Royals Rumblings - News for February 13, 2017

Royals Rumblings - News for February 13, 2017

Jeffrey Flanagan previews the roster battles to take shape during spring training.

Bullpen: Kelvin Herrera, Joakim Soria, Strahm, Young, Mike Minor, Josh Staumont

Easily the biggest question mark on the team, which is strange to say about a Dayton Moore bullpen. Herrera is officially the closer now and he has big shoes to fill from predecessors Greg Holland to Wade Davis over the past few years. Soria? Man, he needs a bounce-back season. If the Royals are to have a shutdown bullpen again, they need Strahm as a setup guy -- he is simply too valuable here as a middle man. Minor, in the second year of a two-year deal, is coming off a lost season -- he will have his work cut out for him competing with Brian Flynn and Zimmer and all the non-roster veterans (Brandon League, Jonathan Sanchez, Chris Withrow, Al Alburquerque, etc.). Staumont isn't even on the 40-man roster, but the Royals believe he and his 100-mph fastball could be the surprise of camp.

David Lesky at Baseball Prospectus Kansas City isn’t buying the PECOTA projection for the Royals.

I think that’s stupid. I don’t think any individual is stupid because this is an algorithm built to project the future, which is no easy task. I do think the end result is stupid. I do see the possibilities on this team that they end up winning around their projection. Lorenzo Cain could be hurt. Alex Gordon could really be in full blown decline. Ian Kennedy could lose a tick on his fastball and get crushed. Mike Moustakas could revert back to 2014 form. There all sorts of doomsday scenarios for this team. But all in all, I see a team that has a chance to have a very solid to above average rotation, a lineup that can hopefully score some runs and a bullpen that has more potential than results, but sometimes potential can convert. No, it’s not what you’d like to see heading into the final year of The Window™, but I think this team will contend into September and I believe they have a shot to nab one of the Wild Cards.

Ned Yost is the sixth-best manager in baseball, according to Boston Globe writer Nick Cafardo.

Yost was in the middle of these rankings for many years, but Kansas City’s recent success has been in large part thanks to Yost’s managing. Some of his core group is heading into free agency, but Yost could lead another run.

Eric Hosmer wants to bring home a championship in the World Baseball Classic (video).

How Kansas City pro athletes are advised on using social media.

Royals owner David Glass addresses his alma mater, Missouri State University.

Baseball America releases its list of Top 100 prospects without any Royals.

Brandon Phillips agrees to a trade to Atlanta.

The Dodgers bring back Chase Utley.

The Pirates are still willing to deal Andrew McCutchen.

Tigers owner Mike Ilitch passes away at age 87.

Who are baseball’s most intriguing non-roster invitees?

Is Mike Matheny guilty of alternative facts?

What team is due for a big turnaround on defense?

UFC is coming to Kansas City.

Every important NHL trade rumor.

Why did hundreds of whales beach themselves in New Zealand?

Ford will invest $1 billion in an artificial intelligence start up.

Don’t expect much CGI in the new Blade Runner movie.

Your song of the day is Wilco with Someone to Lose.