I agree with your take that Fermin and Blanco bring an energy this team lacks. It is a breathe of fresh air to see some excitement after big hits and plays. Hoping Blanco and Fermin can get more ABs the rest of the year. Also - I unfortunately can't go to the game tomorrow due to work conflicts, but love the fact you are giving away tickets!
I really do like what Fermin and Blanco provide, and maybe they're being played the perfect amount of time, but I think they're good guys for a team regardless of if they're on the field or not. It's just that when they produce and others don't, they need to be on the field!
Does Blanco have any trade value? I’m not talking big time value or anything…but I see a lot of Dyson….defensive replacement, pinch runner in the playoffs, that a contender might need/want. You wouldn’t get anything more than a lottery ticket. Or is it just probably not there yet with him?
Fermin - I don’t think there is any question left that he is the backup for the next few years or as long as Salvy is around. IDK that it’s fully sustainable, but even 3/4 the production he is putting up now is great for that spot. IDK, that it hurts Melendez as all….but I do think Fermin’s success just kind of solidifies that Melendez doesn’t really have a spot on this team. Get him hitting, get him moved.
Lynch - you thinking injury? Honestly, I don’t mind if Lynch is throwing 91-92 anymore as I just want results from these guys now. He is getting them….is it sustainable with no strikeouts? Yeah, somewhat. But I think I’m to the conclusion that Lynch will be no more than a 4-5 starter that will keep you in games with that stuff. Maybe I’m trying to jump to conclusions a little early. But Lynch is what he is going to be if that’s the stuff he is working with. Very much usable and valuable…but not a top of the rotation guy. I kind of see Lynch and Singer as 4 and 5 guys in a contending rotation. Maybe you can tweak them and get more but both of them have limitations stuff wise. Acknowledge that’s what you have and plan accordingly. I’m ready to make that conclusion and expect the Royals too as well here.
I'm sure Blanco does have trade value, but I do think he'd be interesting as an add-on in a deal. The Dodgers kind of make some sense there, so maybe just make one huge package and trade for a bunch of their guys. But also, Miami, Philadelphia and Cincy could use some defense and a few other teams could use the speed. It'd be interesting to see what he'd bring back, but I do think he might sweeten a pot rather than be worth trading on his own if they went that route.
I keep thinking Fermin is going to drop off, but he's kind of doing what he's done for a little while now. Maybe the BABIP is a little high, but he doesn't seem to be terribly over his head. And he's very good defensively (passed balls last night notwithstanding).
I don't know if Lynch is hurt or what. Q said Lynch said he feels fine but that they obviously saw the diminished velocity. The thing that is frustrating with Lynch is that if he can ever be throwing 93-95 with a good changeup and a good slider, he can be more. But maybe that's just not something he'll ever be able to do. I do think he and Singer both are probably leaning more to back-end guys with a three ceiling rather than mid-rotation guys with a two ceiling. And that's fine, but they absolutely need to account for that. I think they have in some ways with the profiles they've been targeting but also I think they will this offseason as well.
MJ did not have a good all around night last night. While I would not say that, he is disinterested at all, he did make two mental errors, and those have not been abnormal for him this year. With Salvy on the pine with the sore hammy, MJ has ‘value’ being able to catch, but man, he isn’t doing himself any favors with his blunders and lack of production near the top of the order…
I find Melendez's baseball IQ to be way lower than you'd expect of a coach's son. Usually those guys are all over it. I appreciate the work he's putting in because he's absolutely putting it in. It's just not showing results and I still think he'd do well with a little break in AAA.
Wish I could go, but it's a day game. Thanks for your generosity. However, I do love seeing the Royals schedule weekend day games - gets more kids (next-gen) to the ballpark! Now if we can only get traditional doubleheaders back!
You've got that right about the traditional doubleheader. It's all about the money for every team, as you definitely know, but man, there's just something about getting to the park at noon and leaving at like 8:30 having crushed some hot dogs all day.
Nothing like a $20 bill for every car that parks in the asphalt ocean 2X a day! That's why that 4-ticket value pack is such a sweet deal. Cheap ticket, move down to the good seats, and parking included. :)
I would love to claim you tickets David, but since I was just there Monday and we just got home last night, I don't think, as a old guy, I don't feel up to the 7 hour round trip to Kansas City. I guess I better just watch Ryan and Hud.
David, I'm definitely concerned with Lynch's inability to strike out batters. I'm not sure he's part of the future. I'm available to go tomorrow if you still have the tickets but no biggie.
The number of fans I saw on Twitter/Reddit last night who were foaming at the mouth when Q didn't pull Barlow in the 9th (without giving a single thought as to who might replace him of course) made me laugh a bit.
I would certainly love for Fermin and Salvy to be in more of a true 50/50 split like a growing number of teams seem to be doing these days, but I've been a Royals fan too long to think that management will ever actually put their foot down when Salvy insists on playing every day to the team's detriment. It's a shame too because at this point Fermin is honestly the better catcher.
Fermin has played a lot more than other backups, so maybe that's starting to shift, but also Salvy has missed plenty of time this year, so maybe it's just a bit of that. I do tend to think they're making that change, albeit slowly.
I think the game before needs a comment... Lyles deserved better... I think Barlow should have relieved Clarke to get outta that inning and let Cuas or someone else have a clean ninth. Yes it is an evaluation year (again, I have been evaluating since the death of Ventura) but that was a must win for Lyles and the team...very disappointed in Q's approach....i usually am pretty supportive of the club but that was a gutter...thoughts?
I felt the same. Lyles has finally started putting together complete pitching performance and the bullpen has fallen apart. What’s up with Taylor Clarke? Such a strong start and suddenly, the command just isn’t there. I can’t get a read on him. Is he nursing an injury?
I don't get the impression Clarke is hurt. I think he's inconsistent. He's never been especially good, but he's had good stretches in the past. He's never been this bad, but he's also had bad stretches in the past.
They should have won Monday's game, no doubt. Given that the Royals have lost two games Lyles started when they scored in double digits, I'll probably pass on saying he deserved anything, but he pitched more than well enough to win on Monday. That said, I'm not sure any game is a must win when you're 40 games under in July. I think the question is what's the goal of each game. If it's to win at all costs, then it was a huge mistake. If it's something else, you can see a thought process even if you (and I) disagree with it.
Taylor Clarke had value before he imploded. Are they trying to get him in those spots to build that value back? If so, makes sense to use him against the bottom of the lineup in that spot. Cuas I wholeheartedly disagree with using. I tweeted it before it happened. But he's also been pretty good against lefties and the other options were not great. I'm fine with not using Barlow there. He's a trade chip and why make him go through an extra up and down of an inning. Though if they had used him in the way you're saying, I'd be all on board with that.
Hopeful for Fermin, but’s it not likely a 30 year old career minor leaguer like Blanco is going to be more than a replacement level player. Hernandez looks great; he should bring back some good young talent if they decide to trade him. It certainly looks like the Royals waited too long to trade Barlow, just like they did with Whit.
I’m sure there’s a spot for Barlow, but I don’t see elite closer. Granted, his terrible outings have been anomalous, but there’s a reason we all went into the top of the 9th with a 5-run lead nervous. I said out loud, “The question now is whether the Royals bullpen can win with a 5-run lead and 3 outs to go.” And the answer, apparently, was “Barely.”
A guy who can play good defense at all three positions, can run and can hit enough to not only be Terrance Gore is more than replacement level. I don't think he's more than a nice bench piece, but I think he's a solid bench piece for someone.
As for Barlow, I promise you unequivocally that his trade value today is the same as it was a day ago. And teams are interested.
If I want to hear how good the Royals are while glossing over their enormous problems (38% winning percentage over the last five plus years and the 29th rated farm system), I would read Anne Rogers’ free articles every day. How do I cancel my subscription?
I agree with your take that Fermin and Blanco bring an energy this team lacks. It is a breathe of fresh air to see some excitement after big hits and plays. Hoping Blanco and Fermin can get more ABs the rest of the year. Also - I unfortunately can't go to the game tomorrow due to work conflicts, but love the fact you are giving away tickets!
Yeah, midweek day games are tough!
I really do like what Fermin and Blanco provide, and maybe they're being played the perfect amount of time, but I think they're good guys for a team regardless of if they're on the field or not. It's just that when they produce and others don't, they need to be on the field!
Couple thoughts/questions -
Does Blanco have any trade value? I’m not talking big time value or anything…but I see a lot of Dyson….defensive replacement, pinch runner in the playoffs, that a contender might need/want. You wouldn’t get anything more than a lottery ticket. Or is it just probably not there yet with him?
Fermin - I don’t think there is any question left that he is the backup for the next few years or as long as Salvy is around. IDK that it’s fully sustainable, but even 3/4 the production he is putting up now is great for that spot. IDK, that it hurts Melendez as all….but I do think Fermin’s success just kind of solidifies that Melendez doesn’t really have a spot on this team. Get him hitting, get him moved.
Lynch - you thinking injury? Honestly, I don’t mind if Lynch is throwing 91-92 anymore as I just want results from these guys now. He is getting them….is it sustainable with no strikeouts? Yeah, somewhat. But I think I’m to the conclusion that Lynch will be no more than a 4-5 starter that will keep you in games with that stuff. Maybe I’m trying to jump to conclusions a little early. But Lynch is what he is going to be if that’s the stuff he is working with. Very much usable and valuable…but not a top of the rotation guy. I kind of see Lynch and Singer as 4 and 5 guys in a contending rotation. Maybe you can tweak them and get more but both of them have limitations stuff wise. Acknowledge that’s what you have and plan accordingly. I’m ready to make that conclusion and expect the Royals too as well here.
I'm sure Blanco does have trade value, but I do think he'd be interesting as an add-on in a deal. The Dodgers kind of make some sense there, so maybe just make one huge package and trade for a bunch of their guys. But also, Miami, Philadelphia and Cincy could use some defense and a few other teams could use the speed. It'd be interesting to see what he'd bring back, but I do think he might sweeten a pot rather than be worth trading on his own if they went that route.
I keep thinking Fermin is going to drop off, but he's kind of doing what he's done for a little while now. Maybe the BABIP is a little high, but he doesn't seem to be terribly over his head. And he's very good defensively (passed balls last night notwithstanding).
I don't know if Lynch is hurt or what. Q said Lynch said he feels fine but that they obviously saw the diminished velocity. The thing that is frustrating with Lynch is that if he can ever be throwing 93-95 with a good changeup and a good slider, he can be more. But maybe that's just not something he'll ever be able to do. I do think he and Singer both are probably leaning more to back-end guys with a three ceiling rather than mid-rotation guys with a two ceiling. And that's fine, but they absolutely need to account for that. I think they have in some ways with the profiles they've been targeting but also I think they will this offseason as well.
Fermin is hungry...he's the real deal. I was very impressed with his approach to learning English...he's a real go-getter....a real student...
MJ did not have a good all around night last night. While I would not say that, he is disinterested at all, he did make two mental errors, and those have not been abnormal for him this year. With Salvy on the pine with the sore hammy, MJ has ‘value’ being able to catch, but man, he isn’t doing himself any favors with his blunders and lack of production near the top of the order…
I find Melendez's baseball IQ to be way lower than you'd expect of a coach's son. Usually those guys are all over it. I appreciate the work he's putting in because he's absolutely putting it in. It's just not showing results and I still think he'd do well with a little break in AAA.
He's immature....
Wish I could go, but it's a day game. Thanks for your generosity. However, I do love seeing the Royals schedule weekend day games - gets more kids (next-gen) to the ballpark! Now if we can only get traditional doubleheaders back!
You've got that right about the traditional doubleheader. It's all about the money for every team, as you definitely know, but man, there's just something about getting to the park at noon and leaving at like 8:30 having crushed some hot dogs all day.
Nothing like a $20 bill for every car that parks in the asphalt ocean 2X a day! That's why that 4-ticket value pack is such a sweet deal. Cheap ticket, move down to the good seats, and parking included. :)
That is a heck of a deal actually.
I would love to claim you tickets David, but since I was just there Monday and we just got home last night, I don't think, as a old guy, I don't feel up to the 7 hour round trip to Kansas City. I guess I better just watch Ryan and Hud.
Totally get it!
Great review! Crazy game!
Thanks, Mark!
David, I'm definitely concerned with Lynch's inability to strike out batters. I'm not sure he's part of the future. I'm available to go tomorrow if you still have the tickets but no biggie.
I'm concerned about the strikeouts too for sure.
As for the tickets, they're yours!
Thanks David. My wife and I will enjoy the tickets.
Hopefully they give you something to actually enjoy!
The number of fans I saw on Twitter/Reddit last night who were foaming at the mouth when Q didn't pull Barlow in the 9th (without giving a single thought as to who might replace him of course) made me laugh a bit.
I would certainly love for Fermin and Salvy to be in more of a true 50/50 split like a growing number of teams seem to be doing these days, but I've been a Royals fan too long to think that management will ever actually put their foot down when Salvy insists on playing every day to the team's detriment. It's a shame too because at this point Fermin is honestly the better catcher.
Fermin has played a lot more than other backups, so maybe that's starting to shift, but also Salvy has missed plenty of time this year, so maybe it's just a bit of that. I do tend to think they're making that change, albeit slowly.
I think the game before needs a comment... Lyles deserved better... I think Barlow should have relieved Clarke to get outta that inning and let Cuas or someone else have a clean ninth. Yes it is an evaluation year (again, I have been evaluating since the death of Ventura) but that was a must win for Lyles and the team...very disappointed in Q's approach....i usually am pretty supportive of the club but that was a gutter...thoughts?
I felt the same. Lyles has finally started putting together complete pitching performance and the bullpen has fallen apart. What’s up with Taylor Clarke? Such a strong start and suddenly, the command just isn’t there. I can’t get a read on him. Is he nursing an injury?
Lost his confidence?
I don't get the impression Clarke is hurt. I think he's inconsistent. He's never been especially good, but he's had good stretches in the past. He's never been this bad, but he's also had bad stretches in the past.
They should have won Monday's game, no doubt. Given that the Royals have lost two games Lyles started when they scored in double digits, I'll probably pass on saying he deserved anything, but he pitched more than well enough to win on Monday. That said, I'm not sure any game is a must win when you're 40 games under in July. I think the question is what's the goal of each game. If it's to win at all costs, then it was a huge mistake. If it's something else, you can see a thought process even if you (and I) disagree with it.
Taylor Clarke had value before he imploded. Are they trying to get him in those spots to build that value back? If so, makes sense to use him against the bottom of the lineup in that spot. Cuas I wholeheartedly disagree with using. I tweeted it before it happened. But he's also been pretty good against lefties and the other options were not great. I'm fine with not using Barlow there. He's a trade chip and why make him go through an extra up and down of an inning. Though if they had used him in the way you're saying, I'd be all on board with that.
...it was a must win for Lyles...the team...ya...your right...there are no must wins for this bunch at this point.
Hopeful for Fermin, but’s it not likely a 30 year old career minor leaguer like Blanco is going to be more than a replacement level player. Hernandez looks great; he should bring back some good young talent if they decide to trade him. It certainly looks like the Royals waited too long to trade Barlow, just like they did with Whit.
I’m sure there’s a spot for Barlow, but I don’t see elite closer. Granted, his terrible outings have been anomalous, but there’s a reason we all went into the top of the 9th with a 5-run lead nervous. I said out loud, “The question now is whether the Royals bullpen can win with a 5-run lead and 3 outs to go.” And the answer, apparently, was “Barely.”
A guy who can play good defense at all three positions, can run and can hit enough to not only be Terrance Gore is more than replacement level. I don't think he's more than a nice bench piece, but I think he's a solid bench piece for someone.
As for Barlow, I promise you unequivocally that his trade value today is the same as it was a day ago. And teams are interested.
Mr. Lesky, you have much more confidence in the Royals baseball operations management than I do.
The industry opinion has nothing to do with Royals management.
I have no idea what I should ascertain from your most recent comment.
Exactly what I said to start. His trade value hasn't been touched. My thoughts on Royals management have no bearing one way or another on that.
If I want to hear how good the Royals are while glossing over their enormous problems (38% winning percentage over the last five plus years and the 29th rated farm system), I would read Anne Rogers’ free articles every day. How do I cancel my subscription?