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Game 87 Open Thread - Royals (38-46) at Orioles (42-40)

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Kansas City Royals @ Baltimore Orioles


It's Gil Meche (4.66 ERA) versus Daniel Cabrera (4.53 ERA) tonight in Maryland. As Chris Altruda notes in his game preview:

Meche (6-8, 4.66 ERA) is trying to win four straight starts for the first time since May 16-June 4, 2003, while pitching for Seattle. The right-hander has a 2.25 ERA during his winning streak, but is 0-5 in seven starts despite a 3.32 ERA versus the Orioles since the 2006 season.

Meanwhile, here's what SC at Camden Chat has to say about Cabrera:

Cabrera has, well, hit a wall. After his May 20th start, his ERA stood at 3.48. He was oupitching even optimistic predictions, really, and going seven routinely.

Since then, his ERA has risen to 4.53. Why? The walks are back in some part. Over his last 42 innings, he's walked 23. Not as awful as he used to be, but pretty bad. But the walks aren't killing him. May 20 and prior, he had just twice given up more hits than innings he'd pitched. Since then, he's done it five times, and the other two starts had him giving up six in six innings and six in seven innings.

The lack of strikeouts -- a problem that started last season -- are hurting him. When he doesn't have his best stuff, he's going to get rocked. Plus, the fact is he's throwing almost all fastballs. That's a great theory, and it worked well for a little bit. But his fastball is not so good that he can work six-seven innings off of that pitch exclusively on a consistent basis. He doesn't blow it by anyone anymore. His K/9 is a really pedestrian 5.28, which gives him a pretty crappy K-to-BB ratio, too.

I'm really not trying to harsh any buzzes, but Cabrera's as good as he's going to get unless he suddenly figures out how to strike batters out again. He's a fourth/fifth starter that can eat up innings.

Pre-game question: who has the stronger organization overall (rookie ball to the Majors) Baltimore or Kansas City?

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More pre-game questions---and an answer

1. How many walks are we going to get?
2. How many runs will Meche allow?
3. Will Aviles recover?
4. Will Butler hit something more than a single?

But on royalsreview’s question, let’s go with the Royals. Andy McPhail has only had one year in Baltimore, but they’re on their way up. I think the Royals are a bit better because of pitching. – TL

by timlacy on Jul 2, 2008 5:50 PM EDT   0 recs

+1

What do crabcakes do for you? Lame. – TL

by timlacy on Jul 2, 2008 5:57 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Boog’s BBQ, the food staple of Camden Yards.

"Yesterday I was lying, today I am telling the truth." -- Bob Arum

Camden Chat
Bad Left Hook

by SC on Jul 2, 2008 6:26 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, but... Baltimore BBQ?

Come on. It’s a valiant effort, but.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 2, 2008 7:10 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

It's not really BBQ

It’s pit beef, totally different. We actually talked about it a bit the other day in preparation for an OK O’s fan coming to town.

http://www.camdenchat.com/2008/7/1/562467/need-some-suggestions. drj summed it up nicely with:

BPinOK, pit beef isn’t anything like the BBQ you are thinking of. It’s beef with a rub, grilled until it is crusty on the outside, rare in the inside (I told you it isn’t BBQ). It’s thinly sliced and heaped on a kaiser roll (maybe rye) with generous horseradish and tomato.

Sorry for the late reply here. I like to read the other team’s game thread post game :)

"We’re not concerned about what other teams think. I know teams come in here thinking we’re playing the Orioles. And then 9 innings later, they got the loss, they know what we’re about." ~Adam Jones

by Stacey on Jul 2, 2008 11:38 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

So it's
it is crusty on the outside, rare in the inside

For some reason, this reminds me of the 4th of July. Maybe I can take control of the grill this year…

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 3, 2008 9:43 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Ill Tell You

1. 4
2. 0
3. No
4. No

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

by focs on Jul 2, 2008 5:55 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

ok...

1. 3
2. 3
3. YEs, yes, a thousand times yes.
4. Yes, a double.

by royalsreview on Jul 2, 2008 5:56 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

My own predictions: ...

1. 5
2. 2
3. Yes. 2-3, walk, double
4. Yes. First home since returning.

...How’s that for optimism?! – TL

by timlacy on Jul 2, 2008 5:58 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Well, I was definitely...

...overoptimistic. Very sad. Not a single one of my predictions came true. This is going to sound crazy, but I’m most disappointed by the fact that we drew not a single walk. – TL

by timlacy on Jul 2, 2008 10:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I'll bite...

1. 6
2. 3
3. In an AVILANCHE OF AVILES NOW!!!!1 But yea…1-4, no defensive problems.
4. Nope.

by Bornin85 on Jul 2, 2008 6:14 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

the royals minors are stronger

because they are fed on good american bbq in honest midwestern towns (except wilmington) and baltimorean minor leaguers mostly eat crabcakes in the chesapeake watershed.

by Sean O Se on Jul 2, 2008 6:32 PM EDT   0 recs

!0th 1112###

1. This is a binary equation, he either will give up 8 or zero, depending on how hacktastic we decide to be and if Cabrera is on or not.
2. Meche = 6 innings, 3 runs
3. Aviles will never play another game in the major leagues after last night’s meltdown. Such is the life of a non-prospect. No margin for error. TPJ has the opening he needs to seize the job by the throat and rake at a .211 clip the rest of the year.
4. Hard to hit anything but the toilet when you’re not even in the lineup. I’m really starting to not like Butler, he’s a fat f@cking baby.

The entire city of Baltimore and Peter Angelo$ are both douchebags, pretty much.

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 2, 2008 6:34 PM EDT   0 recs

Too Much Grit

In the 5 hole, but Aviles at 2 looks good.

D. DeJesus lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .316
M. Aviles ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .303
A. Gordon 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .262
J. Guillen dh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .277
M. Grudzielanek 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .306
M. Teahen rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .258
R. Gload 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .264
J. Buck c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250
J. Gathright cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .249
Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Hoagy is being a baby, DH’ing and keeping Billy on the bench.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 2, 2008 6:39 PM EDT   0 recs

yay! I'm...not going to be able to watch the game tonight :\

I’m currently sitting at the train station, though it is going to be at least 45 minutes late in its arrival. Boo. Probably longer. Oh well, go royals!

"I never really said most of the things I said." - Yogi Berra

by loyal2theroyals on Jul 2, 2008 6:46 PM EDT   0 recs

Are you in B-more?

I was just there 2 weeks ago, and I will say that the train service (I had to get from Baltimore to DC) was awesome. So wish we had something like that here. Oh well, much better to be reactionary. Have a good time while you’re there.

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 2, 2008 6:50 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

nope, I'm in warrensburg

waiting on the train going to Jeff City. I’m a big fan of public transportation for the saving of mother earth and all that jazz. Plus, why take a round trip in the car that’ll cost me $40 in gas when I can take the train for $25.70?

"I never really said most of the things I said." - Yogi Berra

by loyal2theroyals on Jul 2, 2008 6:55 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

personally

I hope we have an awesomesauce double decker train considering the holiday and everything. Ticket prices are way higher starting tomorrow so…yeahhh.

"I never really said most of the things I said." - Yogi Berra

by loyal2theroyals on Jul 2, 2008 6:58 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Ah, not quite as glamorous as Baltimore

but close. Totally with you on the train, they need to implement a hi-speed train between here and St. Louis. I-70 is a death trap.

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 2, 2008 6:58 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

didn't know that

stopping every so often would get really annoying.

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 2, 2008 7:09 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

nah

it’s honestly not that bad. it happens maybe twice (or thrice…yes, I just wanted an excuse to say thrice) between warrensburg and jeff city. you’re not behind the wheel, if you have something to do you don’t really notice. at least I don’t notice it.

The only thing that annoys me is when it’s ridiculously late.

"I never really said most of the things I said." - Yogi Berra

by loyal2theroyals on Jul 2, 2008 7:10 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

you could text

without having to worry about crashing

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 2, 2008 7:18 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

my answers

1. 3
2. 2
3. Yes, 2-hit game, no errors
4. No, single and a walk tonight

Never giving up on your team is what makes you a good fan.

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 2, 2008 6:56 PM EDT   0 recs

MLB.com Is Giving

Me KMBZ, with some generic local talk show. It’s awesome squared.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 2, 2008 6:56 PM EDT   0 recs

oh boy!

looks like you ain’t watching the game either, sucka!

"I never really said most of the things I said." - Yogi Berra

by loyal2theroyals on Jul 2, 2008 6:57 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

No, They Switched

At the top of the hour.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 2, 2008 7:06 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

...conformist

way to not be social in the most unsocial way possible. Psssh, game threads are sooo much better than bars. Except probably not, never gone to a bar to watch a game before so I wouldn’t really know.

"I never really said most of the things I said." - Yogi Berra

by loyal2theroyals on Jul 2, 2008 7:05 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

If I Went

To a bar here I’d be treated to NASCAR.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 2, 2008 7:07 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

The Guy Who

Sang the anthem did some serious editing; probably should thank him.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 2, 2008 7:06 PM EDT   0 recs

for what its worth i totally just bought

a mexicutioner shirt. it seemed epic enough to be worth the money for it.

"I never really said most of the things I said." - Yogi Berra

by loyal2theroyals on Jul 2, 2008 7:07 PM EDT   0 recs

WELCOME BACK DAVEY!!!!

Never giving up on your team is what makes you a good fan.

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 2, 2008 7:07 PM EDT   0 recs

DDJ

very good

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 2, 2008 7:07 PM EDT   0 recs

Bueno

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 2, 2008 7:07 PM EDT   0 recs

Good start.

DDJ with the bomb.

I

by rockchalk on Jul 2, 2008 7:08 PM EDT   0 recs

OMFG WELCOME DAVID 14 GAME HITING STREAK

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

by focs on Jul 2, 2008 7:08 PM EDT   0 recs

Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce you to
KIRK GIB DAVID DE JEEZUZ!

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 2, 2008 7:08 PM EDT   0 recs

How Many Royals

Will have double digit HR’s this year?

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 2, 2008 7:10 PM EDT   0 recs

10!

i’m…optimistic?

"I never really said most of the things I said." - Yogi Berra

by loyal2theroyals on Jul 2, 2008 7:11 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

im going with 6

by cfizzle on Jul 2, 2008 7:12 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

5-7?

Gui-bag
Tea-bag
Gordon
DeJesus
Olivo

Aviles? Buck?

I would include Baby Butler but he is the reincarnation of Sean Casey with worse social skills.

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 2, 2008 7:15 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

6

Guillen, Gordon, Olivo, Teahen, DeJesus, Buck (hot streak please?)

Never giving up on your team is what makes you a good fan.

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 2, 2008 7:12 PM EDT   0 recs

No Aviles?

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 2, 2008 7:13 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

unlikely, but possible

i think Buck is more likely to catch a little bit of fire

Never giving up on your team is what makes you a good fan.

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 2, 2008 7:14 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

weird i think aviles is more likely...

but lets not forget about gathright… that guy has raw power

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

by focs on Jul 2, 2008 7:15 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I think Aviles is more likely

For Aviles to get to 10, he’s just got to keep hitting, in all honestly. For Buck to get there, something’s going to have to change; either he’s going to have to just get hot, or he’s going to have to fundamentally alter his stance and/or approach.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 2, 2008 7:15 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

alter his stance

We know he will do that. He is good for a new stance/approach every other week.

Billy at worst will be Sean Casey jr.

by kcscoliny on Jul 2, 2008 7:20 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

With that HR,

DDJ has tied his career high homeruns in a season.

by cfizzle on Jul 2, 2008 7:15 PM EDT   0 recs

Trade him now

Since he won’t hit another all season now

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 2, 2008 7:16 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I think we've got a nickname for Butler

Billy the Kid

Probably been suggested before, but not with the kid meaning baby

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 2, 2008 7:16 PM EDT   0 recs

god damnit

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

by focs on Jul 2, 2008 7:19 PM EDT   0 recs

+1

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 2, 2008 7:19 PM EDT   0 recs

Sure enough, as i predicted last night...

kietzman and his crew demolished Jose for a solid 3 hours today for not going after the fly ball that he may or may not have seen, when he may or may not be really really injured, but never any mention of davey not playing at all b/c he had a BRUISE…or sweeney before him…kietzman and Jack harry want to CUT him

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 2, 2008 7:20 PM EDT   0 recs

Meh

Kevin Kietzman is not the greatest SMN graduate ever.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 2, 2008 7:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Are you SMN?

My mom was SMS.

I have to hate you now.

by rockchalk on Jul 2, 2008 7:24 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

That's okay, I'm also KSU

which means I’ve had to hate you ever since I saw your name. :p

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 2, 2008 7:27 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

petro is awesome...by far my favorite guy in town....

st john is alright most of the time….not a huge bukaty fan

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 2, 2008 7:24 PM EDT   0 recs

Petro is hilarious

He knows his sh!t.

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 2, 2008 7:26 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

yep...today kietz was talking for 15 mins about holliday...

and kept saying…i dont know how long he’s signed for….

...terrible b/c it takes 10 secs on the internet to find that out
...even more terrible b/c the show preceding his…on the station that he owns…talked about it for a long time that holliday has 4 years left

soren is definitely awesome…knows his stats….gets pissed and goes on tirades when necessary

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 2, 2008 7:28 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

We've been really, really good at giving runs RIGHT back in this series.

Demoralizing

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 2, 2008 7:25 PM EDT   0 recs

Not a Good stat so far

Baltimore 10 Xb hits / 20 in th series so far. Is that bad luck or bad pitches.

Billy at worst will be Sean Casey jr.

by kcscoliny on Jul 2, 2008 7:25 PM EDT   0 recs

Ugh, where the hell is Butler tonight?

He’s done nothing but hit since get called up

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 2, 2008 7:27 PM EDT   0 recs

They couldn't get him

out of his exersaucer

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 2, 2008 7:27 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

He's done nothing but walk and single since he got called up

There, I fixed ur comment

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 2, 2008 7:28 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

More fundamental failings, can't move the runner over

Probably going to cost us a run

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 2, 2008 7:30 PM EDT   0 recs

Yep

Teahen has been beyond godawful with runners on base this year

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 2, 2008 7:32 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

grudz 663 OPS risp…695 men on
teahen 741 risp 740 men on

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 2, 2008 7:35 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

It's funny that after last night

when I had to prove how bad Grudz has been with runners on, you should say this… ‘cause while Teahen’s not been great, he’s over 100 points of OPS better than Grudz is.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 2, 2008 7:35 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

(“almost”, not “over”, sorry)

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 2, 2008 7:36 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

"Pena"

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 2, 2008 7:42 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

"The OC"

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 2, 2008 8:06 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I wish our CF LOOKED like a badass like adam jones does....

or at least someone on our team

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 2, 2008 7:30 PM EDT   0 recs

NO TAG

Replay’s clear, even the O’s announcers agree