Royals Rumblings - News for March 4, 2025

The Moose returns!

Jack Vita at MLB.com writes about Seth Lugo’s veteran presence.

Now 35, Lugo is the elder statesman of the Royals’ pitching staff. A quieter personality, Lugo leads by example.

“I’ve never really been too outgoing with words,” Lugo said. “But you go to work every day, you give it everything you have, you try to be on time, you be in the place you’re supposed to be, and you try to do your job with a smile on your face and answer some questions to some young guys that want to know some stuff. So, [it’s] just a matter of being approachable, but also getting your work in.”

Anne Rogers writes how former Royals are helping out in camp.

Speaking of former Royals, Mike Moustakas signs a one-day contract to retire a Royal. The team will honor him on May 31.

“I always thought I would end my career as a Royal,” said Moustakas, who was a three-time All-Star. “It’s the place I wanted to be. This city, this organization means so much to me and my family.”

David Lesky looks at which hitters could make this roster.

The final spot with Blanco out is one that could go a number of different directions. Maybe I’m putting too much stock in depth, but Velazquez being out of options might get him on a big league roster to start the season. I could see an alignment where he’s the DH with Perez at first, Garcia at second and India at third against a tough lefty with Pasquantino sitting. I could see him working as a platoon partner for Melendez to start the season. I don’t think he’ll have a long time on the roster unless he hits, but of the five players mentioned as in the mix, he’s the only one out of options. If Blanco’s healthy, I think Velazquez is battling Wiemer for that final spot and only gets it if they believe Garcia can handle center.

Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter wonders how Michael Massey and Maikel Garcia can make the transition to the outfield.

Dylan Pescatore with the Star writes about the career path of lefty Anthony Simonelli.

The Royals will appear on Friday Night Baseball on Apple TV+ on June 20 against the Padres.

The Brewers sign pitcher Jose Quintana to a one-year contract.

Braves catcher Sean Murphy is out 4-6 weeks with a fractured rib.

Yankees pitcher Luis Gil will be shut down at least six weeks with a lat strain.

The Nationals will pursue naming rights for their stadium.

The Astros plan for Jose Altuve to play mostly left field.

The Diamondbacks believe Corbin Carroll will be better than ever.

Pitches in the Cactus League move more than they do in Florida.

The prospects who could make Opening Day rosters.

The Nationals and Orioles finally resolve their long-running TV rights dispute.

Colombia cruises past China in World Baseball Classic qualifying.

Kevin Costner crashes Diamondbacks camp.

The most disappointing teams in college basketball this year.

Jimmy Johnson announces his retirement from Fox Sports.

Oscars viewership drops for the first time in four years.

A privately built spacecraft has successfully landed on the moon.

Planes at Reagan National Airport receive mysterious false mid-air collision warnings.

Your song of the day is Big Head Todd and the Monsters with The Moose Song.