What is Going on with Kansas City Sports Teams and These Scandals Anyway?

 

When a story rolls out so quickly and with quite the heavy hand ... at this point, sometimes the antennae just goes up with no hesitation at all.  Narnia is wondering out loud.

 

Thursday, Apr 2, the Kansas City Royals were playing the rubber match game vs. the Minnesota Twins.  They had won the first two games and were looking for a sweep of all three.  No doubt, both teams were kind of tired because Wednesday night's game was played in a constant blanket of rain and/or fog.  

 

(It was amazing the entire nine innings from Wednesday night were completed, taking about 3 1/2 hours to do so.  The grounds crew worked their you-know-what's off between innings trying to bring some level of dryness to the mound, the base paths and whatnot.  It was a miserable night for all, but at least the Royals hung on to win.)

 

Originally, 22-year old catcher Carter Jensen was in Thursday's game lineup instead of Salvador Perez.  Usually when there is a day game after a night game, "Salvy" does not catch, but DH's instead.  Later, Carter was pulled from the lineup without any explanation and Perez was going to need to catch.

 

It was concerning - hopefully Carter didn't injure himself during warm ups, right?  Well, come to find out towards the end of the game, it is relayed on Twitter that Carter had allegedly overslept that morning and missed reporting to the stadium in time for the game. 

KC Star Sports Editor Sam McDowell's tweet

Then you had sports anchor McKenzie Nelson from NBC's local affiliate Channel 41, with the video from Vinnie Pasquantino's Town Hall:

Sam McDowell provided us the full transcript from Vinnie's Town Hall:

 Looks like that may not have even been the entire speech.  While Vinnie tried to later say that "first and foremost", he was glad that Carter was okay, what took precedence over that was all about the "36 year old" veteran who was the martyr in this entire incident.  Because that was brought up before his concern about Carter's well-being.  It was about pointing out the obvious.  Which again brings us to another example of the player with the C on his uniform not being anywhere in the vicinity of the local press when it comes to interviews involving anything remotely controversial.  In this case, Bobby Witt, Jr. was nowhere to be heard from either. 

No, no... as usual?  It was Vinnie who was propped up?, I mean - was the one to speak up. In this instance.  We had video and everything. Who wrote this for Vinnie?

 

Luckily for all the players, the focus wasn't on the outcome of the game at all, but all on Carter Jensen and oversleeping.  Fans were lucky to be able to find the score.

Instagram:

 

It's always a clue what gets emphasized

Today, it's a top story in the MLB and the like.   Oh look - there's that scandal-chaser, TMZ. 👀👀

 "not allowed to play".

"Jensen benched"

"rookie's tardy arrival"

"Royals scratch catcher"

 

TMZ?   People Magazine?   Tell me you're not serious.  

Wow.  Well, SOMEone needed this to be a big story, didn't they?  😠  Since when is People.com looking at anything the Kansas City Royals are doing?  Carter wasn't even one of the team's star players in the WBC like Vinnie, Maikel or Bobby were.  Where was Carter when the WBC was going on?  He was back in spring training.  Working.

And so back to Vinnie's Town Hall, which did what?  The popular first baseman is idolized around these parts.  The WBC brought out the outstanding leadership quality the man possesses.  So fans pay attention to him and what he says.  No doubt, his speech didn't exactly discourage fans from piling on the 22 year old rookie, on Twitter/X as one would hope they wouldn't on a matter like this, on a player who has done nothing but bust his tail for his hometown team and fans.

"KittyCat", who just happens to be a big Salvy fan, had to get her shots in:

 

 

 

 

 

 I mean, what is this one? 🠇   This is irresponsible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interesting whenever I see "kitty" or "cat" in social media names now, a cautionary pause is highly recommended.  It dates back to this author's early J2 days is all that will be said.  😉 Of course, the account above has had my X blocked for awhile. Imagine that ...

Everything was too much with this story.  Did the young man make .. eh ...a significant error?  Yes, of course he did (if it really happened at all).  But did it warrant a very-public chastising and back-handed expression of concern from a teammate for the press?   No, it didn't.  Leave that for the privacy of the clubhouse, for pete's sake.  No one likes to be embarrassed like that in front of the whole world.

It was because of the very public criticism that made Narnia raise our eyebrows.  It was out of character for the KC Royals, who normally despise scandal and anything that tarnishes their brand and image.  They're an extremely private organization.  Except in this case.  This time, for reasons unknown for sure, the blowhorns came out.

Things about this story that make Narnia go hmmm: 

• And it just so happens that this player's very good friend and teammate had a Golden Boy story come out yesterday as well.  One of those great-character stories.  Not that the teammate wouldn't do something like that.  But the timing was extraordinary.

• Also, it just so happens the Royals had conducted this fun spring training video on what?  Wake-up alarms.  IMAGINE that.  What a coincidence.  You can't make this stuff up. 

Rather, this is what you could call, a planted seed. 

• TMZ's coverage - I'm sorry.  This is everything the Royals have NEVER been about.  They aren't about scandal, no mis-behaviors.  They are no porn allowed (inside joke within the fandom). They are clean cut, fresh-faced, well-mannered, cross-displaying, white picket fence, SUV in the garage, nuclear family, Leave It To Beaver, the whole nine yards.  Yes, they have had, do have so many great players over the years in their organization.   But this is also what they're about.  Very controlling of their entire image, their broadcast media, and the local media.  One needs to play nice.  That's been the history.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instead, veteran Salvador Perez had to ditch his planned DH day and jump behind the plate on short notice … with starting pitcher Cole Ragans counting on him.

Jensen eventually showed up -- in what he described as a “full panic” -- and even got into the game late … but by then, the damage was done, both on the lineup card and the scoreboard in a 5-1 loss. - TMZ source

 

So TMZ is blaming Carter for the loss?  Really?  😬

All that had to ever be said was expressed by Manager Matt Quatraro:

“Carter had an oversight,” manager Matt Quatraro said after a 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins dropped the Royals to 3-3 on the season. “He overslept and wasn’t here on time and we made the decision to scratch him from the lineup.”

Perez was pinch-run for by utility man Tyler Tolbert after reaching base in the bottom of the eighth inning on a fielder’s choice. That left Jensen to replace Perez defensively in the ninth inning.

“He feels terrible,” Quatraro said of the Park Hill alum, who is six games into his first full season with his hometown team. “And he’s accountable to it and it’s not something that has been a pattern or any of that kind of stuff.

“Nobody feels worse than he does and I think he’ll admit to that and we’ll move on past it.”

 source:  KCTV5

Simple.  And professional.  Move on.  Anything else should've stayed in the privacy of the clubhouse.  That's how Andy Reid handles his locker room. 

Yet ... look what happened.  Garish headlines on major tabloid sites.  Scandal.  Public berating and scolding.  Followed by memes, jokes, schoolyard taunting - over something that may not have really even happened.  Narnia leaves that door cracked.

Did Carter know this was coming?  Is that part of the reason for his unexpected swing-and-miss struggles so far this season?  I know it's caught me by surprise as I've watched the games.   Or was it all an opportunity that just presented itself and taken full advantage of for several reasons?  Narnia has several possible reasons, but we'll continue to monitor for awhile.  

Let's hope the Royals organization realizes that this kind of stunt is very damaging to mental and psychological well-being.   For an employer who likes to act like they care about their players, this kind of OTT display sure doesn't help endorse that image.

For the player?  Narnia hopes that he can be allowed to grow and prosper without interference.  Already this blog has had to point out two other on-line attempted smears of two different teammates.   It's troublesome to say the least.  

 

pic sources:  tenor, TMZ, People, KSHB-TV Ch41, KC Star, Talkin Baseball, Jomboy Media,

                     KCTV5

our playlist:  Ooh Ooh Child (Things are going to get easier) - The Five Stairsteps

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                      I Won't Back Down - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

                      You Could Have Been With Me - Sheena Easton

 

Trolling Across Fandoms: The MLB and Controlling the Narrative

 

You know, it's kind of funny how you can find yourself in a discussion that turns into much more than it should have ever been.  Not only that, but you begin to recognize some familiar territory, if you participate in fandoms which can bring about the existence of gas lighting, planted accounts, compromised media, etc. 

In this case, we are in the sport and fandom of Major League Baseball and a particular team of the Kansas City Royals. ⚾

 

Two days ago, on X (formerly Twitter), the following NY news writer and editor tweeted this:

 

A controversial claim to be sure when talking about trading any MLB veterans, which would make it look like the ball club has waved the white flag on a dismal (to this point) season and might be more interested in rebuilding.  That would be a negative message to the players presently in the clubhouse and also to the fans, many of whom may still have hope for a Wild Card spot in the playoffs.

It should be noted though, the tweet states that the writer was 1) "hearing" the news bit and 2) that Royals' General Manager. J.J. Picollo should start thinking, which wouldn't have necessarily been a gavel throwing order. 

It certainly had made this author hit a panic button, fearing that some of the Royals' veterans could be leaving. But when looking at the tweet again, I should have paid closer attention to those two loopholes.  

The tweet caused instant reactions from the Royals' GM as well as their Vice President of Communications, Sam Mellinger.   

Picollo was asked about the tweet on the mid-day sports talk 96.5 FM radio show merely hours later, to which J.J. adamantly denied the report and said, "the accountability of that writer should be in question".  

[It should be noted that 96.5 FM is the official radio station for the ball club, airing all of their regular season games.  Picollo is a semi-regular guest on the mid-day show.]

Picollo's reaction was followed by the team's VP of Communications Mellinger , who replied directly to Mark Healey on Twitter.

 

Wow, okay.  Getting interesting now, isn't it (if you're a Royals fan, anyway!  😉)  

So then, one of the hosts of the mid-day show, Alex Gold retweeted Mark Healey's tweet to inform fans that J.J. had been on his show and disputed it.

 

 

And then the MLB beat writer for the Royals, Anne Rogers, also chimed in, telling all that it is rare for a rep for the Royals to react to a story:

 

 

On the same day, the other sports talk radio station in town, 810 AM Sports Talk, promptly lined up the tweet originator, Mark Healey, for their afternoon show with its host Soren Petro so that he could share the other side of the story.  

Later that morning, Healey thanked them for the opportunity, along with a link to the segment.

 

 

Phew!  Lots of hullabulloo!  Who would've thought so much activity could come from one tweet?  

I know that this author just hoped it wasn't true because Seth Lugo is a personal favorite pitcher on the Royals' staff and while I know he can opt out after this season, that doesn't mean he couldn't return.  He's proven that he brings so much value to the team due to his extensive tutelage (along with teammate and right-handed pitcher, Michael Wacha), of the other pitchers.  Hard to put a price tag on that kind of knowledge and experience!

HOWever, on the other hand, what is with all of the heavy-handed reaction?  

"accountability of the writer should be in question"?

"That's as false as can be."

"Please kindly stop making things up."

"lol.  Zero truth to it, and you know it." 

 

Fast forward to the next day, where Healey's tweet was brought up on Sports Talk 96.5 FM's morning show, "Bob and Dusty", where a strongly worded lambasting of Healey took place.

 

 

 This is the actual video clip:

I'm not sure what led to name-calling Healey a "jackass", but there it is.  And don't get me wrong.  I very much enjoy this morning show, along with the mid-day show.  Doesn't mean I have to agree with everything said, just like I don't expect everything I say to be agreed with.

Yes, majority owner John Sherman did all of the wonderful things.  Led a large business group to purchase the team in 2019 and has followed up with committing money to sign great players like Bobby Witt, Jr, Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo.

But Healey's tweet never named Sherman as his source.  It merely says "Royals ownership" and there are at least 23 different owners!  So, maybe it was one(s) of the other owners who knows Mark Healey and mentioned to him this news bit? 

Or how about this possibility?  What if this "drop" was a test balloon?   What if it was the team's front office's idea to float this, hoping it would light a fire under the players?  After all, no other moves had worked thus far in this challenging and under performing season.

And guess what happened? That same evening, two of the team's leaders, Bobby Witt, Jr and Salvador Perez, both had impactful offensive performances, along with an outstanding pitching performance by Lugo, leading to a 6-1 victory.  

I am not saying it would be a nice idea at all to worry players with such a misleading story.  Just wondering if that's possible.

And finally.

Last thought on this.   The high degree of reaction by all those mentioned above was nearly matched by a one-on-one discussion with a fellow online chat participant yesterday about the tweet and Healey.  

My main point was about how the Royals' general manager had made a similar definitive comment last fall/winter about pitcher Brady Singer (who they would trade to the Cincinnati Reds a couple of weeks later).  From MLB.com, writer Anne Rogers:

 

GM J.J. Picollo at the general manager meetings early November 2024

Even though nothing is ever set in concrete and circumstances can always change, when you see "And he'll continue to do that.  So Brady's a lock in our rotation.  When you look at our top four, Brady is in it.  We'd like to have him because you can never have enough depth."

Well, seems pretty darn encouraging.  But then, on November 22, Brady was traded.  

After having it pointed out on the morning show that members of the Royals organization had denied Healey's report and there were others associated with the team who were incensed about it due to how false they said it was, I mentioned the Brady Singer situation and how does that prove that a denial should be always believed? 

I was met with, "bro even I knew Brady was a possibility to be traded as soon as the playoffs were done"    

Well, what about what JJ said, though?

And, "there's a difference when it's the off-season to say something like that if you're going to reach"  Huh?  How is what I said a reach?  And what's the difference in "when" you say such a pretty solid statement?

This particular blogger and I went back and forth, back and forth.  They proceeded to badmouth Mark Healey (like the Royals had done, and like the morning show host, Fescoe had done).

When it was pointed out that the writer stood by his story and his source, the blogger made this unfounded statement:  "well that's the problem with these days you never have to name a source anymore so you can just make something up" 

Yes, that can apply to Deux Moi?  People.com?  Rolling Stone?  But, in the case of Healey's story, I could understand why he would want to shield his source.  Whoever it was, would likely never give him any more information. 

The final straw came with this reply after I pointed out that I was trying to be open-minded about the story:

"I'm not trying to make fun of you(r) man but like are you open-minded about Flat Earth too cuz a lot of dumb people say that's true as well"  

So the discussion had disintegrated into an insult, which was totally unnecessary.  

For those of us who have engaged with planted accounts and trolls, this has long been a common trait.  Not saying this particular account is a plant, but I found it quite interesting that I was compared to a dumb person who believed in a Flat Earth.  In other words, I was no longer just someone he disagreed with, but a Conspiracy Theorist. Sound familiar?

Finally, with the morning show host Fescoe, J.J. Picollo and this fellow commenter all digging at the writer's credibility and telling everyone not to believe him, I'll just add that he's not just some "random", small newspaper type reporter.

He's an editor-in-chief of The Wave, a newspaper that's existed for over 100 years.  He's a past Assoc. Press writer and he also is an online editor for The Baseball Digest, which is the longest running magazine about baseball.  So that is a respectable career in progress and nothing to be insulted the way it was.

 

credit:  Gotham Nation

 

⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾

 

If the story is unfounded, "made up", created for clicks, then yes, shame on the writer.

If the story was purposely "leaked" or given to the writer for dropping, by the organization in order to try and light a fire under the players, then it seems an unkind thing to do to them.  If it sets the team out on a win streak, well, at least the purpose provides the desired result.

If the tweet proves to be true, and one or more veterans are traded, it would be surprising but also disappointing.

Is this a huge story?  No.  But it was amazing to watch all of the reactions.  

And finally, the "Flat Earth" comment was an OTT last straw. An indication that perhaps I was not just speaking with another baseball "fan" but someone tasked with a job. Sports, after all, is just another tenacle of the entertainment industry.

 

pic sources:  MLB/Anne Rogers, tenor, 96.5FM The Fan, Wikipedia, Gotham Nation, You 

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our playlist:  Trust in Me - Joe Cocker

                     Precious Illusions - Alanis Morissette

                     Who's Zoomin' Who - Aretha Franklin 

When You Know You've Been Around These Bases Before - MLB Free Agency 2018 (cont.) Pt 1 of 2

Exits and goodbyes in professional sports normally process fairly quickly, right?  A trade happens and the player leaves the dugout or clubhouse with a few goodbyes and well wishing hugs.  Free agency happens and a player moves to another team perhaps with a public word of thanks to the fans and former teammates, but this is then followed by a festive press conference, lots of smiles, showcasing of the new uniform jersey and overall excitement of the change, right?  The player has made the move he/she believes is in their best interests and they are invigorated by the change.  Cigars for everyone!!

And then there's the recent case of Eric Hosmer.  In Narnia's post And Where the Other Half Will Land, Remains a Mystery - MLB Free Agency 2018, we took a look at his changing of teams from the OTP point of view because the switch signaled the end of he and Mike "Moose" Moustakas as longtime teammates, infield corner-stones and close friends.  Narnia recognized and "saw" something very special between them.  

In the case of "Hos", his long awaited free agency decision came after the off-season had concluded, and almost through the end of February. It even came AFTER the beginning of spring training, following several press mentions of behind-the-scenes negotiations & talks between the Kansas City Royals' front office and San Diego Padres.  Royals GM Dayton Moore had unloaded several players and their large salaries and the longer the negotiations lasted, the more it seemed probable that Hosmer would return to the Royals.  

Not to be.

When word broke on Twitter late Saturday evening (Feb 11) that an agreement between Hos and the Padres had been reached, the heartbreak for Kansas City fans was deeply felt.  Everyone waited for the official announcement, through Sunday Feb 18. On Monday the 19th, Hos took his physical and word came that the press conference would be Tuesday the 20th.  Some of the pictures which came from the conference were rather somber looking, to be frank.

Eric Hosmer's press conference with Padres, LIVE via @jsleezer ... https://t.co/qLpAqdQOyE pic.twitter.com/GgpsHbeUvt

— Jeff Rosen (@jeff_rosen88) February 20, 2018

Video of @Padres Eric Hosmer from today's press conference announcing his signing, and wearing #30 to honor the late @Royals Yordano Ventura. https://t.co/ahY32tgoYL #30 video here: https://t.co/d1xhVxU39b pic.twitter.com/MOcy3Otrst

— John Sleezer (@jsleezer) February 20, 2018

Let's try a different angle.  Indeed, it was a sobering moment at the press conference for Hos as he explained his reasoning for choosing the number 30, which had been Yordano Ventura's jersey number before he was killed in January 2017, in a vehicular accident.

This is Eric's new Twitter avatar:

And to add to the festive atmosphere, there was an added "guest":

The #Padres welcomed their newest player, @TheRealHos35 in Peoria this morning with girlfriend @KacieMcDonnell. pic.twitter.com/pr27Gsftbi

— K.C. Alfred (@KCAlfredPhoto) February 20, 2018

On-again, off-again professional "girlfriend"-to-the-athletes, Kacie McDonnell, who came back on to the scene in the spring of 2017 and pops up for public events and now apparently, free agent signings.  

At Eric's side at the table during his press conference?  Well known sports agent, Scott Boras.

A.J. Preller, Eric Hosmer and Scott Boras. Welcome to San Diego. pic.twitter.com/5gTvbgOdIb

— Jared Diamond (@jareddiamond) February 20, 2018

Another fan shared the same question on twitter that I had in my head when I first saw Boras at Hos' side:

@sportswatch Maybe u can answer this or perhaps find out. Watching Eric Hosmer’s SD press conference and Boras sitting at the table next to him. I’ve never noticed an Agent at the table for a presser. Is that a regular thing or just bc Boras thinks he’s bigger than life?

— Denise D (@brwcrwdcd41) February 20, 2018

 

Changes in social media were next.  It took a little while for Hosmer's twitter and Instagram to change from 1B: Kansas City Royals to First Baseman: San Diego Padres.  His twitter header changed as well with a more, er....hirsute filter.

Pretty darn serious looking, isn't it?  And there must be a new app for adding body hair.  Either that or Hos abandoned his manscaping habits, just like a particular California boy we know.  Shout out to Jake. Quite amazing.  Hmmmm...

Next, there was "text-gate".  On the day of the Padres' "unveiling" press announcement, Royals' manager Ned Yost was asked if he had talked to Hos lately.

Ned Yost said he texted Hoz numerous times this off-season but never heard back from him: "I’m not sure whose orders that was." Ned then joked, "Even when I was on my death bed.”

— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) February 18, 2018

 

And it was true that Ned Yost nearly died this past winter after a bad fall from a hunting tree stand on his property, which he was repairing.  Later as 'textgate' unfolded, we found out that Eric Hosmer had changed his cell phone number over the off season.

Interesting, isn't it?  Changing one's cell phone number but not giving it to the manager of your long-time team, even though it was not certain if you would return to that team.  Sounds like the move of someone who knew they would not be back. Or is that the impression that was intended to be given?

There was also the jersey number change.  Eric Hosmer had been number 35 with the Royals.  At the press conference, he announced he would be number 30. Randy Jones of the Padres retired as #35 and he was quoted already as not giving it up.  Imagine, as a ballplayer not being aware of or having given any thought to your jersey number until two (2) minutes after he signed the new contract, that the Padres' number 35 had been retired?

#Ace30, always. pic.twitter.com/plW6fJ6dy8

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) February 20, 2018

via GIPHY


But the explanation given for choosing #30 was understandable and the sentiment and enduring tie to Kansas City seemed to hit directly at the hearts of crestfallen Royals fans.  For many, all was forgiven.

Eric Hosmer on his decision to wear No. 30 to honor his late teammate Yordano Ventura: pic.twitter.com/K4uFsd9FO8

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 20, 2018

On Wednesday the 21st, while KC fans were still tweeting every crying gif they could get their hands on, this story headline appeared from the Royals' MLB beat writer (via a Padres Twitter Q&A): "Duffy Proud to Be Hosmer's 'Best Teammate' "

Hosmer, a free-agent first baseman who signed with the Padres, participated in an #AskThePadres Twitter Q&A on Tuesday night and was asked about his best teammate ever.

Hosmer responded, "I'm gonna say Duffy. He was always bringing in stuff for the whole team. He's the pitcher always on the top step when he's not pitching."  

To try and figure out who was closest-to-whom regarding the core group of Royals who had played together for so long, (i.e. Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Jarrod Dyson, Salvador Perez, Lorenzo Cain and Danny Duffy) would be a challenging task under any circumstances because they all did appear to get along so well.  However, to go one step further and actually ask Hos who had been his "favorite" teammate  "Ever?" seems a bit on the childish side, don't you think? Then again, upon reflection, maybe not. At least, not if the real purpose of the headline story was more of an opportunity to reassure everyone that Hos' very visible BFF, Mike Moustakas, really was not that important to him at all. Hmm. Now I wonder why that would be?


to be continued in Part 2 

pic sources: Associated Press, Giphy, Bleacher Report, San Diego
                     Tribune
our playlist:  listed at the end of Part 2 of 2