Game 79 Open Thread - Rockies (32-46) at Royals (35-43)
Colorado Rockies @ Kansas City Royals
As you surely know -- at least in some intuitive or vague sense, if you're reading this blog -- the Royals are 13-9 in June and 11-3 in interleague play. Over the past few days I've been trying to figure out just why the Royals have had so much success against the NL, beyond "the NL isn't good", but unfortunately, that's all I can come up with. (I do think that there's something about the Royals' mediocre-heavy rotation that may stack up better against the NL, but don't know where to begin or end by way of explaining it.) What is clear, whether we look at June records or the Interleague split, is that the offense is heating up, going from the worst two or three lineups in baseball to, over the last three weeks, one of the best.
Let's take a look at the June numbers:
| BA | OBP | SLG | 2B | HR | RUNS | |
| Royals | .273 | .325 | .456 | 47 | 29 | 116 |
| ML Rank | 9th | 20th | 6th | 3rd | 6th | 4th |
Despite all the early talk about the AL run levels dropping below the NL, the top five offenses in June are from the American League (White Sox, Rangers, Indians, Royals and Orioles?)
As for the Royals, you'd have to cede that on the whole this isn't the profile of the 4th most prolific offense in baseball. I don't think that a Dayton Moore lineup is going to finish in the top half of the AL in OBP anytime soon, and in June the Royals are 12th in the AL in OBP. And with the BA good, but middling, it's apparent that the uptick in slugging is whats driving the blue and white train. While I can't find double-split data at the moment, even a crude glimpse at the numbers suggests that the Royals have been a smidge lucky in terms of timing their home runs and bunching together production in rallies. On the other hand, with so many players in the middle of the lineup hitting well, those things can happen, even if TPJ is still around to drag things down the next inning.
| SLG in JUNE | |
| Guillen | .725 |
| Aviles | .662 |
| DeJesus | .600 |
| Teahen | .500 |
| Grudz | .464 |
| Callaspo | .429 |
Of course, Callaspo still can't seem to get regular playing time, but he's still out-slugging an all-or-nothing Alex Gordon this month (.222/.312/.420). Past that, no one is really hitting: not sometime DH Olivo (.183/.222/.333) not John Buck (.208/.311/.340) and certainly not Ross Gload (.254/.279/.339) or TPJ (.133/.188/.133).
As for tonight's game, the Royals turn to Luke Hochevar (4.86 ERA) with a sweep on the line against the Rockies. Colorado will start classic generic NL pitcher Aaron Cook (3.57 ERA).
Goodland, Kansas will be reclaimed tonight!
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394
comments
Comments
augh...
pregame, or the musical episode of Scrubs on comedy central…
life is too tough sometimes.
Also? First.
"I never really said most of the things I said." - Yogi Berra
by loyal2theroyals on Jun 25, 2008 7:35 PM EDT 0 recs
Easy decision. college baseball world series Game 3.
by cfizzle on
Jun 25, 2008 7:40 PM EDT
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seriously?
the musical episode annoyed me to no end
Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.
by wildthang on
Jun 25, 2008 8:25 PM EDT
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What? WHAT?
It doesn’t really matter if it’s hard or if it’s loose
We’ll figure out what’s ailing you, as long as it’s a deuce!
Yes!
Everything comes down to poo!
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on
Jun 25, 2008 8:26 PM EDT
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really?
I kinda liked it :(
I may have to revoke that margarita I had in your name last night :-/
"I never really said most of the things I said." - Yogi Berra
by loyal2theroyals on
Jun 25, 2008 8:26 PM EDT
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it wasn't a bad episode
i just never want to see it again.
Thinking about it just angers me for some reason.
Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.
by wildthang on
Jun 25, 2008 8:29 PM EDT
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boo!
i’m taking 2 months off the ETA of blankety goodness!
"I never really said most of the things I said." - Yogi Berra
by loyal2theroyals on
Jun 25, 2008 8:31 PM EDT
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and by off i mean I'm tacking on 2
"I never really said most of the things I said." - Yogi Berra
by loyal2theroyals on
Jun 25, 2008 8:31 PM EDT
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ouch
i love scrubs but i cannot recant my stance about the musical episode. I get too confused and I just want it to go back to how it was.
Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.
by wildthang on
Jun 25, 2008 8:32 PM EDT
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but at the end of the 30 minutes it does!
Answer this one correctly and I may revoke the 2 month addition. JD and Eliot: destined to be together or just never timing things right for it to work out?
"I never really said most of the things I said." - Yogi Berra
by loyal2theroyals on
Jun 25, 2008 8:34 PM EDT
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JD and Eliot should never be together.
It’s like mixing chocolate and prime rib.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on
Jun 25, 2008 8:39 PM EDT
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Love Scrubs
The musical episode was one of the worst evah. That entire season pretty much annoyed me.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on
Jun 25, 2008 8:40 PM EDT
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See, I think the musical episode
is an integral part of what makes Scrubs Scrubs.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on
Jun 25, 2008 8:41 PM EDT
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destined
i didn’t catch the second half of this season…
but my take is JD is a wimp and eventually he will buck up and they will be together.
Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.
by wildthang on
Jun 25, 2008 8:40 PM EDT
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I like Kim
So much better than Eliot.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on
Jun 25, 2008 8:41 PM EDT
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are you using the evil eye right now?
The concept of progress acts as a protective mechanism to shield us from the terrors of the future. - Collected sayings of Muad'Dib
by buddyball on
Jun 25, 2008 8:42 PM EDT
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Two sinkerball pitchers going tonight.
Cook has been the ace of the Rockies staff this year. Not saying that much but he generally does a good job. Hochevar is prime for a good start – needs to avoid the big inning and keep throwing the sinker for strikes.
by daveyork on Jun 25, 2008 7:47 PM EDT 0 recs
If we win tonight
Do we get to represent the NL in the World Series?
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Jun 25, 2008 7:50 PM EDT 0 recs
Technically
we have to win three more games this week to clinch the best record in the NL. But that’s only because it’s theoretically possible some NL team could still finish with 130 wins.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on
Jun 25, 2008 8:15 PM EDT
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A Full Liter
Is better.
I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.
by philofthenorth on
Jun 25, 2008 8:00 PM EDT
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the royals will show a lot to me if the polish off the rocks . . .
and then take at least 2 from the cards this weekend.
by royalstern05 on Jun 25, 2008 8:02 PM EDT 0 recs
Teahen Gets A
Partial break at DH, and Callaspo finally gets a start.
D. DeJesus lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .307
M. Aviles ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .352
A. Gordon 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .265
J. Guillen rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .291
M. Teahen dh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .256
J. Buck c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .243
R. Gload 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .249
A. Callaspo 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .299
J. Gathright cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .244
Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Gload is the only real grit in the lineup; this might get ugly.
I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.
by philofthenorth on Jun 25, 2008 8:06 PM EDT 0 recs
Yay for todays lineup
No Pena and Callaspo is playing.
Billy at worst will be Sean Casey jr.
by kcscoliny on
Jun 25, 2008 8:08 PM EDT
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The only way this lineup could be better offensively
would be if Teahen was at 1B and Olivo was at DH, but the way Olivo and Gload have been hitting the past few days, that’s probably not much of a difference.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on
Jun 25, 2008 8:16 PM EDT
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sweet - the package has the royals broadcast tonight
i love kauffman stadium.
i can’t wait to come back.
probably not til ‘09 though.
by royalstern05 on Jun 25, 2008 8:06 PM EDT 0 recs
AZL Royal
Montgomery and Sample both made debuts today. A toast to them making a fast run to the majors.

Billy at worst will be Sean Casey jr.
by kcscoliny on Jun 25, 2008 8:07 PM EDT 0 recs
Not to be contradictory,
but Aaron Cook isn’t generic. He’s in the top fifteen in VORP for pitchers in all of major league baseball, and uses his defense effectively by keeping the ball on the ground. This year his K-rate has risen a little, too.
That said, let’s pound the guy, but he is quite good.
A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.
by NHZ on Jun 25, 2008 8:09 PM EDT 0 recs
Cook is doing a pretty decent Chien-Ming Wang impersonation this year
He lacks the same velocity, but it is getting similar results. With Hochevar pitching too, the infielders will be busy tonight.
by Gopherballs on
Jun 25, 2008 8:16 PM EDT
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btw - matt holliday is a freaking stud.
why can’t we get a guy like him – EVER????
by royalstern05 on Jun 25, 2008 8:11 PM EDT 0 recs
Not on the road
A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.
by NHZ on
Jun 25, 2008 8:46 PM EDT
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damn
sorry everyone.
the reverse jinx-jinx did not work.
by royalstern05 on
Jun 25, 2008 8:15 PM EDT
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I like Spilborghs
Wouldn’t mind seeing us pick him up.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Jun 25, 2008 8:17 PM EDT 0 recs
Can Chipper hit close to .400?
Or will John Olerud be the last man ever to almost hit .400?
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Jun 25, 2008 8:18 PM EDT 0 recs
Silly Max
You know Aviles will hit .400 next year.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on
Jun 25, 2008 8:18 PM EDT
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btw - i bet rany is going nuts over
hillman’s decision to start tpj last night when greinke was pitching and not tonight when hochevar is on the bump.
by royalstern05 on Jun 25, 2008 8:18 PM EDT 0 recs
Not really.
Just the start last night. I think he’s perfectly content to let Aviles play SS.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on
Jun 25, 2008 8:19 PM EDT
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Okay, they got their shot in
We can forget about the revenge thing now.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on Jun 25, 2008 8:21 PM EDT 0 recs
hochevar should drill carlos guillen in the forehead.
by royalstern05 on
Jun 25, 2008 8:21 PM EDT
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That would be awesome
if Luke could throw a fastball all the way to Detroit.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on
Jun 25, 2008 8:23 PM EDT
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Aviles Can
I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.
by philofthenorth on
Jun 25, 2008 8:24 PM EDT
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Can Aviles make a stone so large
he can’t move it?
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on
Jun 25, 2008 8:25 PM EDT
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He Is The
Unstoppable force and the immovable object all in one.
I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.
by philofthenorth on
Jun 25, 2008 8:28 PM EDT
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but Ditka could
The concept of progress acts as a protective mechanism to shield us from the terrors of the future. - Collected sayings of Muad'Dib
by buddyball on
Jun 25, 2008 8:44 PM EDT
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Bullshit
someone must go DOWN
Billy at worst will be Sean Casey jr.
by kcscoliny on
Jun 25, 2008 8:23 PM EDT
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Apparently
both teams were warned before the game. Does that really deter the fight chances? I almost want to watch one.
by powderbluepower on Jun 25, 2008 8:22 PM EDT 0 recs
i want to see joey gathright's martial arts skills!!
by royalstern05 on
Jun 25, 2008 8:22 PM EDT
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Teahen seems
to me like a guy who would snap unexpectedly and just beat the crap out of someone.
by powderbluepower on
Jun 25, 2008 8:24 PM EDT
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see - i think our toughest guy is in oakland . . . emil brown
this current roster lacks a bruiser.
if i had to pick someone to go into the octagon – i’d go with guillen or olivo.
by royalstern05 on
Jun 25, 2008 8:25 PM EDT
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I still smile whenever I hear the nationwide jingle
nationwide is on your side!
"I never really said most of the things I said." - Yogi Berra
by loyal2theroyals on
Jun 25, 2008 8:27 PM EDT
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oh yeah,
In an Octagon, I’m taking Olivo, Guillen or maybe Aviles, for the sheer superhuman ability.
by powderbluepower on
Jun 25, 2008 8:28 PM EDT
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The Hammer Of
Moroni would smite them all. Mightily.
I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.
by philofthenorth on
Jun 25, 2008 8:29 PM EDT
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I don't think Moroni had a hammer
I was knee deep in the Moroni (teachings of), and I don’t remember a hammer.
But, I ask you: If he had a hammer, would he hammer in the morning, would he hammer in the evening all over this land?
"I never really said most of the things I said." - Yogi Berra
by loyal2theroyals on
Jun 25, 2008 8:32 PM EDT
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Only when it was
hammer time
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on
Jun 25, 2008 8:33 PM EDT
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gotta give aviles props in the toughness department for beig from the bronx.
my sister-in-law is a cop in the bronx.
she has yankee stadium detail.
the bronx is a tough town.
by royalstern05 on
Jun 25, 2008 8:29 PM EDT
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Avilanche is human, afterall.
Bummer.
I was hoping that we had some superhero on our hands…
by rockchalk on Jun 25, 2008 8:23 PM EDT 0 recs
We do.
He’s just waiting for the proper “moment”.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on
Jun 25, 2008 8:24 PM EDT
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you won't like him when he's angry...
"I never really said most of the things I said." - Yogi Berra
by loyal2theroyals on
Jun 25, 2008 8:25 PM EDT
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hochevar is elevating his pitches . . . not good.
by royalstern05 on Jun 25, 2008 8:27 PM EDT 0 recs
focusssss
geez, Hoch!
"I never really said most of the things I said." - Yogi Berra
by loyal2theroyals on
Jun 25, 2008 8:27 PM EDT
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Im so happy we took hochevar over lincecum
Yasuhiko Yabuta is to Major League Baseball as Drew Carey is to The Price is Right
by focs on Jun 25, 2008 8:30 PM EDT 0 recs
that was a terrible pitch - hanging slider.
1-0 rocks.
by royalstern05 on Jun 25, 2008 8:30 PM EDT 0 recs
Hey, Callie Didn't
Drop the ball or throw it into the cheap seats. What gives?
I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.
by philofthenorth on Jun 25, 2008 8:30 PM EDT 0 recs
That would be because
he hasn’t touched the ball.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on
Jun 25, 2008 8:31 PM EDT
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He Also Has
Not been in my house, much like Franklin Roosevelt. OK, I shoulda said Aviles.
I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.
by philofthenorth on
Jun 25, 2008 8:33 PM EDT
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Mike Aviles saved us three runs with his play in the field
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on Jun 25, 2008 8:32 PM EDT 0 recs
just like everyone on this site originally thought
We are all geniuses!
Billy at worst will be Sean Casey jr.
by kcscoliny on
Jun 25, 2008 8:34 PM EDT
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Soon, Hillman will come to realize
that Aviles should be his late-inning defensive replacement.
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on
Jun 25, 2008 8:34 PM EDT
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And TPJ
will be back to starting.
A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.
by NHZ on
Jun 25, 2008 8:50 PM EDT
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Found a great Nick name for Brad Hawpe
Yasuhiko Yabuta is to Major League Baseball as Drew Carey is to The Price is Right
by focs on Jun 25, 2008 8:33 PM EDT 0 recs
I don't get it
Is he a big liar?
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on
Jun 25, 2008 8:42 PM EDT
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Or is it because he's a real boy now?
Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.
by jonfmorse on
Jun 25, 2008 8:43 PM EDT
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No... his nose is long as hell
Yasuhiko Yabuta is to Major League Baseball as Drew Carey is to The Price is Right
by focs on
Jun 25, 2008 8:48 PM EDT
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Do you really need the label on your beer to turn blue to tell you its cold?
I mean, has it become that hard to, you know, feel the bottle?
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Jun 25, 2008 8:43 PM EDT 0 recs


