Game 105 Open Thread - Royals at Twins

The Justin Maxwell era begins this afternoon as the recently acquired outfielder makes his Royals debut batting eighth and playing in right. Perhaps a new face in the lineup will tilt the cosmic tumblers in such a way as to allow Kansas City to both win and actually gain ground on either Detroit or Cleveland or maybe both. Luckily, the Tigers do not play today, so there is hope.

10-2 since the break, eight wins in a row and one stinking game gained in the A.L. Central. On the bright side, the Royals are only four games out of the wild card race - albeit in fifth place.

The lineup:

Gordon LF

Hosmer 1B

Butler DH

Perez C

Cain CF

Tejeda 2B

Moustakas 3B

Maxwell RF

Escobar SS

James Shields takes the mound for Kansas City, opposed by Scott Diamond. Diamond strikes out less than four batters per game and allows 11 hits per nine innings.

The question, as always, is not so much can the Royals get hits as it is how many of those hits will be for extra bases. The game seems so much easier when the boys in blue play selfishly and hit home runs.

By the way, Chris Getz to the disabled list to make room for Maxwell on the roster.