Well, it’s finally come to this.  Last night, I found myself at a friend’s house, more interested in Game 1 of the NBA finals than a game against the hated Chicago White Sox.  Why?  Because the Royals have lost 15 of 17 and 11 in a row on the road.  I’ve been pretty adamant around here about not getting too upset about bad stretches because it’s all part of the process.  But last night, I just couldn’t take it anymore.  Even during the 12 game losing streak, I was angry, but still subdued because I realize that these things can happen.  I hate the White Sox a lot, though, and now they are in 1st place, and they just swept us.   I’m not denouncing my fandom, I’m not saying that we can’t get out of this; I’m just finally fed up.  And we really need to start showing some signs of life this weekend or I don’t know how I’m going to continue to tune into every game. 

So here I am, to talk about a few things.  I’m not a huge stat guy, but, being in the area, I do have the privilege of watching almost every game (maybe not in its entirety lately) thanks to FSN. 

Last Season and This Season

No one really wants to talk about the past but I think it’s necessary here.  No matter what happens, I will always continue to say that this year’s team is better than last years.  On paper, though, it’s very hard to see it.

2007 April – 8-18

2008 April – 12-15

What an improvement in April.  I know I was very optimistic about this season after April, along with many others.  Even with Jose Guillen hitting .192/.231/.364, the Royals managed to have a near .500 month.  Billy Butler hit for great average but not any power, and our starting pitchers were really on point.  Youngster Zack Greinke, leading the way with Brian Bannister helping us laugh with excitement when hearing the name Ambiorex Burgos.

2007 May – 11-17

2008 May – 10-19

After starting the month with a promising, 9-7, the famous losing streak began and things didn’t end so well.  Jose Guillen finally showed us why we signed him and hit .308/.327/.495 but no one else could seem to help him out.

June 5th 2007– 21-38

June 5th 2008 –23-37

At the beginning of the season, I really thought that we were going to be better than this at this point.  It’s frustrating, but there are still 4 months left in the season.  In 2007 the Royals posted a June record of 15-12, July record of 13-12, and an August record of 13-15, for a 3 month stretch of 41-39.  Could the Royals do this kind of thing or better this season?  Yes, I really think we have more talent on this team and it is definitely possible to repeat this kind of summer.  I ask this, if the Royals have a similar stretch.  Are you optimistic about next season?

Other Questions to ask

The Mark Teahen/David Dejesus debate

There has been much discussion about the need to trade Mark Teahen or David Dejesus, or both.  Well, it’s pretty ironic that both of these players have been our best hitters getting into June.

Mark Teahen

May 24th - .243/.337/.337/.674

Jun. 5th    -. 258/.340/.411/.752

Look at what Teahen as done in the last 2 weeks or so.  That’s 4 HR and 6 XBH.  Has Mark Teahen finally got it back?  It’s too early to tell, I think, but wow, there are finally some signs of life that Teahen can revert back to that great second half in 2006.

David Dejesus

May 26th - .270/.329/.365/.694

Jun. 5th   - .301/.359/.426/.785

Likewise, Dejesus has been hitting the ball very well.  The killer G’s (Grudz, Gordon, Guillen) have not been able to drive him in at all from what I’ve seen, which has been a big reason why we haven’t been winning.  During the span, Dejesus has 16 H (5XBH) 4 Walks, and has only scored 7 R. 

So this begs the question.  Who do you trade?  Teahen can probably play more positions for you, but Dejesus can play CF and we don’t know about Teahen, although, some have claimed that he could make the adjustment.  Me, I trade Dejesus, I love the guy, but I still have hope that Teahen can hit 20 HR’s a year.

There is so much more I’d like to talk about but this is already pretty long. 

-I think our minor league system is showing in improvement.  Are others as optimistic?

-Hillman can be blamed as much as people want.  How much can a manager really do, though?

-After seeing the White Sox punk us with hit batters and chirping asshole Catchers, is the Royals team soft?

Things are bad right now.  But I’m not forgetting that things can always turn around and I still think we are headed in the right direction, especially after our first 5 picks in this year's draft.  After NY, we are headed to the NL.  Let’s hope that they are just what we need to start playing better!