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Royals Rumblings - News for February 5, 2019
Rustin Dodd has a great piece on the comeback attempt by Kyle Zimmer.
By the fall, Zimmer finished his six months at Driveline and headed to Arizona, where he threw in front of Royals officials in live batting practice and simulated games. The performance opened eyes in the front office. Zimmer touched 94 to 97 mph on the radar gun and showcased his once-promising breaking ball. Better yet: He filled up the strike zone, and his shoulder appeared strong.
“He was throwing the shit out of it,” Boddy said.
As word of the comeback spread this winter, Zimmer received interest from multiple teams. He became a free agent after last season, free to sign with any club, yet he wished to return to Kansas City. The club had stayed loyal, investing in his health and rehab. If possible, he wanted to return the favor. By January, other clubs had shown interest in signing Zimmer to a major-league deal. Spurred into action, the Royals offered a one-year contract and a spot on their 40-man roster.
“I would rather have him fail with us than go someplace else and succeed,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore said.
Could we see Ashe Russell on a minor league mound this year?
Just FYI, I'm told that Ashe Russell, the Royals' top pick in 2015, made progress last fall to overcome his mound confidence issue (used to be called Steve Blass Disease) and will compete in Spring Training for a Minor League assignment. Sounds encouraging for him and the Royals.
— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) February 4, 2019
Matt Eddy at Baseball America lists Kyle Isbel as a young bat to target in dynasty fantasy drafts.
Isbel joining the Royals is the perfect marriage of player to organization, because no other system works to develop players’ speed, basestealing skill and aggressiveness quite like Kansas City. Three Royals affiliates led their leagues in stolen bases last season, and a fourth finished second. Isbel won’t be a home run threat, but his plus wheels and strong plate approach will carry him up the ladder. Plus, there is an outside shot that the Royals could try him at second base in the future.
The Royals announce their 2019 slogan will be “Always Royal.”
As #Royals fans, you can never question our loyalty. On the field, it’s about grit. And hustle. And giving all we’ve got. We’re #AlwaysRoyal.
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) February 3, 2019
: @KGandTheGirls pic.twitter.com/SC0bvbeYzu
See who Alex Duvall at Royals Farm Report ranked as the top prospect in the system.
Morgan Vogels at Kings of Kauffman looks at pitching prospect Yefri del Rosario.
Clubhouse Conversation talks to former Royals pitcher Chris Haney.
Here are spring training reporting dates for all 30 teams.
A megadeal for Bryce Harper or Manny Machado would be out of character for the White Sox.
Will the Orioles target Cuban shortstop Yolbert Sanchez?
The Giants have talked about swapping bad deals with the Yankees, with Johnny Cueto possibly being dealt for Jacoby Ellsbury.
The Rockies are looking to extend Nolan Arenado.
The home of baseball’s San Francisco Giants may be the temporary home of the NFL’s Raiders.
The tense final days of the Venezuelan winter league championship.
Reviewing every frame of that awesome NFL Super Bowl ad.
ESPN fires host Adnan Virk for leaking company details.
What happens when humans spend too much time in the dark?
The first users of Facebook recall their early impressions of the site.
The sci-fi and horror movies likely to break out at the Sundance Film Festival.
Your song of the day is Erasure with Chains of Love.