Could the Kansas City Royals be brewing up some espresso magic? Manager Matt Quatraro might just be considering it.
Quatraro recently chatted on the “Jim Rome Show” about the upcoming season and the Royals' stars shining in the World Baseball Classic. He expressed pride in his players and seemed quite amused by the coffee-fueled antics of Team Italy.
Leading the charge for Italy is Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, the team captain, joined by his Royals teammate Jac Caglianone. Italy has captured hearts by going undefeated in Pool B play, and their dugout espresso machine has become a sensation. Pasquantino, who smashed three homers against Mexico, orchestrated this caffeinated celebration, sparking interest in bringing the fun to Kansas City.
“If that is what it takes, we’ll put whatever kind of machine we need in the dugout,” Quatraro joked. “If we’re going to get three-homer nights from guys and that’s the key to it, then yeah, that’s funny.
I’ve been asked a few times about the espresso shots. Like Vinnie said, as many as they need, they’ll keep buying them to get through this tournament.”
After leading Italy to a 9-1 victory over Mexico, Pasquantino admitted he was “beaned up.” Italy now advances to face Puerto Rico in the WBC quarterfinals, where they’ll meet Royals starter Seth Lugo on the mound.
The espresso machine will be ready for Italy. Pasquantino’s idea has truly taken off.
Here’s how it works: whenever a player hits a homer, they don a suit jacket and enjoy a coffee shot, with their uniform number added to the espresso machine. Pasquantino’s No. 9 has been added three times, and Caglianone’s No. 14 has made an appearance too.
“It kind of blew up in 2023 just from having it in there,” Pasquantino shared. “I knew people would be interested because they love the celebrations.
It was comedically perfect when they were too hot the first day, and people were spitting them out. Now it’s like: What are they drinking?
“But it is just coffee. I’m not spiking it with anything other than coffee.
So it was just too hot. We made an adjustment and did better two days ago.
It’s spring training for everybody, right?”
Italy is on fire in the WBC, even defeating the United States in pool play, and they’re brimming with confidence. Pasquantino has emerged as a standout and hopes to carry this momentum into the regular season.
For now, Pasquantino is focused on helping Italy win the tournament. Quatraro, along with Royals fans, is eager to see how the Royals’ representatives perform for their countries in the quarterfinals.
“We are so proud of them all,” Quatraro said. “We’ve got guys on a bunch of different teams in the WBC and they’ve all been performing. It’s been really cool for us, and there’s nothing better as a manager than getting to brag on your guys when you see them do stuff like that.”