Royals Rumblings - News for March 5, 2019

Royals Rumblings - News for March 5, 2019

Jeffrey Flanagan over at MLB.com took part in an article that predicted the starting lineup and starting rotation for all 30 teams. You can compare it to the Opening Day lineup prediction the guys over at Royals Farm Report published.

Could Bubba Starling and Kyle Zimmer make the Royals Opening Day roster? Mr. Peabody, fire up the WABAC.

There’s not much doubt that aside from the disturbing Perez injury news, outfielder Bubba Starling’s and right-hander Kyle Zimmer’s camps have been the big news.

ICYMI: Over at The Athletic, Rany Jazayerli is breaking down 50 years of Royals trades. This figures to be a really fun follow over the next couple of weeks. If you haven’t subscribed to The Athletic yet, you’re missing out. $60/year for some of the best Royals content around.

The Hold Your Breath And Hope It Doesn’t Eventually Wind Up On The Worst Trades List Award

July 24, 2017: The Royals trade 2B Esteury Ruiz, LHP Matt Strahm and LHP Travis Wood to the Padres for LHP Ryan Buchter, RHP Trevor Cahill and RHP Brandon Maurer

Our own Michael Augustine thinks that Cam Gallagher could provide something of a boost to the Royals pitching staff.

Above all else, you can’t win if you don’t score. I think Royals fans might be pleasantly surprised with how Kansas City’s pitching staff could keep them in games having Gallagher as their battery mate.

I saw someone on Twitter offer up the idea of MJ Melendez making his way from Class Advanced-A Wilmington all the way to the major Leagues in 2019. Let me just warn you now to not get used to that. The only reason Viloria made that jump in 2018 is because he was the only other catcher on the 40-man roster. Between Cam Gallagher and Meibrys Viloria, the Royals are going to be just fine at catcher this year. There is no reason for MJ Melendez to be rushed that far along in a non-playoff season.

Speaking of MJ Melendez, he interviewed with Trevor Hooth over at Kings of Kauffman.

Over at Royals Farm Report, Paul York thinks it’s possible that there could be some positives that come from Salvy missing the 2019 season.

That original contract was set to expire after the 2019 season. Had that contract remained intact, this injury would be a complete disaster for the Royals. It would’ve meant the Royals missed their opportunity to potentially trade Salvy, which would’ve really bolstered their rebuilding project, and possibly have to watch him go to free agency after the empty 2019 season.

Also at RFR, Joshua Payton interviewed former Royals prospect and current professional agent Ethan Chapman.

Jonathan Mayo of MLB Pipeline broke down all 30 teams’ top 30 prospects lists. The Royals had the best average “Field” grade of all 30 teams. I’m not surprised.

Field
1) Royals. 56.1
2) Nationals, 55.0
3) A’s, 54.5
4) Rangers, 53.9
5) Reds, 53.3

Reader Winojohn makes a point of how difficult the MLB Draft can be.

Former Royals Lorenzo Cain and Eric Hosmer have the same odds to win NL MVP.

Bullpens are now at the center of attention when talking about pitching staffs, and the Giants have built a fascinating one for 2019, writes Mike Petriello of MLB.com.

The guys who were good last year

LHP Will Smith, LHP Tony Watson, RHP Reyes Moronta, RHP Sam Dyson

For those of you who don’t remember, Will Smith is a former Kansas City Royal.

Some big Chiefs news:

From the world of college baseball:

From around the league:

Padres outfielder Travis Jankowski broke his wrist.

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw could miss Opening Day.

2019 World Series odds and picks.

Three children among the victims of the tornados that touched down in Alabama.

Your song of the day is Some Of It by Eric Church. Church wrapped up the Kansas City edition of his “Double Down Tour” on Saturday night at the Sprint Center.