This felt like many games at this point last season, when it seemed we were always getting the key hit to drive in runs (unlike, say, Wednesday, etc.); corner turned perhaps and good on this team for kicking struggling teams when they are down (looking forward to the White Sox in a bit). Also, is Massey hurt? That was suggested in another Royals-centric blog this morning and I’m curious about your thoughts on that.
From the Data Dugout? Always good stuff over there. We know about his back issues and that those have been labeled as "chronic," which never sounds good. But the Royals have a ton of possibilities to fill the second base position and because Massey has been so poor at the plate, if he was even just a little bit achy, I would think the Royals would put him on the IL.
His Statcast numbers are dreadful. For me, it's about making poor contact, which dovetails into the fact that his contact on pitches outside of the zone is way up. He's getting himself out.
Yeah, hopefully I made it clear I have zero inside info on Massey (or any other Royals lol). There are certain metrics (bat speed, max EV primarily) that point toward there being something more to his struggles than simply a slow start. Those two data points in particular are typically pretty sticky and he's fairly short of his career norms in both.
Yeah, you were clear as Irish crystal, RDD; I was just looking for another viewpoint. As we are working our way out of the plausible “just a bad start” period, I suspect this may get further interest.
I had been worried about Masseys back as well. Could have sworn i saw the old man back walk from him after a couple plate appearances recently, but then yesterday he came down from a great grab and sprung around like a teenager.
Eye tests suggest there were much, much better swings all around yesterday, but especially from Vinnie P and even Massey.
Idiot typist me has become sick of yammering about Salvy's lack of plate discipline and how it might keep him finding his way to Cooperstown. Has he seen the light?
Very nice point about Lugo's artistry. Have always had a crush on a good curveballer.
Thanks, Terry. Better swings from Vinnie for sure. Massey...eh. See above for my thoughts there.
I'm not going to go out on that limb and say that Salvy has become some sort of selective hitter. He's just really dialed in at the moment. He has been hitting the ball well all year, but was finding some bad luck in the early going. At the moment, everything is clicking for him. Fun to watch.
I've always said I enjoy the pairing of Massey and Witt up the middle. They seem to have a fantastic understanding of what the other is doing and turn some killer double plays. I was surprised to see that Massey's range has been poor this year, according to Baseball Savant. Good going to his left. Abysmal on going right. From watching the games, I haven't seen anything that would lead me to that conclusion.
"I’m laughing as I write this because, man…How do you even begin to break something like this down?"
Man, I felt this in my soul. I feel like I've really underserved Seth Lugo breakdowns this season because it's hard to know where to even start sometimes.
They are. I think it's already clear they're the elite team in the division. The Royals need an extended big stretch from the offense. If that's possible.
This felt like many games at this point last season, when it seemed we were always getting the key hit to drive in runs (unlike, say, Wednesday, etc.); corner turned perhaps and good on this team for kicking struggling teams when they are down (looking forward to the White Sox in a bit). Also, is Massey hurt? That was suggested in another Royals-centric blog this morning and I’m curious about your thoughts on that.
From the Data Dugout? Always good stuff over there. We know about his back issues and that those have been labeled as "chronic," which never sounds good. But the Royals have a ton of possibilities to fill the second base position and because Massey has been so poor at the plate, if he was even just a little bit achy, I would think the Royals would put him on the IL.
His Statcast numbers are dreadful. For me, it's about making poor contact, which dovetails into the fact that his contact on pitches outside of the zone is way up. He's getting himself out.
Yeah, hopefully I made it clear I have zero inside info on Massey (or any other Royals lol). There are certain metrics (bat speed, max EV primarily) that point toward there being something more to his struggles than simply a slow start. Those two data points in particular are typically pretty sticky and he's fairly short of his career norms in both.
Yeah, you were clear as Irish crystal, RDD; I was just looking for another viewpoint. As we are working our way out of the plausible “just a bad start” period, I suspect this may get further interest.
I had been worried about Masseys back as well. Could have sworn i saw the old man back walk from him after a couple plate appearances recently, but then yesterday he came down from a great grab and sprung around like a teenager.
I know that old man back walk.
ha how do you think i recognized it?
Eye tests suggest there were much, much better swings all around yesterday, but especially from Vinnie P and even Massey.
Idiot typist me has become sick of yammering about Salvy's lack of plate discipline and how it might keep him finding his way to Cooperstown. Has he seen the light?
Very nice point about Lugo's artistry. Have always had a crush on a good curveballer.
Thanks, Terry. Better swings from Vinnie for sure. Massey...eh. See above for my thoughts there.
I'm not going to go out on that limb and say that Salvy has become some sort of selective hitter. He's just really dialed in at the moment. He has been hitting the ball well all year, but was finding some bad luck in the early going. At the moment, everything is clicking for him. Fun to watch.
Vinnie is really starting to come around (at least in my eyes). I love Massey defensively, but I’m not the biggest fan of him as a hitter currently.
I've always said I enjoy the pairing of Massey and Witt up the middle. They seem to have a fantastic understanding of what the other is doing and turn some killer double plays. I was surprised to see that Massey's range has been poor this year, according to Baseball Savant. Good going to his left. Abysmal on going right. From watching the games, I haven't seen anything that would lead me to that conclusion.
"I’m laughing as I write this because, man…How do you even begin to break something like this down?"
Man, I felt this in my soul. I feel like I've really underserved Seth Lugo breakdowns this season because it's hard to know where to even start sometimes.
Love out Zack Lugo!
I'm just like, "I'll throw a dart and hit something interesting."
Who doesn't love a good hit streak! I hadn't looked up the Royals streak; 'nuf on that!
I'm wondering - has Salvy ever had a hot doubles streak like this?
And Lugo fascinates me as well; I'll have to check out Mr. Hurst!
And on yeah! I love exclamation marks too!
the tigers are scary
They are. I think it's already clear they're the elite team in the division. The Royals need an extended big stretch from the offense. If that's possible.
What is the difference between a Slow Curve and a Slurve?