Weekend Rumblings - News for November 3, 2018

Weekend Rumblings - News for November 3, 2018

In his Mellinger Minutes, is anticipating a slow off-season for the Royals.

So the point here is not that the Royals have a turnkey roster, and that all or even most of this roster will be around when and if they next spray the clubhouse with champagne.

But, particularly with a directive to shave payroll, the logical move is to see how many of the answers are already in the organization — remember, Khalil Lee and others lurk in the minor leagues — before making significant moves from the outside.

Tim Dierkes at MLB Trade Rumors gives predictions on the top 50 free agents, and has the Royals signing Drew Pomeranz and bringing back an old friend.

35. Mike Moustakas – Royals. Two years, $16MM. After hitting a Royals-record 38 home runs in 2017, Moustakas’ free agency went terribly awry. Despite a qualifying offer, MLBTR predicted a five-year, $85MM contract. Instead, the third baseman wound up back with the Royals on a one-year, $6.5MM deal. Sam Mellinger, talking to two league sources, said Moustakas turned down approximately $45MM over three years from the Angels. Agent Scott Boras told Mellinger, “There was never a multi-year contract offer made to Mike Moustakas by the Angels or any other major-league team.” Who you believe will color a prediction on what Moose can do this winter, after a slightly worse season but with no qualifying offer. A multi-year contract is a possibility here, but it seems clear today’s GMs don’t value Moustakas’ high-power, low-OBP profile as a premium skill set.

The 2019 Steamer projections are here!

Clayton Kershaw signs a three-year contract with the Dodgers, and Jeff Sullivan writes this is what we want from baseball.

Dallas Keuchel and Bryce Harper are among those players that received Qualifying Offers.

The Indians may consider trading veterans like Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco.

Bryce Harper is on the cover of MLB: The Show, but not in a uniform.

The five teams that could define the off-season.

How the rise of surveillance cameras is making things worse for MLB.

The Rangers will name Chris Woodward as their new manager.

The Orioles have interviewed seven candidates for their GM job.

Former Marlins pitcher Justin Wayne faces four years in prison for a urine-fraud scheme.

The Raiders are tanking but its not like you think.

Magic Johnson wants Lakers coach Luke Walton to win now.

The irresistable urge to build cities from scratch.

Underwater meadows of seagrass could be ideal carbon sinks.

House of Cards kills of Frank Underwood very patiently.

Your song of the day is Kenny Burrell with Midnight Blue.