Maikel Garcia is making adjustments.
Jac Caglianone hit his first spring training home run on Sunday.
“That was loud,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “And it didn’t look like a huge effort on his part, either. We know he’s got huge pop, but to be able to put that good of a swing on the ball in a game like that, close game, controlling his emotions like that, it was good to see.”
Jaylon Thompson writes about Royals hitting prospects showing off their power.
This spring, Caglianone has adjusted well. He is focusing on navigating the strike zone and slowing down his approach. The Royals want him to be selective and do damage against pitches left over the plate. “
You know, these guys are really good,” Caglianone said of opposing pitchers. “You’ve got to give them their flowers. They are here for a reason. So going in knowing that their mistake pitches or waste pitches, that’s on purpose. It’s kind of buying into just staying in the one zone and sticking with it in the AB.”
He also writes about the competition for utility player off the bench.
The Royals brought Biggio, as well as Castro, to big-league camp as non-roster invitees. Now, Biggio is hopeful to carve out a role wherever he is needed.
“It’s the same that I’ve been doing the last couple of years,” Biggio said. “It’s left-handed super-utility guy that can play the infield and the outfield. Just providing (Royals manager Matt Quatraro) and the rest of the team diversity. You know, putting the lineup out there and you are not restricted positionally. Whether I can fill a hole, or you know, injuries happen and guys need time off. Being able to fill in where needed is valuable.”
And how Chris Stratton wants to bounce back this season after a rough 2024.
Last September, Stratton dealt with a right forearm flexor strain that sidelined him in the playoffs. The injury required rest, but more importantly, it gave Stratton time to evaluate his situation.
“Just kind of a breakdown of mechanics and it ended up altering the way the ball was moving,” Stratton said. “When stuff is not going where it’s supposed to go or where you are used to it going, that just creates a lot of problems, especially in this game facing the best hitters in the world. It was something I tried to battle through all year and make little fixes.”
Anne Rogers writes about how Maikel Garcia is making adjustments.
The goal this offseason was to figure out how to make better contact.
“It’s more about controlling my body,” Garcia said. “Don’t go too far forward to get to the ball. Wait for the ball. That’s the adjustment I tried to make.”
And she writes about pitchers getting competitive over fielding practice.
She also has an update on Jonathan Bowlan.
One interesting note this spring: The #Royals view Jonathan Bowlan as a reliever. With the bullpen being pretty fixed b/c of veteran players + guys w/o options, Bowlan having one option left gives flexibility throughout the season. Stuff probably ticks up in short stints, too.
— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) February 23, 2025
The Brewers sign outfielders Manny Margot and Mark Canha to minor league deals.
The Rangers sign outfielder Kevin Pillar to a minor league deal.
The Cardinals are open to trading pitcher Erick Fedde.
Boston’s GM thinks the third base situation will work itself out.
The Astros rekindle trade talks about Nolan Arenado.
Mets infielder Nick Madrigal suffers a dislocated shoulder.
Anthony Rizzo remains unsigned but wants to play.
Who are the top free agents for next off-season?
The Yankees end their policy against facial hair.
Justin Ishbia abandons his efforts to buy the Twins.
Alex Rodriguez wins $10k for a student by sinking a half-court shot.
The Chicago Sky are in win-now mode after a blockbuster trade for Ariel Atkins.
The Big East is talking about a potential merger with the ACC.
The restaurant chain Hooters is in talks for a potential bankruptcy.
The story behind the iconic photo of the U.S. Marines raising a flag on Iwo Jima.
Why horror movies deserve more recognition in award season.
Your song of the day is Heart with Barracuda.