Royals Rumblings - News for December 5, 2014

Royals Rumblings - News for December 5, 2014

Jeffrey Flanagan predicts the Royals could fill their holes through trades rather than free agency.

"The truth is," Moore said, "we're really not in on any big free agents at this point. We're monitoring them at this point."...

The pursuit of Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas was an example of a sticker price too high for the Royals. The Royals had interest, as did many other teams, and scouted Tomas during a workout in the Dominican Republic. Tomas even wore a Royals cap then. But the Royals weren't about to get near the six-year, $68 million deal that Tomas agreed to with the Diamondbacks.

Anthony Castrovince of Sports on Earth has some bold predictions for the Winter Meetings including a Royals deal for Marlon Byrd.

Byrd might be entering his age-37 season, but he hit 25 homers last year, and the left-leaning Royals could definitely use that kind of right-handed thump. With an $8 million salary in 2015 and a vesting $8 million option for 2016, Byrd is under control at reasonable rates for today's climate. The Royals would have to dip into their prospect pool to make this happen, but that might be a manageable alternative to stretching the budget well past $100 million and making a long-term investment in a weak market.

Two other trade options that might make sense for the Royals: Dexter Fowler and Chris Carter of the Astros.

So, where are the Royals with free agent James Shields?

"I'll say non-zero... less than zero." - @McCulloughStar on the chances that James Shields returns to KC in 2015. #TheDrive

— 610 Sports Radio- KC (@610SportsKC) December 4, 2014

So you're saying there's a chance! No wait, you're saying there's no chance.

Hunter Samuels at Kings of Kauffman takes a look at some non-tender free agents that could make sense for the Royals.

Based on the needs of the Royals, [Kyle] Blanks is definitely the most appealing hitter, although [Andrew] Brown, [Gaby] Sanchez, or [John] Mayberry could also fit. As for the pitchers, [Kris] Medlen and [Brandon] Beachy are clearly the gems of the group, even though they may not be ready to go by Opening Day. I’m also very intrigued by [Wesley] Wright, however, I think several teams will be after him as well, which would push his price above where the Royals should go.

Andy McCullough talks about the Royals needs before the upcoming Winter Meetings in this video segment.

Our rival Twins are not impressed with defensive metrics, says General Manager Terry Ryan.

So, how does Ryan explain the vast gulf between Hunter’s metrics at age 39 — he’ll turn 40 next July — and what the eyes of Ryan and his fellow scouts tell him?

"Just like I do all the time: As soon as you get somebody to explain (advanced metrics) …" said Ryan, who has Jack Goin on his staff for just that purpose. "When you look at the rankings of the defensive side of the game, you shake your head many times. I’m not saying a lot of them aren’t accurate, because some of them are, but a lot of them aren’t accurate either.

"You can use the metrics or you can use the eye, and you should use both. In this instance, I think we’ve seen (Hunter) play probably 30-35 games as an evaluation process this year, and for the most part the lowest grade we had on him was average range. That’s pretty good."

David Brown at Fangraphs honors former Royal Josh Willingham.

Overall, his teams went 503-644 in Willingham’s appearances, producing a .439 winning percentage, the worst among anyone who recorded at least 4,000 plate appearances since he broke into the majors in 2004. It usually wasn’t Willingham’s fault that his team lost;...

This is what Willingham said about losing, right after the Royals won the American League pennant:

"I think it kind of wears on you being on losing teams a lot," Willingham said. "But definitely, this is a lot more fun. Sure, I thought about it. That’s the goal when you sign up this: Everybody wants to make it to the postseason. I always wondered if I would, so now that it’s come true, it’s really nice."

Raul Ibanez has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Rays managerial position because of family concerns. His family? The Kansas City Royals! Royals bench coach Don Wakamatsu and Indians bullpen catcher Kevin Cash are the remaining candidates.

Billy Butler had to pay for a winch to get his old jersey number on the A's from Josh Reddick.

Grant Brisbee wonders what the heck the Atlanta Braves are doing.

Justin Verlander is not a fan of Jason Frasor?

Nebraska has a new football coach - former Oregon State coach Mike Riley.

The University of Alabama-Birmingham no longer has a football team

Former top draft pick and NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf has been released from jail. This Facebook comment sums him up perfectly.

Nate Silver writes what you already knew - Kansas City has the most unpredictable weather out of any major metro city.

Millennials are more educated and less paid than their parents.

Your song of the day is Merle Haggard with "Working Man Blues."