Royals Links: Brian Flynn, George Brett, Season Tickets, & More

Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Rex Hudler is making his triumphant return to television tonight, and I could not possibly be more excited. The Royals’ game with the White Sox will be on FOX Sports Kansas City at 8 pm, and Bo Jackson will be on for an interview in the second inning. I know some fans don’t enjoy Hudler’s commentary, but I love him. He enjoys the game and has fun on the broadcast, and that’s what I look for in a broadcaster. He’s also a legitimately great human being, and I’m glad he’ll be with FSKC for another season. Let’s get to some links.

– Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star writes that Brian Flynn has impressed the Royals’ coaching staff and front office this spring. Acquired in the trade that sent Aaron Crow to Miami, the 6’7″ lefty has handled a transition to the bullpen well, seeing his fastball velocity tick up a few miles per hour. Flynn also said he didn’t like being surrounded by so many Cardinals fans when he was growing up, which makes me like him even more.

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– Speaking of Flynn, Pine Tar Press’ David Lesky mentioned him as someone to look out for this season, particularly because of how the organization is speaking about him. Along with Paulo Orlando and Orlando Calixte, Flynn has merited some high praise from Royals’ officials, and Lesky notes that in the past, some of that praise for other players has led to eventual call-ups. Michael Mariot is another guy who might get another shot, since he’s impressed Ned Yost before.

– At FOX Sports Kansas City, Matthew DeFranks reveals that Royals season ticket sales have seen a 35% increase from last year, due to the team’s incredible postseason run. It’s no surprise that winning results in more fans, but that is a pretty large number. Another successful season should lead to another increase in attendance, perhaps crossing the 2 million fan threshold for the first time since 1991.

– MLB.com’s Tracy Ringolsby talked to George Brett about the Hall of Famer’s decision to retire in 1993. Brett discovered the extreme passion to play the game had left him, and he didn’t want to play if he couldn’t play at his best. At 40 years old, he was ready to walk away, though not entirely, since he still gets to work with players in his role in the Royals’ front office.

– Ben Lindbergh of Grantland has a very fascinating article on how pitchers alter their pitch usage as a game progresses. Since hitters tend to do better against a pitcher after seeing that pitcher multiple times in a game, the pitcher might start to alter how he does things. More specifically, pitchers usually throw fewer fastballs and more breaking balls. It all makes sense intuitively, but it’s great to see the specific pitchers who use that strategy the most, as well as those who tend to stick with what they do best.