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When it comes to pitching, consistency is not a term that fills the mind when speaking of the 2019 Royals. On Monday afternoon, that pattern of spotty performances was front and center in the series finale in Toronto. Bludgeoned for the first two innings, Kansas City limped out of Canada after an 11-4 beatdown.
Our own Matthew Lamar wrote a really good piece about the 2018 Royals draft class.
This time around, we’ve got a Fab Five. They will be forever grouped together, as they were Kansas City’s first five selections in the 2018 draft and all were college arms. And like the Fab Four of yesteryear, these college pitchers have all experienced success and they’ve all moved very quickly.
Nate Eaton has been one of our favorite fringe prospects in the system for the last 8-9 months, despite our accidentally leaving him off of our original top 75 list this preseason. Eaton came out of the gates last summer in his professional debut on fire. He posted a 153 wRC+ with Idaho Falls over his first 303 PA with 5 HR and 19 SB. The speed/power combo that Eaton was showing off were just enough to keep him on prospect radars, but the HR power has been kind of zapped so far in A-ball. But…
Sticking to the 2018 draft class, Drew Osborne broke down Jackson Kowar’s first start at AA.
Hunter Dozier is hitting absolutely everything, writes Merritt Rohlfing.
Whit Merrifield is the Royals’ All-Star Game representative. Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian discuss whether baseball got the selection right.
Also, Sam talks about how sports wagering seems destined to become law in Missouri. Host Blair Kerkhoff also pays tribute to former Star editor Adam Darby, who died of cancer in June at age 49.
Top 30 Prospects:
1) Jasson Dominguez, OF, Dominican Republic
2) Robert Puason, SS, Dominican Republic
3) Bayron Lora, OF, Dominican Republic
4) Luis Rodriguez, OF, Venezuela
5) Erick Pena, OF, Dominican Republic
Leigh over at KC Kingdom writes that the Royals need to trade Danny Duffy while they still can.
Clint Scoles writes about Zach Haake and others in his Diamonds in the Rough.
Brett Phillips K% by month the last two seasons
— Patrick Brennan (@paintingcorner) July 2, 2019
4/18: 27.7%
5/18: 39.4%
6/18: 28.8%
7/18: 32.6%
8/18: 41.5%
9/18: 41.2%
4/19: 36.8%
5/19: 38.0%
6/19: 14.8%
Either a SSS fluke or some real adjustments
1st at-bat @BwittJr works the count to 3-1. Hard quick action on it. Third baseman with the pick. Bad camera follow skills. #ProspectOne pic.twitter.com/XdS88u1PSL
— The Welsh (@IsItTheWelsh) July 2, 2019
On this day in history, in 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act.
Tyler Skaggs, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, passed away yesterday. He made the trip to Texas with the team and was found in his hotel room. RIP young man.
Angels statement on the passing of Tyler Skaggs. pic.twitter.com/6XA2Vu1uWV
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) July 1, 2019
So sad. Heartbreaking news. Rest In Peace Tyler Skaggs. Thoughts and prayers to Skaggs’ family and friends and to the @Angels organization.
— Bradley Keller (@brad_keller13) July 1, 2019
Due to the tragic passing of Tyler Skaggs, Alex and I have decided it best to not record On The Corner this week. The List will be pushed to tomorrow as well.
— Pitcher List (@PitcherList) July 1, 2019
Instead, let's watch 47 seconds of Tyler Skaggs throwing one of the prettiest curveballs in the game. pic.twitter.com/F10bqKq1wi
Your song of the day is Fire and Rain, performed live by the brilliant James Taylor.