A Little Bit of Redemption, Behind Greinke & Cruz (and maybe Hillman) Royals Win
by Freneau on Apr 9, 2009 12:29 AM EDT
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PrintThe second time around, he got it right. Juan Cruz pitched the seventh and eighth tonight in Chicago.
- I don't know how anyone ever gets a hit off of Zack Greinke, who was brilliant tonight. Greinke allowed just three hits, to go with three walks and seven strikeouts.
- Juan Cruz: six batters faced, six outs. Awesome. I 100% did not expect to see him out there for a second inning, but there he was. So credit to Hillman there.
- Teahen, though he looked a little slow in a few instances, looked pretty good to me out there.
- Willie Bloomquist made his first Royals appearance. When he plays, the Royals win. I know you'll find this surprising, but Hawk likes him.
- Although it did not matter, the Royals threw up some awful at bats tonight. Jacobs, Guillen, Butler, and Olivo looked to be having a contest out there. Meanwhile, Alex Gordon reached base twice surrounded by these clowns.
- I enjoyed watching the game on WGN, Hawk & Stone mentioned how improved the Royals were about six times, and Hawk raved about Greinke all night. However, they missed the first pitch of an inning at least three times.
- Teahen's RBI single in the fifth was a basically generic play, though of course clutch as hell. Nevertheless, unless Jermaine Dye was playing in the third row of the stands, I'm not sure how much credit Mark should take for it. It looked to be a routine flyball, and Dye walked up to play it on the bounce... he maybe got to within ten feet of it. Jose Guillen is Endy Chavez compared to Dye at this point.
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I'm still impressed by these instant AP photos
Kansas City Royals: your 2006 and 2007 NL Central champions!
Farnsworth Jersey
I’m not going to read the game threads to see if somebody noticed this, but are they giving out #40 jerseys on jersey day? That is, the Professor’s number.
by Trey Hillman's Chin on Apr 8, 2009 10:47 PM EDT reply actions
Someone mentioned that he'd wait until after Farnsy is gone to wear it
Kansas City Royals: your 2006 and 2007 NL Central champions!
I am mollified.
Although I’m still fed up with Hillman. Someone else mentioned that maybe he wasn’t about to admit he made a mistake in a post-game on opening day, and if that’s the case — if he does, in fact, realize he made a mistake and was just blowing smoke — then fine.
As for tonight, Teahen handled second very well. I expect a mistake or two per game from him, especially this early in the season; he only made one that I noticed (pulling Jacobs off the bag on a DP grounder). He’s a good ballplayer, and he’ll improve out there. I think it’s going to work out.
Nice to see Aviles get moving. Now if the middle of the order didn’t suck so bad. (Although I do have to give Jake props, as it appears he’s listening to The Bat Whisperer too; he saw a LOT of pitches tonight.)
This space for rent.
Teahen's a good athelete
it will be interesting to see how his play at 2B this season compares to his play at catcher next season
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 8, 2009 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
how many times do I have to tell you
he’ll be fine as soon as he’s locked up for 3/$30. The only question is if Moore is if/when Moore decides to break his “not approaching a player during the season” policy.
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 8, 2009 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
zack's pitch face is hilariously awesome or awesomely hilarious
he looks like he’s undead
When you put it that way, RR, Gordon’s smirkless photo makes more sense
i still hate it
This is a bit better:
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Oh a million...
inappropriate things to say about this picture come to mind
Are you telling me Jesus Christ cant hit a curve ball?
by averagegatsby on Apr 8, 2009 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Be careful
These kids look like they’re fighting cancer.
by hunter s. royal on Apr 8, 2009 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah... i was gonna say
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 8, 2009 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions
The kid's crossing his eyes and sticking his tongue out sideways
I’m pretty sure that’s not a cancer symptom.
This space for rent.
by jonfmorse on Apr 8, 2009 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
My point was
here’s this serious picture of these cancer kids with Alex, and over here we have a kid being a complete dork.
This space for rent.
seems like this is a "mix-up" on whether it was the "funny" picture or not
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 8, 2009 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Funniest thing I've read in Months
“The kid’s crossing his eyes and sticking his tongue out sideways
I’m pretty sure that’s not a cancer symptom.”
Pure evil gold
BOOM! ROASTED!
which is way...
the million things stay thoughts and not readable words
Are you telling me Jesus Christ cant hit a curve ball?
by averagegatsby on Apr 8, 2009 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
semi-old school
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 8, 2009 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Last semester, I looked at the
Post’s front page every day, just for laughs.
I should take up that hobby again.
WTF, self?
In t he KC postgame
Why don’t they get interviews anymore?
realistically speaking
too many baseball questions
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 8, 2009 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I enjoyed the WGN broadcast as well,
Although i did not enjoy how they could not let go of Quentin paying Zack back, someway, somehow.
"I can resist everything but temptation." - oscar wylde
Berthiume was questioning the inside pitches on Baseball tonight as well....
by Fernando Vina School of Linguistics on Apr 8, 2009 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah
I thought they made a way bigger deal of that on Baseball Tonight than it really was….I mean we have a little history with them but so what, he was throwing inside…
Curious, who thinks it was intentional?
by I need more Esteban on Apr 9, 2009 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions
me....and im guaranteeing zack as well
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 9, 2009 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions
and it makes me love zack even more
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 9, 2009 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions
definitely
love how he kind of has a “fuck you” attitude to him on the mound
by I need more Esteban on Apr 9, 2009 12:33 AM EDT up reply actions
he throws at people...and has pretty much admitted it...
but he always has that ‘oops it slipped’ look on his face until the post game interview
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 9, 2009 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Olney
was on 810 this morning. He gave the over/under on fights this year between us and ChiSox at 2. He also said that the fights happen when a team all of a sudden becomes a threat in the division (see: Tampa vs. BOS and NY last year).
Don't Stop Believing!
Lets hope they throw at olivo/guillen/butler/jacobs..cause they r teh suck
"I can resist everything but temptation." - oscar wylde
makes sense
but Tampa had been a fightin’ team from a year or two before
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 9, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Greinke just said...
“Cruz looked sick today… Soria didn’t look like he was on… he got behind on every single guy I think…”
Are you telling me Jesus Christ cant hit a curve ball?
that's pretty hilarious
realistically speaking
I cant wait until he retires...
and I can hire him to mow my lawn
Are you telling me Jesus Christ cant hit a curve ball?
by averagegatsby on Apr 8, 2009 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn't like the WGN commentators.
They kept saying how the Royals were throwing at the Sox pitchers on purpose and for no reason. Also they seemed happy that AJ landed on Aviles handsd and swiped him in the face on his single. What about the 2 hit by pitches last night. I wish Grienke would have winged one up into the booth.
Ken "Hawk" Harrelson is the worst game announcer in any sport
Constantly annoying. Ultimate homer. Horrific analysis which was outdated in the 1970’s. Although, he’s so bad that he’s good sometimes. It’s kind of entertaining to laugh at his buffoonery. And when the Chisox are losing, it is really fun to listen to him call a game. He whines, he complains, he blames the umpires who are clearly out to get Ozzie and the White Sox.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2009 8:23 AM EDT up reply actions
At least Wimpy isn't there anymore
To jump in like the wannabe cool kid during the “Yeeees!” homer calls. What a pair they were.
Stone is a pretty smart dude, but his arrogance is annoying too. Thought it was funny when that had 2 strikes on Olivo and threw a change instead of an outside breaking ball. Stone said “wrong pitch” and then the next pitch they threw the outside breaking stuff to get him.
Russ Gload = Doug Mientiewicz....without the pop
all i have to say is that there is an interview on the royals website saying that farnsy’s job is not in jeapordy….. makes me sick
Mike Jacobs.... I hope your bat has as much lift as your hair does.....
that's rediculous
no one should have jobs, they just pitch in the situations that are best for them….ahhhh
by I need more Esteban on Apr 9, 2009 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions
well, we know his salary isn't in jeapordy
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 9, 2009 2:50 AM EDT up reply actions
The winter sure is long
It made me forget just how brutal Guillen’s approach at the plate is. My goodness.
by Royal from Queens on Apr 8, 2009 11:35 PM EDT reply actions
Although it did not matter, the Royals threw up some awful at bats tonight. Jacobs, Guillen, Butler, and Olivo looked to be having a contest out there. Meanwhile, Alex Gordon reached base twice surrounded by these clowns.
Do you even like the team at this point? Olivo called another good game, threw out a guy again (it was a gift) and yes he struck out a couple times but so did everyone who batted with the exception of Aviles. Why not lump DDJ into that list at least Butler, Guillen and Olivo have the excuse of being Righthanded. Teahen, Crisp and Aviles are the only ones who looked good all night at the dish, Gordons single was a off the end of the bat bloop.
I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.
by kcscoliny on Apr 8, 2009 11:36 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Don't mean to sound chippy
I am just so tired of what I perceive as people rooting against players. I have never been a big Teahen fan but when KC decided to move him to 2b I was thrilled and never like to see he or Buck fail even though some probably think I do.
I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.
I think of everyone
Butler’s slow start is the most disappointing for me….not that it means anything for the entire season, but he just looks lost so far….too early to get all worked up, that comes after a bad game tomorrow!!
by I need more Esteban on Apr 9, 2009 12:35 AM EDT up reply actions
It sucks to hear that Butler has been looking bad, I really have sort of high hopes for him this season
but give it a while… I’m always a bit suspicious of a guy “looking bad.” He could “look bad” right up until he starts reeling off line drives and homers every other PA, then all the sudden he “looks good.” Even though he’s probably swinging the same way or something. Every player does through parts of the season where he looks good and looks bad.
Maybe Billy’s just grumpy because Baconaters got taken out of hs diet.
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 9, 2009 2:53 AM EDT up reply actions
definitely agree
it surely won’t last….you should see these soft little “liners” he’s hitting, though, it makes it look like he hasn’t quite developed his man-strength yet.
by I need more Esteban on Apr 9, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
He's had what, 7 or 8 AB's?
So after < 5% of his season AB’s, you are doubting yourself for having high hopes?
BOOM! ROASTED!
no, I'm trying to reassure myself
it’s baseball fandom, it’s irrational deep down, and I’m not a very rational guy by nature. Hence my interest in sabermetrics to balance out my … tendencies.
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 9, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
It is killing me
not to be in KC to take part in all of the action. My wife and I enjoyed the last half inning on the phone (twss, etc.) cause I’m stuck in CA. I’m living vicariously through you guys until Friday.
We could be going for the sweep. Damn…
I hereby resign from this post.
by Home Run Tony Cogan on Apr 8, 2009 11:45 PM EDT reply actions
Soria looked like well Soria
Freakin Dude is SWEET !
I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.
that curv to end it was fantastic.
All i could think was “man jermaine you looked stupid there.”
"I can resist everything but temptation." - oscar wylde
I have really enjoyed MLB Network thus far
but barry larkin is setting the world back with each thing he says
Ya the Roundtripper is a good show with the live lookins
I almost wish I didn’t get the MLB Ticket.
I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.
He was getting ready to rip the Royals...
For pitching to Farnsworth and then they cut to SD LA.
He said something like “especially what happened the other day Kyle Farnsworth gave up the home run to Jim Thome, but they didn’t go to him tonight…” Ass hat cuts in…“Were going inside the park” Oh, the beauty of DVR.
Are you telling me Jesus Christ cant hit a curve ball?
by averagegatsby on Apr 9, 2009 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Dan Pleasac has been awesome, and Mitch Williams hasn't been bad
same with Al Leiter…
Larkin is the outlier
Seriously?
Dan Plesac has been my number one annoyance, followed by Mitch Williams.
Kansas City Royals: your 2006 and 2007 NL Central champions!
MITCH Williams
is the worst. I hate listening to that bozo. I think Al Leiter and John Hart are the best ones to listen to.
The General Theory of Royaltivity
I like them too.
Also Sean Casey is way too nervous about being in a studio. He’s always going off on some awkward tangent and not really in the flow of the conversation with everyone else. I wonder if that will ever wear off since he’s new at this.
Kansas City Royals: your 2006 and 2007 NL Central champions!
I enjoyed watching the game on WGN as well
HD looks better than non-HD on FoxSports, cheap bastards.
Greinke was just filthy
I don’t know that I’ve ever seen hitters look so befuddled against him. The only one that didn’t look scared was A.J.
Hope this is the norm for him, not the aberration.
Russ Gload = Doug Mientiewicz....without the pop
yes....
0.00 ERA for the season…i’ll take it…and our world series title that goes with it
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 9, 2009 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Dye had zacks number for a couple solid hits as well.
Dye scares the crap out of me, and thome..
"I can resist everything but temptation." - oscar wylde
Great game
-Greinke is amazing (obviously), I think I have to get his jersey
- I’m liking our lineup right now….OK Guillen looks like shit, Butler looks like he should be in AAA, and Jacobs hasn’t really touched a ball…but look at all the room for improvement
-My first look at Cruz made me forget about Ramon Ramirez…if only Farnsworth could make me forget about Leo (fat chance)
-Very very interested to see how Davies does tomorrow
-Damn I’m glad Baseball is back!
by I need more Esteban on Apr 9, 2009 12:38 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Agreed with almost all of that
Except for the lineup. I thought the lineup would be a bit improved, but still weak going into the season. And so far they still look weak. Too many bad at bats, too many swings at bad pitches, very little power. Now two games is a microscopic sample size so what has happened so far doesn’t mean much in an evaluative sense; I’m just remarking on what I’ve seen so far. I hope it changes.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2009 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought they would hit Floyd harder
but Buehrle is Buehrle, even when he’s off. He just doesn’t give up a lot of hard hits. Except against lefty-mashers like Gordon.
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 9, 2009 2:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, Floyd was surprising
But he’s always had very good stuff. And when his stuff is really on and he can control it, he can be very good. That curveball was pretty amazing today. Should be interesting to see how the Royals do against Danks. At least we can count on Olivo against a lefty. And seeing how Davies will do is even more interesting. I actually think Davies is the most interesting guy on the Royals team right now. As with every team, there are lots of question marks, but he’s a player who could legitimately turn the Royals rotation into a genuinely good one for now and for the next couple of years, or he could really fail and leave the Royals with two good starting pitchers, Hochevar and prospects.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2009 3:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Davies and Floyd seem similar, actually
at least ina superficial sense, and their role on the staff.
This isn’t a measure of relative quality, but each staff has their top three guys in playing a “role”
Buerhle/Meche = solid vet who’s been around forever (seemingly) but is younger than you think
Danks/Greinke/ = young studs
Floyd/Davies = guys who have good stuff, but never put it together consistently. Hard to tell when they’re progressing or just getting lucky
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 9, 2009 3:15 AM EDT up reply actions
They are similar
In addition to what you said above, they were both top prospects at one time, but they were given multiple chances to succeed by their original teams (Floyd – Phillies; Davies – Braves) and failed over and over again. Then they got traded and both have shown signs of putting some things together (very mixed results for both pitchers, especially if one looks beyond ERA). They have both always had very good stuff, but it has been somewhat inconsistent and they’ve had some control problems. Both Davies and Floyd are big question marks that most people don’t believe in and the projections don’t like them much either. It should be interesting to see if Davies really has turned a corner. If he performs like a legitimate #3 SP over the course of a full season, I’ll be overjoyed.
I think your Royals/Chisox analogy was very good. The one slight difference is with Danks and Greinke. Greinke is an ace, while I think Danks has a #2 SP ceiling. He doesn’t have Greinke’s dominant stuff.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 9, 2009 3:22 AM EDT up reply actions
yes, I meant it superficially
I think MEche is better than Buehrle, at leat at this point, Greinke is more talented (at least with the infor we have so far) than Danks (although Danks is even younger) and Floyd is better than Davies.
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 9, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I haven't really followed Floyd's past
but I will say his stuff looked pretty good last night…not cy young like but very solid. We did take advantage of some of his mistakes (Aviles, Crisp, Teahen) but besides that he had a some nasty stuff at times.
Just throwing it out there as to your, “I thought they would hit Floyd harder comment”.
by I need more Esteban on Apr 9, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions
First Time Greinke has won at US Cellular..
By the way he now has a 20 Scoreless inning streak
Bloomquist. God? Or just an illusion? You be the judge.
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