Weekend Rumblings - News for August 17, 2024

It’s Bobby’s world, we’re just living in it.

Sarah Langs at MLB.com writes about the superstar shortstop matchup between Bobby Witt Jr. and Elly De La Cruz this weekend.

Both Witt and De La Cruz are in the 80th percentile or better in batting, baserunning and fielding run value so far this season, a select group that includes just four others — Brenton Doyle, Byron Buxton, Francisco Lindor and Jarren Duran — per MLB’s Jason Bernard.

This is what we mean by all-around valuable; players who are among the best at generating value on both sides of the ball, as well as on the basepaths. It’s a unique combination that requires another level of athleticism.

Bobby became the third player in Royals history with multiple 25 home run/25 stolen base seasons.

“It’s special any time you kind of say that word: history,” Witt said. “I’ve just got to keep preparing how I’m preparing and try to keep getting these wins.”

He is using a bat inspired by Pablo Sanchez of the video game Backyard Baseball.

“It was kind of a mutual thing with the guys at Victus (Sports) and just from the agency and everything,” Witt said. “We all kind of figured out his fictional birthday is Sunday so it would be kind of cool (to use the bat). I played the game growing up and “Backyard Baseball” is kind of cool. And, that’s how I try to play the game. It’s kind of like I’m having fun like a kid.”

Craig Brown writes about his amazing home run on Wednesday.

So against legitimate pitching, Witt’s home run came on the third-highest pitch this year at 4.07 feet. The highest an astounding 4.42 feet off the ground from San Francisco’s Hayden Birdsong to Washington’s CJ Abrams. The second-highest was 4.18 feet off the ground by Toronto’s Ernie Clement off a pitch from Joe Musgrove of the Padres.

I should also mention that Witt started out his at bat in an 0-2 hole. He chased a high fastball and then fouled off the best pitch he saw, a fastball that was in the heart of the zone.

Witt…every single day he does something that makes your jaw drop in amazement.

Anne Rogers has John Schreiber update.

After everything checked out healthy following his bullpen over the weekend, Schreiber began a rehab assignment with Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Aug. 14, throwing 25 pitches over one inning of work.

Manager Matt Quatraro said Schreiber would make at least one more outing before returning to the active roster. Schreiber has been sidelined with a knee injury since July 29, but he’s been able to keep his arm in shape while the inflammation in his knee subsided.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson says the Royals need to come up with a stadium plan soon.

“Some decisions have to be made. I don’t know how to sugarcoat this, but the Royals have got to make a decision,” Parson said on KCMO Talk Radio on Friday.

“They’ve either got to say we’re going to go, we’re going to build a stadium, what that’s going to look like and what we’re going to need or what is their ask.”...

The governor added that if the Royals don’t have a plan in place by Jan. 1, 2025, “it’s going to be too late.”

Mike Hendricks writes that the potential Washington Square Park ballpark idea first came up 20 years ago.

David Lesky writes about players the Royals could claim off waivers to provide an upgrade.

Proceeds from the sale of the new Vinnie Pasquantino sandwich will go to Wayside Waifs.

Weston Wilson becomes the first Phillies rookie to hit for the cycle.

Boston will sign pitcher Rich Hill to a minor league deal.

The Rockies release former All-Star catcher Elias Diaz.

The Tigers designate infielder Gio Urshela for assignment.

Why did the White Sox intentionally walk Juan Soto to get to Aaron Judge?

The A’s and Mets play the longest game of the pitch-clock era.

Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich will have back surgery and miss the rest of the year.

How Arizona turned their season around.

MLB Pipeline ranks all the #1 overall prospects in history.

Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg is cancer-free.

Signs point to Mauricio Pochettino being named the next manager of U.S. men’s national team.

Notre Dame suspends its men’s swimming team for a year for wagering on their results.

Ants are taking over New York City!

Subway calls an emergency meeting with franchisees as sales plummet.

Nicholas Cage will play legendary coach John Madden in an upcoming biopic.

Your song of the day is The Kingsmen with Louie Louie.