Hear from J.J. Picollo and Maikel Garcia on the latter’s recent contract extension:
Craig Brown at Into the Fountains analyzes the adjustments that fueled Maikel Garcia’s breakout season:
Honestly, there’s not much of a difference between the two seasons other than the space between his feet and straightening of his front foot. Everything else is very close. Aside from the toe tap, the mechanics of Garcia’s swing remained somewhat consistent from season to season. The attack angle was 5 degrees both
seasons. Same for the swing tilt path at 28 degrees. However, he gained a tick on his bat speed, going from 70.8 mph and the 34th percentile to 71.9 mph and the 46th percentile.
The toe tap is simply a gentle timing mechanism that clearly helps Garcia keep his balance centered at the plate, which allows him to get a little more whip through the zone. And he can turn on pitches waaaaay inside.
The Royals were reportedly interested in signing free agent outfielder Adolis García before he signed with Philadelphia. This was the team’s first We Tried of the offseason!
Your brief international Royals roundup:
- Eric Cerantola hasn’t pitched in nearly a month now and thus must assume that his Dominican campaign is finished.
- Maikel Garcia hasn’t played in ten days, perhaps signaling the end of his Venezuelan cameo. He hit .308/.400/.410 in 45 plate appearances.
- Salvador Perez isn’t finished with Leones del Caracas, making two starts each at first base and DH and going 3-11 with a homer and a walk.
What do MLB managers consider the most important part of their jobs?
Washington is hiring Ani Kilambi as their new general manager.
MLB will regulate the use of data and tech in the minor leagues. ($)
Tom Pohlad is taking over as controlling owner of the Twins.
With his signing deadline fast approaching, where does Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami’s market stand?
Philadelphia is signing old friend Brad Keller to a two-year deal.
San Francisco is signing right-handed pitcher Adrian Houser to a two-year deal.
The Mets are signing right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver to a one-year deal.
The Angels are signing left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz and right-handed pitcher Jordan Romano to one-year deals.
How NFL teams complain to the league about officiating.
The Chicago Bears are expanding their search for a stadium site to Indiana.
AI water and energy use soared in 2025.
James Cameron is unconcerned about his “cultural footprint.”
What sort of wonderful goodies are in this year’s Williams-Sonoma catalog?
Your song of the day is Holiday by Turnstile.
