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
The Junk Drawer Podcast - check it out...
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.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Check this out!
From the spring training game vs. the Dodgers on March 24 - Joey Gathright jumps OVER the pitcher:
Monday, March 24, 2008
Hochevar optioned to AAA; Tomko the number five?
Remember that commercial a few years back with Mike Vick (you know, before he tortured dogs)? The one where the fan goes on the ride called the “Michael Vick Experience”? Well, the Brett Tomko Experience commercial would be similar to that, but instead of the average fan getting the thrill of a lifetime – it’s the opposing hitters who will likely have all the fun on this ride.
Tomko has always had pretty good stuff, and I used to expect him to break out every year; taking him in the late rounds of various fantasy leagues as a sleeper candidate. Well, it never really happened. His first couple of years with the Reds were pretty solid, and then he had another good year six years later with the Giants. But all his success (and lack thereof) has come in the National League, where pitchers generally put up better numbers anyway. In the American League, I don’t expect him impress. He has done a short stint in the AL (two years with Seattle), but only pitched 120 or so innings in those two seasons, putting up an ERA of 4.68 in 92 innings and following that up with a 5.19 ERA in about 35 innings the following year.
And this guy is competing for a spot in Kansas City’s starting rotation?
Well, Luke Hochevar just got optioned to Omaha to work on some delivery issues, so I’m guessing Tomko is the guy who will take that final spot in the rotation. It looks as if John Bale will be the number four guy (don’t know how excited I am about that, either) and Tomko will be the number five. I can’t imagine it will last. I can’t imagine they’ll let Hochevar strike out AAA hitters all season while Tomko is up here in KC allowing seven runs in five innings.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for having some veteran guys in the clubhouse, even the guys who are there just to act as good “clubhouse guys”. But can’t we stick those kind of guys in the bullpen? Or have them play a utility role? Do they have to play everyday or be in the starting rotation?
I’m betting that Hochevar will be up in KC no later than mid-May or early June. I mean, he did have a good spring; going eight innings and allowing only seven hits and two runs (as well as going 2 2/3 scoreless innings in a “B” game and throwing four scoreless innings in a minor league game).
Hopefully there are just a couple of things for Hochevar to work on, and the ride will be over soon…but, for the time being, welcome to the Brett Tomko Experience…
Tomko has always had pretty good stuff, and I used to expect him to break out every year; taking him in the late rounds of various fantasy leagues as a sleeper candidate. Well, it never really happened. His first couple of years with the Reds were pretty solid, and then he had another good year six years later with the Giants. But all his success (and lack thereof) has come in the National League, where pitchers generally put up better numbers anyway. In the American League, I don’t expect him impress. He has done a short stint in the AL (two years with Seattle), but only pitched 120 or so innings in those two seasons, putting up an ERA of 4.68 in 92 innings and following that up with a 5.19 ERA in about 35 innings the following year.
And this guy is competing for a spot in Kansas City’s starting rotation?
Well, Luke Hochevar just got optioned to Omaha to work on some delivery issues, so I’m guessing Tomko is the guy who will take that final spot in the rotation. It looks as if John Bale will be the number four guy (don’t know how excited I am about that, either) and Tomko will be the number five. I can’t imagine it will last. I can’t imagine they’ll let Hochevar strike out AAA hitters all season while Tomko is up here in KC allowing seven runs in five innings.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for having some veteran guys in the clubhouse, even the guys who are there just to act as good “clubhouse guys”. But can’t we stick those kind of guys in the bullpen? Or have them play a utility role? Do they have to play everyday or be in the starting rotation?
I’m betting that Hochevar will be up in KC no later than mid-May or early June. I mean, he did have a good spring; going eight innings and allowing only seven hits and two runs (as well as going 2 2/3 scoreless innings in a “B” game and throwing four scoreless innings in a minor league game).
Hopefully there are just a couple of things for Hochevar to work on, and the ride will be over soon…but, for the time being, welcome to the Brett Tomko Experience…
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Spring Training Stats and Notes (position players)....
Just a quick update on how some of the guys are performing in Surprise:
David DeJesus: The new approach to leadoff hitting seems to be working....so far David is hitting .412 through 17 at bats, and also has 8 walks (for an OBP of .600).
Alex Gordon: He's off to a decent start...nothing flashy, but very solid. He's 7-for-23 for a .304 average, has five RBI and a stolen base. No homers yet.
Billy Butler: Billy's hot with the bat, but then, nobody ever questioned his ability to hit. He's 12-for-30 so far (a .400 average). He's also smacked two homers and has seven RBI.
Other notes:
Justin Huber is hot so far, and is trying to play himself onto this roster. This is a guy who, in my opinion, has probably been mishandled by the Royals...getting called up to sit the bench, being moved around to different positions, etc. He's been a hot prospect for too long now, and we need to see if Huber can play or not. He's 6-for-12 this spring with five RBI, a steal and two walks.
New addition (and second baseman of the future?) Alberto Callaspo is also hitting well, going 9-for-24 so far. He's got a home run, three RBI, two walks, and has scored four runs as well. I'd look for Callaspo to be a super utility guy for most of this year, and for him to take over the full-time duties at second when the Royals move Grudz to a contender this year.
Overall, it looks like like our core group of young hitters are performing pretty well. If we get big years from Gordon, Butler and DeJesus (along with guys like Guillen, Teahen, Gload, etc.) we should be in much better shape this year as far as scoring some runs.
My ideal lineup at this point:
CF - DeJesus
LF - Teahen
RF - Guillen
DH - Butler
3B - Gordon
1B - Gload/Shealy
2B - Grudz
C - Buck/Olivo
SS - Pena
Whether they all hit or not, they should at least be a pretty solid defensive team.
David DeJesus: The new approach to leadoff hitting seems to be working....so far David is hitting .412 through 17 at bats, and also has 8 walks (for an OBP of .600).
Alex Gordon: He's off to a decent start...nothing flashy, but very solid. He's 7-for-23 for a .304 average, has five RBI and a stolen base. No homers yet.
Billy Butler: Billy's hot with the bat, but then, nobody ever questioned his ability to hit. He's 12-for-30 so far (a .400 average). He's also smacked two homers and has seven RBI.
Other notes:
Justin Huber is hot so far, and is trying to play himself onto this roster. This is a guy who, in my opinion, has probably been mishandled by the Royals...getting called up to sit the bench, being moved around to different positions, etc. He's been a hot prospect for too long now, and we need to see if Huber can play or not. He's 6-for-12 this spring with five RBI, a steal and two walks.
New addition (and second baseman of the future?) Alberto Callaspo is also hitting well, going 9-for-24 so far. He's got a home run, three RBI, two walks, and has scored four runs as well. I'd look for Callaspo to be a super utility guy for most of this year, and for him to take over the full-time duties at second when the Royals move Grudz to a contender this year.
Overall, it looks like like our core group of young hitters are performing pretty well. If we get big years from Gordon, Butler and DeJesus (along with guys like Guillen, Teahen, Gload, etc.) we should be in much better shape this year as far as scoring some runs.
My ideal lineup at this point:
CF - DeJesus
LF - Teahen
RF - Guillen
DH - Butler
3B - Gordon
1B - Gload/Shealy
2B - Grudz
C - Buck/Olivo
SS - Pena
Whether they all hit or not, they should at least be a pretty solid defensive team.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Greinke Update
As promised...here is a little update on Greinke's outing yesterday.
He didn't quite make the five innings the Royals had talked about, going three instead. He had a rough second inning; giving up three runs, which he also did in his first outing. However, according to what I heard from Zack on the radio postgame show, he was a little happier with his performance this time around, saying that Arizona hit some good pitches, but pointing out that he broke some of their bats.
Greinke admitted that his fastball was looking good, but that he was a little behind schedule on his off-speed stuff, which allowed the D-Backs to sit on the fastball.
He also had some of his usual great quotes. When asked about spring training, he wasn't afraid to come right out and say, "I don't really like it." Also, according to the radio guys, they overheard Zack doing another interview, where he said that spring training "is a bunch of bull."
Whether he has a good outing or not (and honestly, it's the Cactus League, so who cares?), he's always good for a laugh after the game.
My guess: Greinke is working on some specific things and isn't just taking the mound with the intetion of pitching his best game. Don't pay too much attention to his stats...we all know he's got the stuff to be an ace in this league. I'll pay a little more attention to the last couple of spring appearances, and not really worry about him until the real games start.
He didn't quite make the five innings the Royals had talked about, going three instead. He had a rough second inning; giving up three runs, which he also did in his first outing. However, according to what I heard from Zack on the radio postgame show, he was a little happier with his performance this time around, saying that Arizona hit some good pitches, but pointing out that he broke some of their bats.
Greinke admitted that his fastball was looking good, but that he was a little behind schedule on his off-speed stuff, which allowed the D-Backs to sit on the fastball.
He also had some of his usual great quotes. When asked about spring training, he wasn't afraid to come right out and say, "I don't really like it." Also, according to the radio guys, they overheard Zack doing another interview, where he said that spring training "is a bunch of bull."
Whether he has a good outing or not (and honestly, it's the Cactus League, so who cares?), he's always good for a laugh after the game.
My guess: Greinke is working on some specific things and isn't just taking the mound with the intetion of pitching his best game. Don't pay too much attention to his stats...we all know he's got the stuff to be an ace in this league. I'll pay a little more attention to the last couple of spring appearances, and not really worry about him until the real games start.
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