Royals Rumblings

Royals Rumblings - News for January 9, 2019

Did you get an invite to spring training?

By Max Rieper@maxrieper Jan 9, 2019, 8:00am EST

Royals Rumblings - News for January 9, 2019

The Royals announce 19 non-roster invitees to spring training, with pitchers and catchers reporting on February 12.

Included in the 19 invitees are 18 players that were in the Royals’ organization last season. Left-handed pitchers Foster Griffin (first round, 2014), Jake Kalish (32nd round, 2015), Richard Lovelady (10th round, 2016); right-handed pitchers Jason Adam (fifth round, 2010), Zach Lovvorn(sixth round, 2012); catchers Nick Dini (14th round, 2015), Xavier Fernandez (11th round, 2013), MJ Melendez (second round, 2017); infielders Nicky Lopez (fifth round, 2016), Frank Schwindel (18th round, 2013) and outfielder Bubba Starling (first round, 2011) were all drafted by the Royals. Right-handed pitcher Andres Machado, catcher Sebastian Rivero, infielders Humberto Arteaga, Samir Dueñez and Jecksson Flores and outfielder Elier Hernandez originally signed as international free agents. Right-handed pitcher Michael Ynoa is new to the organization in 2019.

Alex Duvall at Royals Farm Report continues the countdown of Royals prospects with #66-70.

David Hollie cracks the list here as a bit of a personal favorite. Hollie’s rookie campaign in the Arizona League was nothing to write home about, but there’s something about the kid that I really like. Hollie didn’t turn 19 until after the season ended, and he’s huge for 19. The kid oozes athleticism, and while he’s going to be a project at the plate, don’t be surprised if he comes out and hits 15 total HR in 2019 either. There’s a ton of pop in the bat and I think there’s a chance he sticks in LF. Keep an eye on Hollie next summer.

MLB.com comes up with one question facing each team going into spring training.

General manager Dayton Moore said he believes part of the solution to improving the bullpen will come from whomever doesn’t make the rotation -- perhaps someone like Jorge Lopez, Heath Fillmyer, Eric Skoglund or Glenn Sparkman transitions to the bullpen. The Royals re-signed Wily Peralta, who could close, but outside of Kevin McCarthy and Tim Hill, the Royals are a bit short on setup men. Look for Moore and his staff to find some free-agent bargains to help out.

Former Royals outfielder Jonny Gomes is the new baserunning and outfield coach for the Diamondbacks.

The San Diego Padres have purchased the contract of former Bishop Miege RHP standout and St. Louis Cardinals draft pick Robert Calvano from the Kansas City T-Bones. He's the third @tbonesbaseball player to have his contract purchased this offseason.
— Jeff Rosen (@jeff_rosen88) January 8, 2019