FanPost

Monday Notes

A few interesting comments today:

Despite the general (mis) perception that the Royals have amassed some improved pitching, but the offense needs lots of work:

Royals now 11th in the AL in runs scored, and are 35 runs scored below league avg.

Royals now 12th in the AL in runs allowed, and are 38 runs allowed below league avg.

Apparently, there is still much work to do on BOTH sides of the game, and about an even amount of improvement is needed in BOTH.

What is the culprit here? Well, the starters are about two-thirds of a run below league avg in ERA, while the bullpen is right at league avg. (If I wasn't getting so tired of posting it, this is where I'd pine for Soria to the rotation next season).

Aviles VORP update: Now up to THIRD among all ML rookies, despite half the playing time, and despite VORP being a "counting" stat. In addition, he is now firmly ensconsed in SECOND among Royals position players in VORP. Please, Ryan and Splitt, can we put the TPJ debate to bed for good? Seriously, how in the world could ANYBODY think shortstop is even remotely a question mark for now?

More on Aviles - does anybody else realize that his 850 OPS, if qualified, would LEAD THE ENTIRE AMERICAN LEAGUE AMONG SHORTSTOPS? I honestly think the entire offensive improvement we have seen the last two months is attributable to this change - and it makes me wonder what could happen if Gload were replaced with a real first baseman too.

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