Royals-Brewers Random Exhibition Game Open Thread

by Freneau on Mar 28, 2008 4:21 PM EDT in Kansas City Royals News

Watching the White Sox and Diamondbacks late last night on tape delay really fired me up. It finally dawned on me that real baseball is almost here, something I'm still not prepared for, but nevertheless am looking forward to. The most anticipated Royals season since 2004 gets started in two days. Incredible.

The Royals take on the Brewers tonight in Milwaukee for no apparent reason. Let's just hope no one gets injured. I'll be curious to see what the attendance in Wisconsin is.

I believe it was during one of the very first Spring Training games that I made the now infamous comment that I liked Jason Smith's "pop off the bench". Well, as NyRoyal points out in the diaries, Smith was a real Big Bite at the plate this spring, slugging .711 in 47 plate appearances (get it?). No, I'm not suggesting he should become our latest cause, but there's something to be said for having a guy like Smith around as a utility player. Especially when your starting shortstop is Tony Pena Jr.
If you haven't checked out Mellinger's blog recently, there are about four good recent posts worth reading, including an interesting look back at the Beltran trade. Supposedly, at one point Michael Young and Hank Blalock were on the table.
Early tomorrow morning the new Royals Review will be born. Be afraid. I'll be sad to see this version of the site go. For better or worse, I've grown used to it. Honestly, I see positives and negatives to the new site design, but I'll ultimately defer to the professionals, who strongly believe in 2.0's merits. I do think that the comments and game threads will be better, if nothing else. I am less excited about the avatars and seemingly wasted space and additional clutter. Basically, I'm a words person and consider walls of text hot. If you are curious, check out just about any other SBN baseball blog, and you'll see the new format. I'll mention this again tomorrow, but I strongly encourage viewing the site in wide format.
Bugs and Cranks looks at raising a daughter in Cardinals territory.

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Jason Smith is a poor man's Huber

Which makes him an even greater cause worth fighting for.

Free Jason Smith in 2008!

"I'm tired of all these stupid a$$ questions every day. Why the f**k would I hit Brett for Miller?" The rest is history.

by DC Royal on Mar 28, 2008 4:25 PM EDT reply actions

If He Can

Serve as emergency catcher (with pop, of course) he will be irrestistable.

I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 28, 2008 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions

I Just Installed

A new computer (out of necessity) yesterday; Windows Vista, IE7 and Norton Virus protection are conspiring to make me less sane than usual. The coming format change here could put me over the edge; old guys don't like change.

I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 28, 2008 4:34 PM EDT reply actions

Jose Guillen's suspension postponed

MLB has suspended Guillen's suspension for 10 days. MLB and the MLBPA is negotiating a tradeoff of no suspensions for anyone named in the Mitchell Report in exchange for changes to the drug testing regime. The 10-day hold on the suspension is likely so that the Royals and Orioles can know now that they'll have these players for opening day. According to many sources, an agreement is likely to come in the next few days. Long story short, it is extremely likely that Guillen will not end up serving any of this suspension.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 28, 2008 4:35 PM EDT reply actions

The new format

Progress moves forward like a steamroller; there's nothing you can do about it. I'm not a big fan of avatars and a bunch of extraneous pictures and BS going along with ever post or comment, but that's pretty much what every much board is like nowadays. You can't fight it.

I'm sure the new RR will be better in some ways and we'll adapt.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 28, 2008 4:38 PM EDT reply actions

A parting haiku for Justin Huber

Huber is gone now
To the land of sea and sun
We will miss his pop.

Gone but not forgotten...
Bring up Little Poppy!
Go Blue!

Success is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed. - Emily Dickinson

by buddyball on Mar 28, 2008 5:08 PM EDT reply actions

And

Padres roster full
No room for Justin Huber
Back to triple A

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 28, 2008 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions

you're really hating on huber lately dude

Hillman, you're on notice.

by FireBell on Mar 28, 2008 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Just a bit

Of course that haiku wasn't hating on him at all. The guy who he was competing with for a roster spot has reportedly made the team. This means that there likely isn't room for him on the SD roster, which means he will likely be traded or waived. Thems the facts.

As far as hating on him, the only reason I dislike him is because I've never seen a mediocre prospect so unbelievably overhyped. I have nothing against the guy; I'm sure he's a fine fellow and I wish him well. But he's just a mediocre prospect who managed worse PCL numbers than ultra-weak bat Timo Perez, and he can't play any position on the field. Every projection system sees him being worse than average. There is little reason to believe he'll be a decent major league hitter. Just thought I'd combat the prevailing irrational hype.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 28, 2008 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions

and yet

he gets lots of love on this site.

Success is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed. - Emily Dickinson

by buddyball on Mar 28, 2008 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Clearly my opinion is in the minority

No question. I still don't know why people thought he was a particularly good prospect and feel so bad that he's gone. He just wasn't that good.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 28, 2008 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions

rumor is

you know who won't be making the crossover to the new site

Hillman, you're on notice.

by FireBell on Mar 28, 2008 6:29 PM EDT reply actions

nea

not true

by Freneau on Mar 28, 2008 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Jenn is looking

better and better.

Be loyal, Be Brave, Be Free.

by hardyguy on Mar 28, 2008 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions

anyone seen lineups for this game yet?

by Freneau on Mar 28, 2008 7:44 PM EDT reply actions

just saw this

looks like final roster still not quite finalized

http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080327&content_id=2462402&vkey=spt20 08news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc

and lots of scrubinees availible for these brewer games

by Freneau on Mar 28, 2008 7:47 PM EDT reply actions

Well apparently this game isn't on MLB.TV

I thought it was, that's disappointing

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 28, 2008 8:04 PM EDT reply actions

Is it just me or has gordon been k'ing a LOT

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 28, 2008 8:16 PM EDT reply actions

gordon

He K'd in 25% of AB's last year, but only 19% this spring. Improvement.

by doublestix on Mar 28, 2008 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions

also

He's walking a ton this spring, which helps offset the K's.

by doublestix on Mar 28, 2008 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Gathright

Steals his 12th base in 12 tries - WOW this kid can really burn now I guess the credit goes to Rusty Kuntz. Guillen knocked him in with a RBI single so royals ahead 1-0 bottom of the first we go

I love life. Life = Royals

by focs on Mar 28, 2008 8:30 PM EDT reply actions

2 more runs of Suppan, offense is efficient tonigh

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 28, 2008 8:41 PM EDT reply actions

steals don't mean much

not because it is Spring Training, but because Kendall is behind the plate. I might be able to run on his rag arm.

Success is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed. - Emily Dickinson

by buddyball on Mar 28, 2008 8:50 PM EDT reply actions

Except that 12-12...

means Joey is running on all catchers, regardless of why type of gun is sitting behind the plate...or at the very least, he's recognizing WHEN he can steal successfully, which amounts to the same result in the end anyway.

Though I agree, as long as Kendall is playing catcher, Joey should be running every time.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Mar 28, 2008 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions

And now Teahen...

is getting in on the thievery. The Royals have a need for speed!

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Mar 28, 2008 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions

And

he stole off russell martin who has the best arm in the game at catcher

I love life. Life = Royals

by focs on Mar 28, 2008 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions

What is that, 4 SB in 3 innings?

Do you think Kendall feels embarrassed yet?

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 28, 2008 9:03 PM EDT reply actions

did I see that

Guillen also had a SB?

Success is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed. - Emily Dickinson

by buddyball on Mar 28, 2008 9:16 PM EDT reply actions

and Davidson moves on!!!!!!!

Success is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed. - Emily Dickinson

by buddyball on Mar 28, 2008 9:20 PM EDT reply actions

Banny is getting blooped to death

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 28, 2008 9:22 PM EDT reply actions

No runs so far...

so I wouldn't say its been "to death" at this point. I really like no walks, though, and at least no one's hitting him hard.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Mar 28, 2008 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions

oops...

Looks like I jinxed Banny.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Mar 28, 2008 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Every time Butler has swung the bat tonight

It has been a line drive apparently.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 28, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions

revenge game on Suppan

by Freneau on Mar 28, 2008 9:39 PM EDT reply actions

Oh no.

Yasuhiko Hurt. Dont know anything just know im watching gameday and says Ryan Braun hit a ball that hit him and deflected and after that he came outta the game. so lets hope for the best that hillman just took him out for precautionary measures.

I love life. Life = Royals

by focs on Mar 28, 2008 10:10 PM EDT reply actions

That's funny, my first thought was...

"Looks like this roster problem might of just taken care of itself". Not saying it's a good thing, but yeah.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 28, 2008 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions

looks like the jayhawks are in control

by Freneau on Mar 28, 2008 10:17 PM EDT reply actions

Just got here

Apparently new Suppan (Bannister) outpitched old Suppan.

I hope Yabuta isn't hurt too badly. But this is why pitching depth is a good thing. It's good when you have so much depth that a good pitcher has to be optioned to the minors. Now he may not have to be.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 28, 2008 10:19 PM EDT reply actions

I hope they keep it up

Also, I am praying that this Viagra commercial won't appear between every inning on this summer's R's games.

Success is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed. - Emily Dickinson

by buddyball on Mar 28, 2008 10:22 PM EDT reply actions

LoL

Viva Viagra! Viva Viagra! Viva Viva Viagra!!!!
stupid commercial

I love life. Life = Royals

by focs on Mar 28, 2008 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions

DeJesus may miss opener

Just in case anyone didn't know, the Royals website is saying that DeJesus's slightly sprained ankle may keep him from playing in the opener. So far, they aren't talking about the DL for him.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 28, 2008 10:35 PM EDT reply actions

That's too bad

I was really impressed with him this spring and thought he could end up being an on-base machine at the top of the order for us.

That said...

Just like possibly losing Yabuta for injury, this is another example of how far our depth has come. Gathright has had an even better spring the DDJ, and its going to be fun watching him get more playing time. Honestly, even if DDJ is healthy, Hillman probably still needs to find a way to Gathright in the lineup. I don't know if this means platooning with DDJ or Teahan, or moving Teahan to 1B, but if he can continue getting on base and stealing bases like he's done this spring, that speed is an incredible weapon.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Mar 28, 2008 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Getting Gathright playing time

The only way to do that which makes sense is to have Teahen go to first base sometimes, benching Gload. Gathright vs. any of the starting OFers isn't a good comparison for him. But Gathright vs. Gload is much closer. I don't want Teahen to become a full-time 1B, but wouldn't mind it happening sometimes because I really do want Gathright to get playing time to see if he's better this year than last.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 28, 2008 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions

I think it's really important we figure out

What we have this year in Gathright, and to a lesser degree, Ryan Shealy. If Gathright can be a .380-400 OBP guy with 40-50 steals, he needs to play every day. If he is indeed a fourth outfielder, fine. But we need to find out.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 28, 2008 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions

They do need playing time

We do need to figure out this year what we have in Gathright and Shealy, so we have to make some room for them.

If Gathright can be a .380-400 OBP guy with 40-50 steals, he needs to play every day.

I don't know if I necessarily agree with this. If Gathright's numbers are .320/.390/.370 and DeJesus's numbers are .290/.365/440, I would definitely want DeJesus to play over Joey. And those numbers for Joey aren't nearly enough for him to unseat one of the corner OFers.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 28, 2008 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, but Gathright suddenly

Is a very attractive trade piece, as is DDJ. We're a small market team, we need to maximize value on our good players - we don't need 4 starting OF's, we need 3 starting OF's and a decent back up. Trade the fourth for another piece.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Mar 28, 2008 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Mar 28, 2008 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm with you on Teahen

I think he might one of our best pure athletes on the team (along with Gathright, mainly due to his speed), and I'd hate to stick someone with that athleticism at first base...maybe ten years from now (or Gordon at first base), but not now.

I'd rather have Shealy show that he can continue to hit like he has this spring and handle first base duties, with Gload coming off the bench. Of course, this doesn't help Joey get on the field, because I agree, his offensive numbers aren't enough to push him past any of our starting OFs.

Just hate to see that speed being wasted on the pine, though. A guy like that gets on base, and it changes the way the pitcher and his defense behind him has to play. There's always the threat to steal, and suddenly a well-hit single is a scoring opportunity, so the defense really has to respect that and act with more urgency.

by RoyalsFanInBillings on Mar 28, 2008 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions