I'm just going to say it: I don't think the Royals are getting back to .500 this year. Since starting the season 6-2 they've wheeled off the tracks, going 8-16. Just to get to, say, 40-40, the Royals would need to go 26-22 over the next five weeks, and I'm unable to confidently imagine that scenario. Yes, the offense will improve, but it's not clear exactly just what level it's going to improve to. Sure, when basically everyone is struggling, eight collective baby steps become a jump (or something), but that improvement is going to need to overcome a similar downturn from the pitching staff, a downturn that has actually already started. It's been eight years since I've been able to do math like this, but if someone wants to run the numbers on the odds of a .450 ballclub (which is what I feel like this team is) going 26-22, then please post the results below.
Tonight, it's one of the few remaining bright spots, Zack Greinke (3-1, 1.47 ERA) going up against He Went to Jered Weaver (2-4, 4.36). Jered, the Galleria of Weavers. According to VORP Greinke has been the best pitcher in the American League.
One final note... On May 21against the Astros, one day after hitting his first career big league homer, Justin Huber went 1-1, raising his season line to .385/.385/.692. Since then, in 17 scattered plate appearances, Huber has hit .000/.176/.000, lowering his season line to .185/.267/.333. That's what happens when you are a part-time player and then you endure an 0-15 stretch. Still, the Padres have given him six starts on the season, which is actually a little more than I expected to see, and may signal some basic confidence or comfort they have in or with him. I don't know. Consider this blurb your basic effort at a reverse jinx... we still love you Justin!