Will be interesting to see how much time in the outfield Massey gets, especially if MJ starts out slow.

Massey working with Dyson in the OF today. Boys looked good!

been going to Surprise the last two years for a month each time...Daughter has a bun in the oven , so doing the right thing staying home but god Im gonna miss it

Jarrod is a coach in the organization? How’d I miss that news?

Spring training is here!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">EXCLUSIVE: Kansas City Royals Going Full Powder Blue for Home Alternates in 2025 <a href="https://t.co/Iya51Iytwz">https://t.co/Iya51Iytwz</a></p>&mdash; Uni Watch (@UniWatch) <a href="https://twitter.com/UniWatch/status/1891849789060317662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

i don't get the powder blue obsession people have.

Nostalgia

Like why Kansas fans like circus font even though it is ugly as fk

It's more than that, everyone blew their load all over the Chargers powder blue to the point that it's their main color now.

these would be better as road alternates

It looks to be the same outfield as last year. Am I missing something? Thought there would be some upgrade(s) there.

Why is Brady Singer in that pic? :facepalm:

India or Massey is going to be in LF.

Looks like Brett just had one of his two annual shit ems

And Nicky Lopez?

That isn't a Royals press release its from an outside source using a picture when the team went to full powder blue look

Makes sense. You’d think he could find a way to super impose or photo shop or something.

There's a coach that looks just like him. ROFL

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yes, MJ Melendez was revamping his swing all offseason.<br><br>“I’ve had a lot of at-bats, and that’s what I’ve been, but I don’t really feel like that’s who I am.”<br><br>Read about the how &amp; why behind a big difference so far this spring: <a href="https://t.co/Br4uRI6gl1">https://t.co/Br4uRI6gl1</a> <a href="https://t.co/MLuKMSkoaj">pic.twitter.com/MLuKMSkoaj</a></p>&mdash; Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) <a href="https://twitter.com/anne__rogers/status/1891982689810469013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Daniel Lynch IV will get the ball for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Royals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Royals</a> Cactus League opener on Friday against the Rangers.<br><br>Noah Cameron, Chandler Champlain also scheduled for two innings.</p>&mdash; Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) <a href="https://twitter.com/anne__rogers/status/1891896233448349782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I'm all for seeing Melendez get his swing refined. With his speed and power, it could be a really nice upgrade IF he becomes more consistent.

During the season last year, he used a revamped swing for a little bit with a little success, and then regressed back to that awkward batting stance he has.

less of a leg kick in the second one

IMHO, this can only help him with contact, his point of attack to the ball. Not having his hands do so much movement in his swing before uncoiling will allow him to have more control of his swing and better eye contact!

I do believe we will see better results!

Why would a click bait site want to do that?

MJ sucks ass. I was done with him last year.

found this interesting:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2-SlzMrojK0?si=SPFg537st3uCV6EY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Yup. He’s a lost cause

Melendez is only 26. I wouldn't close the door on him. The Royals have had a few prospects finally get it around that age.

ESPN and MLB are ending their broadcast agreement after the 2025 season.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Major League Baseball issued the following statement this evening: <a href="https://t.co/C4UFLwiFAw">pic.twitter.com/C4UFLwiFAw</a></p>&mdash; MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB_PR/status/1892743094572847152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

ESPN keeps sucking the NBA's dick will be their downfall.

MLB going to Netflix or Amazon? What’s the end game there for them

I tend to agree. It isn't ideal. Certainly would've preferred to see us get a more guaranteed sure thing with a bat as we need to make every clear effort to win during BWJ's prime years.

But man, MJ does have power. Dude had a monster minor league year four years ago when he cranked out 41 dingers, a year twice removed from when he knocked out 19 homers at the age of 19. That is unusual power you don't just give up on.

Obviously his time to shine is now. If it doesn't happen this year, we likely move on. And hopefully he doesn't turn into Ryan ****ing O'Hearn with the O's.

Not expecting any miracles, but if he can up his contact rate, walk rate, and get his BA up .20-.30 points, that would make a big difference and would play at the big league level as long as he retains the same power, hopefully translating into a consistent 20-30 HR threat with competent skills in left.

I don't even know why MLB bothers. Who on Earth EVER watches a game that isn't their own team in MLB. I don't think Ive watched a non-Royals baseball game since 97.

I think the availability is better now. For $19.99 you can watch the Royals wherever you are located. That isn't bad.

Yup.

Gordo and Moose say ‘hello’

MJ is a first year arbitration eligible player making literal peanuts ($2.6 mil.) in terms of baseball contracts.

With the swing adjustment and limited cost, you hold on to him for a couple more years to see if he can finally ‘unlock’ it.

Boom. Booked my flight, got my tix and I'm going to Seattle in June/July to see the Royals at Safeco. Gonna talk to a buddy this weekend about possibly making plans to also see the Royals in San Francisco in mid-May. Two ballparks I've wanted to visit for a long time. Can't wait!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Royals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Royals</a> top catching prospect Blake Mitchell has a broken right hamate bone, manager Matt Quatraro said. Surgery is scheduled for sometime this coming week, and it’s a 4-6 week timeline for recovery.</p>&mdash; Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) <a href="https://twitter.com/anne__rogers/status/1893343935356899737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Muscle memory is one of the hardest things to change. Hopefully Melendez took complete advantage of this whole off-season to rebuild his stance and swing.

Royals 2-0 on our way to another Cactus League title

He will be back in 2026.

He'll be back for the start of his minor league season.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jac. Caglianone.<br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Royals</a>&#39; No. 1 prospect (MLB No. 22) and 2024 No. 6 overall pick absolutely crushes his first homer of the spring.<br><br>115.4 mph | 435 feet<a href="https://t.co/4Eq3sOz8Nr">pic.twitter.com/4Eq3sOz8Nr</a></p>&mdash; MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBPipeline/status/1893788773739008406?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Swing, power, &amp; poise as advertised.<br><br>Jac Caglianone’s first Cactus League hit is a missile of a solo homer to the CF berm.<br><br>435 ft. / 115.4 mph EV ‼️ <a href="https://t.co/7SPlYEBeZp">pic.twitter.com/7SPlYEBeZp</a></p>&mdash; Jake Eisenberg (@JakeEisenberg_) <a href="https://twitter.com/JakeEisenberg_/status/1893785198333976967?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Believe the hype

According to the MLB write-up, Jac "dialed it back" on the swing. LMAO

Working on some fantasy rankings and noticed our current and former OFers...

#26 - Brent Rooker, A's
#56 - Jorge Soler, Angels
#92 - Ryan O'Hearn, Orioles
#96 - Andrew Benintendi, White Sox
#104 - M.J. Melendez, Royals
#126 - Tommy Pham, Pirates
#128 - Hunter Renfroe, Royals
#132 - Nelson Valequez, Royals
#145 - Kyle Isbel, Royals
#154 - Dairon Blanco, Royals
#162 - Whit Merrifield, FA
#205 - Adam Frazier, Pirates
#222 - Michael A. Taylor, White Sox
#234 - Cavan Biggio, Royals
#236 - Drew Waters, Royals

oof

I know, letting Rooker walk was a big big wiff.

In hindsight, sure.

At the time they released, he was a 27-year-old guy who by all indications was a quad-A player, at best. Who also was not a good fielder.

I'm a little more concerned that Benintendi and Pham are currently ranked ahead of 2 of our starters

And, there are basically enough guys ranked for every team in the MLB to have three OF'ers before the Royals even find a guy on the list.

:Lin:

Don't forget about Joey Wiemer!

That's because this is fantasy baseball and not real baseball. Platoon guys will never be ranked highly and fantasy considers defense irrelevant, and basically every outfielder we have is going to platoon in some capacity or Isabel is more valuable for his defense. The White Sox will probably play Benitendi every day he is healthy, so he's more valuable because counting stats matter more than anything else. Not that I'm saying our outfield is secretly
awesome or anything, just that these rankings have nothing to do with reality.

Deserved RC+ in 2024 per Baseball Prospectus

MJ Melendez: 90 DRC+
Andrew Benintendi: 81 DRC+

If you were going to draft one of these guys even in fantasy, you'd take the 26-year-old anyways.

Six weeks minimum, and his power will be zapped until 2026.

Speaking of fantasy baseball....anyone throwing together a CP league?

Im in one already but I would do another one

I'm pretty certain O'Hearn would not be this high on the list had he remained a Royal. I hope MJ puts it together this year with the new swing, but I'm kind of anticipating Melendez follows a similar path. He eventually winds up on another team performing better, and yet we won't really miss him at the same time.

Ohearn does not get enough ABs to be a viable starter in fantasy unless you pay attention enough to switch him in and out every other game

When they banned the shift I told you guys OHearn would greatly benefit and be a good MLB player.

BWillie is always wrong.

Did Pham sign with someone? He seemed to play good in limited chances with us.

Pham signed with Pittsburgh.

Today's game is example why they wanted India. He got on base, Bob got hit. Vinny hits a double. 2 runs in. Last year, that is one run.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bobby Witt Jr. belts his first homer of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpringTraining?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpringTraining</a>💥 <a href="https://t.co/xGMlMTnvLw">pic.twitter.com/xGMlMTnvLw</a></p>&mdash; MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1895226600301699442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It was between us and the Yankees.

Yanks said he had to cut his hair. He said go fk ya self.

So he came here and Yanks changed their policy after all of these years after missing out on such a Blockbuster Free Agent like India.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...VwpSwfYTnpXQ&s

Johnny Damon says, "wait they changed it?"

Uh..they didn't change the hair policy you can just have a beard now if it's "well groomed"

Interesting note that Maikel Garcia is playing CF in today's spring training game. Today's outfield is Massey-Garcia-Melendez.

That might be the worst defensive outfield in history.

In the history of, history?

The Royals are leaning into some things that have been said out there...like making Garcia a super utility guy.

It still highlights they're missing a bat.

all of it.

The outfield suck is all interchangeable at this point

Just a bad joke.

Offensively yes, defensively i think some suck more than others.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kris Bubic getting 8 whiffs on 18 pitches today for the Royals is exciting! Even more exciting is averaging over 17inches of iVB on the four-seamer!</p>&mdash; Martin Sekulski (@M_Ski22) <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Ski22/status/1895610329876611131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kris Bubic was so, so good yesterday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Royals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Royals</a> <br>- Four-seamer and sinker both sat around 93. <br>- Upper 80s cutter is such a weapon as a velocity separator between the fastballs and offspeed. It’s also a totally different movement profile.<br>- Changeup still getting 3 inches more drop… <a href="https://t.co/JQcNX1RBKZ">pic.twitter.com/JQcNX1RBKZ</a></p>&mdash; Royals Data Dugout (@RoyalsData) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalsData/status/1895829799891050949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The people who actually watch Spring Training baseball on TV. I will pray for you. Bless your hearts.

You don't have any posts saying the banning of the shift would help. Just this one claiming you thought it after the fact. So no, no you didn't tell us anything.

Keep looking little bro. You have to keep going back in time my friend. Godspeed.

"Spring training is the best event in all of sport."
-Joe Caro, New York Yankees scout

"Baseball is the only sport I know that begins each year at its peak and goes downhill from there."
-Furman Bisher, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

To attend.

https://i0.wp.com/selfhelpingyoursel...01%2C168&ssl=1
https://media.tenor.com/z2iInibQuxsAAAAM/flugel.gif

I thought that was NASCAR?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Clark: MLBPA Expects Lockout After 2026 Season <a href="https://t.co/DLYKOWgVBH">https://t.co/DLYKOWgVBH</a> <a href="https://t.co/XLlOH8wLcW">pic.twitter.com/XLlOH8wLcW</a></p>&mdash; MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) <a href="https://twitter.com/mlbtraderumors/status/1896660931129602058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>