Royals Rumblings – News from October 2, 2024

Maikel Garcia had a big walk and steal and scored the only run in Game 1.

“That was the difference,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He shows great hitting on the walk, stealing second ball and scoring on the hit. That's the difference in the game and we know his abilities. We know how good he is at stealing bases. Everyone does it, right? It's no secret. But in order to be able to perform there and be in scoring position for Bobby, we will take advantage of this opportunity every day of the week.”

Lucas Erceg says Salvador Perez's visit to the mound calmed him down and gave him the final outs to win Game 1.

“He basically checked me out,” Erceg said. “He said, ‘Are you good? Let's go. ‘Come on, this is it.’ So he kind of locked me back in and got me back in the zone.”

Erceg rebounded and struck outrutschman in six throws. He regularly fed him four-seam fastballs and changeups. rutschman fouled a couple before he was caught watching a 92.5 mph changeup at the end of the strike zone.

Cole Ragans exited after six innings with leg cramps.

When he felt the cramps on every pitch during his last two batters – Anthony Santander and Ryan Mountcastle at the heart of the O's lineup – Ragans knew he had to tell Quatraro, who had every intention of sending Ragans back out for the seventh and beyond .

“I want to be healthy,” Ragans said. “I plan on having a few more starts. So I just didn’t want to push it so far that it ended up being more serious than it needed to be.”

Jaylon Thompson writes about how Vinnie Pasquantino was able to recover so quickly from a broken thumb.

“It feels great,” Pasquantino said. “They've put a lot of work into it and it's a special, personal day just because we finally got the green light. I had planned to do it a little earlier, but despite all the discussions, it wasn't realistic. So we did everything we could and now here we are. The rehab isn't over yet, but the games can begin. We are happy about it.”

The Royals will continue to keep an eye on Pasquantino as he returns to the lineup – strictly in a DH role.

Anne Rogers has more.

“Emotions are pretty good today,” Pasquantino said.

“…However, we know the risk. Because it carries risks. But I think there are some rewards too.”

She also writes about Cole Ragans' long journey from Tommy John surgery to Game 1 starter.

“I love it here,” Ragans said. “This team is special, I love the city of Kansas City, I love the fans. Everything about it.

“I enjoyed every damn second I was here.”

And she describes how her belief in herself led to success on the field.

“It starts with the culture in the locker room,” second baseman Michael Massey said this weekend. “I have never been as close with a team as we are. That's part of it. (Manager Matt Quatraros) Statement “Today” resonated. Just go out there and control what you can today. There are so many things that are out of your control, and the way you react to those things depends on where you are. We all embraced it.”

Sam McDowell writes about how JJ Picollo transformed the Royals organization.

“It kind of hurts me to say that,” Picollo said. “(But) we felt like we needed a little outside influence – fresh thoughts – and needed to challenge ourselves professionally.”…

It's pretty easy to find some implementation examples. The Royals have hired about three dozen new employees across various baseball departments. It's not even really about the number. It depends on the type. Most have fairly similar backgrounds, and the most interesting thing is that they contrast the background of the man who hires the employees.

If you want to mention the catchphrase of this baseball decade: Yes, it's more data.

Royals Reporter's Kevin O'Brien examines how the Royals compare to the Orioles.

David Lesky offers his series preview, as does Craig Brown.

Tarik Skubal leads the Tigers to a Game 1 Wild Card win over the Astros.

The Mets keep their momentum going with a Game 1 win over the Brewers.

Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a home run to help the Padres defeat the Braves.

Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick criticizes pitcher Jordan Montgomery for not living up to his contract.

Baseball had the highest stolen base total since 1915.

The Mariners expect to see an increase in payroll next year.

Brewers owner Mark Attanasio says sales are strong.

The Blue Jays are making changes to their pitching staff.

A list of 2024-25 free agents.

How Pete Rose Became “Charlie Hustle.”

The Raiders could trade receiver Davante Adams – who would fit?

Gonzaga will join the Pac-12 in 2026.

Mount Everest is getting higher and higher.

The best, worst and weirdest games from four decades The Legend of Zelda.

How Kris Kristofferson helped make comic book movies serious.

Her song of the day is Journey with Don't stop believing.