Royals Rumblings

Royals Rumblings - News for June 8, 2020

Countdown to the draft.

By Max Rieper@maxrieper Jun 8, 2020, 8:00am EDT

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Royals Rumblings - News for June 8, 2020

Lynn Worthy writes about how the Royals use Daniel Mack and their analytics department in their scouting department under Lonnie Goldberg.

Over time, Goldberg believes that Mack has realized he’s viewed no differently than an area scout or a cross-checker in the group dynamic when discussions become heated.

“Daniel Mack is a stud,” Goldberg said. “Not many of the analytic guys really get out and see players and see three, four games a day or go to Jupiter and spend time with the scouts. He did that. He did that for two reasons. I think he did that because he wanted to understand and learn and appreciate what the guys do on a daily basis.

“Then I also think he wanted to make sure he understood, from a scouting perspective, ‘I went to a game and I saw this kid really perform, but my analytic data says I shouldn’t like this kid very much.’ So he understood both sides of it. We’ve had good discussions with regards to that and ‘How do we balance out the two?’”

Jeffrey Flanagan previews the draft, with a quote from Goldberg on the #4 pick.

“I think everyone wants that [franchise-type player] at No. 4. But everyone has different timetables. You don’t try to put pressure on that player because everyone develops at different times. But when you pick as high as we are, you are hoping you at least have less risk with the pick.”

Sports Illustrated looks at the biggest draft errors of the last decade.

Following a run of four straight pitchers, the Royals had their pick of any positional player on the board at No. 5. Kansas City opted to select outfielder Bubba Starling, who has logged just 186 career at-bats with a .572 OPS. Starling’s struggles are tough to swallow out of context, but considering the players that followed, KC’s move is downright depressing.

Anthony Rendon, Francisco Lindor and Javier Báez were selected with three of the next four picks, and George Springer went No. 11. Swap Starling for one of the aforementioned stars, and Kansas City’s championship window could have extended past 2015.

Jonathan Mayo’s latest mock draft has the Royals taking Nick Gonzales of New Mexico State while Keith Law has them taking prep outfielder Zac Veen.

This rumor won’t go away, and I think it’s in part because there’s a clear top three in the draft and then a gap before the next tier of talent. Why not take the top high school player, go a little under slot and do something creative at picks No. 32 (Competitive Balance) and No. 41?

Pete Grathoff collects reactions from players wanting to get back to action.

Jordan Foote at Kings of Kauffman thinks the Royals could benefit from the undrafted pool of talent.

Lorenzo Cain calls on people to love and respect each other.

Former Royals catcher Jim Sundberg talks about his new book.

A look at each Central Division team’s best recent draft pick.

Buster Olney writes how baseball can save itself beyond 2021.

Broadcasters will reportedly announce road games remotely this season.

MLB is considering expanding the Arizona Fall League.

Which high schools have produced the most first-round picks?

Some player comps for top draft picks.

A shorter draft could leave the Rays short-handed.

Reds All-Star Joey Votto writes a column about his awakening to racial injustice.