I don't have much to say right now. But I want to thank you for writing this newsletter throughout the year. The fact that you do it for free boggles my mind considering the high-quality stuff you give us. For the first time since fall 2016, I'm looking forward to next season!
Thank you for stopping by and commenting! And “high-quality stuff”! If I ever figure out how to do blurbs to promote this thing, that’ll be on there. :)
This offseason should be incredibly fun. Already cannot wait for spring.
It was a great season! Nobody saw the season they had back before it all started. Royals problem was at end of season and in playoffs scoring runs. Hard to win in playoffs w/o offense. Fantastic pitching though.
There’s going to be a lot of talk around Seitzer. I think what it would boil down to—if they are looking to move on from Zumwalt—is how he embraces the metrics and meshes not only with the players but with the analytics department and Quatraro and the rest of the coaches. All I know about him from his time in Atlanta is he had some quality talent to work with and injuries did them in this year.
This has been a great season. Sad it came to an end. But no way I thought this is what we'd get. We went 3-3 in the playoffs. We looked like we belonged. Lets get some bats and take the Central next year!
Thank you, Craig! I think what this season proved was something I’ve been arguing all along: there’s no need for an extended rebuild when six teams qualify for the postseason and you play in the AL Central. Quatraro said it well in his postgame press conference yesterday. Something along the lines of “We don’t play just to get a little bit better. That’s not how this works.”
Great job Craig. I enjoyed your work all season. Thanks for your insight and analysis. Like you, I feel as if the corner was turned this season. I look forward to your playoff and offseason columns. Keep the faith.
Thank you, George! Now that Sherman and his group have had a taste, I believe this winter will be extremely interesting as they set up for 2025 and beyond.
I've looked forward to reading Into the Fountains almost every morning through some awful seasons, but, not surprisingly, it was even better reading it when the boys were actually playing some ball. Hopefully, that continues for several years, but either way, I'll be reading if you're writing. Thanks for sharing your insightful perspective on the Royals with us!
Hahaha…thanks, Patrick! Gotta admit, some days it was a bit of a grind to turn out content. How many different ways can you describe 100+ losses? Who would even want to do that? Why would I want to do that?
And back at you…Always a good day when Powder Blue Nostalgia lands in my inbox.
This doesn’t hurt as much as losing in game 7 in 2014. Hopefully Piccolo will have another good offseason with acquisitions. Keep up the good work Craig.
And you,my friend,have done a fantastic job all season long of describing their games.As a former Kansan(35 years,now in Idaho),and a lifetime Royals fan since early in 1985,before their World Series win,and can't afford Bally Sports or any other cable service,I have to depend on game highlights of my Royals,and I appreciate your description of and analysis of the games.Keep up the good work!
* Rooting my backside off for the Guards. Their fans have been starving for a WS win far too long.
* SO many chase swings; Salvy you expect, but Massey, then Vinnie in the ninth? They know better.
* Have always appreciated Costas but calling the DP in the sixth "Brilliant?" Looked routine to me. Typical NY bias.
* So sad that BWJ didn't shine brighter. For sure: he'll learn from this and get even better.
* Thank YOU, Mr. B. Sure hope to read posts from you whilst I hover 'round the Hot Stove.
Thanks for reading, Terry. Massey had a solid series all around, but had some awful PAs in Game Four. Vinnie, too.
Costas remains the voice of one of the Games of the Week. But he’s lost his fastball. Time remains undefeated.
I don't have much to say right now. But I want to thank you for writing this newsletter throughout the year. The fact that you do it for free boggles my mind considering the high-quality stuff you give us. For the first time since fall 2016, I'm looking forward to next season!
Thank you for stopping by and commenting! And “high-quality stuff”! If I ever figure out how to do blurbs to promote this thing, that’ll be on there. :)
This offseason should be incredibly fun. Already cannot wait for spring.
It was a great season! Nobody saw the season they had back before it all started. Royals problem was at end of season and in playoffs scoring runs. Hard to win in playoffs w/o offense. Fantastic pitching though.
I agree! The best part of 2024 was just how unexpected it all was. Playoffs after a 106 loss season? Get out of here.
The vibe really seemed to shift after Vinnie went on the IL. Really a shame.
Just a terrific and fun season! Thanks for your writing and analysis!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Murray!
Nothing I think says it as well as Vinny’s last at bat. Dude swung at a pitch in the dirt. Maybe we need Kevin Seitzer here??
There’s going to be a lot of talk around Seitzer. I think what it would boil down to—if they are looking to move on from Zumwalt—is how he embraces the metrics and meshes not only with the players but with the analytics department and Quatraro and the rest of the coaches. All I know about him from his time in Atlanta is he had some quality talent to work with and injuries did them in this year.
I greatly enjoy your writing. Thank you.
This has been a great season. Sad it came to an end. But no way I thought this is what we'd get. We went 3-3 in the playoffs. We looked like we belonged. Lets get some bats and take the Central next year!
Thank you, Craig! I think what this season proved was something I’ve been arguing all along: there’s no need for an extended rebuild when six teams qualify for the postseason and you play in the AL Central. Quatraro said it well in his postgame press conference yesterday. Something along the lines of “We don’t play just to get a little bit better. That’s not how this works.”
Thank you!
Thanks, Herbie! Appreciate you reading and commenting!
Great job Craig. I enjoyed your work all season. Thanks for your insight and analysis. Like you, I feel as if the corner was turned this season. I look forward to your playoff and offseason columns. Keep the faith.
Thank you, George! Now that Sherman and his group have had a taste, I believe this winter will be extremely interesting as they set up for 2025 and beyond.
I've looked forward to reading Into the Fountains almost every morning through some awful seasons, but, not surprisingly, it was even better reading it when the boys were actually playing some ball. Hopefully, that continues for several years, but either way, I'll be reading if you're writing. Thanks for sharing your insightful perspective on the Royals with us!
Hahaha…thanks, Patrick! Gotta admit, some days it was a bit of a grind to turn out content. How many different ways can you describe 100+ losses? Who would even want to do that? Why would I want to do that?
And back at you…Always a good day when Powder Blue Nostalgia lands in my inbox.
Baseball does weird things to our heads.
This doesn’t hurt as much as losing in game 7 in 2014. Hopefully Piccolo will have another good offseason with acquisitions. Keep up the good work Craig.
Thank you, Candy. Agree with your assessment about how it feels. And I do think Picollo will be very active this winter.
And you,my friend,have done a fantastic job all season long of describing their games.As a former Kansan(35 years,now in Idaho),and a lifetime Royals fan since early in 1985,before their World Series win,and can't afford Bally Sports or any other cable service,I have to depend on game highlights of my Royals,and I appreciate your description of and analysis of the games.Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Michael! I really appreciate hearing that. Glad I can help keep you connected to the team.
Craig, thanks for giving us your insight into the Royals all season long. It's been a lot of fun reading your work and chiming in here and there.
Thank you, Tracey! Glad you’re a reader and always enjoy your comments.