Royals Rumblings - News for November 9, 2020

Royals Rumblings - News for November 9, 2020

Alex Gordon won the Platinum Glove Award, and he thanked the fans for voting for him.

“What a tremendous honor,” Gordon said. “Obviously, it speaks volumes for the fan base here in Kansas City and the love and support they’ve given me throughout my career, good and bad.

“What a way to send me off with this award. It’s all because of them, their voting, their support. What a way to go out. I could thank them over and over again. This is why I stuck with this organization. I love this team. I love this organization. And I love these fans.”

Jeffrey Flanagan tries to predict the 2021 Opening Day roster.

Outfield (5): This is where it gets tricky. Franchy Cordero likely will get the first crack at replacing Alex Gordon in left field. Merrifield probably will start in right field. Will Edward Olivares claim center field? Bubba Starling is out of options, but is so good defensively that he likely will grab a backup spot. Speedy Nick Heath could be another backup option, or the Royals could search the free-agent market for a starter or for more depth, though finances will be incredibly tight. There also could be a wild card that emerges out of Spring Training. Prospect Kyle Isbel (No. 7)? A position change for shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (No. 1)?

Sam Mellinger previews what may be an off-season of austerity around baseball.

The point is that baseball teams are making decisions that would be outrageous in any other offseason. The point is that free agents have largely received cold interest the last two offseasons, with the sport enjoying record revenues. So how do you think free agents will be greeted now?

The opportunities for bargains will be there, even as the Royals join in trying to cut costs. This was to be a lighter payroll year anyway with Ian Kennedy and Alex Gordon off the books. But in this environment they will likely non-tender Maikel Franco, who would otherwise earn about $8 million in arbitration. They will also have discussions around Jorge Soler, who would likely earn about $9 million in arbitration.

Maybe that money would be better spent on three players, or even four, who could help lengthen the Royals’ lineup.

Alec Lewis does a mailbag and he thinks the Royals may take a run at free agent Jackie Bradley, Jr.

I could mention players such as Adam Eaton or even Mitch Moreland in the event Hunter Dozier plays the outfield rather than first base. Still, it’s hard for me not to come back to certainty and ultimately Bradley. With the 30-year-old center fielder, the Royals would be getting a Gold Glove Award-caliber player. In eight big-league seasons, Bradley also has a .321 on-base percentage — not exceptional, but above the Royals’ .309 collective on-base percentage last season.

MLB.com looks at some names to consider for the Mets GM opening.

Scott Sharp One of Dayton Moore’s most trusted lieutenants in Kansas City, Sharp is a well-respected executive with a background in scouting and player development. His name has been thrown around for other GM openings — he’s a candidate for the Angels job — thanks to his role in helping build the Royals’ 2015 championship club

Shawn Baumann at Kings of Kauffman is expecting a shake up for Royals minor league affiliates.

Former Royals catcher Erik Kratz will retire.

Former Royals pitcher Spencer Patton is drawing interest after a successful stint in Japan.

Jeff Luhnow sues the Astros and MLB for his termination following the sign-stealing scandal.

The Blue Jays sign pitcher Robbie Ray to a one-year, $8 million deal.

The Mariners will likely run a six-man rotation next year.

Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. expects to be back at third base next year.

Why the Mets offense may be sneaky good.

Should free agent Kevin Gausman accept his Qualifying Offer?

Is the Phillies front office paralyzed by fear?

There is already a Randy Arozarena movie in the works.

The Yankees end affiliations in nearby Trenton and Staten Island.

The time three triples, two singles, and one double led to no runs in a weird inning.

The NFLPA is investigating reports of security cameras in the Jets lockerroom.

As an Ohio State alum, I am enjoying the embarrassment of Michigan football.

New data from NASA suggests there could be 300 million habitable planets.

Netflix is testing a linear channel that will function like most network and cable channels.

Notorious B.I.G., Whitney Houston, the Doobie Brothers, Depeche Mode, and Nine Inch Nails were among the inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last weekend.

Your song of the day is Whitney Houston with I Wanna Dance with Somebody.