Weekend Rumblings - News for February 4, 2017

Weekend Rumblings - News for February 4, 2017

Dayton Moore addressed the hole in the rotation to Rustin Dodd.

Club officials believe Strahm in particular could project as a strong option for the rotation. Yet he also proved his value in the bullpen last season, and the Royals need help there, too. Zimmer’s value will likely hinge on his health — and club officials are quietly hoping for a breakthrough. Staumont, a second-round pick in 2015, will likely require more seasoning in the minors, though his 100-mph fastball could wreak havoc in a relief role.

As options for depth, the collection of young arms would likely suffice. As an answer for an unoccupied rotation spot, the picture is murkier. So for the moment, the Royals appear inclined to target another starter, or, at the least, more help for the bullpen.

“We’ve got a hole in the rotation,” Moore said. “That’s an obvious question. We didn’t anticipate that. But we’ve got to look for solutions. We feel like we do have some internal options. But we feel like there may be a trade opportunity or two.”

Antoinetta Collins at ESPN writes about unforgettable life of Yordano Ventura.

Marisol told a story of when Ventura made it to the big leagues. He went back to the church he grew up in and changed all the seats, bought new chairs so the people could be comfortable.

About an hour later, the funeral procession began there in his hometown, where hundreds came out of their homes and businesses to say their goodbye. Men, women and children crying. I asked one of those men why he was crying. He responded, “Look at the town, a humble one where we don’t have much, but we had Ventura.”

Then it hit me, Ventura was an inspiration not only to kids, but to adults. Ventura was hope and pride.

Royals third base coach Mike Jirschele talks about the tragic loss of Ventura.

“You worry what’s going to happen to them in the offseason when they’re on their own,” Jirschele said. “Because most of those guys don’t have to worry about a job in the offseason, so they have a lot more time to get themselves in trouble.”

Jirschele said the staff had a meeting recently discussing Ventura prior to his death.

“It’s sad, but those are things that happen in the offseason,” Jirschele said. “We just had a meeting a week ago on a conference call talking about our starting rotation, saying he’s our No. 1 pitcher, so we were pretty much set with our starters. All of a sudden, on Sunday morning you find out you don’t have your No. 1 starter anymore, so that was a sad day for Kansas City.”

Danny Duffy had a pretty entertaining interview on 610 Sports.

David Cone tops a list of best MLB players from Kansas City.

Do Cardinals fans regret not bringing back Brandon Moss?

Royals pitcher Brandon League is named one of the most intriguing non-roster invitees.

Former Royals pitcher Jeremy Guthrie signs a deal with the Nationals.

The Rays sign sign Kansas City native Logan Morrison.

The Twins designate Korean slugger Byung-Ho Park for assignment.

The ten most interesting people in baseball.

Would a team of the remaining free agents beat the current Padres?

The fictional oral history of Tom Brady’s career with the Montreal Expos.

Grading the new spring training caps.

How to be a bandwagon Falcons fan.

No one seems to know what is going on with KU basketball players off the court.

The rise of the printed tweet in American politics.

Did scientists find a lost underwater continent?

The ten best national anthem performances at the Super Bowl.

Your song of the day is Gary Smuylan with Up in Betty’s Room.