Everything is Great

by royalsreview on Apr 2, 2007 10:13 PM EDT in News Comment 39 comments

Everything is great tonight. The Royals are undefeated, they're averaging over over 41,000 fans per game at the K. Gil Meche is the next Chris Carpenter and Tony Pena Jr is making us all forget about Angel Berroa.

On a personal note, I finished a major project that I've been working on for months, dropping it off at the copy shop to be bound about 5 minutes before the game started. Perfect timing.

*Gil Meche: 7.1 IP, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts, 5 singles and a double allowed. A wonderful recovery after a pretty rough first inning that evoked memories of the Scott Elarton era. Despite the laborious pace, Meche was crisp and made a good Red Sox lineup look pretty pedestrian. Thanks to some baserunning errors by the Sawks, in the stretch from the 2nd through the 6th, only one batter over the minimum came to the plate. Meche only had a few games this good last season, the most recent a tough-luck 2-1 loss to the Devil Rays back in September. More than anything, I'm encouraged by the strikeouts.

*Joel Peralta: Is it "Joel" or "Jo-el"? I never seem to know. Peralta was a revelation, shutting down a Red Sox rally in the 8th with back to back strikeouts of Youk and Ortiz. K's of Manny and Wily Mo in the 9th were just gravy.

*Tony Pena Jr.: Can you say co-team leader in walks drawn? What about league leader in triples? With those two three-baggers, he's going to be near the top of the AL Leaderboard for the next month. When will he draw his second walk? That is the question.

*John Buck: I need to ask Loyal2 about this, but does not John Buck look completely different with the long hair? Seeing him at the plate, he actually looked athletic and like... well, I can't quite think of who he reminds me of, but I think it was a good decision. Especially since he managed a homer and a double.

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Ways this was different from a usual Royals opener

The Royals starter didn't tank in the middle innings.
The Royals bullpen didn't blow the lead they were given.
The Royals offense was patient throughout the game, took advantage of their opportunities and put runs on the board throughout the game.

I'm not saying the 2007 Royals are special or even necessarily very different from recent horrible Royals teams. It is too soon to say that. I'm just saying that they looked very good. And very different. Different is good.

by NYRoyal on Apr 2, 2007 10:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

reminds me of 2003

Runelvys dominated the White Sox. Pretty much bullied them around that outing. But today, the Royals played a complete game. Patient hitting, excellent pitching, and really good defense.

HEY, IT's THE BUM FROM THE DARK! GET A JOB YOU BUM!

by grimsleyfan on Apr 2, 2007 10:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good call on Buck

Dude looked much better at the plate. He could hit 20 homers if he just keeps his cool and stays patient at the plate. Patience was the best thing that I saw today. The only guy that was hacking at everything was Gload who exploded one off the first base bag (Yeah, that's a sarcastic remark for our friend Joel). I am reminded of 2003 as well. This team looks different. This ain't Allard Baird's Royals. 80 wins may be a reachable goal if Meche pitches like this, Greinke breaks out and Perez dazzles looking for a fat contract in the offseason. The offense will certainly be there. And Gordon didn't even contribute today. Imagine if he lives up to his billing. Dayton Moore couldn't stay off his Blackberry before the game, so I feel a trade coming. He was very into that thing. Jack Harry could barely get through an interview with him because of it. Hopefully, It's someone to take De La Rosa's spot, but that's just wishful thinking. Watch out American League. These guys have come to play!

"Every newspaper in the country has picked us to finish last. I say we hang around and give 'em a big shitburger to eat"

by royaldaddy on Apr 3, 2007 12:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Really good defense....

That is what I saw today. It is a far cry from what we put on the field last season. The only other thing was the way that the bottom three of our order produce today. If Buck and Pena keep getting on DeJ, Grudz, and Teahen are all going to putting up great numbers. Meche and Peralta did a great job too.

by grudz69 on Apr 3, 2007 12:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

especially since

gordo and shealy went o fer

by LeoBloom on Apr 3, 2007 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

buck almost looks like

a skinny Gary Gaetti or something

by LeoBloom on Apr 3, 2007 12:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

project

hey... what major project did you turn in? I'm flailing around trying to earn my Phd and am just wondering if you are having better luck than I am.

by potsy on Apr 3, 2007 1:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

all the written work for my comps exam

good times

by royalsreview on Apr 3, 2007 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pat on the back

Hey Will, Big congrats on this!

I will hopefully go ABD in August. I got through the MA phase back in September. Rough day, but the feeling of euphoria that came over me a few hours after the handshake, ...priceless. Let us know the outcome. We'll toast in the open thread when you get the good news.

So, what will you write on or is this a terminal degree?

Rock Chalk Talk for pretty good KU College Baseball Coverage

by James Quinn on Apr 3, 2007 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh but the D part of that equation looms large

those are great accomplishments, congrats!

by chukar on Apr 3, 2007 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

the research and writing will be brutal challenging stuff, but I know I am up to it and that I have a great topic. It will be two or three years of hard work, but I will love it most of the time. Somehow I feel if I were to trip along the way it will not be in this final phase.

Rock Chalk Talk for pretty good KU College Baseball Coverage

by James Quinn on Apr 3, 2007 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks

i've got the oral exam in 19 days
then i can relax

by royalsreview on Apr 4, 2007 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

buck does

look different. Me like. ::eyebrow waggle::

...ahem. Anyways. Who's excited for Thursday? I'm skipping class and going up with my friends Daniel and Will to watch some good baseball. I'm going for Greinke...Will's going for Dice-K because he's on his fantasy team (and if Greinke plays well, Will will pick him up...or...whatever happens in fantasy baseball)...and Daniel's going because he loves baseball :)

I'll be the nut sitting out in the Outfield on the 1st base side...where I always sit. The only difference this year is that I have yummy eye candy to oogle instead of Emil Brown or Reggie Sanders. w00t, Mark Teahen!!!

by loyal2theroyals on Apr 3, 2007 1:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Gordon

Gordo looked a bit intimidated against Schilling. I'll chalk that up to opening day jitters for the rookie and look for him to break out tomorrow. Upside was he didn't just stand there and take three pitches, even though he was obviously a bit nervous he battled.

by EricConley on Apr 3, 2007 7:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

More upside than that

He really did battle on that first strikeout in maybe the most intense first at bat in Royals history---Opening Day, bases loaded, down by one, against a future Hall of Famer. What I really liked, though, was that he learned from his first at bat and didn't chase the splitter for the third strike in the second at bat. Even though it was a strike, it showed he wasn't going to make the same mistake twice.

by CentralChamps2009 on Apr 3, 2007 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gordon

Here is the pitch sequence for the 2 AB's in which he struck out:

1st AB - Strike (looking), Strike (foul), Foul, Ball, Foul, Foul, Strike (swinging), struck out swinging
2nd AB - Ball, Strike (swinging), Ball, Strike (foul), Foul, Foul, Strike (looking), struck out looking

So he fouled off 7 pitches (more than Berroa fouled off all of last year) which tells me he is not lost at the plate. Facing Schilling, even on an off day, is still pretty damn tough.

by Berroa is the devil on Apr 3, 2007 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gordon is not Berroa

Hey don't get me wrong, Gordo looking bad vs. Berroa looking bad is like a slow Olympic mile being compared to me running a slow mile. Gordon looked like he was squeezing the bat a little tight and was just generally nervous, understandably so. Hopefully he shakes it off today and comes in loose and ready to play tomorrow.

by EricConley on Apr 3, 2007 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gordon

Gordon in the minors had great walk totals, but also large strikeout totals. We have to get used to him striking out a bunch, but when he makes contact, it should be exciting!

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Apr 3, 2007 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great point...

And I'll also say that there's a significant chance that if fans don't know what to look for, they might be disappointed in Gordon's rookie year. For all the comparisons to #5, they're very different players. Gordon will probably strike out at least 125 times this year; Brett didn't strike out more than 50 times until he was 37 years old. He may not bat over .270; when Brett was Gordon's age he led the AL at .333. But he'll probably walk 60-80 times, and will slug .500. I hope fans don't focus on the BA and K's and rather take a look at the entire package.

by Billex Gordler on Apr 3, 2007 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately...

...all most fans will look at is his batting average, HR and RBI. Most fans and most in the sports media look at those stats and nothing else. My focus is mostly on his OBP and SLG. I don't care if he strikes out a lot if he gets on base at a good clip. And I think he will.

Also, this is his rookie season. He doesn't need to be an MVP this year. I'm hoping for a good year. He doesn't need to be great yet. I'm confident that will come. And his first half of the season will probably be worse than his second half. Afterall, he is just now facing major league pitching on a daily basis for the first time.

by NYRoyal on Apr 3, 2007 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

That was a much better opening day than last year when the R's managed 4 hits and 5 total bases in a 3-1 loss to Detroit. They then followed that beauty by getting pummeled 14-3 in the next game. Let's see if Odie can keep the train rolling.

As for Gordon, he'll be all right. On the news last night, they showed an interview with him in the locker room. He talked about his bad day, but then said "it's ok because we got the win" as he winked at the reporter. I hope it was a female. Regardless, that's pretty sweet.

Anyone know where you can find a "pitch by pitch" game log?

by Berroa is the devil on Apr 3, 2007 10:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Our national holiday - Opening Day

I had to work until 8PM last night so could only watch the game in replay on MLB.com. All day long I was terrified someone would slip up and tell me the score. All ended well.

Meche looked great. Even in the first inning, he was throwing some great pitches. Pena, what the hell? Two triples! Buck goes yard. Grudz bulldogs out three hits. Jo-el comes in with attitude and sits down the mighty Sawks! Packed house. Great game. Heaven on Earth.

I walked around proud all day in my Royals Review T-shirt. It's a bit smelly now but I'm wearing it again today. If someone says "Hey, you wore that yesterday!" I'll go face to face and scream "Hell yeah I did!"

My other favorite team also had a great opening day. The Reds smacked around the Cubs and Harang pitched as well as Meche. Two taters for big Dunner.

It is so nice to have baseball back. I am so full of optimism. I stayed up last night until 1AM watching the games I missed during the day. MLB.com pretty well rocks with the new 700 speed download. It looks about 75% as good as a live TV game. ESPN was doing some terrific wide angle shots of the K. We have a beautiful stadium.

Blabber blabber blabber, joy joy joy. Life is good. This entirely natural high will last for at least two more days.

Rock Chalk Talk for pretty good KU College Baseball Coverage

by James Quinn on Apr 3, 2007 10:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Don't forget

The White Sox were thumped by the Indians. I hate the SOX!

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Apr 3, 2007 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Opening Day

was awesome full of the promise that the beginning of the season should have. Good Developments:
1.) Wathcing John Buck hit to his potential - hopefully he can keep it up all year.
2.) Tony Pena Jr. - Slick defense/solid bat. How long has it been since we've had that at SS?
3.) Gil Meche - If he pitches like this all year, we got a bargain at $55 million.

It's way too soon to tell how this will pan out all season. The only way opening day could have been better is if I could be at the ballpark instead of at work.

lordbyronk

by lordbyronk on Apr 3, 2007 11:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ditto.

Everything that's been said so far.

A few other observations (some pointless, some substantive)

It's hard to make large-scale observations based upon one game, but if there is one thing I know already....it's a sure thing that TP Jr. is a better DEFENSIVE option than Berroa at SS. Berroa's (lack of) range at the end of 2006 was incomprehensibly horrendous. Pena had a few athletic plays today, and while I think his two triples were flukish, his glove alone is probably worth a few more wins than we would have with Berroa in the field.

Meche definitely has the "stuff" to be a dominant front end starter. His curveball was filthy. I'm still guardedly pessimistic, but I'm anxious to see his next start. Initial returns looked impressive.

Teahen looked at home in the outfield. Most people probably didn't notice it but he took a great angle cutting off the first inning single by Youkilis, maybe preventing a double, and you can tell that he's athletic enough to hold down a corner OF spot.

Alex Gordon will have his growing pains. That being said his first at bat against Schilling was an impressive battle.

John Buck looks infinitely more bad-ass than he did in the past, rocking the quasi-mullet or whatever that is. He also looks like he's in better shape, but maybe it's just the mullet doing the talking for him. He kind of looks like one of the tough-guy goons from the 80's movie Road House with Patrick Swayze.

Yesterday was the only time in my New York memory where I was able to sit down in a bar in Greenwich Village and not get into it with loud-mouth Yankees fans. For 3 hours from 410-7 p.m. yesterday, we were at peace...collectively sharing our dispositive emotions towards the Red Sox with expletives and beer. That peace abruptly ended when some loud-mouth greaser started yelling "A-Rod for MVP!" during SportsCenter highlights. All things considered, what a great day. I love Opening Day.

by nycroyal on Apr 3, 2007 1:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

agreed

meche's stuff looked awesome yesterday

FIRE BELL

by FireBell on Apr 3, 2007 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A small thought on Pena Jr.

While I think you are right to say that his triples were flukish, I did see something which might not have been flukish. His approach seemed to be one of patience. I'm not saying he's going to draw 100 walks or anything, but I saw him lay off a lot of pitches, including some pretty tempting ones. And then waited until he got his pitch and pounced on it. I like that. Good defense and patience at the plate looks very good and is damned refreshing for a Royals SS.

by NYRoyal on Apr 3, 2007 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amen my NY friend.

by nycroyal on Apr 3, 2007 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope you're right

but his history reeks of inpatience at the plate. We've all seen the numbers. Doubt he can just throw the switch like that, but we'll see.

I thought he looked to at least have good baserunning speed, if not a base stealer. Range at SS is so refreshing to see.

by chukar on Apr 3, 2007 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's true

One game is one game. And I am familiar with his track record, which has been pretty awful. I hope he's turned a corner and changed his approach. Hopefully that is why he had such a good ST with the bat.

by NYRoyal on Apr 3, 2007 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brandon Inge

for Detroit was like that. He was batting in the low .200 his first couple of years, and then became a replacement level or slightly above player ever since. I agree it's just one game, but we can certainly hope for such a transformation.

lordbyronk

by lordbyronk on Apr 4, 2007 7:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amen to all of the above comments....

I hope Wednesday night more of you will join us at RR. I think we had 37 posters and 469 comments. That was a great opening day for our little online pub. Let's keep it up and grow this site.

Hey, if you haven't order a RR tshirt ...what the hell are you waiting for... Christmas? Help out the boss and buy a tshirt.

I had mine on yesterday and it is now washed and ready for Wednesday night. Go Odie.... Go Blue.....Only 161 more wins to go.... Don't you just love it!!!!!!!

by grudz69 on Apr 3, 2007 1:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No need to wash the beloved shirt

You should wear it every game day until the Royals lose. No sense risking washing the good luck out of it. I wore mine today for the second day in a row.

Rock Chalk Talk for pretty good KU College Baseball Coverage

by James Quinn on Apr 3, 2007 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Question for FIRE BELL:

If the Royals are still in the hunt by the All-Star break, are you going to change your handle? Inquiring minds want to know (especially those who also wanted Bell fired...)

by BrothaTeacha on Apr 3, 2007 6:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

over .500

and i'll change it

FIRE BELL

by FireBell on Apr 3, 2007 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still think he's a better bench coach

and I'd like to see Frank White manage the team, but I still like Buddy. I've defended him before and probably will again. The dude cares enough to get tossed from a game. That's better than our previous manager, Caterpillar lip.

"Every newspaper in the country has picked us to finish last. I say we hang around and give 'em a big shitburger to eat"

by royaldaddy on Apr 3, 2007 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know about Buddy Bell...

I don't think he is awful, but I am still skeptical about him. His benching of Huber in favor of Mientkewicz last year was entirely idiotic. When Butler comes up, is going to play everyday? I don't know for sure. He might feel like Gload and the remaining Brown or Sanders might deserve it more because of their seniority.

by NYRoyal on Apr 3, 2007 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heard on the radio that BP had Buddy rated +1

as a game manager last year, meaning he actually added marginal value, whatever that means.

by chukar on Apr 3, 2007 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i like bell

i think that he is a decent manager, certainly good enough to keep for this year. a case could be made for frank white to be named the manager once we are really ready to compete in 09 (and maybe even next season) but for now we have much bigger fish to fry before were worry about buddy bell.

RockChalkTalk! That just happened...

by rockchalk on Apr 4, 2007 12:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs