Royals Rumblings – News from October 1, 2024

Jaylon Thompson writes why the Royals are allowing Cole Ragans to start Game 1 today.

The organization trusts Ragans in the key role. And Ragans is ready to take over the baseball in perhaps the biggest game of the season.

“It makes you feel good that they have so much trust in you,” Ragans said. “It’s just a matter of building on it. They trust me, so they work behind the scenes. Prepare the best I can prepare and give our team the best chance to win a ballgame.”

Anne Rogers writes that the Royals will make a decision today on whether to activate Vinnie Pasquantino.

“We were hoping to get a live BP with him today, but we won't be able to,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “So we're going to simulate it as best we can – not in live pitching, but in the cage machine. And we'll see how he gets out of there tomorrow morning before we make our decision. He came out of the live BP really well on Saturday, which encouraged us. But this will be another big day to test it.”

Pete Grathoff writes why the Orioles are vulnerable.

The Orioles' bullpen staggered down the stretch, having the worst ERA in the American League after September 1 (5.31). Their left-on-base percentage (63.3%) was the third-worst in baseball, according to FanGraphs.

Over the last 28 days, left-hander Cionel Pérez had a 9.00 ERA and opponents had a .325 average against him.

In mid-September, Baltimore designated closer Craig Kimbrel for assignment. Seranthony Domínguez has three saves in four opportunities this month, but he also has a 5.87 ERA during that time and has given up six home runs in 22 2/3 innings since being acquired in a trade.

David Lesky thinks about the postseason squad.

No one wants to see Hampson on this roster, but the reality is that the Orioles have four left guards that could be added to their roster and Isbel has a good chance of getting a close call against one of them. If he does, they don't trust Blanco defensively and I think they were right about that. Hampson will be on this squad and will play in midfield after Isbel was beaten earlier in the game. I would imagine they all start on the right side, so Isbel will start in all games, but they may need someone to come into defense.

And you might be surprised not to see MJ Melendez, but the way he finished the year (.152/.273/.227 since August 28th), I just don't see a spot.

Craig Brown marvels at Bobby Witt Jr. Season.

I don't think I ever imagined this for Witt, a batting crown. I assumed he would develop into a good batsman. I hoped he would be an All-Star player. I never thought he would become a batting champion. He finished the year hitting .332/.389/.588. These are pure superstar numbers.

He is also a member of the 30/30 Club for the second year in a row. That's 32 home runs and 31 steals. He scored 124 runs. He drove in 109. He hit 45 doubles. Eleven groups of three. And he only failed on four double plays. Four!

Legendary Royals broadcaster Denny Matthews will travel to Baltimore to call this series.

Royals Reporter's Kevin O'Brien writes that the Royals have made good on their promise in 2024.

The Royals' wives and girlfriends celebrated with the team winning a playoff spot.

The legendary and infamous “hit king” Pete Rose has died at the age of 83.

The Mets and Braves split their doubleheader, both clinching a postseason berth and leaving the Diamondbacks out.

The Giants fire Farhan Zaidi and name Buster Posey president of baseball operations.

Shohei Ohtani was the best-selling jersey in baseball for the second year in a row.

Main team jerseys will be available again at next year's All-Star Game.

Can data sharing solve the pitching injury epidemic?

The White Sox are unlikely to be a free agent.

The twins claim they are done with the pay cut.

The Cardinals will bring back manager Oli Marmol and manager John Mozeliak will stay for another season.

The Oakland A's final post-game show was pre-recorded due to “studio conflicts.”

The winners and losers of the Karl-Anthony Townes trade.

Arsenal took the win ugly, but is it enough to win a title?

Astronauts train in some of the most extreme places on Earth.

DirecTV agrees to buy Dish for $1.

An 81-year-old South Korean model fails in her attempt to become the oldest Miss Universe contestant.

Your song of the day features The Chambers Brothers Today is the day.