Weekend Rumblings - News for March 24, 2018

Weekend Rumblings - News for March 24, 2018

Whit Merrifield feels terrible after his line drive fractured Madison Bumgarner’s pinky, causing him to miss the first eight weeks of the season.

“I feel awful, this coming in his last start of the spring,” Merrifield told MLB.com by phone. “Obviously, there was no intent. I just feel terrible. He’s my kind of player, my kind of pitcher. He goes out there and grinds and does whatever it takes to win. I loved watching him pitch.”

Jeffrey Flanagan writes it is a crucial season for Jorge Soler.

“You can tell he has a good eye at the plate,” Yost said. “His ability to draw walks will keep his on-base percentage up even when he might be in a slump. That’s what good hitters are able to do. And, of course, he’s got that raw power.”

The Royals are taking notice of Frank Schwindel’s power.

In the moments after Danny Duffy finished dissecting his latest start, the Royals’ left-handed pitcher spared six words on Sunday afternoon to lavish praise on Frank Schwindel.

“He’s got some dummy pop, man,” Duffy said....

“It’s been a lot of fun this past week, showing some people that I can hit,” Schwindel said, pausing to chuckle. “But I’ve just got to keep it going and just have fun with it.”

Rustin Dodd also writes about Schwindel, and also talks about some of the bats and arms that could help this year, including pitcher Brad Keller.

This is a considerable flier, so remember that, but here’s a dark horse to watch in the Royals’ bullpen. A Rule 5 pick, Keller is a 6-5, 230-pound right-hander who spent last season at Double-A Jackson in the Diamondbacks system. The Royals, however, plan to use him out of the bullpen. He will likely begin in low-leverage situations and will have to perform, of course, but he’s been a bright spot in camp. He has 12 strikeouts and three walks in eight innings. His fastball command has been sharp. At some point in the future, he could be a steal for the Royals and fantasy owners alike.

Dayton Moore is excited about the team’s prospects.

“Nick Pratto is the best hitter we’ve signed since I have been here,” Moore said of the Royals’ top prospect. “Will he continue to develop? I don’t know.

”When you look at him, he’s a guy who takes pitches, see pitches well. He has the right temperament. He doesn’t get too excited. He’s very advanced.”

Royals fans can get deals on McDonald’s, Dunkin Donuts coffee, and Papa John’s pizza.

Grant Brisbee gives some predictions on the upcoming season that may be right.

Cliff Corcoron at The Athletic looks at which MLB fanbase has suffered the most.

Is anyone going to sign Greg Holland?

A look at all the uniform changes and commemorative patches for teams this year.

Red Sox pitcher Steven Wright will be suspended for domestic violence, but Twins slugger Miguel Sano will not.

Cooperstown will also be phasing out the Chief Wahoo logo.

The federal omnibus spending bill could have a detrimental effect on indy league teams.

PETA is mad at Rangers pitcher Martin Perez for killing a bull.

Bruce Weber is the happiest lad.

FanRag lays off a bunch of writers.

Walmart files a patent for drone shopping assistants and smart grocery carts.

Elon Musk is taking his companies off Facebook.

Ready Player One has a major problem hiding in plain sight.

Your song of the day is Horace Silver with Doodlin’.