Check out this collection of photos of Barry through the years. Pretty interesting to follow the progress....
Click here for the photos
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Week in review
Spring Training has begun and though no "real" action has really started yet....I thought I'd do a quick wrap up of some of the stories coming out of Surprise.
Zack Greinke speaks about his issues from last season
Greinke finally felt comfortable enough to open up about his past problems - which boils down to depression and social anxiety. It sounds like everything was handled really well by both Zack and the Royals last season - and I'm pulling for him to make the rotation this spring. He's got all the talent in the world, and after finally seeking the help he needed, I think he's poised to bounce back and show us what all the hype was about. For the full story on Greinke - go the the Kansas City Star's web site and read the article.
Reggie Sanders reports on Friday - probably not going to be here for long
While everyone else reported early, Sanders waited until Friday - the mandatory arrival date for players - to make his way to Surprise. No big deal, as he's a veteran and probably doesn't need some of the extra work that a lot these guys need. I heard him interviewed on the radio (810 WHB) and it sounds to me like he's not exactly sure what his role will be this season. With Emil Brown on the team and Teahen being moved to the outfield, it seems that Sanders is the odd man out (unless the Royals swing a deal for Brown instead). The guys on 810 seem to think that Sanders will not be on the roster come opening day, or that if he is, he'll be gone by the all-star break.
Gordon seems to be a lock for opening day
According to all reports - Teahen has been doing the bulk of his work in the outfield, really not spending any time at third base at all. It seems that Alex Gordon will have to play his way off the roster, and it's unlikely that will happen. Gordon is the new face of the franchise - with the potential to be the next George Brett here in KC. He won Minor League Player of the Year (just after winning College Player of the Year) and appears to be ready to start an amazing big league career. Gives us a nice young 1-2 punch right now with Gordon/Teahen....and let's not forget about Ryan Shealy and David DeJesus - looks like we're beginning to put a really nice lineup together that should only get better with time.
And last but not least.......
DENNY MATTHEWS WINS FORD C. FRICK AWARD - WILL BE INDUCTED INTO BASEBALL HALL OF FAME!
This one's been a long time coming, as the voice of the Royals (he's been here as long as the team's been in existence - since 1969!) finally gets the recognition he deserves. Matthews joins George Brett as the only other long term Royal in the Hall of Fame. Denny's been here through it all...the good times and the bad...and has introduced a few generations of fans to the game of baseball over the years.
This is a huge deal for fans here in KC, as Denny's a part of all our lives....as soon as we here his voice on the radio, we know it's spring or summer, and we know we can count on yet another great broadcast. There's not much better than sitting in your backyard with a burger and a beer while listening to Denny and the Royals on a summer night.
Denny is a dying breed....broadcasters today seem to have a burning desire to entertain you - trying to have an "act" and make a name for themselves. Denny's never seemed to want any part of that - he is what he is....an absolutely brilliant play-by-play man. Some will complain that Denny doesn't get excited enough, that he's a bit dull. Those people just don't get it. Denny just has that...."something"....he doesn't need to get excited about every play - about a meaningless home run or a meaningless strikeout. He's got something that seems to be lost on a lot of people - subtlety. Denny never gives too much in a broadcast, but he always gives more than enough. I challenge any of you who may not like Denny's style to go back and listen....REALLY listen....he's funny (hilarious, actually....great deadpan humor), he's extremely knowledgeable and he is entertaining.
I've been listening for, oh...about 25 years or so (that I can really remember), and I can't imagine having grown up without Denny on the radio. I have so many memories I can't even keep track - listening with my dad; out on my grandpa's boat fishing with the Royals on the radio; in college, hanging with buddies outside on lawn chairs with a cooler of beer; just going for a drive....all by myself...no destination in mind...just an excuse to get out and listen. Here's hoping that Denny sticks around for another generation of kids to grow up and listen with their dads, or while they're out playing catch or whiffle ball with their friends in back yards across the midwest.
CONGRATS DENNY! You are a class act and no one deserves this honor more than you.
Zack Greinke speaks about his issues from last season
Greinke finally felt comfortable enough to open up about his past problems - which boils down to depression and social anxiety. It sounds like everything was handled really well by both Zack and the Royals last season - and I'm pulling for him to make the rotation this spring. He's got all the talent in the world, and after finally seeking the help he needed, I think he's poised to bounce back and show us what all the hype was about. For the full story on Greinke - go the the Kansas City Star's web site and read the article.
Reggie Sanders reports on Friday - probably not going to be here for long
While everyone else reported early, Sanders waited until Friday - the mandatory arrival date for players - to make his way to Surprise. No big deal, as he's a veteran and probably doesn't need some of the extra work that a lot these guys need. I heard him interviewed on the radio (810 WHB) and it sounds to me like he's not exactly sure what his role will be this season. With Emil Brown on the team and Teahen being moved to the outfield, it seems that Sanders is the odd man out (unless the Royals swing a deal for Brown instead). The guys on 810 seem to think that Sanders will not be on the roster come opening day, or that if he is, he'll be gone by the all-star break.
Gordon seems to be a lock for opening day
According to all reports - Teahen has been doing the bulk of his work in the outfield, really not spending any time at third base at all. It seems that Alex Gordon will have to play his way off the roster, and it's unlikely that will happen. Gordon is the new face of the franchise - with the potential to be the next George Brett here in KC. He won Minor League Player of the Year (just after winning College Player of the Year) and appears to be ready to start an amazing big league career. Gives us a nice young 1-2 punch right now with Gordon/Teahen....and let's not forget about Ryan Shealy and David DeJesus - looks like we're beginning to put a really nice lineup together that should only get better with time.
And last but not least.......
DENNY MATTHEWS WINS FORD C. FRICK AWARD - WILL BE INDUCTED INTO BASEBALL HALL OF FAME!
This one's been a long time coming, as the voice of the Royals (he's been here as long as the team's been in existence - since 1969!) finally gets the recognition he deserves. Matthews joins George Brett as the only other long term Royal in the Hall of Fame. Denny's been here through it all...the good times and the bad...and has introduced a few generations of fans to the game of baseball over the years.
This is a huge deal for fans here in KC, as Denny's a part of all our lives....as soon as we here his voice on the radio, we know it's spring or summer, and we know we can count on yet another great broadcast. There's not much better than sitting in your backyard with a burger and a beer while listening to Denny and the Royals on a summer night.
Denny is a dying breed....broadcasters today seem to have a burning desire to entertain you - trying to have an "act" and make a name for themselves. Denny's never seemed to want any part of that - he is what he is....an absolutely brilliant play-by-play man. Some will complain that Denny doesn't get excited enough, that he's a bit dull. Those people just don't get it. Denny just has that...."something"....he doesn't need to get excited about every play - about a meaningless home run or a meaningless strikeout. He's got something that seems to be lost on a lot of people - subtlety. Denny never gives too much in a broadcast, but he always gives more than enough. I challenge any of you who may not like Denny's style to go back and listen....REALLY listen....he's funny (hilarious, actually....great deadpan humor), he's extremely knowledgeable and he is entertaining.
I've been listening for, oh...about 25 years or so (that I can really remember), and I can't imagine having grown up without Denny on the radio. I have so many memories I can't even keep track - listening with my dad; out on my grandpa's boat fishing with the Royals on the radio; in college, hanging with buddies outside on lawn chairs with a cooler of beer; just going for a drive....all by myself...no destination in mind...just an excuse to get out and listen. Here's hoping that Denny sticks around for another generation of kids to grow up and listen with their dads, or while they're out playing catch or whiffle ball with their friends in back yards across the midwest.
CONGRATS DENNY! You are a class act and no one deserves this honor more than you.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Blanco having shoulder problems
According to KC's official website, the switch-hitting shortstop hasn't been able to bat right-handed yet, and probably won't for a long time.
"I'm scared a little bit," Blanco said. "It is still in my mind a little bit."
Not good news for Blanco - but if that's our biggest problem so far, then we're not doing too bad.....
For the full story (by Alan Eskew), click HERE.
"I'm scared a little bit," Blanco said. "It is still in my mind a little bit."
Not good news for Blanco - but if that's our biggest problem so far, then we're not doing too bad.....
For the full story (by Alan Eskew), click HERE.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Injuries
After I heard about the injury to Kris Benson - Orioles just lost him for the year - it made me start wondering about the Royals....I know someone will get hurt this spring. Let's just hope it's not someone irreplaceable.
Of course Sweeney comes to mind....but I think we can absorb that loss, since we haven't been able to count on his health for quite a while now. He'll probably hurt himself watching TV.......not saying that I want him to get hurt, but there is a silver lining in that scenario - it'd likely speed up Billy Butler's arrival in KC.
Here's hoping that we have a relatively injury-free Spring Training (please - no pitching injuries)......they report this Friday, so get ready for some baseball (finally).
Hope to start having more to write about once ST begins down in Surprise....so look for more regular entries here - I'd like to do at least 3 every week, maybe more.
Thanks to those of you reading.....and go Royals!
Of course Sweeney comes to mind....but I think we can absorb that loss, since we haven't been able to count on his health for quite a while now. He'll probably hurt himself watching TV.......not saying that I want him to get hurt, but there is a silver lining in that scenario - it'd likely speed up Billy Butler's arrival in KC.
Here's hoping that we have a relatively injury-free Spring Training (please - no pitching injuries)......they report this Friday, so get ready for some baseball (finally).
Hope to start having more to write about once ST begins down in Surprise....so look for more regular entries here - I'd like to do at least 3 every week, maybe more.
Thanks to those of you reading.....and go Royals!
Friday, February 2, 2007
Prospect Report - Day 10
NUMBER 1: Alex Gordon - 3B
No big surprise here. Gordon is pretty much perceived as the savior of the franchise....the next George Brett. And he might just be that good. As I said with my blurb on Butler, you all probably know pretty much everything about this Gordon....but here we go.....
Gordon - 23 years old on Feb. 10 - was drafted with the number 2 overall selection in the 2005 draft. He was named Baseball America's College Player of the Year that season, and followed up in '06 by being named their Minor League Player of the Year. He won the second award by hitting .325 with an OBP of .427 and SLG of .588. Not too shabby. He also had 39 doubles and 29 homers, with over 100 RBI.
At the plate, Gordon is much like Butler, with reports stating he has no real weakness. Everything I've read and seen say Gordon has excellent bat speed and quick wrists. He's also physically strong -
so he should hit for good power along with a good average. He has good patience at the plate and is actually pretty speedy (22 steals in AA) for his size (6-1, 200 lbs).
As for negatives...there really aren't any. He can play defense, he can hit, he can run. What else can you ask for?
PROJECTION:
Gordon will likely head to KC out of Spring Training as the starting third baseman, pushing Mark Teahen to the outfield. He should be a Rookie of the Year candidate (and will probably win it). I look for Gordon to be a an All-Star player and a guy who could easily contend for (and possibly win) an MVP award or two in his career.
No big surprise here. Gordon is pretty much perceived as the savior of the franchise....the next George Brett. And he might just be that good. As I said with my blurb on Butler, you all probably know pretty much everything about this Gordon....but here we go.....
Gordon - 23 years old on Feb. 10 - was drafted with the number 2 overall selection in the 2005 draft. He was named Baseball America's College Player of the Year that season, and followed up in '06 by being named their Minor League Player of the Year. He won the second award by hitting .325 with an OBP of .427 and SLG of .588. Not too shabby. He also had 39 doubles and 29 homers, with over 100 RBI.
At the plate, Gordon is much like Butler, with reports stating he has no real weakness. Everything I've read and seen say Gordon has excellent bat speed and quick wrists. He's also physically strong -
so he should hit for good power along with a good average. He has good patience at the plate and is actually pretty speedy (22 steals in AA) for his size (6-1, 200 lbs).As for negatives...there really aren't any. He can play defense, he can hit, he can run. What else can you ask for?
PROJECTION:
Gordon will likely head to KC out of Spring Training as the starting third baseman, pushing Mark Teahen to the outfield. He should be a Rookie of the Year candidate (and will probably win it). I look for Gordon to be a an All-Star player and a guy who could easily contend for (and possibly win) an MVP award or two in his career.
Prospect Report - Day 9
NUMBER 2: Billy Butler - OF/DH
Billy Butler is a 6-2, 225 lb outfielder drafted out of high school in the first round of the '04 draft. He was originally drafted as a third baseman and has since been moved to the outfield due to a lack of defensive skill at the hot corner. Most of you reading this already know all there is to know about this guy...but I'll go ahead and sum it all up anyway.
Butler - only 20 years old - is one of the best hitting prospects in all of baseball. Last season with AA Wichita, he hit .331 with an OBP of .388, SLG of .499 - he also had 15 homers and 96 RBI. His average was good enough to with the Texas League batting title and he was also named MVP of the Futures Game - a pretty good season. His home run total did dip last season, but there really are no questions about this guy's bat - he can flat out hit the ball...and he can do so with power. I think the lower home run output was a fluke, and see him eventually as a 30+ home run hitter in the big leagues. Regardless of his home run totals....Butler should produce at an above average level for a long time. To best sum it up - Baseball America has a report on Butler that states the following:
"With excellent bat speed, balance and a cerebral approach, Butler has no real weakness as a hitter."
Pretty impressive.
His only real weakness as a ballplayer is his defense. His defense at 3B was horrible, and he's apparently not a whole lot better in the OF. He has supposedly improved, but will he improve enough to be an everyday corner outfielder? It doesn't seem likely, if you listen to critics, but only time will tell. I recently listened to a radio interview with Butler, and I like his approach to the game and his confidence. I wouldn't put it past him to make it as an outfielder, but won't be disappointed if he turns out to be a DH.
PROJECTION:
What's not to like? Butler will be a middle-of-the-order hitter for the Royals, maybe as soon as this season. He'll likely start off in AAA Omaha...but with an impressive Spring Training, he could break camp with KC. I see him coming up later in the season, after getting a little more seasoning in the outfield. He should be an EXTREMELY solid hitter for KC, probably batting somewhere between 3rd and 5th in the order.
Billy Butler is a 6-2, 225 lb outfielder drafted out of high school in the first round of the '04 draft. He was originally drafted as a third baseman and has since been moved to the outfield due to a lack of defensive skill at the hot corner. Most of you reading this already know all there is to know about this guy...but I'll go ahead and sum it all up anyway.
Butler - only 20 years old - is one of the best hitting prospects in all of baseball. Last season with AA Wichita, he hit .331 with an OBP of .388, SLG of .499 - he also had 15 homers and 96 RBI. His average was good enough to with the Texas League batting title and he was also named MVP of the Futures Game - a pretty good season. His home run total did dip last season, but there really are no questions about this guy's bat - he can flat out hit the ball...and he can do so with power. I think the lower home run output was a fluke, and see him eventually as a 30+ home run hitter in the big leagues. Regardless of his home run totals....Butler should produce at an above average level for a long time. To best sum it up - Baseball America has a report on Butler that states the following:
"With excellent bat speed, balance and a cerebral approach, Butler has no real weakness as a hitter."
Pretty impressive.
His only real weakness as a ballplayer is his defense. His defense at 3B was horrible, and he's apparently not a whole lot better in the OF. He has supposedly improved, but will he improve enough to be an everyday corner outfielder? It doesn't seem likely, if you listen to critics, but only time will tell. I recently listened to a radio interview with Butler, and I like his approach to the game and his confidence. I wouldn't put it past him to make it as an outfielder, but won't be disappointed if he turns out to be a DH.
PROJECTION:
What's not to like? Butler will be a middle-of-the-order hitter for the Royals, maybe as soon as this season. He'll likely start off in AAA Omaha...but with an impressive Spring Training, he could break camp with KC. I see him coming up later in the season, after getting a little more seasoning in the outfield. He should be an EXTREMELY solid hitter for KC, probably batting somewhere between 3rd and 5th in the order.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)