Kansas City Royals: Danny Duffy’s opportunity with Royals’ pitching prospects rises

Kansas City Royals pitcher Danny Duffy’s value changed when he made a mistake in 2017. But, it makes him the perfect mentor for the younger pitchers in the Kansas City Royals organization.

Many of us have made some bad mistakes before. I am not wagging the finger at people’s mistakes. Instead, I’m signaling out the  value in how we can use mistakes as learning moments. In 2017 Danny Duffy made a mistake. A DUI that was a real head scratcher for Kansas City Royals fans as well as front office personnel. So, how can a mistake be turned into a golden learning moment for the next wave?

Has his value changed? To begin with, a person’s true value to an organization can’t just be measured by computations. Duffy’s value has always centered around how he has conducted himself on and off the diamond.

What is the connection between Duffy’s DUI and his value? This centers around  Duffy’s rookie season when his ERA skyrocketed to 5.64. He rebounded by throwing a 3.90 ERA followed by a 1.85 ERA. In fact Danny’s ERA didn’t even approach the 5.64 ERA mountain. He has averaged out to be a 2 WAR pitcher since his beginnings.

Duffy answered his professional shortcomings when he accepted demotions. (He was used sparingly in the 2012 and 2013 seasons). Later, Duffy began the climb to the Kansas City Royals pitching mountain. Then, when it seemed like everything was going well, he made his ugly DUI mistake.

This is where Duffy shined. Duffy accepted his fate. Owned his mistake. Duffy has a unique opportunity to showcase his leadership abilities and mentor in Brady Singer, Jackson Kowar, Daniel Lynch, Josh Staumont, Kris Bubic, Richard Lovelady, and co.

Danny Duffy’s ability to work through adversity, PR skills, and team commitment is why he would be ideal to provide a guiding light to the team. This is why Duffy’s mistake and how he has rebounded are perfect learning tools to help guide in the next wave of Royals’ prospects