Weekend Rumblings - News for May 19, 2024

Members of the 2014 pennant-winning Royals team are in town for a weekend celebration.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years,” said current Royals general manager J.J. Picollo, who was Moore’s second in command at the time. “I mean, that’s a long time, but I’m really proud of what they did. …

“It’s hard not to be proud of it. A lot of great moments we rehashed last night and a lot of great memories.”

Anne Rogers has more.

“It happens fast, man,” former manager and Royals Hall of Famer Ned Yost said. “Time flies. I don’t know where it’s going. It just goes by really, really quick. And now it’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years.”

Sam McDowell writes about the parallels between the 2014 team and this year’s bunch.

There are some hard-to-believe numbers following this Royals team — so confounding, in fact, that the front office and coaching staff has spent considerable time trying to make sense of them.

The baseline first: The Royals have a .687 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) this season, which ranks about middle of the pack (17th) in baseball.

But the production changes drastically depending on the situation. They rank 7th in baseball in late-and-close situations, which means when they’re either leading by one run or trailing with the tying run in the on-deck circle.

One constant has been Salvador Perez.

When the Royals played his 2014 Wild Card Game walk-off hit, Salvador Perez stopped playing catch for a moment to wave his cap to the crowd chanting “SALVY.”

“Gave me chills,” starter Cole Ragans said after throwing seven scoreless innings in the Royals’ 6-2 win over the A’s. “He’s incredible. It’s a 10-year reunion, and he’s still playing. It goes to show how good of a player he always has been.”

Last year’s home run gladiator helmet is no more.

David Lesky looks at some potential trade candidates that could help the Royals.

Rays pitcher Tyler Alexander loses a perfect game bid in the eighth inning.

The city of Los Angeles honors Shohei Ohtani and he cracks a home run.

Paul Skenes was dominant in his second start, tossing a no-hitter for six innings.

Ex-Angels infielder David Fletcher reportedly made bets with Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter’s bookie.

Spencer Steer hits a foul ball and it is caught by his twin brother.

Elly de la Cruz is stealing bases at a rapid rate.

Giants outfielder Jung-Ho Lee will have season-ending surgery.

How to disincentivize velocity to protect pitchers.

Journeymen are taking advantage of their playing time with the A’s.

EA College Football 25 has a trailer.

Tiger Woods misses the cut at the PGA Championship.

Are laser wars going to be a thing?

Twitter is officially X.com now.

Why movies and albums both got so long.

Yours song of the day is Bonnie Raitt with Love Sneakin’ Up on You.