Weekend Rumblings - News for November 7, 2021

Weekend Rumblings - News for November 7, 2021

Lynn Worthy writes about the infield situation.

One consideration is the fact that the Royals have a high level of confidence that if they had to go to Lopez at shortstop and Merrifield at second base as the secondary middle infield, the two have played together extensively and both can also handle the adjustment of moving around to multiple positions.

Mondesi said late last season he’d be open to playing the outfield, but there’s hesitation on the part of the Royals to move him there because of the amount of running and potential stress and strain put on his body with him having been injury prone. If he were to see time in the outfield, right field would be a more realistic option than center field.

Nicky Lopez talks about his disappointment in being snubbed for a Gold Glove award with the Naperville Sun.

“Looking at my season and my numbers, I should win it,” he said. “It’s the Gold Glove. It’s based off your defense and all that. If you look at my numbers it’s top in the league in all categories.”

At Royals Academy, Clint Scoles looks at the middle infield depth, such as Nick Loftin.

Playing shortstop now, I don’t expect him to stay there long-term as his range didn’t show what others in the organization can provide. Still, Loftin has sure hands, a strong arm and can play the position capably if needed. In most orgs, I believe he would stick, but the Royals do expect a 60 defender at shortstop, and I don’t think he can get there. The bat stands out for Loftin, who had the lowest swinging strike rate for the River Bandits. That 7% rate went with a solid walk rate and some pop. Loftin does a good job of elevating, keeping just a 40% groundball rate and 22% line-drive rate. There is some sneaky power in there with a line-drive rate to go with his patience should result in a good average and on-base skill whether he lands at second, third, or the outfield. Don’t be surprised if Loftin starts popping on Top 100 lists next year and finds himself in Triple-A at some point to prepare his way to knock on the door. (2022 NW Arkansas)

Bill Mitchell at Baseball America talks to Royals infielder Michael Massey about the hitting development program.

“What we learned was to game-plan,” Massey said, “how to go up there with an idea of what you’re trying to do, have an understanding of what that pitcher is trying to do to you, and what’s a way that I can combat that and get the odds back in my favor.

“That’s where a lot of the power comes from . . . knowing what pitch to look for, where to look in the zone, and knowing where you’re trying to hit it.”

The Royals were the best baserunning team this season.

David Lesky at Inside the Crown has his top 15 free agent predictions.

Mike Gillespie at Kings of Kauffman considers Avisail Garcia in right field for the Royals.

Buck O’Neil is back on the Hall of Fame ballot with Jim Kaat, Minnie Miñoso, and Dick Allen.

The Cubs claim left-handed pitcher Wade Miley off waivers from the Reds.

Hiroshima Carp outfielder Seiya Suzuki will reportedly be posted.

Jeff Passan previews the off-season and gives an indication of which teams could be aggressive.

The union makes a second economic proposal to owners.

Buster Posey says physical pain and wanting to be with family caused him to retire.

Public financial statements on the Atlanta Braves shows teams bounced back from the pandemic quite nicely.

Former Royals reliever Scott Alexander is outrighted by the Dodgers.

The Browns release Odell Beckham, Jr.

Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver is accused of racism and misogyny.

Animal Crossing has a big new update.

Your song of the day is Art Blakey with Close Your Eyes.