Your comments about the minor league pitchers are accurate and it would be great to see some of them get promoted, but the issue is (which I have stated before) you actually have to move other people to make that happen. The Royals waited way too late to do that last year. Who do you think they will move out and when do you think that will happen?
I don't think it's that difficult to make it happen when they decide it's time. In Omaha, Luis Cessa is getting starts. Lynch is probably going to continue to get starts, but they might make that bullpen move soon. Andrew Hoffmann is a reliever in the big leagues if he gets there. There are spots. Then once the AA guys move, it's easy from there.
Well, if it’s time for Lynch to go to the bullpen then just make the move. He would have some value there. And they may see his value right now just that extra starter. And I get it, you’ll probably need it. But would he have more value in the bullpen with Zerpa…or more value as the depth piece. I kinda think he would be a good lefty out of the pen.
Also with the bullpen. I keep being confused with Lyles role. When the royals were down 7-0 they didn’t even use him. It was Sauer….and that’s completely fine. But I don’t recall him being used at all. If they aren’t going to use him then. Why is he even on the roster? Lol.
Nothing to be overly concerned about. Figured it was about time to get to the medium for Lugo. Didn’t see the Ragans one…but it happens to them all. Baltimore is good. All fine. It may just be me, and I have no proof but it seems like the offense either goes for 8 or goes for 1-2. I don’t recall many in between 4-5 run games….but again that could totally be wrong as I haven’t looked it up.
Great analysis David especially Will Smith. He needs a reset now. Surely, there is a pitcher at Omaha that can pitch better than Smith giving up three straight singles and then throws a meatball for a grand slam homer???
I'm sure there is a pitcher at Omaha, but he's signed to a big league contract and can't be sent down, so if he's going to get that reset, it'll have to be an IL stint because they're not moving on from a guy less than a month after a free agent deal starts. No team would do that.
It was a 91.9 MPH fastball that didn't get as far in as he wanted it. He also threw a 1-2-3 inning yesterday. I'm not saying they shouldn't work to get him right, but his velocity, which was my biggest concern about him was at least closer to where he was last year.
Didn't see Cole pitch on Saturday but it sounded like it was a combination of poor umpiring and some bad BABIP luck. He's very talented and I'm mostly not concerned about him bouncing back in his next start, especially against a Detroit offense that thus far ranks 22nd in runs scored and 24th in wRC+, but the Royals fan in me that's gotten used to generally awful pitching is just waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I don't think the umpiring really impacted him as much as they were sitting on his changeup and getting some batted ball luck, as you said. I 100% believe in Ragans, but the track record isn't quite there yet to not at least be curious what he does in his next start. Believe me, though, I'll be taking the over on some strikeouts when he gets out there next.
I know you probably ran out of room today, but I think the Royals could have won that game Saturday, except for the bone head running play by Isbel by making the second out, He took them right out that inning. His bat has completely quit. I also would like for him slam a bat or throw his helmet. Just show a little emotion once in a while. I don't think I would care to see them switch him and Waters and just see if Waters can do any better!!!!
Yeah, he looks really bad and now looks like he's pressing everywhere offensively. I don't care one bit about showing emotion. He's definitely someone who cares, whether it's seen on the field or not. The issue with Waters is that they felt compelled to pull him in the middle of the game for something that made them angry enough to pull him in the middle of a game. I know it's about winning and all that, but you probably can't reward a guy with a callup two days after he was pulled for something that we may never know what.
Oh, I think you still give Isbel some time. Mainly because they don’t have any better options. I will tell you he’s a fourth outfielder. But I get what they are trying to do. But at some point….probably half way through this year if he isn’t hitting….he’s shown you what he is. I think he’s already shown us. Mainly because he’s never really had a sustained hot streak. But regardless, they like the defense. I think you still try to upgrade at some point but we’ll see.
If he’s hitting .260/.300/.400 at the bottom of the order like he did for half a season last year, it’s fine and it works because he’s so good defensively. He’s obviously not doing that so far this year.
I still believe in Blanco at least getting several starts in a row to see if can be better than Isbel. Are we getting into Hunter Dozier territory with Isbel? The Royals can at least contend in the Central Division this season but need much better offensive production from CF and RF!
They don’t even trust him in CF over Garrett Hampson. I just don’t see him getting any significant time there. Maybe I’m wrong. It’s happened before (way too often).
I have always liked Isbel, but I quickly souring on him. I think I would just as soon give Cross a shot over Blanco. I think his value is a late inning pinch runner.
Vinnie is the man! Not just his bat...but his glove. I knew he would come around, and (for once) the Royal's patience paid off (and I'm talking about all through Spring Training).
I have to say I haven't seen a pitcher as un-lucky as Ragans was in a long time; I can tell it was eating him up on the bench.
So I’m a big Ragans guy too…but to say he was super unlucky is also a discredit to the Baltimore offense. They are a very, very good offense. They don’t stike out much and they work the count. They get a lot of credit here too.
If the Royals had 5 hits with an average exit velocity below 80 MPH, you’d absolutely consider it good fortune. A good offense can have good fortune and they did.
They did have good fortune. But they also had 9 hits in 13 total batters. I’m not saying those things don’t happen. But some credit has to go to them as well for the game plan. Which you gave in the article.
Sure, but just to point something out here - the Royals have a higher walk rate (by a lot, Orioles are worst in baseball), a lower strikeout rate and see more pitches per plate appearance than the Orioles.
Yeah that’s crazy. I looked up the Baltimore OBP last week or so and would tell you they will run into hard times. Looks like they’ve made up some ground here actually as they are middle of the pack now. IDK yet. They’ve got talent. But I still wonder if they don’t run on hard times. All teams do I guess. I think I’d still take Baltimore’s overall offensive talent over the Royals though. Even with those stats…but those stats are positive for sure.
If Salvy is going to walk 7 times in the first 20 games. This team OBP will be better. He’s getting the power hitter treatment right now…which he should.
The Royals have had some close games where they could have used a veteran bat to pitch it. Someone who can drive the ball to the gap or hit it over the fence. Instead they have Blanco (which I like) and two veterans (Frazier and I cant remember the name of the utility player) who will never help win a close game with their bat.. Any chance we see the Royals cut either player before the all star game and call up someone or make a trade?
I absolutely agree it feels like it never works, but that's partially sort of along the same lines of the gambling thing where you only remember losing hands. It does work sometimes. It's just that when it doesn't, it stands out and usually because they needed the run.
Your comments about the minor league pitchers are accurate and it would be great to see some of them get promoted, but the issue is (which I have stated before) you actually have to move other people to make that happen. The Royals waited way too late to do that last year. Who do you think they will move out and when do you think that will happen?
I don't think it's that difficult to make it happen when they decide it's time. In Omaha, Luis Cessa is getting starts. Lynch is probably going to continue to get starts, but they might make that bullpen move soon. Andrew Hoffmann is a reliever in the big leagues if he gets there. There are spots. Then once the AA guys move, it's easy from there.
Well, if it’s time for Lynch to go to the bullpen then just make the move. He would have some value there. And they may see his value right now just that extra starter. And I get it, you’ll probably need it. But would he have more value in the bullpen with Zerpa…or more value as the depth piece. I kinda think he would be a good lefty out of the pen.
Also with the bullpen. I keep being confused with Lyles role. When the royals were down 7-0 they didn’t even use him. It was Sauer….and that’s completely fine. But I don’t recall him being used at all. If they aren’t going to use him then. Why is he even on the roster? Lol.
I don't know that Lynch will even work in the bullpen, to be honest, but sure, if they're ready to make the move, just do it.
As for Lyles, he's on the inactive list, so that's why he wasn't used. He wasn't on the roster.
Ah, what happened with Lyles? I must have missed that. That’s why Anthony V was in the box score that day. That all makes sense now.
All we know is a personal issue, so hopefully all is well with him and his family.
Nothing to be overly concerned about. Figured it was about time to get to the medium for Lugo. Didn’t see the Ragans one…but it happens to them all. Baltimore is good. All fine. It may just be me, and I have no proof but it seems like the offense either goes for 8 or goes for 1-2. I don’t recall many in between 4-5 run games….but again that could totally be wrong as I haven’t looked it up.
They are pretty hit or miss. They've been 9+ six times and three or fewer 10 times. That just leaves six in the middle.
Great analysis David especially Will Smith. He needs a reset now. Surely, there is a pitcher at Omaha that can pitch better than Smith giving up three straight singles and then throws a meatball for a grand slam homer???
I'm sure there is a pitcher at Omaha, but he's signed to a big league contract and can't be sent down, so if he's going to get that reset, it'll have to be an IL stint because they're not moving on from a guy less than a month after a free agent deal starts. No team would do that.
Put him on the IL now because do I remember correctly that the grand slam was on a 78 mph pitch placed right in the heart of the plate???
It was a 91.9 MPH fastball that didn't get as far in as he wanted it. He also threw a 1-2-3 inning yesterday. I'm not saying they shouldn't work to get him right, but his velocity, which was my biggest concern about him was at least closer to where he was last year.
Didn't see Cole pitch on Saturday but it sounded like it was a combination of poor umpiring and some bad BABIP luck. He's very talented and I'm mostly not concerned about him bouncing back in his next start, especially against a Detroit offense that thus far ranks 22nd in runs scored and 24th in wRC+, but the Royals fan in me that's gotten used to generally awful pitching is just waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I don't think the umpiring really impacted him as much as they were sitting on his changeup and getting some batted ball luck, as you said. I 100% believe in Ragans, but the track record isn't quite there yet to not at least be curious what he does in his next start. Believe me, though, I'll be taking the over on some strikeouts when he gets out there next.
I know you probably ran out of room today, but I think the Royals could have won that game Saturday, except for the bone head running play by Isbel by making the second out, He took them right out that inning. His bat has completely quit. I also would like for him slam a bat or throw his helmet. Just show a little emotion once in a while. I don't think I would care to see them switch him and Waters and just see if Waters can do any better!!!!
Yeah, he looks really bad and now looks like he's pressing everywhere offensively. I don't care one bit about showing emotion. He's definitely someone who cares, whether it's seen on the field or not. The issue with Waters is that they felt compelled to pull him in the middle of the game for something that made them angry enough to pull him in the middle of a game. I know it's about winning and all that, but you probably can't reward a guy with a callup two days after he was pulled for something that we may never know what.
Oh, I think you still give Isbel some time. Mainly because they don’t have any better options. I will tell you he’s a fourth outfielder. But I get what they are trying to do. But at some point….probably half way through this year if he isn’t hitting….he’s shown you what he is. I think he’s already shown us. Mainly because he’s never really had a sustained hot streak. But regardless, they like the defense. I think you still try to upgrade at some point but we’ll see.
If he’s hitting .260/.300/.400 at the bottom of the order like he did for half a season last year, it’s fine and it works because he’s so good defensively. He’s obviously not doing that so far this year.
I still believe in Blanco at least getting several starts in a row to see if can be better than Isbel. Are we getting into Hunter Dozier territory with Isbel? The Royals can at least contend in the Central Division this season but need much better offensive production from CF and RF!
They don’t even trust him in CF over Garrett Hampson. I just don’t see him getting any significant time there. Maybe I’m wrong. It’s happened before (way too often).
I have always liked Isbel, but I quickly souring on him. I think I would just as soon give Cross a shot over Blanco. I think his value is a late inning pinch runner.
Just checked and Isbel is at 0.186 batting average and Renfro is also 0.200. Frazier also under 0.200! Must find players that can at least hit 0.200!
Vinnie is the man! Not just his bat...but his glove. I knew he would come around, and (for once) the Royal's patience paid off (and I'm talking about all through Spring Training).
I have to say I haven't seen a pitcher as un-lucky as Ragans was in a long time; I can tell it was eating him up on the bench.
Yep, he’s going to throw 102 in his next outing. It may not be a strike but he’s going to rip one out of frustration.
So I’m a big Ragans guy too…but to say he was super unlucky is also a discredit to the Baltimore offense. They are a very, very good offense. They don’t stike out much and they work the count. They get a lot of credit here too.
If the Royals had 5 hits with an average exit velocity below 80 MPH, you’d absolutely consider it good fortune. A good offense can have good fortune and they did.
They did have good fortune. But they also had 9 hits in 13 total batters. I’m not saying those things don’t happen. But some credit has to go to them as well for the game plan. Which you gave in the article.
Sure, but just to point something out here - the Royals have a higher walk rate (by a lot, Orioles are worst in baseball), a lower strikeout rate and see more pitches per plate appearance than the Orioles.
Yeah that’s crazy. I looked up the Baltimore OBP last week or so and would tell you they will run into hard times. Looks like they’ve made up some ground here actually as they are middle of the pack now. IDK yet. They’ve got talent. But I still wonder if they don’t run on hard times. All teams do I guess. I think I’d still take Baltimore’s overall offensive talent over the Royals though. Even with those stats…but those stats are positive for sure.
If Salvy is going to walk 7 times in the first 20 games. This team OBP will be better. He’s getting the power hitter treatment right now…which he should.
The Royals have had some close games where they could have used a veteran bat to pitch it. Someone who can drive the ball to the gap or hit it over the fence. Instead they have Blanco (which I like) and two veterans (Frazier and I cant remember the name of the utility player) who will never help win a close game with their bat.. Any chance we see the Royals cut either player before the all star game and call up someone or make a trade?
By mid-July? Sure. I think it's very possible. Especially if they're not going to use Hampson anywhere but outfield, he's a bit redundant.
Enjoyed the update on the minor league teams.
How often do contact plays really work with a runner on 3rd? They seem to have 0% efficacy for the Royals…….
I absolutely agree it feels like it never works, but that's partially sort of along the same lines of the gambling thing where you only remember losing hands. It does work sometimes. It's just that when it doesn't, it stands out and usually because they needed the run.
True. You’re generally watching where a hit goes so if they’re running on contact you’re not watching it. You just see a run came in.