Weekend Rumblings - News for February 11, 2017

Weekend Rumblings - News for February 11, 2017

Rustin Dodd looks at five questions facing the Royals as they begin spring training.

A year ago, Tommy John surgery expedited Greg Holland’s departure from Kansas City’s vaunted bullpen. This offseason, it was money and the desire to start reloading that forced a Davis trade. So who’s left?

Two-time All-Star Kelvin Herrera will take over the closer role for the first time. And Joakim Soria is back after a disappointing 2016, entering the second season of a three-year, $25 million deal.

The rest of the relief corps will shake out during camp. Left-hander Matt Strahm could profile as a late-inning setup man — if he doesn’t win a job in the starting rotation. (For now, right-hander Nathan Karns appears the favorite to round out the rotation behind Danny Duffy, Ian Kennedy, Jason Vargas and Jason Hammel.)

Jeffrey Flanagan writes that power is a point of emphasis for the Royals.

Moore slowly constructed a team based on speed and defense, and because of small-market financial limitations that made it difficult to create an elite rotation, he also focused on creating a shutdown bullpen that eventually helped the Royals capture two straight pennants and a World Series title.

Has that vision changed? Perhaps slightly, mainly out of financial necessity, and also because of some offseason enlightenment.

"We will always have to adjust to our financial environment," Moore said. "But with the changes we have made, we still believe we can field a highly competitive team."

David Lesky at Baseball Prospectus Kansas City thinks Matt Strahm should head to the bullpen.

If we’re being honest, I think there’s a good chance Strahm is better than Karns in 2017 as a starter. I also think there’s a good chance he’s better than Vargas. Given what we saw of him in 2016, I think there’s at least a small chance he’s better than Hammel and Kennedy too.

And yet, I think Strahm pitching out of the bullpen is the right move, at least to start the season.

If that doesn’t make sense, don’t worry. It’s a little convoluted. I’m telling you that Strahm is likely better than at least one of Vargas and Karns as a starter and yet I don’t think he should be a starter while those two should be. I have two reasons for this. The first is that I believe the sum of the parts of the team is better with Strahm out of the bullpen and the other two in the rotation.

Dylan Miles at Kings of Kauffman thinks the Royals rotation could be dangerous.

The Royals have themed Valentine’s Day cards.

Vegas odds are out and they put the Royals win total at 80.5.

Baseball may change its stance on gambling.

Dave Cameron points out the Marlins franchise valuation may have little to do with player salaries.

Former Chiefs defensive back Sanders Commings wants to give baseball a try.

Prince Fielder will host a cooking show on Netflix and Hulu.

Turner Field, former home of the Braves, is now the home of Georgia State football.

The French are bringing passion to American football.

A history of controversies over championship teams visiting the White House.

Why is there a 12-foot replica of the Washington Monument buried underground near the landmark?

What the Lego Batman movie gets right that other Batman movies do not.

Ranking the most memorable Grammy collaboration performances.

Your song of the day is Chick Corea with Windows.