Royals Rumblings - News for December 22, 2020

Royals Rumblings - News for December 22, 2020

Clint Scoles at Royals Academy looks at the left-handed bats on the market.

Joc Pederson - There isn’t a real centerfield option to Taylor available outside of Jackie Bradley Jr., whose market is probably too great to buy-in. Joc is likely the best platoon partner out there for Taylor. Though his best days in CF are likely past him, if the Royals wanted to spell Taylor during a slump or difficult right-hander, Pederson could make some sense. Additionally, he makes plenty of sense as a starting option for the Royals every day should Nicky or Franchy show themselves not to be options. Before last year’s odd season, Joc had averaged a .241/.336/.499 line the previous four seasons. He has put up a .875 line versus right-handed pitchers with 70 home runs in the 1117 plate appearances in the last three seasons before 2020. On a one or two-year deal, Joc makes a ton of sense, and the Royals have the opportunity to give him everyday at-bats with the flexibility to push Whit to second base or more Michael A. Taylor to the bench from time to time. For a player like Joc trying to build value, that should make sense for him.

Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter looks at three Statcast metrics to watch for with Franchy Cordero.

If there is one thing Cordero does well, it is hit the ball hard. Last year, according to Royals Statcast data, only Jorge Soler had a higher exit velocity on batted balls (92.5) than Cordero (91.2). What’s interesting about Cordero’s exit velocity metrics is that his EV last year was actually lower than his career average, which is 92.5. His best season EV wise came in 2018. In 40 games and 154 plate appearances with the Padres that year, he had an EV of 94.1 on batted balls, which would be the third highest average EV in the league in 2018, if he qualified at-bats wise.

Jeffrey Flanagan writes about the origin of the name “Royals.”

A fan named Sanford Porte was named the winner for his “Royals” entry.

Porte wrote at the time: “Kansas City’s new baseball team should be called the Royals because of Missouri’s billion-dollar livestock income, Kansas City’s position as the nation’s leading stocker and feeder market and the nationally known American Royal parade and pageant.”

Erick Mejia stays in the organization.

The Rays sign former Royals pitcher Chris Ellis.

Royals Assistant General Manager René Francisco will serve as a special advisor for the Gigantes del Ciabo in the Dominican League.

David Scharff at Kings of Kauffman would like to see more patience at the plate.

The Reds are gauging interest in Mike Moustakas.

The George Springer sweepstakes may be down to two teams.

Veteran infielder Howie Kendrick retires.

Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo says free agents want to know where the team will play in 2021.

The writers at MLB.com come up with some bold trade ideas.

What happens the year after a velocity spike?

How the Dodgers can set themselves up to repeat.

A look at the best minor league games of the last decade.

Boston coach Jason Varitek tests positive for coronavirus.

White Sox manager Tony LaRussa pleads guilty to reckless driving and will be sentenced to one day of home detention, a fine, and community service.

The New York Jets couldn’t even tank properly.

Is this the worst selection ever for the college football playoff?

The mysterious link between COVID-19 and sleep.

Netflix and Arthur Conan Doyle’s estate agree to dismiss lawsuit over Sherlock Holmes’ emotions.

The 30 best episodes of TV in 2020.

Your song of the day is Urge Overkill with Positive Bleeding.