Royals Rumblings - News for February 25, 2019

Royals Rumblings - News for February 25, 2019

Is Adalberto Mondesi on the verge of stardom?

Since 1974, his 14 home runs and 32 thefts are matched by only six other players in their age 22-or younger season. The others were Mike Trout (2012-13), Hanley Ramirez (2006), Jimmy Rollins (2001), Alex Rodriguez (1998), Sammy Sosa (1990) and Barry Bonds (1986-87).

“No pressure,” Mondesi said. “I know what I can do. Thank God I’ve got all those tools. So I just need to be ready and things are going to happen on the field. Whatever happens is going to happen. I don’t have like limits, so I can just go out and play. I know I can do a lot of things.”

Jeffrey Flanagan writes that Billy Hamilton’s Gold Glove chances have improved in Kansas City.

“I fully expect him to win a Gold Glove in Kansas City with all of that room there now,” Reds outfielder Scott Schebler told MLB.com last week. “At Great American Ball Park, he couldn’t fully blossom because the wall stopped him. I think that’s what hurt him in the Gold Glove race. I expect him to win a Gold Glove over there.”

Richard Lovelady hopes to add a change-up to his repertoire.

“The hardest thing with me was not only to have the grip, but to repeat the delivery,” Lovelady said. “My arm is like a three-quarters slot so it’s kind of hard to stay on top of it every time. I think now I’ve got to a point where I can figure out to get on front and stay on top of it.”

Lovelady has been trying to develop a feel for the pitch in bullpen sessions and live batting practice. Now, he’ll take the next step and test it in game situations.

“In the end, it’s really hard because the kid has two elite pitches in his fastball and slider,” Royals bullpen coach Vance Wilson said. “I think it will get there. It’s (about) being able to make sure we don’t use it so much that we don’t take away from the strengths. That’s kind of where we are, like let’s throw a bunch of them, let’s pull back and you’ll get a feel.”

Lefty specialist Tim Hill is also adding a change-up.

“I got my first out with [the changeup],” Hill said, smiling. “It did exactly what I wanted it to do.

”For the most part, I’m just trying to get hitters to hit it down. The changeup, he hit in the air, but I think it’s because he was early on it.”

Kyle Zimmer talks about his spring debut.

Clint Scoles takes a look at Royals catching prospects.

Alex Duvall at Royals Farm Report writes about what he wants to see out of spring training.

Brian Cashman explains why the Yankees did not pursue Manny Machado.

MLB is considering new rules to prevent sign-stealing.

Craig Kimbrel’s agent denies rumors his client is considering sitting out the entire season.

Some Montreal investors want to buy a part of the Rays and play a few games in Montreal.

Yahoo Sports is trying to follow The Athletic with a subscription-based model.

Dee Gordon opens up about how domestic violence cost his mother her life.

TCU’s coach is not a fan of a new rule in college baseball that requires the pitcher to have both feet on the rubber when beginning the windup.

AAF broadcasters get caught saying “no one’s watching.”

How UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre defined greatness.

Is lab-grown meat actually worse for the environment?

Why did this creepy Sesame Street cartoon stay hidden for 30 years only to recently resurface?

Here is a full list of Oscar winners.

Your song of the day is Lennon/Ono with the Plastic Ono Band with Instant Karma! (We All Shine on).