Weekend Rumblings - News for November 1, 2024

Royals players hit free agency.

Craig Brown looks at the new Royals free agents and whether they could return.

Maybe if you squint, you can see a reunion with a couple of these guys. Michael Lorenzen could slot into the rotation. He will be 33 next year and pitched to a 1.57 ERA once joining the Royals. Beware the small sample though as that was just 28.2 innings where he had an outrageous 89 percent strand rate. In Kansas City, he really amped up the use of his sweeper, exclusively deploying it against right-handed batters.

Could Tommy Pham be a candidate to return? Here’s what Anne Rogers had to say:

The Royals also liked the competitive fire Pham added to their clubhouse, and as they try to take a bigger step in their contention window next year, his personality and leadership could be a boon throughout a long season.

As I’ve immersed myself in the sabermetric pool, I have evolved enough as an analyst to realize the personalities who comprise the clubhouse certainly have an impact. I didn’t really think Pham was a true fit on this team with the vibes they gave off during the first five months of the season and the “Boys are playin’ some ball” ethos. The 2024 Royals could be a joyful bunch. I would not describe Pham as “joyful.”

David Lesky writes about potential internal starting pitching options.

But as much as I believe they will spend some money this winter, I also think it’s possible that a rotation piece that’s actually a true upgrade doesn’t fit within the budget when it’s all said and done. And if that’s the case, the Royals are going to have to turn to their options who are already in the organization. I want to run through those options here today as we set up for a lot of free agent and trade speculation over the next few weeks.

There are a good number of players with big league experience who I expect will at least open camp as starting pitchers. Those include Kris Bubic, Daniel Lynch IV, Alec Marsh and Kyle Wright. I get the sense that Jonathan Bowlan is in the bullpen now, but I could see him coming to camp stretched out too. But those four (and maybe a fifth) will be in camp stretched out for multiple innings at the start. I’ve said this before, but I just have a hunch we’ve seen the last of Bubic as a starter. Lynch I’m not completely sold on him as a reliever forever because I think they see him as a multi-inning weapon and that can lead to some starts.

Jonathan Mayo and Michael Reynolds at MLB Pipeline write about Jac Caglianone showing off his power in the Arizona Fall League.

“The biggest thing is just experience, and I think that’s what the org wanted me to do — get out here and keep getting my feet wet and get more immersed into professional baseball,” Caglianone said. “I’m super thankful they gave me the opportunity to be out here.”

Pete Grathoff writes about some former Royals blasting ESPN for glorifying the interfering Yankees fans.

Eleven teams have already reached out to free agent Juan Soto.

What’s next for the Dodgers as they defend their title?

Game 5 of the World Series draws the largest TV audience in seven years.

First baseman Freddie Freeman was dealing with multiple injuries during the playoffs.

The White Sox officially name Will Venable their new manager.

The Giants name Zack Minasian as their new GM, joining brother Perry, who runs the Angels.

Twins outfielder Alex Kirilloff announces his retirement at age 26.

Dodgers reliever Daniel Hudson announces his retirement.

MLB Trade Rumors lists the most likely trade candidates in baseball.

A’s owner John Fisher pledges $1 billion toward the new stadium in Las Vegas.

Pinellas County threatens to pull stadium funding if the Rays don’t play in the area the next few seasons.

Wander Franco’s sexual abuse trial begins next month.

KC Current ownership are looking into bringing a WNBA franchise to Kansas City.

A Russian court fines Google $20 decillion - more money than there is in the world - for blocking content.

Thousands in Dublin turn up for a fake Halloween party that was listed on a AI-generated website.

An oral history of The Nightmare on Elm Street.

Your song of the day is Paul Simon with Kodachrome.