In K.C., Sam Mellinger writes the Royals after trading for LF Ben Zobrist and P Johnny Cueto are a franchise “taking the training wheels off and making a very clear statement about what’s important.” It has been nine years since GM Dayton Moore was hired, and the Royals -- “finally -- started operating like a big-league organization.” The Royals “could have played this more conservatively, perhaps making themselves better” in ‘18 or ‘19. Mellinger: “But why not go for it now? Who can be sure what any of this will look like in four years anyway?” (K.C. STAR, 7/29).
LET FREEDOM RING: In Philadelphia, Bob Brookover wrote it has been said "over and over again that money is not an issue for the Phillies," and this offseason "will be a chance to prove it." The team should sign Tigers P David Price or Nationals P Jordan Zimmermann and "put one of them in a rotation" with Ps Aaron Nola, Cole Hamels or "presumably one of the young pitchers they will get for Hamels." Suddenly, '16 and '17 would "look a lot more promising." It is time for the Phillies to "show us why they keep saying money is not an issue" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 7/28).
GET YOUR 'STACHE ON: In Cincinnati, Paul Daugherty wondered if Reds GM Walt Jocketty is the "man to lead the reboot." Jocketty's expertise "is not in rebuilding clubs w/kids." Daugherty: "Give him a good team, and some money to make it better with veterans, he'll deliver." What he "has to do now, though, will require more than being the same Walt he has grown comfortable being" (CINCINNATI.com, 7/27).
SERVED ON CHALLAH? In L.A., Bill Shaikin reported the Dodgers are "opening a kosher food stand, located next to Tommy Lasorda's Trattoria in the right field plaza." For now, the stand "will offer three types of kosher hot dogs," but additional kosher offerings "will be added as the season goes on." The stand "will be closed Friday nights and Saturday, when Jews celebrate Shabbat, and on Jewish holidays" (LATIMES.com, 7/28).
