Weekend Rumblings - News for March 23, 2019

Weekend Rumblings - News for March 23, 2019

Rustin Dodd profiles infielder Humberto Arteaga.

“Last year, it was arguable that Arteaga had the best spring of anyone in camp,” Yost said last week. “And this year, you can make the case he is having the best camp of anyone.”

Arteaga has been so good that he just might sneak onto the opening-day roster. It’s a prospect he doesn’t even want to think about.

“I feel like it’s close,” he said. “But I just got to wait.”

Lynn Worthy writes about the trio of young pitching prospects in the system - Brady Singer, Jackson Kowar, and Daniel Lynch.

There’s a belief among some inside the walls of the Royals’ facility that their minor-league system may have even more potential major-league starting pitchers than when they boasted baseball’s best-rated farm system in 2011.

“I hope that those guys down there know that we’re really excited about where they’re at and what they bring to the table,” Duffy said. “We can only hope that we’ll be a part of it as well, that drives us to work harder, stick around and be a part of that success too.”

Jordan Wolf at milb.com also profiles Singer and outfielder Khalil Lee.

David Lesky handicaps the final roster decisions.

So that leaves one spot and I believe it’s down to either Sam McWilliams, the Rule 5 guy, or Michael Ynoa, who has been outstanding this spring. Ynoa has earned the job, but this is the Royals and boy do they love inventory. Ynoa can go to AAA and they have to keep McWilliams all season long if they want to keep him in the organization, so I think you can count on that solution. But again, it’s just the roster for the first day we’re talking about. They used 26 pitchers last season. Ynoa will get his chance if he continues his strong work in AAA. I just think that’s where he begins the season.

Drew Osborne at Royals Farm Report writes how some prospects may get squeezed out by veterans.

Olathe East grad Jonathan Perrin, who pitched at AA Northwest Arkansas last year, is suspended 50 games.

Former Royals pitchers Edinson Volquez and Jason Hammel make the Rangers roster.

The Twins release former Royals pitcher Tim Collins.

Chris Sale agrees to a five-year extension with the Red Sox.

The Astros and Justin Verlander are working on an extension.

Francisco Lindor and Jason Kipnis are out for Opening Day for the Indians.

A six-word preview for each MLB team.

Nick Senzel’s agent accuses the Reds of manipulating service time by demoting the prospect.

ESPN will be revamping and recommitting to Baseball Tonight.

Why is CBS featuring a “Zion Cam”?

Alan Foster, the co-founder of Lavar Ball’s “Big Baller Brand” is ousted after he can’t account for $1.5 million.

Pinterest files for an IPO, but avoids calling itself a social network.

Is Jordan Peele the new “master of suspense”?

Supernatural is calling it quits after fifteen seasons.

Your song of the day is Thelonious Monk with I Want to Be Happy.