Anne Rogers writes that Vinnie Pasquantino knows he has to get off to a good start this year.
While the hamstring strain Pasquantino suffered at the end of Spring Training last year may have had an impact, he was more concerned about the swing decisions he was making during that month.
“It’s not about getting hits or results but more about what it looks like,” Pasquantino said. “That’s what I didn’t like about that month — why am I swinging on all these backfoot sliders? Why am I swinging at this? Why am I swinging at that? It was more about what I can do to clean up the decision-making earlier in the year. It seems to be that when it gets later in the year and we’ve seen so many pitches, that piece gets a little bit easier.”
She also writes about the roster battles in camp, such as the fifth starter spot in the rotation.
“That’s been one of my things that I think I haven’t utilized enough,” Kolek said. “And then just quality two-strike pitches, whether it’s spin to my glove side or changeups, just the ability to execute those at a higher level and have more competitive pitches over the plate and near the zone.”
While Noah Cameron is viewed as having the advantage for the fifth spot in the rotation, the Royals do want to give Kolek, Falter and Bergert, along with the other starters building up, a true chance at earning a spot. Falter is out of Minor League options, so he could find a spot in the bullpen. If Kolek and/or Bergert aren’t in the MLB rotation, the Royals probably want them starting in Triple-A to preserve the depth.
Bailey Falter has a different perspective now that he has become a father.
“Obviously I’d like to land one of those starting rotation roles,” Falter said. “But honestly, after having my son, it doesn’t matter to me. Whatever the team needs. If you want me in the bullpen, you want me to start, you want me to piggyback, it doesn’t matter. Whatever I need to do to help this team win the division, win the pennant, get to the postseason. Whatever the team needs, I’m cool with it.”
Jaylon Thompson writes how Lane Thomas is looking to get right with regular playing time.
“(I just want) to be consistent again,” he said. “I’ve dealt with a lot of injuries the last two years — in 2024 and 2025. Just want to be consistent on the field every day and, you know, be myself again.”
Thomas has an avenue to get consistent at-bats. The Royals like to utilize their entire roster and that gives him a chance to stick in the lineup.
The Royals were all hugs when they played Freddy Fermin and the Padres.
Team USA’s hockey win over Canada for the gold had the Royals talking hockey.
Kevin O’Brien at Royals Keep writes what Kolek can do to make the rotation.
Preston Farr at EightOneSix gives his Royals minor league predictions.
Dan Laurila at Fangraphs quizzes Jeff Montgomery about his career.
Cleveland signs first baseman Rhys Hoskins to a minor league deal.
Twins pitcher Joe Ryan has lower back inflammation and will get an MRI.
The Cardinals sign infielder Ramon Urías to a one-year deal.
Boston is looking for left-handed relief depth.
The Dodgers claim outfielder Jack Suwinski off waivers from the Pirates.
Ronald Acuña Jr. will bat lead-off for the Braves this season.
Jorge Polanco wants to talk to Keith Hernandez about playing first base.
Hall of Fame second baseman Bill Mazeroski dies at age 89.
A Yankees spring training game is marred by leaking sewage at the field.
A newly discovered T206 Honus Wagner card goes for $5 million at auction.
A look back at how the Seattle Pilots became the Milwaukee Brewers.
Kiley McDaniel at ESPN ranks his top draft prospects.
Norway tops the Olympics medal count, but the US wins its most golds ever.
Indiana could be luring the Chicago Bears across the state line.
Americans spend less of their income on food than ever before, so why doesn’t it feel that way?
Why do small dogs shiver so much?
People are buying iPods again.
Your song of the day is James Brown with People Get Up and Drive Your Funky Soul.