Weekend Rumblings - News for September 23, 2017

Weekend Rumblings - News for September 23, 2017

Ned Yost talks more about sticking around next year.

If the Royals embark on another rebuild — no matter the scale — Yost said he wanted to be involved.

“Am I going to see this thing through? No,” Yost said. “But I want to get a firm footing and a firm foundation on the ground so that somebody can … in two years, whatever it is, when we get back to where we can feel like we can compete again, then boom.

“It’s going to be easier for me to transition these younger guys. When I don’t pinch hit for (Raul) Mondesi in the eighth inning, because we’re trying to develop him, it’s going to be easier for me to take the flack than somebody else.”

Dayton Moore regrets not doing more to help this team.

Rustin Dodd profiles pleasant surprise Jakob Junis.

“He’s able to slow everything down and not let the situation rattle him,” Royals pitching coach Dave Eiland says. “He has a chance to be a solid starting pitcher in this league.”

Armed with a placid disposition and a retooled slider, Junis has impressed his veteran teammates and surprised his manager. Yet inside the clubhouse, he glides through the room in relative anonymity. Catcher Cam Gallagher, his roommate and long-time teammate, says his friend has carried the approach at every level in the minors. Royals manager Ned Yost likens the persona to a “dead fish” … before doling out a slightly more intriguing comparison:

“Corey Kluber,” Yost says, mentioning the stoic Indians’ ace who carries the nickname Klubot. “They’ve got no personality.”

Lee Judge wonders if Jason Vargas is back.

The Tigers won’t be bringing back Brad Ausmus in 2018.

Royals fans may quibble with this article calling Craig Kimbrel the best reliever of this decade.

Who are baseball’s second-half All-Stars?

Are the Rockies throwing away a playoff spot?

The Yankees have a lot of money coming off the books next year.

What is the trade-off in adding protecting netting to baseball stadiums?

Can teams make a secret deal to pay Shohei Otani more money than allowed by the rules?

How tracking technology helped Byron Buxton become one of the best defensive outfielders.

How financial security for minor leaguers would benefit everyone.

Don’t believe the rumors that the Chargers are moving back to San Diego.

Who will be the best player in the NBA in four years?

The world is supposed to end today, according to a Christian numerologist publication, which could have a big impact on the Wild Card race.

The rise and fall of the American fallout shelter.

Zoo sounds like the most insane show on TV.

Your song of the day is Red Garland with ‘Tis Autumn.