The Royals will not participate in the 2019 postseason. This is not controversial. This should not upset you. The Process 2.0 is only beginning.
But here’s something else: The first bit of progress is peaking its head from underground, like a strange and metaphorical groundhog. You just need to know where to look.
Adalberto Mondesi is the shortstop and he will do things this season to make the jaws of baseball lifers drop straight to the dugout floor. Ryan O’Hearn is deployed and ready to bash right-handed pitching. Kyle Zimmer is in the bullpen. Finally. Seriously.
Each represents a different and significant strength of the Royals’ baseball operations and player development.