That was a small miracle. But the fact they needed that miracle inning to win a series at home against the Marlins when their three best starters pitched great says an awful lot about this team at the moment.
Not saying he isn't awesome, but I feel like more times than not, BWJ has missed on clutch opportunities. But wow, THAT was a difference maker, at least i hope that is how it is remembered after guardians series.
Salvy did have some wheels! and he didn't even seem to be out of breath, wish i could bottle that adrenaline. Did anyone else stop breathing when Blanco dove for second? Only able to listen to game live, but watching the replay I was still nervous.
Witt did hit that grand slam last year that seems to be the inflection point between the Horrible Royals and the Good Royals. He’s had a couple of other big hits. Another triple back in the Seattle series to tie the game in the ninth comes to mind.
Blanco may make me think about Gore and Dyson, but I don’t have that same kind of confidence with him. Far from automatic, but certainly the best option off the bench.
I am starting to believe the Royals should be a hybrid of buyers and sellers at the trade deadline. I would love to know if they intend to resign Brady Singer long term. If they are not (and my personal opinion is do not) then I wonder what he would bring back at the trade deadline? I continue to read there are a ton of teams that think they are in the playoff race (including the Royals) and a shortage of available starting pitchers. If they believe they can get more at the deadline than in the off season, then seriously consider making the move now. They get back Bubic and Kyle Wright for the 2025 rotation to replace Singer.
I also believe they could simultaneously be buyers for bullpen arms. Short term rentals that do not touch the 4 or 5 players in the minors that should not be moved. This gives the best chance at bolstering the shot at the last wild card spot while also taking advantage of a thin starting pitching market to restock some top talent in the minors.
I agree, Eli. I wrote something about that a few weeks ago where I envision Picollo channeling what Jerry Dipoto has done in Seattle or what’s happened in Milwaukee over the last couple of seasons. The danger there is players will become demoralized when a contributor is traded away. It’s a tough line. But one worth considering. Especially for a team with a weaker farm system like the Royals.
And I do think shopping Singer would be the right move. He’s not an extension candidate in my mind, so it’s worth exploring his value on the trade market.
Great point on demoralizing the team. How is Singer received in the clubhouse? Is he a guy that everyone loves and would completely kill the clubhouse vibe? I'm sure they love his competitiveness but what about his complete disregard to learning and throwing a 3rd pitch? Does that rub teammates the wrong way? I would love to hear more on this angle.
Can’t say for sure and that’s the kind of stuff that hardly ever comes out. At least unless the guy was a true jerk. My perception is Singer is just one of the guys who fits in well enough. Of course any potential negative reaction would be countered by the return. I think of the A’s trading Cespedes in 2014 for Lester. Cespedes could frustrate, but he was an important guy in their lineup. And they got a front-line starter who was supposed to set their rotation for a playoff series.
Thanks for the write up. I missed this one. I’ve been paying for MLB.tv all season but life happens.
A pleasure. Fun one to write. Hit up the game archive and jump ahead to the eighth. With a few random top half innings sprinkled in to catch Singer.
That was a small miracle. But the fact they needed that miracle inning to win a series at home against the Marlins when their three best starters pitched great says an awful lot about this team at the moment.
It does, but also…doesn’t the fact that they found a way to take 2 of 3 while the bats were in a deep freeze say something as well? :)
Not saying he isn't awesome, but I feel like more times than not, BWJ has missed on clutch opportunities. But wow, THAT was a difference maker, at least i hope that is how it is remembered after guardians series.
Salvy did have some wheels! and he didn't even seem to be out of breath, wish i could bottle that adrenaline. Did anyone else stop breathing when Blanco dove for second? Only able to listen to game live, but watching the replay I was still nervous.
Witt did hit that grand slam last year that seems to be the inflection point between the Horrible Royals and the Good Royals. He’s had a couple of other big hits. Another triple back in the Seattle series to tie the game in the ninth comes to mind.
Blanco may make me think about Gore and Dyson, but I don’t have that same kind of confidence with him. Far from automatic, but certainly the best option off the bench.
I am starting to believe the Royals should be a hybrid of buyers and sellers at the trade deadline. I would love to know if they intend to resign Brady Singer long term. If they are not (and my personal opinion is do not) then I wonder what he would bring back at the trade deadline? I continue to read there are a ton of teams that think they are in the playoff race (including the Royals) and a shortage of available starting pitchers. If they believe they can get more at the deadline than in the off season, then seriously consider making the move now. They get back Bubic and Kyle Wright for the 2025 rotation to replace Singer.
I also believe they could simultaneously be buyers for bullpen arms. Short term rentals that do not touch the 4 or 5 players in the minors that should not be moved. This gives the best chance at bolstering the shot at the last wild card spot while also taking advantage of a thin starting pitching market to restock some top talent in the minors.
I agree, Eli. I wrote something about that a few weeks ago where I envision Picollo channeling what Jerry Dipoto has done in Seattle or what’s happened in Milwaukee over the last couple of seasons. The danger there is players will become demoralized when a contributor is traded away. It’s a tough line. But one worth considering. Especially for a team with a weaker farm system like the Royals.
And I do think shopping Singer would be the right move. He’s not an extension candidate in my mind, so it’s worth exploring his value on the trade market.
Great point on demoralizing the team. How is Singer received in the clubhouse? Is he a guy that everyone loves and would completely kill the clubhouse vibe? I'm sure they love his competitiveness but what about his complete disregard to learning and throwing a 3rd pitch? Does that rub teammates the wrong way? I would love to hear more on this angle.
Can’t say for sure and that’s the kind of stuff that hardly ever comes out. At least unless the guy was a true jerk. My perception is Singer is just one of the guys who fits in well enough. Of course any potential negative reaction would be countered by the return. I think of the A’s trading Cespedes in 2014 for Lester. Cespedes could frustrate, but he was an important guy in their lineup. And they got a front-line starter who was supposed to set their rotation for a playoff series.