Royals Rumblings - News for October 14, 2019
In his mailbag column, Alec Lewis addresses why Mike Matheny is being strongly considered to manage the Royals.
The answer is pretty simple. Folks earn second chances in all walks of life, but especially baseball. Matheny figures to be one of them, whether it’s with the Royals or not.
Sure, there are also questions about his use of analytics (or lack thereof) and the ability to maintain patience similar to Yost with young players, but a year of reflection and working with the right people in the right organization can do wonders for a person’s growth.
Just ask Ned Yost.
Jorge Lopez talks to David Laurila at Fangraphs about his curve.
Lopez learned what he refers to as his “knuckle curve” around the age of 15. Prior to that he was primarily a shortstop and an outfielder in his native Puerto Rico. Back in August, the now 26-year-old told me that developing a solid secondary pitch was a process. As he put it, “At first I was more like a throwing guy; I had to learn how to pitch.”
Development aside, it’s largely the same curveball he threw at Caguas Military Academy, where he attended high school.
“I grab it like a spike and try to have good arm speed,” Lopez explained. “I have the pressure on my middle finger, and my [pointer] finger is kind of… I don’t know how to say it. More in the air? It’s out of the way so I can have the pressure on my middle finger to create that spin.”
Royals prospects Kyle Isbel and Daniel Lynch starred in the Fall Stars Game in Arizona.
Kyle Isbel
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) October 13, 2019
The #Royals' No. 8 prospect puts the West team on the board with a solo shot (107 mph, 414 feet) in the @MLBazFallLeague Fall Stars Game.
Watch live: https://t.co/1emAs8pbym pic.twitter.com/VHilKr47zG
Jackie Hernandez, the starting shortstop for the inaugural 1969 Royals, has died at the age of 79.
Jordan Foote at Kings of Kauffman considers whether Ned Yost’s number should be retired.
The Cardinals claim the baseballs have suddenly lost their juice in the post-season.
Carlos Beltrán is only interested in managing in New York.
The Giants will interview former Phillies manager Gabe Kapler for their opening while the Phillies will interview Dusty Baker.
Could the White Sox import a Japanese slugger?
Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley, Jr. could be traded this off-season.
Former World Series MVP David Freese retires.
Which franchises have suffered the worst October losses in the last decade?
The Angels reportedly knew of Tyler Skaggs’ drug use before his death with an employee supplying the drugs.
Should baseball reduce or get rid of on-field warmup pitches?
Could the Black Sox scandal happen today?
White Sox broadcaster Jason Benetti talks about being a voice for those with cerebral palsy.
Eliud Kipchoge ran the first sub-two hour marathon, but it won’t count as a world record.
A high school football player is forced to tackle his teammate running the wrong way.
Hating Comic Sans is not a personality.
Cows need friends to be happy.
How El Camino captures what Breaking Bad did best.
Your song of the day is Tom Petty with Learning to Fly.