We are so lucky to have experienced Salvy for the long haul. Just a gem of a human being.

Someone needs to start a GDT.

Lead us to the promised land!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RHP Michael Lorenzen will begin a rehab assignment tonight with Northwest Arkansas (AA).</p>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1833505724229353890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Spencer Nivens is on the Baseball Prospectus hot list.

Spencer Nivens, OF, Kansas City Royals (High-A Quad Cities): .333 (13-39), 10 R, 3 2B, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 4 BB, 9 K, 2 SB.

Season Stats (Rookie, High-A): .251/.341/.489, 21 HR, 7 SB.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-t-8Cvf9JJo?si=OlMrtuYOx25Yt12N" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

They are talking about the Witt Jr. vs. Judge MVP race on MLB Network Radio's Power Alley.

I think this MVP race this right there with Ted Williams vs. Joe DiMaggio in 1941 as one of the greatest ever.

Witt's been slumping for about 3 weeks now. In his last 15 games, he's hitting .228 with an OBP of .313. He's had an OPS under .600 the last 10 games. This race is pretty much over unless Witt gets RED HOT the last couple weeks.

Still a HELL of a year, but Judge pretty much has it locked up at this point.

While I do agree Judge is in front, Judge has tailed off of late too with his last home run coming on Aug. 25.

Fangraphs has Judge's WAR at 9.7, Witt is at 9.6.

I do think the modern day baseball writer is different from year's past and will consider Witt's positional value over Judge's sheer numbers.

I generally agree, Witt probably needs to go off these last three weeks and have the Royals seize the division down the stretch to overtake Judge.

If the Yankees and Royals are both wild card teams, I think Witt has a good case still because the Royals were a 100-plus loss team in 2023 and he doesn't have much surrounding him. I the that argument that he carried the Royals will come into play, whereas Judge has Juan Soto as part of his supporting cast.

Yankees and Royals as WC teams is the exact scenario I would like to avoid cause it would likely mean going to NY for the WC for a best of 3. Don't want any part of that.

The Royals have obviously improved a LOT more this year, but I would argue as good as Witt has been, it's been more due to the starting pitching.

Judge clearly has the best companion is his lineup with Soto, but if not for a sucky injury recently the Royals would have had 3 100 RBI guys this year.

I'd like to see what Witt, Vinnie and Salvy could do it that little league park over a 81 game sample size.

But, right now, the Royals don't have enough quality LH bats in their lineup to beat the Yankees in NY consistently. Which sucks.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">JJ Picollo tells us that if his starts goes well that Michael Lorenzen could join the club as early as this weekend but says Hunter Harvey is still very stagnant in his recovery</p>&mdash; Cody Tapp (@codybtapp) <a href="https://twitter.com/codybtapp/status/1833530511605829872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**** Hunter Harvey.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Royals</a> tonight became the first team *ever* to hold the Yankees to:<br><br>*no runs<br>*no walks<br>*with 14 strikeouts</p>&mdash; Nick Kappel (@NickKappel) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKappel/status/1833682179794113019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Just thought I'd add we're 9-10 with one game remaining of Gauntlet Part Two. Considering we lost Lorenzen and Vinnie, and lost 7 in a row, I'd say that's a pretty successful few weeks, win or lose tomorrow.

JJ this morning said this morning if we went 8-12 in this stretch we would need help, 10-10 feeling good, anything more than .500 real good.

Screw the Nats, they knew he was damaged goods. I'd never deal with them again.

It's pretty well documented that he'd had previous back issues, as recent as this season. If anything, this is on us. But hopefully he's able to come back and contribute positively at some point, even it's next season.

Vote for Salvy!!!

https://www.mlb.com/community/robert..._headline_2024

So the Royals magic number should be...

162 + 1 - 80 - 71 = 12

Any combination of wins by the Royals or losses by the Tigers totaling 12 and we are in the playoffs, with 16 games left for us to play and 17 left for the Tigers.

scratch that, we're 7-3 vs the Tigers with only 3 games left against them so you can remove that +1 as we hold the tiebreaker. Our magic number is 11 PBJ

Doing a little more math here...

If we go 10-6 the rest of the way, the Tigers would have to go 17-0. Here's our possible record first, and what the Tigers would have to do to pass us (and don't forget Boston is only 1 game behind Detroit so they are also in the mix).

9-7: tigers would need to be 16-1
8-8: 15-2
7-9: 16-3
6-10: 15-4
5-11: 14-5
4-12: 13-6

We could limp into this thing and are still probably making it PBJ

Last night was a great win. Hoping that gets Lugo going for the post season and gets some confidence flowing through that lineup.

Last bit of data for your brains this morning, our remaining opponents include:

Yankees (1): 83-62 (.572)
Pirates (3): 69-76 (.476)
Tigers (3): 74-71 (.510)
Giants (3): 71-74 (.490)
Nationals (4): 64-80 (.444)
Braves (3): 79-66 (.545)

The remaining average of opponents win percent per game is .494

Have some math, you guys PBJ

voted and apparently I have a chance to see us play in the WS

Me too!

Yup. 9-3 outside of the shitty 7 game losing streak that was caused primarily by that flukey play in Cleveland. I truly believe if that never happened we sweep Cleveland, split with Houston and take at least 2 of 3 from Cleveland back in KC. That 'play' will likely end up costing us the division. Which sucks. But it is what it is. Gotta focus on what we CAN control now.

We're in pretty good shape now. Would be nice to pick up another win in NY today just to tell the Yanks to **** off one more time. But honestly think we're fine either way. Only team chasing us that we still have to play is Detroit in KC next week. Take 2 of 3 from them and we're golden.

The Nats series is a 3 gamer.

My best case had us at 8-12 over GP2. 9-11 would be awesome. 10-10 chef’s kiss!

Really all comes down to our series head to head with them in KC next week. The only time they are guaranteed to gain ground on us, since they can't control it otherwise.

They sweep us 3-0 and their might be a little bit of sweating down the stretch if they stay hot.

They take 2 of 3 from us and they can only make up one game overall that series. We're still in pretty good shape.

We take 2 of 3 and Detroit becomes a distant memory.

We sweep? Who gives a shit about Detroit at that point, start printing the playoff tickets!

well I'm not re-mathing it ROFL

Probable Pitchers
9/11 @ Yankees (Luis Gil) - Cole Ragans
9/13 @ Pirates (Luis Ortiz) - TBD (Michael Wacha?)
9/14 @ Pirates (Mitch Keller) - TBD (Brady Singer?)
9/15 @ Pirates (Jared Jones) - TBD (Michael Lorenzen?)
9/16 vs Tigers (TBD/Casey Mize?) - TBD (Lugo?)
9/17 vs Tigers (TBD/Tarik Skubal?) - TBD (Ragans?)

In Lugo's start last week, the broadcast highlighted his far worse stats in starts on extra rest. Sounds like the Royals intend to slot Lorenzen into Lugo's normal day, however. Makes sense, to position Lugo/Ragans/Wacha for the Tigers series.

If I were you GabyKeepsMeWarm, I'd be slightly disappointed that Paul Skenes won't be on the mound for your Pittsburgh visit. Obviously though, that is fantastic news for the Royals.

Today would be real nice if the Royals, White Sox, Rockies, Red Sox, and Angels could all find a way to win their respective games.

I thought this was a good read.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Royals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Royals</a> pitching coach Brian Sweeney is a volunteer firefighter. His dad, Ed, was a firefighter in Yonkers, NY, for 35 years.<br><br>Last week, Brian organized a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Kauffman Stadium to honor first responders.<br><br>From <a href="https://twitter.com/anne__rogers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anne__rogers</a>: <a href="https://t.co/j9GBLhPutC">https://t.co/j9GBLhPutC</a></p>&mdash; Jake Eisenberg (@JakeEisenberg_) <a href="https://twitter.com/JakeEisenberg_/status/1833857825023345004?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Yeah, after the Twins sweep, our playoff chances were all but secured. There’s just simply not enough time/games for Seattle, Boston or Detroit to realistically make up enough ground to catch us. The Twins however…. I’d keep an eye on them…

Our win against the Yankees made the playoffs a virtual lock. If Cleveland’s remaining schedule wasn’t softer than baby poop, I’d say we have a real shot at catching them for the division. I think of Cleveland’s remaining 16 games, 13 are at home. That’s just ridiculous of the schedule makers to do that. Not to mention we have four interleague series remaining.

But…. Keep an eye on Baltimore. They’ve got two series with red hot Detroit. We could get some help towards the top wild card.

Lot of interesting scenarios remain on how this will all shake out. On top of that, it’s gonna be very difficult having our rotation set up ideally to continue winning as many games as possible, while having an eye on who is gonna pitch in the playoffs.

But it’s fun isn’t it?!? Would be very cool to see us clinch a playoff spot next week during the final homestand, then have the last six games to have a better idea on how to set up our playoff rotation.

And yeah, GeorgeZimZam, I’m a little disappointed that it looks like I won’t get to see Paul Skenes this weekend, but not much! Just hoping we can take at least two out of three in PA!

In other news…. How great was Seth Lugo last night? He’s got at least two, likely three more starts remaining. If things go well, he could restrengthen his Cy Young case. Lot of noise about Clase being deserving, and of course Skubel. If Lugo wins out and keeps his ERA under 3, he’s gonna make it very hard on the voters. He’s had a helluva year.

Absolutely. It's a shame Skubal is having such a fine season this season. And that Detroit is also relevant. I'm afraid Lugo is 1c in that finalist trio you mentioned. Logan Gilbert is also in the mix, but on the backend.

I'd vote for Lugo, but that would be swayed by my Royals bias. Gun to my head, I'd acknowledge Skubal as the winner if the season ended this moment.

Same can be said about Bobby and Judge. Of all the years for Bobby to go supernova, Judge just had to be on his own historic run. In the same vein, if Bobby can go scorched earth for a couple weeks, he might steal some votes. But it’s gonna be a tall task. Those east coast voters love themselves some NYC and Judge. Everything else is flyover country.

Bobby has more years to win the mvp. Won't surprise me if he wins multiple.

Why won’t Skenes be pitching this weekend against the Royals?

He last pitched on Monday.

So unless they’re giving him 6 days rest, then he should be pitching this weekend.

Looks like on Tuesday they went with a bullpen game. Used the opener and then 6 other guys out of the bullpen. Don't know why though but it pushed Skenes and the other starters back a day.

It's because they have two young pitchers and are in no hurry to pile on the innings. It makes sense to give them an extra day every time through the rotation as a precaution since they are basically out of the playoffs chase.

Got to take BP today at the K thanks to a season ticket promotion. It was really fun. Hit a few really hard and one that went about 300ft in the air. Then I shagged balls in the OF. Tracking balls in the sun is waaaaay more difficult than what MLB players make it look like. I made a few business decisions to bail. But I snagged a couple. Got a pic of me making a (totally staged) leaping catch at the 410 mark in CF. Really fun experience.

They may have entered the innings limited, final chapter of Skenes' rookie campaign. Perhaps more than 5 turns in their rotation now, to spread out some innings for his and Jared Jones' sake? Jones was on the IL for a while, but was pitching damn well himself the first few months of the season.

Edit: What SithCeNtz said. Missed that.

I suppose, however I bet that the Nats and Turd Harvey told them he was 100% healthy, knowing his back was bothering him before the trade.

What are the Royals playoff chances? Like percentage wise?

Right now it's at 92.5% to get in. It's 6.5% to win the division.

Detroit and Minnesota are gonna be our biggest competition going forward. Colorado just went up by 1 in the top of the 9th against Detroit. They're not done either with a guy on 2nd and no one out.

4-2 Rockies going to the bottom of the 9th. Hang on, Rocks!

Tigers have 2 on with 2 out

TIGERS LOSE

Tigers now 5 games back of KC

And the Tigers lose!

Having the tiebreaker over them is huge. There's 15 games left. If KC just goes 7-8 the next two weeks they get to 87 wins and the Tigers must pass them. Detroit would have to go 13-2.

And of course if they actually get that hot it means they're beating up on the Orioles and we have a chance to catch them. Good opportunity this weekend because it's Baltimore/Detroit and Yankees/Red Sox. A chance to gain on either clinching a playoff spot or a better wild card spot every day.

https://64.media.tumblr.com/45d96082...d0b858c548.pnj

Things look pretty damn good.

This is how I see it playing out.

https://64.media.tumblr.com/1b3ea03f...d757718db4.pnj

I really want the Yankees again for the first round of the playoffs!

I think we are better than them. If we can somehow get Vinnie back and he hits well. I like our chances. We may have a chance to have some fun in the post season. Win a ballgame or two. Who'd a thunk that might be a possibility going into this year? I originally stated this team would beat .500. I felt good about that at the time, but who the hell expected this? What an absolute joy of a year it has been to witness. And frustrating because our record could be a lot better were it not for this historically bad bullpen. Hell just one right handed reliever have worked out from the blob of a group we started with. Zerpa had a few moments and McArthur was good for like a couple weeks? Then the front office made some moves and Lynch/Bubic are actually pitching and getting guys out. It's light years better than what we started with. Not perfect, but waaay better.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Malibu Earthquake happened during Diggin&#39; Weekly this morning 🫨<br><br>Thankfully Moose and his fam are all okay 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/kN586ogoMD">pic.twitter.com/kN586ogoMD</a></p>&mdash; Diggin&#39; Deep Podcast (@DigginDeepPod) <a href="https://twitter.com/DigginDeepPod/status/1834343895951401122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In The Athletic, Jim Bowden's ten MLB prospects primed to make Bowden's top 50 prospect list in 2025 include one Royal:

Yankees walkoff the Red Sox in the 10th. Royals now 6 games up on the Red Sox. They're basically 6 up on the Tigers too since they have the tiebreaker. Good spot to be with 15 games to go.

For the right return I would easily trade him

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Twins released minor league catcher Derek Bender after the team found out he was telling opposing hitters what pitch was coming in a game that eliminated his team from playoff contention, per <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JeffPassan</a> <br><br>Bender was drafted in the sixth round by the Twins in July <a href="https://t.co/owpuwWnyvt">pic.twitter.com/owpuwWnyvt</a></p>&mdash; Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/JomboyMedia/status/1834402071879061714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Lmao wtf? What a complete ****ing idiot. What did he think was going to happen besides ruining his career?

Rangers score 3 in the 8th inning to come back and beat the Mariners tonight. Great day for the Royals playoff chances. Tigers, Red Sox and Mariners all lose.

Edit: And Cleveland lost too. Can't forget that.

Apparently he just wanted the season to be over. Congrats douchenozzle, mission accomplished. Oh, nice job 86’ing your career while you’re at it.

I need to hear this dudes reasoning for this. What was he thinking?

Maybe he was trying to teach his cocky pitcher a lesson? :shrug:

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...N1-zNmBzh_1w&s

Rofl dude was ready for the offseason vacay

He had a screw loose.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">With the 188th overall pick in the sixth round of the MLB draft, the Minnesota Twins have selected <a href="https://twitter.com/CoastalBaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoastalBaseball</a> slugger Derek Bender.<br><br>Possibly the most memorable player I’ve ever covered.<a href="https://t.co/vyv5sHtJln">pic.twitter.com/vyv5sHtJln</a></p>&mdash; Mojo Hill (@mojohill22) <a href="https://twitter.com/mojohill22/status/1812936176153862519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Major League Baseball teams will wear the Strauss ostrich logo on all team batting helmets during Postseason, World Series, European, and MiLB games starting this fall through 2027 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MLB</a> <br><br>My story here: <a href="https://t.co/HBZkXYDb2s">https://t.co/HBZkXYDb2s</a> <a href="https://t.co/IvmS2SXQmU">pic.twitter.com/IvmS2SXQmU</a></p>&mdash; SportsLogos.Net (@sportslogosnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/sportslogosnet/status/1834563574406033695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

getting closer. If we win 11 of our remaining 15 we're in. Otherwise if our record is (first number), Tigers would need to go (second number):

10-5: 16-0
9-6: 15-1
8-7: 14-2
7-8: 13-3
6-9: 12-4
5-10: 11-5
4-11: 10-6
3-12: 9-7

PBJ

So, if we just take care of business, with no major losing record these last few remaining games, we're in. Amazing turnaround.

I want the Yankees first round!!

Just landed in Pittsburgh! Can’t wait for the game tonight!

I want the Orioles first round

How do we get there?

Yeah, for real.

I thought this season would be a big victory if we could flirt with .500 (77-80ish wins), but this is way, way better.

I just posted a whole god damn chart with all the records. Cock suckers! Here's the updated one from last night.

https://64.media.tumblr.com/b401a43b...1502ada04e.pnj

If the playoffs started today we would be playing them.

I can't even muster an opinion about who I want in the playoffs. I'm just so ****ing pumped at the idea of getting playoff baseball again. I've been in withdrawal for almost nine years.

I told you guys in late July, the Royals just needed to go .500 the rest of the year and we would be fine.

start the thread$#@#$@