I wonder how Lugo feels about all the attention Ragans gets. Lugo led the team in GS, IP and ERA. Granted he only had one more start, 20 IP and but 0.14 in ERA better, nonetheless he was a very good #1 starter for the Royals. I hope Lugo repeats his season!
I agree he probably doesn't give it a lot of thought. But... people do like to be recognized for what they have done. I sure don't expect Lugo to be as effective as last year, however I didn't expect him to be that good last year either.
Not only does this deal build good will between the team the the player, which impacts the ability to sign him long term (provided he stays healthy), but it sends a strong signal to young guys in the system and free agents that the Royals are a class organization. While they can't compete in dollars with larger-market teams, if they can win on the margins like this, maybe they can be in contention consistently. BTW, maybe you could contrast this approach with that of the Rays, which have the reputation of "using up" their pitchers and then trading them before they get paid?
Good point on the contrast between how the Royals are approaching this and the Rays. Plus, Picollo mentioned that they are open to doing this with other players. Of course, it has to make sense for both player and team. And the player has to be open to it. But this sends a very good message.
I love the part where JJ talks about his psyche and knowing he is secure and just has to pitch. Taking away as many "off field" distractions as possible is a big boost to the player being able to focus.
I think of the final year of Tyrann Mathieu with the Chiefs and how poorly that went when his concern was on a new contract and not on the job.
Maybe this is one way the Royals win in the margins. Lock up guys they know are part of the future to keep their focus on the sport.
I could be wrong, but I really think the elbow is sound. The Royals wouldn’t take the risk, particularly on the third year, if they didn’t feel good about his health.
Maybe I hallucinated this, but didn’t Raygun’s velo shoot up again in the playoffs and the end-of-season games that mattered? I bet that $8m looks like pennies on the dollar soon
I was thinking something similar, thought I recalled Ragans on radio show implying he intentionally had taken a little off his velocity once season got in swing, but let it rip for a particular game. Can't remember if that was for control or longevity etc., but yeah intentional. But maybe we are drinking the same koolaid...
His post-season velocity was pretty much in line with what we saw over the second half of the season. One thing to note is that he threw 186 innings, plus the postseason. That was around 50 innings more than he had thrown in a season in his pro career. I wouldn't expect him to keep that April velocity the entire season.
I wonder how Lugo feels about all the attention Ragans gets. Lugo led the team in GS, IP and ERA. Granted he only had one more start, 20 IP and but 0.14 in ERA better, nonetheless he was a very good #1 starter for the Royals. I hope Lugo repeats his season!
I doubt Lugo really thinks about it.
I bet Lugo is thinking about his next pitch. Or gumbo.
I agree he probably doesn't give it a lot of thought. But... people do like to be recognized for what they have done. I sure don't expect Lugo to be as effective as last year, however I didn't expect him to be that good last year either.
Not only does this deal build good will between the team the the player, which impacts the ability to sign him long term (provided he stays healthy), but it sends a strong signal to young guys in the system and free agents that the Royals are a class organization. While they can't compete in dollars with larger-market teams, if they can win on the margins like this, maybe they can be in contention consistently. BTW, maybe you could contrast this approach with that of the Rays, which have the reputation of "using up" their pitchers and then trading them before they get paid?
Good point on the contrast between how the Royals are approaching this and the Rays. Plus, Picollo mentioned that they are open to doing this with other players. Of course, it has to make sense for both player and team. And the player has to be open to it. But this sends a very good message.
I love the part where JJ talks about his psyche and knowing he is secure and just has to pitch. Taking away as many "off field" distractions as possible is a big boost to the player being able to focus.
I think of the final year of Tyrann Mathieu with the Chiefs and how poorly that went when his concern was on a new contract and not on the job.
Maybe this is one way the Royals win in the margins. Lock up guys they know are part of the future to keep their focus on the sport.
It’s one of those things that, once someone says it, makes perfect sense.
thx for clearing up all the complexities of the deal. Agree that JJ has been superb in pulling this off. Now if Ragans elbow can just hold up . . .
I could be wrong, but I really think the elbow is sound. The Royals wouldn’t take the risk, particularly on the third year, if they didn’t feel good about his health.
Maybe I hallucinated this, but didn’t Raygun’s velo shoot up again in the playoffs and the end-of-season games that mattered? I bet that $8m looks like pennies on the dollar soon
I was thinking something similar, thought I recalled Ragans on radio show implying he intentionally had taken a little off his velocity once season got in swing, but let it rip for a particular game. Can't remember if that was for control or longevity etc., but yeah intentional. But maybe we are drinking the same koolaid...
His post-season velocity was pretty much in line with what we saw over the second half of the season. One thing to note is that he threw 186 innings, plus the postseason. That was around 50 innings more than he had thrown in a season in his pro career. I wouldn't expect him to keep that April velocity the entire season.