Game 158 Open Thread- Royals (68-89) at White Sox (68-89)
One of the under-commented-upon keys to Kansas City's improvement this season has been a measurable uptick in road performance. While home-field advantage is noticeably weaker in baseball than in other sports, the Royals certainly haven't played that way since 2003. In fact, they've actually been unspeakably horrible while batting in the top half of the inning. That is, until this year:
2007: 34-45 (to date)
2006: 28-53
2005: 22-59
2004: 25-57
The Royals went 43-39 on the road in 2003, but beyond that, the last time they even sniffed the high 30s in road wins was in 2000, when they went 35-46 away from the K, en route to a 77-85 record. Beyond speculations regarding a team's character, focus, grit, etc. -- all data almost no one can really know with any certainty -- the most obvious issue might be relief pitching, as a bad bullpen really hurts a team in close games, especially when the opponent will always be given the final at-bat. If someone wants to run the numbers or look at the recent 'pens, I warmly extend my invitation.
The Royals can match those 35 wins from the immortal 2000 Royals with a win tonight, a further step in the race towards 4th place. Does MLB apply tie-breakers to non-first-place standings races? Because if so, the ChiSox have already claimed the season series. The internet solves many quandries, but I may also need a personal research assistant to answer that question.
Regardless, the highlight of tonight's game is unquestionably the Greinke-Garland rematch of the absurd 3-0 Royals victory last week. With both team's hacking away like figments of Jack Del Rio's imagination, that game ended in less than two hours, with under 200 total pitches thrown. And shockingly, it was a getaway day, day game! Oh, the eternal glories of mankind!
As for finishing strong, consider this:
April: 3.51
May: 7.15
June: 3.06
July: 2.77
August: 2.81
Sept: 1.64
------
To check the temperature of the fanbases still playing for something, check out The Good Phight, Brew Crew Ball and Purple Row.
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174 comments
Comments
1st
by gordonrules on Sep 26, 2007 7:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How geeky would this be?
Just gauging public opinion on how nerdy/geeky/gay/embarassing this would be.
by NYRoyal on Sep 26, 2007 7:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sounds cool to me...
by powderbluesfor08 on Sep 26, 2007 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gay? Errr ... not very. Quite straight but
However, is it possible that a person who is one of the most frequent commenters on a Royals blog really has any concerns about nerdiness?
Don't we all still live in our parents' basements?
by tfn on Sep 26, 2007 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I try to keep my geekiness to myself
by NYRoyal on Sep 26, 2007 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough.
However, I am the type of person who cannot help but look like a nerd, to anyone who sees nerds in the world around them. So I give it little thought myself.
by tfn on Sep 26, 2007 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's good about it
by NYRoyal on Sep 26, 2007 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No eggs, but if grudz saw you there ...
by tfn on Sep 26, 2007 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would be fun!
by NYRoyal on Sep 26, 2007 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would even bring the crackers!!!!!
by grudz69 on Sep 26, 2007 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You could tie the bottom of your R.R.shirt in a
by powderbluesfor08 on Sep 26, 2007 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So will Huber and Brazell be starting tonight
by lordbyronk on Sep 26, 2007 7:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Gload is not in the lineup tonight?!
by powderbluesfor08 on Sep 26, 2007 7:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tonight's Heroes
Grudzielanek, 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .299
Teahen, RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .286
Butler, 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .296
Sweeney, DH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .263
Brown, LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .259
Gordon, 3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .249
Buck, C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .228
Pena, SS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .264
Same old faces.
by James Quinn on Sep 26, 2007 7:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Butler at first
by tfn on Sep 26, 2007 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just read that the umpire Milton Bradley got into
by powderbluesfor08 on Sep 26, 2007 8:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Huh, that is interesting
Do you have a link that that story?
by James Quinn on Sep 26, 2007 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was watching the news scroll on
by powderbluesfor08 on Sep 26, 2007 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In and ready to go
by wildthang on Sep 26, 2007 8:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, Garlands on pace
by powderbluesfor08 on Sep 26, 2007 8:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
my disdain for Emil
by wildthang on Sep 26, 2007 8:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ah shoot
by wildthang on Sep 26, 2007 8:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Greinke's Sept ERA just doubled
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 8:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Probably not the best pitch to Thome
Jon Garland: 15 pitches through 2 innings. Unreal, part 2.
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 8:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
its a flyball fest
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 8:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
this is the face of a man

by wildthang on Sep 26, 2007 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i am a huge huber fan
(I fully admit I am an ugly toad who has no right...)
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
by wildthang on Sep 26, 2007 8:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
2 great offspeed pitches for strikes to Dye
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 8:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
this is a pretty horrible CWS lineup
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 8:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thome + Konerko + Dye
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Greinke with his first walk of the game
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 8:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Will the 2008 schedule be announced this week?
by jbrocato on Sep 26, 2007 8:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
some teams are already passing out tentative schds
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sweet
by wildthang on Sep 26, 2007 8:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Richar whiffs
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 8:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
surprised buddy isn't PHing for buck here
by FireBell on Sep 26, 2007 8:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
did anyone see the story on KCROYALS.com
hilarious
by FireBell on Sep 26, 2007 8:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
HOly crap did you see that Buck put up an AB
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 8:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
alright now
lets try and pick up a few here.
by wildthang on Sep 26, 2007 8:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How ironic
How ironic. Buddy and his love affair with the bunt will live on. Passed to the next generation.
by James Quinn on Sep 26, 2007 8:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
yaaa a walk
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 8:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
TPJ has ONE walk this month
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 8:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
DDJ keeps the inning going.
by James Quinn on Sep 26, 2007 8:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Base Hit Hell
by philofthenorth on Sep 26, 2007 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Grudz is gonna be one of the 50 greatest royals
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 8:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I've said it before,
by James Quinn on Sep 26, 2007 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, that was a lot of effort for nothing
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 8:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Garland now at 38 pitches at least
by FireBell on Sep 26, 2007 8:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So glad Emily's back in the lineup....
by Royals Nation on Sep 26, 2007 8:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Toby Hall and LaLa in a death match
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 8:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Greinke ERA Update
we could have trhee starters finish the year under 4.00... when was the last time that happened? 1985?
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 8:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Greinke working some deep counts
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 8:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Will anyone else
by BobHamelin on Sep 26, 2007 8:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
somewhat
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
70 wins has a nice ring to it
by FireBell on Sep 26, 2007 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah,
by James Quinn on Sep 26, 2007 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
daaamn
by wildthang on Sep 26, 2007 9:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Owens stood no chance
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 9:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow, amazing how a caught stealing
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 9:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
leadoff single for teabag
(or double play time)
by FireBell on Sep 26, 2007 9:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
time for the RBI machine to do something
by FireBell on Sep 26, 2007 9:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Just jumped into the game
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 9:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
unreal, 6 pitch inning for Garland
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 9:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
unbelievable... this team...
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
do you think buddy even batted an eye?
just f'''in terrible man
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It has been the Royals attack
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
emil couldn't come through
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 9:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow that was so strike 3 to thome, bs walk
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 9:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
3-0.
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 9:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dye, Beltran and Damon
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 9:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Blame Glass. All of those guys lost
I hope those years are in the past.
NICE PLAY BY EMIL! Right there. Bang.
by James Quinn on Sep 26, 2007 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another XBH....
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 9:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If this is Emil's last mont as a Royal
by James Quinn on Sep 26, 2007 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looks to be another 5 inning start for Greinke
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 9:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
GORDON, ONE PITCH AND OUT
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 9:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
TPJ with a typical lack of skill move
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 9:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I can't understand that hit-and-run call
by James Quinn on Sep 26, 2007 9:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Buck with 2 walks?
pathetic hit and run attempt. Buddy is really playing the small ball game this last month. I don't remember so many bunts in the heat of summer.
by buddyball on Sep 26, 2007 9:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If there was ever a pair that didn't match a hit
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 9:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How much does the batting coach take
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 9:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Add to this, the Royals have some guys who
For whatever reason the team executes bunts, steals and hit-and-runs very poorly. Buddy has to take responsiblity for that. But instead of teaching the players how to improve it seems Buddy just bitches about how bad they are at these skills while at the same time keeps using them in games.
It is almost pig-headed. "I'll keep calling the plays until they learn how to execute them well."
by James Quinn on Sep 26, 2007 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Buddy's stubborn streak
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Greinke has lost 4 batters tonight
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 9:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Mmmm good pitch to Thome
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 9:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Greinke has been a real bright spot in September
Meche, Bannister and Greinke give me lots of hope for 2008. Still think Soria should be the closer - too many years of watching stiffs give away hard fought leads.
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 9:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Is DDJ playing his last season for KC?
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 9:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tough luck teahan
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 9:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Man Butler killed that ball
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 9:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
good that we are getting better swings at Garland
by buddyball on Sep 26, 2007 9:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And we know that the odds of seeing
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
RR , are you taking ideas for topics
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was planning on putting up some of those
by James Quinn on Sep 26, 2007 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ducky K's Konerko
by buddyball on Sep 26, 2007 10:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I like seeing Duckworth in tonight.
by James Quinn on Sep 26, 2007 10:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
that Buddy is a freakin' genius
by buddyball on Sep 26, 2007 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Buddy is all about the present
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, we can always pinch run Huber...
by buddyball on Sep 26, 2007 10:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Performances like this one are down
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no hits
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 10:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Every single ball we hit hard
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 10:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Garland, 2 CG in the same week or so
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 10:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Heard that the Royals are having a futures
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 10:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Duckworth is on eof "my guys"
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 10:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
From an injury standpoint,
Rockies have a guy in Matt Herges who is just proud to put the uniform on and do whatever is asked. Got to root for those types.
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Radio guys are talking about Butler
Also talking about Gordon's good season in the field. With Pena and Gordon on the left side, how much has that helped the pitching staff this year?
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 10:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There is action in the White Sox bullpen
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 10:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
On cue, TPJ makes out on his first pitch
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 10:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of good defense
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 10:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
For it being his first year in the OF
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
another horrible offensive inning
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 10:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
nationals going for a sweep of the mets by the way
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 10:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Are the Mets going to pull an ultimate choke job?
The Rockies have a a really good lineup - Holliday should be the MVP, Tulo, Atkins, Helton and Hawpe make for a good nucleus. Tulo reminds me a lot of Ripken.
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it would be sweet if they did
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nationals are pulling a sweep like KC
I can only dream of Meche, Bannister, Greinke, Hochevar and Price. WOW! Guess we'll have to live with 4 of the 5.
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
great work by ducky
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 10:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
keep hope alive
game winning grand slam from Huber!!

by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 10:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
smiles
by smarsh on Sep 26, 2007 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the internet has many powers
by FireBell on Sep 26, 2007 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jenn should stop posing
by NHZ on Sep 26, 2007 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think she wins against those two
by FireBell on Sep 26, 2007 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather get Scarlett
by NHZ on Sep 26, 2007 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
only two bullets left
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 10:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Deer Hunter
by NHZ on Sep 26, 2007 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'm here
has garland thrown 5 pitches this inning?
by FireBell on Sep 26, 2007 10:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ballgame
by FireBell on Sep 26, 2007 10:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What a dismal game
by slayor on Sep 26, 2007 10:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hooray for Ducky!
by NHZ on Sep 26, 2007 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dismal is a good word
by FireBell on Sep 26, 2007 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
are you kidding me???
garland throws a complete game shutty?
we haven't gotten to the sox bullpen twice now
horrible
go away buddy
go away
by FireBell on Sep 26, 2007 10:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow
A LOT of work to do.
by Royals Nation on Sep 26, 2007 10:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
cards leading brwers 4-2
by FireBell on Sep 26, 2007 10:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
what about bonds with the royals next year
by smarsh on Sep 26, 2007 10:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Never happen
Bonds will join that group of HOFers who ended their careers with a different team. Think Unitas with the Chargers, Mays with the Mets, or Jordan with the Wizards. We could probably come up with a few more of those types - Killebrew with the Royals.
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of the 4 Royals players in the HOF
by jbrocato on Sep 26, 2007 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd have a difficult time writing for
by NHZ on Sep 26, 2007 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When Jon Garland throws a complete game
I will miss the daily ball games when October rolls around. But I won't miss this type of offense performance. UGLY.
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 10:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
there is always tomorrow
by buddyball on Sep 26, 2007 10:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lance Broadway is starting pitcher
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
tough loss

terrible terrible effort though, and one step closer to last place
by royalsreview on Sep 26, 2007 10:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The way KC has been playing this last
Ask me tomorrow and I hope they win.
by daveyork on Sep 26, 2007 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
It was basically a boring game. Hopefully better baseball is played tomorrow.
by wildthang on Sep 26, 2007 10:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Therrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre's always
I hate this intake assignment I'm working on with a passion. My brain is going to mush.
by NHZ on Sep 26, 2007 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Terrible game
C LaRue (just to give him a run at immortality...0 for 25!!!)
CF Teahen
LF Huber (throw him in the fire)
3B Gordon
1B Butler
DH Brazell (give him a chance)
SS TPJ (standard)
2B German
RF Costa (just because)
by nycroyal on Sep 26, 2007 10:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I see the Royals sang the same old song
Anyway, I am out of town the next two days and home this weekend to celebrate yet another birthday. Yes, Polly, I am an old man and I do plan to get inebriated this weekend too. I will be here on Sunday. How could I miss Fuddo's last game?
Only four games to go.... Go Blue...
by grudz69 on Sep 27, 2007 12:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm Inebriated Right Now
by philofthenorth on Sep 27, 2007 12:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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