Weekend Rumblings - News for August 13, 2016

Weekend Rumblings - News for August 13, 2016

Dillon Gee will get the start tonight.

"He’s good," Yost said. "He was supposed to throw a side (session) (Thursday), anyway, for this start. So normally his sides are 25 to 30 pitches anyway, so he just threw his side the day before (that) in a game."

Gee allowed three runs in six innings in his last start, a 4-3 loss to the Toronto Blue jays on Aug. 5. He surrendered four runs in six innings against the Texas Rangers on July 31. Gee has posted a 6.08 ERA in nine starts. He has recorded a 3.05 ERA in 15 appearances as a reliever.

"He came out (Thursday) and said: ‘Look, you guys do what you want, but I feel good,’" Yost said. "He looked good. He looked ready to go.

David Lesky at Baseball Prospectus Kansas City doesn’t agree with Escobar returning next year.

I’m beating a dead horse here, but I watch Alcides Escobar play and I just don’t agree with the Royals picking up his $6.5 million option for the 2017 season. In Escobar, I see a player who has declined offensively, defensive and on the bases. He’s still a good shortstop, don’t get me wrong, but I see a guy who just isn’t as good as he once was. And with the bat that he’s carrying, he has to be better than he is defensively. Personally, I’d hand the shortstop keys to Mondesi next year and figure something out at second base. I’m not sure if that’s Whit Merrifield, Christian Colon or even a guy like Corey Toups, who is hitting well in Double-A. Maybe it’s a free agent, but I think the Royals are better off with the extra payroll wiggle room and without Escobar on the roster. The Royals see Escobar differently than we do though, so I don’t see it happening. I just think it’s a good idea to get one of the worst hitters in baseball off the roster, especially when he doesn’t contribute in other ways like he once did. It’s hard to argue with the impact he’s had on the franchise, but sometimes you just have to move on. I truly believe this is one of those times.

The Royals add a longtime player and manager from Japan’s Hiroshima Carp to their front office.

The Royals on Friday added former Japanese star Kenjiro Nomura to their baseball operations department, the club announced.

Nomura will serve as an advisor to baseball operations.

In a statement, Royals general manager Dayton Moore said, "Kenjiro has been a great friend to the Royals organization over the years. He was a tremendous player on the field and is highly respected in the game. We look forward to his expertise and insight as we expand our efforts in Japan."

The health status of Rally Mantis is in question.

The Royals' Rally Mantis appears to have fallen ill. Genuine concern in the clubhouse. "He gone," Ed Volquez said. "We need another one."

— Rustin Dodd (@rustindodd) August 12, 2016

This just in: Hearing reports the #RallyMantis is hopping around and is OK. #Royals

— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) August 13, 2016

Um.

Billy Burns actually slept with #RallyMantis by his side last night. Sent pic to his wife: "This is whom I'm with when you're not here."

— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) August 12, 2016

Fox Sports Kansas City receives some Emmy nominations.

The Olympics are popularizing "cupping", but the Royals have been doing it for years.

Jeremy Guthrie ponders his professional career after pitching in the NBC Tournament in Wichita.

The Angels are looking for stadium renovations after talks fall apart about moving to a nearby suburb.

Exploring the alternate histories Alex Rodriguez could have had.

What’s next with the Yankees?

The Big 12 is now reviewing expansion candidates, who are they?

Goaltender Hope Solo had some hot takes after USA soccer is upset by Sweden in the Olympics.

How racial stereotypes in sports can be pretty terrible.

How did a Kansas home wind up with 600 million IP addresses?

The wonderfully 80s soundtrack of Stranger Things is now available.

Your song of the day is Sonny Criss with "Black Coffee."