Kauffman Corner
Baseball
Rany Jazayerli (@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (@SorenPetro) are dedicated to covering the Kansas City Royals. Everything from yesterday's game to the very latest on the Royals top prospects. Top shelf analytics to pure passionate fan reaction, and everything in between when it comes to Royals baseball.
Lifelong Royals fans. Jazayerli was a founder of Baseball Prospectus, author of the blog "Rany on the Royals" and a published writer with Grantland, The Ringer, Sports Illustrated and The Athletic. Petro has hosted local and national sports talk radio since 1994 and hosted hundreds of Royals Pre and Post game shows. From hundred loss seasons to champagne drenched clubhouses, Petro has covered the Royals for close to 30 years.
Sit back and enjoy Royals fans!
Location:
United States
Description:
Rany Jazayerli (@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (@SorenPetro) are dedicated to covering the Kansas City Royals. Everything from yesterday's game to the very latest on the Royals top prospects. Top shelf analytics to pure passionate fan reaction, and everything in between when it comes to Royals baseball. Lifelong Royals fans. Jazayerli was a founder of Baseball Prospectus, author of the blog "Rany on the Royals" and a published writer with Grantland, The Ringer, Sports Illustrated and The Athletic. Petro has hosted local and national sports talk radio since 1994 and hosted hundreds of Royals Pre and Post game shows. From hundred loss seasons to champagne drenched clubhouses, Petro has covered the Royals for close to 30 years. Sit back and enjoy Royals fans!
Language:
English
Episodes
Is Bobby Witt Jr. the Most Valuable Player in the American League?
7/22/2024
How strong is Bobby Witt Jr.'s case for the MVP?
Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) and David Lesky (Inside the Crown, InsidetheCrown.Substack.com/@DBLesky) in for Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) discuss the case for Bobby Witt Jr. to the AL MVP this year. Plus...
- Playoff Optimism Meter.
- Royals sweep the White Sox.
- Predictions on what the second half will look like.
- Gone... Jordan Lyles.
- How to handle the innings load on the Starting Pitching.
- Trade Deadline targets.
Duration:00:58:37
Did The Royals Get It Right With Jac Caglianone?
7/16/2024
The Royals made Florida first baseman Jac Caglianone their pick at #6 in the 2024 MLB Draft. What type of expectations should there be?
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss Caglianone and the rest of the Royals draft. Plus...
- Bobby Witt Jr. comes up inches short in the HR Derby.
- First Half Review.
- Playoff Optimism Meter.
- What does the selection of Caglianone say about the Royals philosophy?
- Should Caglianone be a "Two Way" player?
- Upside/Downside for Caglianone.
- Royals grab plenty of college arms.
- Hunter Harvey Trade.
Duration:01:09:50
Four All Stars But Still on the Outside Looking in for the Playoffs
7/8/2024
Four All-Stars... but the Royals are on the outside looking in for the playoffs.
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the joy of Kansas City getting 4 All-Stars and the disappointment of a (2-4) week against the Rays and Rockies.
- What does 4 All-Stars mean for the Royals?
- Salvador Perez collects his 1,500th hit. HOF?
- Is Brady Singer elite?
- Kris Bubic is back. What's his best role?
- Maikel Garcia's OPS is hovering just over .600.
- Big series looking with the Red Sox.
- Playoff Optimism Meter.
Duration:01:05:41
Just How Good is Bobby Witt Jr.?
7/1/2024
Bobby Witt Jr. has been outstanding all season. Just how good is he and how great can he be?
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) talk all things Bobby Witt Jr. and...
- Playoff Optimism Meter.
- Lugo continues to pitch like an Ace.
- Garcia making the move to 2B, Loftin to 3B.
- Bubic to the bullpen.
- Royals HOF welcomes Bo, Schuerholz and Tallis.
- Expectations for the week ahead and to the All-Star Break.
Duration:01:10:23
Are These Slumping Royals Just 2003 All Over Again?
6/23/2024
After dropping 5 of 6 and being swept by the struggling Rangers, will the Royals ever get back to holding a Playoff Spot in the standings?
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) talk about what it means to have a losing series against the A's and be swept by the Rangers. Plus...
- Playoff Optimism Meter.
- Compare and contrast 2024 and 2003.
- How can the Front Office thurn things around?
- What should the plan be at the Trade Deadline? Buy or Sell?
- 3 Games with Miami and 4 with Cleveland this week. Predictions?
Duration:00:43:45
Is Michael Kopech Just What the Royals Bullpen Needs?
6/18/2024
The Royals are one of three teams said to be looking at making a deal for Chicago reliever Michael Kopech.
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) take a closer look at the hard throwing White Sox Closer and determine whether the Royals should make a deal for him. Plus...
- Playoff Optimism Meter.
- Royals go (7-12) in their last 19 games vs. winning teams.
- Breaking down the top of the 2024 MLB Draft.
- Analyzing how the Royals have handled injuries.
- What is Brady Singer and what can he become?
Duration:00:59:08
Royals Go Toe to Toe with Big Boys!
6/10/2024
The Royals finished the week going 3-2 in five games against first place clubs. Does this put to rest the question of whether the Royals are in it for the duration?
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) break down what to make of the Royals success this week, plus...
- Playoff Optimism Meter
- Can this be a Playoff Bullpen?
- Veterans are rebounding from slow starts.
- Royals sticking with M.J. Melendez.
- Cole Ragans the Ace.
- Daniel Lynch struggles but battles.
- The Yankees are coming.
Duration:01:04:55
How to Handle the Trade Deadline?
6/3/2024
How should the Royals approach the Trade Deadline?
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss if the Royals should be looking for quality or quantity on the trade market. Plus...
- J.J. Picollo comments on the trade market.
- What do the Royals have to trade?
- Playoff Optimism Meter.
- Was Sunday the win of the year?
- How do you replace Michael Wacha?
- Who to call up if Isbel has to be replaced?
Duration:01:00:19
Has the "Old Dog" (Salvador Perez) Learned New Tricks at the Plate?
5/28/2024
Who is really the Royals biggest threat. The preseason favorite Twins or the Red Hot Guardians?
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss whether Minnesota or Cleveland is better built for the long haul. Plus...
- Playoff Optimism Meter.
- What's the value of an 8 game win streak?
- Has Perez become a fundamentally better hitter at age 34?
- What's wrong with Pasquantino?
- How big is the loss of Massey?
- Goodbye Angel Hernandez!
Duration:00:59:44
Is the '24 Royals Rotation One for the Ages?
5/20/2024
So far statistically this Royals Rotation is doing things that have never been done in franchise history. So is it the best Royals Rotation ever?
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the Royals Rotation and where it stacks up historically, as well as...
- Playoff Optimism Meter.
- What teams are threats to the Royals?
- Time to give up on having a quality OF?
- Kris Bubic timeline.
- Do the Royals actually have pitching depth?
- What kind of trades are possible?
- How do the '24 Royals compare to the '14 AL Champions?
- Remembering the 2014 team.
Duration:01:00:49
How Do You Spell Ace? Is it... L - U - G - O?
5/13/2024
If you're going to talk about an Ace in the Royals rotation... it's time to start talking about Seth Lugo as that man.
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) welcome David Lesky (Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) to pinch hit for Petro and discuss the recent dominance of Seth Lugo and more.
- How good can Seth Lugo be?
- Is this going to be a historic season for Bobby Witt Jr.?
- Of course there'll be a check of the Playoff Optimism Meter.
- How deep is the rotation now and how deep will it be?
- Can Dairon Blanco be one of the answers in the OF?
- What's the plan with Renfroe/Frazier/Hampson?
Duration:01:08:44
Is it Better to be Lucky or Good?
5/6/2024
Is it possible to be lucky and unlucky at the same time?
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) are talking about the Royals 3-3 week against quality teams in the Blue Jays and Rangers.
- Where are the Royals defying the numbers... good and bad?
- What's the Playoff Optimism Meter look like?
- Is it time to make some roster changes?
- When is it OK to cut bate with struggling veterans?
- What to make of Daniel Lynch's start?
- The worst hitting outfield in baseball.
Duration:00:52:01
Is the Playoff Optimism Meter Pointing Up?
4/29/2024
After another winning week it's time to check the Playoff Optimism Meter.
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) dive into a 4-3 week that still has the Royals holding down a Wild Card spot in the standings.
- Why are the Royals continuing to win against good teams?
- Royals depth is tested.
- What to expect from Jonathan Bowlan this time around?
- Father Time's got nothing on Salvy.
- Minor League Catchers = OBP Machines.
Duration:01:03:05
The Lineup's Only a Problem at the Top and Bottom.
4/22/2024
Maikel Garcia is OPS'ing .560 in the leadoff and the bottom of the order is no better. Is there an in-house fix for the lineup?
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) talk about what the Royals can do to fix a so many holes in their batting order. Plus...
- The debut of the Playoff Optimism Meter.
- The mighty Cole Ragans lasts less than 2 innings.
- Royals are (1-2) to start 19 straight against winning teams.
Duration:01:00:29
Is it safe to believe in the Royals yet?
4/16/2024
Does one lost series to the Mets require Royals fans to again ask themselves if this team is a legit contender in the AL Central or have the Royals done enough to eliminate that concern?
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss what it will take for Royals fans to quit worrying about a fall from grace. Plus...
- Level of confidence in the bullpen?
- How good is Seth Lugo?
- Salvador Perez injury.
- Are the Royals equipped to handle injuries?
- What's the delay getting Massey back to the big leagues?
- Are the Royals deep enough?
- Expectations for the next 21 games vs. mostly tougher opponents.
Duration:00:58:30
Are the Royals THIS good?
4/8/2024
Juiced by a historically good start from the Rotation, the Royals are playing .600 ball! Can they really be this good?
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) are breaking down the first three series of the Royals season.
- When was the last time the Royals were 2 games over .500?
- Just how good has the Royals rotation actually been?
- Where Bobby Witt Jr. fits in the MVP talks?
- Is there still room for improvement?
- What's going on in the minors?
- Reaction to the Royals Stadium vote going down to defeat.
Duration:00:58:23
Kauffman Corner - Episode 109 (3/31/24)
4/1/2024
With the Stadium Vote a couple days away Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star Columnist joins the Pod to discuss what all is at stake.
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) break down the Royals opening weekend and then welcome McDowell to talk...
- Will the vote pass?
- Why has there been such a rush to get this passed?
- Which team's plan is more popular with voters?
- Beyond the teams, who benefits the most?
- What's next if the vote fails?
Duration:01:13:36
Kauffman Corner - Episode 108 (3/25/24)
3/26/2024
With Opening Day just a few days away it's time for Rany and Petro to make their predictions for the 2024 Royals.
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) layout how the 2024 season will go...
- Player of the Year
- Pitcher of the Year
- Best Player not named Bobby Witt Jr.
- Best Pitcher not named Cole Ragans.
- Top Reliever. - Biggest Impact Rookie.
- Top Prospect at the End of the Year.
- Breakout Player.
- Biggest Disappointment.
Duration:01:10:20
Kauffman Corner - Episode 107 (3/17/24)
3/18/2024
With less than two weeks left before Opening Day, how is the Royals Roster taking shape? Is it shaping up as expected? And did the Royals Veterans Committee get it right inducting 3 new members to the Royals Hall of Fame.
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) take a look at...
- What's the latest on the position battles?
- Who's in Center? Who's at Second?
- Who's the 5th Starter?
- How is the bullpen shaping up?
- What's the best bench look like?
- Are there any surprises looming?
- Bo Jackson, John Schuerholz and Cedric Tallis are voted in.
Duration:01:08:22
Kauffman Corner - Episode 106 (3/10/24)
3/11/2024
ESPN MLB Writer & Analyst Bradford Doolittle recently released his "Stock Watch" for all 30 MLB Teams. After a buys offseason are the Royals a must buy stock?
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) welcome Doolittle to the Pod to breakdown the Royals offseason and his expectations for 2024.
- Can Cole Ragans continue what he did in 2023?
- Where do the Royals rank among the AL Central?
- Did KC get value with its offseason shopping spree?
- What kind of playoff chances do the Royals have?
- How much improvement should be expected from the young players?
Duration:00:50:22