I don’t want to see Bubic in the bullpen this season, because he would be encouraged to go all out in short stints. Seems like a bad idea for a guy coming off surgery who has only started.
And I’m not sure what an “all-out” Bubic looks like. In his 2 starts last year before he was hurt, his velocity was around 93 MPH and that was up a tick from the previous season. He was so promising in those 2 starts but it was just that…2 starts. I probably need to temper my expectations.
They could maybe also pair Bubic with an opener to get him stretched out. Though I'm not sure they have anyone who could fill that role. The fewer innings from this bullpen the better. Q might need to think about lengthening the leash for the starters a bit too.
Yeah, I don’t see anyone in the Royals bullpen that I would trust to open games.
I’m for letting the starters go longer, but aside from Lugo (and maybe Singer who’s been mostly durable) I’m not sure about the others. Gotta protect Ragans but you also have to let him do his thing.
I'm back to being optimistic about McMillon. He finished May with 5 consecutive appearances, over 5.2 innings, where he didn't give up a walk or a run, and only gave up 1 hit during that span. Also, I don't think we can hold his early-season command issues against him, given he was coming off the injury that cut his 2023 short.
Good point on McMillon. He made eight appearances in May with only one real clunker. I kind of want to see him go every other day or so for another couple of weeks to see how he’s feeling. But he’s definitely a guy to keep an eye on. I imagine he and Hernández are probably the next two up as the Royals search for internal options for bullpen help.
I'm with you on the bullpen vs. outfield upgrade. They've been scoring runs even with next to no production from the outfield spots, and there is always the chance that Velasquez or MJ have a random hot streak (Nelson may be starting one, in fact). The bullpen is so vital in today's game and they've been unsustainably good (while the outfield bats might be unsustainably bad).
Lots of discussion on the bullpen already today. J.J. on 610 saying that Klein and Hernández are the internal power options and Passan reporting the Royals are already making calls on relievers. Also, agree with you on Velázquez. He’s looking like he’s locked back in.
I don’t want to see Bubic in the bullpen this season, because he would be encouraged to go all out in short stints. Seems like a bad idea for a guy coming off surgery who has only started.
And I’m not sure what an “all-out” Bubic looks like. In his 2 starts last year before he was hurt, his velocity was around 93 MPH and that was up a tick from the previous season. He was so promising in those 2 starts but it was just that…2 starts. I probably need to temper my expectations.
They could maybe also pair Bubic with an opener to get him stretched out. Though I'm not sure they have anyone who could fill that role. The fewer innings from this bullpen the better. Q might need to think about lengthening the leash for the starters a bit too.
Yeah, I don’t see anyone in the Royals bullpen that I would trust to open games.
I’m for letting the starters go longer, but aside from Lugo (and maybe Singer who’s been mostly durable) I’m not sure about the others. Gotta protect Ragans but you also have to let him do his thing.
"Picollo gets paid to make these kinds of assessments. Meanwhile I survive on Pop-Tarts."
Dude, you're the best.
Thanks, Terry. Pop-Tarts are 80-grade reliable.
I'm back to being optimistic about McMillon. He finished May with 5 consecutive appearances, over 5.2 innings, where he didn't give up a walk or a run, and only gave up 1 hit during that span. Also, I don't think we can hold his early-season command issues against him, given he was coming off the injury that cut his 2023 short.
Good point on McMillon. He made eight appearances in May with only one real clunker. I kind of want to see him go every other day or so for another couple of weeks to see how he’s feeling. But he’s definitely a guy to keep an eye on. I imagine he and Hernández are probably the next two up as the Royals search for internal options for bullpen help.
I believe the 40 man currently stands at 39 after Duffey dfa’d so no roster move will be necessary to bring Bubic off the 60 day IL.
Doh. This is correct. Need to remind myself to always check Roster Resource before making rash roster statements.
Ha! Keep up the good work, I look forward to it everyday. Sure is a lot more fun than this time last year.
I'm with you on the bullpen vs. outfield upgrade. They've been scoring runs even with next to no production from the outfield spots, and there is always the chance that Velasquez or MJ have a random hot streak (Nelson may be starting one, in fact). The bullpen is so vital in today's game and they've been unsustainably good (while the outfield bats might be unsustainably bad).
Lots of discussion on the bullpen already today. J.J. on 610 saying that Klein and Hernández are the internal power options and Passan reporting the Royals are already making calls on relievers. Also, agree with you on Velázquez. He’s looking like he’s locked back in.