Royals Rumblings - News for July 14, 2015

Royals Rumblings - News for July 14, 2015

Vahe Gregorian profiles the man that will skipper the American League All-Stars tonight, Ned Yost.

"He allows us to be men now," All-Star outfielder Lorenzo Cain said. "He allows us to be ourselves." In the process … "I think we’ve watched him become himself, too," said All-Star reliever Wade Davis, a veteran who joined the team in 2013. "

He always talked about how he used to be like a stern guy and used to get upset about things and he would just come down on players, which (isn’t necessarily) the wrong thing, but maybe some people don’t respond that well to it."...

"All the tough times that I’ve had in this game … he’s always there to give me a hug," Moustakas said. "First one to give me a hug. First one to tell me everything’s going to be all right. "He is kind of like a dad to all of us."

Andy McCullough profiles media day with the numerous Royals All-Stars.

The Royals are pretty pumped to be in the All-Star game, writes Matt Snyder of CBS Sports.

"It feels more comfortable since I play with those guys everyday," said starting shortstop Alcides Escobar. "It feels great, man. I'm so happy to be here. It's my first All-Star Game and it's unbelievable."

That they have seven All-Stars now is fitting, albeit a significant departure from what had long been the status quo. These aren't the Royals of old. They are a powerhouse and that's on display here in Cincinnati.

Kevin Goheen talks with the many Royals fans who made the trek to Cincinnati to see their All-Stars.

Victor Mather at the New York Times writes the Royals have been one of baseball's biggest overachievers this season.

How could a team that made the World Series be projected to have a losing record the next year? There was a consensus among many close followers of the game that last year's Royals somehow did it with mirrors, and would come crashing to earth in 2015. Their preseason over/under total rated them as only the 20th best team.

Instead Kansas City has the second best record in baseball, trailing only the Cardinals. Lorenzo Cain, Mike Moustakas, and until a recent injury, Alex Gordon have put up big numbers that bettered last year's Even Royals skeptics are grudgingly admitting the team is a real contender again.

Tyler Wornall at KC Kingdom writes its time to give up on Alex Rios.

While the All-Star break could give Rios some time to collect himself and figure out a new strategy, the Royals can’t afford for a guy to spend multiple months figuring himself out. They’re on a great pace right now (as of July 10th), sitting in first place and 4.5 games ahead of the Minnesota Twins. The last thing the team needs is a second half meltdown catalyzed by a guy like Rios.

I hate admitting I’m wrong, but in this case, I was. Despite the history of the team, the Kansas City Royals can’t seem to find a way to revive Rios, and it’s time to move on.

Jason Vargas made a rehab start for AA Northwest Arkansas last night.

Jason Vargas done after 5.1 innings and 75 pitches. Gave up 2 runs on 7 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2.

— Shawn Rebman (@ShawnRebman) July 14, 2015

I have not seen Vargas throw a pitch more than 84 MPH. He's consistently pitching 84, so there's that.

— Cupcakes (@cupcakesarenice) July 14, 2015

David Hill of Kings of Kauffman talks to Royals minor leaguer Andrew Edwards about minor league life.

The food is anything but gourmet. With the amount of money we make a month, fast food is sometimes the only affordable option. When you are trying to keep your body healthy for five months, fast food isn’t the best fuel. The amount of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches I’ve had since starting professional baseball will satisfy my want for many years to come.

Even with all of that being said, big league guys have payed their dues in the minors to earn a spot in the big leagues. It’s a trip none of us regret, but wouldn’t want to relive.

David Lesky at Pine Tar Press looks at trade options to fill the hole at second base for the Royals.

Fox Sports Kansas City will re-air the top five Royals games of the year in a marathon on Wednesday.

Christa Dubill at KSHB 41 sits down with Rex Hudler and talks about baseball and his family.

Lorenzo Cain gets honorable mention in Dave Cameron's Top 50 trade value in baseball column.

Braves outfielder Cameron Maybin credits former Royals hitting coach Kevin Seitzer for his career season.

Mike Bates writes that despite the bloated rosters, its still an honor to be an All-Star.

Fans seeking a safer experience at games have sued Major League Baseball, seeking no monetary damages, but instead demanding safety netting.

Molly Knight's new book on the Dodgers shows a team can win with poor team chemistry, but its harder to overcome a bad bullpen.

MLB's "Fan Cave" is gone, but baseball has found other ways to woo millennials.

Here is the trailer for the HBO documentary "Ferrell takes the Field", on Will Ferrell's spring training stunt to play ten positions for ten teams.

A Buffalo Bills coach will use "it was dark" as his defense for beating up a minor in a fishing incident.

Who has had the better NBA offseason, the Grizzlies or the Spurs?

50 Cent does not even have 50 cents to his name.

How a Mexican drug kingpin escaped from prison.

Greece has its bailout, but at what cost?

Your song of the day is One Republic with "Counting Stars."