Grossman is a soon-to-be 35-year-old switch-hitting corner outfielder. He has always hit better from the left side of the plate, against right-handed pitching. Check out his career splits:
I seem to recall Grossman falling somewhere between a nuisance and a genuine nemesis to Kansas City. So at least nobody else claims him and he does something bad to the Royals. FWIW.
Speaking of being overmatched, I would posit that pretty much anybody is a better option against
lefties than Blanco.
Maybe Pham's intensity can provide a spark.
I recall Jonny Gomes apparently doing that in '15, from the dugout and clubhouse, if not the field.
Blanco has actually done well against left-handed pitching, although that's a true small sample size that I wouldn't trust at all.
Pham will be an interesting mix for this clubhouse. My concern is that he will want some regular playing time and if he doesn't get that, then how will he respond? But maybe that Gomes comp works.
I don't know if the Royals meant to get both of those outfielders, but considering the trade was announced after they were both added, I don't think the Royals were upset about that outcome. It seems like they're going to let Q mix and match the three new guys until something clicks and then see if they can ride it the rest of the way. They're basically hoping for a lucky break and taking three shots at it instead of just one doesn't upset me at all, and in fact, seems like a marked improvement over what we saw Glass and Moore do in 2017 when they added Melky Cabrera as their only hope of improving the lineup.
I also think about how Paul DeJong has looked like a different guy since joining the Royals' clubhouse. Not just hitting dingers, but taking walks at a much higher rate than he did in Chicago this year. Could the Royals' competitive atmosphere, general vibe, or hitting coaching revivify one or more of these guys, too? Time will tell, but I have high hopes that replacing a 106 wRC+ with a couple of guys in the 90s and a long-time successful pro who was raking in AAA will result in some sort of positive.
With just 25 games left (24 after today's game in Houston), I think it's a legitimate hope that you grab a few guys and hope one or two of them catch fire, along the lines of DeJong. I continue to believe Quatraro is the perfect guy to manage this bunch. If anyone can mix and match the players on this roster to maximize value, we've pretty much see it from him this year.
Agree on your assessment of the original three. I could see Frazier as the choice to go, if only because they like Blanco as the pinch runner and Hampson is the backup CF. Some more interesting moves ahead.
Indeed. Low risk with a potential of a moderate reward? I don't think any of these new guys is a "difference maker" but the roster feels stronger today and a little more situational. I dig the aggressiveness.
Excellent analysis. Nice to see Royals are making moves. Had hoped that Loftin might get hot, but this route probably wiser. Still down over Thursday night. I was at game. Good fun ballpark. Great fireworks on Friday after Altuve 346 walk off off the top of left center wall. Geez.
Thanks! It's been a difficult weekend, for sure. As much as I knock that ballpark for the gimmickry, it is one that I'd very much like to get to for a game. Feels like they did it right for the fan experience.
I spent 9 years of my life living and working in Houston - I straddled the last years of the some and the first years of MMP. I love that place. It's a great place to watch a game. I even liked Tal's Hill.
Is there something backwards about Grossman's stats, or am I reading it wrong?
Career vs LHP as RHB - .282/.382/.427 for a 124 tOPS+
Career vs RHP as LHB - .228/.330/.355 for a 90 tOPS+
Grossman is a soon-to-be 35-year-old switch-hitting corner outfielder. He has always hit better from the left side of the plate, against right-handed pitching. Check out his career splits:
DAMNIT! Not enough coffee this morning. The stats are right. I messed up the left and right. FIxed in the post. Thanks for pointing that out.
Lots of great detail! I really appreciate it.
Thanks, Bill!
I seem to recall Grossman falling somewhere between a nuisance and a genuine nemesis to Kansas City. So at least nobody else claims him and he does something bad to the Royals. FWIW.
Speaking of being overmatched, I would posit that pretty much anybody is a better option against
lefties than Blanco.
Maybe Pham's intensity can provide a spark.
I recall Jonny Gomes apparently doing that in '15, from the dugout and clubhouse, if not the field.
Blanco has actually done well against left-handed pitching, although that's a true small sample size that I wouldn't trust at all.
Pham will be an interesting mix for this clubhouse. My concern is that he will want some regular playing time and if he doesn't get that, then how will he respond? But maybe that Gomes comp works.
I don't know if the Royals meant to get both of those outfielders, but considering the trade was announced after they were both added, I don't think the Royals were upset about that outcome. It seems like they're going to let Q mix and match the three new guys until something clicks and then see if they can ride it the rest of the way. They're basically hoping for a lucky break and taking three shots at it instead of just one doesn't upset me at all, and in fact, seems like a marked improvement over what we saw Glass and Moore do in 2017 when they added Melky Cabrera as their only hope of improving the lineup.
I also think about how Paul DeJong has looked like a different guy since joining the Royals' clubhouse. Not just hitting dingers, but taking walks at a much higher rate than he did in Chicago this year. Could the Royals' competitive atmosphere, general vibe, or hitting coaching revivify one or more of these guys, too? Time will tell, but I have high hopes that replacing a 106 wRC+ with a couple of guys in the 90s and a long-time successful pro who was raking in AAA will result in some sort of positive.
With just 25 games left (24 after today's game in Houston), I think it's a legitimate hope that you grab a few guys and hope one or two of them catch fire, along the lines of DeJong. I continue to believe Quatraro is the perfect guy to manage this bunch. If anyone can mix and match the players on this roster to maximize value, we've pretty much see it from him this year.
Anne Rogers is reporting Veneziano has also been dfa'd. What a wild weekend in Royals land!
Indeed. This flurry of moves is surprising and certainly makes a statement. Now if they can only find a way to grab a win...
I won’t be surprised if Grossman or Pham is DFA’d when Renfroe returns. I don’t see them moving Blanco, Frazier, or Hampson off the roster.
I'm just hoping Pham sticks around long enough to get an endorsement deal with Slap's BBQ.
I see what you did there!
Agree on your assessment of the original three. I could see Frazier as the choice to go, if only because they like Blanco as the pinch runner and Hampson is the backup CF. Some more interesting moves ahead.
JJ made it clear he is willing to be creative. Making these waiver claims and a non 40 man trade proves he is "transactional" I love it!
Indeed. Low risk with a potential of a moderate reward? I don't think any of these new guys is a "difference maker" but the roster feels stronger today and a little more situational. I dig the aggressiveness.
Excellent analysis. Nice to see Royals are making moves. Had hoped that Loftin might get hot, but this route probably wiser. Still down over Thursday night. I was at game. Good fun ballpark. Great fireworks on Friday after Altuve 346 walk off off the top of left center wall. Geez.
Thanks! It's been a difficult weekend, for sure. As much as I knock that ballpark for the gimmickry, it is one that I'd very much like to get to for a game. Feels like they did it right for the fan experience.
I spent 9 years of my life living and working in Houston - I straddled the last years of the some and the first years of MMP. I love that place. It's a great place to watch a game. I even liked Tal's Hill.
*Dome