Royals Rumblings - News for March 3, 2022

Royals Rumblings - News for March 3, 2022

Columnist Sam McDowell at the Star writes that baseball is jeopardizing its standing with fans.

Viewership and attendance are declining, not to the point of an all-out collapse, but past the point of anomaly. There’s a trend in baseball, and that trend is effectively a tune-out.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced Tuesday the initial week of the 2022 schedule will be canceled as owners prolong their lockout of players.

To which a swath of fans replied: We’re one step ahead of you.

Whit Merrifield went on the radio to express his frustration with the labor situation, but he did exempt Royals owner John Sherman from his ire.

Based largely on the strength of sentiments conveyed to him by Moore in the past, Merrifield said that Sherman is in the business for the “right reasons,” loves the game and wants to win.

“I guarantee you if we had 29 other owners like John Sherman and the ownership group that we have, at least from what I’ve heard from Dayton, we wouldn’t be in this position anyway,” Merrifield said.

Dayton Moore expressed similar sentiments, writes Alec Lewis.

Specifically, he said of Royals chairman and CEO John Sherman: “He cares deeply about this game. And what this team means to our fan base and this community. I have been with him through every phase of this process. And I know how much he cares.”

Dayton Moore apologized to fans for the current situation, writes Lynn Worthy.

“My first thought is simply to say I’m sorry we are where we are,” Moore said during a video conference call with reporters on Wednesday morning....

“Fans want to see baseball,” Moore said. “And they’re really not concerned about owners, players — they just want to see baseball and I respect that and I understand that. I’m wired the exact same way. … “It’s important to hear their frustration and don’t make excuses. I don’t think placing blame is the right way for a thriving organization/industry to operate.”

Season-ticket holders will receive a credit for lost games.

Moore also discussed how minor leaguers would be handled.

Moore acknowledged there will be a different feel for the minor-league players and the Royals staff with the lockout in effect. Currently those players and staff are in Surprise, Arizona at the Royals spring complex.

“We’ve got to adapt and we have to adjust and that’s what we’re responsible for and we’re not going to complain,” Moore said. “We’re not going to make excuses we’re just gonna move forward under the circumstances that we currently are working under and just stay really, really focused on what we’re doing with our minor-league players and developing staff.”

Baseball America ranked Royals prospect Christian Chamberlain as having one of the top fastballs out of the top 100 list.

Back healthy and throwing early in camp, Chamberlain is all systems go for 2022, and he’ll be armed with one of the best fastballs in the minor leagues. Chamberlain has a rare combination of power, shape and unique release characteristics that make his fastball one of the best four-seamers thrown by a lefthander in the minors. He sits 96-97 mph and touches 98 with—on average—20 inches of induced vertical break from a low release height. This combination of power, vertical movement and a low release is rare in general, but even more so for a lefty.

Alex Duvall at Royals Farm Report looks at the organizational depth at first base.

Batoul Hammoud at Kings of Kauffman projects Salvador Perez to stay hot.

The Orioles sign former Royals minor leaguer Buddy Baumann to a minor league deal.

What’s next in baseball’s labor negotiations?

Just how far apart are owners and players at this point?

Jeff Passan writes how MLB can salvage this season.

Ross Stripling accuses the owners of trying to sneak things into the labor deal at the last minute.

If young players are paid more, that may break Oakland’s model.

Baseball America lists the top 100 prospects who are affected by the lockout.

Owners won’t have to rebate their television partners for lost games until 25 games are lost.

The Rockies are reportedly interested in free agent outfielder Michael Conforto.

Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski asks the NCAA tournament committee if he can play his regional in his hometown of Chicago.

Roman Abramovich will sell the Chelsea Football Club and will donate net proceeds to victims of the Ukraine conflict.

TikTok faces an investigation into its impact on young people’s mental health.

The 25 best Batman villains, ranked.

The Oscars can’t quite decide if they’re about America or the whole world.

Your song of the day is Aimee Mann with That’s Just What You Are.