How can Kansas City Royals pitchers stop issuing free passes? SportsBeat KC podcast
Oh, those base on balls. The line originated from Frankie Frisch, then manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates as he watched his pitcher pile up walks. Frisch later repeated it often as a broadcaster with the New York Giants. Royals manager Mike Matheny can relate.
The Royals issued nine walks in their series opening loss at the San Francisco Giants on Monday, and bases on balls have been a problem all year for Royals starters and relievers. On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell discuss how this problem has contributed to the Royals’ owning baseball’s worst record.
On the positive side, the Royals have been taking better approaches at the plate and hitting numbers have improved. It coincides with the elevation of Alec Zumwalt as the team’s hitting coach.
Baseball’s walks issued leaders (through June 13)
242 Royals
239 Reds
238 White Sox
Story links:
Royals outhit Giants but lose 6-2 after pitchers surrender nine walks
Royals pitching staff has its share of problems. Let’s start here