Royals Rumblings - News for October 15, 2020

Royals Rumblings - News for October 15, 2020

Lynn Worthy writes about which minor leaguers are close to helping out the Royals.

A small-market club like the Royals can’t endure regression without far-reaching ramifications. That’s something that assistant general manager/player performance J.J. Picollo thinks the Royals have avoided thanks to work done daily at the alternate training site during the season and the ongoing fall camps.

“The guys that were at the alternate site, we’re looking at it like it was a season,” Picollo said. “They didn’t quite get 500 at-bats. They’re going to end up with about 250 at-bats, so it’s not quite a full season. But because of the type of pitching they were facing and the quality of pitching they were facing, for a lot of guys it was beyond the levels they’ve played at in the past.

“It gives us a pretty good indication that they’re ready to jump a level. I’m not ready to say that guys are ready to jump two levels. I think that will take care of itself in time. I think there was definitely improvement, progress, and we got a lot of individual time that you don’t normally get during the season.”

Alec Lewis looks at who on the roster may have the least job security.

Ryan O’Hearn, 1B: The 2020 season was unfortunate for O’Hearn. He showed up to the summer training camp feeling good but then tested positive for COVID-19 (though he was asymptomatic). The late start kept him out of the lineup and affected his timing. He didn’t produce, though, and that’s the bottom line. With Dozier seeing time at first base at the end of the 2020 season, O’Hearn’s opportunities appear to be dwindling.

Ben Badler at Baseball America previews who the Royals may sign in the international signing period.

Their top targets in the 2020-21 class that opens on Jan. 15 are a pair of shortstops from the Dominican Republic. One of them is Daniel Vasquez, one of the top prospects in the class with a bonus that should come in the $1.5 to $2 million area. Vasquez has trended in the right direction as he’s grown into a taller, lean frame with high physical upside and athleticism in the middle of the diamond. He moves around well at shortstop with fluid actions and body control, along with a short righthanded swing with good bat-to-ball skills and power that should come as he fils out his 6-foot-2, 158-pound frame. He trains with Jaime Ramos.

What’s going on with Jose Altuve?

A look at how the Rays blend analytics with scouting.

Brett Phillips has become the “keep it simple” coach for the Rays.

The Braves show the blueprint on how to build around a young core.

The White Sox get permission to talk to Tony LaRussa about managing their club.

The Tigers interview Yankees hitting coach Marcus Thames for their managerial opening.

Korean pitcher Hyeon-Jong Yang is expected to explore MLB offers.

Which position players will be tendered Qualifying Offers?

There is interest on both sides for a Fernando Tatis, Jr. contract extension.

Jay Jaffe at Fangraphs remembers Joe Morgan.

Do diving catches hurt?

The NFL won’t hold the Pro Bowl for the first time since 1949.

Why are TV ratings for sports down?

A spacecraft is about to slingshot around Venus, headed towards Mercury.

A look at the environmental impact of cloud gaming.

Showtime will revive Dexter for a limited series.

Your song of the day is Robert Plant with Tall Cool One.