Royals Rumblings - News for July 29, 2021

Royals Rumblings - News for July 29, 2021

Anne Rogers has an Adalberto Mondesi update.

Mondesi also ran the bases under the direction of first-base coach Rusty Kuntz on July 28, although it wasn’t at full 100 percent speed. There’s optimism he’ll be able to go on a rehab assignment by the end of July if he stays on track.

Jeff Passan gives updates on trade rumors, reporting there is “no traction” in Whit Merrifield talks with Seattle.

Mike Matheny praises Michael Taylor for getting the game-winning hit last night.

Eno Sarris at The Athletic suggests trades that should happen this week.

The deals: Carlos Santana to the Red Sox; Raisel Iglesias to the Red Sox

Bobby Dalbec has the power, but without the patience and contact right now, he’s been more than 25 percent worse than league average with the stick so far. Even looking forward, the Red Sox have the worst first base situation in baseball. Carlos Santana is a steady veteran with a great eye who would immediately push the Red Sox into the top half at their worst position. His contract is interesting, though. At $10.5 million next year, it’s not so much that the Royals need to unload it. But it’s also a short-term contract for a veteran on a team that doesn’t seem like it’s a year away.

David Lesky at Inside the Crown weighs in on whether the Royals should be interested in bringing Eric Hosmer back.

I still don’t think it makes sense if the Royals believe in Nick Pratto, and I’m pretty sure they do, but the addition of an elite prospect makes you at least consider the possibility. I also think I’d feel a lot better about the idea if I knew the Royals would find a way to get the top prospect and flip Hosmer while likely eating a good chunk of the money. I think we all know that wouldn’t happen, though, so I have to say I’m not a fan of the idea.

At Royals Academy, Clint Scoles reacts to Dayton Moore’s press conference this week.

Dayton’s picture of this team isn’t clear in my mind. He’s watch this team lose 100+ twice and now back to back years ride around a .433 winning percentage. Why should he have confidence this is the roster to win? He should be looking to add to the young core instead of the older one. They have sunk their teeth into the cost on Salvador Perez (32) and Hunter Dozier (30) already, so there isn’t much they can do there but to build around Whit (32), Santana (34), and Benintendi (FA) seems misguided. He should be looking to make deals to build around Witt, Pratto, Sal, Nicky, Dozier, and the young pitchers for 2023 and further.

Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter also reacts to Moore’s statements, arguing that much of it was GM-speak.

Eric Longenhagen at Fangraphs looks at 40-man roster crunches for American League clubs.

I thought for sure there’d be a crunch here because of all the pitchers whose pre-40 timelines end, but the Royals have so many guys coming off the books that they can not only comfortably fit their must-adds, but could perhaps be a place where other teams with overages find equilibrium.

Drew Osborne at Royals Farm Report talks to Frank Mozzicato’s high school coach.

The Athletics acquire outfielder Starling Marte from the Marlins for pitcher Jesus Luzardo.

The Astros acquire closer Yimi Garcia from the Marlins.

The Brewers pick up infielder Eduardo Escobar from the Diamondbacks.

The Reds get reliever Mychal Givens from the Rockies.

The Yankees are finalizing a trade for outfielder Joey Gallo.

Mariners players feel betrayed after their closer is dealt to the rival Astros.

The Phillies/Nationals game was postponed after a number of positive COVID tests.

Jack Leiter signs a $7.9 million bonus with the Rangers, the highest draft bonus for a pitcher in a decade.

Blockbuster deals don’t net big prospect hauls like they used to.

Cubs infielder Javier Baez is fined for taunting Reds pitcher Amir Garrett.

The Cleveland Guardians may have some issues getting social media handles and the URL for their new name.

Aaron Rodgers had a few things to get off his chest about the Packers.

The Big 12 accuses ESPN of trying to destabilize the conference.

Insects populations have declined dramatically in the last 50 years, could that become catastrophic?

A man unsuccessfully tried to walk from Florida to New York - through the ocean.

The long-running PBS show Arthur will end next year.

Your song of the day is R.E.M. with Pretty Persuasion.