Royals Rumblings - News for October 25, 2016

Royals Rumblings - News for October 25, 2016

Rustin Dodd reminds us that Greg Holland is still out there as a free agent.

Holland reportedly returned to the mound in August, but his camp has remained mostly silent during the final months of the season. Yet barring some unforeseen setback in his recovery, he should be healthy when spring training begins in February.

If the Royals are seriously interested in a reunion with Holland, a series of obstacles could await. First, they could face some stiff competition for his services. When healthy, Holland has been one of the game’s preeminent relievers, establishing his bonafides during a sterling stretch from 2011 to 2014. And while the Dodgers’ Kenley Jansen and the Cubs’ Aroldis Chapman will headline a crop of free-agent closers, Holland remains one of the most accomplished of the class.

Craig Brown at Baseball Prospectus Kansas City is down on the free agent market for the Royals.

Here’s what we know about the free agent market: While it may be devoid of marquee names, teams have money to spend. And spend money, they will. Nobody is going to look at the list of free agents and decide not to play the game. Baseball budgets don’t work like that. You don’t pocket cash today to spend tomorrow. No, you spend today and you spend tomorrow.

Free agency has always been a foolish game. You’re spending on past performance and hoping like hell the player you’re buying can somehow hold on to his prime for just a few more seasons. Moore from his early days as general manager recognized this was not a way a team like the Royals could build. Yes, Gil Meche cost a lot of cash, but he was the youngest free agent starting pitcher in that particular market and his peripherals indicated there was still some upside to be found. Omar Infante on the other hand? The Royals are paying him to not be in Kansas City. Wouldn’t you like to have that $8 million back in the coffers? Sometimes the lure is too great as to resist. Even though you know you should.

Baseball America reviews the Royals’ 2016 draft class and highlights pitcher A.J. Puckett and outfielder Kort Peterson.

CLOSEST TO THE MAJORS: Puckett doesn’t project as more than a No. 4 starter, but he has already spent significant time in low Class A and should head to high Class A to start his first full season.

BEST LATE-ROUND PICK: Peterson is an excellent athlete with plus raw power, but he struck out too much to ever get to his impressive tools in college. Peterson’s tools are that of a potential regular, so if the Royals are able to fix his swing-and-miss issues, they could have a steal.

Tough break for former Royals pitcher John Lamb.

Former Royals infielder Chris Getz addressed the Chicago media after being hired by the White Sox.

The World Series will begin in Cleveland, thanks to Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez.

Kyle Schwarber will return for the Cubs and will start Game One.

The Indians announce their World Series rotation. Danny Salazar will be on the roster.

How the Indians landed Andrew Miller this summer.

The Indians are trying to do what their juggernaut team of the 90s could not do.

Jayson Stark explains why super-teams don’t always win the World Series.

The Yankees are adding enhancements to their stadium.

This winter’s hot stove could be very trade-heavy.

Sporting Kansas City sneaks into the playoffs and will face Seattle.

Brexit is included in the latest version of the simulation game Football Manager.

It may be unconstitutional to prevent women from being topless in public.

The one-size-fits-all limits on screen time for kids turned out to be wrong.

Is the Walking Dead turning off fans for good at this point?

Your song of the day is Alabama Shakes with Hold On.