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Game 45 Open Thread - Royals (21-23) at Red Sox (28-19)

Royalsreview_tiny by royalsreview on Comment 354 comments

Kansas City Royals at Boston Red Sox, May 20, 2008 7:05 PM EDT


Royals look to get a hit against Boston for first time since 2007

 

Lineup

Kansas City Royals @ Boston Red Sox

05/20/08 7:05 PM EDT

Kansas City Royals Boston Red Sox
David DeJesus - CF Coco Crisp - CF
Mark Grudzielanek - 2B Dustin Pedroia - 2B
Alex Gordon - 3B David Ortiz - DH
Jose Guillen - LF Manny Ramirez - LF
Mark Teahen - RF Mike Lowell - 3B
Billy Butler - DH Kevin Youkilis - 1B
Ross Gload - 1B J.D. Drew - RF
John Buck - C Jason Varitek - C
Tony Pena - SS Julio Lugo - SS


Your pitching matchup is Gil Meche (5.98 ERA) against rookie Justin Masterson, who is making his second career start. Masterson is a 2006 second round pick.

0 recs  |  Comment 354 comments

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Masterson is a nice pitching prospect

He’s an extreme groundballer (69% GB% in AA this year, 66% in AA and 54% in A+ last year) who can miss some bats but walks a few too many hitters. Glancing at the pitch f/x data from his previous major league start, it looks like he throws a sinker that sits around 89-91 MPH and touches 94 MPH (the faster ones might be four-seamers), a slider, and an occasional changeup to lefties.

The best strategy for the offense tonight might be take a few pitches and if you make contact, run very fast.

by Gopherballs on May 20, 2008 6:13 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Yes, he's a groundpounder

and hopefully the Royals have watched some film on him. It’d be disappointing to fall into a rut because of a rookie.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah

I hope it’s not one of those games where we struggle against a guy we haven’t seen. A win tonight is very big.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 6:31 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

That's what I was getting at.

Split allegiance or no, I want to see the Royals get into Masterson tonight. He’s up in the bigs a bit too early.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

if we get goin early

I think we will be good, someone just needs to get us started early on with a hit.

by cfizzle on May 20, 2008 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yea…

althogh i am worried about holding down the sox…

i could see a 8-7 loss

by royalsreview on May 20, 2008 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

true..

but depending on how long meche can hang in there i’d trust nunez ramirez and soria against the sawks… well atleast more than meche.

by cfizzle on May 20, 2008 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

i seriously want the royals to go hitless through like the first 3 innings, just so we can start talking about being no hit back to back days…

by royalsreview on May 20, 2008 6:39 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

haha

that would be terrible. If we don’t have one through 2, I’m going to start getting mad.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Never!

It’s time for a DDJ lead-off dinger!

/blind devotion to DDJ mode.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

he’s gonna get to double digit HRs some day!

by royalsreview on May 20, 2008 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

...for the Braves

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

"Ph. D man leaves out punctuation,

Psychology major chuckles.” :P

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

he had a lot of positive things to say about trey hillman

nothing ground-breaking, but he’s really seems genuinely positive about hillman

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

JoePo

is positive? Revolutionary!

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

i know.

shocking.

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

In all fairness,

I don’t think Hillman has done anything significant to merit our snark.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

but it was more of the "i have confidence in this guy" kind of positiveness...

...as opposed to “i’m just trying to be nice to the guy”

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Meche needs to no hit the bo sox for revenge

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

by focs on May 20, 2008 6:56 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Buck is back.

And i am glad. i think.

by cfizzle on May 20, 2008 6:58 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Kentucky Primary Update

Clinton 49%, Obama 48% – 13% reporting

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 6:59 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

And so,

Hillary continues her slow fade into oblivion.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It still means very little...

especially with so narrow a gap, there just aren’t enough delegates left for Hillary to win.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Line-ups:

OUR HEROES

DDJ CF
Grudzielanek 2B
Gordon 3B
Jome Run Jose LF
Marky Mark RF
Billy Ray DH
EXPLOSION 1B
Best Mormon Catcher in KC History C
empty spot SS

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:04 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hooray FOX!

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pravda

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

by philofthenorth on May 20, 2008 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

In glorious news of revolution today

Voters unanimously elects President Bush to third term. Landslide victory was result of one hundred percents voter turnout. Many National Guardsmans were present at polling places to ensure safety of voting publics. All hail great and powerful democratic revolution.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

VILLAINOUS SAWX:

Crisp CF
Pedroia 2B
Ortiz DH
Ramirez LF
Lowell 3B
Youkilis 1B
Drew RF
Varitek C
Lugo SS

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Maybe DeJesus won't reach double digits...

this year.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:06 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

JUUUUUUUST

a bit outside.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:07 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, Gordon!

Get this XBH going, Alex!

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:09 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Boo.

Send Jome Run Jose back to AA ball.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:11 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

we already have

half the amount of hits masterson has given up in his whole major league career

by cfizzle on May 20, 2008 7:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I am SOOOO glad Pena was in the lineup today and not Callaspo...

...otherwise that’s a hit…....................................................................

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 7:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Mark Teahen:

hopeless or punchless?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:22 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Is it possible to be "out of position" as a hitter?

He should be taking over the “Grudzielanek” roll and and just worrying about getting on base. All these strikeouts are not helping him or the team.

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah,

I’m afraid he’s emerging as a tweener: not enough glove for a premium defensive position, not enough bat for a corner spot. Hate to say that, but that’s the way it looks. At least he’s not Ross Gload.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Seems like he might be

sitting too deep in his stance, so he’s not getting his weight forward into his swing. I’m no scout, but there’s my $.02.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I think that is coming from being too anxious or trying too hard.

The angle Masterson is pitching from is not helping either.

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

jinx

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

by focs on May 20, 2008 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

mike lowell everybody

by royalsreview on May 20, 2008 7:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

First class guy,

second class beard.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Meche with 2Ks!

whats his career high?

seven?

it could be a special night

by royalsreview on May 20, 2008 7:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

So I turned to ESPN briefly and David Stern was talking to Jay-Z of all people.

Apparently Jay-Z is part owner of the Nets and is their representative for tonight’s draft lottery. Jay-Z did not seem to want to be talking to David Stern… That’s got to hurt his “gangsta” reputation.

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 7:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

6-0 O's

they’ve batted around against Mussina in the first. Just something fun to note.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

7-0 O's

Mussina pitched 2/3s of an inning. Wow.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:41 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

only charged with 1 ER in .2 innings pitched

they already took him out

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

by focs on May 20, 2008 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, but he was getting

knocked all over the yard. Earned runs suck.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or, really...

the R/ER thing is stupid. FRA for the win.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Send down Teahen anyone?

last time we did he came up and hit 15 or so homers

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

by focs on May 20, 2008 7:42 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

He really doesn't have anything to prove in AAA

but he’s playing his way out of my “Winning Royal Team Foundation” list.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thats game.. we lose

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

by focs on May 20, 2008 7:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Playing teams like the Red Sox remind me how far away we are from being a...

...World Series caliber team. Ugh. So sad. Such a hopeless feeling.

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 7:47 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Bah,

don’t lose heart. All we have to do is win our division. The playoff are a crapshoot, most of the time. And with the way our division seems to have regressed, I like our chances in the next couple years.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Meche's command looked pretty good

for the most part that inning. Those first two hits were on nice pitches. Too bad it got away from him a little. We need some runs!

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 7:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Positive, positive!

He has two hits tonight!

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah I know

mostly kidding. Would’ve liked to see Guillen up with two on in the soap box.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It Is The

Perfect Alaskan day, so I’ll be outside listening. We will win this game.

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

by philofthenorth on May 20, 2008 8:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Meche looked a lot better that inning.

His curveball looks pretty good tonight. It’s kind of sweeping across the zone. 57 pitches through 3 because of the 2nd inning, but if he can give us 3 more scoreless I will be very pleased. Not an easy task facing this lineup though.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 8:02 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Gload, Buck, Pena

What are the odds of a baserunner this inning?

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 8:15 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Well

there’s a 1 in 3 chance Buck gets on all by himself.

Mathematically, there’s a 73% chance someone gets on.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's now down to 19.4%

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Meche has really looked good tonight.

Lot’s of strikeouts against a patient team. That’s a good sign.

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 8:15 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Something I noticed on Grudz's error last night

I wonder how much of it was Pena’s fault. Watching the highlight, it seems like Pena was almost climbing on Mark’s back when he was trying to make the catch. Still should have caught it, because there wasn’t contact of anything, but… Pena seems to have space issues. He did the same thing to Gordon back in the first couple of weeks of the season.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 8:24 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

NBA Draft Lottery Update
1 Chicago
#2 Miami
#3 Minnesota

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 8:24 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Did You Know?

If Beasley is taken #1, K-State will become the first school ever to have three #1 NBA draft picks.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Howie Shannon, 1949 (Providence Steamrollers)
Bob Boozer, 1959 (Cincinnati Royals)

A lot of schools have had two #1s, but nobody’s gotten the third yet.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Alex is looking very good tonight...

...minus the base running error.

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 8:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice Rip A-Gord

He is the only one that can see the ball coming out this guys hand, I guess.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 8:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

NESN is no longer broadcasting the game

Lenny Clarke is in the booth doing stand-up.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 8:39 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Wow

Web gem by A-gord, amazing play.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 8:43 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Congratulations

to whichever RR member coined “Shake” Yabuta. Bob Dutton is now using that in the KC Star. Sadly, it has nothing to do with him being DFA’d…

"If a tie is like kissing your sister, then losing is like kissing your grandmother with her teeth out." -- George Brett

by u l washington's toothpick on May 20, 2008 8:44 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I think I might have been the culprit...

But yeah, based on what I’ve seen so far, I’d like him to shake his booty on down to Omaha. He sure doesn’t seem to have much of a clue re. how to get MLB hitters out, and I’m not too optimistic he’ll figure it out anytime soon.

by cookierojas73 on May 20, 2008 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gil is really

pitching great. We better not waste this.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 8:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I don't care if we win this game or not.

If this is what Gil needs to get him going, its worth at least 5 additional wins down the road.

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Back from the movie store,

good to see Meche locked in.

Now, let’s see…which do I watch first, “The Mist” or “I Still know what you did last summer”?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 8:48 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

What, no "Fever Pitch"?

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't ever mention that movie again!

It’s such a shit movie…

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't make me hurt you.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I want to see the original.

Arsenal is much more interesting anyway.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The original...

?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I didn't realize

there WAS an original. I know the book is supposed to be better. Surprise, surprise.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, what with the book

being about soccer, and much more entirely focussed on being a fan of the team rather than an insipid love story… yeah.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Read the book

Pretty good stuff. Interesting on how being a fan can engage someone’s entire life. The movie with Colin Firth, I think it is, is kind of boring.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's a shame

that Hollywood consistently has to Americanize Hornby’s material. I mean, High Fidelity was a decent film, but they still bastardized it to death.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

High Fidelity WAS

a bit funny.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Seen 'em both,

liked ‘em both. Especially No Country. I rented There Will Be Blood the other night…I’m splurging on bad horror movies today.

Well, actually, I’ve heard good things about The Mist. I rented I Still Know What You Did Last Summer because my sister and I had fun making fun of the original.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Mist was weird.

Not terrible, not great, really cool ending.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

That sounds a lot like what my friend said.

I look forward to it…if a Stephen King movie is good, then it makes me take notice. his stuff is usually so amazingly terrible.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Mist creatures

are worth the watch. They are pretty crazy looking.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sweet.

Good horror movies are few and far between.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Jimmy Piersall Story?

"If a tie is like kissing your sister, then losing is like kissing your grandmother with her teeth out." -- George Brett

by u l washington's toothpick on May 20, 2008 8:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Anybody else think

...that Butler might benefit from a few weeks in Omaha? I’m starting to think so.

by cookierojas73 on May 20, 2008 8:52 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I think he's...

at the same place gordon was last year. There are some things you can’t learn in AAA.

by Bart41 on May 20, 2008 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think so.

This is the kind of experience he needs – sorta like how Gordon needed those experiences last year. This is, technically, Butler’s first full season in the bigs.

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I

think he might benefit from a day off. I don’t think he would learn how to hit any better in Omaha. Have Brett and the hitting coach work with him.

sign Greinke a Evan Longoria type deal now.

by kcscoliny on May 20, 2008 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

At least Teahen can still walk

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 8:52 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Lawl

my dad is yelling at his TV “Ray Allen cannot play basketball anymore.”

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 8:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

It's just a slump.

Slumps happen, New England sports fan spin it out of proportion. Yay.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well let me amend that to say

that the Boston media leads the charge. There are plenty of good new england fans, and no good writers on the globe staff.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I still hate Boston.

I’m don’t doubt the intelligence and loyalty of the fans. I’m just bitter that they win everything in every sport (minus hockey).

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It spoils a good deal of the fans, too.

That part rather annoys me…

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

One nice thing...

about the 2008 KC Royals, the games are fast.

by Bart41 on May 20, 2008 8:54 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I love it when they show the AL East standings on the outfield wall

Nothing warms my heart more than New York being on the bottom.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 8:55 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

other than...

DET being on the bottom

by Bart41 on May 20, 2008 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Uh, no

Detroit is just a harmless occasional annoyance. The Yankees are the minions of evil in service to Satan himself.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

O's 10, Yanks 0

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

John Buck:

best catcher ever, or bestest catcher ever?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 8:59 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Everyone's

the betterer compared to LaPoo.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, hey, a run

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 9:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I credit Teahen

for that run.

Its always because of Teahen.

Pecota, watch over us.

by castille on May 20, 2008 9:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

pinch hitter...

hillman knows what he’s doing…

by billexgordler on May 20, 2008 9:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I wouldn't

say one move proves anything.

by Bart41 on May 20, 2008 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

not at all...

it just confirms it. i’m a big fan of his.

by billexgordler on May 20, 2008 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

i thought he never struck out?

that’s two for his last two…

by billexgordler on May 20, 2008 9:02 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Gak

We’re going to have to get two in the eighth, because there’s a dancing closer with a low IQ waiting for the Royals in the 9th.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 9:04 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

by the way

he has done terrific

by cfizzle on May 20, 2008 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pfft

If he was worth a damn, he’d have scored some runs by now

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

That would be an act of faith

and one I’m not sure I’m ready for.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I am being kicked off the computer for the night,

so fare thee well. Good night, sweet Meche, may flights of angels sing thee to SOME GODDAMN RUN SUPPORT.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on May 20, 2008 9:13 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

C'mon guys

rally rally rally rally rally

by cfizzle on May 20, 2008 9:13 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Red Sox fans- an observation

I live in Connecticut and have noticed that they are starting to rival Yankees fans in terms of smugness. I have no doubt that it mostly the bandwagon-hoppers from the past several years of success. Long-time Sox fans are still humble…

by cookierojas73 on May 20, 2008 9:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Perhaps it's ageist of me

since you have to be at least 27 or so for this to apply, but I can’t consider someone a true Red Sox fan unless they burst into tears late in the evening on October 25, 1986.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

That night...

My friends (Sox fans both) were taking turns pouring a pitcher of beer over each other’s heads…and then…that was the ultimate gut-wrenching loss, possibly of all time.

by cookierojas73 on May 20, 2008 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Uh oh

Don’t look now, but the Detroit Tigers may have found their bats. 12-3 over Seattle with a bunch of video game stat lines from hitters.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 9:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

So if/when we rally in the eighth...

do you still bring in Yabuta?

I vote no. Start warming up ram-ram now, or Leo the Kid.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on May 20, 2008 9:21 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I think I'm with you.

Right now I want a fly ball.

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great AB

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 9:23 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Now we need a hit.

COME ON TEAHEN!!!

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 9:27 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

If someone's got the time for some research...

I’d like to see how Guillen’s stats fluctuate with the weather, particularly his strikeout rates. Seems like he K’s a lot more often when the weather drops…maybe the colder weather is leading to a slower bat speed?

by RoyalsFanInBillings on May 20, 2008 9:29 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Bill-y, Bill-y, Bill-y

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 9:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

that's what we needed.

bring on Paps v The Thrill

by Bart41 on May 20, 2008 9:31 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

love it...

love this matchup. billy’ll poke a single.

by billexgordler on May 20, 2008 9:31 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I love your optimism

but I hate this matchup, Papelbon is good.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Teahen could just add some power

His plate discipline impresses me so much. I want him to be good so bad.

We need the future to come through here, please!

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 9:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

HUGE TEST FOR BILLY

Pappelbon with the bases loaded. You’ll see how prepared Billy is right here.

sign Greinke a Evan Longoria type deal now.

by kcscoliny on May 20, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

two good swings

i have a bad feeling though

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 9:35 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

billexgordier, KC Royals. KC Royals, billexgordier.

I’m sorry, I thought you two had already met, or I would have introduced you sooner.

Butler has to smarter there. You’re behind the count, sure, so you have to protect the plate, but he’s fed you fast ones on the three previous pitches. Got to adjust, and NOT chase one out of the zone.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on May 20, 2008 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's the difference between a playoff team

and a team not quite there yet. I love that these guys are experiencing these situations, though.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 9:37 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

why. so it can teach them how to fail

cause thats all they do.. FAIL.. thats all they ever do..

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

by focs on May 20, 2008 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gotta give some credit

Gordon and Teahen had good ABs

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 9:38 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

great ABs

really tremendous.

by billexgordler on May 20, 2008 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Whatever clutch hitting is.

This team sucks ass at it. Ugh

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 20, 2008 9:39 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

They do now

Butler is 22, though. I’m confident he’ll be there one day.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Billy Harvey?

The caucasian ken harvey?

by MKforKC on May 20, 2008 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gotta give Meche

props. When he attacks the strikezone he is so much better. Pitched great after he quit nibbling in the 2nd.

sign Greinke a Evan Longoria type deal now.

by kcscoliny on May 20, 2008 9:40 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, unfortunately with this shittastic offense we will continue to get owned by any halfway decent

pitching staff. How can we win when our starters have to pitch a shut out.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 20, 2008 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Patience, Grasshopper

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

by philofthenorth on May 20, 2008 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

You'll note he's ignoring the fact that G&T

saw over a dozen pitches between ‘em

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Runner at third base, less than 2 outs.

4 guys got a chance to get the run in. All four failed. That is miserable, I don’t care how many pitches they saw.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 20, 2008 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Royals own the stat as the worst team with a runner on 3rd with less than 2 outs.

I don’t think they actually know that sacrifice flies are legal.

by MKforKC on May 20, 2008 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

So, for two months you've been raging about pitch counts

and now they’ve figured that part out, but it doesn’t matter.

Two of those four guys failed to give up an out.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pitch counts matter against the starting pitcher

I don’t give a damn if they make Okajima throw 100 pitches that inning, if you can’t get the run in, it’s totally worthless. Okajima is in there for one inning, get the damn run in.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 20, 2008 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, so all you care about is running the starter.

Things like plate discipline aren’t important, you just want them to see a lot of pitches early.

Once DDJ reached third, the Royals had an OBP of .500. Think about that.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I disagree

2 failed. 2 walked. Those drawn walks were not failures.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

R & R

In to hold ‘em.

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

by philofthenorth on May 20, 2008 9:40 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

+1000 for Guillen

The guys that reached out to try and catch that one were begging him to throw it to them, and he threw it about 12 rows away on purpose.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 9:41 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Papelbon

also shows what having a shut down closer can do for you in big time pressure situations.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 9:42 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Pedroia's Enormous Swing

Comes up empty.

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

by philofthenorth on May 20, 2008 9:43 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

You got to give it to them for hanging in there after yesterday's game.

They aren’t over-swinging or trying to do something they can’t. Just couldn’t get the hit when they needed it.

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 9:44 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

It was your own implication. Not mine.

I liked their approach tonight. It just didn’t work. What’s wrong with saying that?

Blown Save

by BlownSave on May 20, 2008 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

its true

they have held the red sawks to 2 runs..

by cfizzle on May 20, 2008 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

It’s the defending world champs with the best record in baseball.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

ya gotta hate the red sox...

...only they could turn a taut 2-1 game into a 3-hour affair.

by billexgordler on May 20, 2008 9:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

A R\am/Ram Confrontation

Epic..

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

by philofthenorth on May 20, 2008 9:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Our Ram Wins.

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

by philofthenorth on May 20, 2008 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great pitch to swing at you fucking bum

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

by focs on May 20, 2008 9:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

That would be difficult

since Callaspo already hit for Pena.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on May 20, 2008 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pena is already out

he got pinch hit for with callaspo

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

by focs on May 20, 2008 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Best closer in baseball against 3 of our worst hitters.

This ones over boys. At least it’s the best team in baseball, though. We are fighting. It doesn’t mean a lot to some of you, but our guys are getting better every game. Look at Alex tonight. stroked three balls and drew a walk.

by I need more Esteban on May 20, 2008 9:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

We still can't get it done when it counts though.

And it was there for the taking.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 20, 2008 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Late to the party

Better closers than Papelbon:

1. Rivera
2. Soria

(not necessarily exhaustive)

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on May 20, 2008 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Twins up 9-0, Tigers beating the crap out of Seattle

CWS up on CLE 2-1. Not a godo night to lose

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 20, 2008 9:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Believo in Olivo

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

by focs on May 20, 2008 9:54 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

LOL, that ninth inning was just embarassing

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on May 20, 2008 9:55 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I despise the 2,5,7,8,9 hitters on this team

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

by focs on May 20, 2008 9:56 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs