Must watch Bobby TV.

Nice of the A’s to finally show up, although Kowar tried to give it away (he got squeezed badly on 2-3 pitches, though).

I can't even think of the last time the Royals brought in a pitcher and he improved anything close to this.

Just glad there's finally signs of life in the organization. It was looking ****ing grim for a while.

It has been a while since I’ve seen this type of transformation.

It’s the same type of thing you saw Jalen with, IDK, Jake Arrieta? When he went to the Cubs.

Maybe it doesn’t hold quite at this level, but the stuff looks real.

wow, slow down their Hoss.. signed, Sgt. Hulka

11ks no walks

Wasn't sure a royals pitcher. could ever do that

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pitchers age 25 or younger to record at least 11 strikeouts and no walks in a scoreless outing this season:<br><br>1. Spencer Strider on April 24 vs. Miami<br>2. Cole Ragans TODAY at Oakland</p>&mdash; Nick Kappel (@NickKappel) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKappel/status/1694472718614188200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hes got it all. This isn't your typical 91 mph fast ball throwing pussy. Plus he was a first round draft pick that fell as a prospect because he had some bad luck coming back from TJ surgery and had to have it again.

He threw 100 MPH on his 99th pitch today. When's the last time we had a starter that could do that.

I really think he's going to be our first legit ace since Greinke. I think this will go down as one of the best trades in MLB history. People are going to liken it to the Shields for Tatis trade. He's gonna be that good.

Only thing I worry is the injury concerns...2 tjs...that will be the only thing to stop him from becoming a good #2 or more

Wasn't Ragans getting some Danny Jackson comps from some of the older Royals folks?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shohei Ohtani has a torn UCL and will not pitch again this season, per <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffFletcherOCR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JeffFletcherOCR</a> <a href="https://t.co/EsnRby5m1a">pic.twitter.com/EsnRby5m1a</a></p>&mdash; FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1694575816645173704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That might be one of the costliest injuries ever in any sport.

I don't think there's any question. It almost definitely will be.

And a costly non-trade

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/...om-royals.html

Not that it matters, logjam in the outfield.
Whatevers.

Vote no

Ugh. Hate it. But I know what they want. Thanks for sharing Bill.

The injury concern is completely and totally over blown. He is completely recovered from the injury/rehab and chances of him having another UCL injury that requires TJ is extremely small. He hadn't fully recovered from the first TJ surgery and had the injury during recovery.

He's completely fine now and I'm not even relatively concerned about reinjury.

I also heard from an MLB insider that after the 1st procedure there was some complication or something that they had to re-do the surgery essentially. It wasn't like he got TJ'd and then pitched 50 ip and then had to get TJ again. He might actually be better off now.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Royals played 64 games before June 10th. They were 29th in MLB with 1.5 combined fWAR from their position players. <br><br>They’ve played 65 games since and are 17th in team fWAR with 7.1. I really believe this core of hitters more closely resembles the 2nd half than the 1st half. <a href="https://t.co/TkDnrvMAqu">https://t.co/TkDnrvMAqu</a></p>&mdash; Royals Farm Report (@RoyalsFarm) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalsFarm/status/1694890352811839630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Yep, I believe he just hurt it during rehab. Probably pushing it too hard or something. He's back now and throwing it triple digits at his 99th pitch of the night. I think it's safe to say that he's completely healed.

If he'd pitch like he has the last 5 starts over a full season, then he'd have

202 IP/299 strikeouts/54 walks/2.12 ERA

He's also had a super high BABIP during this time .382. That going down will help out a bunch. He's pitching like a Cy Young candidate right now.

RoYaLs FaNS dONT wAnT US to bE TrAnSAcTIonSioNAL.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pt" dir="ltr">Junior x Junior.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeToTheCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeToTheCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/1LzbBMBDU9">pic.twitter.com/1LzbBMBDU9</a></p>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1695274940574871604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

did I mention that I hate Lyles?

I hope he stays healthy and you're right. He looks like he could be a huge steal.

John McMillion strikes out two in 1-2-3 eighth. He has eight Ks in four innings since his call up.

Blake Mitchell is playing like crap compared to the guys drafted right after him. I think the Royals are going to hide him next season because they already know they made a mistake.

One reason not to panic, he has more walks (17) than strikeouts (14).

It was a risky pick. Early returns are not making it look great.

He's had 34 ABs. Let's not panic yet.

the mitchell pick was a waste, everybody knows it. The front office still thinks "feelings" about kids is a scouting technique.

He should already be in Low A and pounding those pitching staff's. They are going to hide him all off-season and hope people forget about him while they worry about the stadium. This pick should get Ontiveros fired.

yeah, that guy is a clown...

He should already be in low A? Historically, high picks out of high school don't usually make it out of rookie ball in the season of their draft year. Bobby Witt Jr. didn't play above rookie ball in his 2019 pro debut.

There are outliers of course like Nolan Gorman, but development isn't linear.

Just for context, I went back and looked at the famous 2005 amateur draft when five big time prospect outfielders were taken out of HS in the first round with Justin Upton, Cameron Maybin, Andrew McCutchen, Jay Bruce and Colby Rasmus.

Upton and Maybin signed late and didn't play at all, but McCutchen, Bruce and Rasmus only played in rookie ball after they signed.

The following year, Maybin, Bruce and Upton spent the entire year at low Single-A. Rasmus got promoted to high Single-A after starting in low A and McCutchen got a late promotion to Double-A after playing the majority of the year in low A.

I think there's a middle ground here that's less doom-and-gloom than this without being overly optimistic.

Walker Jenkins and Max Clark have been advanced to regular A ball, and each have about 10 at-bats with solid production but not what I would call "pounding those pitching staffs" ... and those are two players who were considered significantly more advanced than the other HS bats.

For the HS guys that came after Mitchell, you have Bryce Eldridge earning a promotion and Raphy Velazquez and Arjun Nimmala NOT yet. NImmala is pretty similar to Mitchell. Eldridge isn't. Valazquez is crushing rookie ball pitching.

Anyway, the point here is that I don't think Mitchell not advancing past rookie ball as a HS rookie is an indictment in and of itself. The success or failure of the pick is on how he progresses from here.

As I say often, prospect development is not linear. Sometimes a guy mashes early but has a flaw that gets exploited and holds him back at higher levels. Sometimes a team is trying to fix something about a hitter and he struggles early before adjusting and taking off. Etc.

Onteveros needs things to turn next year for Mitchell and Cross, though, or his seat is going to get plenty warm.

There are some good things going on in the minor league system. Primarily with the pitching side. On the position player side, there's not a lot there - and the guys they HAVE invested in are looking weaker than a lot of players taken after them.

The college bats taken after Mitchell, especially, are making it look bad.

Mitchell is the next Carter Jensen. You shut ur mouf

The Royals really seem to have lost all concept on what the draft or developing players is about.

Meh. They didn't promote Bobby Witt right to Single A his first year either.

Brutal game tonight

Taylor Hearn getting knocked around is a thing of beauty.

Weird scene in Colorado. Acuna has a HR and 2 SB. He's now 1 HR away from a 30/60 season. Then later these fans ran on the field and grabbed him. They need to find a way to stop this before it becomes a thing.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A couple fans ran onto the field and made contact with Ronald Acuña Jr. <a href="https://t.co/IaAcAZs2gx">pic.twitter.com/IaAcAZs2gx</a></p>&mdash; Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1696357369679053255?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Security doing a bang up job

Rockies must have hired the White Sox security guys from the early 00s.

<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/7k2LoEykY5i1hfeWQB" width="480" height="357" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/oh-no-anyway-7k2LoEykY5i1hfeWQB">via GIPHY</a></p>

Security was terrible. Surprised other players didn't get involved.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: The Los Angeles Angels have placed starter Lucas Giolito, relievers Matt Moore and Reynaldo López, and outfielders Hunter Renfroe and Randal Grichuk on waivers, sources tell ESPN. Huge potential playoff implications: All can be claimed by teams for free on Thursday.</p>&mdash; Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1696632481099755613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Royals should have number two wavier spot and they should put in claim for Lucas Giolito.

A's will first. But if A's claim him, Royals should take a flyer on Lopez. His talent is worth the claim.

not if there are other players they want to claim. You're essentially only getting him for a month, if there's no one else you want. Then sure. why not?

Nevermind. All 5 are UFA's at the end of this season. No reason to bother.

But the Angels just made things interesting for the remaining playoff teams.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Other players currently on waivers, per sources: Yankees OF Harrison Bader, Mets RHP Carlos Carrasco, White Sox RHP Mike Clevinger, Tigers RP José Cisnero. Claims awarded in reverse order of winning percentage as of Thursday. Teams on fringes of wild-card race likely to be most… <a href="https://t.co/1kKgeo48NZ">https://t.co/1kKgeo48NZ</a></p>&mdash; Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1696645969234850061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Angels rage dropping players before the playoffs.

Ragans is dealing.

This...star player fell too...what if he got injured

Another great outing by Ragans

Great bullpen outing.

This Ragans kid, holy shit. The man was dealing tonight. Looks like the real deal.

Royals need to put a claim in on Reynaldo Lopez. Bullpen is total ass.

So what

I can't believe how good Ragans had been. It's just absolutely insane. The guy gets my weiner up right!

Holy ****, the guy recording this sounds like a complete ****ing reerun.

Lopez is incredibly physically talented. He's the type of talent a smart team can elevate to a new level.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We have made the following roster moves: <a href="https://t.co/njdMc2va8R">pic.twitter.com/njdMc2va8R</a></p>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1696999317762896201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Bobby Dong

Royals would be better off with a lineup that went Garcia, Fermin, Witt, Perez, then 5 pitchers allowed to hit. I mean Blanco, Taylor, Isbel? What a murderer’s row.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The 2023 Royals have already lost more games (94) than the 2011 Royals lost all season (91). The 2011 Royals also entered the season with the highest-rated farm system of all time, including 9 Top-100 Prospects. The 2023 Royals have none. Please do not compare the two. <a href="https://t.co/yEhdnexRzu">https://t.co/yEhdnexRzu</a></p>&mdash; Rany Jazayerli (@jazayerli) <a href="https://twitter.com/jazayerli/status/1697089475208233434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

They are what we thought they were. Probably gonna get worse.

Honestly, besides the two world series wins, the only interesting s*** this franchise has ever done has been The saga that is George Brett and a barely if that HOF catcher Salvador Perez plus that Hal mcrae interview. Oh yeah I forgot that it's one of the most beautiful ballparks in the majors.

If the Raytown Royals lose 23 of their next 27 games they will be the worst team of all-time. Lets ****ing go...you can do it

You can't erase the dominance from the 70's-80's like that. The 77 and 80 teams were likely better than the 85 team (at least that was my Mom's argument).

1989 team was 3rd best in all of baseball had the misfortune of being in the same division as the Oakland A's and baseball only division winner went to the playoffs then.

It is kind of wild even with all the bad years, most teams have not had the World Series wins and appearances the Royals have had since expansion. Philly and Cleveland have been around since the 1800s and they have 2 World Series wins. Tigers have 1 WS and 3 appearances since the Royals came into the league. Twins have only made it twice in about 60 years but they did win both times.

Would have to dig up the list but the Royals have one of the best playoff winning percentages ever, and more playoff wins than teams like the White Sox and Twins who are 100 year old teams. You could blow people's minds with Royals playoff trivia.

In not so great news, the guys drafted around Blake Mitchell are severely outperforming him.

a well deserved day off

I was looking up some stats. If Witt gets 30HR and 50SBs........there are only two MLBers who have ever done that:

Barry bonds
Eric Davis

(and they both only did it one season)

Eric Davis. One of my favorite could-have-beens. What a player he was. Body just couldn't hold up.

Only to be ever shadowed by the fact acuna is 1 hr away from doing the same

Indians scooped up all the Angels pitchers

In grade school he was my adopt-a-player on the playground. Each of our friends pretended to be a MLB star when we played pickup games. I was Eric. Loved him.