Royals Rumblings - News for July 14, 2020

Royals Rumblings - News for July 14, 2020

Jeffrey Flanagan talks to Dayton Moore about the lack of catching in camp.

“Mike and I have talked to that issue,” Moore said. “We’re fortunate [that] if something were to occur, it happened now. [Catcher] is a position that is not easy to cover.

“We’re hoping to get some of those guys back sooner rather than later. It’s not ideal, but we’re doing the best we can do, just like everyone else.

Alec Lewis talks to Moore about the young pitchers getting the innings they need.

No, I don’t think it’s going to be possible. I think it’s going to be very difficult to do that. I don’t see it. Managing the pitching is the most challenging thing we do in this game. It’s going to continue to be more of a challenge going forward. It’s going to be very difficult to match the innings total from a year ago and put our pitchers in a position to throw 200-plus innings in 2021.

That said, we’re going to be aggressive. When we set our 30-man roster, and even when we go down to 26, we’re going to be aggressive with the right players, assuming they have the ability to help us. We’re not going to shy away from that. We’re not going to manipulate service time or manage the roster in a way that puts the player in a spot where they get confused if you will. The most talented players are going to play.

Lynn Worthy writes about Bobby Witt, Jr.’s first experience in Summer Camp.

“All of the guys have been really good with me and teaching me how to be in the right place at the right time,” Witt said. “The biggest thing is just to try to calm down and not be so antsy because you’re on the big field now. Just slow things down and the game will just be the same game I’ve been playing my whole life.”

Following the Rookie League season last summer, Witt also spent time at the Royals facility for instructional league in the fall.

He said his primary focuses were simplifying his approach at the plate and “trying to put barrel on ball” as well as adding weight and building muscle to help him get through a 140-game minor-league season.

Eric Longenhagen at Fangraphs writes about Central Division prospects.

The giant scouting blindspot created by the pandemic is most frustrating as it pertains to Kansas City, which has several prospects who, ideally, would have shown statistical progress in order to recoup industry standing. Nick Pratto, Seuly Matias, MJ Melendez and Khalil Lee all had statistically concerning 2019s and now there’s now way of knowing if any of them have found a remedy.

Mike Gillespie at Kings of Kauffman profiles new Royals first base coach Damon Hollins.

Jordan Wolf at milb.com also writes about Royals prospects.

The Royals rank fifth-worst in baseball in Fangraphs’ first base power rankings.

Cardinals reliever Jordan Hicks opts out of the season.

The Tigers release pitcher Zack Godley.

Charlie Blackmon rejoins the Rockies after initially testing positive for COVID-19.

Justin Verlander has adjusted his delivery to stay healthy.

Which pitchers are most impacted by the new minimum-batter faced rule?

Here’s where every team is hosting their alternative site for non-Major Leaguers.

The top ten lineups in baseball.

Black players throughout baseball talk about what needs to change.

Historian John Thorn looks at how the South reacted to Jackie Robinson’s signing with the Dodgers.

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce joins Alex Rodriguez’s group in an effort to buy the Mets.

Junior college football will be moved to the spring.

People are upset that Merriam-Webster has declared “irregardless” a word.

Scientists discover a giant structure in a hidden zone of space.

A look back at Action Park, an amusement park in New Jersey known as one of the most dangerous parks in America.

Your song of the day is The Ramones with Bonzo Goes To Bitburg.