Royals Rumblings - News for January 28, 2021

Royals Rumblings - News for January 28, 2021

Fox Sports Kansas City has a new name, Bally Sports Kansas City.

“We are extremely proud to unveil the Bally Sports logo as it signifies a new, transformative chapter in the regional sports business and is representative of our cohesive partnership with Bally’s,” said Steve Rosenberg, president of local sports for Sinclair Broadcast Group . “The upcoming rebrand across our RSN footprint is incredibly exciting, not only for our entire portfolio, but for loyal sports fans across the country.”

A story in the New York Post said Bally’s hopes to one day allow viewers to bet on games “using a Bally’s online gaming tool directly from their TVs.”

Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter looks at why it is difficult for the Royals to sign free agents.

Another argument for why free agents are skipping out on Kansas City as a possible destination is that the Royals haven’t been that successful since they won the World Series in 2015. After winning the second World Series crown in franchise history, the Royals haven’t made it back to the postseason, and they have actually had four straight losing seasons since 2016, which has also included two 100-plus loss seasons in 2018 and 2019. Hence, considering the Royals have been closer to the basement than the top of the AL Central for nearly five years, it’s likely that many free agents may think that Kansas City isn’t “committed” to winning as an organization. In fact, if the Royals were winning (like the Chiefs for example), free agents would be more likely to sign in Kansas City, according to this logic.

Ned Yost recalls how his career got a boost from Hank Aaron, writes Pete Grathoff.

When Yost arrived home one day, his wife said Hank Aaron had called.

“I’m like, OK, who’s messing with me, right? Because I didn’t know Hank from Adam,” Yost said. “And I thought one of my friends was messing with me. So, next day, the phone rang again. And that was Hank. And Hank explained to me that they had some real strong pitching prospects in Double-A and they were looking for a veteran, experienced catcher to go be kind of a player-coach there and wanted to know if I’d be interested.”

Shawn Bauman at Kings of Kauffman looks back on Dayton Moore’s first round draft picks.

The Giants sign infielder Tommy La Stella to a three-year deal.

The Blue Jays acquire pitcher Steven Matz from the Mets.

Shortstop Andrelton Simmons signs a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Twins.

The Tigers ink catcher Wilson Ramos to a one-year deal.

The Mets sign lefty reliever Aaron Loup.

The Yankees sign right-handed reliever Darren O’Day.

Indians shortstop Amed Rosario is attracting trade interest.

The Giants are talking to free agent outfielder Joc Pederson.

How will the empty Hall of Fame class affect next year’s ballot?

The Braves and MLB honor Hank Aaron with a $2 million diversity fund.

Ben Clemens at Fangraphs looks at the intersection of exit velocity and hard-hit rate.

The Mets name Zack Scott acting general manager following the firing of Jared Porter.

Four teams that may be a surprise in 2021.

The Sporting News supports a push to remove J.G. Taylor Spink’s name from a BBWAA award.

The Boston Red Sox end talks to sell a minnority stake to a firm co-chaired by Billy Beane.

The Ringer has an NFL draft big board and mock draft.

Where could Lonzo Ball be traded?

Is it time for an emergency roll out of carbon-eating machines?

Discord bans the r/WallStreetBets server.

The most ambitious cross-over episodes in TV history.

Your song of the day is Dinosaur Jr. with The Wagon.