Kansas City Royals news: Royals nominated for All-MLB team

David Lesky defends manager Matt Quatraro.

I think there’s something worthwhile about being able to back up a season in the playoffs with a winning record, the first time they actually had expectations. I know there are many people who believe Matt Quatraro is actually the devil. I honestly don’t know what to say to those people. I’m sorry if you’re one of them and I’m offending you. However, much of what the manager does involves managing the pitching staff. To get the sixth-best ERA out of this group of pitchers that missed so much to injury is impressive. They had the seventh-best ERA among starting pitchers and the seventh-best ERA among relievers. I find it to be incongruous at best when people bash the way the pitching staff is handled, and then they put up those numbers. I think Quatraro did a better job this year than last. And I think there is some value somewhere in being better than .500. It’s nice that they were able to accomplish that.

Craig Brown sums up his feelings on the season.

Underachieving? Yes. Failure? I don’t think so.

While this season was disappointing, I remain optimistic. JJ Picollo has shown a knack for finding players who can provide some value, and while he’s hit paydirt on the pitching side, he’s going to need to land a big bat this winter. Carter Jensen looks like the real deal and, even though Jac Caglianone never got going, I remain a believer. The pitching pipeline remains an amazing asset to this organization. Matt Quatraro is the right guy to lead this club. There’s every reason to think that when we convene in this space in late March and talk about the upcoming season, I’ll write that the expectations are to take the division.

First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., third baseman Maikel Garcia, and reliever Carlos Estévez are named nominees for the All-MLB team at their respective positions that you can vote on.

Baseball America names Witt to the first All-Star team at shortstop and Garcia at third.

Royals Reporter writes about six former Royals to watch in the Wild Card round.

The Twins fire manager Rocco Baldelli.

The Giants fire manager Bob Melvin.

Bruce Bochy won’t manage the Rangers next year.

Carlos Mendoza will return to manage the Mets.

The Pirates extend manager Don Kelly.

The White Sox let go of several coaches, including catching coach Drew Butera.

Boston’s Lucas Giolito is out for the Wild Card round.

Jeff Passan at ESPN writes that there are no superteams, and the postseason could be a crapshoot.

Inside the Mets’ stunning collapse.

Mets first baseman Pete Alonso opts out of his contract.