Free Drew Waters!
Jaylon Thompson writes about Kyle Wright’s efforts to get back on the mound.
“Shoulders are a little tough,” Wright said. “This is kind of around, I think I’m at 16 months (post operation) here soon. That’s kind of, for this surgery, when you really start to feel like yourself again. From everything that I’ve heard, it can take up to 14 to 18 months. But I’m starting to feel like myself again.”
Wright has overcome several hurdles. He has met the physical requirements and checked off his own personal boxes. He touched 90 mph with his fastball in his last bullpen session of the 2024 season.
In recent weeks, Wright has regained his curveball and sinker. His fastball velocity has also climbed back to normal levels.
However, one question still remains. Can Wright get over the mental hurdle and definitively prove he is fully healthy?
Anne Rogers writes that Evan Sisk’s funky delivery is drawing attention.
“I’ve heard from other teams saying, ‘When are you going to protect Evan Sisk? That guy is nasty’” pitching coach Brian Sweeney said. “It’s the total package. He’s big and tall, long levers throwing across his body from a side arm. Forty inches of separation across a 17-inch plate. It’s really pretty impressive that he’s able to do that.”
She also writes that Angel Zerpa is earning trust in the bullpen.
“There’s all types of stuff that goes on in that pitching room,” Sweeney said. “How can we get one out? What does that look like? Is it a timing and temp thing? … If that gets us one out and closer to where we want to be as a team, I think it’s done its job.
“You’re kind of seeing a little Oliver Pérez out there. Getting hitters off balance and then throwing 99 mph. It’s really fun. His development has been cool to watch.”
Dan Szymborski at Fangraphs writes how AL Central teams can fill holes this spring training.
Kansas City Royals: Give Drew Waters a fair shake at a starting corner outfield job
The Royals missed an opportunity to upgrade their corner outfield positions this winter, but that doesn’t mean they should run it back with the group they had last year. Drew Waters certainly didn’t excel with a semi-regular role for a long stretch in 2023, but his wRC+ of 81 that year wasn’t much different from the 85 mark that MJ Melendez posted in 2024, and Melendez’s rough line came in three times as many plate appearances. Maybe Melendez has more offensive upside, but that isn’t enough of a reason for Kansas City to keep running him out there in left field, where he is a defensive liability. Waters is the more well-rounded player, and even if he doesn’t improve at the plate, his defensive value should make up for at least some of his lack of offense. Moreover, both players are 26, so this isn’t an age-related thing. Playing Waters in left doesn’t mean the Royals should give up on Melendez altogether; there will still be opportunities to get him plate appearances without having him wear a leather glove.
The Downtown Council drafts a resolution urging a downtown ballpark.
Preston Farr at Farm to Fountains writes that this is a critical season for Frank Mozzicato.
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