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Game 134 Open Thread - Royals (56-77) at Tigers (64-69)

Royalsreview_tiny by royalsreview on in Events Comment 429 comments

Kansas City Royals @ Detroit Tigers


Yankton, South Dakota is the whore of the heartland.

Why?

Did you ever notice how many teams claim to have a radio affiliate in Yankton...

Anyway, the Royals open a new series tonight in the D, with Hiram Kyle Davies (4.81 ERA) taking on Zack/h Miner (3.61 ERA). It seems like every other athlete in the '90s was named Miner/Minor, doesn't it? Or is that just be? Or maybe there were just all those Minors at Oklahoma playing multiple sports.

This has to have been a miserable season for Tigers fans, who not only won't be seeing any playoff games, but might also not even see .500 or even third place. All in a season in which the AL Central went old-school and will likely send a 86-89 win team into the playoffs.

Consider this your Temple-Army dual thread as well.

 

 

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if the rays take the east

and that happens, the playoffs will be so enjoyable… although the cubs are gonna be pretty annoying too

by royalsreview on Aug 29, 2008 6:30 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yah no kidding,

it would be great to see the Twins/Rays/Angels… (although i could do without the Chisox.).. twins are kinda like our small market brethren

by cfizzle on Aug 29, 2008 6:36 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

F**K the Twins

I HATE THEM !!!!!!!!!!

Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin

by kcscoliny on Aug 29, 2008 6:40 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Displaying my obvious bias...

but would the Red Sox making the playoffs really be more annoying than the Twins making it? You won’t be able to listen to the commentary during a Twins-Angels serious. Every third word will be “fundamental(s).”

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 6:42 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yes NHZ

sorry, although the Twins are in our division, I hardly hate them because 1. They aren’t talked about by the national media every other minute 2. The Twins are a small market like us, and I dislike huge markets like the Yankees and Red Sox….maybe not rational, but it is for me….down with the Red Sox and Yankees!

by I need more Esteban on Aug 29, 2008 6:44 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No apologies necessary

I totally see where you and other people who say “yes” to my question are coming from. I just feel like the Twins are pretty effing hated around here too.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 6:46 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's funny

I reallllllly hate the White Sox and the Tigers, the Indians I don’t really care about at the moment and then the Twins havfe always been the only AL Central team I don’t have a hatred for…..I will say this, when I was at a Royals game against the Twins a few weeeks ago there were A LOT of Twins fans there and I was really getting pissed. But a lot of them are from Minnesota, I’ve found, so it’s a lot better than those people from KC who just jump on the Yankees or Red Sox bandwagon

by I need more Esteban on Aug 29, 2008 6:52 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

FOX and TBS execs probably jump out of windows

and ESPN becomes 24 hour football coverage.

Purveyor of inane douchebaggery and general snarkiness

by RATW on Aug 29, 2008 6:31 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ESPN wouldn't care

ESPFL loves the football, baseball is just like their nice little hobby

Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin

by kcscoliny on Aug 29, 2008 6:40 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would say they love football more

but BBTN and the coverage of the big market baseball teams is pretty heavy.

Speaking of “ESPN bullshit,” did you all notice the contract that the SEC and ESPN signed?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 6:44 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

YES IT's AWESOME

GO GATORS !!!

Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin

by kcscoliny on Aug 29, 2008 6:59 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You're killing me

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:02 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

John Buck is batting .224

M Aviles SS 0 0 0 0 0 0 .324
A Callaspo 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 .284
D DeJesus LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 .290
J Guillen RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 .249
M Teahen 3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 .242
B Butler DH 0 0 0 0 0 0 .269
R Gload 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 .274
J Buck C 0 0 0 0 0 0 .224
J Gathright CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 .245

by cfizzle on Aug 29, 2008 6:37 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Aviles, Callaspo, DDJ at the top of the lineup has grown old

Move BamBam into the 3hole and move DDJ back to the leadoff spot. Callaspo to the 8/9 hole.

Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin

by kcscoliny on Aug 29, 2008 6:42 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

trying to figure that out just gave me a brain freeze. nevermind our lineup is shit no matter what you do.

I now appreciate Hillmans frustration.

Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin

by kcscoliny on Aug 29, 2008 6:42 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I do feel like leading Aviles off wastes

a chance or two for him to double someone in, given how often he gets an XBH…but whatever. My only real complaint is that with the faith we have that Butler still has upside, he should be higher up than Teahen.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 6:47 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You know your team is struggling when

In the pre-game show they are asking the Royals players who they will be rooting for in the opening weekend of College Football….ouch..Mark Teahen predicted Georgia Southern over Georgia, he cracks me up.

by I need more Esteban on Aug 29, 2008 6:46 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah Georgia Southern

at least the dude’s funny if he can’t hit.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 6:50 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe he should try a new career

as a standup comic.

Oh wait you can’t hit 240 as a comic either.

Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin

by kcscoliny on Aug 29, 2008 7:01 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Royals specialize right now

in “players you want to like but are not good enough to.”

Like Jose Guillen, for example.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:01 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice joke

but in seriousness, Mark Teahen is going to have a good major league career. It just isn’t going to be the career Royals fans hoped for when we got him for Carlos Beltran and it might not be in a Royals uniform.

by I need more Esteban on Aug 29, 2008 7:02 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and by good

I mean, play in the league till his mid-30’s and set himself up for life

by I need more Esteban on Aug 29, 2008 7:03 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks for the clarification

I was going to tell you not to bet money on it.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:04 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well sure

and I’m not that naive….but I consider it a good major league career to do just that. As we all know, many never even get the chance to play in the big leagues

by I need more Esteban on Aug 29, 2008 7:06 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Naturally

I don’t think of you as naive. I think of you as “that guy with the awesome name.”

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

haha thanks

just changed my profile picture trying to get a Esteban bat flip picture but couldn’t find one….I thought the internet was supposed to have everything.

by I need more Esteban on Aug 29, 2008 7:25 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

if you mean good career as in make more money compared to all of us I agree

if you mean successful as in performing at top level compared to his peers. I disagree strongly.

Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin

by kcscoliny on Aug 29, 2008 7:04 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm not positive

but there might be some footage of Kila on the pregame show coming up after the break for anyone who has FSN KC…I haven’t really had a chance to actually see him yet so

by I need more Esteban on Aug 29, 2008 6:48 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

On gameday tonight

because the dish is flipping out. Can’t wait to move that thing. It’s so reliable.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 6:51 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kila is a big boy

his body type really looks a lot like Carlos Pena to me, a comparison many have made.

by I need more Esteban on Aug 29, 2008 6:53 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd be downright thrilled

if Kaaihue turned out to be as good as Pena.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 6:55 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oh yeah

They just said that he was named Texas League Player of the Year, I knew he was the Royals AA POY, but didn’t hear about the league. Congrats to Kila and let’s move him up and give him a taste.

by I need more Esteban on Aug 29, 2008 6:58 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yep, link.

Purveyor of inane douchebaggery and general snarkiness

by RATW on Aug 29, 2008 7:16 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What are the vegas odds that the first homer to be ruled on instant replay is one KC hits?

1 trillion to 1?

Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin

by kcscoliny on Aug 29, 2008 7:08 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Alright so I'm interested in what others think.

I still haven’t seen much that impressed me from Alberto Callaspo. I keep hearing everyone being high on him and I know he hasn’t had many AB’s, but I just haven’t seen it yet.

Anyone got anything to ease my worries?

by I need more Esteban on Aug 29, 2008 7:11 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

While lack of power is a concern,

he’s had less than 150 PAs thus far so its hopefully sample size issues. Plus, a .352 OBP is pretty neat. I think those who like him think he can add some doubles power and be a viable starter at second if he can avoid off field problems.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:25 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yea that OBP is good

especially when you’re talking about a middle infielder who you are looking to get on base. I guess I just heard from some that he might have a little more pop than he’s shown, that assumption must’ve been off or he hasn’t shown it yet.

by I need more Esteban on Aug 29, 2008 7:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

His minor league numbers

suggest he could hit for decent pop for a middle infielder. Which is good, because he’s bound to lose some walks if pitchers realize he can’t hurt them all that much.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:30 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Georgia Southern?

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

by philofthenorth on Aug 29, 2008 7:24 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have no clue why I think this.

But it seems to me that Teahan has “looked” better at the plate the last 2-3 weeks.

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 7:25 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It must be the eye black

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:26 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't think you're way off

he definitely isn’t what we need from a corner OF spot as far as power goes….but he’s taken a lot of heat on RR for some good reasons and other unwarranted reasons IMO. It’s easy for people to scapegoat people around here, some players get it more than others.

by I need more Esteban on Aug 29, 2008 7:26 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He has some terrible at bats where he doesn't adjust to in/out pitches.

But it just seems like he has made better contact lately. I might be way off too.

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 7:28 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, that's what I was saying with the lack of adjustments.

Seems like he tries to pull balls that are over the plate or offspeed and produces those weak grounders.

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 7:31 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

His stats for the last week

4-24 1BB 4K’s 1double and 2 RBI’s. Not real stellar results.

by Grace's Dad on Aug 29, 2008 7:34 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah it's been bad most recently

before this stretch I think it was a lil better…or maybe I’m just still holding on

by I need more Esteban on Aug 29, 2008 7:35 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

An annoying thing about being a rebuilding team

is that a lot players who might make good role players/part timers end up getting too much playing time, get exposed, and then the team gets rid of them because they’re not good starters. I wouldn’t be surprised if this happens with Teahen.

Though…I maintain his shoulder injury played a significant part in ruining his hitting.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:38 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

do you think it hurt his approach at the plate?

b/c the noticeable difference in that 4 months of 06 was that it was pretty obvious that he was trying to pull the ball with authority…and succeeding…while before…and since, he’s always been a spray looking hitter

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Aug 29, 2008 7:40 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, one of things always mentioned

when it comes to Teahen’s loss of power is the difference in “styles” of hitting you’re talking about. I think that while he might still work the count, he lost some of his ability to pull the ball with authority because of the injury.

I’m not saying he would’ve been as good as he was in 2006 for the rest of his career, I AM saying he might have been a better player without that injury.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:42 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

you bring up a good point

a lot of people try and forget that before his great second half of 06 after he came back up from AAA, he was really bad. I hated him then, and then he came up and crushed and I’ve been holding on ever since.

by I need more Esteban on Aug 29, 2008 7:43 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

True story...

the $35 million of awesomeness that is miguel cabrera and magglio ordonez have a 65 year old black man who is all of 5’8 160 lbs as their bodyguard…

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Aug 29, 2008 7:26 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is he a ninja?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:26 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

nah...just old and grumpy....

he shoved me while i was walking towards the bar…the only reason i noticed them was b/c their bodyguard shoved me out of the way

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Aug 29, 2008 7:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

magglio talked to a buddy of mine and i for a couple mins...he seemed like a nice enough guy

cabrera just sat in the corner….and funny enough, i didnt even notice him my buddy did, and told me the next day…but lj was apparently sitting at the same table all night

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Aug 29, 2008 7:30 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

nice

good story, I’ve only talked to Bill Self out at a bar before….that was pretty cool, though, I was kind of wasted or I prolly wouldn’t of done it.

by I need more Esteban on Aug 29, 2008 7:33 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah...and i was too drunk to remember this part...

but apparently the guy i was with talked to granderson for awhile later on…said he was a real fun guy

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Aug 29, 2008 7:35 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Another reason to have Granderson-envy

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:35 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he was probably jealous that everyone recognized

mags b/c of his hair and miggy b/c of his fatness and only one guy recognized him

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Aug 29, 2008 7:36 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's a tough call who I'd rather have

on my team…Granderson or Cabrera.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:40 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A man can dream, can't he?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:43 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I like Granderson

I read something that he is a big KU basketball fan so thats why

by I need more Esteban on Aug 29, 2008 7:36 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This team will be so much easier for me

to follow/watch if we non-tender Gathright.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:34 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

gathright's got lots bigger guys around him everytime i've seen him out anywhere....

huge scary white guys…at least two of them every time

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Aug 29, 2008 7:35 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Your night life must be exciting

if you party with Joey “I jump cars” Gathright.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:36 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ha ha....quarter draw tuesdays at harpos is his favorite...

maybe he senses that his high 6 figure paychecks may not last long

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Aug 29, 2008 7:37 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:38 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think we need to start

putting in clauses in our contracts that pay them $1000 every time they don’t swing at the first pitch

by Grace's Dad on Aug 29, 2008 7:41 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd settle for paying some money for good hitters :P

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:44 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

last in the league in homers?...

someone look it up…it cant be right

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Aug 29, 2008 7:43 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm just getting around to reading the Star today. So forgive me if this has been discussed.

How about Olivo’s comments today? I’d say he has a decent point considering what Buck looks like at the plate AND throwing to 2nd.

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 7:45 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

olivo sucks just as much...

and he’s dreadful behind the plate….id be all about him playing 1st every day over rossie

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Aug 29, 2008 7:47 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wait, really?

See my argument was that if you give both Buck and Olivo PAs against the same guys, Buck’s more valuable every day because Olivo is horrible versus righties. But Olivo has been much better at throwing out runners…that was a point I had no choice in conceding.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:48 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

how many times has olivo caught luke?

b/c buck has NEVER been nearly this bad at throwing out runners…and luke just lets em run wherever they please….and if you look at career hitting numbers…they’re nearly identical…whatever it is…olivo>gload

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Aug 29, 2008 7:51 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd have to go back and look up the box scores

as I did for “catching a cold part 2,” but Hochevar does indeed appear to a guy that opponents will try and steal on. Not that surprising for a rookie pitcher.

Olivo over Gload? Sure, just so long as you know it’s a choice between a giant douche and a turd sandwich.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:53 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

spreading the ball aorund the field is the sign of a good hitter....

i always thought it was lots of homers, a good ops, etc

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Aug 29, 2008 7:45 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

DDJ's stats with RISP have to be coming back down to reality.

Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin

by kcscoliny on Aug 29, 2008 7:47 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well,

if you’re hitting the ball WELL around the field it’s probably good.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:49 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Seriously, who do you guys see

GMDM pursuing this offseason?

-You play to win the game - Herm Edwards

by truebluetradition on Aug 29, 2008 7:50 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he'll shoot for Furcal

and end up short on that one. I don’t Furcal coming to KC when he’s good enough to play on a contender elsewhere.

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 7:52 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think we'll be in on Dunn

what with our obvious power defiencies and the fact that he could play 1B, OF, or DH for us. I think that we could also be in Orlando Hudson or Rafael Furcal. If we sign Orlando Cabrera, I am going to cry.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:56 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Everyone talks about Buck vs Olivo and game calling

I know this year Bucks CERA is better but what are the splits between catching Zack, Gil and Banni in April? If the bulk of Olivo’s games played have been catching Tomko, Hoch, Davies and Banni post April wouldn’t that way into it greatly.

Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin

by kcscoliny on Aug 29, 2008 7:52 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it's not just the numbers...its the things the pitchers say...

its the things that guys like mike scoscia say…i think the anecdotal evidence says more than the stats

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Aug 29, 2008 7:53 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I know what you mean

but I think Zack and Gil are probably the only two pitchers I’d listen to.

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 7:56 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

S-O-R-I-A

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:57 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd have no problem with Soria pitching to Buck.

Especially because Hillman has decreed almost universally that Soria will only pitch when the Royals will not come to the plate again in that game.

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 7:59 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

doesn't that come back to popularity more than performance.

I know if I was the manager I would rather have Olivo play vs lefties. 856 career OPS vs 760 career plus a better throwing arm. Versus righties I would probably change depending on who the pitcher is. Hard thrower probably go with Buck, soft tosser Olivo.

Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin

by kcscoliny on Aug 29, 2008 7:58 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I just think that the gamecalling stuff

is a bit overblown because it sound so similar to assigning blame or credit to a manager when he goes with a pretty obvious choice. Why? I think every catcher who makes the bigs knows how to work with pitchers at approximately the same levelor they wouldn’t have made it that far as a catcher.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:02 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

True, but pitchers are notoriously fickle people.

If they like someone, they feel they pitch better. Don’t want to mess with their heads.

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 8:04 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe, but there's very little proof

that any one catcher makes a difference in a pitcher’s results.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:06 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I should have said

“no real tangible” proof.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:06 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm with you on that.

just saying that a lot of pitchers get it in their heads. And a lot of pitchers are mental midgets.

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 8:07 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

CERA is a stat so full of noise its generally useless

and you’re kind of touching on why.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 7:54 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

gamecast had that landing at the wall...

actually, landing beyond the wall, but unless Thames has go-go-gadget arms, I’m assuming that’s incorrect.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Aug 29, 2008 8:09 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thames doesn't look much like Inspector Gadget

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:12 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Anyone else see the Matt Stairs to Phillies report?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:13 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yep, saw that.

He’s stuck around longer than I ever thought he would.

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 8:14 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Take n' rake, baby

Where’s devil_fingers tonight? He needs to know that the Kegmeister is in a pennant race now.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:17 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why in the world does Joey Gathright swing at a 3-1 pitch?

Shouldn’t he not swing unless he is 0-1, 0-2, 1-2, 2-2, or 3-2?

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 8:15 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He should be traded to the T-Bones

for Cal Pickering.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hmm.

Guess nobody is around tonight. Might be a long night of talking to myself.

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 8:18 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not Much To

Say about the “action” so far.

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

by philofthenorth on Aug 29, 2008 8:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's to the point where a press release

entitled “Soria to the KC rotation” has a very good chance of causing me to become sexually aroused. I know you all wanted to know that.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nevermind, good idea.

But seriously, just writing the words:

Soria will be in the rotation in 2009

You all can feel the goosebumps, can’t you? It’s not JUST me, right? Right?!

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:26 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Davies "pitching" scares me

even on good nights.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:21 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh, well, scoreless through four

…with three fly outs in that last inning. Hiram likes to play with fire.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:24 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

57 Through 4

Not exactly economical, but not bad for Hiram. Miner is at 75, which kind of surprises me.

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

by philofthenorth on Aug 29, 2008 8:26 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We already got dominated by him a series ago

we’re used to his hijinks now.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kind of surprises you?

Any pitcher that throws more than 15 pitches an inning against the Royals is nibbling way too much.

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 8:28 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hiram is Kyle Davies' real first name

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He Could Go

By H. Kyle Davies, like L. Ron Hubbard.

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

by philofthenorth on Aug 29, 2008 8:28 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You could be

P. Of The North, but that sounds stupid when you say it out loud.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:29 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

P. Eugene Blythe

Doesn’t sound much better.

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

by philofthenorth on Aug 29, 2008 8:30 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"P" really isn't a good letter to try that with

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:32 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sac Bunt Time

For Hoagie!

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

by philofthenorth on Aug 29, 2008 8:28 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Batters hit around .750 on line drives

Way to be an exception, Jose.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:30 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That was vintage Royals offense

Two on, one out.

Guillen takes two strikes, and lines out.

Teahen jumps ALL OVER the first pitch and flys out lazily.

Working the count entails both being patient and getting a good pitch to hit and going after it. I’m not sure that happened here.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:31 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How long till Davies blows up?

How many more runners can the offense strand?

realistically speaking

by slayor on Aug 29, 2008 8:33 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well after that play it is probably coming

Every fight is a food fight when you’re a cannibal.
-- Demetri Martin

by kcscoliny on Aug 29, 2008 8:33 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

YEPPPPP

realistically speaking

by slayor on Aug 29, 2008 8:34 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Brandon Inge will save us

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:34 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Now is when I would bring in Soria.

Shut this shit down. Let him throw the 6th and cross your fingers for the rest.

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 8:35 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

or that. But why save him?

If we give up 3 runs, we’re not using Soria. Might as well use him. I’d let Hiram work a little here, but Soria is the one I’d go to.

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 8:38 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Best nickname eva

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:37 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Shiiiiiiit

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:39 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Tack on one more unearned run!

Jesus christ, this is pathetic.

realistically speaking

by slayor on Aug 29, 2008 8:39 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This inning is a good example

of why “unearned runs” make no sense.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:40 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hiram falling apart

must be the fifth inning.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Aug 29, 2008 8:40 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I will be up to Ducky to win again

<img src="http://www.geocities.com/tunahanyil/psyduck.gif

Go Royals!

by BabyBlues on Aug 29, 2008 8:40 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

gotta close the tag

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:41 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is why the idea that Davies

has actually improved his pitching is a bit, uh, misguided.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:42 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's fine as a long reliever

or fifth starter. But his ERA has been under his FIP all season, and it’s coming back to earth.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:44 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

13 Runners Stranded

In 5 innings tonight.

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

by philofthenorth on Aug 29, 2008 8:42 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well that should of been the 3rd out

Let’s see if we can add on some more unearned runs

realistically speaking

by slayor on Aug 29, 2008 8:47 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

3 more unearned runs

21 in our past 20 games? Something like that?

realistically speaking

by slayor on Aug 29, 2008 8:48 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The next time anyone tells me

that Davies is better than, for example, Hochevar, I’ll squash them like a fly. Hello, fun with LD%. Wheeeeeee

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:49 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

While some of the blame goes on Aviles

Davies pitched like he was trying to tire out the Tigers on the bases. Wow.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:50 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just go to gameday and look at the pitches

Literally everythign down the pipe after the error. Amazing loss of concentration.

realistically speaking

by slayor on Aug 29, 2008 8:51 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Actually, to be fair, more like after the Granderson hit.

But that was a godawful pitch as well.

realistically speaking

by slayor on Aug 29, 2008 8:52 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They Weren't Exactly

Crushing the ball, other than the triple.

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

by philofthenorth on Aug 29, 2008 8:53 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Loss of concentration

or just…no command? I’d put money on the latter, myself.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:52 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Who the hell do you think you are

blaming anything on Our Lord and Savior, The Chosen One?

Can I put YOU on probation?

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Aug 29, 2008 8:55 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You can try,

but nothing will happen.

Davies is much more at fault for this than anyone else, of course. Errors happen, and you have to deal with that as a pitcher. Mike Aviles is not the reason this six spot went up. Kyle Davies being a “line drive pitcher” is. :P

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:57 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

like it matters

he had 4 two hit innings going into this one

realistically speaking

by slayor on Aug 29, 2008 8:50 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That Wouldn't Have

Been fair to Hiram.

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

by philofthenorth on Aug 29, 2008 8:52 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You crazy

why would anyone ever use their best relief pitcher in the highest leverage situation of the game?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:55 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's kind of this year's Rafael Betancourt

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:57 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wonder how long it can last

I’ve seen almost every one of his outings. His MO is high and away fastball, right in the up and away portion of the zone. Literally every pitch he throws is in that exact spot, it’s really pretty amazing. He has a hard slider, but he rolls it a lot… Most guys can’t lay off that up and away heater though.

realistically speaking

by slayor on Aug 29, 2008 8:59 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Probably it'll last as long as Betancourt's dominance

did…this year. He’ll still be useful in 09 I’m sure, but this looks like a career year that’s unrepeatable.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 9:00 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, sucks for him, he'll never really get hte huge payday

But boy-eeeeee is he racking up the numbers this year. I really wonder if the Rays are going to use Wheeler as the closer in the post season, no way Percival is healthy enough to pitch then IMO. Wheeler as a closer in the post season scares me.

realistically speaking

by slayor on Aug 29, 2008 9:01 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I know I'm beating a dead horse

but it’s almost exactly like the Betancourt-Borowski set-up that the Indians had last year, isn’t it?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 9:03 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pretty much, does Wheeler even crack 88 anymore with the heater?

Somehow he’s getting it done, but it should be fun to see in the postseason. Balfour might force his hand before then, but in the meantime, Wheeler is getting it done. It’s going to be an interesting storyline to wtach though

realistically speaking

by slayor on Aug 29, 2008 9:04 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes it is

it turns out Maddon can manage a competitive team pretty well. And that’s not tongue in cheek.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 9:04 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that and they're pretty

fucking good. That never hurts.

That is where the Royals should be, but the front office through the early part of the decades was shit.

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 9:05 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Eh,

talking about us versus the Rays is always going to make us bitter.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 9:07 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I know. Like totally.

Why waste Soria in the 5th when he’s a “closer”. He should totally only see the field in the 9th when we’re are ahead by 3 runs or less.

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 8:58 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And now we play for cheapos

Can Mudkip extend his scoreless streak??

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:51 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

An out!

Kip Wells just plain rules.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 8:55 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Awesome

Our fattie took out their fattie!

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Aug 29, 2008 8:59 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Did you guys hear Frank's line?

If you want to hear what will make you feel better, call your mom.
If you want to hear the truth, call you dad.

by Warden11 on Aug 29, 2008 9:04 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

KILA IN 2 DAYS!

Please. With Gload and Gathright in the lineup I am a suicide risk.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Aug 29, 2008 9:02 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

NO KILA

NO, NO, NO.

Bad NHZ.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Aug 29, 2008 9:02 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs