Royals Rumblings - News for December 5, 2023
Will the Royals make a splash this week?
Jaylon Thompson has some notes from the Royals at the Winter Meetings.
MJ Melendez will stick primarily in the outfield next season. The Royals are not expected to have him spend time working as a catcher.
There hasn’t been much movement between the Royals and Zack Greinke. The veteran pitcher is still deciding on whether to play next season. He is currently a free agent.
The Royals are still operating with at least $30 million available to use in free agency. There could be opportunities to sign multiple players that put the total spending over the threshold.
Craig Brown at Into the Fountains reacts to the Royals’ off-season so far.
One thing that always kind of amuses me is the reaction when the Royals make a move for a player that another move is forthcoming because the incoming player is already kind of surplus to requirements. That’s the situation with Hampson. However, I don’t think the Royals operate that way. Rosters are always in flux, especially for teams like the Royals and moves are always on the table. Sure, there are probably a couple of irons in the fire, but there’s a Plan D if Plans A, B and C don’t come to fruition. And that’s assuming the Royals have a player in available in the Rule 5 they want to draft. The draft is on Wednesday, so the Royals have about 48 hours from the time you’re reading this post to open a spot.
Baseball teams move in mysterious circles.
Anne Rogers talks to the skipper about the bullpen.
#Royals manager Matt Quatraro: “We’re actively trying to find guys that are quality relievers.”
— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) December 4, 2023
Says there’s not one closer on the roster right now, will prioritize matchups among a committee of high-leverage relievers.
J.J. Picollo talked to reporters at the Winter Meetings about pursuing pitchers, telling them the Royals would be able to compete on free agents.
"We lost 106 games last year. I don't think we're a 106 loss team... we're really selling those players on what we can do for them." #Royals general manager J.J. Picollo is ready to make a splash for a starting pitcher. @Royals | #WelcomeToTheCity | #WinterMeetings pic.twitter.com/MX465wCan0
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) December 4, 2023
He talks more about pitching and adding “veteran presence” to the offense.
"[Bobby Witt Jr. is] the face of our future."@Royals general manager J.J. Picollo gives insight on Kansas City's goals for the offseason and their superstar shortstop. #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/Mhd9LlWFoi
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 4, 2023
Jackson County legislator Manny Abarca IV will host a town hall on the future of the Chiefs and Royals in the county.
The Brewers re-sign pitcher Wade Miley to a one-year deal.
Mookie Betts will be the everyday second baseman for the Dodgers.
The Diamondbacks are open to having a full-time designated hitter.
The Cardinals are looking to trade outfielder Tyler O’Neill.
Pittsburgh is showing interest in pitcher Jack Flaherty.
The Phillies extend manager Rob Thomson.
What Lucas Giolito needs to do to get back on track.
MLB on TV is a mess and that has financial implications.
MLB won’t change the rules to discourage teams from dumping players late in the year to save money.
Inside the decision by the college football playoff committee to leave Florida State out.
The UConn women fall to #17 in the polls, their worst ranking in 30 years.
Spotify’s business model looks a bit suspect.
A beauty pageant director in Nicaragua is accused of using contestants to overthrow the government.
The new season of True Detective starring Jodie Foster has a new trailer.
Your song of the day is Johnny Cash with One Piece at a Time.