Weekend Rumblings - News for January 12, 2019

Weekend Rumblings - News for January 12, 2019

In his Friday notes, David Lesky thinks the Kyle Zimmer signing is interesting.

One, it shows that they at least believe he has a chance to be healthy, and if his work at Driveline got him there, then that’s a big-time feather in their cap. For a guy who has basically never been healthy, this is a huge revelation. The big league deal was probably needed to keep him in the organization so I get that, but he has options obviously and it’s a split contract, so I would doubt he breaks camp with the big club since he has so few innings under his belt, especially recently. Still, the talent exists and he can be a potential impact piece for the team moving forward, even if not in the same way he was supposed to be a few years ago.

Alex Duvall at Royals Farm Report continues his countdown of Royals prospects with #61-65.

Elier Hernandez is a fantastic athlete that represents the epitome of perhaps skill not being backed by results. A far too high GB% and terrible plate discipline have really hampered the offensive production from Hernandez, but I remain positive on his stock. Upon his arrival to AAA last year, we began to see an increased BB%, and I think there’s room for power to grow, as evidenced by his 22 doubles in AA. If Hernandez can get a little more loft on the ball, he may be able to hit 15 HR some day. If he can’t elevate the baseball, and if he can’t improve his BB%, he’s probably not a big leaguer. 2019 will be a huge season for the Royals former bonus baby.

Burch Smith signs with the Brewers.

The Blue Jays trade Russell Martin to the Dodgers.

Second baseman D.J. LeMahieu signs a two-year deal with the Yankees.

Alex Bregman has elbow surgery.

How the luxury tax has put a deep freeze on spending.

10-year contracts are risky, but maybe not with Bryce Harper.

Jeff Passan details how the arbitration process works.

Trevor Bauer shuts down the media after being asked about his tweets.

College baseball coaching staffs are still not very racially diverse.

Ice Cube may put a bid on regional sports networks like Fox Sports Kansas City.

Sports Illustrated has a great profile of former Raiders quarterback Todd Marinovich.

Ranking playoff quarterbacks based on anagrams of their names.

People over 65 share the most fake news on the internet.

Fact-checking the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.

Netflix is sued over Bandersnatch by Chooseco, the makers of the Choose Your Own Adventure books.

Your song of the day is Miles Davis with So What.