The Rays were able to salvage the final game of the series Sunday against the Royals, avoiding the sweep, but in this series both teams got what they wanted - the Royals were able to put together a mini-win streak, and the "kind of in a Wild Card race, kind of out of it" Rays effectively dropped far enough out that they have cover now to do what they really want to do - trade their good players for prospects. Expect B.J. Upton out of town by the end of next week with possibly James Shields joining him.
The Rays, a cutting-edge team, used that "extra 2%" of brilliance to win using a clever secret formula. They got tons of guys on base, drove a few of them home, then didn't allow the Royals to bunch up baserunners. I know their stat nerds probably have some sophisticated formula that justifies that process that I'm not aware of, but let me know if ever looks as cool as a well-executed bunt.
Speaking of bunting, Chris Getz made us all look foolish by having a mistake-free day. He collected two hits, walked, and performed a beautiful fifth inning triple salchow with a double lutz, earning a 5.9 from the Russian judge. Everyone else pretty much sucked, especially Billy Butler who went hitless in four at-bats, leaving five men on base. Lee Judge couldn't be more validated.
Felipe Paulino was seemingly in trouble all day and gave one of his worst starts in a Royals uniform - 5.1 IP 7 H 4 2 BB 6 K- yet if you put "Kyle Davies" in front of his numbers, we'd say "wow, a surprisingly good start for Davies!"
Collins had a walk and a wild pitch in less than an inning of work. This is getting ridiculously predictable.
Well, time to enjoy our last week with a few of our favorite Royals. Jeff Francoeur we hardly knew ye.