You touched on your frustrations with Singer and his inability to evolve thus far in his career. I can’t help but wonder if his ultra-competitive, bulldog personality is actually part of what is holding him back here. Like, is he just so stubborn that he can get it done with what he has that he’s not willing enough to try new things? I feel like he made some comments after a difficult start a few weeks ago that having additional pitches wouldn’t have mattered or helped at all. Does he just not WANT to see that it’s an issue?
I also noticed that Lynch seemed better before the twinge than after, and hope that does not lead to anything bad. I remember that Olivares had some fielding problems last year and that he had improved somewhat. But him going down again seems to indicate that they do not see him as a center fielder, at least any time soon. Maybe he is seen as clearly behind Dozier and O'Hearn in future plans, unless something changes? But even then, with them being more "known" players, it would still seem to make sense to find out more about what he will be, the same as we are doing with Rivera now. Perhaps the calculus on finding out what we have with Rivera (or showcasing him for trade?) is sooner, as Witt and Mondesi are knocking on the door. Speaking of which, how will the musical chairs work when both Witt and Mondesi come up? If Wittt and Mondi at 3B/SS, then does Whit push Dozier out of RF? Interestingly, Dyson still seems like a useful 4th outfielder piece to steal a base, bunt, and field - and he still has that championship attitude - Salvy game him a BIG, LONG hug after his first homer. Those are legacy guys from 2015.
I have a theory about Olivares. The short of it: I think the constant shuttling up and down probably looks a lot worse than it really is.
As a fan, I get it. I feel frustrated too. I want to see Olivares play every day. BUT, I also know how Dayton Moore runs the ship, and there's no way the Royals are letting Olivares twist in the wind. You've got to believe they let him know early on that he was going to be up and down a lot during the year. Baseball players are extremely focused individuals. They all want to be in the Major Leagues. But above all, they just want to play baseball, whenever and wherever.
The other part of this is Ryan O'Hearn. Again, as a fan, I get it. Ryan had an outstanding debut and has really seen his production go downhill since. However, I think the organization knows this is going to be it for him as a Royal, and since they love the way he prepares and works to be a good teammate, they want to give him every opportunity to show other clubs that he can handle right field and maybe turn it around at the plate.
I don't agree with either decision. I'd probably be more ruthless in my decision-making. I think it needs to be said, though, that for all their flaws, the Royals are methodical in their choices. They know what's ahead for Olivares and O'Hearn. There's a good chance they're just doing what they think is right for both players.
If we really think that Witt/Mondi will be up/back soon, what about Pratto? How long has it been now with Santana way below average at the plate? He started well but it seems like for some time now he has run out of gas. Age a factor? I thought he was a slow starter. Now he seems like Salvy in past years when he caught to much and his bat died in the second half. But, Santana got a 2 year contract. My guess is that Pratto does not come up, until maybe as one of the 2 when the rosters expand in September.
You touched on your frustrations with Singer and his inability to evolve thus far in his career. I can’t help but wonder if his ultra-competitive, bulldog personality is actually part of what is holding him back here. Like, is he just so stubborn that he can get it done with what he has that he’s not willing enough to try new things? I feel like he made some comments after a difficult start a few weeks ago that having additional pitches wouldn’t have mattered or helped at all. Does he just not WANT to see that it’s an issue?
I also noticed that Lynch seemed better before the twinge than after, and hope that does not lead to anything bad. I remember that Olivares had some fielding problems last year and that he had improved somewhat. But him going down again seems to indicate that they do not see him as a center fielder, at least any time soon. Maybe he is seen as clearly behind Dozier and O'Hearn in future plans, unless something changes? But even then, with them being more "known" players, it would still seem to make sense to find out more about what he will be, the same as we are doing with Rivera now. Perhaps the calculus on finding out what we have with Rivera (or showcasing him for trade?) is sooner, as Witt and Mondesi are knocking on the door. Speaking of which, how will the musical chairs work when both Witt and Mondesi come up? If Wittt and Mondi at 3B/SS, then does Whit push Dozier out of RF? Interestingly, Dyson still seems like a useful 4th outfielder piece to steal a base, bunt, and field - and he still has that championship attitude - Salvy game him a BIG, LONG hug after his first homer. Those are legacy guys from 2015.
I have a theory about Olivares. The short of it: I think the constant shuttling up and down probably looks a lot worse than it really is.
As a fan, I get it. I feel frustrated too. I want to see Olivares play every day. BUT, I also know how Dayton Moore runs the ship, and there's no way the Royals are letting Olivares twist in the wind. You've got to believe they let him know early on that he was going to be up and down a lot during the year. Baseball players are extremely focused individuals. They all want to be in the Major Leagues. But above all, they just want to play baseball, whenever and wherever.
The other part of this is Ryan O'Hearn. Again, as a fan, I get it. Ryan had an outstanding debut and has really seen his production go downhill since. However, I think the organization knows this is going to be it for him as a Royal, and since they love the way he prepares and works to be a good teammate, they want to give him every opportunity to show other clubs that he can handle right field and maybe turn it around at the plate.
I don't agree with either decision. I'd probably be more ruthless in my decision-making. I think it needs to be said, though, that for all their flaws, the Royals are methodical in their choices. They know what's ahead for Olivares and O'Hearn. There's a good chance they're just doing what they think is right for both players.
If we really think that Witt/Mondi will be up/back soon, what about Pratto? How long has it been now with Santana way below average at the plate? He started well but it seems like for some time now he has run out of gas. Age a factor? I thought he was a slow starter. Now he seems like Salvy in past years when he caught to much and his bat died in the second half. But, Santana got a 2 year contract. My guess is that Pratto does not come up, until maybe as one of the 2 when the rosters expand in September.