Royals Rumblings - News for September 30, 2016

Royals Rumblings - News for September 30, 2016

Sam Mellinger expects the Royals to merely tweak the roster this winter.

There will be changes, of course. Edinson Volquez has almost certainly pitched his way out of a qualifying offer, and his return for 2017 seems unlikely. Kendrys Morales may be playing his way into a qualifying offer, though that’s also dependent on payroll and the front office’s long-held desire to get away from a full-time DH. Plus, he can always decline the qualifying offer and search for money on the open market.

The Royals will want to add a bat, and probably a starting pitcher. But the biggest issue will be the bullpen. The Royals have to fix the bullpen, most obviously the guys between the starters and the back end of Herrera and Davis.

The Royals have optimism going into next year.

"The team hasn't lost the fight at all," Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer said. "It just didn't work out for us this year. A lot of ups and downs, a lot of injuries. But I do think there's a lot of positives to take from this year, guys like Whit [Merrifield] and Cheslor [Cuthbert] coming up, making a name for themselves and proving what they can do at this level.

"I really think it gives us a lot of enthusiasm moving into next year."

Peter Moylan would like to return to the Royals next year.

Moylan has indicated a desire to come back with the Royals.

Yost would not be opposed to that happening.

"Yeah," Yost said. "He's a great teammate. Great in the clubhouse. Great in the bullpen. Great on the field."

Lee Judge thinks he can hear Alex Gordon getting his swing back.

The Royals sign a six-year old kid thanks to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Some Kansas City toddlers have never experienced a post-season without the Royals.

In his ESPN Insider piece, Jim Bowden says Edinson Volquez may have to take a paycut next year.

The Yankees and Astros are eliminated from post-season contention.

The Cubs and Pirates have the first tie since 2005.

How would you change the current playoff format?

Theo Epstein signs a lucrative five-year deal with the Cubs.

Robin Ventura is expected to return to the White Sox in 2017.

The Twins hire of Derek Falvey as GM is raising some eyebrows.

A-Rod will return as an analyst this post-season.

Why letting David Ortiz go wasn’t that big of a mistake by the Twins.

Pete Rose appeals to the Hall of Fame to restore his eligibility.

A new California law requires IMDB to remove the age of actors upon request.

You can pay money to punch controversial pharma CEO Martin Shkreli in the face for charity.

Men are sabotaging the online reviews of television shows aimed at women.

Your song of the day is Tony! Toni! Toné! with Anniversary.