I’ve got a theory on the umpiring. I know it shouldn’t matter and the strike zone is the strike zone. But you know the royals have to have a reputation around the league as pitchers that walk a lot of people. Umpires usually know that as well. Couple that with being younger…only Grienke would have a higher reputation than the hitters they are facing. I think you see alot of call go the other way. One of those…if you were better…you’d get more kind of deals. But who knows…bring on the auto balls and strikes already.
One of my biggest fears is actually another big jump in winning percentage after the break. Maybe its just sales pitch from the front office but EVERY year its “they’ve played so much better after the break. We are on to something here.” Just stop with it already, a strong second half doesn’t make us in better position for next year. It would be nice to see a strong second half for the younger guys but also have the FO acknowledge through actions that it doesn’t mean it will translate to next year. It hasn’t in the last 5 years and won’t again next year without major overhauls.
Well, if there is going to be redemption for this year, they need to move on from the past. We saw a glimmer of the future just before the All Star game. I hope we don't wait long before we see it again.
I truly have no idea if they're actually going to try to move on from Whit/Dozier/MAT. Benintendi at least makes sense to trade, but when it comes to those other three I'm still conflicted on what I think they're actually going to do. On the one hand, we have a large sample to draw from of this FO just sitting on their hands to their own detriment, but on the other hand the whole PR fiasco that was the Toronto series feels more serious than the general fan unrest that's accompanied the season so far.
Interesting numbers for sure. How optimistic are you that AB, WM, MAT, SB, JS, HD,0 ZG actually get traded the next two weeks. Do you think one of the young guys might get traded. Maybe you are planning on writing on this subject, if so just ignore my question. I will hold on to my thoughts till I see if you write on trade talk. Thanks as always, David.
A very well thought out analysis David. Now, we wait to see: 1. How many of their draft picks the Royals will sign. 2. How transactional they will be up to the trade deadline. Both are very important to the future.
What a great way to summarize the first half, with just a few numbers. Thank you for this, David!
I'm going to throw a question at you that I've posed to Alec Lewis half a dozen times this year, and he's always refused to answer. (I think I know why but that's a different topic.)
Regarding the pitching: in your view, is the PRIMARY problem with the pitching coaches and development people? Or is it mainly with the scouts and people in charge of the draft, for giving those folks little viable to work with?
I know that the standard answer is "it's a little bit of both." But I also know that in these situations it's almost always more of one thing than the other. Thus the word "primary" in my question.
I think you pretty spot on with what I'm thinking. Is somewhat concerned about the return because of the xax deal. I think the percentage on Barlow and Staumont might be up around 50 because everyone always wants relievers. Look forward to tomorrow.
I had read that the two way player, last name of Charles, was pretty committed to UC Santa Barbara. Isn't that team The Banana Slugs? I remember the shirt from Pulp Fiction.
Jayson Stark and Eno Sarris with a fascinating article at The Athletic today: why have ALL of baseball's "3 true outcomes" declined simultaneously this year? In particular it seems counterintuitive that both BB rates and K rates would decline at the same time, but that's exactly what has happened.
David, if you can find time to read that article I'd really love to know your thoughts on this topic!
Lots of stats you throw at us go over this old man's head but the one about the terrible umpiring struck a nerve. These guys have the job of calling a pitch correctly. I always blow a fuse when the tv announcers say " he didn't call that a strike because he's all over the place with his pitches"! So just compound his problem by not doing your job? B.S.
David, I think you are right about the Yankees still being interest in Andrew Benintendi. He may not be vaccinated, but if the Yanks offered him a multi year extension, I"m guessing he would reconsider. After watching the Astros take two from the Yankees today, it is clear to me the Astros are the best team in the AL, not the Yankees. Benintendi seems like the best option to fill the absence of hitting from RF Joey Gallo. Im guessing if the Yanks offered to extend Andrew for say 4 years at 100K, Andrew would drop his objection to the vaccination. The Astros have beat the Yanks in the playoffs 3 times in the past 5 or so years. The Yanks need to get better or it will happen again. Benintendi could be a part of the answer. They also need a starter and reliever.
I’ve got a theory on the umpiring. I know it shouldn’t matter and the strike zone is the strike zone. But you know the royals have to have a reputation around the league as pitchers that walk a lot of people. Umpires usually know that as well. Couple that with being younger…only Grienke would have a higher reputation than the hitters they are facing. I think you see alot of call go the other way. One of those…if you were better…you’d get more kind of deals. But who knows…bring on the auto balls and strikes already.
One of my biggest fears is actually another big jump in winning percentage after the break. Maybe its just sales pitch from the front office but EVERY year its “they’ve played so much better after the break. We are on to something here.” Just stop with it already, a strong second half doesn’t make us in better position for next year. It would be nice to see a strong second half for the younger guys but also have the FO acknowledge through actions that it doesn’t mean it will translate to next year. It hasn’t in the last 5 years and won’t again next year without major overhauls.
Well, if there is going to be redemption for this year, they need to move on from the past. We saw a glimmer of the future just before the All Star game. I hope we don't wait long before we see it again.
I truly have no idea if they're actually going to try to move on from Whit/Dozier/MAT. Benintendi at least makes sense to trade, but when it comes to those other three I'm still conflicted on what I think they're actually going to do. On the one hand, we have a large sample to draw from of this FO just sitting on their hands to their own detriment, but on the other hand the whole PR fiasco that was the Toronto series feels more serious than the general fan unrest that's accompanied the season so far.
Interesting numbers for sure. How optimistic are you that AB, WM, MAT, SB, JS, HD,0 ZG actually get traded the next two weeks. Do you think one of the young guys might get traded. Maybe you are planning on writing on this subject, if so just ignore my question. I will hold on to my thoughts till I see if you write on trade talk. Thanks as always, David.
A very well thought out analysis David. Now, we wait to see: 1. How many of their draft picks the Royals will sign. 2. How transactional they will be up to the trade deadline. Both are very important to the future.
What a great way to summarize the first half, with just a few numbers. Thank you for this, David!
I'm going to throw a question at you that I've posed to Alec Lewis half a dozen times this year, and he's always refused to answer. (I think I know why but that's a different topic.)
Regarding the pitching: in your view, is the PRIMARY problem with the pitching coaches and development people? Or is it mainly with the scouts and people in charge of the draft, for giving those folks little viable to work with?
I know that the standard answer is "it's a little bit of both." But I also know that in these situations it's almost always more of one thing than the other. Thus the word "primary" in my question.
Your thoughts on this would be much appreciated!
Interesting stats for sure. Thanks, David.
I think you pretty spot on with what I'm thinking. Is somewhat concerned about the return because of the xax deal. I think the percentage on Barlow and Staumont might be up around 50 because everyone always wants relievers. Look forward to tomorrow.
I had read that the two way player, last name of Charles, was pretty committed to UC Santa Barbara. Isn't that team The Banana Slugs? I remember the shirt from Pulp Fiction.
Jayson Stark and Eno Sarris with a fascinating article at The Athletic today: why have ALL of baseball's "3 true outcomes" declined simultaneously this year? In particular it seems counterintuitive that both BB rates and K rates would decline at the same time, but that's exactly what has happened.
David, if you can find time to read that article I'd really love to know your thoughts on this topic!
Lots of stats you throw at us go over this old man's head but the one about the terrible umpiring struck a nerve. These guys have the job of calling a pitch correctly. I always blow a fuse when the tv announcers say " he didn't call that a strike because he's all over the place with his pitches"! So just compound his problem by not doing your job? B.S.
David, I think you are right about the Yankees still being interest in Andrew Benintendi. He may not be vaccinated, but if the Yanks offered him a multi year extension, I"m guessing he would reconsider. After watching the Astros take two from the Yankees today, it is clear to me the Astros are the best team in the AL, not the Yankees. Benintendi seems like the best option to fill the absence of hitting from RF Joey Gallo. Im guessing if the Yanks offered to extend Andrew for say 4 years at 100K, Andrew would drop his objection to the vaccination. The Astros have beat the Yanks in the playoffs 3 times in the past 5 or so years. The Yanks need to get better or it will happen again. Benintendi could be a part of the answer. They also need a starter and reliever.