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Game 12 Open Thread- Twins (6-5) at Royals (6-5)

Royalsreview_tiny by royalsreview on in Events Comment 473 comments

Minnesota Twins @ Kansas City Royals


We've seen this story before, as the Royals try to avoid being swept by those pesky Twins. Really not digging the complete offensive decay, and I can only hope that it doesn't inspire Hillman to enact some hardcore small-ballisms, which would be like treating a sore foot by sawing off your leg.

 

We'll see. Travel again tomorrow for me, so have fun without me.

 

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Francisco Liriano day

The good news is that he looked pretty bad in his two minor league rehab starts. 6.75 ERA, more K's than IP, but lots of walks and hits as well. So, I'm not sure he's major league ready yet. And I'd be shocked if they let him go more than 5 innings.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 12:54 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Bad News

The Royals offense has looked hapless since the first inning of the close of the Yankees series.

Considering that we made Livan Hernandez and Boof Bonser look like ALCY candidates, i wouldn't be surprised if Liriano shuts us down through 5.

True. Blue. Third Place in 2008.

by DC Royal on Apr 13, 2008 1:08 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They're due

I know that is an ultra-cliche, but clearly they aren't as bad as they've been for the past 3 days. They'll do better than that sometime soon. Why not today?

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 1:09 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree with you, eventually they will break out

My point, which I should have made more clear, was not that the Royals have a high chance to be shut out, but that all signs thus far point to a less than stellar offense in 2008.

Runs scored this season:

5, 4, 4, 3, 4, 3, 5, 4, 1, 0, 0.

Quite frankly, that is a terrible sign, and while the small sample size holds true I think we were somewhat over-optimistic about our offensive potential prior in the season.

We have an already good and potentially very good pitching staff, but they will need to continue to pitch with close to zero margin for error if we are to realistically think about 4th place or better.

True. Blue. Third Place in 2008.

by DC Royal on Apr 13, 2008 1:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Were we overly optimistic?

I think most of us expected an improved offense, but not a "good" offense. I still think we'll have that.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 1:25 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, I didn't expect that

I don't think most of us did, but I'm not sure.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 1:31 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But I'm still thinking about 755 runs scored

The average RS prediction from the "Big Prediction Contest" was 766.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 1:40 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Anyone else see this in the Star?

Hillman on Gload...

"Give me 25 guys like Ross Gload, and I’ll take the field against anybody," Hillman said.

"He’s just one of those guys that’ll run into a wall for you. He’s a leader in the clubhouse. Players look up to him."

There are no fancy Bill James-like stats or catchy terms for the value of a player like Gload. But Hillman doesn’t care.

"We don’t need any of those for (Gload)," Hillman said. "Well, if you need to come up with one, it’s called ‘gamer.’ The guy is just a gamer. You win with players like that, and no one will convince me otherwise."

Seems like this would make it really hard to Shealy to come up, barring some kind of energy. I've been happy with Gload thus far, but I don't know if that's going to last.

Also, henceforth, "Gamer" is also an acceptable nickname of Gload.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Apr 13, 2008 1:20 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oops...

Does not play well with HTML...that whole thing from the Star was supposed to be a blockquote...you get the idea.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Apr 13, 2008 1:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hopefully Moore finds a good replacement in the offseason

Dunn is at the top of my list right now.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 1:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Madness, Sheer Madness

Minnesota
AB R H RBI BB K LOB Season Avg
C. Gomez cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .292
B. Harris 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .367
J. Kubel dh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .265
J. Morneau 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .222
D. Young lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .262
M. Lamb 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .188
M. Redmond c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
D. Span rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .308
A. Everett ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .095
Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Kansas City
AB R H RBI BB K LOB Season Avg
J. Gathright cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .214
E. German 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
M. Teahen lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .316
B. Butler 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .372
J. Guillen rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .133
A. Gordon 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .311
M. Olivo dh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .111
J. Buck c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .226
T. Pena Jr. ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .037
Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
We will see German don the tools of ignorance today.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 1:47 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

so....

hillman thinks butler can man the bag. i'm hoping this doesn't make me curse or laugh throughout the afternoon.

olivo, buck, pena.... i suppose hillman's a believer in the "they're due" philosophy

by kcinstl on Apr 13, 2008 1:59 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Olivo hammers lefties

Buck hits them pretty well too. And, somebody had to catch today.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:00 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The decision no one seems to be questioning

is why the heck are we operating short one outfielder. DeJesus has seen no action for almost two weeks, couldn't he have been put on the 15-day disabled list retroactively, so we have Costa or Hollins or Maier available? Maybe they wouldn't have ended up seeing any action, and I'm sure none of them are better than a Teahen-Gathright-Teahen outfield, but what's the point of keeping DDJ on the active roster as dead weight?

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

by cmkeller on Apr 13, 2008 2:00 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd rather have DeJesus back in the lineup in less than 15 days

...than to waste a roster spot on a horrible player like Costa, Hollins or Maier.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:02 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But he's already been out almost that long

shouldn't a trainer or team doctor have figured out before this that he's dead roster weight for a while?

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

by cmkeller on Apr 13, 2008 2:05 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd rather have him out for 14 days and not on the DL

...than waste a roster spot on those guys. How does it hurt us to not have Hollins, Maier or Costa? Gload, Callaspo and German can all play the OF if necessary.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:07 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Fine, then call up Shealy

to allow Gload to be an emergency OF. His slow start in AAA notwithstanding, he did decently in Spring Training, and so did Hollins.

My point is, we're short a bat (not necessarily an OF) for no real reason. DDJ could have been put on the DL retroactive to his injury, and 15 days will be up tomorrow or Tuesday (not sure how the date of the injury itself is counted for this).

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

by cmkeller on Apr 13, 2008 2:13 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We're short one position player, but it doesn't really hurt us at all

And the addition of Shealy or one of those OFers doesn't really help us. However, getting DeJesus back into the lineup ASAP does help us.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:14 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But Gathright can jump over cars and Japanese pitchers...

that's worth two shane costas, three mitch maiers, and twenty brandon bergers.

True. Blue. Third Place in 2008.

by DC Royal on Apr 13, 2008 2:02 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But seriously, folks

Gathright is better than all of the Omaha options.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:03 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yes Gathright is the better option...

....to start. I just think they are saying it would be valuable to have that person on the bench. To pinch hit or whatever

by 85CardsforLife on Apr 13, 2008 2:09 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It would be different if they were actually valuable bench players

But they aren't. Not any of them.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:10 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

are you telling me

that we have no one in triple a worth calling up to take a rosterspot outfielder or otherwise?

by 85CardsforLife on Apr 13, 2008 2:16 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We have no one who is more valuable as bench player than DeJesus is getting back ASAP

A week of games on the bench for the AAA player is worth less to the team than DeJesus coming back one or two games before his 15 days would be up.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:18 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

When he goes on a hot streak

...will he become your new favorite player?

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:15 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's not that he hasn't been great

He's just been REALLY bad. It didn't help that he walked through the KC doors and demanded to play RF

by kansasjhawk044 on Apr 13, 2008 2:16 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Players have bad streaks

It's not particularly uncommon. I could list some good players right now who are on bad streaks, but I won't. It's too obvious.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:17 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Probably not. First impressions are everything, and his has sucked.

So I will continually to rag on him irrationally when he hits a hot streak.

True. Blue. Third Place in 2008.

by DC Royal on Apr 13, 2008 2:17 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is why baseball players value evenness over a 162-game season

...and not overrreact to individual wins, losses and good and bad stretches.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:16 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Alrighty

Bannister got off to a rough start last week, he'll turn it around. I guess it isn't really his fault we aren't out of this.

by kansasjhawk044 on Apr 13, 2008 2:17 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Anyone else having trouble with the radio feed on MLB?

instead of the royals feed, I'm getting some Fox Sports radio show. I can get the twins feed, though.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Apr 13, 2008 2:17 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes, They Were

Discussing UCLA basketball when I turned it on. The game feed is still not on.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:20 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

luke prokopec?

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 2:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Liriano had serious control problems in his rehab starts

Let's hope Royals batters wait for him to throw strikes before they swing.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:19 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

so

Is it just NY, DC, and me in here?

by kansasjhawk044 on Apr 13, 2008 2:20 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Unfortunately For You

No.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm An Idiot

But usually a benign one.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:24 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Phil is here

Representin' Alaska!

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It'll Be Warmer

Here later today than it is at the K.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:24 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Here but my slingbox isn't working

so I have no clue what is going on.

Proud father of a budding Royals fan.

by Skirra on Apr 13, 2008 2:22 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That is why

he's such a good leadoff man!

by kansasjhawk044 on Apr 13, 2008 2:21 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah

I meant to say 'Will be such a good leadoff man'

by kansasjhawk044 on Apr 13, 2008 2:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hmmmmm, hope so

I'm still thinking 4th OFer.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

sacrificing in the first...

well...our anti-scoring offense is at it again...playing for one run in the first inning w/ no one out...

Never giving up on your team is what makes you a good fan.

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Apr 13, 2008 2:25 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good Nefi Reference

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:26 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

agreed

neifi=worst player in game....and butler just gooooot it...one streak continues...another ends

Never giving up on your team is what makes you a good fan.

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Apr 13, 2008 2:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hit and run

would be more effective w/ a hitter like german

Never giving up on your team is what makes you a good fan.

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Apr 13, 2008 2:26 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yikes.

Liriano made Teahen look silly on a filthy curveball.

True. Blue. Third Place in 2008.

by DC Royal on Apr 13, 2008 2:26 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't like the small ball

But it kinda worked here.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:27 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Butler gets it done.

by 2X2L on Apr 13, 2008 2:27 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

1-1

Butler jumps on a first pitch fastball

True. Blue. Third Place in 2008.

by DC Royal on Apr 13, 2008 2:27 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hillman Is A

Genius.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:27 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It'd be cool

to see Guillen redeem that error here with a HR

by kansasjhawk044 on Apr 13, 2008 2:27 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It'd Take A

Homer to plate Billy.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:28 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not sure how I feel about that bunt.

Think what it really says is Hillman doesn't trust German to move Gathright over to second, and he REALLY wants Gathright at second for Teahan and Butler.

But you'd think Gathright would be a candidate for a steal, and you wouldn't have to waste an out with German. And if Hillman doesn't trust German in that situation, then why the hell is he batting second?

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Apr 13, 2008 2:28 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Guillen looks lost

True. Blue. Third Place in 2008.

by DC Royal on Apr 13, 2008 2:28 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

get him 40 ml of HGH, STAT

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 2:29 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I mean, seriously bad.

three pitches and he's down again? I can't stand this guy's plate approach.

True. Blue. Third Place in 2008.

by DC Royal on Apr 13, 2008 2:29 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm guessing it is a spiritual crisis

I think someone should send him some pamphlets about their favorite religion.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:29 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Seems like Jaboo isn't helping him hit.

Screw you jaboo, I do it myself.

...sigh...if only...

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Apr 13, 2008 2:31 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe Miss South

Carolina could provide him with a U.S. American map. He is in a new place.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:30 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You can get rid of Emil...

...but apparently you can't immediately cure yourself of "outfielder with an .100 average in April" syndrome.

by andrewmiller on Apr 13, 2008 2:32 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How did we/they score?

Proud father of a budding Royals fan.

by Skirra on Apr 13, 2008 2:31 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Twins scored on an E-9 by Guillen followed by Morneau RBI single

Royals scored on a Gathright infield single, sac bunt, Butler RBI single.

True. Blue. Third Place in 2008.

by DC Royal on Apr 13, 2008 2:32 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Banny looks good

True. Blue. Third Place in 2008.

by DC Royal on Apr 13, 2008 2:32 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He Knew He

Needed a K.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:32 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Alberto Does Not

Make that play.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:33 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good point

Nor does he make last night's error.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:34 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe TPJ Should

Try switch-hitting. Could it possibly be worse?

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:35 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Could be worse, yeah

If he hasn't tried that yet, I probably wouldn't want him to try it now.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:36 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OK, How About

One foot in each box, chopping straight down; no one's tried that yet.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:47 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i'm sorry, that was supposed to read

"i think you might be on something"

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 2:49 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

just kidding

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 2:49 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WOW, great play by TPJ

if only we could merge his glove with Alberto's bat

True. Blue. Third Place in 2008.

by DC Royal on Apr 13, 2008 2:33 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe we give them the same jersey number?

And sneak Callespot to the plate once or twice a game and see if anyone notices?

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Apr 13, 2008 2:36 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The perfect blend

of Carribean flavors.

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

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Apr 13, 2008 2:37 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A Pena Callaspo

Kinda like a Pina Colada.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:39 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice

True. Blue. Third Place in 2008.

by DC Royal on Apr 13, 2008 2:41 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gordon Just Missed

His pitch on 0-2.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:36 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Span made the same mistake Guillen did.

I'm not entirely defending Guillen, but that wind is really making balls sail left to right and deep.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:38 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

nice

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 2:38 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

olivo was out....

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 2:38 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bang bang play

hard to call

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:39 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Twinkies Were Penalized

For stupidity.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:40 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This year's theory: keep running until they make you stop.

by 2X2L on Apr 13, 2008 2:38 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Small ball sucks. Doubles are good.

(my wisdom for the day)

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:39 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Olivo is tricky.

Think he's gonna bunt, then WHAM...hits it hard. Then he makes you think he's going to third and SURPISE he's back at second.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Apr 13, 2008 2:39 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

nice oppo hit

looked like he connected... their OF overran the ball, as well.

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

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Apr 13, 2008 2:39 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

why would olivo

1 - bunt with our big rbi guys pena and buck coming up
2 - think he can get three

is anyone keeping track of the number of outs we have made on the basepaths, not counting steals...

by kcinstl on Apr 13, 2008 2:40 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hmmmm...

How many games do you think the Royals will complete on baserunning errors alone this year??

I know I have seen at least 5 errors already this year, including the ugliest slide ever into 2nd by Butler.

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

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Apr 13, 2008 2:42 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sometimes you shorten up to bunt on the first pitch to make the defense think you are going to sac bunt

The fact that he didn't shorten up on the second pitch means the sac bunt was not on.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:42 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

At least TPJ made solid contact

The hitless streak continues!

True. Blue. Third Place in 2008.

by DC Royal on Apr 13, 2008 2:41 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gotta Believe He'd

Do that more often if he'd cut down his swing.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:43 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Even better, Banny's doing his best Greg Maddux impression so far.

by 2X2L on Apr 13, 2008 2:47 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

speaking of gathright impressions

anyone seen that lame Kobe ad where he "jumps" over a car?

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 2:48 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Someday I hope to a see a

Gomez-Gathright-Tyner outfield, with Juan Pierre as the 4th OF.

True. Blue. Third Place in 2008.

by DC Royal on Apr 13, 2008 2:46 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That Group Could

Take runs off the board.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:48 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hey, it's the AL

Pierre could DH

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 2:49 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

banny rulez

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 2:46 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wonder when/if the guys at BP will think Bannister is for real

This isn't really meant as a criticism of BP or their particular analytical approach, but Bannister's stats continue to fly in the face of the statistical profile that a successful pitcher should have. When do you think they would/will recognize that Bannister is a statistical anomaly?

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:50 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i think banny was maligned more by PECOTA than by the BP writers

but then, i didn't get the book this year -- perhaps they said something negative in the write up?

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 2:52 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I do remember one of them (Nate Silver, I believe) calling his season a "DIPS-induced fluke"

Such sentiments were not uncommon. They thought he would regress big-time becuase of his BABIP and low K-rate.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:53 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whereas most pitchers don't understand or follow the stats

so they don't realize their good season was a fluke. He realizes the "flukiness" and thus is able to re-create it in a sense.

by mazoboom on Apr 13, 2008 2:54 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rany wrote the Royals section

Other BP writers have been less kind.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:53 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rany wrote in this year's BP annual:


Intelligence may have split the atom and put a man on the moon, but it can't sustain a .264 BABIP. What it can do is sustain a pitcher's ability to pitch above his God-given talent... He's likely to go through some tough times in 2008, but if he can stay one step ahead of the hitters, he'll avoid being a one-year wonder.

by 2X2L on Apr 13, 2008 3:00 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bannister's 2008 BABIP through the first 5 innings today: .196.

by 2X2L on Apr 13, 2008 3:30 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Postgame update: .175.

by 2X2L on Apr 13, 2008 4:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Take a little farther...

Maybe banny isn't a statistical anomaly. Maybe his approach is dictating his success, despite his sometimes mediocre "stuff".

In other words, other pitchers could follow the same approach and get similar results.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Apr 13, 2008 2:52 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's really what I mean

He has a particular way of succeeding which is atypical. He doesn't follow the most common model of pitcher success.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:54 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I've been wondering that as well

Ironically, the ESPN analysts have been the first national outlet to jump on the "Bannister's sage-like pitching savvy outweighs his lack of stuff" wagon.

Probably a good thing that BP is being skeptical, but in a perfect world that should begin wane with each solid start that Banny takes.

True. Blue. Third Place in 2008.

by DC Royal on Apr 13, 2008 2:53 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

All ESPN cares about is ERA and wins and losses

So they are easy to win over.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:54 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

does the Dodge Buck night

involve our catcher running around the field naked?

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 2:53 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Come on, you're joking right?

He slipped and lost the ball when he slipped.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:57 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

After a replay I see that

I was surfin the net when I heard Paul say that Pena didn't get it. I assumed it was a screw up. I posted too soon. Sorry TPJ

by kansasjhawk044 on Apr 13, 2008 2:58 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

tony pena, defensive wizard

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 2:57 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 2:58 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Then you should know that your criticism of Pena on that play is misplaced

Unless it was just random Pena-bashing. Then it's all good.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 2:58 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

E-6 Taken Off

The board.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:59 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He Needs A

Better choreographer.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 2:58 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Anyone know what Jose is batting with runners on?

I know his AVG is terrible, but it just seems like every time he's up there with a chance to drive in runs every time.

I'm also curious as to how many times he ends an inning, cause again, it seems like he's the third out every time he's up.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Apr 13, 2008 2:59 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

tony pena, defensive wizard

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 3:00 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BTW, on that play

Gordon completely lost the ball in the sun as well.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 3:01 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

pena's aura got in his eyes

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 3:01 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, He Bailed

And left Pena out on the island.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 3:01 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Twins announcer commented on the sun as well.

Said it poked out from behind the cloud just as the ball was coming down.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Apr 13, 2008 3:02 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lets get something going here

has this team had a big inning this season?

by royalsreview on Apr 13, 2008 3:04 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

As we're talking about SS

Does anyone think Angel Berroa will ever make it big again? If not in KC, anywhere?

by kansasjhawk044 on Apr 13, 2008 3:04 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

anything is possible

but i doubt it... unless its again with KC as a bench call up

by royalsreview on Apr 13, 2008 3:05 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

El Gordo y La Flaca!

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 3:04 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

6 years of French and some German as well.

I lacked Foreign Language forsight, evidently.

Translation???

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

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Apr 13, 2008 3:06 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

literally, "the fat guy and the skinny girl"

it's also the name of some terrible talkshow on Univision or the other spanish station

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 3:07 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I know its still early, but just for fun...

Most likely to reach the All-Star game this year?

Gordon
Butler
Teahan
Bannister
Greinke
Soria

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Apr 13, 2008 3:06 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Banny and Greinke

those are my bets

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

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Apr 13, 2008 3:07 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

bannister... he's becoming a media darling

continued profile raising...

Soria is also a good bet

by royalsreview on Apr 13, 2008 3:07 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Butler and Bannister

Soria also perhaps. It's great to have some legitimate options who actually demand consideration.

by andrewmiller on Apr 13, 2008 3:08 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

gordon or butler will make it...

whoever can sustain this early success longer, probably butler. of course, AL DH is tougher, so maybe gordon will make it instead.

and then i think a pitcher will make it, most likely banny.

by rockchalk on Apr 13, 2008 3:08 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

whoops

that was supposed to be in the previous comment

by kcinstl on Apr 13, 2008 3:07 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Twins Make

Buck a .319 hitter.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 3:09 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Table Is

Set for TPJ! Hurray!

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 3:11 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Has Pena Learned

To bunt well enough for a squeeze?

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 3:12 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

For some reason, I thought the game was at 4:10

So I missed the end of the drought.

I have no problem showing up to a 3-1 lead, however.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Apr 13, 2008 3:14 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hey, I was watching

the games we scored FIVE runs!

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Apr 13, 2008 3:16 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

buck around second...

(1/4 second pause) - i think to myself (oh crap)

and he's gonna check in there....

whew.

by kcinstl on Apr 13, 2008 3:14 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Real answer

Waiting for Moore to work out the best trade possible

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 3:16 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also Swinging At

Ball 3.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 3:16 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

booyahr

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by marbotty on Apr 13, 2008 3:16 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

4-1

bannister is too smart to allow more than one more run

game over

by royalsreview on Apr 13, 2008 3:16 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We're An Offensive

Juggernaut.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 3:17 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'll take 4 runs through 4

Maybe we can even score two more and break our record for the year.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 3:18 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No, This Is

Where the 5 and 6 pitch innings come, traditionally.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 3:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why do I have this nagging feeling

that Guillen is going to be responsible for ending this inning?

Seems like thats the key to a big inning...start the inning with whoever is battering after Jose. That way, we get some runs before his slump kills the inning and doesn't hurt us.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Apr 13, 2008 3:18 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Teahen blew it that time

Need to send him to Omaha stat.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Apr 13, 2008 3:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Spoke too soon.

Disregard first part of that comment, though i still stand by the idea that starting the inning with whoever is hitting after Jose is the key to a big inning.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Apr 13, 2008 3:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

liriano

70 pitches.... first start of the year.

how long does he go?

by kcinstl on Apr 13, 2008 3:18 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would guess 85 is his limit. Just a guess

So 5 innings at most.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 3:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He looked done in the 4th.

by 2X2L on Apr 13, 2008 3:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

brian bass....

lets get this former royal in the game...

by kcinstl on Apr 13, 2008 3:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm starting to think

that Banny is a legitimate ace.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Apr 13, 2008 3:22 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's possible

I won't seriously consider that until after the ASB, though. Although he really, really looks like a good #2. But it's still early.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 3:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

When He's On

You seldom see hitters getting a really good swing.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 3:24 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

just checked in!

hurray for some offense. as always banny looking great, it appears.

most important q: how is butler's defense? anything clunky?

by Sean O Se on Apr 13, 2008 3:23 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No balls hit to him

Just catching throws from IFers. No problem, nothing difficult so far.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 3:24 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Surprised the Twinkies aren't trying to drag bunt everything down the first base line...

partly for the entertainment factor that would be Billy charging (waddling) down the line...

by Royal Revival on Apr 13, 2008 3:25 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Should let you all know.

Before the start of the fourth inning, I heated up some ribs for lunch and cracked open a Guinness. After doing so, we score runs.

I think we've found the key to our success. Feel free to thank me at any point.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Apr 13, 2008 3:23 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thank you

Keep up the good work. I would suggest Guinness and ribs for every game. I don't care how much weight you gain.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 3:24 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Best Billboard

Right around the time AB was marketing Mich Ultra Amber.

"Guinness: 125 Calories

Not on Purpose"

or something like that

by kcinstl on Apr 13, 2008 3:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I Poured The

Red wine; same effect.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 3:25 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ribs and Guinness

Not a typical combination, but, I'm sure it's tasty nonetheless.

by kcinstl on Apr 13, 2008 3:25 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree.

Only beer I happened to have at the moment, but I'm enjoying the combination thus far.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Apr 13, 2008 3:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lies

You can't expect me to believe that.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Apr 13, 2008 3:26 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i'm loving it

the more free passes the better

by AtTheWall on Apr 13, 2008 3:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Prairie Home Companion's

Sonnet show is on right now; you are listening, aren't you RR? I caught the first half yesterday. It's must-hear radio.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 3:26 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good thing that was foul

Billy woulda gotten thrown out at third.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Apr 13, 2008 3:27 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He hit 3 balls to or near the warning track yesterday

I'm hoping these are small positive signs

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 3:28 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Both he and Teahen hit homers last night

on any day with no wind.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Apr 13, 2008 3:29 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

(to dead center, no less.)

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Apr 13, 2008 3:29 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

guillen has hit a lot of balls hard...

eventually they will be hits.

im really not worried about him...

by rockchalk on Apr 13, 2008 3:28 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A Moral Victory

For JoGui.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 3:29 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gameday shows a pickoff attempt at Billy...really?

I guess the hit-and-run could be on but really? Pickoff attempt?

by Royal Revival on Apr 13, 2008 3:29 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Two walks in one inning?

Scandalous.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Apr 13, 2008 3:32 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

With the walk, Liriano is at 90 pitches

And it looks like he might be experiencing some discomfort. I really don't know why they called him up so soon. This is not smart.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 3:32 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Minnehoovians Are Nothing

If not polite.

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 3:35 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah. He shouldn't have come back that year at all.

Supposedly he doesn't tell them when he's experiencing discomfort or pain.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Apr 13, 2008 3:35 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Especially Since We're

Seeing the baseball equivalent of the Ice Bowl. "Here on the frozen tundra of Kauffman Stadium".

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

by philofthenorth on Apr 13, 2008 3:34 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs