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Weekend Rumblings - News for June 2, 2018
Jeffrey Flanagan writes that Mike Moustakas is pushing for another trip to the All-Star Game, and you can vote for him online here.
“You think about [the All-Star Game], but if it happens it happens,” he said. “You play for your team every day. That’s what we’re here for. But if you’re lucky enough to get to the All-Star Game, that’s awesome.”
Ian Kennedy is frustrated.
Ian Kennedy was frustrated after the loss, said he felt like this week was one of the best weeks of work he's had. On the third inning: "I literally don't think you can do that again if I just throw pitches down the middle."
— Rustin Dodd (@rustindodd) June 2, 2018
David Lesky at Baseball Prospectus Kansas City is encouraged by Hunter Dozier’s performance,
I know I’m not the only one impressed with Hunter Dozier in his time in the big leagues, but I haven’t written much about him yet and wanted to. With his first home run on Wednesday, he flashed some power that we just hadn’t seen yet in his short time up, and that’s sort of to be expected. He had a hamate injury last season that famously saps power for awhile and he lost a ton of weight during winter ball because of a virus (I believe). Even with that, he’s hit .264/.339/.396 with a TAv of .244. Of his 13 hits that got past the pitcher’s mound, just four of them have been to the left of center. I know he feels comfortable going the other way, but when he starts to turn on some pitches like he did late Wednesday with his home run, he might become a bit of a force.
Baseball America writes about draft history for the Royals.
Overall, the team has slightly favored pitchers (58.6 percent arms compared to 41.4 percent hitters), but 10 teams have taken a larger percentage of arms than the Royals.
If you just look at the first round and supplemental first round, however, you will see that the Royals have leaned towards high school players, taking five high school players in the six selections in the first or supplemental first rounds since 2014.
The Royals found a pitcher in the independent leagues who throws 99 mph and is getting his master’s degree.
When he was ready for major-league scouts to come by in January, he was throwing 96 mph consistently. The Royals, tipped off by video sent to them by one of [Jacob] Condra-Bogan’s coaches, won the bidding and purchased his contract from his Frontier League team.
“He’s got the arm strength,” Picollo said. “If you’re able to throw 95-96 and touch 99 most nights, able to repeat your delivery and have the physical strength and endurance to bring that velocity every night — that’s certainly the reason why we signed him.”
The son of the Royals scout who signed Bo Jackson is a scout with the Royals and will represent them at the draft.
Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, Eric Stonestreet, Rob Riggle, and David Koechner are in town making fans laugh and raising money for Children’s Mercy Hospital for Big Slick Celebrity Weekend which included a celebrity softball game at the K.
We know who Jeffrey Flanagan’s celebrity crush is now.
Ok, I must stop what writing my pregame stuff -- Sarah Chalke is up to bat in the Big Slick celebrity softball game. Big fan. #Scrubs
— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) June 1, 2018
Old friend Scott Alexander made his first MLB start for the Dodgers, as they employed the “let’s start the game with a one-inning reliever” strategy.
White Sox pitcher Danny Farquhar, who suffered a life-threatening brain hemmorhage, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
David Letterman and Jerry Seinfeld told endearing stories about Joey Votto, and Votto has a hilarious response.
Grant Brisbee looks at the cost of keeping Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. in the minors.
The women who blazed a trail in baseball reflect on their contributions to the game.
The Mariners are inducing fans to send their players to the All-Star Game by playing Smash Mouth until they vote.
Sheryl Ring at Fangraphs discusses draft prospect Luke Heimlich and his controversial past that includes an admission of child molestation.
Russell Wilson and Ciara want to be part of an ownership group to bring baseball to Portland.
Davey Johnson talks about managing those wild ‘86 Mets.
The five disastrous moments that cost the Cavaliers Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Court documents show Peyton Manning confirmed the credibility of the source of the PED allegations against him.
Coke claims it gives back as much waters as it uses, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Are donut holes getting smaller?
Is Batman & Robin really the worst superhero movie?
Your song of the day is Hank Mobley with Up a Step.