The Royals commit four errors and drop one to Detroit. Plus, they've played the last few games with a short bench, which gives us plenty of roster intrigue. There's also a trade to discuss.
Great article Craig. Just a couple of comments. I absolutely hated that bunt Lopez attempted. I wouldn't have liked it if he had been successful. I just hate giving up outs. We saw how valuable outs are later on when the boys kept giving them away. Rivero is not ever going to cut it at third. He backs up on two many balls plus he is really slow on coming in on slowly hit balls. For the second time in this series a Tiger batter just flat beat out a ground ball to third. I like the trade and I'm expecting our hitting coaches to straighten Waters out. The pitcher sounds like he has some promise. Finally, it was good to see Isbel come back to life last night.
I get it, but it seems like they got fair value for the pick. In a way, it’s three prospects (of various quality) for one who will very likely be of a higher quality. But if the Royals can get contributions from two of those guys? Or if they package one of them in another trade down the line like they did with Odorizzi...There are a lot of options on how this turns out. I hate to be that guy, but we’ll have to wait and see. The fun part is, we only have about a week before the draft. We can start speculating who the Royals would’ve taken at 35 soon!
Guy hit .300 last yr and they asked him to bunt. The real question would be if they would have had him bunt with 2 strikes...nobody would have expected that (again)
Ha! He’s a decent enough with the bunt and can use it to get on base. But he’s looked really bad the last couple of attempts. And the timing has been abjectly awful. I’m not 100% opposed to the bunt, but if you’re doing it before the eighth or ninth inning, I’m going to give that a big thumbs down.
Hey Craig. I'm definitely looking at Whit's bone bruise with a great deal of skepticism. Maybe Taylor's shoulder pain too. Sure would be convenient if they had to stay behind because of those injuries and not ... something else.
I just subscribed. Not sure why I hadn't before. Great work.
What about the line-up...I admit that MJ in the leadoff is unique but I appreciate that they are willing to think outside the box putting him there. 1-2-3 are fun...like to see Olivares closer to the front.
Kicking myself now for not mentioning that. Melendez at the top is something I wouldn’t have guessed Matheny would ever do. Especially as the losses pile up and the pressure builds. All MJ has done is reach 4 times in 10 plate appearances and the bats behind him have brought him home three times. Inspired move.
I agree with you on Olivares hitting higher. I also want more Vinnie at first. Once Pratto arrives you can DH him more. Until then, I want him involved in the whole game. We’re edging closer to an optimal lineup.
Great article Craig. Just a couple of comments. I absolutely hated that bunt Lopez attempted. I wouldn't have liked it if he had been successful. I just hate giving up outs. We saw how valuable outs are later on when the boys kept giving them away. Rivero is not ever going to cut it at third. He backs up on two many balls plus he is really slow on coming in on slowly hit balls. For the second time in this series a Tiger batter just flat beat out a ground ball to third. I like the trade and I'm expecting our hitting coaches to straighten Waters out. The pitcher sounds like he has some promise. Finally, it was good to see Isbel come back to life last night.
Thanks, Paul. I see what you mean on Rivera. The arm should help him overcome some of that, but he just seemed slow on that grounder yesterday.
Isn’t it wild that the Royals could be a destination for young hitters to get back on track?
Wouldn't it be nice if we could have the same confidence with pitching prospects.
If only...
I like transactional, but I have been wanting for a long time to see them seek quality over quantity. This is another step backward on that.
I get it, but it seems like they got fair value for the pick. In a way, it’s three prospects (of various quality) for one who will very likely be of a higher quality. But if the Royals can get contributions from two of those guys? Or if they package one of them in another trade down the line like they did with Odorizzi...There are a lot of options on how this turns out. I hate to be that guy, but we’ll have to wait and see. The fun part is, we only have about a week before the draft. We can start speculating who the Royals would’ve taken at 35 soon!
At this point any move towards a change has to be taken as a positive. Prospect(s) for 1 draft pick doesn't bother me.
Guy hit .300 last yr and they asked him to bunt. The real question would be if they would have had him bunt with 2 strikes...nobody would have expected that (again)
Ha! He’s a decent enough with the bunt and can use it to get on base. But he’s looked really bad the last couple of attempts. And the timing has been abjectly awful. I’m not 100% opposed to the bunt, but if you’re doing it before the eighth or ninth inning, I’m going to give that a big thumbs down.
Hey Craig. I'm definitely looking at Whit's bone bruise with a great deal of skepticism. Maybe Taylor's shoulder pain too. Sure would be convenient if they had to stay behind because of those injuries and not ... something else.
I just subscribed. Not sure why I hadn't before. Great work.
Hey Kevin! Good to see you. Appreciate you reading and subscribing.
I’m with you on the injuries (or “injuries”). The intrigue around this trip is wild.
What about the line-up...I admit that MJ in the leadoff is unique but I appreciate that they are willing to think outside the box putting him there. 1-2-3 are fun...like to see Olivares closer to the front.
Kicking myself now for not mentioning that. Melendez at the top is something I wouldn’t have guessed Matheny would ever do. Especially as the losses pile up and the pressure builds. All MJ has done is reach 4 times in 10 plate appearances and the bats behind him have brought him home three times. Inspired move.
I agree with you on Olivares hitting higher. I also want more Vinnie at first. Once Pratto arrives you can DH him more. Until then, I want him involved in the whole game. We’re edging closer to an optimal lineup.