Weekend Rumblings - News for September 25, 2021

Weekend Rumblings - News for September 24, 2021

Sam Mellinger marvels at the season Salvador Perez is enjoying.

Since World War II, only six catchers have had a higher OPS in their age 30 and 31 seasons than Perez. Only Mike Piazza had a higher slugging percentage.

In his last four seasons, Perez is averaging 40 home runs per 162 games played. Just for conversation’s sake, let’s say Perez hits two more home runs this season and averages just 20 through the rest of his contract. He’d be eighth all-time in home runs by a catcher.

If he averaged 25, he’d fifth, behind Piazza, Bench, Carlton Fisk and Yogi Berra.

Alec Lewis profiles Royals minor league first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino.

“That pitch last night,” Zumwalt said, “where was it?”

“I haven’t gone back and looked,’ he said, “but I’m pretty sure it was on the chalk outside.”

“You’re exactly right,” Zumwalt said. “Don’t swing at that pitch.”

Pasquantino, remembering the moment, said, “For me, it was just like, ‘Oh my god. They actually pay attention to that.’ They’re looking to see we’re not chasing bad pitches. It’s not just about hitting .260 with 10 home runs. They’re watching at-bats, seeing what’s happening, which to me is so important.”

Bobby Witt, Jr. and Jackson Kowar earn Royals minor league player and pitcher of the year honors.

Craig Brown at Into the Fountains looks at what the Royals may do with Witt.

This setup has two of the three at their natural positions—only Witt Jr. is truly moved. Lopez has played an exquisite shortstop this year, but he was likewise fantastic defensively at second last year. Put him at either position and you’ll get superior glove work. Mondesi, as Dayton Moore said earlier this summer, cannot be counted on to play the full season, but I do think you can count on him to play outstanding defense at short when he’s in the lineup. It’s possible the Royals could decide the path to keeping Mondesi healthy starts in center field, but I’m not so sure that’s the case.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Witt Jr. was the third-best defender of this trio. That wouldn’t be a knock on his defensive abilities. When you’re ranking three players, someone has to finish at the bottom of the list. Besides, in Mondesi and Lopez you have two proven quality major league defenders at shortstop. I don’t think you move both off the position for a rookie who isn’t markedly better.

Clint Scoles at Royals Academy has an eye on a few Royals prospects in the Dominican.

A few prospects in the DSL are having nice seasons on the island this year despite not having big names. Outfielder Junior Marin is crushing the ball for the DSL squad, hitting .384/.489/.644 in 27 games with four home runs and seven doubles. I’ve heard from one person on site that there is some worry that the 17 year old Venezuelan may outgrow the outfield but the bat has power. The Royals don’t often have players excel with the bat in the DR, so seeing a young one hitting like he has is a nice thing for the future.

Alex Duvall at Royals Farm Report updates his Royals prospect list.

Former Royals pitching coach and Kansas City Athletics pitcher Cloyd Boyer died at age 94.

The Cardinals tie a club record with a 14th win in a row.

The Diamondbacks extend manager Torey Lovullo.

Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo and pitcher Ryan Borucki were suspended for plunking Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier.

Cedric Mullins becomes the first member of the Orioles to join the 30/30 club.

The Cubs plan to be very active in free agency this off-season.

There is hope for the Padres - just not this season.

Some of the players that received Rookie of the Year votes last year could be candidates again this year.

A look at the silliest baseball controversies this year.

Outfielder Carlos Gomez officially announces his retirement.

The U.S. has their biggest day one lead in the Ryder Cup since 1975.

John Elway turned down an ownership stake that could be worth over $700 million now.

Netflix is releasing a sequel to Tiger King.

A look a the biggest album release dates in music history.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is the highest-grossing movie at the domestic box office during the pandemic.

Your song of the day is Django Reinhardt with Coucou.