Game 131 Open Thread- Tigers (71-62) at Royals (59-72)

Can John Buck match the awesomeness

of LaRue's two walks last night? Dozens, maybe hundreds of fans can't wait to find out.

(First Post!!)

Chaim Mattis Keller New York City's # 1 Royals fan!

by cmkeller on Aug 30, 2007 1:56 PM EDT reply actions

the excitement builds

by Freneau on Aug 30, 2007 1:58 PM EDT reply actions

Jason Smith 2nd, Ross Gload 3rd

Bring on the whackiness.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 2:00 PM EDT reply actions

smith and pena in the same lineup

If only Larue were behind the plate, as well, then the trifecta of craptacularity would be in play.

by marbotty on Aug 30, 2007 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Come on...

Pena may not walk much, but he hits decently.

Chaim Mattis Keller New York City's # 1 Royals fan!

by cmkeller on Aug 30, 2007 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions

although

I do prefer Smith to Keppinger or McEwing

by Freneau on Aug 30, 2007 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Keppinger

.361/.429/.549 thus far with the Reds. Terrifyingly unsustainable, but still.

by nycroyal on Aug 30, 2007 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

I do not understand why a guy batting. 204 and

playing once a week, would bat in the second slot in the lineup. Just the guy we want to get the extra ABs. It is a head shaker.

by daveyork on Aug 30, 2007 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions

2 minutes until gametime

might as well be an eternity

by marbotty on Aug 30, 2007 2:09 PM EDT reply actions

buddy and his lineups

ticks me off sometimes

by smarsh on Aug 30, 2007 2:10 PM EDT reply actions

this is one of those lineups

Where the team has 100 career HRs combined.

The team leader in career homeruns is Buck at 51. That's just embarrassing.

by marbotty on Aug 30, 2007 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Is it just me or

wouldn't a team rather have its best hitters get more chance to hit? Buddy's day lineup are a mystery.

Having said that - KC will score 10 runs today!

by daveyork on Aug 30, 2007 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Is that a butterfly on Nunez's back?

Or an angel? I sense something magical is going to happen today.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 2:11 PM EDT reply actions

Someone Had To Document

This little slice of managerial insanity.

C. Granderson cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .290
P. Polanco 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .341
T. Perez dh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .267
M. Ordonez rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .356
C. Guillen 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .302
M. Rabelo c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .273
B. Inge 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .239
C. Maybin lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .208
R. Santiago ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .417
Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Kansas City
AB R H RBI BB K LOB Season Avg
D. DeJesus cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .275
J. Smith 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .204
R. Gload 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .304
B. Butler dh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .291
A. Gordon 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .247
S. Costa rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .200
T. Pena Jr. ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .260
J. Gathright lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .338
J. Buck c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .224

It might as well be me.

Being a fan is irrational, but what is the alternative?

by philofthenorth on Aug 30, 2007 2:13 PM EDT reply actions

Stupefying

Buddy really broke out the powerball lottery lineup for this one.

by nycroyal on Aug 30, 2007 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Leyland must be in denial

that Sheffield is hurt. Or maybe he thinks Timo is Sheff's reincarnated.

by nycroyal on Aug 30, 2007 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions

or that its the 2000 playoffs again

by Freneau on Aug 30, 2007 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Bring back Shane Spencer

by nycroyal on Aug 30, 2007 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions

which is the bigger disgrace for MLB:

batting Jason Smith 2nd?

or

DH'ing Timo Perez and batting him 3rd?

by marbotty on Aug 30, 2007 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Perez #3, all the way

Lots of managers do stupid/strange things at #1 &#2, but everyne manages to bat someone good at #3,

by Freneau on Aug 30, 2007 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Buddy Bell

Is not going to let Jim Leyland out-crazy him today when it comes to lineup creation!

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Aug 30, 2007 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions

And it's not like Jim Leyland

Doesn't have plenty of over-.300 hitters to use in that spot.

And unlike Buddy, he's not thinking toward a double-header tomorrow.

Chaim Mattis Keller New York City's # 1 Royals fan!

by cmkeller on Aug 30, 2007 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Does Anyone Else...

Find it really strange that Buddy has ultimate confidence in hitting Butler #3 or #4 day after day, but seems hell bent on always leaving Gordon 5th or lower?

by Freneau on Aug 30, 2007 2:18 PM EDT reply actions

i would like to see gordon bat 2nd or 3rd

ahead of butler

by smarsh on Aug 30, 2007 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions

bear down leo

by Freneau on Aug 30, 2007 2:20 PM EDT reply actions

When Magglio Ordonez bats against Matt Garza

Does everyone in the stadium break out their sunglasses?

Chaim Mattis Keller New York City's # 1 Royals fan!

by cmkeller on Aug 30, 2007 2:21 PM EDT reply actions

oh and two

keep getting ahead, leo.

by Sean O Se on Aug 30, 2007 2:23 PM EDT reply actions

if not for the bizarre lineup

there'd only be one out right now

by LeoBloom on Aug 30, 2007 2:24 PM EDT reply actions

Noonie doing a good job throwing strikes

kind of a long inning but a scoreless one

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 2:25 PM EDT reply actions

Appropos of nothing

I just love this video clip:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=lj3iNxZ8Dww

I personally believe the Royals rule such as and the like and even people in countries like the Iraq and South Africa and the Asian countries knows that the Royals rule such as.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Aug 30, 2007 2:29 PM EDT reply actions

who doesn't appreciate questions about the iraq?

by marbotty on Aug 30, 2007 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions

bonderman is going to have a long outing

with this white flag line up

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 2:31 PM EDT reply actions

I love day games and all

But isn't a weekday day game in August after school has started a bit stupid?

Weekday day games used to be huge draws when there was only one a year, but now that they have 5-6 a year, they all seem to draw about 10,000 a game. I don't understand why they have so many.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Aug 30, 2007 2:31 PM EDT reply actions

Wouldn't it have made more sense in the summer?

I am a teacher and would have gone had it been during June or July. I can make a one-day trip from 20 miles outside St. Louis and not need a motel.

by jbrocato on Aug 30, 2007 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Day game

because the Royals have that LONG, grueling trip to Minnesota. You know, their CLOSEST American League opponent.

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 2:35 PM EDT reply actions

It is a double header tomorrow

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

but where are the Tigers going?

I dont mind the ocassional day game, what bothers me is the forced Sunday afternoon games

by LeoBloom on Aug 30, 2007 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Andrew Miller sent all the way to A-ball yesterday

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 2:35 PM EDT reply actions

W-O-W

That is crazy

-- Royals Delegate to the land of the Salmon and Moose (Seattle)

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Aug 30, 2007 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

It's probably a bookkeeping move

About setting the playoff roster. I doubt Miller will actually report to A ball; he'll probably be back on the Tigers roster on Saturday.

by jbrocato on Aug 30, 2007 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions

He is a bust

Sure glad we got Hochevar (8 IP 0 ER last night) instead of Miller.

That was a bit tongue-in-cheek.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Aug 30, 2007 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions

thad markray should be our new closer

by marbotty on Aug 30, 2007 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Tigers are getting some good swings at Nunez

They sound loud even on the radio.Hope he learned a few lessons from Bannister a couple nights ago.

by daveyork on Aug 30, 2007 2:38 PM EDT reply actions

DH tomorrow for KC, yes, but

it was not a DH when the schedule was made...

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 2:38 PM EDT reply actions

Makeup of August 2 postponement

Caused by I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis

by jbrocato on Aug 30, 2007 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Saturday

They're having a Twins game in the afternoon and a Gophers game in the evening, right? What happens if the Royals-Twins game runs long?

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Aug 30, 2007 2:39 PM EDT reply actions

Kitties

threatining to post another high hit, low run game?

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 2:40 PM EDT reply actions

load em for Timo

by marbotty on Aug 30, 2007 2:40 PM EDT reply actions

Good recovery, Leo

Bases loaded with one out, and they only scored one.

I'm liking the way that looks.

Chaim Mattis Keller New York City's # 1 Royals fan!

by cmkeller on Aug 30, 2007 2:43 PM EDT reply actions

Saturday

in past years, I've heard the baseball game is required to end at a certain time, else it is suspended and concluded on Sunday.

Stupid on all parts - baseball and college football should be able to coordinate their schedules, especially in the computer age we are living in...

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 2:43 PM EDT reply actions

Mechean pitch count effort from Nunez

by LeoBloom on Aug 30, 2007 2:43 PM EDT reply actions

Detroit's schedule is the answer to why this is a

day game. They play at Oakland this weekend. Common courtesy, especially among division foes who face each other often, is to schedule get away games during the day when either team is headed out west. If we don't do it for Detroit, presumably they won't do it for us either...

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 2:45 PM EDT reply actions

weird outing from Nunez

I think he's pitching better than his 5 hits / 35 pitches show. but only 1 run so far

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 2:46 PM EDT reply actions

he keeps getting to 2 strikes

then...

by LeoBloom on Aug 30, 2007 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions

I hate to say it

But Bonderman looks like a possible victim of fetal alcohol syndrome. Sorry if that offends anyone, but the guy makes me feel uncomfortable.

by nycroyal on Aug 30, 2007 2:48 PM EDT reply actions

I was a victim of FAS

You bastard!!!

:)

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Did you see the pictue

of David Howard on Royals Retro's site? Even worse.

Chaim Mattis Keller New York City's # 1 Royals fan!

by cmkeller on Aug 30, 2007 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions

i think that about athletes all the time

Daniel gibson of the Cavs comes to mind

by LeoBloom on Aug 30, 2007 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Shelden Williams

Even worse

by nycroyal on Aug 30, 2007 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions

100%

by LeoBloom on Aug 30, 2007 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Costa doing a little bad ball hitting

That was off his shoe top.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 2:48 PM EDT reply actions

shane rock ya costa with the first hit

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 2:49 PM EDT reply actions

At least it's not a no-hitter

Chaim Mattis Keller New York City's # 1 Royals fan!

by cmkeller on Aug 30, 2007 2:49 PM EDT reply actions

Sometimes I wonder

just what Costa is lacking. You see some indications of good talent at times, then you look at his numbers and they suck.

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 2:49 PM EDT reply actions

R E G U L A R P L A Y I N G T I M E

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Please

He just isn't that good. Regular playing time won't turn a sow's ear into a silk purse.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions

costa=classic tweener

can't really play center, can't hit enough for a corner

by LeoBloom on Aug 30, 2007 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions

AAAA tweener

May play on some AAA all-star teams, but looks like a 5th OFer in the majors.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't know how we can say that about him

Without playing him every day for a stretch in the majors, given his minor league numbers.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

You can look at how he's played in the majors

And that doesn't warrant a long stretch of everyday playing time. He's hit poorly in the majors. His approach is awful. He swings at everything and hopes he makes contact. That works in AAA sometimes. Not so much in the majors.

I'm all for him getting a bunch of playing time in September in the hopes that I'm wrong. I just haven't ever seen anything from him in the majors to give me any optimism.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions

another GREAT PA by tpJ

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 2:50 PM EDT reply actions

Pena

anxious to get to Minnesota

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 2:51 PM EDT reply actions

He's had more regular playing time before,

and never done enough. All I meant was he LOOKS like a hitter sometimes, to this untrained eye, but I think we have enough evidence to say he really isn't that good...

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 2:52 PM EDT reply actions

I haven't given up on Nunez, but...

He really looks like he's going to be a good, shut-down reliever. I'm happy about that. Still has some SP potential, though.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 2:53 PM EDT reply actions

Bullpen or rotation for 2008

I like Nunez in the bullpen as a 7th-8th inning guy. Perhaps taking Greinke's role.

by daveyork on Aug 30, 2007 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Walk that tightrope,

Leo!

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 2:53 PM EDT reply actions

nunez is seriously hammering the strike zone

3 to 1 strike to ball ratio, good quick inning there

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 2:54 PM EDT reply actions

meanwhile in NY

Wang has a no-hitter through 6

but has walked 4 and is at 87 pitches

by Freneau on Aug 30, 2007 2:55 PM EDT reply actions

The Yankees current resurgence is sickening

by nycroyal on Aug 30, 2007 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Detroit disappoints

they're supposed to post no runs on two hits in each inning, not go down one-two-three.

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 2:56 PM EDT reply actions

Wang is very good, I hate the yanks for findinghim

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 2:57 PM EDT reply actions

Did anyone notice that the Royals have

a 3 game lead on White Sox as of today?

How long can Kenny Williams and Ozzie survive? I hope they are there for a long time.

by daveyork on Aug 30, 2007 2:58 PM EDT reply actions

sox= worst non devil rays in baseball

by Freneau on Aug 30, 2007 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions

They won the World Series two years ago

Ownership will cut them more slack than you'd expect from one bad year.

And reporters will not start referring to the "lowly White Sox" too soon, either.

Chaim Mattis Keller New York City's # 1 Royals fan!

by cmkeller on Aug 30, 2007 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions

John buck.... "Yes, I can hit fastballs"

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 2:58 PM EDT reply actions

".........kinda"

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 2:59 PM EDT reply actions

Halfway there...

Buck needs just one more total base to equal LaRue's stellar performance last night.

Yup, a little competition definitely raises the level of the catchers.

Chaim Mattis Keller New York City's # 1 Royals fan!

by cmkeller on Aug 30, 2007 2:59 PM EDT reply actions

Too bad

Pena hits 7th and Buck 9th, instead of reverse. Especially odd, since Buck is clearly a better hitter than Pena...

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:00 PM EDT reply actions

the best we can hope for from Smith: HBP

by marbotty on Aug 30, 2007 3:00 PM EDT reply actions

The scouting report on Jason Smith...

Don't throw him a fastball, ever

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 3:01 PM EDT reply actions

Let's play two

Today was a doubleheader for me in Moscow - I woke up really early and watched last night's game, and now I am watching today's game. WEIRD.

by Moose Tacos on Aug 30, 2007 3:01 PM EDT reply actions

You'll love this weekend, spectator

Royals should play three games within an approximate time frame of 25 hours!

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:03 PM EDT reply actions

The only question is

for how many of those games will I be passed out?

by Moose Tacos on Aug 30, 2007 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions

random question

anyone excited about the start of college football tonight?

Iowa State Kent State!

by Freneau on Aug 30, 2007 3:07 PM EDT reply actions

Leo settled in now,

pitch count good - 7 innings today?

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:07 PM EDT reply actions

How will he do the third time through the lineup?

That's what I'm interested to see. That's a tough test, particularly against this lineup.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions

timo and granderson 3rd time around

hehe

by Freneau on Aug 30, 2007 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Need Red Sox update

I see Boston has two men on - no hitter over, I presume?

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:08 PM EDT reply actions

yea

jeter error (he's so clutch) then a single by Youk

by Freneau on Aug 30, 2007 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Error and single

Yes, no-no is over.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Nunez is suddenly dealing

How sick would it be to have a rotation with Meche (92-94mph), Greinke (94-98), Nunez (93-95), then Bannister with the soft stuff and JDLR throwing hard from the left side or Davies. Killer.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 3:10 PM EDT reply actions

I'm getting giddy

thinking about a potential rotation of Meche, Bannister, Greinke, Nunez, and Soria next season. If Nunez is for real, and Soria can make the conversion, and given how Zack has looked this go round...

You have to admit, that has at least the potential to be one of the best rotations in all of baseball.

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:11 PM EDT reply actions

What an improvement from 2006

with Elarton, Joe Mays, et al.

KC's rotation is looking strong. I hope to see Soria as the closer. Too many days of watching KC trot out awful closers who give away games the Royals should be winning.

by daveyork on Aug 30, 2007 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions

gload didn't explode

by Freneau on Aug 30, 2007 3:12 PM EDT reply actions

Butler with the triple

Wow how many times will we see that happen

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 3:13 PM EDT reply actions

Gordon

has been clutch lately!

by I need more Esteban on Aug 30, 2007 3:15 PM EDT reply actions

Butler with a TPJ impression

Up to two triples on the season. Slow? Maybe not as much as conventional wisdom says?

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:15 PM EDT reply actions

Butler and Gordo

THE FUTURE!

http://royalsnation.proboards62.com/index.cgi?action=chat

by Royals Nation on Aug 30, 2007 3:15 PM EDT reply actions

1-1

incredible

by Freneau on Aug 30, 2007 3:15 PM EDT reply actions

Butler only triples vs

Detroit. All two career vs the Kitties...

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:16 PM EDT reply actions

I saw triple #1

Comerica is a very triple-friendly ballpark.

by jbrocato on Aug 30, 2007 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions

There's the Costa

we know

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:16 PM EDT reply actions

Just keep swinging at everything

Maybe your bat will find the ball once every 10 at bats.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Pena shrewdly

keeping Bonderman's pitch count low so we can beat him in the 7th or so...

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:17 PM EDT reply actions

nunez at 57 pitches

we need a fast inning

by Freneau on Aug 30, 2007 3:19 PM EDT reply actions

Actually, both teams hacking like it's

a get away day.

Detroit, 3.35 pitches per PA today
KC, 2.94 pitches per PA today

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:19 PM EDT reply actions

Another K (4 in a row)

This kid really attacks the strike zone with some heat.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 3:20 PM EDT reply actions

A "K" will do

5 thus far for Kid Leo.

http://royalsnation.proboards62.com/index.cgi?action=chat

by Royals Nation on Aug 30, 2007 3:20 PM EDT reply actions

You would think with such aggresiveness,

we'd be seeing a high scoring game.

Oh, wait - only Buddy Bell would think that...

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:20 PM EDT reply actions

Nunez K's his 4th in a row

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 3:20 PM EDT reply actions

Whoops third time through the lineup

Not starting so well.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 3:22 PM EDT reply actions

Boo, I hate giving the lead right back

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 3:22 PM EDT reply actions

Granderson HR

despite his stupid, patient approach at the plate.

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:22 PM EDT reply actions

Well....

The old "seize the momentum and give it right back" rears its ugly head again.

http://royalsnation.proboards62.com/index.cgi?action=chat

by Royals Nation on Aug 30, 2007 3:22 PM EDT reply actions

Yes, the homer / double is not a good start

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 3:23 PM EDT reply actions

This is why I think he'll be a reliever

He does well the first and second times through the lineup with that fastball. By the third time through the lineup, they've all seen it and it becomes more hittable. He's going to have to really develop better second and third pitches if he wants to be a starter.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 3:23 PM EDT reply actions

I agree and Nunez stamina will always be a

question since he is thin. I'd love to see him come out of the pen 3x a week. Just dealing.

Riske, Nunez, Soria at end of game looks good. Could see KC trading Gobble or Bale for that RH OF they are looking for.

Would AZ deal Quentin for Gobble?

by daveyork on Aug 30, 2007 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions

An everyday player for a LOOGY?

No way. We'd definitely have to throw something else in.

Chaim Mattis Keller New York City's # 1 Royals fan!

by cmkeller on Aug 30, 2007 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Nunez seems to have lost his control

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 3:24 PM EDT reply actions

Come on, TIMO PEREZ?

Momentum is firmly back in the tigers court

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 3:25 PM EDT reply actions

He's not passing the 3rd time through test

HR, double, double

ugh

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 3:25 PM EDT reply actions

NYRoyal,

honestly, can't write him off as a starter, can you? He is certainly young enough to grow into his body and improve his stamina enough to get thru a lineup three times instead of two, isn't he?

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:25 PM EDT reply actions

Definitely

I think I've said a couple times in this thread that I'm not writing him off as a starter. But, to me, he isn't there yet. His second and third pitches aren't good enough yet. But he could certainly develop into one.

But I don't think stamina is the issue. He's got one really good pitch and can't rely on the others yet.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions

I can't believe

he's still in there after the second double

Chaim Mattis Keller New York City's # 1 Royals fan!

by cmkeller on Aug 30, 2007 3:27 PM EDT reply actions

Nunez' future = bullpen

Sorry. Dominant and then surrendering three consecutive extra base hits, sandwiched between not finding the strike zone tells me his future lies in the bullpen.

http://royalsnation.proboards62.com/index.cgi?action=chat

by Royals Nation on Aug 30, 2007 3:27 PM EDT reply actions

Ummmmmmmm this outing got ugly quick

Bullpen please?

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 3:27 PM EDT reply actions

Sigh

Buddy, why did you wait to pull Leo? WHY?

http://royalsnation.proboards62.com/index.cgi?action=chat

by Royals Nation on Aug 30, 2007 3:28 PM EDT reply actions

I would definitely keep him in the 2007 rotation

As a starter, he can keep working on second and third pitches. It also gives us a better look at him. The die is not yet cast. He should start for the rest of the year at least. Then we can see how he looks in the spring.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

Gotta defend Bell a bit here

keep in mind we play a DH tomorrow. Bell trying to get a bit more out of Nunez than he otherwise might have is understandable, IMHO.

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

Humbug.

Should've treated Nunez like Greinke and been happy with four solid innings... but hindsight is 20/20.

by royalwolf on Aug 30, 2007 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

Nothing like tying a game, then getting

knocked out of it the next inning. 5 IP 9H 5ER 0BB 6SO 2HR

Weird line

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

I take that back...

...I suppose that Nunez has been already stretched out already as a starter, and I should keep that in mind.

by royalwolf on Aug 30, 2007 3:31 PM EDT reply actions

Call me crazy

but this is not all that discouraging an outing by Nunez.

NY, you make an eloquent point. I don't know if it's his stamina or his still-developing secondary pitches. Would love to hear what Bob McClure thinks...

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:31 PM EDT reply actions

I trust McClure

I have my theories and opinions on Nunez, but McClure knows better. I think McClure can/will help him to develop.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions

5 IP, 9 H, 5 ER not discouraging?

Sounds more like a Davies outing than Bannister.

by jbrocato on Aug 30, 2007 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions

You have to look beyond the stat line

...if you want to make a serious and meaningful evaluation of a pitcher's outing.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't understand how you evaluate pitchers

I suppose Andrew Miller pitched well for Detroit last night as well.

These weren't bloop hits, especially in the fifth.

by jbrocato on Aug 30, 2007 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Gathright hasn't looked the same

Since his eye issue came to light

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 3:33 PM EDT reply actions

what, did emil

shoot gathright in the eye?

by Sean O Se on Aug 30, 2007 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

NY, I think

we are more or less in agreement on Nunez. I just wanted to remind everybody he is still very young, like Greinke. I think that get's overlooked sometimes, because of the way the previous regime rushed guys to the bigs, they seem like they are older than they really are.

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:34 PM EDT reply actions

He's very good

He's a decent major league pitcher already, at this young age. The only question is how much better he'll get and what role he is best suited for. He's not there yet, but he's improving. He'll only get better in the coming years.

by Scott McKinney on Aug 30, 2007 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions

SEnd nunez out for the 6th?

With the DH tomorrow I vote yes

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 3:37 PM EDT reply actions

Defending Nunez

zero walks and six K's is very impressive; of course the XBHs are not good.

Factor in he was dominant for the first 18 batters, and it's not that hard to see potential for learning and future improvement from an outing like this, is it jbrocato?

I'm more upset at the pitiful offensive approach today than Nunez' unexpectantly hitting the wall in the 5th...

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:38 PM EDT reply actions

But a game isn't only 4 innings

by jbrocato on Aug 30, 2007 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Royals have now improved today

up to 2.95 pitches per PA from my previous post of 2.94

<Sigh>

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:40 PM EDT reply actions

baby steps

in a decade we'll have a good approach

by Freneau on Aug 30, 2007 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, after that 6th

I vote we send him out for the 7th too

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 3:42 PM EDT reply actions

Nice bounce back inning for Leo

Here's hoping Bell lets him go another inning. That would be at least part way thru a lineup for the fourth time, plus I'm interested to see how he fares against the guys who lit him up in the 5th. Perhaps he has an adjustment left? Regardless, this is a great learning opportunity for Leo.

If we were in the race, or if we didn't have a DH tomorrow, or even if it even remotely looked like we could mount a rally vs Bonderman, I might think differently.

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:45 PM EDT reply actions

Bonderman is giong to CG us

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 3:45 PM EDT reply actions

Hackfest

continues

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:46 PM EDT reply actions

Butler is a beast, everybody else

not so much

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 3:48 PM EDT reply actions

Seems like Godo is a guaranteed K

If the pitcher gets 2 strikes on him

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 3:51 PM EDT reply actions

Someone forgot to tell Butler

That Bonderman is unhittable.

Chaim Mattis Keller New York City's # 1 Royals fan!

by cmkeller on Aug 30, 2007 3:51 PM EDT reply actions

Gordon chases too many balls

out of the strikezone. Still tries to do too much at times, IMHO.

That could easily improve with experience (we better hope it does, if he is to be counted on as middle of the order run producer)

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 3:53 PM EDT reply actions

having a competent offense

sure would be fun to watch

hackfest sucks away my will to care

by Freneau on Aug 30, 2007 3:58 PM EDT reply actions

Pitching change; good time to post this:

I recently sent an email to Carlos Gomez, the dude that analyzes pitching mechanics (either on BP or Hardball Times, I forget which). Here is my question and his reply:

Q: I was wondering what you thought about KC pitcher Leo Nunez. He is a max-effort guy, smallish, and still developing a third pitch (changeup). Royals keep insisting he is a better bullpen fit; I was wondering if you think he has the mechanics to make a better starter than perhaps the Royals' brass believes?

A: I wonder if the Royals believe that because of how skinny he is. Yeah, his delivery has good effort in it (which I like), he has excellent tempo. He almost seems like he "jumps out" at hitters, which I think will make his offspeed better once he masters the changeup.

Maybe right NOW he is better suited for the bullpen. He might have better stats in the bullpen, but ultimately, he has more value as a starter. His changeup is actually pretty good. The Royals have nothing to lose right now, and I believe it would be a mistake to move him back into the pen.

Carlos

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 4:05 PM EDT reply actions

Nice...

Thanks for sharing that.

I was at a 311 concert all day yesterday, and didn't get to see the game. How did Zack look? His line was spectacular.

-- Royals Delegate to the land of the Salmon and Moose (Seattle)

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Aug 30, 2007 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Bucker REALLY impressive there

Tell me again why he isn't starting tomorrow? Nasty breaking ball

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 4:08 PM EDT reply actions

No start because

He has not developed the sufficient grittiness to make it as a major league starter.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Aug 30, 2007 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

He May Not Be

Around Buddy long enough for this to happen.

Being a fan is irrational, but what is the alternative?

by philofthenorth on Aug 30, 2007 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions

*buckner

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Aug 30, 2007 4:08 PM EDT reply actions

something to note

In my methods of reading course today, we discussed schemas and such. And it made me think about how everyone thinks of us as the hapless, lowly Royals. It's not that they see us as a joke (well, really it is), or that they don't recognize our strides in greatness (well, it could be that), but it's just that their schemas aren't set up to see the Royals as a viable, good baseball team. They're brain is currently miscueing, and directing them to think of the Royals as a "minor" league team, the Yankee's farm fodder, a laughable group of pathetic washed up veterans who always manage to overshadow their younger counterparts on the roster.

So what we need to do as a Nation, as a fanbase, is change those schemas around us so that people will no longer see us as the lowly, hapless Royals, but rather as the Kansas City Royals, a team that should be taken as a serious threat to other ball clubs.

I got bored...sue me

by loyal2theroyals on Aug 30, 2007 4:28 PM EDT reply actions

Or, as an alternative, my lovely daughter,

we could just start winning more games

: )

by loyal2s dad on Aug 30, 2007 4:44 PM EDT reply actions

we have been winning more games

but that hasn't seemed to help the national image of our boys in blue, now has it?

I got bored...sue me

by loyal2theroyals on Aug 30, 2007 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Remember the "Lowly" Tigers

No one thinks of them as lowly now. But I bet you could have heard them called that a lot in 2003. That was 4 years ago.

It will take time to change people's minds. And more than just not losing 100 games or finishing ONLY 10-15 games under .500.

One thing that really helped them change the conversation with the signing of Ivan Rodriguez. Everyone said "huh? who are these guys kidding?" And yet, they backed it up by getting better fast and going to the World Series.

I could see us doing the same thing. We did to some to degree with the Meche signing, but he's not nearly the "name" that Rodriguez was.

by Big Guy on Aug 30, 2007 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions