Royals Rumblings - News for November 7, 2024

It’s 7/11 day in other countries.

The Royals are looking to add a leadoff hitter this winter ($):

Improvement at the leadoff spot may help the issue. The Royals ideally want a better version of Garrett Hampson, a right-handed batter who plays center field, second base and shortstop. Among the players who might fit are Jonathan India and Spencer Steer (trade) and Jurickson Profar (free agent). They have some flexibility with the position. Michael Massey and Maikel Garcia can play the outfield.

Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen will compete in the AFL Home Run Derby.

Speaking of, here is your weekly offseason Royals update:

• Jac Caglianone started four games at first base, going 6-16 with three homers, three walks, and two stolen bases. He is hitting .228/.274/.333 across 62 plate appearances.

• Carter Jensen started just one game at catcher this week, going 2-5 with a double and a walk. He is hitting .394/.511/.818 across 41 plate appearances. I have no idea why he isn’t playing more often.
• Brett Squires started two games each in right and left field, going 7-17 with two doubles and a stolen base. He is hitting .229/.276/.286 across 76 plate appearances.

• Daniel Vázquez started one game at shortstop and two at second base, going 5-11 with two doubles, two walks, and a stolen bases. He is hitting .289/.391/.368 across 46 plate appearances.
• Luinder Avila made a scoreless three-inning relief appearance, striking out five and allowing three baserunners. He has a 3.07 ERA with 17 strikeouts and eight walks in 14.2 innings.

• Brandon Johnson made two appearances, allowing an earned run in each with two strikeouts while completing two innings. He has a 7.04 ERA in 7.2 innings with nine strikeouts and three walk.
• Chazz Martinez recorded just two outs while allowing three runs in his only inning. He has allowed seven runs in 4.0 innings with five strikeouts and six walks.
• Shane Panzini tossed 2.1 innings without allowing a run, striking out 4 and walking three. He has a 5.25 ERA with seven walks and 11 strikeouts across 12.0 innings.
• Anthony Simonelli tossed just one inning, allowing an unearned run. He’s struck out seven batters and allowed seven baserunners across six scoreless innings.

Moving over to LIDOM:

• Diego Hernández did not appear in a game this week. He is hitting .294/.400/.382 in 40 plate appearances. I have not seen any news on his status.
• Tyler Tolbert started in center field and pinch-hit once this week, going 0-3 with a walk. He is hitting .207/.281/.276 in 32 plate appearances.
• Andrew Hoffmann allowed a run in his only inning this week. He’s allowed three runs in 5.1 innings with four strikeouts and two walks.
• Beck Way did not pitch this week and, given his performance early on, I would not be surprised if he does not see the mound again for Gigantes this winter.
• Evan Sisk did not pitch this week and may have lost his role with Aguilas.

Mookie Betts is likely returning to the infield next season.

Willson Contreras will move to first base next season.

What to know about Roki Sasaki, free agency’s biggest wild card.

The Angels are signing right-handed pitcher Kyle Hendricks to a one-year deal.

Cleveland is signing catcher Austin Hedges to a one-year deal.

Star NBA players are shooting more threes than ever.

Your song of the day is 360 by Charli xcx.