Time to Panic About Soria - Rangers Edge Royals 7-6
by RoyalsRetro on May 29, 2011 6:36 PM EDT
Email
Print
On the same day the Star runs a piece on the struggles of Joakim Soria, the Closer Formerly Known as the Mexicutioner blew his fourth save of the season in a 7-6 loss to the Rangers. Soria again struggled with his command, falling behind Nelson Cruz 3-1 before Cruz golfed a low breaking ball in a majestic arc over the left field fence. The Rangers then sent the slow-footed Mike Napoli on a hit-and-run that somehow managed to not end in disaster as Elvis Andrus drilled a ball down the right field line. A perfect relay likely nails Napoli at home, but the Royals showed how much they miss Ross Gload and Jason Kendall, and Napoli was safe for a walk-off win for the Rangers.
In future news, Joakim Soria has been placed on the 15 day disabled list with "a dead arm." The Royals have acquired [insert former Braves pitcher here] for cash considerations.
Other stuff:
Aaron Crow showed he is human by giving up a two-run home run to Michael Young on a belt-high fastball.
Zack Greinke has passed the torch to Danny Duffy in "guys that pitch really well, but has his team conspire to deny him the win." Kevin Appier approves.
Chris Getz's triple was just his fifth extra-base hit this season, one fewer than Kila Kaaihue.
Hos was 0-5 with three LOB . Its probably time to trade him to see what we can get for him and promote Clint Robinson.
This is probably a pivotal week for the Royals. If they don't get well with some home cooking, we're probably looking at our last chance of being semi-relevant for the year.
124 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
If the Royals think the closer role is the best place for Soria to work through his troubles
then I don’t see the downside. This season was always going to be a lost cause. If staying in the closer role increases the chance, even slightly, that Soria solves his problems, then I’m all for it because there’s no downside. 5 extra losses. 10 extra. It doesn’t matter. We’re playing for 2013/4, not this year.
Someone in the game thread mentioned that he's earned a trip to the DL...
and I took it to mean that he’s earned the time off without having to answer to the team. The Royals could say that an MRI showed ‘something’ and the two weeks rest is needed, but I think it’s head that’s off. Here’s my take…
I kind of wonder if the whole "Mexecutioner" deal is deeper and more troubling to Soria. Say, he’s really struggling with understanding all the gang violence in his home country/state. He wants his nickname changed as part of that, but he’s having trouble getting his head straight (which, in a general sense is what I think is going on) and isn’t into this season. He’s just not into it. How about they give him a couple of weeks to talk to a shrink and someone let him know that it’s not his fault?
Nick Swisher is handsome.
the nickname dropping isn't the problem
Joakim Soria turning into Walk’em Soria is the problem
(drumroll)
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
by BHWick on May 29, 2011 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Aaron Crow likes apples
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on May 29, 2011 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I still think it's mechanical/mental
he still looks like he’s got good velocity and movement…very disappointing game
BOOM YOSTED!
by Home Run Tony Cogan on May 29, 2011 6:40 PM EDT reply actions
I think the good ship Relevance
set sail a week ago.
Still clinging to my 75-win prediction, though. I’m stubborn like that.
That information is somewhat classified.
And, by machine, you mean something fairly useful but rarely used
Kindof like a blender or food processor?
Ah, memories
by sterlingice on May 29, 2011 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
that was incredible
Supporting the Kenji Jackson Approach for every day situations.
by MarioVanPeebles Republic of China on May 30, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
This nice 1-5 roady
Makes it very clear that this year ain’t happening. By the way Baltimore was 0-20 when behind after 8 till Tuesday.
The Velocity Is
There, but the command and movement aren’t. Pitch fx identifies all his fastballs as cutters. He’s definitely changed his approach, and it’s not working. I have no idea what to do about it.
I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.
Missed the game. Steered clear of Royals news
Was going to watch it archived. Father in law appeared out of nowhere and said: “Wow, your boys blew another one in the ninth, huh?” Gaaaaaaaaargh!
look on the bright side
he saved you hours of false hope
"Things could always be worse." - Buddy Bell
Yost just said that he still has full confidence in him.
Of course, he also praised Tejada immediately before he got DFA’ed. His pressers are less than helpful.
"That's fine wood from... somewhere."
by KeepItCopacetic on May 29, 2011 7:03 PM EDT reply actions
Sounds like Soria and Pena
should be left behind in Texas. I gotta watch that play at the plate, see if it’s as inept as it sounds in the game thread.
Watched it.
Disgusted. Pena actually backed away from the sliding Napoli and then didn’t dare to get his glove down. Just painful to watch. Embarrassing.
So, the book club is in an hour, yes?
"That's fine wood from... somewhere."
by KeepItCopacetic on May 29, 2011 7:09 PM EDT reply actions
I thought it was scheduled to be today, but..
"That's fine wood from... somewhere."
by KeepItCopacetic on May 29, 2011 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Its probably time to trade him to see what we can get for him and promote Clint Robinson.
Hos is multi-tooled, didn’t peak two years ago, and still has upside, but he’s a Dayton Moore guy so doesn’t stand a chance in blog-world:) Trading Hos would get two or three times the return of another who will go unnamed.
At this point in time, Soria is probably viewed as damaged goods,
so I don’t know what sort of return we could get for him. He still has significant upside, which we need every bit of in the next few years, so unless we were getting something really good back (which we wouldn’t right now), I’d say we might as well hold on to him.
"That's fine wood from... somewhere."
by KeepItCopacetic on May 29, 2011 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions
You might get a AA B- and a low A C-prospect for him at this point
He’s basically untradeable right now, but not in the good way.
you won’t get any real value from him. Just some moderate upside toolsy types.
Vi veri veniversum vivus vici
I think you've all missed Fetterolf's sarcasm.
I believe he’s referring to Hosmer. I certainly agree that now would be a disastrous time to trade Joakim.
by hunter s. royal on May 29, 2011 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Our chance to trade him was last year
And…..wait for it………….Moore fucked up.
Thing
about trades is when the conventional wisdom says it is time to trade it is already too late. We need to keep Soria, preferably as a sixth or seventh inning guy, until he gets straightened out, then peddle him off on a contender with a weak bullpen. Off season would have been perfect to trade him, as was suggested in some quarters. As is, he still may have value in the ‘pen, but Coleman should be the new closer and keep Crow in the much more important high-leverage shut-down slot, today’s hiccup not withstanding. Best for Soria might be swapping places on the DL with Master Chen and try to put things back together again.
by Jim Fetterolf on May 29, 2011 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Wanna know how it'll go?
look up how Ned handled Eric Gagne in 2008.
It only took 5 blown saves and a DL stint for Ned to yank Gagne.
The highlights of Ned and Gagne’s marriage?
Brewers manager Ned Yost said that a wet mound was to blame for Eric Gagne’s blown save on Sunday in Cincinnati.
Yeah, the slippery mound. That’s it. It probably had nothing to do with the fact that Yost was pitching Gagne for a fourth consecutive day. Yost did admit, however, that he’s still trying to figure out how much work Gagne can handle and still be effective. Sunday should have been a clue.
Manager Ned Yost reiterated Tuesday that the Brewers are sticking with Eric Gagne as closer despite five blown saves.
General manager Doug Melvin essentially made the same statement Monday, but that doesn’t mean Gagne isn’t on a short leash. “This is a guy who has had a lot of success in this role,” Yost said. “You allow him the time to work through it. Will he get on a roll? Yeah. He hasn’t been on top of his game, and he’s still at the top of the league in saves. When he gets on his game, he’s going to run off 15, 20, 25 of them in a row. You can’t do it if you start panicking on the guy and start talking about not letting him close anymore.”
After taking the loss on Saturday, Eric Gagne said he didn’t think he should still be the Brewers’ closer.
“I don’t deserve that ninth inning right now. It’s pretty simple,” Gagne said. Manager Ned Yost, as wishy-washy as usual, wasn’t willing to comment on Gagne’s status after the game. Gagne has blown five saves, but he didn’t add to that total today after giving up two runs in a tie game. Guillermo Mota would appear to be the best bet for saves if Gagne is pulled from the closer’s role, though it’s possible he’d be used in a committee with Salomon Torres and Brian Shouse. David Riske is also pitching better lately.
Eric Gagne is back trying to close out a lead for the Brewers on Tuesday.
Remarkable. Manager Ned Yost made it very clear Monday that Gagne wouldn’t be returned to the closer’s role right away, but apparently he was lying through his teeth. Salomon Torres pitched scoreless seventh and eighth innings to set Gagne up.
Eric Gagne won’t pitch Wednesday and has been shut down until further notice because of a stiff right shoulder.
“It’s all in the front of the shoulder,” Gagne said. “Now we’re just waiting to see. It’s just one of those things (where) you usually warm up and it goes away, but it was getting tighter and tighter (Tuesday).” Manager Ned Yost indicated that Salomon Torres would lead the Brewers’ closer committee while Gagne is out.
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
by BHWick on May 29, 2011 7:29 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I want to know if Yost can have a change of heart more drastic than
Trey doing the “We’re not pitching Soria more than 3 outs, maybe 4, but not 5” before throwing Soria for 2 innings multiple times for some stupid reason..
I think Ned might be more hardheaded here.
This is a team trying not to be seen as holding the flaming bag of crap when it’s obvious that they’re not contending. That’s why you see a Hosmer or Duffy promoted. They don’t want to be seen as not doing enough to “contend” now
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
Jacks done in KC and I am sad
Blown save again.. Sad face :(
"Stay Classy Kansas City"
by Mas Cervezas on May 29, 2011 7:38 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
It is sad.
Soria really came out of nowhere and has been a fantastic pitcher for the Royals, one of the few truly competent players on this bumbling team. To see him struggle and the fans turn on him after being one of the few bright spots on this roster the last few years is depressing.
by hunter s. royal on May 29, 2011 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions
any more depressing than the end of the Greinke time in KC?
the problem is more about this being a toxic sports town that hasn’t won ANYTHING since 1985. And that includes the Chiefs.
So whenever the Process fails, you’re going to see things obviously worse there
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
It's a bit more depressing than Zack getting traded
because I think Zack was ready to go, and we got some potentially nice trade pieces for Greinke.
by hunter s. royal on May 29, 2011 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions
at the same tiime, the passive-aggressive divorce stance here is the sad part
the “SCREW EM, WE DON’T NEED EM, HE DIDN’T WANT US, MAYBE HE’LL COME BACK IN 2013” stuff is unbearable. Pick a side.
Not to mention that I think the organization made the trade a bit too likely (hurting Greinke’s value) and tried some heavy spin against Greinke post-trade.
I’d feel a lot better about the 2012 Royals rotation with a Greinke in it. Right now, there’s no anchor in the rotation. It’s like one of the rotations we had 11 years ago, if we didn’t have Jeff Suppan to be the ‘ace’.
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
He still gets a long leash in my book.
Favorable contract, world of talent, nice guy by all accounts. Yeah, to see people turning on him so quickly is sad.
Yes, I get “have lost confidence in as closer”. But it seems like we’re getting a fair number of of “trade him or run him out of town”
and we're not contending this year
the only way you can say Soria is costing us a shot at glory is if you have a Sports-Talk POV where the Royals should have kept Greinke and traded Soria. Which, in all likelyhood would have put this team around .500 considering Greinke in the rotation eliminates a weaklink starter in the rotation and the bullpen could fill Soria’s spot easier than the rotation can fill Greinke’s spot.
But considering the way the organization divorced Greinke, that wasn’t happening. Their hubris is pretty damn obvious and it keeps backfiring on them.
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
The not contending is the good part of this year concerning Joakim.
Soria has plenty of time to get his game back, both age wise & contract wise. i was just being melancholy about how someone that has been so competent has struggled, and instead of showing a bit of patience, a number of people have trashed him. Over reaction on both my part and the part of many of the fans.
by hunter s. royal on May 29, 2011 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah, someone is going to get scapegoated when this team is obviously out of contention
sort of like how 18-11 fell apart due to injuries, not due to the fact that the team wasn’t very good
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
I know!
Let’s trade him and get pennies on the dollar when there’s a chance he could work through his issues on a meaningless year and we could still have him under contract for 3 more.
we always undersell anyways
signed,
Vin Mazzaro, Chris Getz, and Alcides Escobar
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
Ouch
Tho, I’m not sure Mark Teahen gets more than Fields and Getz. DDJ for Mazzaro- that one just was a head scratcher.
Greinke for Escobar/Cain/Odorizzi/Jeffress? I think the jury is still out on that one. I’m not sure there were much better deals out there.
the return for DDJ was as good as anyone could hope for....
his value was about the same as Willingham and the royals return was better than Willinghams. In hindsight, they probably shouldve declined the option and taken a draft pick. Most people didnt think this at the time though.
Fire Everyone
by billybeingbilly on May 30, 2011 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
except a normal Soria year might have us in contention, believe it or not
Only 5 and a half games out of the wild card right now…
"We're gonna win with pitching and defense" General Manager Dayton Moore, circa winter 2009
"Where did all these Indians come from?" General George Armstrong Custer, circa summer 1876
Normal Soria doesn't net us any wins v. the Indians
who are 7-2 against KC with 6 games in CLE and 3 in KC.
That’s why we’re not in contention
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
The not contending this year point
is one of the best things about Soria’s struggles. He’s got plenty of time both age wise & contract wise to get back to where he’s been. I was just melancholy about the speed with which a number of fans have turned on him.
by hunter s. royal on May 29, 2011 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions
the only way you can say Soria is costing us a shot at glory
Without the four blown saves, aren’t we over .500? We’re not contending because too many times we have a chance to win and one, two, or three players screw up, whether failing to block the plate or serving up an HR. It’s not all Soria, but he isn’t producing now, so that needs to be addressed. Not like today was a one in ten aberration.
by Jim Fetterolf on May 29, 2011 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions
“Without the four blown saves, aren’t we over .500?”
Nope, because the Royals are 1-3 in games Soria blew. So with those losses turned into wins, we’re only 26-26 and still 5 games out.
And that’s 26-26 if you absolve Sean O’Sullivan of responsibility for losing the Chicago game that Soria blew.
We’re 6 under. What move do you make to make this team .500 by July?
There isn’t a move that will make that happen
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
Getz for Pujols
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on May 29, 2011 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
So with those losses turned into wins, we’re only 26-26 and still 5 games out.
“Only” 26-26. Forgot we won one of his blowns.
“if you absolve Sean O’Sullivan of responsibility for losing the Chicago game that Soria blew.”
SOS has probably pitched his way to Omaha when Chen and/or Davies return but we aren’t talking about SOS at the moment..
“We’re 6 under. What move do you make to make this team .500 by July?”
Probably not “a” move, but there are a number of moves. Soria is one we are discussing and I still think he’s got a tweak or dead arm or something. Replace Soria as closer with Coleman til Soria gets fixed. Rotation will stabilize a little with the return of Master Chen and DFA Davies, so that will help. Rest of the team just needs to tighten up a little and play more consistently. Pena shouldn’t have missed the tag last night, as an example. It took three bad instances to lose what was a winnable game; Crow’s screw-up, Soria’s screw-ups, and Pena’s screw-up. That tells me the team is closer to being good than bad, just need a little better concentration.
by Jim Fetterolf on May 30, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Main
reason for trading Soria high was the quality of return. We have lots of good relievers and don’t have any good C or 2B and our SS can’t hit and our 3B can’t field. Like with Zack, nothing personal, just a chance to satisfy a couple of pressing needs. For Soria or Butler, we already have replacements in house, making them easier to deal than Greinke, one of only two legitimate starters we had, along with the ace, Master Chen.
by Jim Fetterolf on May 29, 2011 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions
You call this quickly?
The guy has had maybe two genuinely solid outings all year. Even the games he didn’t completely blow he frequently gave up a number of baserunners and even runs, but he had the cushioning to allow the game to still be saved.
We fans have not been impatient, but it’s become painfully obvious that he’s not the same guy we’ve watched the last four years. And we haven’t “turned on him”, the attitude has more been one of concern rather than hostility or anger.
Chaim Mattis Keller New York City's # 1 Royals fan!
He is paid millions of dollars to perform
And he is arguably the worst regular closer in the league right now.
It is sad that Royals fans have to continue watching him flush wins down the toilet.
Brian Fuentes seems like he should be worse
AL pitchers with 5 or more saves and 10 or more walks
Chris Perez, 14 saves, 12 walks/12 strikeouts
Jose Valverde, 11 saves, 10 walks/21 strikeouts
Jordan Walden, 11 saves, 11 walks/25 strikeouts
Neftali Feliz, 10 saves, 14 walks/9 strikeouts
Brian Fuentes, 10 saves, 10 walks/16 strikeouts
Kevin Gregg, 8 saves, 15 walks/15 strikeouts
Sergio Santos, 8 saves, 13 walks/30 strikeouts
Joakim Soria, 7 saves, 10 walks/14 strikeouts
So I’d cross Valverde, Walden, and Santos off that list
and out of Perez, Feliz, Fuentes, Gregg, and Soria.. I think you can make a good argument that a Fuentes or Gregg is worse than Soria.
Fun fact: Joakim Soria and Mike MacDougal had the same BB:K ratio going into today. MacDougal’s ERA was 1.45.
Granted, MacDougal’s fastball is 95 and Soria’s velocity has dropped to 90.
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
there has to be a similar discussion on the Rangers site about Feliz
I think people predicting a Soria trade are doomed to disappointment. He will be given every chance to right the ship. I really think he is one of the “untouchables” on the squad.
"Things could always be worse." - Buddy Bell
Soria for Feliz
Change of scenery trade!
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on May 29, 2011 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I can't imagine why any pitcher would want to pitch in that ballpark
not with the ferocious winds always blowing out, and it hasn’t even gotten hot there.
"Things could always be worse." - Buddy Bell
It sure would suck to have Jesus Montero on the team right about now
Instead of our trusty and valuable closer.
Seriously, Dayton Moore is a complete fucking idiot.
Maybe other people will believe it
If you had credibility like Ken Rosenthal or Buster Olney.
If he posted it on Facebook, I'm sure a lot of people would believe it.
"That's fine wood from... somewhere."
by KeepItCopacetic on May 29, 2011 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't know why that's necessary
People seem to believe that there was a trade of Soria for Montero even though neither Rosenthal nor Olney said that
Careful. You'll be forced to work for ESPN soon.
by hunter s. royal on May 29, 2011 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Why would ESPN hire somebody with any interest
in covering a team outside Boston, Chicago, New York, or LA?
"That's fine wood from... somewhere."
by KeepItCopacetic on May 29, 2011 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions
It's a shame for them that there are popular teams in the NFL in the middle of the country
Curse those players like Peyton Manning and Brett Favre and John Elway and Drew Brees for being popular and playing in places that aren’t Top 10 media markets
Hmmm. Perhaps the latest NFL contract talks
will take care of that nasty equality business.
by hunter s. royal on May 29, 2011 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Word
on Montero is that he’s slower than Sal Perez and 1B or DH is his natural position.
by Jim Fetterolf on May 29, 2011 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Jesus Montero doesn't even have a hit all season!
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on May 29, 2011 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Thank You AnswerDave for this gif
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
At least Brayan pitched a major league fit there. Nice.
by hunter s. royal on May 29, 2011 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions
didn't we all do 360s and spike the remote after that?
Brayan Pena is going to be a manager somewhere within 10 years or so. I just sense it
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
Nimble move by Brayan.
If the Royals let him go, perhaps he can invade Cuba and fulfill his true destiny: Manager of the Cuban national team!
by hunter s. royal on May 29, 2011 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m a bit torn on what to do with Soria. He was pretty much Rivera good for three years. Players do have bad runs, but this seems a bit more than a bad run. I don’t blame the Royals for staying with Soria this long, and I probably would for a bit longer, as this season really doesn’t matter all that much. Bt the Royals really need to determine if this is just a fluke couple of months, or if they need to get what they can ASAP. I’m no stats expert, but I do know it’s better to deal from a position of strength(the bullpen is pretty solid), so for the first time for me, I’m hoping the Royals can find a trade partner that will give up some decent prospects. Also, loved Pena’s reaction after the safe call. Really would have preferred Pena put a leg in front of the plate or applied the tag vs. waiting for the runner to slide into the tag.
He didn't even need to do that
Just needed to lean in and get the glove out. Ahhh! Just watched it again. I still say he takes a cautionary step backward.
As for Soria, I thought he was starting to look exceedingly mortal early last season. No big shock that he’s declined further.
Pena
says that he thought he had the plate blocked. He takes full blame for his failure.
by Jim Fetterolf on May 29, 2011 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Crow should be the closer
and we should never trade him. After all, it’s so important that we have a guy we can rely on to close the game and they’re hard to find so once you get one you you hang on to him.
2011 Royals Review NCAA Bracket Challenge Winner, by process of attrition
9th Inning
closer is less valuable than a shut-down set-up guy. Crow is being used correctly, Coleman is the better closer prospect, Soria needs some low-leverage time to get it back together..
by Jim Fetterolf on May 29, 2011 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Fully agree.
"That's fine wood from... somewhere."
by KeepItCopacetic on May 29, 2011 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Could Soria move into the rotation?
I have no idea, it’s just a thought. I know he was a starter when they signed him, so I don’t see why it’s not possible…I remember a lot of talk about him transition into a starter roll after his first season. Maybe a change like this is what he needs.
Predictions:
KC will be a Superbowl favorite in 2012
Soria hasn't started a game at any level since 2005
so… no. He’s hurt. He won’t be made better by pitching more. Dusty.
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
It wouldn't be totally unprecedented
For a guy who hasn’t started in 6-7 years to suddenly start. IIRC, Braden Looper and Ryan Dempter made that transition.
I’m not saying that’s what they should do with Soria right now, but I would keep an eye on that long-term.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on May 29, 2011 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions
They also started the year in the rotation after their time in the pen though
but Soria hasn’t pitched a single inning as a starter in the United States and very rarely he has pitched in Mexico.
People who think he could become a starter in any year starting in 20 are not very well informed about his history.
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
He's not hurt, he is missing his spots, plain and simple
A move to the rotation would accomplish two things:
1) relieve the pressure of the spotlight from the fanbase
2) allow him the room to work on his command issues.
As others have said – it doesn’t matter, the season is over. Why not find out if we can find another decent starter? After all, depending on what one thinks about Luke, we might have only ONE acceptable starter in the rotation going into next season (Duffy)
"We're gonna win with pitching and defense" General Manager Dayton Moore, circa winter 2009
"Where did all these Indians come from?" General George Armstrong Custer, circa summer 1876
by loyal2sdad on May 29, 2011 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
there is one hidden plus to putting Soria in the rotation
it would keep him below 44 games in 2011, which means that they wouldn’t be on the hook for his $6M option for 2012
Weird fact: Soria gets an extra $500K if he pitches 400 innings in 2010 and 2011.
Aside from that. No real benefit to putting him in the rotation
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
good point
so, we’ve gone from a “team friendly” contract full of team options, to scheming on how to get out of said options in the span of two months?
ONLY THE ROYALS!
"We're gonna win with pitching and defense" General Manager Dayton Moore, circa winter 2009
"Where did all these Indians come from?" General George Armstrong Custer, circa summer 1876
The exact same play (as the missed tag) just happened in the Atl/Reds game.
Defense (Atl) got the call.
probably left an obvious hint in that. But let’s just say the two pitchers had different fates so far
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
looks like Soria and SOS
"We're gonna win with pitching and defense" General Manager Dayton Moore, circa winter 2009
"Where did all these Indians come from?" General George Armstrong Custer, circa summer 1876
half way there
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
ding ding ding
Soria’s not quite to the point Tejeda is at.
It’s just… interesting… that one guy listed gets DFAed out of nowhere. But people can seriously believe the Yostian talk about how Joakim Soria is the best option to close games.
The gap between Tejeda and Soria is alarmingly small these days.
Soria did throw 17.5 pitches per outing in May (175 in 10 appearances). Which is a lot to get 3 outs.
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
More on the pitching staff:
The Royals should be holding open auditions for the rotation the rest of the year. Going forward, only Duffy projects to be above league avg (sorry Luke supporters – this looks like the one pitcher who will always, somehow, underperform his FIP. Been happening his whole career; may not be a fluke anymore). Now, factor in there are question marks about Montgomery, Dwyer looks like the guy who won’t even make the bigs, and Lamb has an elbow issue of some kind. As for the rest of the current starters, they all either suck (O’Sullivan, Mazarro), are too old (Francis, Chen), or are head cases (Davies).
My first candidate to make a surprisingly good starter? Tim Collins. Bear with me.
First of all, he has a good K rate. He tends to be a bit wild, but as an appearance goes on, he seems to “settle in”. Lastly, take a look at his body. The dude is in better physical shape than any pitcher on the team. Looks like a (miniature) body builder. I honestly DON’T think stamina would be an issue at all.
"We're gonna win with pitching and defense" General Manager Dayton Moore, circa winter 2009
"Where did all these Indians come from?" General George Armstrong Custer, circa summer 1876
Tim Collins last start was in high school
for the sake of reference
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
I don't care
What, we are supposed to trust this organization’s judgment?
No thanks.
"We're gonna win with pitching and defense" General Manager Dayton Moore, circa winter 2009
"Where did all these Indians come from?" General George Armstrong Custer, circa summer 1876
why are you suggesting stuff if you don't trust their judgment anyways?
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
a better question:
Why do I even follow this team? Hell, if you give me some truth serum, most likely I’d say, deep down, the process is doomed, the prospects will somehow fail, and I’ll die a frustrated old man with the Glass family STILL laughing all the way to the bank 30 or 40 years from now.
"We're gonna win with pitching and defense" General Manager Dayton Moore, circa winter 2009
"Where did all these Indians come from?" General George Armstrong Custer, circa summer 1876
because you live in KC and it's the easiest team to follow?
it takes MLB.tv to follow most any other team and it takes a lot of work.
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
OK, your suggestions on which current relievers could convert to the rotation?
Because I don’t think we can have a good rotation from our current crop of prospects. Number one farm system, and STILL not enough candidates, apparently. Throw in the fact that Glass likely won’t allow the signing of one or two above average starters, like they probably will need to do to contend, and there you go.
I don’t think Wood or Collins or Holland are good candidates. Crow would make sense – but they need more than one reliever converted.
"We're gonna win with pitching and defense" General Manager Dayton Moore, circa winter 2009
"Where did all these Indians come from?" General George Armstrong Custer, circa summer 1876
probably gonna need to look to more Jeff Francis-caliber FAs
at worst..
it just doesn’t seem like any of the relievers we have now would fit into a tolerable rotation
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!
I was actually thinking the other day
What if we just produced a crapload of relievers and totally re-engineered what a modern pitching staff looks like? Instead of having five “starters” who go 6-7 innings, you have a ton of guys that go 3-4 innings. You could piggy back them if you want, or mix and match depending on situations. I don’t know if 12 pitchers would be enough, but I think it might, especially if you forsake the traditional one inning closer guy.
You would have to get guys to give up the notion that pitcher wins mean anything. But it might be interesting to try.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on May 29, 2011 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I semi-facetiously suggested that in the game thread today.
"That's fine wood from... somewhere."
by KeepItCopacetic on May 30, 2011 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions
My wife talks about this all the time
She has only been aware baseball exists for like five years. Sometimes her takes can be refreshing (like when she wonders why there is even a closer role in the first place) and sometimes they can seem ludicrous. I’d honestly try something in the middle— two-three man rotation with a series of spot starters the other two-three days.
Because nobody in the past, present, or future will actually do this, I feel confident in saying it will definitely work.
by OnixConcepcion on May 30, 2011 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I left out
he has 3 above avg pitchers, and no significant platoon split for that reason.
This is so obvious, I’m surprised the Royals are missing it. Oh, wait – I’m not a damn bit surprised.
"We're gonna win with pitching and defense" General Manager Dayton Moore, circa winter 2009
"Where did all these Indians come from?" General George Armstrong Custer, circa summer 1876
Can I just say
That I feel really good about trading Soria for Cliff Lee 6 weeks ago in the RR Keeper league.
Edgar knows best.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Royals Review
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- College player makes impossible over the fence catch to save tournament game (Video)
- Security!: Camden Yards guard collides with Royals’ Mike Moustakas
- The Juice: Nelson Cruz matches career high eight RBIs, Pujols stays hot in Seattle
- Benches clear at Fenway as Red Sox-Rays rivalry heats up
- Keeping good company: Albert Pujols becomes fourth-youngest player to hit 450 home runs
