Royals Rumblings - News for January 12, 2016

Royals Rumblings - News for January 12, 2016

Craig Brown at Royals Authority looks at the possibility of Christian Colon starting at second base.

Is Colon a viable defensive candidate at second base? All the evidence (the metrics and the eye test) suggest yes. Let’s start with the metrics. It’s limited at the major league level, but over the last two seasons according to Inside Edge, Colon has had 63 chances to record an out in 160 innings. Of those 63 chances, 56 have been classified as "routine," meaning the average second baseman will make 90 to 100 percent of the plays. In Colon’s case, he’s converted every single chance in that category. He’s had seven non-routine opportunities and come away from those with just one out. That confirms the eye test that Colon is steady, but unspectacular with the glove at the keystone position. He possesses average range, a strong arm, and is good enough on the double play pivot you feel confident in his ability to turn two. What he lacks in ability, he counters with superior instincts. He has a feel for the game around second base. That helps him keep and edge and allows him to translate what are averageish defensive tools into an above-average package at second.

John Viril at Kings of Kauffman scoffs at the Fangraphs projected standings for the Royals.

I have discussed multiple times why projection systems tend to under-rate the Kansas City Royals (also see here and here). In short, Kansas City’s combination of contact hitting and strong relievers contain hidden value that isn’t accounted for by algorithms like PECOTA and Steamer that give a lot of credence to the idea that run differential is the best indicator of true talent.

Nate Silver, who made his name projecting the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, asked if 2015 would become "the year that baseball’s projections failed" on his 538 blog. If the KC Royals again return to the World Series (and hopefully bring home another title), they will force stat heads across the globe to rethink their algorithms.

Alex Gordon says the Chiefs season has been "pretty special to watch."

Frank White is named interim Jackson County Executive for the rest of the year.

Goodbye and best wishes, Andy.

At long last, the reign of terror has ended. Today is my last day at The Kansas City Star. Thanks for reading. https://t.co/kgxBS7xMXZ

— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughStar) January 11, 2016

Here are his top five Royals stories from 2015.

The Cardinals sign the Korean reliever known as "The Final Boss."

Are the Indians the new Mets?

Jim Bowden at ESPN (Insider) writes how the Cardinals should be punished for hacking into the Astros' database.

Ken Griffey was a number one overall pick that turned into a Hall of Famer, but that is an atypical result.

Do certain ballplayers play better in cold weather?

There is a legal battle brewing over territorial television markets in baseball.

Alabama is your college football national champion.

K-State football coach Bill Snyder says he will return this year.

The Big 12 will likely be able to have a championship football game without expanding.

Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict will be suspended three games next year for being a repeat offender for unnecessary roughness.

The Daily Telegraph installs monitors to keep track of when reporters are at their desk.

All the coolest tech from CES 2016.

A look at the film career of David Bowie.

Your song of the day is David Bowie with "Heroes."