re: leadoff - I was really intrigued by what appeared to be a different approach from Massey in that spot and I'd enjoy seeing more of that. Failing that, Hunter Renfroe has almost as many walks as strikeouts and a .385 OBP since the beginning of July.
re: Bullpen, I appreciate you also pointing out that McArthur was never supposed to be trying to close out Saturday's game. I wonder what's going on with Zerpa that he didn't appear in Saturday or Sunday's contest. Is he hurt? Or do they simply no longer like him against righties? I hope (and believe) that Q saw what I saw with Harvey's save Sunday and how lucky he was that the hanging splitter was hit directly at Adam Frazier. He won't be effective until he can figure that pitch out again (he was hanging it Saturday, too) so Erceg should be closing at least until he can figure out his splitter or McArthur can remember how to throw any of his breaking stuff effectively.
FWIW, I think Harvey and McArthur will both be very good relievers again in the near future. But some lower leverage outings to allow them time to figure out what's going on with their non-fastballs is definitely in order.
Relievers are weird, but like you, would still bet on Harvey and McArthur figuring it out. The issue is, we’re running out of time and have reached a point where every single game carries an enormous amount of weight. Someone has to be trusted in high leverage spots. More than one reliever. Ideally, more than two.
I'd be willing to bet on Erceg, Long, and Bubic most nights. My dream is that McArthur and Harvey will have it figured out by the end of September and we can unleash a pretty good bullpen in the playoffs.
I think the Royals should use MJ as a “reverse” closer—only in the 8th or 9th inning and only when behind by less than three runs. It seems like what he’s best at.
I want to search the transaction logs from that season to see who took Detherage’s spot on the roster. Could’ve been Brett when he came back from injury. I remember there was some talk that Brett might not even qualify for the batting title because he missed so much time.
When Schreiber comes off the IL it stands to reason that McArthur will be optioned to Omaha. That may be what he needs at this point in his young career.
re: leadoff - I was really intrigued by what appeared to be a different approach from Massey in that spot and I'd enjoy seeing more of that. Failing that, Hunter Renfroe has almost as many walks as strikeouts and a .385 OBP since the beginning of July.
re: Bullpen, I appreciate you also pointing out that McArthur was never supposed to be trying to close out Saturday's game. I wonder what's going on with Zerpa that he didn't appear in Saturday or Sunday's contest. Is he hurt? Or do they simply no longer like him against righties? I hope (and believe) that Q saw what I saw with Harvey's save Sunday and how lucky he was that the hanging splitter was hit directly at Adam Frazier. He won't be effective until he can figure that pitch out again (he was hanging it Saturday, too) so Erceg should be closing at least until he can figure out his splitter or McArthur can remember how to throw any of his breaking stuff effectively.
FWIW, I think Harvey and McArthur will both be very good relievers again in the near future. But some lower leverage outings to allow them time to figure out what's going on with their non-fastballs is definitely in order.
Relievers are weird, but like you, would still bet on Harvey and McArthur figuring it out. The issue is, we’re running out of time and have reached a point where every single game carries an enormous amount of weight. Someone has to be trusted in high leverage spots. More than one reliever. Ideally, more than two.
At least it feels as though Erceg is A Guy.
I'd be willing to bet on Erceg, Long, and Bubic most nights. My dream is that McArthur and Harvey will have it figured out by the end of September and we can unleash a pretty good bullpen in the playoffs.
I think the Royals should use MJ as a “reverse” closer—only in the 8th or 9th inning and only when behind by less than three runs. It seems like what he’s best at.
Clutchiness for the win. Literally.
So...the late inning offensive replacement?
Perhaps in order to solve leadoff they should check to see what Alcides Escobar is doing these days.
Go ahead and LOL (I did) but that worked and nothing else has.
Leave it to the immortal Bob Detherage to keep the line moving. Don't remember him, either.
Notice Brett not in the lineup as he often was injured during that relentlessly hot yet sweetly enjoyable summer.
I want to search the transaction logs from that season to see who took Detherage’s spot on the roster. Could’ve been Brett when he came back from injury. I remember there was some talk that Brett might not even qualify for the batting title because he missed so much time.
Can’t argue against the good ole Esky Ambush.
When Schreiber comes off the IL it stands to reason that McArthur will be optioned to Omaha. That may be what he needs at this point in his young career.
Agree. McArthur at this point needs a full reset. Not sure he can get that in a pennant race.
Roller coasters, man: The win probability chart for Sunday's game is fun! The win probability chart for Saturday's game makes you throw up!
There’s a reason I didn’t paste Saturday’s chart here! No one needs that!
"we are now in Ichiro’s favorite month to be in Kansas City"
Red Sox? Meet the Wool Sock.