Royals Review: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
New Blog: RSL Soapbox for Real Salt Lake Fans!

Game 38 Open Thread - Tigers (16-22) at Royals (16-21)

Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals, May 13, 2008 8:10 PM EDT


Since a season opening sweep of the Tigers in Detroit, the Royals have gone 13-21, while the Tigers have stumbled along at 16-19. Still, thanks to Detroit's cold start, the Royals have been able to mostly avoid last-place this season, although that could change as quickly as tonight. Actually, in terms of the AL Central standings, the Royals have been all over the place:

Royal Position in Standings Days Spent There
First 11
Second 9
Third 6
Fourth 6
Fifth 4

 

The Royals hit fourth place last Tuesday for the first time and have remained there ever since. Meanwhile, the Tigers have been in fourth or fifth for nearly the entire season: they have spent exactly one day in second and one day in third (this happened consecutively, when they climbed to 14-15). To get back to fourth, they'll need to beat Zack Greinke.

0 recs  |  Comment 339 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

I desperately

want a four or five game winning streak. It’s wishful thinking but would be awesome right now.

by I need more Esteban on May 13, 2008 7:02 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Slightly modified for the Royals.

“We won a game Sunday, if we win one tonight, and get one tomorrow…that’s called a winning streak. It has happened before.” ( as Japanese player shakes his head up and down). Movie anyone?

by I need more Esteban on May 13, 2008 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Major League

Not sure which one, maybe the first.

Similar to Hillman’s pregame speech tonight with Yabuta nodding.

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

2nd one

Haha that is exactly what I was thinking.

by I need more Esteban on May 13, 2008 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

What team did he play for...

the Tokyo Giants?

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yup

Tanaka was the name. First name is too crazy to remember. He did have one of the most amazing catches where he climbed the wall and caught the ball while standing on it to send the Indians to the playoffs. Man I must’ve seen that movie like 20 times one summer when I was younger cause they would play it over and over on cinemax. Amazing.

by I need more Esteban on May 13, 2008 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

the excitment is building...

first pitch only one hour away!

by royalsreview on May 13, 2008 7:03 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I desperately..

want Hillman to put Butler at the 3 spot in the order!!!

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 7:08 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

my lineup

1. Gathright
2. DeJesus
3. Butler
4. Guillen
5. Olivo/Buck
6. Gordon
7. Grudz or Teahan
8. Grudz or Teah
9. Callaspo

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 7:11 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

that

is where he has hit best all year

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Divide 6 by 2

You get this:
D. DeJesus lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .314
M. Grudzielanek 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .312
A. Gordon 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .282
J. Guillen dh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .207
B. Butler 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .286
M. Teahen rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .263
J. Buck c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .258
T. Pena Jr. ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .160
J. Gathright cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .247
Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Gotta have Gator.

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on May 13, 2008 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Official Cheer at the Park Tonight:

“OUR SEVEN CAN BEAT YOUR NINE”

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

cannot wait for this game.

oh, z-dog, z-dog, make me proud!

by Sean O Se on May 13, 2008 7:31 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Tony

No hit hittin 8th tonite

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 7:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

we shoud let zach hit for Pena

Remember his bomb a few years back?

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Greinke

Greinke .200 Ba .200 OBP .800 SLG. in 20 abs

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

My last game thread of the until the Cardinals series

The wife bought me tickets for every home game until then for fathers day along with a membership to the stadium club on the second deck.

Proud father of a budding Royals fan.

by Skirra on May 13, 2008 7:35 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Opps

meant to say my last game thred for the home games.

Proud father of a budding Royals fan.

by Skirra on May 13, 2008 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow

She’s a keeper.

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

So how long before people....

start saying Cabrera can’t hit without PEDs?

(Not my thoughts necessarily)

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 7:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

well, according to my theory

the royals HAVE to win tonight. They almost always win when Grienke starts slash when I go to the games. The only exception is Sunday’s start.

Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!

by loyal2theroyals on May 13, 2008 7:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

C. Granderson .246
P. Polanco .277
C. Guillen .295
M. Ordonez .315
M. Cabrera .252
G. Sheffield .208
M. Joyce .267
E. Renteria .266
I. Rodriguez .270

D. DeJesus .314
M. Grudzielanek .312
A. Gordon .282
J. Guillen .207
B. Butler .286
M. Teahen .263
J. Buck .258
T. Pena Jr .160
J. Gathright .247

by Sean O Se on May 13, 2008 7:52 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Pena and Gathright

if you take .160 and .247 = .407 vs. Chipper Jones currently hitting .410 haha

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Moose is Loose

Another double for Moustakas. He has settled nicely in Burlington after a slow start 7 extra base hits in his last 10 games.

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 7:55 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i remember when we had 7 players above 300

even empty average is better than not-much-average-at-all.

by Sean O Se on May 13, 2008 7:56 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Can anyone

who doesn’t want Grudzy in the 2 spot explain why? I’m not sure if there is anyone here who has said that but I’ve seen it around some places and wonder if there is some stat I don’t know about. He continually gets multi hit games and has by far the best average with AB’s taken in consideration.

by I need more Esteban on May 13, 2008 8:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Grudzy in the 2

its not so much that I don’t want him in the 2 as much as I think he is versatile enough to move up and down the lineup. I think DeJesus and Teahan both could be 2 spot hitters.

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah

I believe Teahen’s future is in the two spot as well.

by I need more Esteban on May 13, 2008 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

my roommate is an emerging royals fan

after proclaiming “I hope I see some home runs, I love home runs!” I had to break it to her that she won’t be seeing many from our boys in blue.

Let’s just hope that Zack isn’t giving them away tonight…

Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!

by loyal2theroyals on May 13, 2008 8:03 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

knock on wood....

whew, that was close!

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Chicks DO dig the long ball!

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

GREAT! already losing

where is everyone

Yasuhiko Yabuta is to Major League Baseball as Drew Carey is to The Price is Right

by focs on May 13, 2008 8:17 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Get it together Zack

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 8:17 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Oh yea!

a run!

wait… wrong team.

I really don't know what to say... Did the post above this signature make sense? Probably not.

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on May 13, 2008 8:18 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

BUCKY!

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 8:20 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice stop

J-Buck

Yasuhiko Yabuta is to Major League Baseball as Drew Carey is to The Price is Right

by focs on May 13, 2008 8:20 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice Play

John Buck…Detroit looks like us running out of inning.

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 8:21 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

No kidding

Not that it mattered, Cabrera was going to K.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

he can do that

next inning instead

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, hopefully Zack gets it together now and pitches 6 more scoreless

He struggled with his control early in his last start, it seems like with most good pitchers if you’re going to get them, you have to get’em in the first inning. We….should be able to score some runs tonight.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 8:23 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Grudz

Butler type baserunning but it works out. RISP can we improve this series?

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 8:26 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Never has a RISP been stranded faster.

Unreal.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 8:27 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

They were both fastballs over the plate.

This team is horrible offensively. Nothing like our two “best” hitters popping themselves up on consecutive pitches with a risp. Awesome.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

we need to beat up on robertson, and get into the even weaker detroit bullpen, and quick innings are not going to do it.

by Sean O Se on May 13, 2008 8:29 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Don't hold your breath, Robertson is a lefty with a league average fastball

He’ll cliff lee us part 2

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why don't

we hit Butler in the 3 spot. He is more patient and his power will come around. Gordon even in college has never been a clutch hitter.

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 8:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice Play

Gordon good pick

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 8:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

God damn zack

Matt joyce?

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 8:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Et Tu, Tony?

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on May 13, 2008 8:35 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Somebody make it stop.

Zack.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 8:36 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

ugh, zack

please. please stop. You are BETTER than this.

Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!

by loyal2theroyals on May 13, 2008 8:37 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Keep in mind he shoulda been outta the inning

No thanks to your buddy t-pain

Yasuhiko Yabuta is to Major League Baseball as Drew Carey is to The Price is Right

by focs on May 13, 2008 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yikes. 45 pitches in 2 innings.

Who can go long today.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 8:38 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I actually believe so for once

Its nate f-ing robertson

Yasuhiko Yabuta is to Major League Baseball as Drew Carey is to The Price is Right

by focs on May 13, 2008 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

07...

we hit him well so that means he’ll probably shut us down 2nite

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just had a dialogue with the resident Cardinals fan in the office just now

I informed her that today our mighty boys in blue battle to take back their coveted birthright last place in the division against the Tigers. I told her it will be tough going for the boys as they play Nate Robertson with a 5+ ERA and it will be a struggle for the boys to pull it off but I believe in them and think they are capable of pulling out the shutout maybe even keeping their hits under 3. I believe!!!

by MKforKC on May 13, 2008 8:43 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nick Name for our hitters

“The Hacktastic Voyage” in reference to Super Bad lol

Yasuhiko Yabuta is to Major League Baseball as Drew Carey is to The Price is Right

by focs on May 13, 2008 8:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Yay

Another two-out single by Buck. Odds of him reaching second?

I call 10-1 against.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 8:47 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

LOL @ Robertson throwing pena back to back fastballs down the middle

Then flinging one up there in the dirt for him to swing at.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 8:49 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

WOW well he really showed a lot of uh.. cool glasses ? up there at the plate

GJ Tony

Yasuhiko Yabuta is to Major League Baseball as Drew Carey is to The Price is Right

by focs on May 13, 2008 8:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Callaspo

should be in there….at least theres a chance

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 8:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Comon Hillman

this is plane pathetic the guy is freakin’ terrible quit startin him.

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 8:52 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

He already PUBLICLY gave him until the end of May

Which was just plain idiotic, in my opinion. Why EVER guarantee a player that much playing time when he is playing so terribly publicly? All I can figure is GMDM said start him until the end of May, if no progress, I get replacement.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Zack seems to have found the handle on his offspeed pitches

So let’s hope for some quick innings.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 8:55 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Joey on

hopefully his presence has the same effect it did in the last 2 games

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 8:57 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

....Hilman lineup

Gordon hitting .190 vs lefties, Butler .364 why is he hittin 3rd

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 9:01 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Another STELLAR ab by Gordon

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:01 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Thank god Guillen is starting to hit

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:03 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Man

Guillen’s pounding the snot out of that wall-embedded video board.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 9:03 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Now that we tied it Zack needs a quick shut down inning

Put the pressure back on Nate

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Guillen

is comin around nice shot

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 9:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

He can carry us if he gets hot.

Or at least partially make up for some of the other sinkholes in this lineup.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

That was creepy.

Cabrera just hugged Gritz’s thigh.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 9:09 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

lol

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great, now Zack is scared to pitch to Joyce

yes, let’s put runners in scoring position for a very good hitter

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:11 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

...

can we get rid of Gload now. lol

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

renteria is 0-19

but we usually help people out of slumps.

cf. c.c. sabathia.

by Sean O Se on May 13, 2008 9:12 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Okay, that ended well

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:13 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

3 pitches, 2 outs

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

TPJ's SLG Now

Exceeds hi BA.

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on May 13, 2008 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

And of course TPJ doubles after the double play

God doesn’t love the royals.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:17 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

such bad luck on buck

well hit ball for buck: just right at polanco. too bad.

by Sean O Se on May 13, 2008 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

holy crap

who was that? lol

by AtTheWall on May 13, 2008 9:19 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Robertson: 2 hits, 3 outs on 11 pitches

Amazing

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:19 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

We're hitting him well....I'm optomistic.

That was Callaspo in a TPJ mask/jersey

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 9:19 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

all who vote for Barnetts firing

Ay

sign Greinke a Evan Longoria type deal now.

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 9:21 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

okay, he's down in the count

don’t serve him up anything. he can hit it hard.

by Sean O Se on May 13, 2008 9:23 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

umps strike zone

is tight

sign Greinke a Evan Longoria type deal now.

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pena

needs a razor for that stuff on his cheeks and chin

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 9:27 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Alright...Greinke has wobbled through 5...let's hope for 2 more

But we need to score.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:29 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

dude

that broke the sign behind the plate

by AtTheWall on May 13, 2008 9:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

sac bunt by Gordon here

to avoid the DP ball

sign Greinke a Evan Longoria type deal now.

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

The table is set

anybody hungry?

"I've seen the future and it's much like the present only longer." - Dan Quisenberry

by Safe@First on May 13, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

did he seriously break the sign?

that’s amazing.

ooh, it’s starting to rain outside.

Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!

by loyal2theroyals on May 13, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

The singles attack begins again

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

looking good!

i need to pick up grudzie for fantasy.:)

by Sean O Se on May 13, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Gordon =

3 ABs, 3 pitches.

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Unbelievable

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

...

move him down in the order for the love of god

sign Greinke a Evan Longoria type deal now.

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

In fairness

He did rip that pitch.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Honestly?

By having golden scoring opportunities more often.

I mean, hell, the best run-scoring teams in baseball leave 1200 men on base a year.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, it was hard hitting luck

But still, 9 hits in 5 innings and 2 runs? Man, that means we’re hitting on all cylinders.. and still not scoring. I don’t understand it.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just gotta remember

Every batter’s going to fail to bring in the runners 2/3 of the time.

That said, we are going a poor job of it, but it’s one of those things that deviates.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

ugh

too late good stroke wish he wouldn’t try to pull everything

sign Greinke a Evan Longoria type deal now.

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

3 pitches

Grudz single, Gordon liner and Guillen out comon guy strugglin with control and you just help him out of the inning.

sign Greinke a Evan Longoria type deal now.

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

We have 9 hits off Robertson in 5 innings

And 2 runs. And he’s thrown 63 pitches.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

agreed

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Next main page post: who needs a 2B?

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gritz Pretty Much

Is the whole problem.

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on May 13, 2008 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

showing his age

3 years ago Sheffield puts that in the construction pile

sign Greinke a Evan Longoria type deal now.

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 9:42 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i think that 610 did an interview with Bannister earlier in the season

and he said that you’re going to have a handful of really really ace games, a handful of games where nothing goes right at all, and then the majority of your games are going to be middle of the road and how good of a player you are really depends on those middle games and what you do with them.

Every pitcher has a bad start, and I don’t think we should be expecting anything different. Sure this isn’t a fantastic game for Greinke, but he’s still managing to pull through when he really has to. He’s not rolling over like he may have in the past. He’s taking a middle of the road game and working it.

Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!

by loyal2theroyals on May 13, 2008 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

DFA

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

AHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Clutch D by Gritz

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 9:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

keep showing that grit, Grudz

maybe it will help us.

Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!

by loyal2theroyals on May 13, 2008 9:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

blow. pudge. away.

or throw the hook…

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 9:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Do we pull Greinke?

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

No

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

No way

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

at the gym today they had lieftime on

and i was forced to watch that horrible Still Standing show. the whole epiosde seemed to have been about the daughter wanting to wear a bikini or go swimming with boys or something, and hijinks… unfortunately, there was a long scene with her in said bikini…

way too hot

that is all

by royalsreview on May 13, 2008 9:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

lol

WTF?!

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Still Standing was funny

In the, fat guy washed up highschool football star married to attractive MILF stereotype sorta way.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

but during a bases loaded jam?

i like your style…

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Will...

There’s something disturbing about it being hot if she needed permission to wear the bikini. :x

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

like i said...

I didnt really know…

no sound, etc.

by royalsreview on May 13, 2008 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Now we need to score

So Zack can get another W.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 9:47 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Lol, have to love the way he pitched pudge

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:48 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i love it

95-94-94 just blew it by him

by AtTheWall on May 13, 2008 9:48 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

All 95 on gameday

Let’s get Zack the W. that was an incredibly gritty performance

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Such an impressive performance...

Tiny strike zone, he doesn’t have his best stuff, Tigers have been getting lucky with weakly hit balls and he’s still only given up 2 in 6.

by billexgordler on May 13, 2008 9:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

This is what #1 pitcheres do

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

And since I can't see him coming out for the 7th at 101 pitches

it’s a quality start.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

In the meantime, 4 pitches and 2 outs.

Gotta love it. Robertson falls behind 1-0 to the first two batters and… we make outs on the consecutive pitches. He’s going to 15 hit complete game us.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:51 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

ANOTHER 2-out Buck single

I just want to cry.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 9:51 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

We can't even pinch hit for Pena

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Because Joey G is behind him

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

we just got

Sonic’d

sign Greinke a Evan Longoria type deal now.

by kcscoliny on May 13, 2008 9:52 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Thankg od we gave away an out

Wouldn’t want Robertson to have to throw 70 pitches in 6 innings

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

the best thing about

John Buck 2 out singles is not having to see TPJ lead off an inning…why the hell is he getting picked off!! he should just be standing on first ready to go put his stinking gear on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have many leather bound books...

by juano on May 13, 2008 9:56 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

lol isn't that the truth

If Callapso isn’t PH’ing next inning, prepare for me bitching

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

He should just starting putting it on while TPJ flails at pitches

"I've seen the future and it's much like the present only longer." - Dan Quisenberry

by Safe@First on May 13, 2008 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't mind it

when Buck gets a 2-out single hitting 8th with Pena 9th and DDJ leading off.

When he’s hitting 7th, with Pena 8th and Gator 9th, it makes me cry.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Another Cup o'K

at the Double R Diner.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 9:56 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

How much time can we waste debating the merits of a quality start? 1 inning, two?

"I've seen the future and it's much like the present only longer." - Dan Quisenberry

by Safe@First on May 13, 2008 10:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

yeah no joke

what about quality commentary?

by AtTheWall on May 13, 2008 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

9 innings 0 runs = exceptional start
8 innings 1 run = outstanding start
7 innings 2 runs = pretty darn good start
5 innings 4 runs = fair start
4 innings….AH SCREW IT!!

I have many leather bound books...

by juano on May 13, 2008 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

How bout that quality relief pitching by Ramon Ramirez

If this game is god forbid, still tied going into the 9th, I’m betting we see Soria this time.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:02 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Thank god that wasn't callapso batting.

Ugh

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I don't think the wealthy Mr. Cabrera

makes that play from third..

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 10:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Pena can't even reach first

on an infield single. ENOUGH GODDAMNIT

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

(Christ, Gator woulda ended that play standing on second…)

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gator really muscled that one

If you’re not watching: Pudge picked it up two feet in front of the plate.

It was no longer in motion. Dead.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:07 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

And it wasn’t even a bunt.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nate Robertson has been godawful against everybody all year

And the Tigers bullpen as been their downfall. So of course, Robertson will pitch all 9 against us. This is awesome.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:07 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

82 through 7.

Hey, we have 10 hits though!

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

82

he might be able to go 10 if we keep this up

"I've seen the future and it's much like the present only longer." - Dan Quisenberry

by Safe@First on May 13, 2008 10:09 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I would rather have DDJ's father come bat in the #8 spot than you know who

I’m not referring to him by name anymore.

(Parcells and TO relationship)

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 10:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

(reverse psychology)

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

If we get someone on

Buck can get another 2-out single

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have the same feeling

I have to keep reminding myself that it’s a tie game – feel like we’re losing

"I've seen the future and it's much like the present only longer." - Dan Quisenberry

by Safe@First on May 13, 2008 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Enter: the royals offense

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

will we see soria...

if it’s a tie in the ninth?

by billexgordler on May 13, 2008 10:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

We keep holding the heart of the Tigers' order clawless like this

one day, they’re going to go apeshit and score 26 runs off us.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Ugh.... I hate pitching around Cabrera there

Putting the lead run on base with 1 out for free is never good, even if it is Miguel Cabrera.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I think i heard on the pregame radio show that

the royals are 6-6 against lefties…can that be true?? it seems like they are getting bitch-slapped by southpaws regularly…

I have many leather bound books...

by juano on May 13, 2008 10:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

We started 3-1 against lefties.

Do the math…

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Someone needs to be held accountable

Our walkless streak, Robertson’s pitch count, our inability to do anything right on offense besides using hackfest for a singles-based attack.

SOMEBODY needs to be held accountable for this offensive disaster.

by Royals Nation on May 13, 2008 10:17 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

>_>

my bad…

does that count?

Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!

by loyal2theroyals on May 13, 2008 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Have you been

inviting the guys over for beer if they finish the game by 10:00?

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

damn, you caught me

Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!

by loyal2theroyals on May 13, 2008 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Shame. SHAME, I say.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

your punishment in the afterlife

shall be an eternity of watching TPJ at-bats with your eyes taped open!!!

I have many leather bound books...

by juano on May 13, 2008 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

DAMMIT

We are just ASKING to lose this game. Unreal

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:19 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Ugh you have to throw him a fastball for a strike there

I jsut do not understand going back to the swing and miss change up. What the f

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:20 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Is Matt Joyce a switch-hitter?

Is this why Uncle Leo Nunez is getting the nod over Mahay or Gobble?

Nunez has no room for error, because if one run scores, it’s game over….with this abomination known as an “offense.” (thanks, Dayton Moore).

by Royals Nation on May 13, 2008 10:21 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

You know

everyone forgets that the 1985 team included a weak-hitting catcher, TWO outfield platoons, and no shortstop to speak of at all.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

(and a three-true-outcomes 1B who didn’t walk, and a 2B whose best career comp was Bill Mazeroski.)

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Phenomenal pitching

I like our pitching, but expecting Greinke-Meche-Bannister-Hochevar to be Sabes-Jackson-Gubicza-Leibrandt is a tall order. And that 1985 team might not have cracked our top 5 all-time teams (for the regular season, that is).

by Royals Nation on May 13, 2008 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

One more. Please.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Phew!

Please play small-ball for the bottom half. ONE RUN, please.

by Royals Nation on May 13, 2008 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

What a bizarre stance by Renteria.

I have to think pulling the ball would be extraordinarily difficult.

by Royals Nation on May 13, 2008 10:25 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Okay, Time to get a run. Please.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:25 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

not to nitpick

but Ryan just said, after nunez threw strike one that “Nunez jumps ahead of Renteria with a strike”. don’t you have to be at 0-2 to “jump” ahead of a hitter? to me, strike one is getting ahead and strike two is “jumping” ahead. am i crazy? does anyone care but me?

by billexgordler on May 13, 2008 10:27 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I think it depends on the situation

In such a game situation, I suppose you could say Jump.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

HEY WILL

Our national innocence is being violated as we speak

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:28 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I hope...

Hillman sends Gordon up to the plate without a bat for the first pitch.

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 10:29 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Ouch

Grudz takes one of the shin? Did anyone hear that sound? That’s the sound of trade value taking a hit.

by Royals Nation on May 13, 2008 10:29 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Funny they pulled Robertson with such a low pitch count

Kind of tells you how well t hey thought he was really pitching.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I just wish for once we coul dget that clutch

Solo homer

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Or not....

OK, Gordon – HUGE disappointment thus far in his MLB tenure.

by Royals Nation on May 13, 2008 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Alex

Just doesn’t see pitches from lefties very well, it looks like.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:31 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Only this guy is a righty

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

...and I am obviously on crack.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jose is not the man

you want to throw a pitch at.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Alright, winning run at second.

Butler, come through. Please.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

C'MON BILLY

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nevermind, forgot about his hip

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah

....But is German really a better baserunner or does he possess more speed than Callaspo? I remember reading Callaspo wasn’t a great runner, but then again, is German?

by Royals Nation on May 13, 2008 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think Trey would rather put

German in left than Callaspo, maybe? Or save Callaspo to hit?

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Okay. N ow it is up to Teahan.

Be clutch Tbag.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:36 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Come on, Teahen

....for once, please drive the ball with some authority.

by Royals Nation on May 13, 2008 10:37 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

YES! YES!!!!

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:37 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

magic

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ugh finally

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:38 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I wouldn't call it one

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nah, that was a base hit, pretty sure.

Up the middle, Renteria stopped it deep but his throw was… pansy.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

TPJ makes that play

Which is why TPJ > Renteria

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

okay buck: INSURANCE!!!

not that we need it for mexituff.

by Sean O Se on May 13, 2008 10:38 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Don't jinx it... we always need it

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess he can only do it

with the bases empty.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

not when you’re swinging at splitters off the bounce

"I've seen the future and it's much like the present only longer." - Dan Quisenberry

by Safe@First on May 13, 2008 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

That was not a good AB by buck

I think every pitch was out of the zone. Whatever. 3 more outs.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:41 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I'll forgive him

Since he’s been having so many good ones lately.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can't believe Grudz is still in there

He’s got to have three broken bones, a ligament strain, and shingles.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

This zone is fking brutal

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

good point from announcers

both pinch runners together probably allowed us that extra run.

by Sean O Se on May 13, 2008 10:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

OH MY GOD

Yeah, Gload can stay on the bench.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

ONE MORE OUT

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

wow

UNBELIEVABLE

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 10:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Beautiful D

"I've seen the future and it's much like the present only longer." - Dan Quisenberry

by Safe@First on May 13, 2008 10:47 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

You aren't watching?

Gload and Soria just turned a friggin’ TRIPLE into an out.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:47 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

DOUBLE-U

win, baby.

I count pitches.

by royallyblue on May 13, 2008 10:48 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

WOOHOO!

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:48 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Ballllllgame

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:48 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah baby!

That’s a winner, folks! Temporarily….oh, but just temporarily…...

All is right with the world!!!!

by Royals Nation on May 13, 2008 10:49 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

And who got us ahead?

That overpaid asshole who’s not as good as LIME, that’s who.

Sarcasmâ„¢. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 13, 2008 10:49 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Oh, and briefly before the bottom of the 9th inning started

Mariano Rivera gave up his first run of the season to earn the L.

Making Soria the last regular relief pitcher in baseball to be unscored upon… excellent!

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 13, 2008 10:49 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Royals win

I’m happy

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on May 13, 2008 10:55 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

so we're playing .450 ball.

is that going to be our season? are we happy with that?

by Sean O Se on May 13, 2008 11:12 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Answers

No and no.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on May 13, 2008 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

What would that be?

73 wins? I’m not sure if that will be our season. If our bats pick up then I think we could be around .500. I, personally would not be that mad over a 4 win improvement. I would love it to be a lot more though.

After this sweep, though we are going to be looking for the division!!! (whoa, settle down)

by I need more Esteban on May 13, 2008 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Only 3 games out

I think we’re better than our record, as long as the pitching continues to hold up

by raefzilla on May 13, 2008 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

There's no way the hitting stays this bad

We have multiple players who are currently underperforming even the most conservative projections. There’s no way that holds up. Also, Meche is definitely going to pitch better than he has so far. We’re a better team than this. They’ll show it.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on May 13, 2008 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree

Guillen is already showing that he is coming out of his funk. Very exciting.

by I need more Esteban on May 14, 2008 12:28 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I had to listen to the game in the car coming back from a dance recital.

Do you know you can drive a car with you knees while you are pumping your fists in the air and screaming at the top of your lungs. Way to go Noonie and JoSo what a game. I am having a late victory scotch and water. Go Blue….

Tell 'em a hookah smoking caterpillar
Has given you the call. "

by grudz96 on May 13, 2008 11:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

that's how my dad drives after dance recitals, too

so proud of me, my father is ; )

Boyfriend of the Year 2008: It's gonna be big!

by loyal2theroyals on May 13, 2008 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't understand the scoring of the Renteria error

If Teahen’s hit is ruled an infield single, then I guess it was an error because his off-base throw ostensibly allowed the runner to score. But I don’t see how German, running on contact with two outs, doesn’t score on a single to the outfield grass even if Renteria made a decent throw. (It didn’t look like he’d have any chance of forcing Gload regardless.)

by andrewmiller on May 14, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

There's no way he scores if Renteria doesn't make that bad throw to second

If Renteria had either made a good throw to second or just held onto the ball, there’s no way German could have even considered trying to score. When Renteria got to the ball, I don’t think German was even at third base yet. So the IF single gets German to third. The errant throw gets German from third to home.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on May 14, 2008 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for straightening that out

I figured you’d get to the bottom of this matter if you were still awake and online, NY. I think I’d mistakenly placed German on third when mentally recreating the scenario. Anyway, this appears to have been one of the rare situations where the Gload-for-Butler pinch-running switch paid tangible dividends!

by andrewmiller on May 14, 2008 12:10 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hillman was right to play for the win and not the tie

The pinch runners made sense. We needed to score that inning and not play it safe and wait for the game to drag on into extra innings. Guillen with his current hip problem and Butler are probably two of our slowest guys right now. And even if no run had been scored, having Gload in there against the Tigers RHP-heavy bullpen wouldn’t have been a bad thing.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on May 14, 2008 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Plus Gload's defensive play in the 9th

Not sure Butler could have made that one. Great-looking move all around, it turns out.

by andrewmiller on May 14, 2008 12:19 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I'm glad Butler is getting more starts at 1B, but he definitely needs a good defensive replacement

And I’m no Ross Gload fan. I never have been. But I have to say that I’ve been extremely impressed with his defense at 1B this year. I really think that it has been Gold Glove quality. Great range, no errant throws (I think) and picking every throw that gets anywhere near him.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on May 14, 2008 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Definitely

Soria doesn’t get many chances to show his defense either, and that play in the ninth to pick Gload’s throw was damn impressive (don’t know if you’ve seen it yet).

by I need more Esteban on May 14, 2008 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's one of the best picks by a pitcher I've ever seen

On the run, taking a long throw and picking it up about two inches above the ground. And he made it look easy.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on May 14, 2008 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, impressive

I’m very glad I drafted him in fantasy.

I know it has been talked about to death. But what is your take on what to do with Soria long term? Starter or Reliever?
I’ve heard the arguments about his many pitches and starters are more valuable. But I’ve also heard the Whitey Herzog (I think) approach of building the staff from the back. Not sure what I think, all I know is I love knowing that he is coming in the ninth. And as a Royals fan who can only remember the nineties on, that is such a great feeling.

by I need more Esteban on May 14, 2008 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

My plan (if I was the boss)

All of the various studies make it clear that good starting pitcher is more valuable to a team than a great closer. Yes, a closer gets a disproportionate amount of high leverage innings, but that still doesn’t make that role more important. And the reality is that every closer gets lots of low leverage appearances (like one-inning, 3-run saves). So the only question is can Soria be a good starter? I think so. He’s got multiple good pitches, so it appears likely that he’d have the stuff to get hitters out 3+ times through the lineup. And of course he’s got amazing control. My only concern is that some don’t entirely like his mechanics and worry that the greater workload would lead to injury. That’s a concern and I’d monitor him closely. This is what I’d do:

1. In the second half of the season, I’d start stretching him out with longer relief outings.
2. Then I’d give him some spot starts in August and September to get his IP for the season up to about 100.
3. In 2009, I’d split his time between starting and relieving, getting his IP up to about 130. (I wouldn’t make him a starter for the entire season, regardless of how well he’s pitching because it is dangerous to increase a pitcher’s IP greatly from one season to the next).
4. Perhaps by 2010 he’d be ready for a full season in the rotation.

Of course the caveat is throughout this period I’d monitor his health and performance closely. If the additional innings give rise to injury or lesser physical problems, I’d dial it back. If he can’t handle starting, he can always go back to the bullpen.

So that’s what I’d do. I think some of his talented is wasted if he stays in the pen. But, of course, it isn’t a total waste. There are some benefits to having a shutdown closer.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on May 14, 2008 1:01 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sounds perfect when you put it like that.

The first thing I ever heard about Soria was the time he pitched a perfect game in the Mexican League before Spring Training last year. So he has the starting experience to an extent. But, I would be most worried about the injury risk. One can make that argument with any player, though. Time will tell.

by I need more Esteban on May 14, 2008 1:10 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't have any idea if they'll ever do it

They might not move him to the rotation because there likely won’t be a huge need for him. For the near future, the top 4 spots in the rotation are set with

Meche
Bannister
Greinke
Hochevar

So the only question mark is the fifth starter. And no team worries too much about its fifth starter. Fifth starters don’t put you into or take you out of contention. And in addition to Tomko-like pitchers which can always be picked up off of the scrap heap, the Royals have guys like Davies and Rosa who might be ready to step into that spot in the near future. So, the lack of a pressing need might keep them from “messing with a good thing.” I don’t think that’s the right way to think about it, but it might be how they look at it. We’ll see.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on May 14, 2008 1:19 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to the SB Nation blog about Kansas City Royals.
Start posting about the Royals »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Royalsreview_small
Late Night Royals Links: Rethinking Gordon, New Chukars Manager, Powder Blue Hats etc.
Ignignokt_small
Guillen and the (not so) almighty RBI
Stadium-sellout-450w_small
Early projection on 2010 Royals roster
Small
Fixing the kansas city royals
_41153080_gallerysanta_small
Are you good enough?
Trust_small
Denny Matthews at Plaza Library
Royalsretro_small
Royals sign P Jorge Campillo
Stash1_small
Kansas City Fails To Pick Up Option On Royals
Royalsretro_small
Royals sign P Brad Thompson
Tu_small
What would be an appropriate haul for Greinke?

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >


Managers

Royalsreview_small royalsreview