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Game 58 Open Thread- Royals (21-36) at Devil Rays (23-31)

Royalsreview_tiny by royalsreview on in News Comment 245 comments

After being shut down by an inspired J.P. Howell, America's Sweethearts look to rebound this afternoon in a getaway day matchup against Tampa. With a victory, the Royals would move to 22-36, a full two games ahead of Texas for the non-worst record in the American League.

Shouldering that immense burthen is Gil Meche (3-4, 3.00 ERA), fresh off a life-affirming 7.1 IP, 1 ER, performance against the Orioles last week. After starting strong, Meche's BB to K ratio has been faltering, and he's now at 23 walks and 57 Ks, after owning a 16 to 47 ratio just three starts ago.

The Rays counter with James Shields (4-0, 3.13 ERA), a delightful young man making his 33rd career start. Shields will earn $349,000 this season, proving he's no mound-match for our Gil.

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lineup:
 
D. DeJesus cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .257  
E. German 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .273  
M. Teahen rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .277  
M. Sweeney dh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .242  
A. Gordon 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .176  
E. Brown lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .226  
J. Buck c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .281  
R. Shealy 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .223  
T. Pena Jr. ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .266

by royalsreview on Jun 4, 2007 2:40 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Fifth
Why oh why oh why does Gordon still bat fifth!  Is a HBP that important?

by David Howards Legacy on Jun 4, 2007 2:45 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

In other news
The Cardinals bought Kelly Stinnett from Oakland and will call him up. I guess that hot hittin' Larue will be a Royal for at least another time to catch Elarton. Sweet.

by Berroa is the devil on Jun 4, 2007 2:47 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i saw that... tough luck
i wonder how much cash it took?
I have Morgellons.

by DyeFan187 on Jun 4, 2007 2:52 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rotoworld.com
Was saying they may not be done adding catchers. Stinnett sucks.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Jun 4, 2007 2:55 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

who do you hate seeing at the plate more?
Shealy
Pena
or Gordon?
I have Morgellons.

by DyeFan187 on Jun 4, 2007 2:53 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Shealy without question
Even better question: Watching Shealy at bat or cutting off your toes with dull, rusty scissors. That's a tough one.

by royaldaddy on Jun 4, 2007 2:57 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Akinori Iwamura out for a few days
He injured his eye in yesterday's game after being subjected to having to watch a Royals-Devil Rays series.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Jun 4, 2007 2:57 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just one of his eyes?
His real injury was pretty damn funny.

by Berroa is the devil on Jun 4, 2007 3:05 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

dont look now
but we have a good chance of taking this series... its all setup for us with Meche pitching

by royalsreview on Jun 4, 2007 3:05 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Has Bell commented on why
He never bats Buck higher in the order?  

Sandwiching him between Gordon/Brown and Pena/Shealy just seems like the best way to isolate his hits and squander run-scoring opportunities.  

With a guy with his OPS, he should have at least 10 more rbis and runs scored.

by marbotty on Jun 4, 2007 3:13 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Exactly, that is
why Bell keeps him lower in the order.  Bell figures that if Buck had more runs and ribbies, it would show off how retarded it is to have LaRue getting 40% of the playing time.
2007 Royals -- the song remains the same

by tfn on Jun 4, 2007 3:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Damn
Shields is so good.

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 3:15 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He really is.
I never really even recall hearing anything about him prior to this year -- looks like he had a decent half season last year, but who would have guessed he'd be this good?

Good to see Meche is having a fine start.  ERA back under 3.00!  

by marbotty on Jun 4, 2007 3:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Anybody see
Macdougal got sent down? So did Aardsma. The GM is just trying to cover his ass because the whole team sucks.

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 3:27 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And they brought up Ryan Bukvich.
That is an act of pure, unmitigated despair.
2007 Royals -- the song remains the same

by tfn on Jun 4, 2007 3:29 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ah dammit
anyone but pena, he sucks.

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 3:31 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Damn
nice play by Harris

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 3:36 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Crap... Pena golfs one out of the park...
Okay, guys we need some runs.  

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 3:38 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That'll teach Navarro!!!
Damn him for even stepping into the box vs Meche. Meche eats Navarro Puffs for breakfast.
-- A Pilgrim in an Unholy Land. (Seattle)

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Jun 4, 2007 3:46 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yep -- that top of the order is veerrry
dangerous.  

Good thing they've got Norton batting cleanup, though.  I guess Bell's not the only guy who doesn't know how to construct a lineup.

by marbotty on Jun 4, 2007 3:52 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hope not
I'd like to at least stay in this game and have a shot to win in the end or something.

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 3:52 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2-0
sac fly isnt a bad result there

era update: 3.02

by royalsreview on Jun 4, 2007 3:54 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'll settle for a sac fly
Upton's a tough bat, but maybe we can coax a double play here.

by marbotty on Jun 4, 2007 3:57 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Young players make mistakes...
....Upton steps in front of Buck.

....Gordon swings at everything.

....Greinke thinks he should pitch every 2 or 3 days like Cy Young.

-- A Pilgrim in an Unholy Land. (Seattle)

by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Jun 4, 2007 3:59 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

like huey lewis and paltrow
shields is crusin'
I have Morgellons.

by DyeFan187 on Jun 4, 2007 4:00 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

two easy outs.... crap...
Okay T.... you are the man...

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 4:01 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yaaa! we won't be no-hit
it seems like that becomes an issue at least once a week

by royalsreview on Jun 4, 2007 4:03 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Breathing easy...
Another no-hitter foiled by the Boys in Blue. Franchise total remains at ONE! (Nolan Ryan's first - early 1973)

Gotta take your blessings where you can find them. This franchise doesn't need any no-hitter dirt kicked on its grave this season.

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 4:04 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

dayum
these guys are making plays behind shields/

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 4:05 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And, we strand another man....
I wonder how many runners we have stranded this season?

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 4:05 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Game Day has to be wrong
I don't see anyway that 2nd run should have been earned. Did I miss something?

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 4:06 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not sure
but if it deserves to be unearned, it will get changed eventually.

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 4:09 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well
just checked it, but its an earned run because the batter reached by getting HBP. The only way an "earned" runner can score an "unearned" run is if he scores due to an error on what should be the third out.

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 4:12 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We have 24 games until midseason...
Will we be above the 50 loss total?

Good catch Dej...

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 4:09 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Silly question
Desperate for encouraging news, I have to ask, since I am stuck "watching" on Gameday:

Gordon's ball appears to have been hit to warning track. What did the radio guys have to say - was it a good swing, etc? Should I be encouraged?

(Note - if Bob Davis is doing the radio, forget it - no objectivity possible for that guy. He's a terrible homer)

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 4:13 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ouch
looks like Pena owns Mechey. Im goin to take a shower.

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 4:16 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Earned run?
I thought this was sorta done by doing the "what would have happened without the error thing"?

If so, the HBP would have stayed at 1B on DeJesus error, would have stayed at 2nd on the "sac fly", and would have ended the inning at 1B; therefore, it should be unearned?

DeJesus did drop a flyball or something, didn't he?

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 4:18 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Back to back doubles...crap....
Bear down Meche.... get us out of this inning...

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 4:19 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Finally.... crap...
this is it...the big five... we have to do it here.

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 4:20 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hate this team
Meche really hasn't been all that bad, mostly just one batter in the lineup hurting him, and yet I have the distinct feeling we are done today. Doubt we can score the minimum 4 runs needed to win this game - especially if we don't start working the count and getting to their bullpen before the 8th or 9th. TB's weakness is the bullpen (with the exception of the closer Reyes), but we are going down so easily they may get to skip the "bridge"

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 4:22 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Way to go Buskster.... and he is batting 8th...
Buddo, he is your only hot bat move him up....

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 4:25 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

3-1... vaguely in the game
cloudly here in cleveland, i better walk home before it gets worse

by royalsreview on Jun 4, 2007 4:29 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

shields
has a good shot at a CG today. A good barometer for one is generally at or below 72 pitches through 6 innings pitched. Usually a pitcher has a pretty good shot if he doesn't run into trouble in the 7th. So yea, its not lookin too good.

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 4:30 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Meanwhile, Gordon's brief period
of showing that he is "coming around" can be declared officially dead.  Two hits in his last 29 at-bats going back to May 24th.
2007 Royals -- the song remains the same

by tfn on Jun 4, 2007 4:31 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hell of a catch by T.....
He is starting to be a decent outfielder.

Harris a former Cub prospect... I think he got up in the top 10 in the org.  

Another good catch by T.

Okay, close this out Meche....

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 4:32 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Between innings quiz
Here is a list of pitchers:

Hideki Okajima
A J Burnett
Fernando Rodney
Mark Buehrle
Justin Duchscherer
Joe Kennedy
Cliff Lee
James Shields

What do these guys have in common?

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 4:33 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Our defense is working today...
now how about some bats....

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 4:34 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Quiz answer
This is the list of pitchers who have surrendered Buck's 9 homers this year (Buehrle was dinged twice).

That list is more than a league avg representation of pitchers, IMHO - it looks pretty good, doesn't it?

I'd be willing to start hitting Buck 4th or 5th and see what happens. I love Sweeney, but move him down to 6th or 7th; we have had a large vacuum in those spots all year - what do we have to lose?

(Should have made this a diary - but Buck's HR today off a guy the rest of the team has no clue against sorta set me off...)

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 4:37 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow.
That's an impressive list, and interesting quiz question.

by marbotty on Jun 4, 2007 4:39 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It still begs the question
If Bell can't figure out that Buck should be getting  85% of the playing time, how would he figure out that Buck should be hitting cleanup?
2007 Royals -- the song remains the same

by tfn on Jun 4, 2007 4:43 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Crap nothing works for us... crap..
But, Eddie ...he didn't know...

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 4:37 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Buck batting 8th is one of soooo many
reasons why Buddo has to go....

FIRE THE CLOWN AND HIRE A VET...

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 4:41 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Great AB by German
too bad he's not good enough to play every day.

(Wiping dripping sarcasm slime off computer screen)

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 4:42 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just jumped into the game
and I am amazed at the lack of output by the Royals.  Shields is a nice young pitcher but YIKES.  Why is Gordon batting 5th and Buck 8th?  Just heard that Gordon is 0-16.  

It is difficult to listen to and follow this team.  Switching the lineup might be one of the problems - no consistency.  Feel badly for Meche and the rest of the pitchers.

by daveyork on Jun 4, 2007 4:52 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

During Inning Quiz
What does this list represent?

J. Shields
J.P. Howell
J.P. Howell
J.P. Howell
Chad Orvella
Shawn Camp
S. Kazmir
S. Kazmir

by marbotty on Jun 4, 2007 4:44 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ryan Shealy's most recent strikeouts
2007 Royals -- the song remains the same

by tfn on Jun 4, 2007 4:48 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ding ding ding
Sadly, they've all occured in this series...

by marbotty on Jun 4, 2007 4:49 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Quz guess
shitty TB pitchers who have retired Gordon this season?

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 4:49 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

while technically correct
not the answer we were looking for.

I also would have accepted: "Five guys that have never been in my kitchen."

by marbotty on Jun 4, 2007 4:51 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kazmir and Shields are not
$hitty pitchers.
2007 Royals -- the song remains the same

by tfn on Jun 4, 2007 4:54 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

was that Mr. Sweeney
taking the lords name in vain there?

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 4:50 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

TB channeling their inner-Royal batter
Meche starts inning around 90 pitches, so TB makes two outs on only three pitches, then the third out on only four more!

I think one could merge these two ballclubs together and STILL not have a .500 team when completed.

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 4:50 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lack of taking pitches
is a huge problem with Royals.  Swinging at first pitch so they don't strike out I guess.

by daveyork on Jun 4, 2007 4:53 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Either Brown gets on so Buck can tie it
or we are headed for a 2-5 road trip.

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 4:53 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Let's give Gil the rest of the day off.
We are not coming back to win this one, and he really doesn't need to throw 110+ pitches every outing.  Plus, this would go down as a quality start and why risk that by bringing him out for the 7th?
2007 Royals -- the song remains the same

by tfn on Jun 4, 2007 4:56 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They are just not good
Good teams either work the count very well because they are not afraid to hit with two strikes (Yankees, Red Sox), or they attack early because they are good at that (Detroit, any young team with talent).

Unfortunately, our Royals are not good at either, and the entire organization has lacked a consistent hitting approach (starting in Rookie ball on up), so much so that nobody can even describe what the hell our philosphy is even SUPPOSSED to be!

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 4:57 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Homer call of the week
by Brian McRae who is doing the analysis on the radio.  They were speaking of Royals offensive struggles and BMac says, "Kazmir, Howell and Shields - those are three pretty good pitchers."  Say what?

by daveyork on Jun 4, 2007 4:57 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would let that go, if he had said
Two good arms, both of whom have had some success, but are still looking to establish themselves, and a third arm who can only be graded as incomplete at this time...

That would take too much analysis and insight by Brian.

An alternative would be to take a rip at the Royals hitters, including the batting coach. If McRae doesn't think that's appropriate, in all fairness it should at least be raised as a possible discussion point.

Of course, this would be in a fair world where the announcers are hired by the radio station, not by the team...

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 5:01 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Have you seen anyone lately who has
adapted to the OF better than Teahen.  He only started playing there this spring and looks really good.  Nice play at the fence, great throw.  I am impressed with him as a baseball player.  Even more amazing to see some of the other types who have been playing OF for years and are still awful.

by daveyork on Jun 4, 2007 5:06 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he is a great athelete
great physical tools and all that jive.

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 5:07 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Add tfn
to the list of posters who know as much as Bell.

Couldn't have said it better - I want Meche around for years 2-5 if he's gonna pitch like this - so occasionally its OK if he goes "only" 97 pitches...

Besides, our bullpen has been doing a pretty damn good job for about a month now...

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 5:04 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

actually, in Bell's defense
That's about the one positive thing he seems to do with his pitchers -- keep them on relatively restrictive pitch counts.  Although, lately...

by marbotty on Jun 4, 2007 5:07 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How many assists does Teahan have to rack up
This season to be a gold glove candidate? Or maybe those don't count towards that. But man, has he been throwing people out.
winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jun 4, 2007 5:08 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well
He is gonna have to beat out Vernon Wells, Ichiro, and Torii Hunter. With a guy like Jeter winning three GG's its a big time popularity contest.

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 5:10 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sad part is
to be good, we need to have at least 6 of the position players emerge as equivalent players to Teahen. So far, we seem to have three: Teahen, Buck, and DeJesus. In addition, the other 3 spots need to be at least league avg.

Kinda depressing, when you think about it...

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 5:12 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I guess I wasn't kidding about Brown needing
to get on base.

God Bless You, John Buck

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 5:13 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Buck is our all star
Easily. 10 HR's from the catcher position, .290 average? He better be at teh ASG.
winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jun 4, 2007 5:13 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BTW, Costa PH for Shealy?
Is shealy hurt again? What da heck.
winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jun 4, 2007 5:14 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

who knows...
its not like Shealy is much at this point

by royalsreview on Jun 4, 2007 5:16 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How far has Shealy's stock sunk?
Well, he's a 1B batting 8th, it's a one run game in the 8th, he's supposed to have moderate power anyway, and a punch a judy hitting rookie is on deck - yet your manager pinch hits for you with a guy hitting .195

That's a stock you might as well use to wallpaper the bathroom...

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 5:16 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wallpaper
or a different kind of paper in the bathroom.

Shealy is not this bad.  Neither is Alex Gordon.  But it sure gets tiresome waiting for them to get back on track.

2007 Royals -- the song remains the same

by tfn on Jun 4, 2007 5:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rally time on Fossum
Pena a singles machine

by chukar on Jun 4, 2007 5:17 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We need
two more baserunners to reach, either this inning or next, to ensure Buck another AB.

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 5:18 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Buck as all star
He trails only Posada in production, Pudge is way down this year, but Mauer will get the nod based on last year and rep

by chukar on Jun 4, 2007 5:19 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

....what???
Buck is a homerun monster. Oh my GOD why can't we play him every day? Does he have to play amazingly every freaking DAY to prove himself to Buddy Bell?
I got bored...sue me

by loyal2theroyals on Jun 4, 2007 5:19 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bell Would
Hit Buck 10th if he could.
Being a fan is irrational, but what is the alternative?

by philofthenorth on Jun 4, 2007 5:21 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

With the juggling of the lineup
that Bell likes so much, you would think that Buck could find his way into the 4-5-6 slots one of these days.  Makes more sense than the .175 Alex Gordon.  But BB is probably think about that all valuable L-R-L combination so that he can get into a strategic duel with the other manager.

You may fill in the sarcastic joke about unarmed dueling here  ____________.

by daveyork on Jun 4, 2007 5:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yay, Shawn Camp time.
Royals BP rejects litter the major leagues!
winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jun 4, 2007 5:21 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The only team with a worse coach than the Royals
The DevilRays. I swear their bullpen sucks and so does their management of it.
Good news for the Royals. Bad news for those of us that haev Shields on our fantasy team.

by balto on Jun 4, 2007 5:23 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Seems to me that taking Shields out
at that point was the kind of bad-manager move that few besides our Buddy are routinely capable of.
2007 Royals -- the song remains the same

by tfn on Jun 4, 2007 5:23 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WTF
who is calling this game?  LeFebvre? McRae? White?  Fred White is brutal, apologies to those with fond memories of him, but dang.  I hope he wasn't this bad when it was him and Denny.  McRae is terrible as well.

I know we need to trade LaRue, but can't Buck DH on days he isn't catching?  WTH?  seriously...

by sfeldkamp on Jun 4, 2007 5:25 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It would give Sweeney a chance to be that
all important catcher like he was talking about in the KC Star.  Over/under on Sweeney catching without getting hurt is 7.  I'm taking the under.

by daveyork on Jun 4, 2007 5:29 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

gary glover...
didnt he do Rock & Roll Part II and get busted for child porn?

by royalsreview on Jun 4, 2007 5:27 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No come back today guys
Just more of our inability to get clutch hits.
winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jun 4, 2007 5:29 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yep, SOS, and Meche is cursed by these guys
so I guess David cost him a run today?

by chukar on Jun 4, 2007 5:31 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

loyal2 and I
just had a phone conversation a little while ago - and we discussed the same topic - why not DH Buck on the days you insist on catching Larue, Buddy?

Sweeney could play 1B to keep his bat in the lineup on those games, and bench Shealy.

Seems too simple.

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 5:31 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

sween
that might actually add trade value if we could prove sweeney remembers first.  which is also why it won't happen.  

Maybe the better answer is to let sweeney catch over LaRue?  HA!

by David Howards Legacy on Jun 4, 2007 5:34 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

can dhs...
enter the game as position players ? i think the rule is complicated in that regard... might have some effect on using a catcher that way

by royalsreview on Jun 4, 2007 5:36 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

dhs
yes, a DH can enter a game to play defense, when he does so, that team loses the DH position and the pitcher must bat for the rest of the game.

by David Howards Legacy on Jun 4, 2007 5:43 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Prediction
the Rays put a couple more on the scoreboard this inning just to ice the cake.
2007 Royals -- the song remains the same

by tfn on Jun 4, 2007 5:32 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why was he screaming?
He pitched pretty well today.
winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jun 4, 2007 5:35 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Upton made good contact
looked like a homer off the bat.

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 5:37 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He played some first while Butler was up,
and our National Security was not compromised or undermined or anything...

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 5:36 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

come on now kid.
lets not scuff up our ERA's for any dumb reason.

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 5:40 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not insanity as long as the TB manager is
a bigger moron than Bell.
He's letting Pena hit and the dude is like .140 against lefties.

by balto on Jun 4, 2007 5:42 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Talk about BAD management
If you're the TB manager you GOTTA pull Pena in this situation. He's horrific against lefties and you have an insurance run on 3rd with 2 outs.
Man, the TB manager is the only guy I've seen that is worse than Bell.

by balto on Jun 4, 2007 5:41 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nevermind, apparently even the numbers game
works against the Royals.

Let's see a very solid Lefty against a poor hitting lefty against lefties. Oh sure they score.

by balto on Jun 4, 2007 5:44 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

what did shealy do?
according to my gamecast Pena "doubled on a pop up"

by royalsreview on Jun 4, 2007 5:44 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah
gordon is at first now. Thats an extremely tough play due to the roof, but Grudz probably should have taken the lead on that.

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 5:46 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ah, the pop up double
Can't catch a break
winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jun 4, 2007 5:43 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

GRUDZ
blew that play. HE HAS TO BE THE ONE THAT MAKES THAT PLAY.

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 5:43 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That play didn't have to be played
Why do you pitch around Norton?  The guy's terrible.

Worse, why do you pitch around Norton to get to the guy who already had 2 extra base hits and a walk?

by marbotty on Jun 4, 2007 5:46 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Braun?
John McEnroe called. He said:

YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!

Let's see - Duckworth hasn't pitched in a while, Dotel has gone  one inning three days ago, Riske pitched 1.2 innings two days ago...

Does Bell even understand the concept of leveraging your bullpen appearances?

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 5:46 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

bell f'ed up this inning
he treated a game in which he was down a run like he was down 5

by royalsreview on Jun 4, 2007 5:47 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

re; Bell and lineups
saw this question today on BP:

Han (DC): Along the lines of crazy strategy questions from DC... When was the last time a team tried placing two pitchers on the field at the same time (one in RF, I guess) and swapped them back and forth for lefty/righty matchups?

Joe Sheehan: Herzog and Johnson both did it in the mid-1980s, and you can probably dig up the occasions over at Retrosheet. (God bless Retrosheet!)

It's a high-risk tactic, and we have a pool of managers right now that is as risk-averse as any group of 30 people in the world. It's a weakness in the game right now.

by royalsreview on Jun 4, 2007 5:47 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You could do that with Greinke -- kid has a pretty
decent glove.  

I didn't even know such changes were legal

by marbotty on Jun 4, 2007 5:48 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

these are the kinds of things SOMEONE
should be trying

the game is so stagnant now strategically

by royalsreview on Jun 4, 2007 5:50 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Royals, perhaps more than any other team, are
in a position to get creative.  

If we're gonna lose, let's not lose as cowards.  Let's lose with a little ingenuity.

by marbotty on Jun 4, 2007 5:51 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Braun's in
Bell's waving the White Flag

by marbotty on Jun 4, 2007 5:47 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They should just call those automatic outs in that
freaking house of horrors, of course now well probably get 1 run

by chukar on Jun 4, 2007 5:47 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If they're going to keep Gordon up here
rather than send him AAA, why not hit him 8th or 9th to take a bit of the pressure off?

by devil_fingers on Jun 4, 2007 5:48 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Where Would
Buck bat?
Being a fan is irrational, but what is the alternative?

by philofthenorth on Jun 4, 2007 6:06 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I apologize
bringing in Braun was pure genius.

We're in great shape!

If Buck bats, it will HAVE to be with him representing at LEAST the tying run or better!

Go Royals, you're the best!

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 5:48 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow, that switching pitchers thing
Is crazy. I never even thought about that.
winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jun 4, 2007 5:48 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Okay, explain to me why you let
Costa pinch hit and then bring in Grudz?  Why not just that Grudz pinch hit?

Costa needs to hit the trail to nowhere.

And then Gobble.... he must miss his kid or something.  His brain wasn't there today.

I just don't understand Moore... the Clown should be gone by now.

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 5:49 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree with RR
one run down in the bottom of the 8th - use your closer, damn it! He hadn't pitched since Friday, etc. etc.

I don't remember where I read it, but somebody once concluded that it made more sense to use a good closer in a game you were behind one run than to just use him for the save with a 3 run lead in the 9th, like all the automatons in baseball do now...

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 5:51 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

we're bring in berroa
so he can get doubled off first and/or get caught stealing ;)

by royalsreview on Jun 4, 2007 5:51 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

my thoughts exactly
$100 bucks says he gets caught leaning

by marbotty on Jun 4, 2007 5:52 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There's another textbook stupid move
substitute a pinchr-runner for good hitter late in the game, that way, if you tie it up, Berroa's sure to come in. This is also a Francona and Torre speciality (pinch-running for Ortiz and Giambi late)

by devil_fingers on Jun 4, 2007 5:51 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

berroa isnt even the tying run
he's mostly irrelevant, save maybe some fear of being forced out

just pointless as all hell

I have Morgellons.

by DyeFan187 on Jun 4, 2007 5:54 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We need Brown to K here-
can't risk the DP taking the bat out of Buck's hands...

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 5:53 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If it weren't for Buck this would have been
a shut out.   God, our offense sucks....

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 5:53 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

blah
sometimes this team makes me so sad.
I got bored...sue me

by loyal2theroyals on Jun 4, 2007 5:54 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

pinch runner makes sense
if you were down one run.

Newsflash, Buddy: We're down TWO.

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 5:55 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

exactly!
i just wrote that

this team is killing me

I have Morgellons.

by DyeFan187 on Jun 4, 2007 5:55 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ARGHHH!!!!!!!! Why is Berroa still
here.  Aviles, Cortez...or the batgirl at Omaha can out hit him.  Buddo love is strong.

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 5:55 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

a $5 million a year
pinch runner
I have Morgellons.

by DyeFan187 on Jun 4, 2007 5:56 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Prediction:
Buck doesn't get a hit here. Buddy lessens his playing time because he isn't clutch.

by devil_fingers on Jun 4, 2007 5:57 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Need HR, Buck, not 1B or 2B
because could you have two poorer baserunning decision makers on the basepaths than this?

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 5:57 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

its sad when i'd rather see
an old as hell 2B hit instead of our supposed young slugger 1B

by royalsreview on Jun 4, 2007 5:59 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yea damn right he almost hit him
he was aiming for that ugly thing Grudz has on his face.

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 5:59 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

1 more fearless prediction
Royals tie the gameup so that Berroa can come to the plate and strike out the end the game.

by devil_fingers on Jun 4, 2007 5:59 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well the game ended
perfectly in time for me to get my sister from school.

we battled, but Shields is a baller. Damn, we'll have to work harder.

by wildthang on Jun 4, 2007 6:00 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

By the way, this loss has absolutely nothing
to do with the lineup card or pinch freaking runners. Bottom line is our offense sucks, period. DM must begin to address our offensive ineptitude.

by chukar on Jun 4, 2007 6:00 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That was an
excruciating loss.

Then again, we all are rather use to excruciating losses, aren't we?

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 6:00 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm telling you
the problem is that Buck is not clutch. Sure, he can hit two homers when the Royals don't seem to have a chance. but with a chance to win the game for them, he pops out. More LaRue!

by devil_fingers on Jun 4, 2007 6:02 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hate this team
and I hate myself for following it.

I should just take a sabbatical until 2009 or thereabouts.

2007 Royals -- the song remains the same

by tfn on Jun 4, 2007 6:04 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed Chukar, but
some of the cricism today revolved around lineup selection for each day, not the batting order or in-game decisions.

I would dare say pointing out that Bell should find out if playing Buck everyday will help the team IS relevant.

Other teams with good catchers (Piazza, Mauer, I Rodriguez) have been willing to use said catchers at DH on game they don't start, and I dare say with success.

I'm not saying Buck is in the same league as the guys mentioned above, but on THIS TEAM, he is DEFINTELY one of our better hitters this season, and as such Bell should be creative and find SOME WAY for him to play nearly every day.

by loyal2s dad on Jun 4, 2007 6:04 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed you can have Buck DH
I'm fine with it if you include DM in the discussion. Here's the problem. Shealy is gonna get ABs cause we gotta find out about him. Makes sense since we are more about the future, like it or not.

Sweeney and Brown gonna get ABs cause you want to move them, again for the future. Then you want to work in German. Theres just no room for Buck DHing until those guys are moved. I only hope DM will move quick with these guys.

by chukar on Jun 4, 2007 6:17 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed in part, but we have seen enough
of Shealy.  What we are seeing is why Colorado unloaded him so easily.  If we are playing for the future, why is Costa and Berroa still here.  They have had their future pass them by awhile ago.  When does a prospect become a has been?  EX. Shealy, Berroa, and Costa.

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 6:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And, again our award winning offense
costs us another game.  

The Bucsss have it today.

Buc's 4  and John Buck 2.

Meche actually pitched a half ass game.

Meche (L, 3-5) 6.0 4 3 2 1 3 1 3.00

If he had any kind of a team offense behind him we could have backed him up.  

We have to do something fast to upgrade our offense.  Cleveland is looking really scary to me.
Three pitchers with winning records facing our lackluster offense.  Can you spell losing streak coming on.  

FIRE THE CLOWN AND HIRE A VET...

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 6:06 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whe Your DH
Is looking up at the Mendoza Line, anything is an option.
Being a fan is irrational, but what is the alternative?

by philofthenorth on Jun 4, 2007 6:11 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It is time flush the toilet...
Lala, Brownie, Berroa, Costa, and Shealy should be flushed.  Gordo should be sent to Camp Omaha for a couple of weeks.  I think he needs some craft time.  Soemthing out of popsicle sticks in his future.

Tupman could sub as well as Lala.  Bring up Butts and stick his ass in LF and leave it there.  Good or bad we need his bat.  Either A. or C. are better than Berroa.   Lastly give Brazell a chance.  Shealy is just not capable of getting it done.

This loss may not be because of the lineup card or use of pinch players.  But Buddo's dogged love of some players over others is getting old fast.  

FIRE THE CLOWN.....

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 6:14 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Grudz
Agree with most of that. Shealy is an enormous issue right now. You really gotta start to wonder. Even his little streak was all about singles, many of them bleeders. Unfortunately I'm sure he's out of options. This is diary worthy.

Lala and Brownie will be moved, and I'd bring Gatt up now to see if he can spark anything and rest DDJ more. Butler gotta figure out 1B before coming back. And Berroa, yes and throw in some liquid plummer to clean any residue he leaves on the way down the pipe.

by chukar on Jun 4, 2007 6:24 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why firstbase for Butts?
We don't have anyone ready to take over LF.  Why not stick him out there and let him play until Sweendog limps off to the old dog home in SLC.  Then move him to DH.   We need Butts' bat so bad that they should send a limo to pick him up.

Gordo really needs to go down.  He just look lost today.  Poor guy, I can't even imagine what he is going through.  Give him and us a break.

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 6:30 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yea, the main problem is ...
just a complete talent gap

we're the poor sister to teams like the Devil Rays and Orioles and Mariners... which is sad

by royalsreview on Jun 4, 2007 6:15 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And, you know what...
We aren't even a good looking poor sister.  We are kind of a sad,hand me down looking one.

The old line that "you can't make silk purse out of sow's ear" applies to this team.

Well supper is ready and the news is on... So say goodnight Gracie!!!!!!!

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 6:27 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Costa
I agree with all the vets you want to see gone.  I just don't understand your hatred for Costa?  Here is a kid that was rushed, has hit in the minors when he's been there, and has options.  If anything you send him to Omaha and let him play there and maybe you can trade him to somebody.

by Stook on Jun 4, 2007 6:40 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I like the trade idea and Omaha would
need OF's if Butts and Gator left.  But, this his is second try at the bigs so how much more time do you give Costa?  When does he become a washed up prospect?

by grudz69 on Jun 4, 2007 11:24 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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