Royals Rumblings - News for November 23, 2020

Royals Rumblings - News for November 23, 2020

Jeffrey Flanagan gets comments from Dayton Moore on the 40-man roster decisions last week.

Another mild surprise was the addition of Tillo to the 40-man roster. The left-hander is the Royals’ No. 22 prospect and might have been considered a gamble to be taken in the Rule 5 Draft because he underwent Tommy John surgery this past summer and will likely miss much of 2021.

“It’s easier for another team to hide those guys in his situation, now on the IL,” Moore said. “He’s got electric stuff. He was ahead of [Tyler] Zuber for a bullpen role. He’s got a chance to be really good, really special. We would have lost him [in the Rule 5 Draft].”

Clint Scoles at Royals Academy writes about the surprising addition of pitcher Angel Zerpa.

This year his fastball has ticked up to the 91-94 mph range while improving his slider alongside his plus changeup. That control maintained with his improved velocity while his aggressive bulldog mentality allows him to attack hitters. Depending on how he performs in spring training, the 21-year-old could be ready for Double-A at the start of the season, alongside some of the system’s best pitching prospects.

An executive with the club told me a couple of teams were sniffing around Zerpa.

Alec Lewis talks to J.J. Picollo about some underrated prospects, like 18-year old pitcher Samuel Valerio.

“A big dude” is how Picollo described Valerio, who was listed at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds on the instructional league roster. He might be much bigger.

Another Dominican Republic native, Valerio can touch 101 mph but he’ll sit closer to 98. He also has a changeup and a curveball...

“He’s got a tremendous arm,” Picollo said.

Former Royals coach Glenn Ezell dies at the age of 76.

“(Ezell) is the type of guy who can do many things,” McRae told The Star in 1991. “What impressed me was his knowledge of the game. He’s capable of handling many responsibilities and he seems to have a great rapport with the players.”

Mike Gillespie at Kings of Kauffman profiles former Royals pitcher Moe Drabowsky.

The Cubs sign five players to minor league deals, including former Royals pitcher Jerry Vasto.

Eric Longehagen at Fangraphs looks at players who may got non-tendered, including Maikel Franco.

The Nationals are reportedly interested in trading for Kris Bryant.

Rangers pitcher Lance Lynn could be on the move.

Why MLB needs more owners like Steve Cohen.

The case for why Curt Schilling does not belong in Cooperstown.

The Marlins are trying to negotiate a new TV deal with Sinclair.

First baseman Yonder Alonso announces his retirement.

Gordon Hayward signs with Charlotte, confusing everyone.

Scientists discover that outer space isn’t pitch black.

HBO orders an adaptation of the video game The Last of Us.

The Mandalorian is bringing life to some of your Kenner figures.

Your song of the day is Lemonheads with If I Could Talk I’d Tell You.