Game 8 Overflow Thread
by Freneau on Apr 9, 2008 10:22 PM EDT
in Events
Email
PrintAlberto Gonzalez isn't a true Yankee, either.
The Royals lead 4-0 in the 7th, in what's been a weird game. The Yankee's bullpen day plan actually worked, until they brought their planned starter in. In other news, every Royal pitcher is good.
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gooble hahaha
"Clogging up the bases isn't that great to me." -Dusty Baker on OBP
I Hurried Home
To use my premium subscription and it says I"M BLACKED OUT!!!!!! WTF? Is there any way that's correct?
Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!
Alaska must be in the Royals region
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2008 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Serious?
Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!
by philofthenorth on Apr 9, 2008 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Holdover from the days when
the A's were the western-most team in the majors.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
restart your browser
maybe that will work
Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.
Phil
I feel really bad because I'm in CO and I get all the games, how can AK not get every game possible.
Disclaimer: Comments may not be suitable for young children or women who are pregnant, or women who think they may be pregnant. Side effects could include nausea, dizziness, or yelling at the monitor in disbelief.
by MileHighKCfan on Apr 9, 2008 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
We've struck out 9 times, but walked 6
That's not bad
winning records follow good bullpens
whoo
okay, i'm excited.
Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 9, 2008 10:29 PM EDT reply actions
Consistent offense
No fewer than 4 runs in any game. No more than 5 runs in any game. That's not great, but it is a good way to win games if you have consistently good pitching.
I probably disagree with you.
Ah, to be in the NL central
winning records follow good bullpens
ummm . . . last time i checked, we're in 1st place.
we don't need to play in the junior circuit to succeed - we can do it in the toughest division.
by royalstern05 on Apr 9, 2008 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Will
do you have a new pic for every game of the year? I hope so
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yes
Disclaimer: Comments may not be suitable for young children or women who are pregnant, or women who think they may be pregnant. Side effects could include nausea, dizziness, or yelling at the monitor in disbelief.
by MileHighKCfan on Apr 9, 2008 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions
as long as you throw me a bone in the threads I post in
I will turn a blind eye to it.
Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 9, 2008 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions
surely you can appreciate her vast talent.
Don't Stop Believing!
no
no i can't.
Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 9, 2008 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions
sorry, i was kidding.
Don't Stop Believing!
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it Zack Greinke taking the mound
for the 8th inning?
winning records follow good bullpens
Hillman obv has Zack on his fantasy team and needs some extra innings
winning records follow good bullpens
Would not surprise me
If Trey's doing this solely so he can come get Zack off the mound for a standing O.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
nothing wrong with that
IMHO
Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 9, 2008 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions
K, time to come get him
winning records follow good bullpens
That is terrible!
He was a great character actor. He really added to the show!
First Sharona, and now Dr. Kruger.
www.rockchalktalk.com for pretty good KU baseball coverage
I'm the only person on the planet
who prefers Traylor Howard to Bitsy Schramm.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
How did I just now see this?
I agree with you. I think it's mostly people resistant to change. Traylor much better actress.
Although I must say, 95mph in the 8th inning
over 100 pitches, pretty impressive arm strength.
winning records follow good bullpens
i'd thnak the yanks for htat dp...
Don't Stop Believing!
What crapy baserunning!
The Yankees really do not play the game well.
www.rockchalktalk.com for pretty good KU baseball coverage
Grudz thought bubble:
"Didn't you see me wax Tolbert the other night?"
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
dumb baserunning
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Now It Says
They're performing maintenance!!!! I'm displeased.
Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!
Damon doubles...
winning records follow good bullpens
Awesome DP - Royals are making the plays
in the field. I was surprised to see Greinke in the 8th but he still is doing well.
Thought Gobble would come in for the left handers at top of the lineup.
even though i dind't think he should come back out...
Don't Stop Believing!
I'll take the 8 innings for fantasy
Disclaimer: Comments may not be suitable for young children or women who are pregnant, or women who think they may be pregnant. Side effects could include nausea, dizziness, or yelling at the monitor in disbelief.
Well, 8 IP, 0 runs....
I think we just saw the Japanese baseball side of Hillman. I remember him being quoted as saying pitch counts weren't as big of a deal over there, and it's more about how the guy is pitching. Well there you go. Zack's confidence has to be pretty up there...
winning records follow good bullpens
I Can't Even
Listen to the radio now; cannot access, operation aborted.
Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!
You need to get MLB Exra Innings. I had trouble with MLB.tv last year too
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2008 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I ordered it yesterday and it won't work!
Comcast is sending a "technician" here to fix it. Biggest disappointment ever...all set to tune into the home opener and nothing...
by Royal Revival on Apr 9, 2008 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Zack is the man - he pitched like an ace
I believe Greinke is the key to KC's season. If he pitches like a #1 starter, KC will be in the hunt all year.
The lack of K's are somewhat worrysome
BUT, he's faced two teams that are struggling offensively and has pitched to contact, which makes a ton of sense. I'm curious to see how he'll look when he's facing the Tigers in July when they're clicking on all cylinders.
Remember, Greinke started off last season with a bang also...
winning records follow good bullpens
The Royals ERA is amazing
I expect MLB to start a formal inquiry. Mitchell doing anything.
I probably disagree with you.
Just a minor league note
Burlington Bees had a DH with Kane County - A's affiliate. They scored 0 runs in 17 innings and were no hit in the second game. Total of 6 hits for the whole day and David Lough had 3 of them.
Long night at the ballpark. Moustakas got ejected in second game - can only guess it was arguing with balls and strikes.
would be nice
that will have to be for another day though
Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.
Let's just burn out his arm in April and buy him some DL time
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2008 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Come on!
Where is the data that shows that 110 pitches in April is dangerous?
by billexgordler on Apr 9, 2008 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Ask Rany
110 pitches has some risk to it. Risk increases with every pitch over 100. There is absolutely no reason to heap more injury risk on him in this game. None.
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2008 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions
every pitch is dangerous...
...so by that token I'm with you, but I haven't seen any data that showing additional risk until the 130 level.
by billexgordler on Apr 9, 2008 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions
The biggest risk is at 121 pitches and beyond
Rany and Woolner have established that pretty well. But risk starts after 100 pitches. There is definitely risk at 110 pitches.
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2008 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions
not 130?
I thought that was the number that Will uses at BP...
by billexgordler on Apr 9, 2008 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Rany and Woolner say 121 is the magic number
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2008 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions
It sucks that the Tigers are going to win, wouldn't surprise me
to see them reel off 5-6 in a row after that.
winning records follow good bullpens
Pena!?!?!?
Dang, man. Swing the bat!
Don't Stop Believing!
Took my daughter to her first baseball game.
We had to leave early because of the weather but it was worth it. She is going to get a certificate with her name on it from the Royals celebrating her first game. 
awwww
usually I'm against pink royals stuff. but on a baby it's absolutely adorable. She's really cute :)
Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 9, 2008 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions
glorious . . . .
beautiful baby - love the royals gear too!
we should indoctrinate all our offspring with royals love.
by royalstern05 on Apr 9, 2008 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions
That awesome
what a cutie
Disclaimer: Comments may not be suitable for young children or women who are pregnant, or women who think they may be pregnant. Side effects could include nausea, dizziness, or yelling at the monitor in disbelief.
by MileHighKCfan on Apr 9, 2008 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions
i have almot the same pic of my little one.
I thikn it's great you took her.
Don't Stop Believing!
Let's see what Yabuta can do
Everybody else in the bullpen has been contributing to the gaudy stat line, time for him to step up.
winning records follow good bullpens
Eh, no 3 IP 9 K's no care!
winning records follow good bullpens
i know i shouldn't have . . .
but i just cracked up!!!
hahah!
by royalstern05 on Apr 9, 2008 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions
E6, that shouldn't have been a hit.
It was in his glove.
www.rockchalktalk.com for pretty good KU baseball coverage
watch your mouth around the children, please
Don't Stop Believing!
it's on the filtered list at work.
I can't receive any emails with Berroa in the subject line. It's basically worse than email porn.
Don't Stop Believing!
I think he should be ritually killed at second base. I'm talking old school sacrifice, like in "Apocalypto"
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2008 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I've always been fond of the Temple of Doom ritual sacrifice myself
I'd rather be watching baseball.
by Sisquatch Kids on Apr 9, 2008 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions
KALI-MAN!!!! KALI-MAAAAAAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by royalstern05 on Apr 9, 2008 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm ready to rip someone's heart out!!!!!
I'd rather be watching baseball.
by Sisquatch Kids on Apr 9, 2008 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
You ARE the king
;)
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2008 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions
not helping his chances at making it through the season as the starting SS
I'd rather be watching baseball.
If Pena is the starting SS at the end of the season
I will be surprised. I look for Callaspo to take over because Pena will play himself out of a job.
Think they'll make Callaspo the everyday SS when they are grooming him to be the regular 2B after Grudz is gone?
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2008 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
WTF Yabuta, ugh! He's making this scary
winning records follow good bullpens
Gobble please be good, this is not the time for a meltdown
winning records follow good bullpens
Stop temping the ghost of Babe Ruth, dammit.
I don't want him to get bored and possess Molina for an AB.
winning records follow good bullpens
seriously just laughed really loud there
xD
Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 9, 2008 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions
dude I was just getting ready to post this
I'd rather be watching baseball.
by Sisquatch Kids on Apr 9, 2008 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions
OK, I'm Watching
But I had to jump through hoops and give my credit card number. What crap.
Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!
Yeah, I hate that problem with MLB.com
It always makes me nervous.
www.rockchalktalk.com for pretty good KU baseball coverage
never fear, Yimmy Gawbul's here!
I always loved how Pena said his name.
Don't Stop Believing!
Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 9, 2008 10:53 PM EDT reply actions
it's an oldie but a goodie
what can I say...photoshop is my biffle.
Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 9, 2008 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions
It is a save situation for Gobble
Tieing run was in the on-deck circle.
www.rockchalktalk.com for pretty good KU baseball coverage
Shut outttttttttttt!
winning records follow good bullpens
You Read My
Mind; I pity you. I believe it was 2.
Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!
by philofthenorth on Apr 9, 2008 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Bang! Nice pitch. Sit your lame Yankee ass down.
www.rockchalktalk.com for pretty good KU baseball coverage
22 innings with only 2 ER!
Don't Stop Believing!
Nasty Royals Cheerleader Lady doesn't mind the rain
Wow, this is what a $200M payroll buys today in New York? Were you guys even trying out there? Because if you were trying, then you really suck at baseball.
Look, I know, the Royals are serious bad asses this year, but please, show some professional pride tomorrow. People had to pay for those tickets.
www.rockchalktalk.com for pretty good KU baseball coverage
The way the Royals are playing, we ought to just cue up some Wagner and watch the Yankees scatter in panic.
www.rockchalktalk.com for pretty good KU baseball coverage
THEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE YANKEES LOSE
THE YANKEES LOSE -
I'm waiting for NRCL
to show up...
Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 9, 2008 10:57 PM EDT reply actions
BTW, I'm calling the sweep tomorrow
Bale is going to mow them down, he will dominate all those lefty bats. Hell, I'm going to try and pick him up and start him on my fantasy team tomorrow just to show my belief in the inevitable sweep.
winning records follow good bullpens
Better break up the Royals
hahahahaha
Disclaimer: Comments may not be suitable for young children or women who are pregnant, or women who think they may be pregnant. Side effects could include nausea, dizziness, or yelling at the monitor in disbelief.
We don't care about big money teams
They are nothing compared to the power of the Royals.
buck
just said Zack probably could've gone out for the 9th, but need to be safe with ypoung arms this early in the season...
Don't Stop Believing!
Great game.
I'm heading over to the A's site to order my tickets for what I hope are Banny's and Zack's starts in Oakland. Can't wait.
hell yeah
i'll be there in Anaheim when we stick it to t hem too.
Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.
Seems like the first game in Anaheim will be Meche and the second Tomko, unless the rain intervenes.
great
Im going to the second for sure, and debating the first. Two hour long trips out there and tempting traffic might not be the best idea.
Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.
ugh
look for a BOD later tonight. I'm going to have to mull this one over.
Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 9, 2008 10:59 PM EDT reply actions
nevertheless
I always mull things over ;)
Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 9, 2008 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions
are we gay for having opinions about this???
oh well, i'm confident with my sexuality.
greinke gets BOD. SK for john buck.
by royalstern05 on Apr 9, 2008 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Mull it over???
this one's easy, especially for you
Disclaimer: Comments may not be suitable for young children or women who are pregnant, or women who think they may be pregnant. Side effects could include nausea, dizziness, or yelling at the monitor in disbelief.
by MileHighKCfan on Apr 9, 2008 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions
i am not disclosing anything
and giving myself some time to get it up and think about things.
you guys are not good at suspense, are you?
Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 9, 2008 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I wonder if this was tongue in cheek. It's gotta be Zack.
www.rockchalktalk.com for pretty good KU baseball coverage
Yankees bullpen has thrown 75% of the innings
this series. Let's hope they jump on Pettite early tomorrow and give Bale some runs to work with.
Will KC work some of the bench guys into the lineup tomorrow - Olivo and Callaspo?
I was watching the game Monday
Cubs were up 7-0 after 2, had to win it in the 12th.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
Benching Pettite tomorrow in expectation of the impending slaughter!
I'd rather be watching baseball.
Some one better keep an eye on the Yankees hotel tonight.
To make sure they don't try to sneak away during the night and then pretend they thought the series was over.
www.rockchalktalk.com for pretty good KU baseball coverage
Nope, night game. The home team isn't getting away.
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2008 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
That's Right, Bring
On the Twinkies; good and good for you.
Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!
by philofthenorth on Apr 9, 2008 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions
The Yankees bullpen will be a bit gassed tomorrow
and an 80% chance of rain
I probably disagree with you.
Hasta La Bamba!
Vaya con carne, San Diego.
Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!
by philofthenorth on Apr 9, 2008 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Only a minor concern at this point. He looked good and pitched well. Good stuff, good location.
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2008 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Zack
only needed 2 Ks.
Don't Stop Believing!
Yeah, He's Been
Talking to Banny.
Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!
by philofthenorth on Apr 9, 2008 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions
hmmm
what do you guys think about this shirt? Not the model wearing it. Just the shirt in general.
Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 9, 2008 11:08 PM EDT reply actions
Like it, but it doesn't make much of a Royals statement
Just the little Royals logo at the wrist.
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2008 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
It's You
I was married for 18 years; that's what you always tell a woman if she asks you about clothes.
Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!
by philofthenorth on Apr 9, 2008 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
it has knuckledragger
length sleeves. Is that cool?
Don't Stop Believing!
I Never Understood
Those; it would drive me nuts.
Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!
by philofthenorth on Apr 9, 2008 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd go with this one
if I was a girl...
http://shop.mlb.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2721153&cp=1452354.1452782
Don't Stop Believing!
kind of the retro football shirt look.
I like it better than the extra long sleeves.
Don't Stop Believing!
3/4 length sleeves are great
$40 shirts, not so much.
Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 9, 2008 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions
The Royals female clothing
is severely lacking, not gonna lie. :( sigh.
Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 9, 2008 11:12 PM EDT reply actions
this bracelet is totally boss though
http://shop.mlb.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1971906&clickid=body_rv_img
I'm buying that shizzle at the K on Friday.
Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 9, 2008 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I got one of those free at a game a few years ago.
I bet I still have it around here somewhere. If I find it, consider it a gift.
www.rockchalktalk.com for pretty good KU baseball coverage
sweet
you should find it by the 4/26 Royals Review Roundup...;)
Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 9, 2008 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
The most exciting thing:
Our actual record is pretty much exactly what our pythag record is. We haven't been lucky; we really are a 6-2 team right now.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
Hopefully as the pitching gets a bit more realistic, the hitting will warm up too.
The pitching won't stay this amazing. But the hitting shouldn't be this lackluster either.
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2008 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Excuse me.
Why did you say "hopefully" the pitching gets more realistic. I want it completely unrealistic for the rest of the season!
I love life. Life = Royals
I said
Hopefully -- as the pitching gets more realistic -- the hitting will warm up too.
I guess I should have used more punctuation. I would love for the pitching to be crazy good all season...and until the end of time.
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2008 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Wire to wire baby!
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2008 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Is it just me...
...or did anyone else want Zack to close out the game and get a complete game shutout? (I tried to listen to the game, but only got parts, so I'm not sure what his pitch-count was).
I'm sure there are some that agree with you
But I'm certainly not one of them. I don't think he should have pitched in the 8th. Early in the season, pitchers aren't stretched out to pitch over 100 innings yet. And there is some risk of injury after 100 pitches and it goes up exponentially with every pitch over 100. We had a 4-run lead with an excellent bullpen. There was no reason to pitch him in the 8th or 9th. There was only risk that something bad could happen.
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 10, 2008 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Back from the game
and it was AWESOME! I love being able to be back at the K. And to beat the Yankees for the second straight game: Priceless! Some thoughts from the game:
1. Tony Pena officially sucks. The dude can't hit. We all knew that, but that "hit" by A-Rod could've been caught by my kid. Tony, if you can't hit a lick, you need to at least be able to play defense. Some guys were calling into the postgame show calling for Berroa. I'm not going that far, but when KC fans are wanting Berroa back, you know you suck.
2. Zach Greinke is a beast. I was surprised to see him pitch in the 8th. He was already at 93 pitches and I know Hillman was just hoping he'd have a quick inning, but I don't want to see Zack going down with an injury, especially this early.
3. As much as I didn't want to sign Guillen in the offseason, I must admit, I like him, Teahen, and Gathright in the outfield. Nobody will run on our corner outfielders and Gathright is really good at getting to balls that look like they're going to the wall. He saved a few extra bases tonight, I'll also admit that I'm the guy calling for a Dejesus trade. I know it's not the popular thing to say, but Joey G. needs to be in that lineup daily. I want any shortstop who isn't an automatic out for Dejesus.
4. The stadium is going to be beautiful when it's completed. The new videoboard is fantastic. You've got to get out and see that thing. The scoreboard in left center is nice and it seems easier to get to the upper levels now. The one thing that will take some getting used to is the bullpens. They've been the same since I first started going to the K, but I think they'll grow on me.
Oh, and one last thing
The Red Sox have Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" for their 8th inning song. Well, now we have Garth Brooks! Garth comes on the videoboard and says that back east they can have Sweet Caroline. Round here, we got "Friends in Low Places". The whole stadium singing it. Loved it.
A question about the Gathright love
I know he had a really good OBP season last year. But where is all of the "Gathright needs to be in there everyday" stuff coming from? Does it have anything to do with how he's played this year?
.219/.257/.250 6 SB, 1 CS
When your three averages all start with a "2" you haven't hit well. Joey hasn't, period. In order to be confident that we can go with Gathright full-time, he's going to have to prove that 2007 wasn't just a fluke and that he can maintain a very high OBP to go along with his complete lack of power. He certainly isn't proving it so far. Couple that with the fact that he's definitely not better than DeJesus defensively and we're looking at a Slappy Joe who is definitely at least a couple notches below David DeJesus.
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 10, 2008 1:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Think I might have your answer
The love for Gathright is because he is the more exciting player, even if he may not be the better. His speed is undeniable, and if early results are any indication, it seems he's figured out how to translate his sprinter speed into stolen bases. DeJesus is more consistent, but while he's a better all-around offensive player, he lacks that certain "buzz" to him that you have with Gathright, thanks to his incredible speed.
I'm not sure I would put DDJ that much higher defensively, though. He certain takes better routes to the ball and has more experience, but it looks to me that Gathright has improved his defense, and his speed helps compensate for his lack of experience and poor routes. And again, I think you have to come back to the big-play potential. Gathright is more likely to appear on Baseball Tonight robbing someone of an extra base hit or home run thanks to his range. I'm not sure DDJ gets to that ball against the baggy in Minnesota that Gathright snagged, and in a big park like the K, having an CF with that kind of range can certainly help cut off balls to the gap. You're probably looking at a few more errors with Gathright than DDJ, but it's a risk-reward situation that a lot of fans are willing to accept.
Which one is the better play? To be honest, I'm really not sure. I love Gathright's speed, and its pretty clear that when he gets on base, he's posing problems for pitchers and opposing defenses. In a lineup that lacks power, its great to have that speed on the basepaths that can move from first to third on a single, or steal second and reach home on a base hit. Of course, this all pins on his ability to get</> on base. If he can get on base at about a .350-.370 clip, then I think you have to go with him. If he can't, then its hard to justify him in the lineup on a consistent basis.
And, of course, as I'm typing this, they're discussing Gathright's speed as a key to the Royal's early success on Baseball Tonight. Exciting play, indeed. Will it last? I don't know, but I love for once having a situation where we've got multiple good options.
by RoyalsFanInBillings on Apr 10, 2008 1:32 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm sure it is about excitement
If he can get on base at about a .350-.370 clip, then I think you have to go with him
I don't know why. DeJesus gets on base at a .350-.370 clip...with more power.
As far as defense goes, hopefully Gathright is improving. Last year, the two weren't close at all defensively. Gathright usually took the wrong first (and sometimes second step). He made up for some of those bad reads with his speed. Some of them he didn't. And he made more than a few misjudgments on dives for balls he couldn't get to that rolled all the way to the wall, instead of simply being cut off. DeJesus as good speed, although obviously not as good as Gathright. But he has excellent defensive skills. He gets good jumps, takes good routes and, in short, gets to more balls than Gathright has been able to.
And, of course, as I'm typing this, they're discussing Gathright's speed as a key to the Royal's early success on Baseball Tonight.
More solid analysis from the geniuses at Baseball Tonight. The Royals are scoring runs despite their leadoff hitter's abysmal .257 OBP. His bunt singles and stolen bases make for good "he's speedy and he manufactures run all by himself" buzz. They just don't help the Royals score many runs.
Excitement is all well and good. I like to get excited. But you know what excites me? Scoring runs. You know what excites me more? Winning games. DeJesus helps the Royals with both of those things considerably more than Mr. Excitement, Slappy Joe Gritright.
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 10, 2008 1:45 AM EDT up reply actions
In defense of Gathright
He made two plays tonight that you may not have seen on TV that Dejesus just doesn't make. He cut off two balls in the gap before they could hit the wall. It was impressive to say the least and it saved us from giving up extra bases. He didn't look that great in the field last season and that I'll agree with. But, he has looked very impressive in the field this year in Surprise and in the first 8 games of the year. Dejesus doesn't make that catch in the Metrodome. His offensive numbers are surprising. I was just saying that yesterday. It seems like he's been on base quite a bit more than that. But, when he gets on base, he drives pitchers crazy. I think his bat will come around to be in between where they are now and when he was hot last year. With Dejesus, you have a toatally average ballplayer. His bat is okay. His defense is okay. He can't steal a base to save his life and his arm is Johnny Damon-like. His "power" has never come around like everyone said it would. I'm not saying he's chopped liver because he could pull in a decent pitcher or (hopefully) shortstop in trade. If Gator's OBP is slightly below DDJ's and he can get to more balls in the outfield AND steal 50 bags, I like him in the everyday lineup a little more, but that's just my opinion.
A few things
- DeJesus may well have made that catch the Metrodome. DeJesus isn't as fast, but he probably would have gotten a better jump than Gathright.
- Gathright's arm is worse than DeJesus's
His "power" has never come around like everyone said it would.
- He had very good power numbers for a CFer (about a .455 SLG if I remember correctly) in both 2005 and 2006. His power was down last year. Since he's only had one plate appearance this year, he really hasn't had the opportunity for his power to "come around" this year.
- If you look at DeJesus's aggregate numbers over the last 3 years, he's been definitely above average for a CFer
If Gator's OBP is slightly below DDJ's and he can get to more balls in the outfield AND steal 50 bags, I like him in the everyday lineup a little more, but that's just my opinion.
Without going into detail about your "ifs," the problem is that they are just ifs at this point. Many people are saying that Gathright is as good or better than DeJesus and/or that when DeJesus comes back from injury, that Gathright should still be the starting CFer, or that the Royals should trade DeJesus now because Gathright is just as good. In short, Joey Gathright certainly hasn't proven that. He wasn't better than DeJesus last year, or any year. So far, Gathright's play hasn't changed my mind. Those numbers simply aren't good. They stink. And it's not like Gathright has star potential. His upside is a high-OBP guy with no power, good SB numbers and pretty good defense.
I still say that if we trade DeJesus, then we should do it thinking that the future OF will be:
RF: Guillen
CF: Teahen
LF: FA or player we trade for
4th OFer: Gathright, or trade him and then it can be Lubanski or Maier
Gathright is probably a pretty good 4th OFer. When DeJesus comes back, he should be the full-time CFer. Gathright can be the primary backup for DDJ, Teahen and Guillen. He'll get enough plate appearances in that role that we'll have a good idea if 2007 was for real, or if he's better or worse than that. He certainly has done nothing to earn a starting position on this team.
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 10, 2008 2:24 AM EDT up reply actions
He doesn't like to be constricted
...apparently.
I probably disagree with you.
by Scott McKinney on Apr 10, 2008 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions
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