The Royals head back to KC for the final homestand of the year, writes Anne Rogers.
“It’s tough, because you’re fighting for something that you feel is right there,” second baseman Jonathan India said. “One bad week can really turn things, you know? It does suck. It does make you feel down. But it’s part of baseball. This year, it’s not over yet, but it’s been a tough week.
“We’ve just got to keep putting our head down, keep grinding and finish strong.”
Craig Brown looks back on how the Royals fell
short this year.
It’s ultimately frustrating that the Royals took a step back this season. Yet progression in baseball is seldom linear…no matter what Dayton Moore might tell you.
What was good about this season is that the Royals dug themselves out of an early hole and they were relevant in the playoff picture in September. I know, I know…close doesn’t cut it. And the way they bottled it this last week certainly wasn’t fun. I suppose what makes it easier for me is that the Royals were never in that elusive final Wild Card spot. They were pushing for it, but never got there. So it’s not like they let it slip away. It was almost within their grasp.
Just two years ago, the Royals lost over 100 games. Last season, they were in the playoffs. This season, they were in the mix until mid-September. I think this team is still on the right track.
David Lesky considers Salvy’s Hall of Fame case.
All that said, the counting stats are starting to make a difference and they’ll be difficult to ignore. Hitting his 300th home run means he’s just the eighth player with catcher as his primary position to do that. Ever. He’s now behind Mike Piazza, Johnny Bench, Carlton Fisk, Yogi Berra, Gary Carter, Lance Parrish and Ivan Rodriguez. Those are six Hall of Famers and Parrish. His 1,005 RBI rank 19th. He has a shot to pass one or two this year, but will very likely pass at least six before the end of next year and he has a very good shot to move into the top-10 by the end of 2027 (I’m assuming he gets a two-year deal this winter).
If he can get to 359 home runs and pass Berra and 1,180 RBIs and be fourth in homers and 10th in RBIs, I think I might be fairly surprised if he doesn’t get in at some point during his 10 years on the ballot, especially as framing importance is farther away from being so vital.
Bobby Witt Jr. is nominated for the 2025 Roberto Clemente Award.
Pete Grathoff wrote about how a Phillies fan made sure Salvy got his 300th home run ball.
Royals Reporter writes about the positive notes from a tough road trip.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy writes a letter in Bob Uecker’s voice to celebrate a playoff spot.
Nolan Arenado returns to the Cardinals.
The Mets move Sean Manaea to the bullpen.
The Giants call up top prospect Bryce Eldridge.
What’s wrong with the Mets?
How did the Rafael Devers trade work out for both teams?
Could the tush push be banned because its so hard to officiate?
New rules will shake up Formula 1 in 2026.
Alphabet becomes the fourth company to reach $3 trillion in valuation.
Engineers propose massive airbags for airline passengers.
The best movie performances in the 21st century by animals.
Your song of the day is Siouxsie And The Banshees with Kiss Them For Me.
