Royals Rumblings - News for October 24, 2023

C.J. Alexander replaced Nick Loftin in the Arizona Fall League and Jesús Cano writes he is trying to make the most of that opportunity.

The time in Arizona is also something of a second-chance opportunity for Alexander. When he was with the Braves in 2019, he was supposed to play in the AFL. But after breaking his thumb while trying to make a catch over a railing, those plans were scrapped.

Now a more mature Alexander has a chance to prove he is worthy of a much-desired MLB callup.

“I’m still working on my strikeout rate and the batting average,” he said. “And do all this and get a good foundation for the offseason to work on and have a good Spring Training.”

The Omaha Storm Chasers write up a summary of their season.

The Chasers had 223 steals in 145 games (average 1.54 SB/game) and were caught 53 times for a success rate of 80.80% ... this was a franchise record for steals in a season.

Omaha’s 223 steals were the most in Triple-A & 10th in Minor League Baseball.

Edward Olivares’ steal of 2nd base in the bottom of the first inning on August 29th was Omaha’s 193th of the season, breaking the club’s single-season record of 192, set in 1986.

The Chasers stole at least one base in 93 of 145 games (64%).

There were 9 Omaha players in 2023 with double-digit steals: Dairon Blanco (47), Samad Taylor (43), Nate Eaton (22), Clay Dungan (16), Brewer Hicklen (15), Tyler Gentry (14), Angelo Castellano (12), Bubba Thompson (11) and Tucker Bradley (10) ... the Storm Chasers had the most players with 10+ steals of any Triple-A team.

Samad Taylor was returned from his Mexican winter league team after suffering a shoulder injury.

Mike Gillespie at Kings of Kauffman writes about what the Royals need from Vinnie Pasquantino.

The Rangers defeat the Astros to win the third pennant in club history.

Adolis García wins ALCS MVP after smacking five home runs.

Madison Bumgarner asked Rangers manager Bruce Bochy if he needed him to pitch Game 7.

Stephen Vogt is reportedly a leading candidate to manage the Guardians.

The Cubs have discussed an extension for pitcher Kyle Hendricks.

Kim Ng may have been forced out in a front office turf battle with Gary Denbo.

Why it makes sense for the Padres to let the Giants interview manager Bob Melvin.

San Diego could move Xander Bogaerts off shortstop.

Which 2023 draft picks could zoom to the big leagues next year?

Bartolo Colon and Robinson Cano are among the players joining a Dubai-based baseball league that will play in the Middle East and south Asia.

Chiefs receiver Justyn Ross is arrested on felony criminal damage charges.

Some bold predictions for the NBA season as they begin play tonight.

Is the platform era of the internet ending?

The moon is 40 million years older than we thought, according to crystals collected by Apollo astronauts.

Why the Halloween poison candy myth endures.

Your song of the day is The Afghan Whigs with Debonair.