Well the Royals had a successful road trip, going 4-2 against Detroit and Minnesota. I was preparing myself for the team’s return to The K to come packaged with a 1-5 record, 4-2 is definitely nice.
It’s not that I think the Royals suck, I look at the team through the eyes of an optimistic fan, but I’ve been let down for so many years now…it’s hard to imagine them getting off to such a start. The best part about it all is that they’ve played tough in every game, even the two losses. That’s what is more encouraging to me than their record, as it tells me they’ve improved and they are steadily moving in the right direction. They’re becoming a tough group of players, which translates into a team that doesn’t lay down and die, but a team that can compete and a team that will fight until the last out of the last inning. I’d rather see them playing tough and losing than winning a couple of lucky games and getting blown out in their losses. I’ll take games like these all year.
Other Notes:
Well, the talks have begun. “Time to trade DeJesus,” the fans say. I’m not so sure about that. I don’t think I’m ready to give Gathright the job outright based on 6 games. DDJ has been a steady bat for us over the last few seasons, and he’s earned the chance to come back and show us what he’s got. That being said, Gathright is an electric player with the kind of speed we haven’t seen in KC since guys like Amos Otis and Willie Wilson were roaming the outfield and the base paths. If he can get on base at a good clip, he may be the leadoff man of the future, while DeJesus may become a fourth outfielder – or even trade bait.
Miguel Olivo is back from suspension, and with that comes the optioning of Tupman to Omaha…and the arrival of Hideo Nomo in the KC bullpen. I’ll be interested to see what Nomo’s got left in the tank. Even if his stuff’s not what it once was (and it’s surely not), I’d like to see if he’s crafty enough to be effective. Should make for an interesting opening series at home against the Yankees – the Japanese media will be out in full force to cover Nomo, Yabuta, Hillman, and of course Matsui.
AL Central standings as of April 6, 2008:
Royals 4-2
White Sox 4-2
Indians 3-3
Twins 3-4
Tigers 0-6
Monday, April 7, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
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For anyone reading this, go check out the junk drawer (the link is to the right). Great pop culture and sports talk, I recommend following the link and giving it a listen.
Opening Day Success!
I’m finally coming down off my buzz from the opening day win over Detroit and their juggernaut lineup. Time to look ahead rather than back at that one day, but here is a quick breakdown of that game:
The Good:
Alex Gordon took a step forward as a game changing hitter with his two run homer. He also flashed some leather, making a great defensive play to end the game.
Joakim Soria picked up where he left off, getting a save by getting three straight outs (after allowing a leadoff double). He started off shaky, but then looked cool as ice the rest of the inning. Other bullpen help came in the form of Leo Nunez, who gave the Royals a very solid outing. I think this could be a breakout season for Nunez, who could help the bullpen as well as the rotation as a spot starter.
Mark Grudzielanek looked good, grinding away as usual. He was the most productive hitter of the day, coming up with three hits, and getting hit by a pitch. He showed why many fans love him, he’s a solid veteran who is a leader on this team and a spark for the offense.
The Bad:
Gil Meche gave up four walks and eight hits in only six innings. The good news is, he was crafty enough to bail himself out of trouble for the most part – he allowed only three runs to cross the plate, while getting the Tigers to strand several base runners. Meche showed the he was a solid enough pitcher to work through the two base runners per inning he allowed, and I won’t be too hard on him since it was against an all-star lineup; but he won’t be able to get away with that kidn of performance too many times.
Jose Guillen went hitless as the cleanup hitter. Our big off-season acquisition didn’t produce at the plate at all, and we lucked out and got some production from more unlikely sources (Tony Pena with the game winning RBI). I know, it’s only one game out of 162, but it would’ve been nice to see at least a hit. On the plus side, he did probably save the game when he took a run away from the Tigers by throwing a runner out at home plate. With Teahen in the other corner, it could be a fun year for outfield assists.
The Ugly:
David DeJesus left the game in the third inning with an aggravated ankle injury. This could mean a slow start to the season for our leadoff hitter, as he will likely miss time, even if he doesn’t land on the DL. Luckily we have Joey Gathright to fill in for the time being.
Looking ahead to Game 2:
Bannister and Kenny Rogers match up favorably on the mound. They are similar pitchers; both smart, neither have stuff to blow hitters away. It will come down to whichever lineup figures out the opposing pitcher first. I’m not holding my breath for another KC win, but I wouldn’t be totally shocked if they pull one out today.
The Good:
Alex Gordon took a step forward as a game changing hitter with his two run homer. He also flashed some leather, making a great defensive play to end the game.
Joakim Soria picked up where he left off, getting a save by getting three straight outs (after allowing a leadoff double). He started off shaky, but then looked cool as ice the rest of the inning. Other bullpen help came in the form of Leo Nunez, who gave the Royals a very solid outing. I think this could be a breakout season for Nunez, who could help the bullpen as well as the rotation as a spot starter.
Mark Grudzielanek looked good, grinding away as usual. He was the most productive hitter of the day, coming up with three hits, and getting hit by a pitch. He showed why many fans love him, he’s a solid veteran who is a leader on this team and a spark for the offense.
The Bad:
Gil Meche gave up four walks and eight hits in only six innings. The good news is, he was crafty enough to bail himself out of trouble for the most part – he allowed only three runs to cross the plate, while getting the Tigers to strand several base runners. Meche showed the he was a solid enough pitcher to work through the two base runners per inning he allowed, and I won’t be too hard on him since it was against an all-star lineup; but he won’t be able to get away with that kidn of performance too many times.
Jose Guillen went hitless as the cleanup hitter. Our big off-season acquisition didn’t produce at the plate at all, and we lucked out and got some production from more unlikely sources (Tony Pena with the game winning RBI). I know, it’s only one game out of 162, but it would’ve been nice to see at least a hit. On the plus side, he did probably save the game when he took a run away from the Tigers by throwing a runner out at home plate. With Teahen in the other corner, it could be a fun year for outfield assists.
The Ugly:
David DeJesus left the game in the third inning with an aggravated ankle injury. This could mean a slow start to the season for our leadoff hitter, as he will likely miss time, even if he doesn’t land on the DL. Luckily we have Joey Gathright to fill in for the time being.
Looking ahead to Game 2:
Bannister and Kenny Rogers match up favorably on the mound. They are similar pitchers; both smart, neither have stuff to blow hitters away. It will come down to whichever lineup figures out the opposing pitcher first. I’m not holding my breath for another KC win, but I wouldn’t be totally shocked if they pull one out today.
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