Royals Rumblings - News for January 30, 2019

Royals Rumblings - News for January 30, 2019

Jeffrey Flanagan at MLB.com writes on the closer’s situation.

The Royals will go into 2019 presumably with the same closer, right-hander Peralta, who finished 2018 in that role. The Royals re-signed Peralta last fall to a one-year deal. But while manager Ned Yost likes to point out, and he did so again at the Winter Meetings, that Peralta was 14-for-14 in save opportunities once he claimed the job from Kelvin Herrera (who was traded), club officials have hinted that the closer’s role isn’t necessarily locked in stone. There is a sense that the Royals will get somewhat creative with how they employ their bullpen in 2019, and set roles may never be completely defined. “It comes down to whatever we can do to get 27 outs,” general manager Dayton Moore told MLB.com

Baseball America lists M.J. Melendez as a breakout catcher candidate.

Melendez’s 19 home runs last year and 54 extra-base hits are a pretty strong sign of what’s to come. But even more impressive was Melendez’s continuing physical transformation—as photos from the Royals’ recent offseason FanFest can attest. Melendez has a strong arm, he’s athletic and he’s already tapping into his power. He could quickly climb this list in 2019 by doing much of what he did last year.

Marcus Meade at Royals Farm Report has lower-level prospects to watch.

Kevon Jackson (18, OF, anticipated assignment: Idaho Falls)

If you look up Jackson’s stats from last season, this one might have you scratching your head. He struggled mightily in his big league debut, but his numbers from last year need some context to truly understand him. And it’s Jackson’s potential that will keep me interested in his second pro season.

Most importantly, Jackson is super young. He was 17 when the Royals drafted him in the ninth round last season. So, yes, he had a terrible line .178/.325/.248, but he was very young even for the AZL. Plus, that line reflects a finishing stretch where he collected five hits in his last 20 games. Slumps can really affect a young player emotionally, and he was finishing the season after having already had a full high school season and probably some summer ball, as well (at least some showcases).

Forget all that, Jackson interests me because he has one thing you can’t teach: speed.

The Royals come to terms on 12 pre-arbitration players, including Brad Keller and Ryan O’Hearn.

There is a special guest at Royals Fantasy Camp.

Former Royals pitcher Dillon Gee announces his retirement.

The Blue Jays sign shortstop Freddy Galvis to a one-year deal.

The Marlins sign infielder Neil Walker.

Ken Rosenthal at The Athletic looks at the frayed relationship between owners and the union.

Grant Brisbee writes about the unwritten rules of being a baseball fan, his last piece fo SB Nation.

Sheryl Ring at Fangraphs tries to fix salary arbitration.

Which playoff team is most likely to miss out this year?

Tony LaRussa joins a group that is trying to bring MLB to Nashville.

A viral video helped land a contract for pitcher Chris Nunn.

Sandy Alderson returns to the Athletics organization as a senior advisor.

Jon Jones is granted a license for one fight at UFC 235.

The Chiefs owe almost a million dollars in back taxes to the state of Missouri.

Keyless cars are easier to steal than people thought.

How could Apple miss such a huge privacy-invading flaw in FaceTime?

A look at what Disney is planning with its streaming service.

Your song of the day is The Heavy with Turn Up.