Royals Rumblings - News for August 24, 2020

Royals Rumblings - News for August 24, 2020

Jeffrey Flanagan writes that the Royals are still looking for their first late rally to win a game.

“The sooner the better,” Matheny said. “When I walked off that field, the first thing I thought of is that we’re playing winning baseball too frequently not to be slapping high-fives. What we witnessed today was winning baseball, and we walk away with a loss. The bottom line is wins and losses, and I get that. But when you start looking at pieces instead of the results ...”

Mike Matheny comments on all the runners left on base in Sunday’s loss to the Twins.

“Did we let them off the hook in one situation? Probably,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “That’s what it’s going to come down to, again, those situations. ... That’s an opportunity. We’re able to figure out with just a league average on those amount of times with the bases loaded and that’s a five-game swing, probably.

“That’s a big hit, and it’s a whole lot easier to talk about or throw statistics at than actually get it done. But we’re going to get it done. Right now, it’s frustrating not seeing it happen. It’s encouraging as you watch these guys fight to the very last out.”

Lynn Worthy also writes that Alex Gordon is looking to hit for more power.

“I’m honestly not trying to think too much at the plate right now, I’m just trying to do damage at the plate,” Gordon said. “Singles up the middle will come with a good swing, but my second at-bat, that’s kind of what I’m trying to do right now. Hopefully, I can build off that and keep producing and keep driving the ball.

“I’ve been working with my hitting coaches a lot lately and trying to work on some things and trying to be maybe more of a power hitter than I’ve been in the last couple years.”

Will Leitch at MLB.com lists each team’s surprise star this year.

Royals — Trevor Rosenthal, RHP

Key stat: 15-to-5 K/BB ratio (17 K’s, 26 walks in 2019)

The former All-Star didn’t pitch at all in 2018 and was terrible for Detroit and Washington in ‘19. But he looks as dominant as he ever has this year and might be the prime trade jewel at next week’s Trade Deadline.

At Royals Academy, Clint Scoles writes about the success of Kyle Zimmer.

Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter looks at the outlook for Adalberto Mondesi.

Zack Greinke throws a 54 mph eephus pitch.

Stephen Strasburg will have season-ending surgery.

Are the White Sox ready to be Chicago’s team?

The Cardinals have a lot of catching up to do on their schedule.

The Mariners trade former All-Star Daniel Vogelbach to the Blue Jays.

A Mike Trout rookie card becomes the highest-selling card of all-time.

How the Red Sox went from contender to disaster.

How the Players Alliance is working towards equality for Black players in baseball.

Luka. Doncic.

What it’s like to be a virtual NBA fan in the stands.

A brief history of the U.S. Postal Service.

Netflix’s High Score wants you to know that video games are art.

The Batman trailer has a riddle from The Riddler, and it has already been solved.

Your song of the day is Vampire Weekend with A-Punk.