Game 141 Open Thread- Yankees (79-62) at Royals (62-78)

by Freneau on Sep 8, 2007 4:31 PM EDT in Kansas City Royals News

Two time AL Rookie of the Month Brian Bannister (12-7, 3.16 ERA) takes the ball for the Royals this evening, as KC looks to improve on a 1-7 mark this season against New York. With a win, the Royals would also ensure their first non-100-loss season since 2003.

3:30 PM, Restate My Assumptions: Banny's ERA isn't irrational, but it is very near 3.14.

The Yankees counter with Roger Clemens' buddy Andy Pettitte (12-8, 3.82 ERA).

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First

eff the yankees

by nycroyal on Sep 8, 2007 4:45 PM EDT reply actions

LaPoo NeedsThe

AB's, and be gives us a significantly better chance of getting #63 tonight. At least it's only one Jason at a time now.

NY Yankees
AB R H RBI BB K LOB Season Avg
J. Damon dh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .256
D. Jeter ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .320
B. Abreu rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .288
A. Rodriguez 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .315
H. Matsui lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .294
J. Posada c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .336
R. Cano 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .299
W. Betemit 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .204
M. Cabrera cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .294
Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Kansas City
AB R H RBI BB K LOB Season Avg
E. German 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .265
M. Grudzielanek 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .306
B. Butler 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .299
M. Sweeney dh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .256
M. Teahen rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .288
E. Brown lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .245
T. Pena Jr. ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .257
J. LaRue c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .145
J. Gathright cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .317
Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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

by philofthenorth on Sep 8, 2007 5:50 PM EDT reply actions

Strange Lineup

Buddy does realize that even Bannister needs run support right? I like Butler at 1b and I understand that Petite is a lefty but if that is the reason for Gordon Sitting then why Gathright instead of DDJ?

by Skirra on Sep 8, 2007 6:03 PM EDT reply actions

we've got to try to get LaRue eligible for the

anti-batting title

by Freneau on Sep 8, 2007 6:13 PM EDT reply actions

Check Out The R/L

Splits for Pettitte this year.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/psplit.cgi?n1=pettian01&year=2007
G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR BB IBB SO HBP SH SF ROE GDP SB CS Pk BA OBP SLG OPS BAbip sOPS+ tOPS+ Split
+-+------------+---+----+----+---+---+--+--+--+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+--+--+-----+----- +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------------+
RHB as LH 31 600 547 54 152 32 2 8 41 1 97 1 4 7 6 20 12 6 5 .278 .326 .388 .713 .321 80 92
LHB as LH 31 187 167 24 50 8 3 6 18 0 30 0 0 2 0 5 2 0 1 .299 .364 .491 .855 .331 141 128

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

by philofthenorth on Sep 8, 2007 6:19 PM EDT reply actions

the excitement is building

by Freneau on Sep 8, 2007 6:28 PM EDT reply actions

Are The Patek

Bobbleheads life size?

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

by philofthenorth on Sep 8, 2007 6:58 PM EDT reply actions

I'm so sick of Buddy Bell

This line-up is terrible.

by Stook on Sep 8, 2007 7:11 PM EDT reply actions

Not as sick as I am of Bell bashing

Maybe if the Royals lose 2008 Opening Day, I'll start the bashing of the new person as payback to you anti-Bell people!

by jbrocato on Sep 8, 2007 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I tremble in fear

"True friends stab you in the front."-Oscar Wilde.

by NHZ on Sep 9, 2007 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions

I Shudder To Think

It looks odd, but it works for me.

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

by philofthenorth on Sep 9, 2007 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions

they got him!

a-rod out at second!

by Sean O Se on Sep 8, 2007 7:33 PM EDT reply actions

why is no one here? :)

this is i think a great chance for the royals to win... banny is unstoppable.

by Sean O Se on Sep 8, 2007 7:34 PM EDT reply actions

i've been watching the ND game...

by Freneau on Sep 8, 2007 7:34 PM EDT reply actions

banny ERA update

3.12

about to drop again

Anyone but Terry

by FireBell on Sep 8, 2007 7:35 PM EDT reply actions

make that 3.11

Anyone but Terry

by FireBell on Sep 8, 2007 7:36 PM EDT reply actions

TPJ

just stand there and take pitches

don't swing

Anyone but Terry

by FireBell on Sep 8, 2007 7:43 PM EDT reply actions

if ND beats Penn St it'd be one way

to get their season back on track.

If banny gets below 3.00 this season we should send him champagne.

by Sean O Se on Sep 8, 2007 7:43 PM EDT reply actions

butler good on defense?

hmmm. or should he not have come so far out on that play?

by Sean O Se on Sep 8, 2007 7:44 PM EDT reply actions

not sure really

Anyone but Terry

by FireBell on Sep 8, 2007 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions

That's One Of The

Tougher judgement plays to make at 1st. I didn't see it, but if the pitcher is covering like he should it's harmless.

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

by philofthenorth on Sep 8, 2007 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Banny ERA update

3.10

I love this guy.

Banny for ~~AL ROY~~ CY Young.

Anyone but Terry

by FireBell on Sep 8, 2007 7:48 PM EDT reply actions

i'm glad they boo'd damon

wouldn't have minded so much if he'd stayed at boston. but going all evil was just too opportunistic.

by Sean O Se on Sep 8, 2007 7:48 PM EDT reply actions

too bad the homer was into the bullpen

otherwise a royals fan could have thrown it back...:(

by Sean O Se on Sep 8, 2007 7:49 PM EDT reply actions

No Worries

LaPoo leads off next inning.

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

by philofthenorth on Sep 8, 2007 7:52 PM EDT reply actions

damon, damn

spoke too soon

banny ERA update: 3.21

time to get some runs

Anyone but Terry

by FireBell on Sep 8, 2007 7:53 PM EDT reply actions

i thought you said not to worry

because larue was coming up. :)

by Sean O Se on Sep 8, 2007 7:55 PM EDT reply actions

Saying "No Worries: Is

Not like saying not to worry; more like "hakuna matata".

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

by philofthenorth on Sep 8, 2007 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions

LaPoo Hits Over

.300 against Pettitte lifetime; at least he did until this "K".

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

by philofthenorth on Sep 8, 2007 7:56 PM EDT reply actions

i think we're showcasing larue for the offseason

when we are planning on trading him to a circus as a curiosity. ("he hits 135!")

what will we get in return?

by Sean O Se on Sep 8, 2007 8:01 PM EDT reply actions

I Heard Of A European

Soccer team trading a player for meat; maybe we could be so lucky.

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

by philofthenorth on Sep 8, 2007 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Isn't LaRue a free agent?

As I've said before, the best part of LaRue playing is that it means Buck isn't!

by jbrocato on Sep 8, 2007 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Nice....

Good to see Billy make a smart baserunning decision.

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

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Sep 8, 2007 8:17 PM EDT reply actions

There was a runner on 2nd, nobody out...

3-1 on A-rod...WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST WALK HIM BANNISTER. So freaking stupid. We are incapable of beating the yankees. 100%, unable

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Sep 8, 2007 8:17 PM EDT reply actions

Emil Brown is clutch

I've been telling you guys this for ages.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Sep 8, 2007 8:21 PM EDT reply actions

A-Meal Is

A car part?

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

by philofthenorth on Sep 8, 2007 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions

yay!!!

halfway back to even!

by Sean O Se on Sep 8, 2007 8:21 PM EDT reply actions

Emil Comes Through

For Buddy.

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

by philofthenorth on Sep 8, 2007 8:21 PM EDT reply actions

by the way

the fact that brown has so many rbi's just means the people in front of him keep getting on. i still say axe him.

by Sean O Se on Sep 8, 2007 8:22 PM EDT reply actions

Eh

Brown: 57 rbi, 325 AB
Golden Boy Mark Teahen, 54 RBI, 472 AB

I'd rather have Emil at the dish with RISP

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Sep 8, 2007 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions

TPJ down on three pitches

Angel Berroa Pt 2

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Sep 8, 2007 8:22 PM EDT reply actions

I honestly think...

Smith should be getting more playing time than Pena.

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

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Sep 8, 2007 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions

At least smith might get a fat pitch

And crank it out every few games. TPJ as of late, has been entirely too Larue'ish for me.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Sep 8, 2007 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Bring Back

The Devil!

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

by philofthenorth on Sep 8, 2007 8:26 PM EDT reply actions

An inning that starts with a larue AB

Really isn't an inning at all.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Sep 8, 2007 8:36 PM EDT reply actions

2nd RISP with 2 outs

stranded. These 1 and 2 run games that we lose are killing me. Need to get some doubles with nobody out for a change.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Sep 8, 2007 8:41 PM EDT reply actions

Oh for the love of god

Another A-rod home run. WHY ARE YOU THROWING HIM PITCHES TO HIT, YOU CANNOT LET A TEAMS BEST HITTER SINGLE HANDEDLY BEAT YOU

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Sep 8, 2007 8:43 PM EDT reply actions

Game update: Bannister has nothing

7H, 3Hr, 3 BB, 1 HBP

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Sep 8, 2007 8:49 PM EDT reply actions

And wilson betemit, a .227 hitter

Hits a 3 run home run off Ryan Braun. Game over, humiliation complete.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Sep 8, 2007 8:54 PM EDT reply actions

and another game slips away in the SIXTH inning

I hate the 6th inning...

Let's Go Blues!

by powderbluesfor08 on Sep 8, 2007 8:55 PM EDT reply actions

This team has been terrible the past 4 games

I hate this. September comes, and we regress to exactly where we were at the beginning of the year. Unable to score runs, giving up 2 jacks in a game to A-rod, letting a .227 hitter bury us in the 6th inning, after our best starter implodes. It's incredibly embarassing...

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Sep 8, 2007 8:57 PM EDT reply actions

Bannister Wasn't Sharp, But

Other than what apparently was a fluke HR to Damon he gave up 3 runs on 2 bad pitches to the best hitter in baseball at this time; not exactly an implosion. He left that for Braun.

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

by philofthenorth on Sep 8, 2007 9:00 PM EDT reply actions

He gave A-rod 2 cookies

On 2 3-1 counts. Unacceptable, Bannister is way too smart to do that. You have to walk him, hands down. 3 runs right there. Now we have Buddy's infinite genius putting Braun in.... and it's now a 7 run inning and if I was at the K I'd be booing my ass off at this pitiful display.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Sep 8, 2007 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions

In fairness to Bell

Five runs is a steep deficit to make up; why burn up better pitchers in a blowout?

by jbrocato on Sep 8, 2007 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions

sigh

a-rod almost homers again. i'm going to stop listening to denny matthews et al and listen to music or something. let's hope we turn this around--maybe not tomorrow, but against minnesota.

by Sean O Se on Sep 8, 2007 9:03 PM EDT reply actions

I have no doubt Greinke will get torched tomorrow

If he throws anything but his absolute A game. Even if that happens, they will foul off a ton a pitchers and still rip him a new one. This team does not have the mindset to play the Yankees, and we will probably just get embarrassed again.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Sep 8, 2007 9:05 PM EDT reply actions

This thought was brought to you by WAL*MART...

who reminds you for every Royals loss to the Yankees,we will raise our prices by 25%! WAL*MART:Always low prices,always low payrolls,always low quality. ALWAYS.

Fighting Philip Fitzpatrick-Fight me,I'm Irish and a Royals fan!

by Philip Fitzsimmons on Sep 9, 2007 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions

ugh....

I'm going to go make homemade blackberry muffins with my wife.

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

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Sep 8, 2007 9:07 PM EDT reply actions

you missed Hochi-man

Let's Go Blues!

by powderbluesfor08 on Sep 8, 2007 9:38 PM EDT reply actions

and he just hit Arod...

I like him better now.

Let's Go Blues!

by powderbluesfor08 on Sep 8, 2007 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions

LOL...

I popped back in when I heard his name and watched the 1st inning.

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

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Sep 8, 2007 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions

2 scoreless innings...

not bad.

Let's Go Blues!

by powderbluesfor08 on Sep 8, 2007 9:53 PM EDT reply actions

Billy looks ok

at 1st

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

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Sep 8, 2007 10:06 PM EDT reply actions

Even if it is a blowout, two good things . . .

Luke pitching 3 shutout innings against the Yanks ain't bad, and Butler looking ok at first is what we want to see.

I am distressed at how much the Yankees have owned us this year, but Banny was due for an off outing, and I am happy to see Luke and Billy progress.

by Eppenweb on Sep 8, 2007 10:28 PM EDT reply actions

still no huber

fire
bell
now

Anyone but Terry

by FireBell on Sep 8, 2007 10:28 PM EDT reply actions

See comment below

by jbrocato on Sep 8, 2007 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm going to say this hopefully only once

Bell did not cost the Royals this game.

The Royals most effective pitcher the best two months had a bad game. That happens and should not be a reflection on Bell.

by jbrocato on Sep 8, 2007 10:29 PM EDT reply actions

Can you spell LINEUP????

Bell is just coasting to the end and it can't come soon enough.

by grudz69 on Sep 8, 2007 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions

You know

I wonder just how bad a coach Bell would have to be before you criticize him.

Any game in which LaRue starts is a strike against Bell. He should be starting Buck with OCCASIONAL starts by Phillips. There is NO REASON, NONE for LaRue to get a single worthless bat the rest of the season.

Any game in which Brown starts is another strike against Bell. He should be starting Costa or (crazy thought here) Huber. There is NO REASON, NONE for Brown to get a single bat the rest of the season.

Any game in which Sweeney starts is ANOTHER strike against Bell. He should be starting Huber or (crazy thought here) Brazell. There is NO REASON, NONE for Sweeney to get anything other than PH bats the rest of the season.

And his FOURTH strike is sitting Gordon.

His lineups cannot be justified by putting the best lineup on the field OR by playing the kids. He is, consistently, playing underperforming but "gritty" vets who have no future on this team.

by BlueEyesAustin on Sep 9, 2007 12:35 AM EDT up reply actions

Gordon needs days off sometimes,

and Sweeney is sentimental problem. The other two I completely agree with you. Bell may not have lost this game, but he definitely contributed.

"True friends stab you in the front."-Oscar Wilde.

by NHZ on Sep 9, 2007 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Agreed with these sentiments

But, in fairness, most - if not all - managers in MLB would start Sweeney. I'm fine with benching Gordon once every few weeks for purposes of rest, which Bell has generally done this season.

However, starting LaRue over Phillips is indefensible. Not starting Butler at first base on most given days is indefensible. Continuing to start Brown is indefensible. Not starting Huber, or at least let him platoon, is indefensible. Really, the list grows long and tiring, and all have been discussed on not this - but the vast majority - of Royals blogs/boards since April, really. (The Yahoo! Royals ListServ would be the glaring and bizarre exception. I really can't explain the support Bell gets over there, I really can't.)

I will say that Bell's handling of the pitching staff this season has actually been quite good, other than giving Wellemeyer too many appearances and crucial appearances.

http://royalsnation.proboards62.com/

by Royals Nation on Sep 9, 2007 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Wellemeyer pitched well in 2006

At the start of the season, there was no way of knowing how bad he would be in 2007.

by jbrocato on Sep 9, 2007 7:35 AM EDT up reply actions

Actually, quite a few readers of RR

had a pretty good clue how bad Wellemeyer might pitch in 2007. You just had to look at his career numbers to see that 2006 stuck out as exceptionally good.

When I put up an poll about offering him arbitration a good number of the folks here voted to let him walk.

Rock Chalk Talk for pretty good KU College Baseball Coverage

by James Quinn on Sep 9, 2007 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Decision Time: Todd Wellemeyer

Here is a link to the original entry and poll:

http://www.royalsreview.com/story/2006/11/4/111223/590

I so rarely am right, so I will take the rare opportunity here to highlight one of my better moments. From the November 2006 entry:

After looking over Wellemeyer's numbers, and since I'm aware of no reason to think something fundamental has changed in his game (new pitch, surgery, professional revelation, etc.) I tend to believe Wellemeyer's solid KC numbers are as much a function of luck as they are in improved performance on his part. I just don't see any reason to expect him to be a very good pitcher in 2007. I think it is as likely that he will produce an ERA of six as that of three.

Rock Chalk Talk for pretty good KU College Baseball Coverage

by James Quinn on Sep 9, 2007 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Is Fuddo or Bobby Mac handling the

pitching staff? I can't believe that someone that mishandles the lineup so badly can make pitching decisions. Is it Sept. 30th yet?

by grudz69 on Sep 9, 2007 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, looks like the team's given up on the season

That was one rootin' tootin' stinker of a ballgame.

Ryan Braun: pitching his way out of the 2008 mix. At least we now know what we have. A pitcher who literally stinks on ice (OK, maybe not literally....MAD TV references entering the brain now...)

http://royalsnation.proboards62.com/

by Royals Nation on Sep 8, 2007 10:49 PM EDT reply actions

So it does not get lost under the weight of misery

Hochevar did pitch well last night in garbarge relief. The loss was hard to watch, but there was at least one very hopeful element to the night.

Rock Chalk Talk for pretty good KU College Baseball Coverage

by James Quinn on Sep 9, 2007 9:25 AM EDT reply actions

Tonight's game thread of this Royals' blowout loss

was proudly sponsored by K-mart. Tired of shopping at a store who owns a team who always loses to the Yankees?(Wal-Mart) Then why not leave Wal*Mart behind and shop at K-mart! K-mart,because seeing WAL*MART's baseball team lose badly means a better opportunity for you shopping here! K-mart,the Saving Place!

Fighting Philip Fitzpatrick-Fight me,I'm Irish and a Royals fan!

by Philip Fitzsimmons on Sep 9, 2007 10:01 AM EDT reply actions