Game 10 Spring Training Open Thread

by Freneau on Mar 9, 2008 2:48 PM EDT in Kansas City Royals News

The Royals take on the Cubs this afternoon, behind Brett Tomko and Jose Guillen.

Why does anyone believe anything Bud Selig says? From the financial status of innumerable clubs to essentially everything he's said about PEDs, testing (these results will be confidential, no wait...) and the Mitchell Report, dating back to the earliest years of the decade, Bud has shown he's still the used car salesman he's always been. But KC will get that All-Star Game, someday, he's just "fiddling around" with the dates. And when it does, thanks to the immeasurable economic benefits of the renovated K and those magical three days, everyone in town will be a millionaire.
Bleed Cubbie Blue already has 28 comments posted regarding today's game. Cub fans are the new Red Sox fans, who are in turn the new Yankee fans.

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Comments

Its on WGN, right?

I'll finally get my first glimpse at them this year.

by raefzilla on Mar 9, 2008 2:58 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, WGN

right after the adams family

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Screw the cubs

and their 300 million payroll for the cheapest division win in recent memory.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Mar 9, 2008 3:12 PM EDT reply actions

I'm a Royals fan in Cub country (Peoria, IL)

I get to go to between 10-15 of their low A games here in Peoria every year...but I'm planning on taking a couple road trips to Burlington this year to see the Bees play.

Hoping to see the Royals spank some Cubbie buttox today.

I'd rather be watching baseball.

by Sisquatch Kids on Mar 9, 2008 3:34 PM EDT reply actions

the kind of guy that doesn't have a clue what his advisors are talking about. They just tell him what to say and he says it. But when someone asks him details about it, he has to "bs" his way through an answer.

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 3:59 PM EDT reply actions

This will be my first chance to

try out my new slingbox.

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 4:01 PM EDT reply actions

The line up

has 4 G's in a row

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 4:03 PM EDT reply actions

yessss

I'm a little too excited for this, I think

by Randa4life on Mar 9, 2008 4:06 PM EDT reply actions

I know its early in ST but...

Brett Tomko isn't making the starting rotation. At least he shouldn't. He will be the Scott Elarton of the 2008 season.

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 4:15 PM EDT reply actions

Tomko gets nicked for a run in the first

Fastball had good life, good control. Breaking ball seemed to be a little flat though.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 9, 2008 4:15 PM EDT reply actions

I really like that lineup.

I don't know why. Gload at three? Still... I like it.

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 4:18 PM EDT reply actions

Andres Blanco at SS!

by raefzilla on Mar 9, 2008 4:18 PM EDT reply actions

wgn

yes yes yes

this makes me happy.

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Mar 9, 2008 4:18 PM EDT reply actions

One of the more impatient Royals innings

of this ST

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 9, 2008 4:19 PM EDT reply actions

maybe

they're aware the faithful RR's are watching at home this game and they want to impress us.

by Randa4life on Mar 9, 2008 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions

pretty solid contact

on almost everything tomko throws. This is so not awesome.

by stuckinstl12 on Mar 9, 2008 4:23 PM EDT reply actions

Wow Pie hit that fastball haaaaaaaaard

93mph at his waist 2 inches off the plate

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 9, 2008 4:24 PM EDT reply actions

Tomko = Elarton

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 4:25 PM EDT reply actions

Elarton with MUCH better stuff

When scott elarton was pitching for us, he was throwing absolute garbage

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 9, 2008 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Who cares about stuff...

when everything he throws gets crushed? I mean Andres Blanco (!) hit an opposite field liner.

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Gordon's 3rd "strike"

almost hit him

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 4:29 PM EDT reply actions

Ugh.

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 4:37 PM EDT reply actions

The sun is out to get us today

Good thing we won't ever play outside when it counts

by raefzilla on Mar 9, 2008 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Wow, 2nd missed catch in 3 innings

Sucks for Tomko. Looked like Soriano was out at 3rd to me.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 9, 2008 4:38 PM EDT reply actions

this is my first look at Surprise

good looking stadium

second missed catch?

is it the high sky, or is it something we need to worry about? I don't worry about hitting and pitching so much this early, but fielding, jeez...

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

by buddyball on Mar 9, 2008 4:40 PM EDT reply actions

this looks like cubs

batting practice

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 4:41 PM EDT reply actions

and they only have

half their lineup!

by raefzilla on Mar 9, 2008 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions

OT

Omaha Central High School won its third state basketball championship in a row last night. Both of my daughters graduated from there. Eagle Pride.

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

by buddyball on Mar 9, 2008 4:42 PM EDT reply actions

Is Fukudome playing for the Cubs?

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 9, 2008 4:42 PM EDT reply actions

no

by raefzilla on Mar 9, 2008 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions

How is this not Scott Elarton Part II?

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 4:43 PM EDT reply actions

Glad these ST funamental drills are working ...

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 4:44 PM EDT reply actions

More terrible defense

Tomko can't catch a break

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 9, 2008 4:45 PM EDT reply actions

Q: How is this not Elarton Part II?

A: Because he has better stuff, better control and better stats. Let's not get too worked up over one spring training outing.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 9, 2008 4:46 PM EDT reply actions

Elarton last three seasons

Regulars season stats (you know, the ones that matter):

2005 (SF): 4.48 ERA, .274 BAA, 20 HR
2006 (LAD): 4.73 ERA, .276 BAA, 17 HR (117 IP)
2007 (LAD/SD): 5.55 ERA, .284 BAA, 18 HR (131 IP)

All of this in the national league and in pitchers parks. How is he not going to get lit up in the AL?

And who cares about "stuff" when the other team is hitting it?

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll give you the short version

First, you said that he is Elarton all over again. I said he wasn't. And you just posted stats which show that he's been better than Elarton. Second, those stats are decent for a #4 SP (even when translated to the AL at Kauffman Stadium), except for 2007. And his 2007 ERA is very misleading because his peripherals, particularly strike out rate were considerably better last year. Third, there is a reason that the projection systems, by and large, are saying that he'll perform like a roughly average #4 SP for the Royals this year. Fourth, "stuff" is always important. It has been important for him and why he has pitched like #3 or #4 SP in 3 of the last 4 years. And it is important for making a transition to another park and league.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 9, 2008 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions

and that should do it for Tomko

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 9, 2008 4:46 PM EDT reply actions

Which Looks Worst

So far; pitching, hitting or fielding?

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 4:47 PM EDT reply actions

All of the above

by jbrocato on Mar 9, 2008 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope the anti-Bell people are watching WGN

This game is reinforcing in my mind that he was NOT the problem.

by jbrocato on Mar 9, 2008 4:48 PM EDT reply actions

But Bell would have left

him out there like that during regular season.

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm revising my win total prediction

...to 60. This might be the worst team ever.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 9, 2008 4:48 PM EDT reply actions

LOL!!

I know what your doing...

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions

With every loss this spring...

...my win prediction is going down by one. By opening day, it will probably be down to 40. These guys stink...completely. Just look at how they've played in some of the early spring training games!!!

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 9, 2008 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Congratulations

Your finally getting the hang of these game threads...

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions

I finally figured it out

Just overreact to everything and bash the team unreasonably and I'll fit right in. I'm doing my best.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 9, 2008 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions

HEh

Don't it feel good!

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions

but be prepared to go

in the opposite extreme when we are winning

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd like to see some unreasonable optimism

I've yet to see it in the spring training games we've won. I think Royals fans more quickly and easily go to the pessimism/negativity extreme than the optimism/positivity extreme.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 9, 2008 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions

For those of us outside Royals radio/TV coverage

The WGN telecast today is our first look at the 2008 Royals. A game like this does not make a good impression.

If some of the wins had been on national television, we would be feeling more positive.

by jbrocato on Mar 9, 2008 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Can you get a serious impression of the 2008...

...Royals by watcing one spring training game? Or even from watching every spring training game? I understand that emotional overreactions will happen in the moment. But let's at least recognize that they are emotional overreactions to exhibition games.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 9, 2008 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Very Readily

Acknowledged.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions

In a nutshell

...this is why I typically avoid game threads.

But watching NYRoyal drop his win prediction for 08 to 40 almost makes this one worth it. Keep it up!

by DarthYoshi on Mar 9, 2008 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions

It's down to 59...and dropping

Sarcasm is my only defense in game threads. Unless of course everything is going right in the game, then everyone is happy and positive. Unreasonable, unwarranted, knee-jerk positivity is a lot easier to take than the negative version of the same.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 9, 2008 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh boy....

a bad day to get my first glimpse of the Royals in 2008. Bombko haunts my dreams.

by dvail on Mar 9, 2008 4:49 PM EDT reply actions

Now that I think about it...

I think I used to love watching Tomko pitch for the Cardinals several years ago.

by jbrocato on Mar 9, 2008 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Tomko

He doesn't have many friends at McCovey Chronicles.

by dvail on Mar 9, 2008 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions

These games tell us all we need to know...

...about the 2008 Royals. Blow the team up right now and get whatever mediocre prospects we can get for these chumps. Let's just start from scratch. Maybe we can be competitive by 2020.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 9, 2008 4:49 PM EDT reply actions

wow

that was an Elarton-esque effort

the whole team isn't looking too good today

oh well, it looks a lot more pleasant there than Omaha today (cloudy, 35 degrees, dreary)

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

by buddyball on Mar 9, 2008 4:51 PM EDT reply actions

It's 45 Here

In beautiful downtown Nikiski. The snowpack in my driveway is melting. What a mess; I let it get away from me this winter.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Giron looked pretty decent

looks like he has a good amount of cut/run on his fastball

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 9, 2008 4:54 PM EDT reply actions

Bravo Teahen

Taking pitches...what a novel idea!

by raefzilla on Mar 9, 2008 4:57 PM EDT reply actions

Moneyball!

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Awesome base running

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 4:59 PM EDT reply actions

Teahen is great

although he's out if the cutoff throw doesn't bounce twice

by raefzilla on Mar 9, 2008 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Teahen=plus base runner:

true.

by stuckinstl12 on Mar 9, 2008 4:59 PM EDT reply actions

Buck smoked that one

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 9, 2008 4:59 PM EDT reply actions

I hope buddy bell

cringes every time he sees that leg kick

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions

CHARGE THE MOUND!

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 5:00 PM EDT reply actions

i was listening on WGN radio driving to school

and the Cubs dude... Pat Hughes, said the Royals hadn't had a winning season since 1993

HOW DARE YOU!

We were 83-79 in 2003

(no really, its no biggie)

by Freneau on Mar 9, 2008 5:00 PM EDT reply actions

Nosotros Creemos! Never Forget!

YOU CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM US! ITS ALL WE HAVE!

by raefzilla on Mar 9, 2008 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Also 1994

64-51

by raefzilla on Mar 9, 2008 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions

1994 was a magical year

13 games over .500
David Cone--Cy Young Award
Bob Hamelin--Rookie of the Year

No Cardinals or White Sox in the playoffs!

by jbrocato on Mar 9, 2008 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Plus we had that

14 (?) game winning streak right before the strike hit. We were making a run!

by raefzilla on Mar 9, 2008 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions

That's right.

And there were still plenty of games left with the White Sox and Indians, so the Royals might have made a playoff run and possibly avoided the spring 1995 breakup.

by jbrocato on Mar 9, 2008 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions

they are throwing at us

those bastards!!!!!!!

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

by buddyball on Mar 9, 2008 5:01 PM EDT reply actions

lets have a good meaningless brawl

by Freneau on Mar 9, 2008 5:03 PM EDT reply actions

must use ST

to get ready in all areas

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

by buddyball on Mar 9, 2008 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Gloadie will explodie!!!!!

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

by buddyball on Mar 9, 2008 5:03 PM EDT reply actions

Gload will explode

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 9, 2008 5:03 PM EDT reply actions

into a 4-6-3

by stuckinstl12 on Mar 9, 2008 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Gload was safe.

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 5:04 PM EDT reply actions

Gload did implode

by raefzilla on Mar 9, 2008 5:04 PM EDT reply actions

I guess exploding into a DP

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

by buddyball on Mar 9, 2008 5:04 PM EDT reply actions

He was definitely safe there

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 9, 2008 5:05 PM EDT reply actions

the umpires

are not doing us any favors today

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions

This one's for NYRoylal...

TRADE LEO NUNEZ!

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 5:10 PM EDT reply actions

NYRoyal*

I suck.

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Leo Nunez will be another Jim Pittsley

Release him now!!!!!

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 9, 2008 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd be impressed if he were as good as Pittsley

And to think the Royals traded their last decent catcher for him.

by jbrocato on Mar 9, 2008 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Are we talking about the same Pittsley?

The one who never had a single decent major league season? Nunez is 10 times better than Pittsley and has already shown that. If he ended up being a mediocre relief pitcher in the majors, he'd be 8 times better than Pittsley.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 9, 2008 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions

At least the Royals didn't trade a decent catcher

for Pittsley. The catcher spot has been a black hole ever since Santiago was traded (and frankly I don't care whether or not Santiago used steroids).

by jbrocato on Mar 9, 2008 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions

What?!?!?!?!

Santiago was 39 and played a whole 49 games for the Royals. I'd take Buck over a 40 year old Santiago (and I'm not a big Buck fan).

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions

You're joking, right?

Santiago was awful. He was awful and then after the Royals traded him to Pittsburgh, he played all of six games. He hasn't played since. He's out of baseball.

You really feel bad that we traded away that 40 year old schlub who stunk for the Royals and was about to retire? That trade was an absolute steal for the Royals.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 9, 2008 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Revisionist history

Santiago hit .274 for the Royals (Buck has NEVER hit over .245), 6 HR, and 23 RBIs in only 175 ABs. Had he not been hit by a pitch, that pro-rates to .274 with 18 HR. I'd take that from a catcher anyday, whether he's 40 or 22.

by jbrocato on Mar 9, 2008 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions

He was 39...........39!

The man's career was just about over. The Royals did an amazing job to get anything for him at all. And to their credit, they got a talented young pitcher for him who should definitely be able to contribute to a major league team. How much is any 39 year old catcher worth? Damned little. If they had kept him, they would have maybe gotten one crappy season out of him.

There is absolutely no sane, reasonable argument to be made that the Royals didn't make out like bandits on the Santiago/Nunez trade.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 9, 2008 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Buck hit 18 HRs last year in 2/3s a season

and he's entering his prime.

Lets say we kept Santiago and didn't trade him. He would have played six more games with us in 2005 and then would have been out of baseball. How would that have solved anything at the catching position?

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Buck also hit .222 last year

How is .222 by Buck better than .274 by Santiago?

I have seen Buck do one thing well with the Royals--run his big mouth about blaming Buddy Bell for his lack of hitting. Buck didn't hit before Bell came to the Royals, either. His whining showed that not only is he an out machine, but he has no class, either.

Perhaps the Royals would have kept Santiago longer than six games. The Pirates aren't exactly baseball's model franchise.

As for return, Nunez has a career ERA of 5.77, including 7.55 the year he pitched the most innings. Granted that's not as high as Kyle Davies, but still pretty bad.

by jbrocato on Mar 9, 2008 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Who would you suggest be our catcher?

Nunez had a sub 4 ERA with a near 4:1 K:BB last season and will be 24 (24!) this season. He was 21 the year he had the 7+ ERA you're complaining about.

Buck was hitting .288 at the beginning of June before falling off. Who's to say that would not have a happened to Santiago?

Also, Buck was being sat for a guy who hit .148 last year. Wouldn't you be a little upset by that when you're leading the team in home runs?

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions

It's the curse of the Benito

The baseball gods have been smiting the Royals for the past 3 years because they traded Santiago away instead of keeping him and throwing him a really kick ass retirement party.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 9, 2008 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Ummm...

Jim Pittsley was the Royals first round pick in 1992. Unless we traded a catcher for a first round pick, I think you're confused about who NYRoyal is talking about.

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions

That was my point.

Pittsley was just a wasted draft pick, not a player obtained in a trade for a solid everyday player (one who the Royals have been unable to replace three years later).

by jbrocato on Mar 9, 2008 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Are you on...

brain degenerative steroids?

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions

It's only spring training

It's only spring training, It's only spring training, It's only spring training, It's only spring training, It's only spring training...

At least, that's what I'm telling myself

by dvail on Mar 9, 2008 5:10 PM EDT reply actions

We cant get ANYBODY out today

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 9, 2008 5:11 PM EDT reply actions

oof

Dayrle Ward looks at the Royals and all he sees are sausage people

by raefzilla on Mar 9, 2008 5:12 PM EDT reply actions

Aren't you thinking of...

...Randall Simon---the former Pirate who had a magical season or so with the Cubs? - TL

Trust Trey and Dayton.

by timlacy on Mar 9, 2008 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions

So we give away another run

Hillman cant be impressed

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 9, 2008 5:12 PM EDT reply actions

why did they take Giron

out so soon

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 5:14 PM EDT reply actions

my cup is half full

my cup is half full
my cup is half full
my cup is half full....

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

by buddyball on Mar 9, 2008 5:19 PM EDT reply actions

the comeback starts now

Royal Pride

by Freneau on Mar 9, 2008 5:22 PM EDT reply actions

BCB is at 128 comments

we're keeping pace

by Freneau on Mar 9, 2008 5:23 PM EDT reply actions

For you Kansas fans...

Oklahoma State 39, Texas 40 - 12:34 in 2nd Half

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 5:25 PM EDT reply actions

Yup

I'm flipping back and forth at an equal pace

by raefzilla on Mar 9, 2008 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Go Okies!

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm changing our luck

I out for a run. I expect the Boys in Blue to have staged a monumental comeback by the time I get back. Royal Pride, indeed!

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

by buddyball on Mar 9, 2008 5:28 PM EDT reply actions

That first base umpire sucks.

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 5:28 PM EDT reply actions

I'm thinking he owns a

cubs jersey.

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Robbed again, teahan was safe

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 9, 2008 5:29 PM EDT reply actions

I Thought

So, too.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

there's that

Tony Pena swing I was hoping we wouldn't see this year.

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 5:32 PM EDT reply actions

Our defense has been terrible today.

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 5:35 PM EDT reply actions

crowd...

have the cubs fans invaded surprise?

by Freneau on Mar 9, 2008 5:37 PM EDT reply actions

Cubs fans invade everything.

Apparently, they are going to renovate Wriggly Field and may have to play at Cellular One. Weird.

http://cbs2chicago.com/sports/chicago.white.sox.2.673021.html

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Cubs Fans Are

All unemployed drunks.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm Glad To

See Wood blowing up the radar today. His 20K game was the most dominating performance of all time.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 5:40 PM EDT reply actions

We are getting lit up

Glad I switched over from the race...not

by MileHighKCfan on Mar 9, 2008 5:42 PM EDT reply actions

Ward For

2008 MVP.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 5:42 PM EDT reply actions

so what will Hillman have the team do after this?

climb a mountain? eat 50 eggs?

by Freneau on Mar 9, 2008 5:43 PM EDT reply actions

Maybe We Should

Try this:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/01/sports/baseball/01mets.html

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Gordon Trying To

Get Gload killed today.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 5:44 PM EDT reply actions

did we just get screwed

on another first base call with Gload?

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 5:50 PM EDT reply actions

It Was Close

But the ump saw it better than I did.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm watching it

on a 2" screen

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions

can you protest a ST game?

by Freneau on Mar 9, 2008 5:50 PM EDT reply actions

Even Though It's

Only ST, it's still disturbing how the bats go silent against ordinary pitching at times.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 5:50 PM EDT reply actions

OSU/UT update

51-49 Texas with under 5 minutes to play

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 5:50 PM EDT reply actions

Check that

Under 4 minutes to play

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Teahen Would Have

Caught that.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 5:55 PM EDT reply actions

uh...nope

by MileHighKCfan on Mar 9, 2008 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Humor Me

I hate Guillen in RF.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Why?

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions

His Legs Are

Gone; Teahen is a better outfielder now. The better fielder belongs in RF; Guillen came in and demanded to play RF to the detriment of the team. He could have been a + defender in LF.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't think it was to the detriment of the team

Transitioning between right and left is far more difficult than it seems. Teahen is more versatile than Guillen which should make the transition easier, plus he's moving to the part of the field he is more used to (left side). In addition, Guillen has a much better arm than Teahen which should improve our total defensive outlook in the outfield.

I think Guillen did the right thing to "demand" (seems like a strong word from what it sounded like he did, which as to say he preferred right field) to play right. But you could be right.

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I Realize People

Were challenging Teahen's arm last year, but he answered the challenge about as well as could be; what was it, 17 assists for him last year?

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't disagree

Teahen has an excellent arm, especially in left field. But Guillen's arm might be in the top five in the league. I don't think there is any question that Guillen's arm is notably better than Teahen's.

I think the Royals made the right decision to move Teahen to left.

Remember though, Teahen was supposed to be playing first base this season. The goal was to get Tori Hunter/Andruw Jones AND Guillen. Too me, that shows how much confidence they have in Teahen's arm and outfield skills.

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm In Mariners'

Country; I saw plenty of Guillen's arm. It's strong but not particularly accurate. Maybe Ichiro just made him look bad by comparison.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Doesn't conventional wisdom

suggest putting the better fielder in left?

by stuckinstl12 on Mar 9, 2008 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions

No

Wisdom suggests the better fielder be in right.

There is a reason why Billy Butler (for a time) and Manny Ramirez were left fielders.

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Not Since

I've been alive. NYRoyal and I went over this last winter. Range is particularly important in RF to keep runners from taking 3rd on s single. Teahen has far superior range and a good enough arm.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Okay

If Teahen had been in RF and played Blanco to hit it down the RF line and shaded that way, then yes, Teahen would have caught that ball. Better?

by MileHighKCfan on Mar 9, 2008 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Guillie Did Take

A bad route to the ball.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions

good news is its his first game

hopefully he can get better

by Freneau on Mar 9, 2008 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions

I thought that too

but then on the replay I realized that it didn't matter, his route wasn't going to change the outcome.

by MileHighKCfan on Mar 9, 2008 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Is anybody GOOD set to pitch today for the R's?

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 9, 2008 5:59 PM EDT reply actions

Sterger

deliver us

by Freneau on Mar 9, 2008 6:00 PM EDT reply actions

Ahhh

the pic that made her famous

by MileHighKCfan on Mar 9, 2008 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions

I needed that.

Thank you.

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Those Are

Real, no?

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions

define real

by Freneau on Mar 9, 2008 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions

real nice

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions

They Exist

In our universe.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions

No they are probably contacts

BELIEVE!! 162 WINS IN '08!!

by Shooter on Mar 9, 2008 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions

That's An

Interesting concept.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions

can someone post a score update?

by Freneau on Mar 9, 2008 6:02 PM EDT reply actions

Why Are They

Playing Cash doing Kristofferson?

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:03 PM EDT reply actions

Gordon!!

finally

by MileHighKCfan on Mar 9, 2008 6:05 PM EDT reply actions

reason for optimism

by raefzilla on Mar 9, 2008 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Gordo - explordo!!!!!!!!!!!

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

by buddyball on Mar 9, 2008 6:05 PM EDT reply actions

i like that one

by Freneau on Mar 9, 2008 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Gordon Would Be

Faster if he had shorter pants.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:05 PM EDT reply actions

or shorter hair perhaps

by MileHighKCfan on Mar 9, 2008 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions

any reason to worry

about Teahen striking out so much so far this ST? I thought with his shoulder all healed that he was planning on cutting down on that sort of thing. Maybe he is working on something.

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

by buddyball on Mar 9, 2008 6:13 PM EDT reply actions

all you can hope for at this point

by Freneau on Mar 9, 2008 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I Hope He's

Working on taking pitches that bounce.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions

The Royals are messing him up

trying to make him a power hitter. If he just focused on doubles and getting on base, he would not strikeout nearly as much in my opinion.

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions

TPJ Hacking

Furiously.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:27 PM EDT reply actions

Is That

21/12?

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:36 PM EDT reply actions

if you mean

Cubs hits to Royals hits, it is 21 - 2

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

by buddyball on Mar 9, 2008 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions

No, I Thought

It was 21 hits/12 runs for the Cubs; it was 21/13.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Gator Makes A

Routine catch look routine!

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:38 PM EDT reply actions

The Meat Of

The order coming up.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:41 PM EDT reply actions

If Benito Santiago were still a Royal...

...we would be winning this game right now.

Leo Nunez's outing today tells us all we need to know about him. Get him out, now!

Become a member of Royals Nation!

by Royals Nation on Mar 9, 2008 6:42 PM EDT reply actions

LOL

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions

yea, that was crazy

by Freneau on Mar 9, 2008 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions

warning track power

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

by buddyball on Mar 9, 2008 6:44 PM EDT reply actions

Turn Shealy Loose

On 3-0!

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:45 PM EDT reply actions

At Least Shealy

Got around on it.

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 9, 2008 6:45 PM EDT reply actions

13-run homer right here...

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 6:45 PM EDT reply actions

Almost...

I'm really good at being wrong... sometimes.

by BlownSave on Mar 9, 2008 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions

it could have been....

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

by buddyball on Mar 9, 2008 6:50 PM EDT reply actions

two hits

against a St pitching staff, with many regulars not travelling to Surprise

awesome

by Freneau on Mar 9, 2008 7:02 PM EDT reply actions

Wow.

What a b-a-d performance by KC. Tomko set a horrible tone, and we made Dempster look like Cy Young. Smokes. - TL

Trust Trey and Dayton.

by timlacy on Mar 9, 2008 7:29 PM EDT reply actions

OUCH!!!!!

The first neighborhood (baseball on TV) bbq and we looked like crap. Two Royals fans versus a (New neighbor) Cubs fan... it just wasn't pretty. I am very glad for Buck and Gordon's doubles or we would have been dead. Tomko wasn't fooling anyone. I will be shocked if he is a starter breaking camp. Mahay and Buttay... looked good, or at least better than the Brettster.

Well there is always .... tommorrow!!!!!!

by grudz69 on Mar 9, 2008 8:08 PM EDT reply actions