Why can't we let Blanco get a shot at starting? He was hot as shit not too long ago. Why can't we bring up a couple of AAA guys to see what they can do? We keep running out this lineup that is bottom 3 in the league. They couldn't do any worse.

I was right about the W total ceiling but wrong that it would not be enough for a playoff spot. I will gladly take being wrong on that side of it any day. What a season! October baseball, for however short or long it may last, has come back to KC (well, not "to" KC but you get it).

Playoffs!!!

PLAYOFFS?????

We ARE talkin about playoffs!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let&#39;s try this again.<br><br>Prior to this year, 80 teams in major league history had lost at least 104 games in a season.<br><br>The 2023 Royals are the first one of them to make the playoffs one year later.</p>&mdash; Rany Jazayerli (@jazayerli) <a href="https://twitter.com/jazayerli/status/1839865749336125819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 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">Absolutely love it <a href="https://t.co/XfdfkpxVSf">pic.twitter.com/XfdfkpxVSf</a></p>&mdash; Cody Tapp (@codybtapp) <a href="https://twitter.com/codybtapp/status/1839865248263663636?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 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">George Brett partying like it&#39;s 1985. <a href="https://t.co/hwoynrNsuU">pic.twitter.com/hwoynrNsuU</a></p>&mdash; Bally Sports Kansas City (@BallySportsKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BallySportsKC/status/1839866792162005401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

EM JAY MALENDAZ IS MY FAVOURITE PLAYER

I put this in the Twins thread but it needs to be here.

This was a little like the 1976 AL West race.

Royals came out on fire to put the A's in a hole and then just couldn't beat anybody in late August and September. But Sal Bando, right before the ASB left a note in the visitors locker that said

"The Royals won't last. And signed it "Capt Sal".

The A's came charging and got within 2 games with 5 to play. But Larry Gura threw a 4 hitter and they clinched a tie that night.

The Royals lost the final 3 games to the Twins at home, but Oakland lost also and the 76 Royals were division champs. I went to all three games. The Sunday game was huge because Carew, Brett and McRae were all within 2 points for the batting title.

Brett went 3-4 and finished at .333 Steve Bry misplayed a ball in LF that was scored a 2B.

Mac went 2-4 and finished at 332.

Carew went 2-4 and finished at 331

McRae was upset after his last AB because he felt Gene Mauch wanted Brett to win the title and had Bry misplay that ball discussed above. Mac yelled into the Twins dugout calling Mauch a MF'er. Benches emptied, near brawl. But it was over quickly.

10 year old ChiTown went to those games as well with my two Brothers. Thanks for stirring up some great memories.

The 1976 playoff series is my first sports memory. I was 6. My mom locked herself in the bedroom for an hour after Chambliss's homer. I wasn't 100% sure what happened, but I knew it was bad.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rex hudler just said they will not start Seth Lugo tomorrow.<br><br>They are setting the rotation for the WildCard series rather than fighting for the #2 WC spot.<br><br>The Royals will enter the playoffs in a 3-game series with a rested Ragans/Lugo/Wacha.<br><br>Let’s do this</p>&mdash; Jason Anderson (@J810Anderson) <a href="https://twitter.com/J810Anderson/status/1839864341597733244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Welcome back to the bangwagon a bunch of you lol.

The right move. Sets up great going down to Houston.

There is no team that wants to see that rotation in a three game series.

11 year old Brad was watching in houston the royals bitchslapped the cards now nearly 50 years old Brad going to see another blue october.

Not only does clinching allow them to set their rotation, I hope these, what, 3 days off let them recharge their batteries. They desperately need that. Maybe add Vinnie back to the mix and they should be ready to roll.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Also Hall of Famer George Brett: &quot;I didn&#39;t do shit. I&#39;m just here.&quot;</p>&mdash; Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) <a href="https://twitter.com/anne__rogers/status/1839887214970331241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hope everyone enjoys afternoon baseball because that is when the Wild Card games will be.

Would say that's likely but if it's Bobby Witt vs the Astros, that series might have a little more pull. Feel like you can guarantee the Padres getting a later game. The Mets probably get a primetime slot if they get in, but they've still got work to do.

Bruh… if Vinnie is back come Tuesday we have a real shot of winning this whole thing! He can DH for now and have Yuli play first

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">1) Read this tweet<br>2) Go watch Joel Goldberg&#39;s interview of Vinnie in the clubhouse, and see how hard Vinnie is trying to hold back his smile when Joel asks about a &quot;timetable&quot; (at the 1:18 mark)<br><br>He&#39;s going to be back on Tuesday. I can feel it. <a href="https://t.co/90MDEIpR50">https://t.co/90MDEIpR50</a></p>&mdash; Rany Jazayerli (@jazayerli) <a href="https://twitter.com/jazayerli/status/1839882286495334639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If Vinnie came back that would be insane. I'm not gonna hold my breath, but if he did this team would have a huge shot of adrenaline.

Just looking at the times they have right now:

12pm - ESPN
1pm - ABC
3pm - ESPN
7pm - ESPN

San Diego game would be either 3pm or 7pm.

I think that's just for Tuesday because of the VP Debate. Wednesday and Thursday would be more normal times with a couple afternoon games and a couple primetime games.

What a crazy season. Super exciting to set up the rotation for Houston, and I like the Houston/Cleveland draw a lot better than the other side of it.

I can’t believe Pasquantino can play in the wildcard series, but I guess more strange things have happened.

Weirdly, I would actually like the lineup better if he and Gurriel are playing. I really like the ABs Gurriel takes.

He just heard there was free booze.

And more opportunities to tell people the story about the time he shit his pants.

Sent from my SM-S916U1 using Tapatalk

Anybody by chance know a good place in Chicago for kv sports? I'll be out by o'hare on Tuesday night...

Mlb.com is showing lugo as today's starter. No way that happens, right? Marsh?

ESPN has changed it to undecided. Guessing a bullpen game and a Marsh game in some order. Mets fans aren’t pleased LMAO

Yeah, he's not pitching tonight (shouldn't).

There's no benefit from him pitching tonight, where setting up your rotation in the WC is very highly preferable.

The issue though is the long rest between his last game pitched to Tuesday. I think that's too long. So, it would not surprise me if they throw him out there on a strict pitch count/inning count.

Wait till we roll out

Frazier 4
Witt 6
Guirrel 3
Renfroe DH
Fermin 2
Melendez 7
Garcia 5
Isbel 8
Hampson 9

And I would not be one bit surprised if the Royals win the next two games, because Royals.

I still can't believe it, I never thought this team had any shot before the season. Luckily we had the worst team ever in our division. Doesn't matter though playoff baseball is back.

Like others have said if Vinny comes back you have to leave Gurriel in the lineup, he’s been a damn good bat. Fermin looks lost so Vinny can be DH and Gurriel at 1st

Exactly!

Toons is a Chiefs bar in Chicago but don't think they care or promote much for the Royals but I imagine there'll be some KC fans there watching the game

Its in Wrigleyville so you'd have to come into the city a bit

I remember. not sure if that's the same series, but seeing Freddie Patek crying on the bench in a near empty dugout is still burned in my mind.

9 years ago today I watched Yordano pitch in Wrigley

My photo of him warming up

We made it back young fella!

https://i.imgur.com/hJMQRT1.jpg

I can't believe they actually did it!

Never a doubt.

Sounds like Lugo is starting today. Guessing they gave him the option but I'm sure he'll be on a pitch count. It makes sense if they're lining him up for game 2. Even if he pitched a full game today his next start would be next Wednesday so it lines up with normal rest.

As long as he doesn't get injured, this is quite alright. As discussed during a game broadcast a month or so ago, Lugo's stats are significantly worse on extra rest.

Fermin has been the 2nd best player on this team this year according to war. He doesn't have a huge split. I don't give up on him because he hasn't played as well recently. If Vinnie can get back I don't see a huge role for Gurriel.

We’re gonna need someone in this lineup other than Witt and Salvy to have a “I’m here to **** shit up” moment. 2015 was Alcides Escobar. I’m gonna go with Massey

Lugo pitching today

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Seth Lugo remains the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Royals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Royals</a> starter today. Cole Ragans was lined up for tomorrow, but that&#39;s likely to change -- nothing official yet, though.</p>&mdash; Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) <a href="https://twitter.com/anne__rogers/status/1840049673861517578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The entire key to this is Will Smith. He must be on active roster. He's goin back to back to back to back

I like it as long as he's in max of 3 innings. Hate it if he goes the distance.

This really surprises me. Can't imagine he would go more than 2 or 3 innings.

That was after Sparky ****ing Lyle got Freddie to GIDP to end game 5 of the 77 ALCS. 10/09/1977. Still kinda aches to this day.

If Ragans starts game 1 then Lugo gets his work in this week to stay on schedule for a start in either game 2 or 3 on 4 or 5 days rest.

It makes sense to shelve Ragans for this series. He can throw on the side to stay in rhythm for a start on Tuesday on 3 days rest.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">But because the Wild Card Round is Tue/Wed/Thu and the ALDS starts Saturday, anyone who starts in the Wild Card Round won&#39;t be able to start Game 1 of the ALDS on full rest.<br><br>So if you hold Lugo back for Game 3 and you sweep, you could go Lugo, Ragans, Wacha, Lugo, Ragans. 3/</p>&mdash; Rany Jazayerli (@jazayerli) <a href="https://twitter.com/jazayerli/status/1840067100452311389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This would suck. I'm a big fan of Passan and not much of an NBA fan.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jeff Passan is a candidate to switch sports and replace Adrian Wojnarowski as the NBA&#39;s lead newsbreaker, per <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewMarchand?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AndrewMarchand</a> <a href="https://t.co/gWQgzQKVSQ">pic.twitter.com/gWQgzQKVSQ</a></p>&mdash; Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/JomboyMedia/status/1840074279028773149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Makes a ton of sense.

Anthony Rizzo just got drilled in the hand but is staying in the game to run.

The after clinching lineup to **** the Mets
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here&#39;s how we will take the field for our penultimate game of the regular season tonight in Atlanta. <a href="https://t.co/XyuyYrwg1Y">pic.twitter.com/XyuyYrwg1Y</a></p>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1840114928427868532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Only thing that's really any different is no Bobby for the first time all year.

Yeah, I guess? Just hope they don't outsmart themselves by, ummm, being smart?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anthony Rizzo has two fractured fingers (4th &amp; 5th on right hand). Aaron Boone said that Ben Rice would be a consideration for the playoff roster.</p>&mdash; Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanHoch/status/1840123010222621004?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

the whole offense needs four days rest.....lfg...Royals are in the Playoffs, IB

I bet Bobby put up a fight...surprised Salvy is playing...must have been his call

I'd imagine the deal was dh today sit tomorrow

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I was eight and remember that one like it was last night.

InvinciBill is skeptical

Oh boy....
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Final: White Sox 4, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tigers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tigers</a> 0<br><br>Detroit is 86-75.</p>&mdash; Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanPetzold/status/1840148631808291109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The White Sox are on file

Do we prefer Houston or Baltimore? I think Baltimore is the tougher matchup, but I hate the Astros stadium.

I was digging the idea off going through Houston and Cleveland, as opposed to Baltimore and New York. But I definitely won't tempt fate and get greedy.

I don't know the league well enough really to have a strong opinion, but Rany was saying the opposite. He said Camden Yards is great for LH power which the Orioles have and we lack. Opposite of Minute Maid where our power would play better. :shrug:

Yeah that's true. Forgot that the top seed doesn't play the lowest remaining seed for the DS.

Royals started Lugo tonight so he finishes as league leader in innings pitched. Bet that has something in contract as well. Little things matter.

I may have missed this, but are we worried about Lugo starting? I’ll just sit over here quietly blowing bubbles.

Okay. Thanks, but this still worries me.

They all look a little partied out to me.

Pretty typical. The White Sox beat the Tigers 4-0 today. Royals somehow won this game they'd be back in the 5 seed.

yeah, Hudler was talking about how a lot of people were out late last night, and then was making fun of Lefebvre (not directly) for going to bed early.

There is another Acuna on the Mets now. OPSing already over 1.0. Related to Ronald Acuna Jr. Maikel Garcia related. Why do we get the shittiest one of the lineage?

Hey we got Alcides Escobar too.

This message board asks the same question.