Kansas City Royals: How will the new rule changes effect the Royals?

The MLB and the MLB Players Union have agreed to new rule changes. Starting this year, these changes will begin to effect the Kansas City Royals.

For the last several years both the leaders of the MLB and the Players Union have been fighting in the press. Each issuing press statements for changes and responding to each other in kind. Talk of a shutdown possibly this year, was getting louder throughout the winter break. It was beginning to look like another round of fighting between them was on the way. Which, potentially, meant no Kansas City Royals baseball.

MLB management is worried about the possible short attention span of young fans. The Players Union is worried about policies limiting contract amounts and the erosion of work and money for veterans. They were also not happy about rule changes made without their consent or input. With the announcement of the new changes, it looks like adults have finally entered the room.

Beginning this year the trading dead line of July 31st becomes last day for trades until the off season. No more waiver wire trades after that date. Mound visits will be dropped to 5 as well. The minimum period of time for a player on the injury list will increase to 15 days from 10. This also applies to players optioned to the minors. They will have to spend at least 15 days there before they can be brought back up.

Next year they will expand major league rosters to 26 and limit to 13 the number of pitchers on that roster. Pitchers will have to face at least three batters before they can be replaced. The only exceptions are the end of an inning or injury.

So where does this leave the Kansas City Royals?

This year’s changes shouldn’t effect the club that much. Like most of the league, the Kansas City Royals used the 10 days to cycle fresh arms with options up and down as needed. With as many strong arms as they have on the 40 man roster, five extra days wont make much of a difference. Teams that have limited pitching talent with options will suffer though.

The hard trading deadline might be good for them. Teams are going to have to decide if they are contenders earlier than in the past. That should mean more teams looking for help. Since pitching is usually the biggest need at that time, the Royals could find themselves with lots of offers. With more teams possibly in the hunt, this could bode well for the quality of players dangled in front of Dayton Moore.

Next year’s rules may benefit the club more. The Kansas City Royals don’t change out pitchers after one batter all that much. For the last several years, the club has pioneered the use of relievers for a whole inning.

When they do replace someone mid inning, they usually stay until its complete. The Royals maintaining a strong defense should help minimize damage even if the pitcher is having a bad night.

Expanding the active roster to 26 should help too. The Kansas City Royals seem to value position players who can move around a diamond more than most teams. I foresee this helping them structure lineups better for games. It would make it easier to adjust it for say, left or right handed starters or relievers. Players like Nicky Lopez and Humberto Arteaga  will get more opportunities in the big leagues.

More than anything, the biggest win is for all us fans. Even if you don’t agree with, or like the changes, the deal between the MLB and the Players Union is good. At 57 I have lived through each strike since the 1970’s. We the fans, had to miss watching the game we love and were forced to watch the fight. It’s nice to see the two sides talking. They are also opening up discussions about changes to the next contract.

My feelings are mixed on the changes. I like the game as it is. However nothing is static. Every thing evolves. As long as people enjoy the game, it will continue grow. Lets hope they get this right.