Jalon Thompson talks to Kris Bubic as he ramps back up after an injury ended his season last year.
Bubic faced several hitters during the live batting practice. He showcased his pitching arsenal and had a few minor self-critiques. Overall, he felt his fastball command was there and that his changeup could’ve been a little sharper. Yet, the gravity of his performance was noticeable. He didn’t miss a beat, and that bodes well for the Royals as they enter Cactus League play on Friday.
“Getting back out there is step No. 1,” Bubic said. “Just hearing the feedback, too, right away has been great. You know, just seeing a hitter in the box is great as well. It’s great to always have the support of my teammates. They saw me quite a bit last year and was with me too when I was doing the rehab towards the end of the year. But I’m excited and I know they are excited. Obviously, we just want to keep it going.”
He also talks to Salvador Perez about getting in some action in the Venezuelan Winter League.
“It was amazing,” Perez said. “I don’t remember the last time I played. Last December, I played 22 games and Jose Alguacil was the manager. I played for Caracas, my mom’s team, so she was super excited. You know, I think it’s going to help me. It’s kind of different to face some pitchers and not wait for a month to face pitchers here in live BP (batting practice) in spring training.”
Ben Kudrna could get an extended look this spring.
Now, Kudrna is ready to seize his opportunity this spring.
“It’s a dream come true,” he said. “You know, now being here, I look at it as a big opportunity to learn. You’ve got guys that have been there and done that. They have illustrious careers, and you don’t stay in this game that long unless you’re doing the right things.”
Pitching coach Brian Sweeney discusses how the team is planning to adjust to the new ABS challenge system.
“I don’t think pitchers should challenge any call,” Sweeney said. “Let the guy behind the plate … who has the feel for it. I’m sure we are going to see it over there right away. …
“It’s a process that we are trying to understand. And talking with R&D (research and development) and the guys in the minor leagues that have used it before, it’s, OK, when do we use our challenges and who calls them?”
Anne Rogers writes about the bullpen competition.
The two to really watch are Avila and Falter. The Royals still believe in Avila as a starter, but there are enough voices on the Major League side saying he could make an impact as a reliever right now. The stuff ticked up when he got a chance in the ‘pen last year, and his curveball was devastating. Falter is out of options, so the Royals need to decide how and where he fits. He had a rough time last year when he was moved to the ‘pen, ultimately ending the season on the IL, but Falter could be another lefty out there.
She also talks to Jac Caglianone about improvements he made over the offseason.
The most important thing Caglianone worked on this offseason was swing decisions. He felt he got himself out “a lot more than the pitchers did,” he said. Whether that was because he was seeing the best stuff he’s ever seen in his life at the Major League level or because of the subconscious pressure he put on himself — or very likely both — Caglianone wanted to be more prepared for what he was going to face in 2026.
“One of the biggest things I took away from last year was these guys are really good at throwing strike-to-ball pitches,” Caglianone said. “Out of the hand, it looks really good, and it ends up being a 58-foot curveball.”
Former Royals coach Gary Blaylock died this week at age 94.
The Rangers sign former Royals outfielder Mark Canha to a minor league deal.
The Orioles acquire former Royals pitcher Jackson Kowar.
The Astros sign former Royals infielder Cavan Biggio to a minor league deal.
Arizona re-signs pitcher Zac Gallen on a one-year deal.
The Brewers sign catcher Gary Sánchez to a one-year contract.
The Orioles may be looking to trade Coby Mayo or Ryan Mountcastle.
Bryce Harper is irked by Phillies management over comments that he’s not an elite player.
The Padres sign Nick Castellanos and Germán Márquez.
The Reds sign first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to a minor league deal.
Is Jasson Domínguez the odd man out in New York?
What are the college baseball teams to keep an eye on this season?
Kansas State fires men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang “for cause.”
Who is the most shameless tanking team in the NBA?
Gaming’s biggest publishers are leaning on indie studios to freshen up their most valuable games.
Humans really don’t need chins.
Your song of the day is Blondie with Sunday Girl.