Royals Rumblings - News for July 23, 2020

Royals Rumblings - News for July 23, 2020

Jeffrey Flanagan writes that Brady Singer will make his MLB debut on Saturday.

“He earned it,” said Royals manager Mike Matheny. “He came in here and he made us watch him and how well he competed. Every bullpen, every outing, his training, this kid ... everything lined up that this kid is ready.

“And his stuff validated everything. And we appreciate the organization being aggressive.”

Mike Matheny responds to the news that Hunter Dozier will land on the Injured List after a positive COVID-19 test.

Matheny said that with Dozier going on the IL, backups Bubba Starling and Brett Phillips, both of whom are out of options, have made the team. Matheny also hinted that outfielder Franchy Cordero, who was acquired Thursday in the Tim Hill trade with San Diego, will likely make the Opening Day roster as well.

“I think we’re going in that direction,” Matheny said.

Sam Mellinger writes about Brady Singer and Bobby Witt, Jr. and how they illustrate the situation the Royals find themselves in.

Absolutes don’t exist, especially this year, but Witt Jr. will almost certainly spend the entire season in what is essentially extended spring training. The Royals could put him in a to-be-determined developmental league this fall, and then invite him to big-league camp in 2021.

From there, he would probably begin in Class A but do so with the talent and track record of a fast mover. A big-league debut next season — sometime near his 21st birthday, perhaps — is possible.

And that’s when the Royals hope more of these good problems will come, and some of the bad problems will phase out.

Jeffrey Flanagan gives his preview of the season with his predictions.

The bullpen could be much better with the additions of Trevor Rosenthal and possibly non-roster invitee Greg Holland. It’ll have to be better, considering the uncertainty surrounding the rotation in the early going. The back end of the ‘pen — with Rosenthal, Scott Barlow, Josh Staumont, Holland and Randy Rosario setting up closer Ian Kennedy — should be a strength.

Clint Scoles at Royals Academy makes the case for Foster Griffin to make the rotation.

At this point, the Royals might as well go with Foster Griffin. The lefty is going to be 25 on July 27th, they have given him 1st round money, and he has the body to handle the staring role even if he does it at a mediocre level. At one point, the hopes he could improve control and command enough to be a Marco Gonzales type starter, but that hasn’t come over the past two years. Still, the lefty has a pair of decent secondary pitchers, isn’t afraid to cut and move the fastball in on the hands to help it overperform at times.

Vahe Gregorian writes about Dayton Moore’s recent commencement speech to graduates from Kansas City public schools.

Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter has three roster questions after the Tim Hill trade.

With no minor league season, one Royals farmhand will turn his attention to his fledgling shoe company.

Mookie Betts inks a 12-year, $365 million contract extension with the Dodgers.

MLB is still negotiating with the union on expanding the playoffs.

Pennsylvania denies the Blue Jays’ request to play home games in Pittsburgh.

Jeff Passan looks at how the weirdest MLB season will play out.

The Mets release former Royals outfielder Melky Cabrera.

Daniel Bard has battled back from the yips to win a roster spot with the Rockies.

The Cardinals release veteran reliever Brett Cecil with millions left on his deal.

What pitcher is most likely to throw a curveball on the first pitch?

Which teams need to get off to a fast start?

The Yankees/Nationals game will feature a Black Lives Matter stencil on the mound.

NFL fans will be required to wear face coverings at games this year.

The MLS expansion franchise in Charlotte announces its name and reveals its logo.

“COVID parties” are an urban legend that won’t go away.

Amazon is bringing roller-based delivery robots to Atlanta.

A ranking of Christopher Nolan films.

Your song of the day is Ben Folds Five with Kate.