I wasn't even worried when the Sox scored one run in the eighth, because the Witt run *had* to be the difference. It's the baseball gods' punishment for such poor play.
Just like the other day, it’s fine if the starter shoves. Because we know he’s not going nine. Just bide your time for the bullpen and the rewards will come.
More than anything, I wanted an OBP bat. They didn't get that. But Erceg was a guy I was very excited about so the bullpen just got a LOT better. I've argued that the best way to improve the bullpen is to take pressure off the existing guys, who all do just fine when they aren't in a pressure situation. I wanted to do that with more runs, but maybe shifting them all down and letting Harvey and Erceg do most of the heavy lifting will work
Agreed, wanted a better bat than DeJong, but loved the pitching acquisitions. If Erceg can take the closers role, then Harvey, Mac and the others become very nice setup pieces. I'm actually still kind of excited about Bubic out there, and who knows how Lorenzen fits in?
Unlike in years past, I have a belief that the Royals knew they needed it, looked for it, and decided they didn't want to pay those prices. And I'm OK with that. Massey or Renfroe can probably do well enough with an improved bullpen
It seems like they're grooming Erceg to be a closer or THE closer. Yes? So does this mean they've given up on McArthur as closer, or are at least moving in that direction?
I think they need to. Find better matchups for McArthur or give him the seventh/eighth. I think after a couple of appearances, Erceg will be the ninth inning guy. With some usual rotation from Quatraro just to keep things spicy.
DeJong has hit better against right-handers in his career. The power difference between when he faces lefties vs righties is fairly pronounced. Will be interesting to see how he’s used over these next two months.
Love the insight into Vinnie's decision to go to second and the fact that this is more than a smart player making a smart play, it's an institutionalized decision.
Now I need to see someone run through 2nd base to to prevent a double play (instead of sliding 10 feet from the base!) in order to get a run home.
Wish he were! Actually, I meant the play some teams have started using where the runner on 1st just doesn't slide or try to stop at 2nd, they keep going at full speed to beat the throw, because even if they're eventually tagged out, the runner on 3rd scores.
A’s must have really liked the guys they got. Otherwise, hard to understand. Long looked good last night. Vance really took a chance. Second baseman might have been able to throw home to get him too.
I hear you on the second baseman, although I think Witt’s speed makes it unlikely. Still, plenty of time passed between the tag and Witt crossing the plate that it makes you wonder.
did you notice how it looked like BWJ could have lapped laser Blanco? Idk maybe blanco took some off sneaking a peak, but man is bobby fast. I am amazed so often by bobby baserunning replays that they arent sped up, that is his true gazelle speed
I wasn't even worried when the Sox scored one run in the eighth, because the Witt run *had* to be the difference. It's the baseball gods' punishment for such poor play.
I love it when the Baseball Gods come through.
Just like the other day, it’s fine if the starter shoves. Because we know he’s not going nine. Just bide your time for the bullpen and the rewards will come.
More than anything, I wanted an OBP bat. They didn't get that. But Erceg was a guy I was very excited about so the bullpen just got a LOT better. I've argued that the best way to improve the bullpen is to take pressure off the existing guys, who all do just fine when they aren't in a pressure situation. I wanted to do that with more runs, but maybe shifting them all down and letting Harvey and Erceg do most of the heavy lifting will work
Agreed, wanted a better bat than DeJong, but loved the pitching acquisitions. If Erceg can take the closers role, then Harvey, Mac and the others become very nice setup pieces. I'm actually still kind of excited about Bubic out there, and who knows how Lorenzen fits in?
I’m curious to see how Q and the staff work with Lorenzen. Pitching depth, especially this time of year, is always nice.
A bullpen consisting of Bubic, Long and Zerpa from the left and then Harvey, Erceg and McArthur from the right is alright I think.
Agree on the OBP. That’s the production they need. But I don’t know how readily available that was.
Unlike in years past, I have a belief that the Royals knew they needed it, looked for it, and decided they didn't want to pay those prices. And I'm OK with that. Massey or Renfroe can probably do well enough with an improved bullpen
It seems like they're grooming Erceg to be a closer or THE closer. Yes? So does this mean they've given up on McArthur as closer, or are at least moving in that direction?
I think they need to. Find better matchups for McArthur or give him the seventh/eighth. I think after a couple of appearances, Erceg will be the ninth inning guy. With some usual rotation from Quatraro just to keep things spicy.
If accurate, I did read that DeJong has reverse splits. If so we might see platooning with Garcia at third.
DeJong has hit better against right-handers in his career. The power difference between when he faces lefties vs righties is fairly pronounced. Will be interesting to see how he’s used over these next two months.
It’s great to be back to a situation where the Royals are the smart team!
It’s wild after all these years of following this team to see a fairly coherent baseball plan.
Love the insight into Vinnie's decision to go to second and the fact that this is more than a smart player making a smart play, it's an institutionalized decision.
Now I need to see someone run through 2nd base to to prevent a double play (instead of sliding 10 feet from the base!) in order to get a run home.
Hahaha…Hal McRae isn’t walking through that door!
:-)
Wish he were! Actually, I meant the play some teams have started using where the runner on 1st just doesn't slide or try to stop at 2nd, they keep going at full speed to beat the throw, because even if they're eventually tagged out, the runner on 3rd scores.
I've seen a couple of videos about it recently:
https://www.tiktok.com/@bbldoesntexist/video/7384535383645752606
A’s must have really liked the guys they got. Otherwise, hard to understand. Long looked good last night. Vance really took a chance. Second baseman might have been able to throw home to get him too.
You never know with Oakland.
I hear you on the second baseman, although I think Witt’s speed makes it unlikely. Still, plenty of time passed between the tag and Witt crossing the plate that it makes you wonder.
did you notice how it looked like BWJ could have lapped laser Blanco? Idk maybe blanco took some off sneaking a peak, but man is bobby fast. I am amazed so often by bobby baserunning replays that they arent sped up, that is his true gazelle speed