Be safe out there!
Weekend Rumblings - News for January 14, 2017
Danny Duffy talks about his prospects for a long-term deal in Kansas City.
“I’m an optimistic person, sometimes to a fault,” Duffy said. “But I want to be here … so badly. I don’t want to leave.”...
For arbitration-eligible players, the process of exchanging figures can often offer a baseline for extension talks. Moore declined to discuss the negotiations in a phone interview on Friday, citing club policy. But when asked about Duffy’s public comments, he sounded a hopeful tone.
“Any time a player has a commitment to be with an organization, you do everything you can to consummate a deal,” Moore said. “It doesn’t mean it will always work out.”
David Lesky at Baseball Prospectus Kansas City looks at how the rotation shapes up for the future.
And for my last point about Karns this week, I’m actually kind of digging how the 2018 rotation is stacking up. One caveat to that is they need to get the Danny Duffy extension done, which I still think will happen before the season starts. Not to gloss past the 2017 season, but the Royals rotation in 2018 could actually be solid. There’s some development that would need to happen, but if Yordano Ventura can finally harness his potential and Matt Strahm can ultimately convert to the rotation, the Royals would have Duffy, Ventura, Strahm and Karns as four guys who can get swings and misses. That’s two lefties and two righties, which doesn’t really matter, but if you can find that kind of balance, it’s always a good thing. The last spot in the rotation could go any number of ways. Ian Kennedy could very well be back if he doesn’t opt out (I still think there’s more of a chance than people want to give it). Kyle Zimmer could be healthy (I mean, it’s possible in theory). Josh Staumont could fill that role if he can take that final step and refine his command. A.J. Puckett could be ready to go by then, too.
Beau Estes of Kings of Kauffman has a few outside-the-box ideas for the Royals.
Sign former Astros infielder Luis Valbuena to play second
Yes, the 31-year-old Valbuena has spent most of his big league career at third and first. But he came up as a middle infielder and has played 209 games in the majors at second. Maybe the most underrated player still on the open market, Valbuena hit .260 with 13 home runs and a .341 OBP in 90 games last year. (He had season-ending hamstring surgery in August.) In 2015, he hit .224 – but with a .310 OBP – and 25 homers in 132 games.
Wayne Cavadi at Minor League Ball thinks Kansas City might be the opportunity for Peter O’Brien to show what he can do.
David Hill at Fox Sports says not to count out Joakim Soria.
The Kansas City T-Bones acquire former Royals minor leaguer Daniel Rockett.
Are the Chiefs copying the Royals in terms of team chemistry?
The Padres are closing in on a six-year deal with Wil Myers.
The Rangers sign pitcher Tyson Ross.
Why isn’t anyone signing Chris Carter?
Kyle Schwarber could lead off for the Cubs.
Mediocre veterans like Brandon Moss are becoming endangered.
What is the relationship between FIP and exit velocity?
Decade-long contracts have been a mixed bag for teams.
What are the most outlandish campaigns for NBA All-Stars?
Dana White offers Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Conor McGregor $25 million each for a boxing match.
We are going to start running out of company names.
What happens when you stick your head in a particle accelerator?
Is Nintendo’s Switch an upgrade over the Wii U?
Your song of the day is Milt Jackson and Coleman Hawkins with Close Your Eyes.