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Game 88 Open Thread - Royals (39-48) at Rays (53-32)

Royalsreview_tiny by royalsreview on Comment 240 comments

Kansas City Royals at Tampa Bay Rays, Jul 5, 2008 7:10 PM EDT


It was something like Rays Week at BP the last few days, and one of the more interesting pieces was Nate Silver's Flipping the Switch article (free):

Team balance? The Devil Rays had five players who had a legitimate argument for making the All-Star team last year: Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton, Carlos Pena, Scott Kazmir, and James Shields. But they also had 28 distinct players who produced a negative VORP, collectively costing the Rays 157.9 runs below replacement level. Merely replacing those guys with passable alternatives—never mind league-average players—would have made a huge difference.

Put differently, the Rays had an awful lot of room to make additions by subtraction. The difficult part about baseball is supposed to be locking up blue-chip assets like Upton and Kazmir at below-market rates. The Rays had done plenty of that, but they hadn’t really bothered to sweat the small stuff—to dump some of their dead weight, to make sure they had guys who were up to the job defensively, or to tend to their bullpen.

Sound familiar? How's this for dead weight? First, the position players: John Buck (-1.7 VORP), Joey Gathright (-5.4 VORP), Ross Gload (-6.0 VORP), Esteban German (-8.7 VORP) and, por supuesto, Tony Pena Jr. (-18.0 VORP). Combined, those players have eaten up 952 plate appearances, or 29.1 % of the team's at bats.

As for the subpar pitchers, at least purely according to VORP: Brian Bannister (-1.2 VORP), Yasuhiko Yabuta (-1.4 VORP), Joel Peralta (-2.5 VORP), Jeff Fulchino (-3.3 VORP), John Bale (-3.8 VORP), Jimmy Gobble (-5.5 VORP), Hideo Nomo (-6.5 VORP) and, Brett Tomko (-12.3 VORP). Now, some of these horrible innings can be dismissed, to a point, thanks to size (Nomo only blasted 4.3 innings) and leverage considerations. In a blowout you can send Nomo out there for an inning, but you can't give TPJ most of his at bats that way. Nope, TPJ was slowly eroding innings an at regular distribution. Still, its telling how quickly a bullpen that we all thought was going to be an asset has not quite turned out that way.

Until this winter, that is, because that's when the Rays decided to transform themselves from a sort of hedge fund for undervalued assets into a real, functional baseball club.

Maybe the Royals will get to that point someday.

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Woohoo Lead off

Billy at worst will be Sean Casey jr.

by kcscoliny on Jul 5, 2008 5:04 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

1st

lets get a W today!!!

by gordonrules on Jul 5, 2008 5:06 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

today is our day to rule the AL EAST!

let the dead weight carry us to greatness!

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 6:03 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

my dad's new goal for the year for those who care:

Singlehandedly fucking up the playoffs for the Yankees. So far we seem to be doing a good job of this, dropping a series to Boston, plus a few more games against Tampa. Oh yeah, and how we’re going to OWN the Yankees in our next series against them.

4th place 08 baby! Baby steps (Thanks, Jose Guillen!) is the name of the game.

by loyal2theroyals on Jul 5, 2008 6:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

if we weren't such pansies, i'm sure the rays are up for it....

or do they only fight good teams to prove a point?

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

i bet kietzman thought it was the worst catch ever

4th place 08 baby! Baby steps (Thanks, Jose Guillen!) is the name of the game.

by loyal2theroyals on Jul 5, 2008 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

keitzman is a douche...

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

im really interested to see if theres any comment about it by kietz....

if not, he’s just doing a bad job.

if you’re going to overreact in the manner that he does about minor stuff, you gotta at least mention the good.

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 5, 2008 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

damnit....

mike barnett just said we have to be more aggressive tonight

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 6:35 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

id feel fine about it...

if he meant swing more aggressively on good pitches, however, i highly doubt hes thinking that

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 5, 2008 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, Like Actually

Trying to get on base and stay there until you can score.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

B E AGG R ESS IVE

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 5, 2008 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Be! Be! AGGRESSIVE!

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

ahh...

ryan thinks the rays are good b/c they signed good clubhouse guys

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 5, 2008 6:38 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

The Little Things

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yanks/sox is a good finish on fox right now, should be over before our game starts

fucking cardinals won in the 9th too

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 6:52 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Beat Me To

It; 7 HBP’s today, including 3 an Manny. Rivera just got a ridiculous strike 2 on Lugo.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

5 inches outside

then he tried it again and got called a ball….same pitch

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Ball Was

Better.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd complain more

if it weren’t for the fact that the Sox somehow didn’t score a single run with bases loaded and no one out.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

LeFebvre just said DEVIL Rays

pagan

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 7:01 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Teahie's On The

Bench, probably for being a baby; Hoagy takes his place in RF.

D. DeJesus lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .321
M. Grudzielanek 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .314
A. Gordon 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .258
J. Guillen rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .277
B. Butler dh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .271
R. Gload 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .261
M. Olivo c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .261
M. Aviles ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .283
J. Gathright cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250
Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 7:08 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

If Teahen was at 1B

That lineup wouldn’t suck

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 5, 2008 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Seriously, I don't get Gload over Teabag in this situation

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 5, 2008 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

not unless it's the 8th/9th innings

and we’ve got a lead

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 5, 2008 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

But Gator is still hard to watch hit.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Rays only drew 16,000 on the 4th?

wow

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 7:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

to watch the best team in baseball maybe?

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

they should NOT show up on 4th of july...

b/c playing baseball indoors is unamerican.

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 5, 2008 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

What's with the outline logo on the caps?

Man, that’s ugly.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 5, 2008 7:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

it's an american flag thing

and yeah it is ugly

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Communist!

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

not the flag

the hat design

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why Do You

Hate America???

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

5 pitches

2 outs….aggressive enough Barnett….Christ this incompetence is killing me

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 7:12 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I see we've picked up

right where we left off yesterday. What the hell is the point of swinging early in the count if you can’t hit the f@cking ball?!?

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 5, 2008 7:12 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

God the "voodoo" commercial is stupid

granted not as stupid as the “tradition” commercial, but they need to fire their ad agency

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 5, 2008 7:15 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Back from lifeguarding,

no one died. People did complain about an excess chlorine smell…in a chorline pool…with the chemicals levels lower than usual…

I want to see blood tonight.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:15 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Oops

Chlorine. Sorry.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Chorline Might Have

Killed everyone.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

No kidding

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Try It Next

Time.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

This girl I lifeguard with

said that chlorine might make the lane lines explode.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Any Baby Ruths?

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 5, 2008 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah,

but I just had a Fresca and chilled out instead of overreacting.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

They do indeed

though I will referencing Caddy Shack.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

My Oldest Brother

Drank Fresca and vodka when he was on the Atkins diet.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

terrible

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 5, 2008 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Was that his only source

of nutrition?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why not

just coke or pepsi?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

adkins diet....

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 5, 2008 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ah

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Google Thinks It's

Atkins; I think it’s bullshit.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fewer Carbs In

Vodka, apparently.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It seems odd to worry

about health while drinking Vodka, that’s all. :P

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

i dont think that most on the atkins diet....

are worried about health…more worried about their weight

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 5, 2008 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The two are often the same

I think. But point taken.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

What about Vess?

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 5, 2008 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

you're a true hero!

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thank you thank you

I’m rugged, too.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

we were aggressive that inning!

a sure win is ahead!

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 7:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Sonnanstine Working On

An 81 pitch perfect game with no K’s. Zack projects to a forfeit or rainout.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 7:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

crash davis could get a rainout in a dome...

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's what she said!

(damn you, Michael Scott and devil fingers)

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

avilanche.

that is all.

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 7:20 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

wow....

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 5, 2008 7:20 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Sonnanstine

might be a good back of the rotation guy, but he looks like Frankenstine.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:20 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Friggin' pictures

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I Hear Such

Can be found on the intertubes.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Truly you are

an internet savant, phillip.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

One L, The

Only real spelling.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oops

Sorry, my speling sucks today.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually, The Two

L spelling is more common today, but not a real name historically.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

So it was

King Philip whose Armada got squashed by Godzilla?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

That Was One

Of my ancestors, Sir John Hawkins, not a big lizard, that squashed The Armada, and yes, it was King Philip. I am the King Of Finland and the Canadian province of Bob.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

no, i think he clarified

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

no....

‘i think he’d win that race, but not when you take into account that he has to find the bag…blah blah balh…ive never heard of bj upton’

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 5, 2008 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

ugh.

walks.

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 7:24 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

he threw two pitches that could've been strike 3

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

And because of that, this won't end well.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 5, 2008 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

hey we're tied after one!

progress!

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 7:26 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

1 pitch outs....sweet!!!

more aggressiveness please!!!

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 7:27 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hack fest

After last night, you think we’d like, NOT go back to that strategy.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 5, 2008 7:28 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Apparently

people hit .422 off Sonnanstine on the first pitch.

Of course, I bet that only applies to guys who PUT THE BALL IN PLAY on the first pitch…

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 5, 2008 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

So...

be aggressive?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

nice play

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 5, 2008 7:28 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

3 pitches, 2 outs

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 7:28 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

what a bunch of hacks...

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 7:29 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Sonnanstine is their Brian Bannister

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 5, 2008 7:29 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Neither does Banny

he’s just not as good as he looked last year.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ah, well,

to each his own. I think he’s better than he’s shown. I feel as if he’s been hit disproportionately hard recently given his control.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

As I say,

to each his own. I’m not ready to give up on Bannister being a useful starter. You are?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe

but let’s never forget that we could DFA Banny tomorrow, and we STILL won that trade.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 5, 2008 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

thats true

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 5, 2008 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gload On Fire!!!!!!

Explosion to ensue.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 7:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

SINGLES ATTACK!

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 7:31 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

have we taken a first pitch yet?

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 7:31 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

grudz, gordon, and gload all did

aviles swung at all 3….we need to realize we don’t HAVE to swing

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Grit And Hustle

On 3b with 2 out.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 7:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Goddammit aviles

You suck nowadays

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 5, 2008 7:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Captain Regression

is a heartless bastard.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't want to say I told you so

but he never was that patient in the minors anyway.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Okay,

I’m saying that someone with better plate discipline might not get himself out on those pitches.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Aviles continues to pop himself up swinging at high pitches

That pitich was garbage too

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 5, 2008 7:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

we're swinging at a lot of garbage pitches

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

19 pitches in 2 innings baby

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 5, 2008 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Greinke has bad luck

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 5, 2008 7:36 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

no luck on that rocket into right

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Looks like the big inning will come early

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 5, 2008 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why the hell is he throwing a 2-0 curveball to Hinske?

Huh? With 2 on and nobody out?

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 5, 2008 7:39 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Sonnanstine not only is ugly

but he has a white pupil.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:40 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Oh my flipping god it worked.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Two down

thanks for playing, Ben.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:43 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice sach

Zach(k)

One man with courage makes a majority - Andrew Jackson

by Home Run Tony Cogan on Jul 5, 2008 7:43 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Crap

I’m being railroaded into watching Avatar: The Last Airbender. Hopefully I can make a comeback. I’ll let you all know how the movie is. :p

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 5, 2008 7:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Ughhhh that 2-2 pitch was so good

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 5, 2008 7:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

SHIIIIIIIT

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 7:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

A+++ for effort

He damn near got there

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 5, 2008 7:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm so sick of this get two outs, then give up the huge it

He even got them on strike outs for christs sake. It’s just unbelievable

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 5, 2008 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Of fuckign course

Brilliant pitching, gets fucked in the ass

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 5, 2008 7:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Goddammit this is so frustrating to watch

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 5, 2008 7:47 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

will we score 2 runs tonight?

or make a pitcher throw more than 15 in an inning?

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 7:47 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i am not confident

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

complete game...87 pitches....

6-2 royals win

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 5, 2008 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

at least joey forced him to throw more than two pitches

minor victories!

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 7:52 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Zack's obviously decided

to just do it all himself now.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 5, 2008 8:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

good decision on his part.

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

ZOMG A WALK

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 5, 2008 8:09 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Mommy, Why Is

The scary explody man batting 6th?

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 8:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

It's so the bottom third of the order

doesn’t suck quite so bad. Now eat your asparagus.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 5, 2008 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Mmmmmmmmmm, Asparagus..........

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

its never good when gload appears to be the best hitter in the line-up

after two times through the order.

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 8:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

More Likely He'll

Kick a touchdown.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

gidp...

fun.

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 8:26 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

One Can Only

Hope to contain Ben Zobrist.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 8:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Zack at 93 pitches, only threw low 80's last start

Run him out there for the 6th?

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 5, 2008 8:36 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Crawford Being Aggressive

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 8:43 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

that was a manly strike out

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 8:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

offense please?

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 8:59 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm not going to be negative . .

because this year we are getting the best we should expect out of a team that surrenders three outs a game through the lineup and seems to have issues holding people accountable for making the same mistakes repeatedly.

Until those things change we’re going to have to live with it. The good is pretty good when it comes.

. . . a weary nation turns to Gil Meche

by vegasroyals on Jul 5, 2008 9:02 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

sorry, by 'outs'

I meant ‘spots in the order’.

. . . a weary nation turns to Gil Meche

by vegasroyals on Jul 5, 2008 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Going to get shut out by Sonnanstine

He isn’t garbage time, but he’s pretty close. This is paaaaaaaaaaaathetic. I hope Guillen goes off tonight. Oh wait, he isn’t producing either.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 5, 2008 9:04 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Fire Barnett, what a joke of an approach

we want aggressiveness patience and aggressive swings at hitter’s pitches

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

you're wrong

this game is proof of the age-old baseball adage that mediocre pitching beats crappy hitting.

. . . a weary nation turns to Gil Meche

by vegasroyals on Jul 5, 2008 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

while that is true

swinging at everything isn’t the way to buck the trend

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Did nobody hear the pre-game

or know anything about Sonnanstine?

He’s exceptionally susceptible early in the count. OPS against him drops after every pitch in an at-bat. It was an actual strategic decision to attack him tonight, and a defensible one; it just didn’t work.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 5, 2008 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I did see the pre-game

and understand the numbers…but you simply cannot tell our hitters to be aggressive early in the count….they already are….and telling them to be moreso is foolish and exacerbates the hacking problem we already have

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

On top of that

we’ve had some lengthy at-bats anyway. Gathright had a six-pitch at-bat earlier, and just walked. Gload walked after being down 0-2. It’s not like everyone’s hacking away at everything.

In fact, I’m reaching the conclusion that the only thing Gathright needs in order to be a Real Live Major League Center Fielder is the ability to drive the ball. He’s got the speed, the defense, the arm, the plate discipline, and the ability to make contact.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 5, 2008 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

agreed on Gathright

he’s put together a couple good at-bats tonight

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1 on Gator.

Unfortunately, Gator’s ability to drive the ball will likely never show itself.

by rockchalk on Jul 5, 2008 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I dunno

I can think of another really fast guy whose SLG took a few years to catch up to his OBP.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 5, 2008 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I haven't given up on Gator

and I actually think his presence in the lineup is justified- it is a nice consistency in the vision that GMDM is bringing to the franchise. He understands that the power-gasm we saw in the Steroids Era is gone to a degree and that small market teams have to be able to win in a number of different ways.

The fact that GMDM has a vision of how the Royals can win is a big part of my continued fandom towards this franchise. I have faith he can make this thing work.

But it is VERY aggravating to see the same issues arise constantly.

. . . a weary nation turns to Gil Meche

by vegasroyals on Jul 5, 2008 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know

and the thing that is driving me nuts is that Aviles understood that until about a week ago.

. . . a weary nation turns to Gil Meche

by vegasroyals on Jul 5, 2008 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ben F. Zobrist

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 9:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Uh oh, Alex may be injured

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 9:12 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Howell Is Our

Friend so far.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 9:17 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

no longer

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Irony Of

Pitching to Gator was too much for him.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Please Explain That

Theft to me.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 9:23 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

he just got an outrageous jump....

no reason not to when theres no risk involved

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 5, 2008 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

cool grudz....

3 rbis this week mustve been his limit

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Jul 5, 2008 9:24 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

All The Demons

Are attacking Aviles now.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 9:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

is that what he's swinging at?

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

And Throwing To

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

New Policy

When the Royals play vs. a team > 10 games over .500, I tivo and watch the game on the fastest speed. 10 minutes later, Royals lose and I can go on about my day.

by suzzer on Jul 5, 2008 9:38 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

the excitement is building...

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 9:44 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

damn, right past him

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 9:48 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

On the bright side

Anything that helps keep either Boston or New York from winning the AL East is sort of a bonus. I guess.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 5, 2008 9:52 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

we suck again

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

by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Jul 5, 2008 9:52 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

good game.

a classic.

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 9:52 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

hooray to aggressive hitting.

GREAT SUCCESS!

where .500 might; but, probably won't, happen.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 5, 2008 9:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

We've Finally Started

Taking pitches in the last 2 innings. Unfortunately, 4 or 5 of them were strike 3.

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

by philofthenorth on Jul 5, 2008 9:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Can we trade Guillen?

Somebody ought to want him.

by suzzer on Jul 6, 2008 2:49 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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