Royals Rumblings - News for June 10, 2024

It’s Bobby’s world, we’re just living in it.

Sam McDowell writes that the clubhouse was abuzz after Bobby Witt’s game-tying triple on Friday.

For the record, manager Matt Quatraro knew far earlier. “As soon as the ball left the bat,” he said, “I’m like, that’s a triple. There’s no way he’s gonna stop.”

It took about 4.2 seconds to touch first.

Then 3.2 more to reach second.

And 3.6 more to punctuate the final destination with headfirst dive into third.

Witt is just the second player in baseball this season to break 11 seconds on home to third — and obviously the first at Kauffman Stadium this year. Arizona’s Corbin Carroll went home to third in 10.76 on a triple last month.

Anne Rogers writes about Bobby’s calm demeanor amid cheering fans.

“The longer I’m here, the more the fans are showing me that they’re the best,” Witt said. “You see them with what the Chiefs are doing and what has happened in the past with the Royals. Now, they’re coming out more to support us. It’s really special. I just love this city, and it’s why I wanted to be here for a long time.”

MJ Melendez came up with a clutch-game-tying home run on Sunday.

“It’s constant, every day,” Melendez said. “I’ve struggled a lot this season, but I feel like all the guys just pick me up every day. And it really helps. It’s easy to get down on yourself, and it’s a tough game. But that helps me keep going, knowing that they’ve got me.

“And the coaches, too. [Manager Matt Quatraro] having my back, him putting me in the lineup day in and day out shows the confidence that the team has in me. It gives me extra motivation. And hopefully I can turn things around. That’s kind of what goes into my mind every day, is that they have a lot of confidence in me, and I want to prove them right and do the little things that help us win games.”

James McArthur continued to struggle on Sunday afternoon, writes Jaylon Thompson

“I’m sure he is very frustrated,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of McArthur. “You know, he battles his tail off out there every day and gives us the best chance he can.

“Those are the ultimate high-leverage situations, so you know, all the focus is out there on him and that spot. I know he will bounce back from it.”

It was the bottom of the order that produced on Saturday.

“It’s gonna win you a lot of games,” Pasquantino said. “Like I always say when playoff baseball comes around: That’s what wins playoff games, is what the bottom of the order does. And today they won us the game. Let’s keep it going.”

Kevin Flaherty at the Star writes that Adam Frazier is heating up.

Frazier’s last 20 appearances have seen him pile up 17 of his 29 hits. And after his performance Saturday, Frazier is hitting .309 over those 20 contests.

Frazier credited “a lot of adjustments” with the turnaround, from changing his hand location to adjusting the length of his swing, and working to spray the ball to all fields rather than attempting to drive everything.

“Ideally, you’d be able to keep the same feel for 162 games, but that’s not really realistic,” Frazier said.

Salvy was at the KC Current game.

Royals Weekly notes the Royals are starting to get production from some off-season acquisitions.

Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter writes that Daniel Lynch IV has a fastball problem.

Yusei Kikuchi is embarrassed after coming out of the dugout to collide with a defensive player.

MLB players enjoyed their trip to London, with some suggested changes.

Bryce Harper thinks MLB should pause to allow players to compete in the Olympics.

Mets owner Steve Cohen downplays this season, saying fans have been through worse.

The Marlins release outfielder Avisail Garcia.

The Phillies are interested in Diamondbacks outfielder Jake McCarthy.

How will we end up using all this bat-tracking data?

Who’s the best closer in baseball?

The White Sox are reportedly actively seeking trades for Luis Robert Jr.

Luis Arráez is a throwback, having success with contact to all fields.

Some MLB players are getting death threats from gamblers.

Caitlin Clark will be left off the Team USA Olympic roster.

There were a lot of empty seats at the French Open this year.

What is the science to having a great conversation?

Loyalty programs are getting very generous in giving things away.

There’s a new documentary about the 80s Brat Pack.

Your song of the day is Little Feat with Let it Roll.