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Around SBN: Notre Dame's Turnaround: How Have The Irish Done It?

Spring Training Game 27 Open Thread- Roster Moves Edition

The Battle for Grass Creek resumes in particularly dramatic fashion as Gil Meche takes on his former team this afternoon in Arizona.

I just had the computer eat my post on JDLR/Tomko/Davies/Ramirez, etc. Which is probably for the best. I will say that I believe that using Spring Training performance (at least in JDLR's case) to determine these matters is less than ideal, and while we can't know for sure that that was the case, the timing strongly suggests as much. In last night's Game Thread I went on record as saying that I prefer'd JDLR to Tomko, but it really wasn't a strong preference. I've come to accept Tomko for what he is, a human arb-clock pause button for Hochevar, no more, no less. But above all else, he's our human arb-clock pause button, and so it's time to embrace him in all his park-factor aided glory.

As for Ramon Ramirez, check the diaries... all I could think of when hearing about the signing was the end of Wallace Stevens's poem "The Idea of Order at Key West". Stevens always said the Ramon Fernandez who appeared in the poem was purely a random name, so there's no reason why it can't become Ramon Ramirez:

Ramon Fernandez Ramirez, tell me, if you know,
Why, when the singing ended and we turned
Toward the town, tell why the glassy lights,
The lights in the fishing boats at anchor there,
As the night descended, tilting in the air,
Mastered the night and portioned out the sea,
Fixing emblazoned zones and fiery poles,
Arranging, deepening, enchanting night.

If you have a BP subscription, check out Will Carroll's (friend of Sterger and friend of RR) Team Health Report on the Royals, whom he ranks as the 27th healthiest team over the last three seasons. Not good.

Just as the Royals once won division crowns and a World Series not that long ago, things seemed to be better medically not so long ago. Losing Ewing Kauffman didn't change things; David Glass' ownership isn't to blame here. The facts are just the facts, and for the last three- or five-year period, the Royals have simply been bad in this area. Nick Swartz, the long-time trainer who replaced another long-time trainer, Mickey Cobb, has overseen this slide. It took a number small, perhaps unnoticed steps to help bring the franchise to its knees; it will take many similar small steps going the other direction to build it back up again.

Recognizing that health is something that seemingly any team can decide to make better by making a small organizational commitment and an only slightly larger budgetary commitment makes it even more frustrating that a mid-market team would be on the trailing edge. The facts show that the Royals, among many other problems, still have this one to deal with. "One of these days I'm going to lay this hammer down," Steve Earle sings. Today is not that day.

Notably, Carroll ranks Guillen and Greinke as a red-light risks. Meche and Banny are yellows.

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While I'd like to see...
...Hochevar here now, as you know, this was a great line: "Tomko...is a human arb-clock pause button for Hochevar."  Let's just hope the clock ticks with some accuracy, and doesn't throw a spring before the Rolex is ready for duty. - TL
Trust Trey and Dayton.

by timlacy on Mar 26, 2008 3:45 PM EDT reply actions  

couldn't resist the line
even though I actually don't know if its true

think it is, but am not sure given Hochevar's unqiue contract

by Freneau on Mar 26, 2008 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

should be, yes
i remember that thread
I wanna know what love is, I want you to show me

by LeoBloom on Mar 26, 2008 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

who cares if it is true
it is still a great line, something to be famous for.
Success is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed. - Emily Dickinson

by buddyball on Mar 26, 2008 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

RUMOR: Huber traded to San Diego
The rumor is hot but unsubstantiated at this point.

Hopefully, the long Huber nightmare will soon be over.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 26, 2008 3:48 PM EDT reply actions  

i'll cheer her up
I wanna know what love is, I want you to show me

by LeoBloom on Mar 26, 2008 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

You can not even see her face.
For all you know it could be a long haired man. But if that doesn't bother you go ahead and cheer her up.

by TXroyal on Mar 26, 2008 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

look at the shoes though
Hillman, you're on notice.

by FireBell on Mar 26, 2008 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

If true
Tis a sad day.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 26, 2008 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

Farewell, young Aussie
we hardly knew yeh...
Success is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed. - Emily Dickinson

by buddyball on Mar 26, 2008 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

They
just announced, A player to be named later.  I love the trade though.  A player to be named can stroke the ball and he plays really nice defense.

by I need more Esteban on Mar 26, 2008 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

So technically
There's still a chance it could be Jake Peavy. That's all I'm saying.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 26, 2008 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

the flurry of PTBNL trades is interesting
Behind that hoo-rah marine buzzcut, Dayton is scheming...
"I'm tired of all these stupid a$$ questions every day. Why the f**k would I hit Brett for Miller?" The rest is history.

by DC Royal on Mar 26, 2008 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

I am a player to be named
I wanna know what love is, I want you to show me

by LeoBloom on Mar 26, 2008 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

Royals
filling the radio waves today.

-Ramon Ramirez is supposedly in the teams plans to pitch out of the bullpen right away.  Talked a lot about his injury last year and how his stuff is pretty electric.  Colorado had once though of him as a future closer.  Hopefully he can stay healthy.

This just shows something that I mentioned during the middle of spring training.  
Why is it assumed that our bullpen will be a strength?  Seems like the Royals aren't sure either.  I see some names there but mostly it feels like a crapshoot right now.  

Also, they've been discussing that Tomko will be left out of the first run through the rotation.  Meaning, if Bannister is number 2, that Greinke would be pitching opening day at the K.  I love that.

by I need more Esteban on Mar 26, 2008 3:50 PM EDT reply actions  

JDLR's fate
Was really sealed when they signed Tomko.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 26, 2008 3:51 PM EDT reply actions  

likely, yes
although Bale was also sorta a wildcard

by Freneau on Mar 26, 2008 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Guys, don't expect much in the Huber trade
Huber is a marginal major leaguer who didn't exactly tear up the PCL.  He hit well there, but not great.  And he's a liability in the field at every position.  And he's out of options.  We won't get much for him.  He isn't worth all that much.
I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 26, 2008 4:02 PM EDT reply actions  

Agreed
Peavy is out of the question. Think more Chase Headley or Matt Antonelli.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 26, 2008 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

Question
Is Duckworth hurt?
I haven't heard much about him lately.

by I need more Esteban on Mar 26, 2008 4:05 PM EDT reply actions  

Ducky
Ducky was waived when Tomko was signed.  He cleared waivers and was outrighted to the minors.  He could have refused the assignment and become a FA, but he accepted the assignment.  So he's got a small guaranteed major league contract.  He was sent to the minor league camp fairly early in ST after making a few appearances in A Games.
I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 26, 2008 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

Huber dealt
for a PTBNL. That PTBNL guy gets traded a lot.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 26, 2008 4:08 PM EDT reply actions  

Brian Lawrence released
But Joey Lawrence remains. WHOA!

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 26, 2008 4:09 PM EDT reply actions  

Looks like the guy
who did that "Safety-dance" video.
Let's Go Blues!

by powderbluesfor08 on Mar 26, 2008 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

Lots of bloops it sounds like
I think Meche is only in for 65 pitches or so.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 26, 2008 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

This is ugly. It will be tough to put a
rose colored spin on this pile.
Be loyal, Be Brave, Be Free.

by hardyguy on Mar 26, 2008 4:21 PM EDT reply actions  

it's a meaningless exhibition game
No spin necessary.
I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 26, 2008 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

thank you for clearing that up for me.
what would I do without your constant wisdom.
Be loyal, Be Brave, Be Free.

by hardyguy on Mar 26, 2008 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

You're very welcome
I'm happy to provide some perspective and insight for you.
I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 26, 2008 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

What did Grudz use to call it -
pontification.  I miss him.
Be loyal, Be Brave, Be Free.

by hardyguy on Mar 26, 2008 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

Maybe he'll take you under his wing
You could use the help.
I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 26, 2008 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

agreed -- Huber add minimal value
unless you play with a DH.  The Royals have one of those, but it is strictly reserverd for Gloady, Minky, Brownie, and on some occasions Esty.  

But this is the year of Butler, so I guess this makes sense now.  Just wish we could have actually given him a shot at some point -- who knows, it could have boosted his trade value?

This space intentionally left blank.

by marbotty on Mar 26, 2008 4:22 PM EDT reply actions  

btw, the link to the team health report
appears to have an extra " on the end
This space intentionally left blank.

by marbotty on Mar 26, 2008 4:23 PM EDT reply actions  

roster insanity!
I wanna know what love is, I want you to show me

by LeoBloom on Mar 26, 2008 4:26 PM EDT reply actions  

Finally!
An entire afternoon off with the only thing to do is to listen to the Royals game.  So, Huber is history.  What will we do know?  We still have Smith and you know he has pop of the bench.  The Blue will come back strong today.  You heard it hear first.  Time for a beer.  Go Blue!

by Bluemen on Mar 26, 2008 4:27 PM EDT reply actions  

Thanks
For a second there I was really distraught that Huber was gone.

But then you reminded me that we still have Jason Smith and all is right with the world. Jason will protect us. Jason will keep us safe.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 26, 2008 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

I have a Huber diary posted
consider it the condolence book

Huber no more.

by Freneau on Mar 26, 2008 4:34 PM EDT reply actions  

Look it from his viewpoint
He is nearer to his home.
Be loyal, Be Brave, Be Free.

by hardyguy on Mar 26, 2008 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

San Diego
Is kinda "Down under" for the U.S.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 26, 2008 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

All right Gil,
way to chalk up that K.
Be loyal, Be Brave, Be Free.

by hardyguy on Mar 26, 2008 4:37 PM EDT reply actions  

meche is too emotional
the battle for grass creek is too much for him
Hillman, you're on notice.

by FireBell on Mar 26, 2008 4:38 PM EDT reply actions  

I am back with a beer and sandwich and
Meche throws a 1-2-3 inning.  This going to be good.  Go Blue.

by Bluemen on Mar 26, 2008 4:40 PM EDT reply actions  

Correlation?
I expect a lot of beer drinking and sandwich eating out of you in every Meche start.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 26, 2008 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

Doubt it
This afternoon off is a rarity.
Be loyal, Be Brave, Be Free.

by hardyguy on Mar 26, 2008 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

then you must quit your job
it is the only way
This space intentionally left blank.

by marbotty on Mar 26, 2008 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Can I call dibs on beer drinking
for all games started by Grienke? I don't care much for sandwiches though.

by TXroyal on Mar 26, 2008 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Pitching rotation
Someone mentioned that Tomko would be skipped the first time thru the rotation, meaning Greinke would pitch the home opener.

If so, that would mean Bannister would have to go on 3 days rest on Sunday the 6th. (not likely to happen)

March 31: Meche
April  1: OFF DAY
April  2: Bannister
April  3: Greinke
April  4: Bale
April  5: Meche, presumably
April  6: Tomko or Bannister on 3 days rest?
April  7: OFF DAY
April  8: Bannister or Greinke?

by loyal2s dad on Mar 26, 2008 4:46 PM EDT reply actions  

Olivo And Smith
Provide pop off the bench once again.
I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 4:48 PM EDT reply actions  

Mitch Maier
Apprentice car jumper.
I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 4:50 PM EDT reply actions  

Sounds like Smith...
is showing off the legendary pop off the bench with an inside-the-park homer...who knew?

Anyone can hit it over the wall. It takes real skill to go around the bases while keeping the ball in play.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Mar 26, 2008 4:52 PM EDT reply actions  

Bedard will be testing the validity of
the "ST stats are meaningless" mantra this season.

Seriously, if you're the Mariners, don't you have to be a bit concerned with him, even if it is only spring training? He shouldn't be getting lit up this badly, even if he is just "getting in his work".

by loyal2s dad on Mar 26, 2008 4:55 PM EDT reply actions  

One thing
to ease their pain (and my fantasy teams) is that he has a history of slow starts.

by I need more Esteban on Mar 26, 2008 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

All The Huber
Talk, no one posted the lineup.

Kansas City AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Gathright, CF 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 .333
  Maier, CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .195
Grudzielanek, 2B 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .077
Teahen, LF 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .300
Guillen, RF 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .150
Butler, DH 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 .373
Olivo, C 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 .321
Gload, 1B 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .273
Smith, 3B 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 .325
Pena, T, SS 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250
Totals 9 3 3 3 1 2 1

Where will Smith end up?

I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 4:59 PM EDT reply actions  

Where will Smith end up?
does the acronym PTBNL mean anything to you?
This space intentionally left blank.

by marbotty on Mar 26, 2008 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

That Makes More
Sense than keeping him.
I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

That Looks Like
A party with no sex.
I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hey, you try to balance a laptop, chips,
and a beer while laying on the couch.  Typing and spelling are optional.

by Bluemen on Mar 26, 2008 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

Who put lube on the ball?
G. should have had that one. Oh well, no harm, no foul.  

by Bluemen on Mar 26, 2008 5:11 PM EDT reply actions  

All the way to the wall and Butler strains
to get to second.  Shear speed!!!  Do it again O!

by Bluemen on Mar 26, 2008 5:13 PM EDT reply actions  

again, royals 3 runs on 3 hits,
like yesterday when we had 8 runs on 7 hits, i think. it looks like a bit of power...

by Sean O Se on Mar 26, 2008 5:16 PM EDT reply actions  

I Think I'll
Retire there.
I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

i think when future generations look back at
this game thread, or like, you know, when they unearth the internet during some sort of mass archeological dig, the most questions will center around the fact that there was a picture of Joey Lawrence posted and it only warranted one response
This space intentionally left blank.

by marbotty on Mar 26, 2008 5:24 PM EDT reply actions  

I Take It
You're too young to know; I'm too old. I've heard the name, no idea what he did. Now this guy, on the other hand......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0
I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

German to play in the OF in the absence
of Guillen.  What a joke.
Be loyal, Be Brave, Be Free.

by hardyguy on Mar 26, 2008 5:25 PM EDT reply actions  

Especially In RF
He's a real embarrassment out there.
I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

4 Hits, All
For extra bases.
I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 5:34 PM EDT reply actions  

But You Know
What he'll do.
I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

Mech Ends ST
With a 3.74 ERA.
I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 5:53 PM EDT reply actions  

OK, That's Meche
Not a mechanic.
I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wilkerson And Sexson
Are RH pop incarnate.
I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

More Pop From
Smith; look out, Gordon.
I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 6:03 PM EDT reply actions  

Wow, not one but two in one game
Smith has so much pop off the bench.  UNBELIEVABLE!!!!  

by Bluemen on Mar 26, 2008 6:10 PM EDT reply actions  

it is a stunningly pretty day
in new haven. i hope everyone is enjoying spring and the close of ST as much as i am. baseball is on the way!

by Sean O Se on Mar 26, 2008 6:20 PM EDT reply actions  

Beautiful Here Except
For the couple of feet of residual snow.

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=99635

Scroll to the bottom for various local reports.

I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

Listening to these games could be
very unhealthy for me.  I just finished off two sandwiches, a bag of chips, three pieces of leftover pizza and four beers.  I am stuffed.  Go Blue.

by Bluemen on Mar 26, 2008 6:20 PM EDT reply actions  

You Must Be
Young, I eat that much in about 3 days. The beer is a different story, though.
I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

More Extra Base
Pop from Smittie.
I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 6:39 PM EDT reply actions  

The Devil Is
Our last hope.
I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 26, 2008 6:40 PM EDT reply actions  

Oh
This picture is nice, I think. LoL!

by Jackhomeduring on Mar 26, 2008 9:35 PM EDT reply actions  

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