Royals Rumblings - News for January 20, 2017

Royals Rumblings - News for January 20, 2017

Darin Watson at Baseball Prospectus Kansas City likes the rotation depth for the Royals.

But what about the depth that the Royals will inevitably need?

To me, the leading contender to step into the rotation at some point is Matt Strahm. That would be a little unfortunate, because right now it looks like he’ll be a key piece of the bullpen. But this could be an ideal situation for Strahm, as it will keep him in the majors, limit his innings, and still set the stage for him to join the rotation in 2018. Ideally, Strahm would join the rotation midway through the season, and the least effective of Ventura/Vargas/Karns can be sent to the bullpen. Or, with Vargas being a free agent after the year, perhaps he could be dealt for something, depending on where the Royals are in the race. Remember, Strahm was a starter until he was called up last season and put in the bullpen, so that’s what he is used to.

Admittedly, it might be folly to even mention his name, but another candidate to join the rotation is Kyle Zimmer.

Pitcher Alec Mills talks about his journey to the big leagues.

MLB.com: Scouts talk about your control, your fastball. What do you have to work on to get back to the big leagues and stay there?

Mills: Make pitches. Control every pitch you have. When I was up there [in the Majors], I walked quite a few people, hit some guys. I don't know if it was nerves or just adjusting. It's about putting any pitch anywhere you want.

The Royals announce their new corporate partnership with Price Chopper.

Royals players have been working out this off-season, according to their social media pages.

Matt Strahm had one of the most unhittable fastballs last year, writes Jeff Sullivan at Fangraphs.

How Jeremy Guthrie went from the World Series to pitching in Australia.

The Orioles sign Mark Trumbo to a three-year deal.

The Marlins give up a lot to get Dan Straily from the Reds.

Sam Mellinger thinks Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens will be in the Hall of Fame soon.

Jayson Stark reveals his 2018 Hall of Fame ballot.

Which active players have the most interesting Hall of Fame case?

Jonah Keri writes about why we love sports.

Here are your 2017 NBA All-Star starters.

Mel Kiper’s first NFL Mock Draft has the Chiefs getting a receiver.

Leaked emails show how a data mining company pitched its surveillance sevices to foreign governments.

What will happen to Netflix’s DVD service?

What have been the best inaugural musical performances in Presidential history?

Your song of the day is James Brown with Funky President.