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Spring Training Game 7 Open Thread

Royalsreview_tiny by royalsreview on in News

According to the official team site, Gil Meche, everybody's All-American, is scheduled to start today against the Giants. I predict Meche will throw two perfect innings, striking out all six batters, on just twenty pitches (the Giants will manage two foul balls with two strikes). He's really embraced the role of being the team Ace, and the results demonstrate that.

Is he smiling? Glaring? Smirking? The Mona Mechea.

Inspired by Meche, Hideo Nomo and Jimmy Gobble will turn in bellweather performances as well.

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First!
Yay.  But in spring training it doesn't matter.

by Sean O Se on Mar 5, 2008 2:44 PM EST   0 recs

although i suspect
it's more likely that Meche will actually cause all six batters to injure their hamstrings Juan-Gone-style by tying them up with his twisty twisty pitches.

by Sean O Se on Mar 5, 2008 2:45 PM EST   0 recs

yea, also a possibility
six ks and two DL stints forced

by royalsreview on Mar 5, 2008 2:47 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Star
KC Star takes a look at roster battles.

People are impressed with Bale, Hochevar, and Damon Hollins?!?!

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 2:50 PM EST   0 recs

Lineups
Should be interesting to see Callaspo in CF.

ROYALS

Alberto Callaspo - CF
Esteban German - 2B
Alex Gordon - 3B
Billy Butler - DH
Mark Teahen - LF
Shane Costa - RF
Ryan Shealy - 1B
John Buck - C
Jason Smith - SS

Gil Meche - SP

GIANTS

Rajai Davis - CF
Euginio Velez - 3B
Fred Lewsi - LF
Nate Schierholtz - RF
Kevin Frandson - 2B
Dan Ortmeier - 1B
Stephen Holm - C
Eliezer Alfonzo - DH
Brian Bocock - SS

Zito - SP

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 2:50 PM EST   0 recs

the Giants are TERRIBLE
That is a KC lineup, 2005 vintage

by royalsreview on Mar 5, 2008 2:53 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

i don't even know

anybody really on that lineup.  but given i barely follow the NL.  hey its zito, i wonder what he does before games.  play guitar, meditate, yoga?  any other ideas
Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Mar 5, 2008 2:55 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Seriously
No joke, he arranges stuffed animals in his locker.  Seriously.

"If you believe you're playing well because you're getting laid or because you're not getting laid or because you wear women's underwear, THEN YOU ARE!!! And you should know that!"

---Crash Davis

by howserfan on Mar 5, 2008 9:24 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

He's There To
Give Buck some protection.
I'm not getting older....oh, wait, yes I am....and slower.... and weaker. God, this is great!

by philofthenorth on Mar 5, 2008 3:01 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

yea
second heart of the order

by royalsreview on Mar 5, 2008 3:03 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

good pop

if he has an everyday chance he's good for at least 35 bombs.  even if he only hits 210.
Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Mar 5, 2008 2:54 PM EST   0 recs

There will be no major roster surprises this year
You heard it here first (or maybe twentieth).  No Hollins, no Huber, no Nomo.  There was a line in the KC Star article which went something like "every year some player comes out of nowhere to make the roster."  Well, thankfully this year's Royals team isn't like every other year.  We have a lot more talent and depth.  Thankfully we don't have room on the roster to get our heads turned by some meaningless spring training home runs from Hollins.

And by the way, don't feel too bad when Huber gets put on waivers.  He'll probably clear waivers.  If Shelton did, Huber will.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Mar 5, 2008 2:55 PM EST   0 recs

huber

so if he did clear waivers that means we can stash him in AAA indefinitely?  how does that work at that point?
Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Mar 5, 2008 2:57 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

i'm just afraid

that he won't clear waivers and i REALLY think we're giving up on him way to soon.  He hit something like 18 HR's in a half season last year.  

But, for me, keeping Huber was hypothetically quelled when we signed Guillen.  And we have yet to move Dejesus...

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Mar 5, 2008 3:01 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I don't know why anyone would pick him up
They'd have to put him on the 25-man roster and all he can really play is 1B/DH...and some truly horrible LF.  So he has limited usefulness and a highly suspect bat.  .850 OPS in the PCL doesn't necessarily translate well to the majors.  And the projection systems don't like him much at all.  PECOTA projects an OPS in the low 700's.
I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Mar 5, 2008 3:03 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

He could actually play LF
He was a below average defender (or according to some metrics at or a little above average).  Huber, on the other hand, is a catastrophe in the field...at every position.
I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Mar 5, 2008 3:05 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

i agree

that the consensus is that he's a liability.  but, what objective proof of this do we have?  and i dont mean that to be argumentative, but i'm really wondering
Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Mar 5, 2008 3:07 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I'm going by scouting reports
All the scouting reports and scout-based comments I've read about him on BP, BA and scouts.com has said that he's horrible defensively.  They keep moving him from position to position in the hopes that they can find one where's he's at least decent.  And they haven't found it yet.  He's awful defensively as a catcher, first baseman and outfielder.
I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Mar 5, 2008 3:09 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

This is a team
In need of offense more than defense
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 3:10 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

If there were room on the bench, ok
But there simply isn't.  And Huber's hitting is definitely suspect.  It's not like he has dominated at AAA.  He's hit pretty well there, in an extreme hitter's league.  And all of the projections I've seen show him hitting at a level which doesn't even come close to justifying his presence on this team.
I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Mar 5, 2008 3:13 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Why you gotta hate?
I hear what you're saying but it really seems like you have an ax to grind.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 3:24 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I really don't dislike Huber at all
I just see him as a mediocre prospect.  Most prospects fail.  And the percentage is very high for mediocre prospects.  And yet many Royals fans talk about him like he's going to be a good major leaguer.  I just don't think the available evidence supports that at all.
I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Mar 5, 2008 3:44 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Hey that's cool
And your pessimism is understandable. Just seems like you go out of your way anytime anyone mentions Huber to tell us how horrible he is.

I like rooting for the guy, you don't need to tell me what long odds he has, I know he does.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 3:48 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Ok
Actually, I started the Huber chatter in this thread by pointing out that he likely won't make the team and, in my opinion, isn't likely to get claimed off of waivers.

In other threads, I do like taking on the prevailing narrative that he's a player who would be good for the Royals if just given the chance.  I just don't think that is true.  When people say how good he is or that his bat would help the Royals in 2008, I simply must disagree.

I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Mar 5, 2008 4:01 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

gotcha

well then i've got my fingers crossed even tighter that billy can figure out first, maybe hubes would be a DH/LF guy eventually if he clears waivers.  he's just too young to have no promise.
Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Mar 5, 2008 3:12 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

The arm...
of Vlad Guerrero...just ask him...

by howserfan on Mar 5, 2008 9:27 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

If he clears waivers
We can assign him to Omaha. If we recall him, and want to demote him again, he has to clear waivers every time. Also, the second time we demote him, he can refuse assignment and become a free agent if he so chooses.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 3:05 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Yes
And it looks like Huber will have the six years necessary to become a minor league free agent at the end of this year (if he is not on the 40-man roster).

by Gopherballs on Mar 5, 2008 5:37 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

They can then outright him to the minors
And then they can keep him there until he becomes eligible for minor league free agency.  
I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Mar 5, 2008 2:59 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Minor league free agency

So he's probably got this season and the next before free agency you think?  I don't think he'll clear waivers, but hey its possible.  Maybe he'll own AAA and we could get him on the roster with an injury or a trade in the next half season or so.
Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Mar 5, 2008 3:02 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

If Shelton cleared waivers, why wouldn't Huber?
Shelton is clearly better than Huber.  Shelton has actually had at least one good major league season.  And yet every team passed on Shelton but someone would claim Huber?  I don't see it.
I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Mar 5, 2008 3:04 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Also depends on timing
Every team might have passed on Shelton because their 40 man rosters were full, whereas some team may pick up Huber at the end of spring training once guys officially go on the DL, get DFAed, whatever.

I don't think its a given Huber will get picked up, but I think there's a fair shot.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 3:08 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Perhaps
But Shelton would only have had to go on a team's 40-man roster.  For Huber, as he is out of options, he'd have to go on a team's 25-man roster.  And while injuries could help make room, most other teams are dealing with their own numbers games and having limited roster spots and multiple players out of options.  I really think it was easier for teams to find room for Shelton a month or two ago than it will be for teams to find room for Huber in late March.
I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Mar 5, 2008 3:11 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Just getting in on this conversation
Will Huber making the roster out of ST hinge on Olivo and Guillen's status?  I see KC being without a backup catcher and short an OF for at least a week or so if both are suspended.  I know Huber isn't a good catcher but he could be an emergency guy.  

IMO - Huber won't make it through waivers.  Someone will take a chance on him.  I do think as KC fans we overrate him but he'll find a ML job if waived.

Maybe that would be best for him?

by daveyork on Mar 5, 2008 8:20 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

barring injuries, yes
no position player surprises at all... although i think the pitching situation is more fluid

by royalsreview on Mar 5, 2008 2:57 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

A pitching surprise
I think it is pretty clear who the contenders for the last pitching staff spots are.  I really don't think Nomo, Maroth, Lawrence or any of the rest of those stiffs have a chance.  Tsao might be the exception.  But I don't think he's pitched an inning yet.  He must be hurt again/still/forever.
I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Mar 5, 2008 3:01 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Callaspo in CF
He played some CF in winter ball.  From what I read, he was decent there -- not embarrassing -- but clearly below average at that position.
I probably disagree with you.

by NYRoyal on Mar 5, 2008 2:57 PM EST   0 recs

barry zito

reminds me personality wise of an older, slightly more mature zack greinke
Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Mar 5, 2008 3:08 PM EST   0 recs

oh yeah, like mirror images

i think they're two of the weirdest dudes in baseball, especially zack.  

zack has "opened" up a little in recent interviews.  those interviews are highlights of my day.

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Mar 5, 2008 3:13 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

i'm tired

of a good base runner being caught way too many times.  crasnick has a story on him on the mlb portion of espn
Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Mar 5, 2008 3:10 PM EST   0 recs

"As a stoic Cornhusker ...
with no trace of a swagger..."
What about the smirk Jerry? No swagger in that?

by stuckinstl12 on Mar 5, 2008 3:20 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

that would be crazy
if i said that before, but alas i did not.
Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Mar 5, 2008 3:14 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Go Meche...
All right chucking strikes already...

by grudz69 on Mar 5, 2008 3:13 PM EST   0 recs

Go Butts...

by grudz69 on Mar 5, 2008 3:20 PM EST   0 recs

Hubes... he is getting a look this year.
Glad to see that...even he doesn't make the team

by grudz69 on Mar 5, 2008 3:20 PM EST   0 recs

This Giants lineup
Really feeds into NYRoyal's point about spring training stats being as important as a hill of beans.

Our pitchers will face tougher lineups in the PCL than this.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 3:23 PM EST   0 recs

dont worry
we have the Shealy-Buck-Smith murderers row coming up

by royalsreview on Mar 5, 2008 3:24 PM EST   0 recs

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

by philofthenorth on Mar 5, 2008 3:25 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

another good inning... I like this...
lets get some runs...  

by grudz69 on Mar 5, 2008 3:29 PM EST   0 recs

Shealy
Really needed that home run. Guess he's no longer sick.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 3:30 PM EST   0 recs

So if the Giants are the home team
why are we playing with the DH today? Didn't we go DH'less yesterday against the Rockies?

by MileHighKCfan on Mar 5, 2008 3:31 PM EST   0 recs

Probably up to the home team
Whether or not they want to use it.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 3:32 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Doesn't make much sense
for any NL team to choose no DH does it

by MileHighKCfan on Mar 5, 2008 3:34 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Way to go Shealy... it looks like he is
serious about making the team.

by grudz69 on Mar 5, 2008 3:34 PM EST   0 recs

Home run
Opposite field. Off the end of the bat. Sounds like the wind really carried it.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 3:36 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Another power drive by Smith...
why is he taking up space in the dugout?

by grudz69 on Mar 5, 2008 3:36 PM EST   0 recs

GoAC...

by grudz69 on Mar 5, 2008 3:36 PM EST   0 recs

Battled
Good at bat, but he popped up to third.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 3:37 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Callaspo
Deep fly out to center. Side out.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 3:38 PM EST   0 recs

Steve Holm
Is the assistant accountant for "Desperate Housewives."

IMDB: Steve Holm

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 3:39 PM EST   0 recs

And he's slow
Buck nails Holm trying to steal (Ryan thinks it was a busted hit and run)
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 3:39 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Great running catch by Hubes... smirk...
He defense is improving...

by grudz69 on Mar 5, 2008 3:41 PM EST   0 recs

He didn't fall down
I'd take that as a huge improvement.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 3:42 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Going out on a limb here
Giants will be picking first in the 2009 June draft.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 3:42 PM EST   0 recs

Gonna depend
If they go out and get Crede they won't finish last, but still close. Pretty sad that Joe Crede could make such a difference for a team, but unfortunately for the Giants he would.

by MileHighKCfan on Mar 5, 2008 3:44 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Who else will be really bad you think?
Some people think the Twins and A's will be awful, but I don't see it. They'll still be in 75 win territory I think.

Pittsburgh should be pretty awful. Florida could be bad. Baltimore is probably the Giants greatest competition.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Mar 5, 2008 3:49 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Baltimore could lose 110 games
I'd rather be watching baseball.
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