Everything Goes the Royals' Way for a Night as Zack Greinke Improves to 5-0

by Freneau on Apr 30, 2009 12:42 AM EDT in Kansas City Royals News

Dear Penthouse Letters,

I never thought this kind of thing would happen to me, but it did...

I've said it before, but I almost can't believe that this guy is a Royal. He's probably the best baseball player on the planet right now and he's ours. Evidently Zack's upcoming SI appearance resonated with many of you for perhaps the same reason... Tonight, Greinke was Greinkean (7 IP: 5 Hs, 2 BBs & 8Ks) and improved to a media-important 5-0 on the year. I can't wait for a interleague play, because you know Zack has a game in him in which he'll pitch great for eight innings, and go 2-3 with a homer. It's going to happen.
Hurra for Billy Butler getting off the homerlessness schneid. Our immobile, iron-gloved, uber prospect is now hitting only a somewhat empty .242. Deal with it haters!
Mark Teahen notched his third homer of the season, continuing what's been an excellent, if overlooked month. For all the attention, positive and negative that Teabag gets, you wouldn't think this would be the case, but it has been. Headed into tonight's game, he was 22nd in the AL in VORP, and will likely be a place or two higher when they retabulate tomorrow morning.
Mike Aviles continued his mini-hot streak, raising his Hillman-important battting average over .200 with some cushion at .205. May we hope for better things ahead.
Alberto Callaspo is absolutely scorching right now.
I think we set a record tonight for most pictures of food posted in a game thread in SB Nation history. Hopefully they'll never start a University of Wisconsin blog... zing!
The streak of "Soria's absence is irrelevant" games continues. Actually, as far as I can tell, Treyball hasn't had a terribly important bullpen decision to make in four days.
One minor negative however: I'm not sure why Cruz pitched tonight... I know, I know, the old managers saw, "he needed work." Only, he pitched on the 26th and the 25th back in the Detroit series. Sure, Meche's short start yesterday threw everything off, I get that. Still, just seemed pointless to send him out there tonight. I woulda preferred Ho-Ram, even if he did throw 25 pitches last night.
I can't close on a negative note however. Tonight the Royals won their 11th game. It took them 21 games to do so. Here are the game numbers on which they won game 11 the last few years: 24, 34, 46 (!) and 38. So far so good on avoiding the trademark season-killing horrible start.

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Comments

I'll actually take a boring ending where we crush the other team

We like continuing our streak of not needing a closer.

And first, I guess.

You say something like, "Is that it?" I know what you`re trying to say. You`re trying to say, "Aww yeah, that`s it." Then you tell me you want some more. Well...I`m not surprised. But I`m quite sleepy.

by Joseph Landis on Apr 30, 2009 12:55 AM EDT reply actions

go royals!

i cannot believe i missed this game… i’ll be there for you next time, chipotle!

where tpj happens.

by blue bandwagon on Apr 30, 2009 12:57 AM EDT reply actions

Go Royals!

and their division-leading pythag!

by Trey Hillman's Chin on Apr 30, 2009 1:03 AM EDT reply actions

the stupid twins are 4-0 in one run games

by Freneau on Apr 30, 2009 1:07 AM EDT up reply actions

also

3rd in the AL pythag.

could it really be possible?

by wildthang on Apr 30, 2009 1:49 AM EDT up reply actions

My first night at the new K

I was a little disappointed that Zack gave it up in the 1st, But that was quickly replaced by by disappointment that Billy couldn’t hit for the cycle – hitting 2HRs…what a disappointment.

On an unrelated note…What’s the deal with the elusive braut? and how can Boulevard be a major sponsor but all I can find is a bunch of Wheat and a few Pale taps? IPA and Porter are your best regular brews.

"I've seen the future and it's much like the present only longer." - Dan Quisenberry

by Safe@First on Apr 30, 2009 1:12 AM EDT reply actions

Boulevard is based in KC...prob why they're sponsors

by Fernando Vina School of Linguistics on Apr 30, 2009 1:13 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree

I live 3 hours away from KC, but when I do get to the K, it would be nice to enjoy KC’s finest bees there. I was hoping things would improve (you could get the wheat and the pale ale before) with the renovations, but it sounds like I will be disappointed. I mean, come on, you’re going to put in a sports bar and something called a “party deck” but you’re not going to increase the experience with an actual better (or at least more diverse) product line.

I’m developing an advanced stat for this kind of thing called BARS (Beers Above Replacement Stadium), and the K needs to get on the leaderboard.

by Trey Hillman's Chin on Apr 30, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions

I felt that the beer selection was worse

at the new K. Sure, there’s that overpriced Irish Pub Stand now, but I was expecting a lot better selection. Could have something to do with Aramark?

by rph on Apr 30, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions

overpriced yes,

but Guinness was $8 and a Bud Light is $6.75. It’s not THAT overpriced.

If you were thinking, you wouldn't have thought that.

by Warden11 on Apr 30, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Geez

No kidding. Guiness at $8 is FAR better bargain than BL at $6.75. Are you kidding me? They are probably counting on most avg KC baseball fans are going to actually WANT the BL.

Guiness : $8 ::: BL : $1

Royals baseball. Where .260 would be orgasmic.

The General Theory of Royaltivity

by kabrink on Apr 30, 2009 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions

From what I have heard

The Royals have received a ton of complaints about the food quality and availability and beer availability and are working hard to rectify it. We’ll see. I’ve heard Boulevard is hard to find from a lot of people. Seems like it should be on tap at every concession stand.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Apr 30, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions

It's great that they are sponsors...

But why can’t they get more of their regular lineup on tap at the K, I expected to see more bully taps than I saw last year, but that was not the case.

It’s really sad that we have this great brewery right here in KC, but a majority of the beer served is from St. Louis, Milwaukee, or Colorado…Not cool.

"I've seen the future and it's much like the present only longer." - Dan Quisenberry

by Safe@First on Apr 30, 2009 1:20 AM EDT reply actions

If it makes you feel better I live in St. Louis whose major brewery sucks

I’ll take a Wheat any day over a $9.00 Bud Light, but I agree they should have at least Boulevard stands separate from the concessions serving all their beers.

by Joseph Landis on Apr 30, 2009 1:39 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree big time

by I need more Esteban on Apr 30, 2009 2:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Great recap

I’m just so pumped for Greinke right now…We are watching something truly special right now and it’s so awesome to actually get talked about by the national media right now. Thanks Zack

I’m praying for no rain tomorrow, I’m hoping to make it to my first weekday gameday tomorrow if the weather holds up, taking 3 out of 4 from the Jays would be really great for our confidence (Team and fans).

I’m really looking for a bounceback from Davies last start, a 7 IP 2 or 3 ER would be great.

Anyone think there is actually a chance they play tomorrow?

by I need more Esteban on Apr 30, 2009 2:25 AM EDT reply actions

I think they'll play tomorrow

The current forecast for Thursday is a 60% chance of precipitation, described as “scattered showers.” That means that there will likely be some rain, but not steady and not probably lots of hard rain. So there may be some delays, but particularly with an early start, they’ve got lots of time to get the game in.

The immoderate moderator

by Scott McKinney on Apr 30, 2009 2:30 AM EDT up reply actions

yeah I was wondering about that

If they’ve got a day game like this on a Thursday, how long will they delay it so they can get it in?

by I need more Esteban on Apr 30, 2009 2:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Is Toronto coming back to KC this year?

If not, then they’ll just keep delaying the game for a long time in the hopes of getting a game in. If they had to, I think they’d do the first pitch after 10:00 pm. If Toronto comes back at some point this year, they’ll be more flexible. Of course, the decision to postpone the game is the Royals up until the scheduled first pitch, I believe, and after that it is the umpire’s decision.

The immoderate moderator

by Scott McKinney on Apr 30, 2009 2:39 AM EDT up reply actions

This is Toronto's only visit to KC

Marriage is a great institution, for those that like being in institutions.

by fats on Apr 30, 2009 7:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Teahen has looked spectacular this season

Not that I think he’ll hit this way all year, but he’s been making good contact, drawing walks and hitting for power. Before tonight, his wOBA was a magnificent .415 and, as Will said, it will be higher tomorrow. And he’s done this while playing four positions, including decent defense at most of them.

The immoderate moderator

by Scott McKinney on Apr 30, 2009 2:27 AM EDT reply actions

he has been very impressive

Fire Hillman

by billybeingbilly on Apr 30, 2009 2:29 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm crossing my fingers that he doesn't crater in May

Anything could happen.

The immoderate moderator

by Scott McKinney on Apr 30, 2009 2:31 AM EDT up reply actions

SEITZER WOULD NEVER ALLOW SUCH A TRAVESTY!!!!111ONE

Create your own FACEinHOLE

"Now…put that in your [BLEEP]ing pipe and smoke it." -Hal McRae

by Sweep_the_Leg on Apr 30, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions

yeah I've also

been wanting to comment on this. I mean he is hitting the ball the other way like crazy! It seems like his play has been overlooked because we are worried it’s going to go away if we say something.

by I need more Esteban on Apr 30, 2009 2:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Teahen has been awesome

if he continues to mash like this you will easily have a new tshirt and Gordon might have trouble regaining his job.

I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.

by kcscoliny on Apr 30, 2009 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions

meh. Just move one of them to first

to shore of the depth issue

I'm not a sabermetrician, but I do play one at Driveline Mechanics.

by Matt Klaassen on Apr 30, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions

Like I kept telling people

they should have traded him for Eric Duncan in the offseason

I'm not a sabermetrician, but I do play one at Driveline Mechanics.

by Matt Klaassen on Apr 30, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions

I'll admit I was wrong

I said he should pull it more and hit for power, but it looks like Teahen has finally accepted hitting the opposite field, but has learned to hit it the opposite field with power, rather than just flicking it to left field. Kudos to him and Seitzer.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Apr 30, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions

it's just one month

but If Teahen can even be a .280/.350/.440 hitter, that’s valuable. Even in right field.

If they move him or Gordon to first, I’m going to have a Jacobs-level meltdown.

I'm not a sabermetrician, but I do play one at Driveline Mechanics.

by Matt Klaassen on Apr 30, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions

I thought he should pull the ball and put it in the air more as well

But hey, whatever works.

The immoderate moderator

by Scott McKinney on Apr 30, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Any word on Meche yet?

I didn’t hear anything

by I need more Esteban on Apr 30, 2009 2:40 AM EDT reply actions

No news might be good news

I’m sure you read it, but in the post-game article, Meche said he felt like it wasn’t a big deal and that he thought there wasn’t anything structural. Probably the big test was how he felt when he woke up this morning. If it were a really big problem, he probably would have been in a lot of pain and would have went for an MRI. I think we would have heard something about that if it happened. They are probably resting him and he’ll do some light throwing in his side session in a couple days. Unless things take a turn for the worse, I think he’ll make his next start, which will be another big test. Does his back loosen up and allow him to pitch at 100% or does it tighten up again?

The immoderate moderator

by Scott McKinney on Apr 30, 2009 2:43 AM EDT up reply actions

alright just saw Royals.com

reporting that he’d make his next start Sunday…

He says he’s had back pain off and on since Spring Training…that really worries me that if it’s already going on this early that it could be a problem all year. We definitely need him.

by I need more Esteban on Apr 30, 2009 2:47 AM EDT up reply actions

It all depends on what is going on

If it is a chronic back problem (perhaps the start of a chronic back problem) then it’s really bad news that will probably get worse as the season progresses, putting him on the DL, perhaps for an extended period of time or multiple times. But back pain does not necessarily mean a chronic problem. It can be like other muscular strains or soreness which can improve through the right stretching, exercises, rest, etc. Hopefully Meche isn’t dealing with something serious.

The immoderate moderator

by Scott McKinney on Apr 30, 2009 2:53 AM EDT up reply actions

If he hasn't already

he needs to take up yoga.

Royals baseball. Where .260 would be orgasmic.

The General Theory of Royaltivity

by kabrink on Apr 30, 2009 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions

it goes without saying that Meche and the team staff know best what's going on

I just hope that they’re being extra-special cautious. Meche pitching is better than him not pitching, but I’d rather they err on the side of caution. I’d rather have them be too careful and have him miss a start or two or three now. A good contract can become an albatross overnight…

I'm not a sabermetrician, but I do play one at Driveline Mechanics.

by Matt Klaassen on Apr 30, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Uh oh.....

Meche is injured and has a history of arm problems. We’d better move him to the bullpen and make him the traditional setup man now…

by Top Ramen on Apr 30, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions

insert delicate Royals pitcher here

I'm not a sabermetrician, but I do play one at Driveline Mechanics.

by Matt Klaassen on Apr 30, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Or this

I've got crazy flipper fingers!

by labbadabba on Apr 30, 2009 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Om nom nom nom

I will continue to derail game threads as long as it helps the Royals win.

(And it helps. Don’t question it.)

by Porcus on Apr 30, 2009 4:12 AM EDT reply actions

First non-losing April

Since the magical but illusory 2003.

Hopefully Davies gets back on track today and we can say “First WINNING April” since 2003.

Chaim Mattis Keller New York City's # 1 Royals fan!

by cmkeller on Apr 30, 2009 10:19 AM EDT reply actions

Any thoughts

a couple hours before gametime? I see another cell coming through but it might pass a little after they’re ready to play like last night.

by I need more Esteban on Apr 30, 2009 11:57 AM EDT reply actions

Looking at radar

it seems like all the rain will have already passed by gametime. The field is definitely going to be extremely wet, but I doubt there will even be a delay for the first pitch.

"Now…put that in your [BLEEP]ing pipe and smoke it." -Hal McRae

by Sweep_the_Leg on Apr 30, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions

really?

I hate that I have to make a decision about going and then drive almost an hour to get there….what do I do!!?

by I need more Esteban on Apr 30, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Bite the bullet

it’s an early start, I’m suere they can get it in, there will probably be delays, but it’ll happen

Marriage is a great institution, for those that like being in institutions.

by fats on Apr 30, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I would definitely go

They’ll get it in for sure. And being a day game and rainy, you’ll have the run of the place with about 500 other people. Those kind of games can be the most fun.

"Now…put that in your [BLEEP]ing pipe and smoke it." -Hal McRae

by Sweep_the_Leg on Apr 30, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions