the young guys. Of course, that said, he had Massey hitting fourth a couple of times. Though maybe that was the impetus for not wanting to pressure some of these guys because Massey has struggled since then (probably unrelated). I'm more confused about MJ Melendez sitting on both sides of an off day while healthy with no other explanation.
But yeah, Vinnie being out has changed a lot about the lineup. If we were looking at Melendez-Witt-Perez-Pasquantino-Dozier-Pratto-Taylor-Massey-Waters a lot of the time, I don't think many people would bat an eye.
I’ve decided to let O’Hearn play in peace. Dude’s barely seen the field all year and by all accounts hasn’t complained once. I hope he has a good September. And that the Royals finally let him catch on elsewhere.
We have been content with Brady and his recent success. All pitchers can and will have outings like his. I agree, how he responds in his next start will show us something.
I mentioned previously mentioned (elsewhere), a lack of emotion from some players. What I was excited to see was Pratto and his reaction to his final at bat. Did anyone else notice how he slammed his bat to the ground, even after going 4/4? I loved that! You don't see Bobby doing that, or other players for that matter. The closest would be MJ questioning balls and strikes. That may be getting in his head a bit, but if you can't show emotions, good or bad, makes me wonder if you care?
Players showing emotion or not has long been one of the most discussed things on bad teams. Personally, I think it's meaningless. Maybe less than meaningless. Just because someone doesn't show emotion on the field doesn't mean he doesn't care. And just because he does show it doesn't mean he's more invested. Mentioning Bobby Witt Jr., who is often the first one on the field for extra work and one of the vocal rookies on this team, and wondering if he cares is quite silly to me.
As for MJ, he's there and healthy, but there is no further explanation. I wish I had one.
With MJ, are you hearing anything about issues? Trying to put it lightly, but I recall a few weeks ago he was stratched from the lineup like an hour before hand and then pinch hit that same game. I didn’t buy the reasoning Matheny put out but I totally understand why he would say that at the time. I just figured MJ was late or missed a meeting or something and they were making a point. Wondering if that would be the case here as well. Hopefully, that all is in house and you probably wouldn’t hear about it anyway. Just curious with your sources.
I haven't heard a word and people who are more connected than me haven't either, at least what they've told me anyway. It's just bizarre, but I did think about that game he was scratched right before. I also figured it was something along the lines of being late, but like you said, we never found out anything more. I kind of thought he could use a day before the day on Sunday, but then when he's out of the lineup yesterday too, who knows? Maybe we'll hear something more from Matheny today, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
I’m actually willing to side with Matheny and the Royals on this one. I know its odd…but they have some reason. They won’t let us know but if its behavior fine…if its a little extra rest I don’t really have a problem with it either. If it starts happening regularly, we have a problem. Until then…IDK that its too big a deal.
Has anyone asked Matheny? I was hoping in the post games someone would ask last night. Best guess he is either a little nicked up or he is getting a longer "Time Out" for his behavior.
And this is why I respect your opinion. Your honesty and insight is greatly appreciated. I, for one, like the emotion shown by players. Salvy and his smile is infectious. Vinnie and his playful side sparks energy in the clubhouse. I get players doing the extra work. The improvements shown demonstrate a dedication to the game. The emotion aspect must a personal thing for me.
Thanks Ed! Appreciate that! I definitely love to see the emotion too. I wonder where the hand signs and fun on the bases is that the team used to have back when they were the villains. I just don't think it necessarily means all that much.
Generally speaking, I don't pay a lot of attention to "showing emotion" in pro athletes (often it's over the top and misplaced--like a lineman celebrating a sack in a game his team is losing by 3 TD's)...but in this case I agree. I think there's fire in Pratto's belly, and I think there's joy in Vinnie's belly; I only hope they can find a way to keep both of them on the field (at the same time). Most people would be happy with a 4/5 night...but he was fired-up for sure.
I was singing the praises of Michael Massey's swing, but he is really struggling to hit MLB off speed stuff. He's going to see a ton of it until he shows he can hit it. Pratto has the highest OPS in spite of a 40%+ K rate. I guess thats both a bad thing and encouraging thing at the same time.
It's really more the breaking stuff for Massey. He's hitting .385 against changeups. But it's part of the learning process. I'm not especially worried about Massey because he's shown in the minors he can make quick adjustments. The jump from AAA to the big leagues is huge, but that's why it's so important he's in there regularly now. Get that learning curve out of the way now.
Sometimes Salvy has a stretch where I think he's wearing a blindfold at the plate, and then he goes and has a night like last night. You'd think I'd be used to it by now.
I know we really can't play this game because it's SUCH a small sample size, but with three XBH last night, Pratto now has 16 in 133 PA. Extrapolate that to a 600-PA season and that's 72.
As a certain writer for a certain publication would say: "That will play."
He's certainly shown an aptitude for driving the ball when he makes contact. If he can continue to adjust and show that he can at least spoil some pitches when the count isn't his way, he absolutely could make it and be an impact player even with a low batting average.
I'd be interested in your opinion re: Matheny's approach to establishing a consistent batting order against LH or RH pitching. Seems like he consistently slots BWJ at 2 and Salvy at 3 and then just shuffles the cards each night hoping something good happens. At a minimum, can we put someone in the 4 slot who hits better than .212 with 1 HR (O'Hearn)? Maybe Pratto has now earned that spot until Vinny returns.
I think you'll find I care a lot less about the lineup than most people. I agree that O'Hearn shoudn't be hitting fourth. I mean, I would never play him, but it seems Matheny is trying to create some balance in the lineup while also trying to avoid putting too much on some of the young guys. Of course, that said, he had Massey hitting fourth a couple of times. Though maybe that was the impetus for not wanting to pressure some of these guys because Massey has struggled since then (probably unrelated). I'm more confused about MJ Melendez sitting on both sides of an off day while healthy with no other explanation.
But yeah, Vinnie being out has changed a lot about the lineup. If we were looking at Melendez-Witt-Perez-Pasquantino-Dozier-Pratto-Taylor-Massey-Waters a lot of the time, I don't think many people would bat an eye.
I’ve decided to let O’Hearn play in peace. Dude’s barely seen the field all year and by all accounts hasn’t complained once. I hope he has a good September. And that the Royals finally let him catch on elsewhere.
I hope he goes 13 for 13 as a pinch hitter. I don’t need to see him in there once Vinnie comes back.
We have been content with Brady and his recent success. All pitchers can and will have outings like his. I agree, how he responds in his next start will show us something.
I mentioned previously mentioned (elsewhere), a lack of emotion from some players. What I was excited to see was Pratto and his reaction to his final at bat. Did anyone else notice how he slammed his bat to the ground, even after going 4/4? I loved that! You don't see Bobby doing that, or other players for that matter. The closest would be MJ questioning balls and strikes. That may be getting in his head a bit, but if you can't show emotions, good or bad, makes me wonder if you care?
BTW, where is MJ?
Players showing emotion or not has long been one of the most discussed things on bad teams. Personally, I think it's meaningless. Maybe less than meaningless. Just because someone doesn't show emotion on the field doesn't mean he doesn't care. And just because he does show it doesn't mean he's more invested. Mentioning Bobby Witt Jr., who is often the first one on the field for extra work and one of the vocal rookies on this team, and wondering if he cares is quite silly to me.
As for MJ, he's there and healthy, but there is no further explanation. I wish I had one.
With MJ, are you hearing anything about issues? Trying to put it lightly, but I recall a few weeks ago he was stratched from the lineup like an hour before hand and then pinch hit that same game. I didn’t buy the reasoning Matheny put out but I totally understand why he would say that at the time. I just figured MJ was late or missed a meeting or something and they were making a point. Wondering if that would be the case here as well. Hopefully, that all is in house and you probably wouldn’t hear about it anyway. Just curious with your sources.
I haven't heard a word and people who are more connected than me haven't either, at least what they've told me anyway. It's just bizarre, but I did think about that game he was scratched right before. I also figured it was something along the lines of being late, but like you said, we never found out anything more. I kind of thought he could use a day before the day on Sunday, but then when he's out of the lineup yesterday too, who knows? Maybe we'll hear something more from Matheny today, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
I’m actually willing to side with Matheny and the Royals on this one. I know its odd…but they have some reason. They won’t let us know but if its behavior fine…if its a little extra rest I don’t really have a problem with it either. If it starts happening regularly, we have a problem. Until then…IDK that its too big a deal.
I agree with that. I'm happy it isn't a *thing* if there is something that it could become a *thing* about.
Has anyone asked Matheny? I was hoping in the post games someone would ask last night. Best guess he is either a little nicked up or he is getting a longer "Time Out" for his behavior.
He was asked before the game. Said he's healthy and that was about it. I'm not sure if there was a follow-up or not though.
And this is why I respect your opinion. Your honesty and insight is greatly appreciated. I, for one, like the emotion shown by players. Salvy and his smile is infectious. Vinnie and his playful side sparks energy in the clubhouse. I get players doing the extra work. The improvements shown demonstrate a dedication to the game. The emotion aspect must a personal thing for me.
Keep the great aspects coming!
Thanks Ed! Appreciate that! I definitely love to see the emotion too. I wonder where the hand signs and fun on the bases is that the team used to have back when they were the villains. I just don't think it necessarily means all that much.
Generally speaking, I don't pay a lot of attention to "showing emotion" in pro athletes (often it's over the top and misplaced--like a lineman celebrating a sack in a game his team is losing by 3 TD's)...but in this case I agree. I think there's fire in Pratto's belly, and I think there's joy in Vinnie's belly; I only hope they can find a way to keep both of them on the field (at the same time). Most people would be happy with a 4/5 night...but he was fired-up for sure.
I was singing the praises of Michael Massey's swing, but he is really struggling to hit MLB off speed stuff. He's going to see a ton of it until he shows he can hit it. Pratto has the highest OPS in spite of a 40%+ K rate. I guess thats both a bad thing and encouraging thing at the same time.
It's really more the breaking stuff for Massey. He's hitting .385 against changeups. But it's part of the learning process. I'm not especially worried about Massey because he's shown in the minors he can make quick adjustments. The jump from AAA to the big leagues is huge, but that's why it's so important he's in there regularly now. Get that learning curve out of the way now.
Salvy's home run was one of those "This is why we love baseball" moments. That was insane, but par for the course for him.
Sometimes Salvy has a stretch where I think he's wearing a blindfold at the plate, and then he goes and has a night like last night. You'd think I'd be used to it by now.
Since June 1, he's hit .280/.319/.539. And he's even walked 10 times. What a joy he is to watch.
Sometimes he even has a night like that when you'd think he was wearing a blindfold at the plate. He is truly unique.
Salvy has the same approach at the plate as me in MLB The Show - swing at everything. He’s a lot better at it than I am
It’s quite the game, Scott. My Road To The Show player hits left-handed and I legit feel actual fear against Chris Sale.
I know we really can't play this game because it's SUCH a small sample size, but with three XBH last night, Pratto now has 16 in 133 PA. Extrapolate that to a 600-PA season and that's 72.
As a certain writer for a certain publication would say: "That will play."
He's certainly shown an aptitude for driving the ball when he makes contact. If he can continue to adjust and show that he can at least spoil some pitches when the count isn't his way, he absolutely could make it and be an impact player even with a low batting average.
This is really good, thoughtful, thought-provoking stuff, David! Both in your article and in the comments. Thank you for all of that!
Thank you! And thank you for reading!
I still like Taylor leading off and the numbers support it. Guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on that one. :)