Kauffman Corner

The Royals bats remain ice cold and they've placed 40% of the Starting Rotation on the IL, so are they cooked?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the latest injuries and more...- Ragans and Lugo hit the IL!- KC just 3-6 in their last 9 vs. better competition.- Noah Camron dazzles again!- Who gets the call Wednesday in SF?- Caglianone and Mozzicato are promoted.- Expectations for Jonathan Bowlan are...

The Royals have struggled to score runs all season. What happened to last year's great ability to hit with runners in scoring position?David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), Les Norman (Former Royals OF/Author - Teaching the Tools of Hitting) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) get to the bottom of why the Royals can't score more runs.- Why can't the Royals hit with runners in scoring position?- How has Lucas Erceg actually gotten better?- Time to change the back of the bullpen?- Will Kris Bubic finish in the top 5 of the Cy Young?- What does Royals/Cardinals mean today?

The Royals take a step up in level of competition and promptly drop 2 of 3 to the Red Sox. Is this team a serious contender?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) are discussing whether this team is just better than the bad teams or a real threat to win a pennant?- Is this team a contender with this lineup? - Can the offense improve without a trade?- Predicting the next 6?- Time to send down Massey?- Freddy Fermin, the ultimate backup Quarterback.- Do the Royals need Salvy to catch?- How KC wins in the margins!- Time to drop Angel Zerpa?- The week that was Jac Caglianone.

The Royals have taken advantage of the softer schedule to pile up the wins. What's the best case scenario for the 2025 season look like now?David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), Les Norman (Former Royals OF/Author - Teaching the Tools of Hitting) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the ceiling and floor for the Royals, plus…- Best and worst case scenarios for this team are… - How great is Cole Ragans?- Will Ragans break the Royals single season strikeout record?- Which core players will the Royals need to trade eventually?- Is Maikel worth more to the Royals as a trade piece?- Early trade targets for the Royals!- Why is attendance so low?

Have the Royals finally started to put together a playoff caliber offense to go with their outstanding pitching?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss a historic performance in Baltimore and more.- What happened in Baltimore?- Where's the confidence in Maikel Garcia now?- Has Vinnie Pasquantino found his stroke?- Is Michael Massey starting to get it together?- Could Bobby Witt Jr. be even better this year?- What's next for Noah Cameron?- Jac Caglianone keeps doing special things!- Have you heard of Asbel Gonzalez?

Noah Cameron makes an impressive debut and the Royals keep winning without much offense. How long can that last?David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), Les Norman (Former Royals OF/Author - Teaching the Tools of Hitting) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the Royals ability to keep winning and why.- Noah Cameron throws 6+ shutout innings.- Can KC survive without Ragans?- How long can the Royals keep winning without offense?- Bobby Witt Jr.'s streak hits 21.- Is the Bullpen actually the best part of this team?- Jonathan India listened to David Lesky.- How could the Royals replace Michael Massey?- Jac Caglianone talks hitting with MLB.com.

Are the Royals just enjoying some success against a weak part of the schedule or are they actually playing better baseball?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the Royals recent winning ways and more.- Recent wins... schedule driven or sign KC is a legit contender?- Can the pitching hold up all season?- Cole Ragans injury.- Do we have any more clarity on the lineup now?- The value of Bobby Witt Jr.'s hittin streak is...- How much should we believe in Drew Waters?- Has the ETA on Caglianone's big league debut changed?

MJ Melendez was sent down and Drew Waters almost hit for the cycle. Are the Royals fixing the offense?David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), Les Norman (Former Royals OF/Author - Teaching the Tools of Hitting) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) are talking...- Has Drew Waters figured it out?- Melendez sent out, is Renfroe next?- Is Maikel Garcia for real?- How long can the Royals stick with Michael Massey?- What's wrong with Jonathan India?- Salvy's expected numbers tell a different story.- When do you decide to Buy or Sell?- Jac Caglianone bests Clayton Kershaw!

After a 2-8 road trip the Royals are asking themselves if they are a bad team or just hitting a rough patch early in the season?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss whether the Royals are just smarting after a rough 10-game road trip against good teams or are actually just not a good team.- How much of the Royals slump is schedule driven? - 16 straight vs. .500 or worse teams up next.- Buy or sell... when is it time to decide how to proceed?- Should we have seen the offensive problems coming?- What could the Royals have done differently?- Erceg leaves the game Saturday.- Minor League Minute!

How much of the offensive blame belongs at the feet of Royals Hitting Coach Alec Zumwalt?David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), Les Norman (Former Royals OF/Author - Teaching the Tools of Hitting) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the role the hitting coach plays and how much he can actually affect an offense. Plus...- Royals swept in New York... what's it mean?- What will Bubic's final numbers look like this year?- When to pull the plug on a struggling player?- What it would take for KC to move on from Alec Zumwalt?- Should the Royals have moved Lugo instead of Singer?- How to best use Daniel Lynch?- Earliest Jac Caglianone could earn a call to the big leagues?

Is there a solution for the Royals Offense?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss whether the Royals Offense can be fixed this season or is critically flawed.- What are the possible solutions to the Royals Offense?- Who is a lost cause?- Any idea on what the plan is for Renfroe and Melendez?- Do the Royals have the depth to handle their run of injuries?- Let's take a moment to appreciate Cole Ragans.- What's a successful road trip for this team?- Minor League Minute.

How should the Royals go about promoting Jac Caglianone?David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), Les Norman (Former Royals OF/Author - Teaching the Tools of Hitting) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss Caglianone, Pasquantino and the Royals bats.- What's wrong with Pasquantino?- Is the defensive rotation working?- When is the right time to bring up Caglianone?- How does the draft pick compensation for top prospects affect the timing?- What's real and what's not with the Royals so far?- Breaking down the adjustments made by Garcia and Melendez?- Drew Waters expectations are...

What's been surprising about the 2025 Season so far?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss what have been the biggest surprises and disappointments so far this 2025 season...- Kris Bubic spins another gem!- What we expected and what we didn't?- Where to worry about moving forward?- Is it too late to find outfield help?- Worried about the 88 win prediction already?- Should we change the Minor League Minute to "What's Up Jac"?

We debut the second weekly edition of the Kauffman Corner Podcast.David Lesky, Publisher of the Inside the Crown Royals Newsletter and Les Norman, Former Royals Outfielder, Host of Breakin' the Norm on Sports Radio 810 and Author of "Teaching the Tools of Hitting" join Soren Petro to discuss the Kansas City Royals... - Early reaction to the Royals (2-4) start?- Do the Royals stick with MJ Melendez?- How long does it take to perfect a new swing?- Will Hunter Renfroe get it going?- What options do the Royals have in the OF?- Is the Torpedo Bat legit or a myth?- AL Central... bad division or just a slow start?- What's the ceiling for Kris Bubic?- Expectations for the 7 game home stand.

After completing the opening series of the season, what are the biggest takeaways?David Lesky (Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), pinch hitting for Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli), and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) break down the Royals beginning to the 2025 season...- Should we worry about the Starting Pitching?- Is Bobby Witt Jr. going to continue to start slow?- Has Quatraro used the bullpen properly?- What to think of the constant lineup shuffles?- How's India look in Left Field?- Are the Royals getting quality at bats?- The Royals continue to die hard.- What to make of the new "Torpedo Bats"?- The schedule ahead.

The Royals grab Mark Canha for depth in the outfield and make some final cuts. So what's the 26-man roster going to look like on opening day?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) are breaking down the roster and getting you ready for Opening Day.- What does Mark Canha bring to the Royals?- How will Canha be used?- Did the Royals make the right call moving on from Carlos Hernandez?- Vinnie Pasquantino puls a hamstring.- Final projections for the Royals Opening Day Roster.- How the Royals Schedule shapes up to start the season?- Bold and Daring predictions for the '25 season!

With the Major League Season less than two weeks away it's time to figure out who on the 2025 Royals will shine and who won't.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss Bobby Witt Jr. avoiding serious injury, Alex Gordon getting into the Royals Hall of Fame and make their predictions for the upcoming season...- Bobby Witt Jr. avoids serious injury and so do the Royals. - Alex Gordon makes the Royals Hall of Fame.- Predictions for the 2025 Season...- Player of the Year.- Pitcher of the Year.- Breakout Player.- Breakout Pitcher.- Biggest Disappointment.- Best position player not named Bobby Witt Jr.- Best pitcher not named Cole Ragans.- Best Reliever.- Biggest impact rookie.- Top prospect at the end of the year.- Key story line for the 2025 season.

Jac Caglianone is making Spring Training his own personal stage... Is there any reason to slow down the hype train?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the show of power being put on by Caglianone this spring, plus...- Jac Caglianone living up to the hype and more!- The outfield could speed Calianone's timeline to the bigs.- Ranking the Royals Top 5 Rookie of the Year candidates.- Are there any sleepers?- The Royals top 5 MVP candidates.- The Royals top 5 Cy Young candidates.

Should the Royals still be looking to add to the club? Who is standing out?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the latest on the Royals Spring Training...- Should the Royals still be looking to add to the club?- What are the most notable takeaways from Spring Training so far?- How is the bench shaping up?- Can we read anything into who is playing where?- Who is the Royals biggest threat in the AL Central?- Which AL Central team has the biggest upside?

We have games in Arizona, so why not over-react to a handful of At Bats and Innings.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the early returns from Spring Training and more...- Melendez goes 0-2 with a couple strikeouts.- Caglianone and Jensen homer!- Carlos Henandez knocked around.- Noah Cameron shows increased velocity.- Daniel Lynch impresses.- Are we sleeping on Gentry and Loftin?- Blake Mitchell out 4-6 Weeks.- Why not Alexander Canairo?- Is the NHL's 4 Nations the answer for baseball?

Taking a crack at what the 26-man roster will look like when the Royals break Spring Training.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) break down what the Royals will look like for Opening Day. Plus...- J.J. Picollo is extended through 2030.- Matt Quatraro's option for '26 is picked up.- Cole Ragans gets an extension... kind of?- The 26-man roster will be...- Only a couple questions with the position players.- The Rotation is easy.- Questions in the bullpen.

Dan Szymborski of FanGraphs wrote that the Royals missed an opportunity with their outfield this offseason.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss whether the Royals could have done more and if they get the credit they deserve for the success they achieved last season.- Were Lugo and Wacha really a "low-key" acquisitions?- Were the Royals just lucky in 2024?- Do the Royals have answers in-house?- KC getting enough credit for the Jonathan India trade?- Should KC have done whatever it takes for Santander?- Fair to compare Royals with Witt Jr. to the Angels and Trout?- Any Free Agents left for KC to target?

If you are going to win in the big leagues you have to be able to pitch.  The Royals proved that with their playoff run last year.  For a small market team developing pitching is a must.  Paul Gibson, the Sr. Director of Pitching Performance for the Kansas City Royals joins us to discuss KC's pitching development.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) talk to Gibson about...- What goes into Gibson's job?- Communicating with the pitchers in the organization.- Promoting pitchers that haven't put up big numbers yet.- Alec Marsh's development.- When and how to move starters back to the bullpen.- Daniel Lynch's conversion to the bullpen.- Teaching velocity. - Working with outside pitching academies.- David Shields- Ben Kudrna- Pitching more innings.- Developing pitching in Latin America.- Young pitching in the system from Latin America.- Asa Lacy- Carlos Estevez

The Free Agent market is drying up quickly. What can the Royals still get done before heading to Arizona for Spring Training?Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) and David Lesky (Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) pinch hitting for Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) discuss if the Royals can still find help on the market, plus... - Where to turn if there's not a bat?- Could Kris Bubic be the key?- Can the Royals still add to the bullpen?- Where does Jonathan India play?- How optimistic are we about Melendez's new swing? - How does the outfield fit together right now?- Is there help in the system?- What kind of win total are we feeling?

After a playoff season in '24, what's the best and worst the '25 season can be?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss what it will take for the Royals to actually take a step forward from the massive step they took last season and what could go wrong if the season heads South.BEST CASE- MJ Melendez breaks out! - Michael Massey hits 30 HR's.- Joey Wiemer becomes an everyday player.- Vinnie Pasquantino raps out 50 doubles.- Maikel Garcia's bat takes a step up.- Royals acquire an everyday OF at the deadline.- The bullpen gets a boost.- Kris Bubic becomes a #2 SP.WORST CASE- Injuries rob the Royals of Bobby Witt Jr. or Cole Ragans. - Who plays CF if Isbel gets hurt or can't hit?- Jonathan India doesn't work out.- Salvy gets old.- Lack of bullpen depth.- Vinnie gets hurt.

Royals First Baseman Vinnie Pasquantino joins the Pod to discuss the Royals run to the Playoffs, his incredible recovery from a late thumb injury and how much he uses analytics to play the game.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) talk with Vinnie...- Coming back from the late season thumb injury.- What Vinnie's offseason workouts look like.- Defensive numbers at first.- How to use analytics.- Evaluating his 2024 season.- Taking struggles personally!- Pressure of the “Pasquatch”!- Being a Jets Fan.- It's OK... the Chiefs are his 2nd favorite team

Fueled by some unexpected seasons from their core player the Royals were the American League's biggest surprise. Looking ahead to 2025 which Pitchers can the Royals expect to be better and which should they expect to be worse?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) breakdown the core arms for the 2025 Royals after they discuss the Royals re-upping with Michael Lorenzen.- Michael Lorenzon signs back with the Royals?- Where does he fit best?- Better or Worse- Michael Lorenzen- Cole Ragans- Seth Lugo- Michael Wacha- Kris Bubic- Alec Marsh- Daniel Lynch- Lucas Erceg

Fueled by some unexpected seasons from their core player the Royals were the American League's biggest surprise. Looking ahead to 2025 which offensive players can the Royals expect to be better and which should they expect to be worse?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) breakdown the core offensive players...- Salvador Perez- Freddy Fermin- Vinnie Paquantino- Michael Massey- Maikel Garcia- Bobby Witt Jr.- MJ Melendez- Kyle Isbel- Hunter Renfroe- Jonathan India

The rebuilding of the Royals Pitching Staff in 2024 was nothing short of remarkable.  Royals Pitching Coach Brian Sweeney discusses the thoughrts and processes behind building a top shelf pitching program.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) talk about how the pitching staff came together and how the Royals will progress moving forward...- How the 2024 Royals Pitching Staff came together.- What went into Sweeney taking the PItching Coach job?- Sweeney's core philosophy.- Building trust with the pitchers.- The building of Cole Ragans.- Why the Royals wanted Seth Lugo so bad.- Adding the slider to Michael Wacha's repetoire.- Pitchers working with outside Pitching Instructors.- Importance of being on the cutting edge of technology.- How to switch a pitchers roles?- Avoiding injuries.- Reacting to Brian Sweeney's comments.

The Royals Hall of Fame Ballots are out. There's a long list of players with ties to the 2014/2015 World Series teams. Who measures up?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) are discussing the latest candidates for the Royals Hall of Fame as well as who should the Royals be looking at giving a long term contract to.- Which player or players should the Royals be looking to lock up?- Who is on Petro's Royals HOF ballot?- Who would Rany vote for?- Which player was the toughest cut?- What player just makes the cut?

Juan Soto has reset the Major League Baseball's salary structure with his 15-year $765-million deal. What does it mean for the Kansas City Royals?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss how the Soto contract affects the Royals.- What does this deal mean for all of baseball?- How this deal affects the Royals in Free Agency.- Will this deal impact Cody Bellinger's trade value?- O'Neil/Holmes/Conforto are all off the board for KC.- Where should the Royals look now?- World Series Odds for the Royals, what do they mean?- Do the Royals make a Rule 5 selection?

MLB handed out their 2024 Awards and a number of Royals were prominently featured.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the recognition the Royals did and didn't receive. Plus what should the Royals do next this offseason?- Did they get the awards right?- How does a 30 win improvement not equal Executive of the Year?- What else could Quatraro have done?- Should we expect bobby Witt Jr. to win the MVP at some point?- What kind of awards are on the horizon for the Royals?- What free agent should the Royals make now?- What trade should the Royals make at the Winter Meetings?

It didn't take long for the rumors about the Royals trading Brady Singer to become true. How did the Royals do on the trade?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) breakdown the Singer for India and Wiemer trade.- Did the Royals get enough for Singer? - Where will Jonathan India play? - What does Joey Wiemer bring to the Royals?- The numbers for India/Wiemer will look like what?- What makes this trade a success?- Who takes Singer's spot in the rotation?- The next move for the Royals should be...

The Royals improved their win total by 30 games... what role did analytics play in the Royals run to the playoffs?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) welcome Royals Vice President - Assistant General Manager/Research & Development, Daniel Mack to the Pod.- What role did analytics play in signing Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha?- How do the Royals handle their pitchers?- Do the Royals value OBP?- How can analytics guide the Royals through this offseason?- What do the numbers say about Jac Caglianone?- How analytics helped Bobby Witt Jr.? - Rumors have the Royals talking Singer for India.

Speaking at the GM Meetings, J.J. Picollo gave some idea of how the Royals view their team moving forward and what they are looking for.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) are breaking down the Picollo comments and more...- Bubic is a starter?- Lynch could be a starter?- Singer's locked in the rotation.- Where will the Royals find OBP?- Shopping Bubic and Marsh?- Jac Caglianone scalding baseballs!

The Royals lock up Michael Wacha on a 3-year $72-million deal.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the Royals resigning of Wacha and...- Bobby Witt Jr. and Seth Lugo grab Gold Gloves!- Michael Wacha stays in KC.- Is Wacha worth 3-$72M?- Are the Royals now more likely to trade a Starting Pitcher?- Who should KC target in Free Agency?- Is there a trade that makes sense for the Royals?

Reviewing the Royals 2024 Minor League season.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) look back at the Royals 2024 Minor Leagues.- 2024 Minor League recap.- Surprises.- Disappointments.- Our top 12 prospects.- Who can help the 2025 Royals?

How did we do on our preseason Royals predictions?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) take a look back at what they thought this season would be and why. How did we do on our Bold & Daring Predictions and did we get the awards winners correct? Plus...- What to do with the impending FA's?- How to handle Michael Wacha?- Who are the two players the Royals should look at trading and why?- What should they target in return?

One of the most surprising and enjoyable seasons in Royals history comes to an end in the American League Division Series.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) put a bow on the 2024 Royals Season...- Why did the Royals come up short vs. the Yankees?- Where can the Royals get better?- Kevin Seitzer is available.- How about a walk? - What needs to change? - What's the future of the Royals on TV in KC?

Giancarlo Stanton proves to be too much for the Royals.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) bring on friend of the Pod, Joe Sheehan (Joe Sheehan MLB Newsletter) to break down the Royals Game 3 loss to the Yankees. - Did the Yankees win because of their payroll? - Lugo not sharp. - Royals pitchers walk 9.- Stanton proves to be too much!- Royals can't get the clutch hit.- What to expect in Game 4?

A back and forth Game 1 of the ALDS goes to the Yankees.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) break down the Royals 6-5 loss in the Bronx.- What happened last night?- Where was the bullpen?- Did the umpires rob the Royals of a win? - Anything Quatraro got wrong? - What should the Royals do differently in Game 2?- Should the Royals stick with the same lineup?- How much does the legacy of this season ride on this series?

The Royals are moving on to New York and the American League Division Series with the Yankees.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) break down the Royals Game 2 Wild Card win over the Orioles.- Seth Lugo only goes 4+, but only gives up 1 run.- The bullpen continues to dominate.- Offense is still missing.- Bobby Witt Jr. comes up clutch again!- Can KC beat the Yankees scoring only two runs?- How should the Royals lineup their starters?- What to expect from the Yankees?

Breaking down the Royals win over the Orioles.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) break down how the Royals won Game 1 of the AL Wild Card.- Cole Ragans dominates for 6 innings.- Royals offense nets just one run.- Vinnie Pasquantino is back.- Was Massey leading off the right call?- Bobby Witt comes through with the game winning RBI.- 3 shutout innings from the bullpen.- Maikel Garcia comes up big.- Erceg slams the door!- Thoughts on Game 2.

How did the Royals pull off this unbelievable turnaround season?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss how the Royals were able to clinch a spot in the playoffs. Plus...- What were the keys to this season?- What happened to the offense in September?- Can Vinnie Pasquantino return?- How much of a difference would Vinnie make?- What should the playoff roster look like?- What are the most important matchups in the series with the Orioles?

Could this have actually been the worst week ever for the Royals?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) break down just where this winless week belongs in Royals history. Plus...- Playoff Optimism Meter.- How much of the offensive problem is just no Vinnie?- Measuring the reaming schedules for the contenders.- How many wins will it take to make the playoffs?- Are there any personnel moves left to make?- Rany's "Pep Talk" for the final week!

With the MLB Playoffs now all but a lock for the Royals, it's time to start looking at how they shape up for the postseason.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) are discussing... - Can anything stop the Royals from getting to the playoffs now?- What does the Playoff Bullpen look like?- Who are your Playoff Starting Pitchers?- Is this team built for the Playoffs?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of this club?- Will Quatraro win Manager of the Year?- Is PIcollo headed toward Executive of the Year?

Does a sweep of the Minnesota Twins mean the Royals are a lock for the playoffs?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the Royals and their playoff chances. Plus...- Playoff Optimism Meter.- Rany has a new comp for this Royals team.- Is the Starting Pitching getting its second wind?- How much confidence is there in the bullpen now?- Can the Royals win in the Post-Season without Vinnie?- Rany's thoughts on the Waiver Claims.

Even after getting swept in Houston the Royals are still barreling towards the playoffs.David Lesky (Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) pinch hitting for Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the Royals playoff chances after making even more moves before the September 1 roster deadline.- What did the Royals get in Pham, Grossman and Gurriel?- Disaster in Houston.- Playoff Optimism Meter.- How much will the Royals miss Pasquantino?- Taking a closer look at Quatraro's managing.- Can the starting rotation find a second wind?- Is the bullpen good enough?

The rosters expand to 28 this week. What players should the Royals be considering for the call ups?Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss what minor leaguers can help the Royals make their final push for the playoffs. Plus...- Playoff Optimism Meter- The 3-3 week that was.- KC goes 1-2 vs the Phillies, what to expect for the next 17 games?- How should the Royals use Tyler Gentry?- Bobby Witt Jr. vs. Aaron Jude for the MVP.- What would a Royals Playoff Roster look like?- How many pitchers? Hitters?- Salvy plays a little pick up game with the kids!

Rany is ready to admit he was wrong about JJ Picollo the way only Rany Jazayerli can.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) also discuss...- Playoff Optimism Meter.- The Witt Minute.- The Royals crushing the Reds.- Where did this Dairon Blanco come from?- Brady Singer bounces back.- Rany admits he was wrong about Picollo.

The Royals bullpen continues to have issues.Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the bullpen issues and how Matt Quatraro is using it.- Playoff Optimism Meter.- Bobby Witt Jr. continues to pile up the stats.- Can the Royals win with only 2 reliable relievers?- How does Quatraro need to change down the stretch?- Huge series at the Twins up next.