All-Star Break time!
The Royals ended the first half of the season 47-50, but just 4.5 games back of a playoff spot.
“It’s clearly not the way we wanted the first half to go as far as the standings or what our record is,” Quatraro said. “And we know we have to play better consistently in the second half to get back in this and make September an interesting month.
“But we’re hanging in there.”
The team was pretty hot about instant replay after a couple of calls went against them this weekend.
“He beat it there clearly,” Quatraro said. “Obviously, that part wasn’t in dispute. Those guys do a good job of keeping the tag on. I can see why they overturned yesterday. I don’t see why they overturned today.”
India was more blunt. He felt the overturned call was a detriment to the Royals as they attempted to get back in the game.
“It was a joke and I think even yesterday’s was a joke,” India said. “I don’t think that is right and I think he was safe. There’s not enough evidence to overturn that.”
The Royals selected high school infielders Sean Gamble and Josh Hammond, then grabbed three pitchers on the first day of the draft.
Gamble is a Des Moines, Iowa, native, but he left his home state at 14 years old to go to IMG Academy, where he first went for summer camps. Coaches there recognized the talent, though, and offered him a spot for high school. Over the next four years, Gamble excelled – and got a lot stronger along the way.
A smooth-swinging left-handed hitter, Gamble can barrel the ball to all fields and is developing more power as he keeps gaining strength. He controls the strike zone well and makes a ton of contact. His tools also include plus speed and a strong arm – both 55 on the 20-to-80 scale – which allows him to play center field.
Jaylon Thompson talked to Jac Caglianone about his whirlwind year since last year’s draft.
“Crazy would probably be the best word for it,” Caglianone said of his yearlong journey. “Me and Elli (McKissock) were talking about it this morning. She was like, ‘Happy draft day.’ It’s weird to think a lot has happened in a year.”
Ken Rosenthal reports the Royals are receiving a lot of interest in their catching prospects.
If the Royals buy, their catching depth might help them get the hitter they need. Rival clubs show consistent interest in the Royals’ young catching prospects, according to sources briefed on Kansas City’s discussions.
Blake Mitchell, the eighth pick in 2023, is No. 2 among Keith Law’s top 20 Royals prospects. Carter Jensen is No. 4 and Ramon Ramirez is No. 6.
The Nationals pull off a stunner by taking 17-year-old shortstop Eli Willits with the #1 overall pick.
Colorado selects Ethan Holliday, son of Rockies great Matt Holliday.
The Red Sox win their tenth in a row, their longest streak since 2018.
Terry Francona becomes the 13th manager to reach 2,000 career wins.
Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes will bow out of the All-Star Game over a personal matter.
Brady Singer talks about the evolution of his repertoire.
The Blue Jays are interested in Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen.
The Rays could move pitcher Taj Bradley.
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White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. is drawing a lot of trade interest.
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Former outfielder Tyler Naquin talks about transitioning to pitching at age 33.
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The Mavericks will shut down Cooper Flagg for the rest of the summer league.
Six Flags plans to close two of its theme parks.
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The people that are falling in love with their chatbots.
Your song of the day is Del Amitri with Roll to Me.