Royals Rumblings - News for May 27, 2021

Royals Rumblings - News for May 27, 2021

Sam Mellinger writes about whether we can expect improvement from the Royals with Adalberto Mondesi back.

Those two players are not the same, Dozier and Soler, but one thing that’s obvious is that both have been in that head space of over-swinging and trying to pull everything. Pitchers don’t need to worry as much about giving up hard contact if they know that hard contact will be into a shift.

So, there is some reasonable optimism here. These are relatively routine problems and solutions. If and when Soler and Dozier adjust and perform closer to reasonable expectations, the Royals will be instantly, tangibly and significantly improved.

But they cannot fix the team’s biggest current need, because they are not relief pitchers.

Mondesi’s return could mean more time in the outfield for Whit Merrifield, which could improve the defense, writes Lynn Worthy.

“There’s a number of times in just those couple games when we watched some balls get caught down the right field line very shallow that he got to pretty easy,” Matheny said. “A lot of that is because of how aggressively Rusty can position him, knowing Whit’s instincts.

“You’re putting a guy who has been a center fielder at the major-league level into the outfield. Usually when you do that, you’re improving your overall ability to cover the outfield. He looks good to me.”

Alec Lewis writes about Mondesi’s quiet resolve.

Mondesi said recently he feels happy and good and that he simply wants to win for the Royals.

This gets to one more truth about Mondesi. He has a vision for when his career ends: He wants to coach, to guide future players with distinct smiles or big round eyes, or whatever temperament is comfortable for them.

“With all of the things that have happened, and all of the support the Royals have given me, I can’t think of another team,” Mondesi said. “I want to finish my career here. I know how they operate. … It’s my goal when I retire to spend my career here, to coach here, and to work with the young kids.”

Mike Gillespie at Kings of Kauffman writes how Kyle Zimmer is now a key bullpen piece.

The new MLB Pipeline mock draft has the Royals taking prep shortstop Kahlil Watson.

New Era apologizes for omitting the “816” area code on their Royals hat design.

Former Royals outfielder Jorge Bonifacio signs with the Phillies.

Joe West confiscates the cap of Cardinals pitcher Giovanny Gallegos for suspected foreign substances.

A rain delay in Washington brings on a naked streaker.

The Brewers designate pitcher Josh Lindblom for assignment in the second year of a three-year deal.

Yankees pitcher Corey Kluber will miss two months with a shoulder injury.

Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna is out six weeks with a fractured finger.

Reds infielder/outfielder Nick Senzel will miss 4-6 weeks after knee surgery.

Indians pitcher Zach Plesac breaks his thumb “aggressively ripping off his shirt.”

How Carlos Rodón went from non-tendered to Cy Young contender.

Angels pitching coach Mickey Callaway is placed on the ineligible list for a year after an investigation into his alleged sexual harassment.

Who could the first-place Mets trade for to help their depleted roster?

Which direction should the Giants go this summer?

Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are going head-to-head in ‘The Match’ golf tournament.

Is Trae Young the NBA’s next great villain?

An ambitious dark energy experiment just went live in Arizona.

Can memes save crypto from reality?

J.J. Abrams admits that the Star Wars trilogies may have benefitted from having a clear plan.

Your song of the day is New Radicals with You Get What You Give.