Anne Rogers talks to J.J. Picollo on his objectives this offseason, including upgrading the outfield.
“That’s one of the objectives. Our outfield hasn’t been as productive as we needed it to be over the last
two or three years. We’re back at it again, trying to figure things out. We’ve got a young player who we think is going to be very good in Jac Caglianone. Kyle Isbel has been an above-average defender in center. But left field has been a little bit of a revolving door. We have to try to settle that and then have that roster flexibility. If we had somebody who could go from the infield to the outfield, that’s very beneficial as well. Trying to complete the roster in that fashion would be ideal, but the outfield is going to be the big one. If it’s somebody who can fit in the middle of the lineup, even better.”
Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch talks to J.J. Picollo about how the Royals and Cardinals match up for a trade.
“If someone is looking for a major league return, need for need, that’s the most obvious spot,” Picollo said Wednesday. “If anybody is evaluating our roster, that’s where they’re going to go. And we really have guys in all shapes and sizes. Guys with very little control to guys who have a lot of control. So you can kind of pick your poison for what fits your needs. There is some versatility within that group as well. If that’s the avenue to help get a bat we need, then we’re willing to explore that. I think it only makes sense.”
David Lesky reacts to recent trade rumors, including those surrounding Kris Bubic.
We talked about this a little on the podcast, but the allure of Bubic over signing a free agent is you have the upside of a guy who can pitch like a one or a two if he’s healthy, but you don’t have to commit five to eight years and you don’t have to pay him that much for one year. The question is what does he bring back coming off the injury?
In a conversation with a scout for a non-Royals team, he made the point that a physical could ensure everything is good to go. But it can also make things awkward if the team doesn’t like the results because they might agree to a trade and have the player or players traded find out they were moved and then have to cancel the deal. It’s not something you can’t work around, but I hadn’t thought about that wrinkle. Still, I’m sort of leaning toward Bubic getting moved and maybe sooner than later.
ESPN has reports on all 30 teams from the GM meetings this week.
The Astros are also interested in Brendan Donovan.
The Blue Jays are looking for high-leverage relievers.
Edwin Diaz puts his return with the Mets at 50/50.
Jacob deGrom and Ronald Acuna win Comeback Player of the Year.
Which teams could pull off a blockbuster deal for Tarik Skubal?
Pete Crow-Armstrong and Corbin Carroll join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic.
Padres ownership is exploring a sale.
Is Aaron Judge among the best right-handed hitters ever?
Emmanuel Clase is arrested and pleads not guilty.
Congress wants answers on MLB’s betting scandal.
Former Royals outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. joins the Savannah Bananas.
Reaching 67 points is creating a ‘6-7′ frenzy at college basketball games across the country.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon will retire next year.
Cheetos and Doritos won’t be as bright without their dyes next month.
Why are most people right-handed?
Your song of the day is Uriah Heap with Stealin’.
