Exhibition Finale Open Thread

by Freneau on Mar 29, 2008 3:12 PM EDT in Kansas City Royals News

OK guys. We get one practice Game Thread on the new site before the real games start on Monday. I know everyone is still getting used to the new site and attendant features, and I'm no different.

Greinke takes the ball this afternoon, something I'm not particularly excited about, but alas. One more game against our bitter rivals from Wisconsin, then a day off, then a rainout on Opening Day in Detroit.

Awesome.

- Kaegel on the Nomo saga.

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Comments

first

yea, i rule

by Freneau on Mar 29, 2008 3:15 PM EDT reply actions

cheater

You knew when he was gonna put up the thread.

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

but it is a new system

so I assume he was just field testing it, right?

Success is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed. - Emily Dickinson

by buddyball on Mar 29, 2008 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions

question..

so, do we come back home to KC between milwaukee and detroit, or just take the short trip from milwaukee to detroit?

by rockchalk on Mar 29, 2008 3:18 PM EDT reply actions

They travel to Detroit where they will have an off day on Sunday

And then quite possibly an off day on Monday, considering that rain is likely.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions

HR for DDJ?

by Freneau on Mar 29, 2008 3:22 PM EDT reply actions

just barely

bounced off the wall

by Shooter on Mar 29, 2008 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Gathright

Is the answer in CF.

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 29, 2008 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions

But what's the question?

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions

The Question:

Why do we have a CF who neither has a High OBP, can't hit for power, is average defensively, and can't steal bases?

With Gator, we get high OBP, no power, average defense, and steals like a champ so far this year.

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 29, 2008 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Really?

DeJesus has a high OBP, has better than average power for a CFer, and is above average defensively.

Gritright has had a high OBP one year. Is that for real? Will we see more of that? His power is down at absolute zero. He is average defensively, but considerably below average for a CFer. And his SB skills are questionable.

Long story short, DeJesus has more and better tools. Gathright is a big question mark. If he shows that last year was for real by maintaining a very high OBP and can actually steal bases for a good %age, then we can re-evaluate. But DeJesus is clearly better overall.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Well ----

I understand your position, for sure. I like DDJ, I really do. I just think it is an area where they Royals could expose some risk and not bet the farm doing it. trading DDJ for a strong pitching prospect, or maybe a SS.

Gathright has shown sustained performance if you consider his AAA #'s as well. He seems intelligent, adaptive, and is willing to give it his all.

I don't see a downside to giving him a considerable amount of playing time, at least for a while.

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 29, 2008 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd certainly play him

I like Gritright; I just think he's more of a 4th OFer. But he has the potential to be a decent starting CFer, so I'd play him to find out if he's improving. And I'm all for trading DeJesus as long as Moore has a plan for filling that hole in the OF. If Gathright can fill that hole effectively, then great. If they have to get a FA, then do that. Quite frankly, I've been thinking that Teahen would be the guy to replace DeJesus after he's traded. I think he'd make a better CFer than Gathright, and maybe better than DeJesus.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions

There is an interesting thought

And I think you might be right. I had never considered it before.

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 29, 2008 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions

the attendance last night was 15,000

make of that what you will

by Freneau on Mar 29, 2008 3:23 PM EDT reply actions

Does This Still Work?

Kansas City AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
DeJesus, CF 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 .347
Grudzielanek, 2B 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .130
Gordon, 3B 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .304
Guillen, RF 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .154
Butler, DH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .366
Teahen, LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .279
Olivo, C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .300
Gload, 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .254
Berroa, SS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .241
Totals 5 1 1 1 0 0 3

Yay! This could be an everyday kind of lineup this year, except for Olivo. Unless he proves he can hit .140.

Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!

by philofthenorth on Mar 29, 2008 3:25 PM EDT reply actions

How Did I

Miss the Devil in the lineup?

Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!

by philofthenorth on Mar 29, 2008 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions

You said the devil could be in the everday lineup this year!

You said it. You can't take it back now. I'm permalinking it.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions

I sense this coment could replace

the meaninglessness of ST stats or somebody's pop off the bench.

bad move Phil...

Success is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed. - Emily Dickinson

by buddyball on Mar 29, 2008 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions

We need a new catch phrase for the season

The meaninglessness of ST is about to become history and Little Poppy will be in Omaha in a day or two. We need something else.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Someone mentioned Journey

as our band equivalent, so how about: "Don't stop believing!"

It follows form from "nosotros creamos".

by KC Chris on Mar 29, 2008 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I absolutely love that

"Don't stop believing" It has a tie-in to recent Royals history and the Journey reference is priceless. You should make that your signature.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Nice little story on Nomo at MLB.com

Here. He says he's going to rehab through his groin injury and not retire. He's going to rehab it in Surprise and he's willing to pitch in the minors. I think that's all good news.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

I Would Love

To have a healthy Nomo stashed in the minors for the inevitable DL stints.

Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!

by philofthenorth on Mar 29, 2008 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Greinke cruises through the first inning

1 single, 1 K, 0 walks, 0 runs

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

Auto-updating comments rock!

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 3:31 PM EDT reply actions

I couldn't agree with you more

I am loving it.

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 29, 2008 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Just saw your pic

That's a serious goattee. I just shaved mine off a few weeks ago. It was the whole goattee-moustache combo. It became a pain after a while.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions

My daughters won't let me shave it.

They like to braid it, and I work at a tech start-up and am going to MBA school at night, at Seattle U. It is pretty easy to get away with at the moment. It makes the CPA's nervous, too, at school, so that eases my decision to keep it for a while.

Thanks for the comments... I love my goatee, but realize its day is nearing an end (upon graduation)

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 29, 2008 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Auto updating comments rock!

I'd rather be watching baseball.

by Sisquatch Kids on Mar 29, 2008 3:44 PM EDT reply actions

Wishing this game was on mlb.tv

I'm wanting to see Zack pitch

I'd rather be watching baseball.

by Sisquatch Kids on Mar 29, 2008 3:46 PM EDT reply actions

Me too....

But, I'm not sure if I am gonna get MLB.tv this year.

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 29, 2008 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Mine's been working all spring training, but I've never subscribed

I'm not sure what the deal is with that.

I'd rather be watching baseball.

by Sisquatch Kids on Mar 29, 2008 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions

sweet....

I'll have to see if mine is doing the same. :)

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 29, 2008 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions

I posted a new Fanpost

It has some great comedy articles regarding the Royals at their worst in it. The first time I read to compassionate story, I ended up on the floor not sure if I was convulsing or laughing.

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 29, 2008 3:46 PM EDT reply actions

Zack labors a bit in the second

Gave up some hits and a run, but gets his second K.

Tied 1-1

Olivo stole a base?

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 3:56 PM EDT reply actions

It is Kendall behind the plate.

Everyone should be running.

by TXroyal on Mar 29, 2008 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Jenn likes the new format

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 3:57 PM EDT reply actions

I like her format

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 29, 2008 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions

She looks good

in any format.

by lordbyronk on Mar 29, 2008 3:58 PM EDT reply actions

It's Her Brain

That does it for me.

Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!

by philofthenorth on Mar 29, 2008 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions

I see both her brains.

Weird place for them, though.

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 29, 2008 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

There Isn't Room

For them in her head; it's all full of deep thoughts.

Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!

by philofthenorth on Mar 29, 2008 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Olivo Is Making

A case for some playing time with his bat.

Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!

by philofthenorth on Mar 29, 2008 4:11 PM EDT reply actions

Blasphemy

Watch him turn into LaPoo.

Let's trot Jim Sundberg back out there, first... Or hell, Darrell Porter.

just kidding of course

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 29, 2008 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions

If the Twins

can have Mike Redmond DH. I see no reason why Olivo couldn't from time to time. He's streaky though, but at least if we are in time share position like last year with Buck/LaRue, Olivo would hold his own.

by lordbyronk on Mar 29, 2008 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope we make use of his streakiness and the fact that he hammers LHP's

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm sure his pop can't match Shane Costa's,

but it's worth a shot. Go Blue!

by lordbyronk on Mar 29, 2008 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions

I like his pop off the bench!

I'd rather be watching baseball.

by Sisquatch Kids on Mar 29, 2008 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Bob Uecker in the booth

I've always enjoyed Uecker and his 14 career home runs.

I'd rather be watching baseball.

by Sisquatch Kids on Mar 29, 2008 4:23 PM EDT reply actions

The Ueck Was

Every other pack of baseball cards I bought when I was a kid.

Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!

by philofthenorth on Mar 29, 2008 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions

German with the RBI

I'd rather be watching baseball.

by Sisquatch Kids on Mar 29, 2008 4:28 PM EDT reply actions

RR

You should use the site's logo in the upper left corner as your avatar. The avatar's are nice in that you can easily see at a glance who's commenting.

by mazoboom on Mar 29, 2008 4:30 PM EDT reply actions

hmm

possibly

by Freneau on Mar 29, 2008 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Hillie Is Determined

To play Germie in RF. I think I'd rather see Smittie out there.

Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!

by philofthenorth on Mar 29, 2008 4:34 PM EDT reply actions

Braun Is In

Huber's league out in LF.

Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!

by philofthenorth on Mar 29, 2008 4:41 PM EDT reply actions

Gload Grittily Gets

The runner over with a productive 2nd out.

Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!

by philofthenorth on Mar 29, 2008 4:45 PM EDT reply actions

Greinke hitting 93-94 and slider around 87-89

with good movement and location. That sounds pretty good to me.

I'd rather be watching baseball.

by Sisquatch Kids on Mar 29, 2008 4:51 PM EDT reply actions

He's ready to dominate in real games. I'm looking forward to it.

We might actually have a real ace (or maybe two).

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope he has a big season

How long has it been since we've had an actual ace? I think Paul Byrd's 17 win season in 2002 before that maybe Kevin Appier. We're due.

by lordbyronk on Mar 29, 2008 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions

For what it's worth

Many commentators/analysts/experts are predicting big breakout seasons from Butler and Greinke. That would be nice.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Peralta is throwing in the pen.

I'd rather be watching baseball.

by Sisquatch Kids on Mar 29, 2008 4:53 PM EDT reply actions

Greinke's line looks great

6ip, 7h, 1r, 0bb, 5k

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 4:56 PM EDT reply actions

Greinke has looked really good the last couple times out

I can't wait to see how our pitching comes together this year.

Soria's 3Ks last night were encouraging as well.

I'd rather be watching baseball.

by Sisquatch Kids on Mar 29, 2008 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Tupman catching now

Peralta in the game

I'd rather be watching baseball.

by Sisquatch Kids on Mar 29, 2008 5:03 PM EDT reply actions

The "Civil Rights Game" is about to start

Chicago White Sox vs. New York Mets from Memphis, Tenn.

Joe Morgan just said that Kenny Williams is one of the best GM's in MLB. It is amazing that a player who was so good can be so stupid with regard to analyzing baseball.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 5:05 PM EDT reply actions

Talent in one area unfortunately

seldom translates into talent in another area.

I'd rather be watching baseball.

by Sisquatch Kids on Mar 29, 2008 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

As compared to

Wayne Krivisky or former Pirates GM Dave Littlefield maybe.

by lordbyronk on Mar 29, 2008 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions

its always been unfortunate that Kenny won that WS

by Freneau on Mar 29, 2008 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions

It was fortunate in that it means Reinsdorf will keep him for a long time even though he sucks.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions

At least

with their team will be in our division, there is one team we are guaranteed to finish ahead of.

by lordbyronk on Mar 29, 2008 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions

the twins wasting money on Joe Nathan was also encouraging

by Freneau on Mar 29, 2008 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions

true

you'd think they could build a winner around Morneau/Mauer/Young, if they'd trade someone like him and take a year to restock with their young pitching prospects.

by lordbyronk on Mar 29, 2008 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Lots of good signs from Chicago and Minnesota

The problem, of course is that the Indians really knows how to build a winning team and the Tigers are apparently willing to spend whatever it takes.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions

The Tigers seem to think they're the Yankees of the mid-west.

I'd rather be watching baseball.

by Sisquatch Kids on Mar 29, 2008 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions

i heard on chicago radio today

that USA Today's Bob Nightengale has picked the White Sox to win the Central

by Freneau on Mar 29, 2008 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions

There's an incredible pick

How does someone utter something like that and then remain in their position of status?

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 29, 2008 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions

In an alternate universe

where the Pirates are World Champions?

by lordbyronk on Mar 29, 2008 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Peralta just punched his ticket to Omaha

If there was any doubt. Unfortunate for him.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 29, 2008 5:15 PM EDT reply actions

Joe Morgan just said that Odalis Perez will be the Mets third starter

Of course, it is Oliver Perez with Odalis in Washington. Is Morgan mentally challenged? Mentally ill? Does he have alzheimer's? I mean, he sounds really, really unintelligent...all the time.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 5:20 PM EDT reply actions

odalis is just such a common name, you know

by Freneau on Mar 29, 2008 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Stunning....

Simply Stunning. I think challenged may be applicable, but I reserve the right to judge until I meet him, if I ever do. I know that Bob Uecker is a grumpy old man who doesn't like 12 year old kids in 1989.

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 29, 2008 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Bah...

That should say 'I learned that Bob Uecker....'

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 29, 2008 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Morgan is a nice guy

I get no joy out of recognizing how completely awful and embarrassing his baseball analysis is. But is ineptitude is undeniable.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions

but at least he isn't featured prominently

oh wait

by Freneau on Mar 29, 2008 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Well stated

When I watch games on ESPN, I usually turn the volume down a lot, and turn on NPR. I don't mind John(?) Miller so much, but Joe drives me nuts. His inane commentary is too much for me to endure. What is worse, is there is some 11 year old kid watching, somewhere, absorbing this knowledge.

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 29, 2008 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Morgan is a genius.

I'll never forget Luis Castillo playing his "first" game in Wrigley Field last year after his long, illustrious career of 227 games of faithful service to the Twins.

by jonfmorse on Mar 29, 2008 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions

random thought: somewhat inspired by Civil Rights game

Its interesting that MLB doesn't try to encourage more games in semi-random places. I have seen a few games this weekend in Vegas, Oklahoma City, Memphis, etc. The game at Dodger stadium, etc.

Why the hell are we playing in Milwaukee?

by Freneau on Mar 29, 2008 5:21 PM EDT reply actions

It's on the way to Detroit

I'd rather have them play in a MLB facility than in some minor league park. But it's not a big deal regardless.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions

no, not a big deal

o/c, but i do think there's something to be said for it... obviously, for teams starting the season at home -- as i assume the brewers are -- it probably wouldn't work, but i think a Royals-cards exhibition in, say, Springfield, could be a nice little event

by Freneau on Mar 29, 2008 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Agreed

However, it is possible that the Cardinals wouldn't lower themselves to agree to play an exhibition game against us.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions

true, it isn't a rivalry

doncha know

by Freneau on Mar 29, 2008 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions

They look down their nose at us, no matter how often we beat them.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions

the presence of real games against them

might hurt that

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

by LeoBloom on Mar 29, 2008 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions

so when do we adopt shane costa

as our new lover boy?

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

by LeoBloom on Mar 29, 2008 5:36 PM EDT reply actions

Gathright

in CF..... (Trumpet fanfare ensues)

Finally coming back to the 'K'!!!! I'm going to be there 7/11/08, vs the SEA Mariners, of course!

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Mar 29, 2008 5:38 PM EDT reply actions

I hope there isn't a "high sky"

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions

you know it

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

by LeoBloom on Mar 29, 2008 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

It is interesting that DeJesus started today

The story from yesterday was that his twisted ankle was still hurting and that he might not be ready for opening day. Apparently he's fine now.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 5:41 PM EDT reply actions

just another reason to trust everything we read

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

by LeoBloom on Mar 29, 2008 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions

how sweet would it be if we started a brawl

involving scrubs like berroa

how awesome would that be

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

by LeoBloom on Mar 29, 2008 5:43 PM EDT reply actions

It would be extremely awesome if

Berroa got injured and had a clause in his contract that frees us from having to pay the rest of contract if he's injured in a meaningless Spring Training melee.

I'd rather be watching baseball.

by Sisquatch Kids on Mar 29, 2008 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions

There is often a clause...

...that says the team can void the contract if the player gets injured playing some other sport or by engaging in some dangerous activity (like dirt biking, etc.). Maybe we can get Berroa interested in some extreme sports.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 29, 2008 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions