Royals Rumblings - News for May 20, 2019

Royals Rumblings - News for May 20, 2019

Sam Mellinger wrote about how Nicky Lopez developed his high-contact approach.

Lopez is blessed with quick hands, exceptional eyesight, and supreme confidence. The combination allows him to start his swing a fraction later than most, which allows for both better strike recognition and more reliable contact. When the count goes to two strikes, he exaggerates the approach — wider stance, smaller stride, all hands.

“I’m not comparing him to Paul Molitor right now in any sense,” Royals manager Ned Yost said. “But that’s what Pauly did. Pauly’s swing was so short and quick he could see-see-see-see-see, then, boom (swing), just like that.”

Vahe Gregorian spoke to Nicky’s coach at Creighton University, Ed Servais.

“He almost plays like he’s 7 or 8 years old sometimes, with that enthusiasm” Servais said, smiling. “If we all can remember when we first put a baseball uniform on, how we used to sleep maybe with our gloves in anticipation of the morning game. How we got up early to wake up our parents to get us to the game.

“Nicky plays the game like that today, and I think it’s going to be contagious throughout that organization, throughout that team. He’s going to bring that to the clubhouse every day, and I would be surprised if I don’t see a lot more Royals smiling, enjoying the game.”

Adalberto Mondesi has been an RBI-machine this year, writes Lynn Worthy.

“When runners are on base, I just want to do my job whether it’s move them or drive them in,” Mondesi said. “Right now, I just want to stay short to the ball. I’m working on that. Sometimes I get too big with my swing. I’m still working on that. I know it’s going to get better.”

Lynn also spoke to Danny Duffy’s dad about keeping an even keel as his son starts.

“Sometimes you’ve got to step back and say OK,” Dan said. “When you’re worried that something bad is going to happen, all of a sudden he’ll find a way to get out of it. I just try to enjoy the ride because it’s not going to last forever. I just try to have as much fun as he’s having playing baseball.”

Cullen Jekel at KC Kingdom looks at some early trade ideas for the Royals.

Gordon and Chris Owings are joining the fight against PEDs.

Lots of player’s dads joined the team on this trip for a special experience.

Mets manager Mickey Callaway is on the hot seat.

Are .300 hitters becoming a thing of the past?

Do the Marlins have a shot to be the worst team ever?

Astros reliever Ryan Pressley sets the record for most consecutive scoreless appearances.

The Padres broke the record for most games without ever recording a no-hitter.

The Angels blocked the Dodgers from converting a dying strip mall into a minor league ballpark for a Class A team.

The Cubs will play the Cardinals in a series in London next year.

Next year’s Opening Day will be March 26, the earliest the season has ever started.

Are we sure the Warriors aren’t better without Kevin Durant?

Is Brooks Koepka what pro golf needs right now?

Is a non-profit model the answer for newspapers?

Scientists created synthetic bacteria - is this artificial life?

Apparently Elizabeth Olsen bombed her audition to be Daenerys Targaryen.

Your song of the day is The Black Keys with Lonely Boy.