Friday, April 18, 2008
John Bale Goes on DL
John Bale was placed on the 15 day DL after complaining of a dead arm after the game Tuesday against Seattle. Pitchers usually go through a dead arm period at some point in spring training and that could be what is going on here. Bale lost twenty five pounds in the off season in preparation of being a starting pitcher. Before this season his last major league start was in 2003.
Joe Peralta was recalled from Omaha but his stay might be short term. The question now is who is going to replace Bale in the rotation? The prime candidate would be Luke Hochevar the #1 overall pick in the 2006 draft. Luke almost made the team in spring training but DM wanted him to gain a bit more work in the minors before calling him up. Other candidates include Jorge De La Rosa or perhaps a combinations of relief pitchers. If De La Rosa is called up then someone would need to be cut on the 40 man roster to make room for him.
Here are a couple of stories related to the Royals circling the web. The first is another story on Brian Bannister by Brad Evans of Yahoo sports.
Jerry Crasnick of ESPN has Zack Greinke and Brian Bannister listed in the top five of his Young starters trying to make the long-term leap list.
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Joe Peralta was recalled from Omaha but his stay might be short term. The question now is who is going to replace Bale in the rotation? The prime candidate would be Luke Hochevar the #1 overall pick in the 2006 draft. Luke almost made the team in spring training but DM wanted him to gain a bit more work in the minors before calling him up. Other candidates include Jorge De La Rosa or perhaps a combinations of relief pitchers. If De La Rosa is called up then someone would need to be cut on the 40 man roster to make room for him.
Here are a couple of stories related to the Royals circling the web. The first is another story on Brian Bannister by Brad Evans of Yahoo sports.
Jerry Crasnick of ESPN has Zack Greinke and Brian Bannister listed in the top five of his Young starters trying to make the long-term leap list.
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Sunday, April 13, 2008
Game 12 Royals 5, Twins 1
Brian Bannister's superb pitching and the reawakening of KC's slumbering offense propelled the Royals to a 5-1 victory over the Twins. The victory broke a three game losing streak for the Royals. Today Bannister pitched a complete game, allowing only three hits, 1 walk and had three K's on 111 pitches. Here are Banny's latest numbers after the game today:
W-L 3-0
ERA .86
WHIP .71
BAA .141
The 26 inning scoring drought ended in the first inning when Gathright singled, German sacrificed, Gathright to second and Billy Butler singled him home tying the game 1-1. The Twins had scored in the top of the first when Justin Moreau singled in Harris. Harris had reached second on a error by Jose Guillen when a fly ball went of his glove. That was it for the Twins. The Royals took the lead in the second when Gordon walked Olivo doubled him in. The Royals added three more runs during the game including a solo homer by Gordon in the 8th. It was Gordon's third of the year.
Billy Butler has a twelve game hitting streak and is hitting .386 for the season.
The Royals next go on a seven game road trip with two games in Seattle,two in LA and three in Oakland.
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W-L 3-0
ERA .86
WHIP .71
BAA .141
The 26 inning scoring drought ended in the first inning when Gathright singled, German sacrificed, Gathright to second and Billy Butler singled him home tying the game 1-1. The Twins had scored in the top of the first when Justin Moreau singled in Harris. Harris had reached second on a error by Jose Guillen when a fly ball went of his glove. That was it for the Twins. The Royals took the lead in the second when Gordon walked Olivo doubled him in. The Royals added three more runs during the game including a solo homer by Gordon in the 8th. It was Gordon's third of the year.
Billy Butler has a twelve game hitting streak and is hitting .386 for the season.
The Royals next go on a seven game road trip with two games in Seattle,two in LA and three in Oakland.
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Thursday, April 10, 2008
The Royals send John Bale to the mound tonight in a bid for a sweep of the Yankees. His opponent will be Andy Pettitte. There could be a delay to the start of the game, thunderstorms are in the area.
Zack Greinke managed to throw eight shutout innings in last nights rain soaked game that I covered some in the last post. Yasuhiko Yabuta started the ninth allowing one walk in 1/3 of an inning. Jimmy Gobble came in and mopped up.
Zack has allowed only 1 earned run in fifteen innings this year. In the last three games the starters for the Royals have allowed two runs in 18 innings and for the season the Royals have given up only 18 runs in eight games for a major league best 2.25 ERA.
Tony Pena JR is now 0-20. He has not had a hit since the 11th inning of game 1 against the Tigers.
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Zack Greinke managed to throw eight shutout innings in last nights rain soaked game that I covered some in the last post. Yasuhiko Yabuta started the ninth allowing one walk in 1/3 of an inning. Jimmy Gobble came in and mopped up.
Zack has allowed only 1 earned run in fifteen innings this year. In the last three games the starters for the Royals have allowed two runs in 18 innings and for the season the Royals have given up only 18 runs in eight games for a major league best 2.25 ERA.
Tony Pena JR is now 0-20. He has not had a hit since the 11th inning of game 1 against the Tigers.
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Wednesday, April 09, 2008
In Game Update
The Royals are leading the Yankees 2-0 after 5 1/2 innings in a rain soaked Kauffman stadium. The rain started right at the start of the game and is now being played on a very sloppy field. Puddles are scattered throughout the infield dirt. Yankee starter Ian Kennedy did not make the start after all. He just entered the game now in the Royals 6th perhaps because the rain appears to have stopped at the moment. Kennedy walked his first batter, then Ross Gload doubled him home making the score 3-0. John Buck then singled to right, R Gload to third. Tony Pena hit into a FC scoring Gload the score is now 4-0.
The game was scoreless until the 5th when John Buck hit a solo homer, Grudz singled and Guillen drove him in with a single. So after six innings the Royals lead 4-0. Thats it for me.
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The game was scoreless until the 5th when John Buck hit a solo homer, Grudz singled and Guillen drove him in with a single. So after six innings the Royals lead 4-0. Thats it for me.
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Game 7 Royals 5 Yankees 2
Zack Greinke will go to the mound tonight in game two of the Yankee series. Zack has a 1-2 record against the Yankees with a 8.22 ERA. In his 2008 debut Zack held the Detroit Tigers to one run in seven innings on six hits. His opponent will be Ian Kennedy who was roughed up in his first game of the year against Tampa Bay. This game has a good chance of being rained out. Rain could be around as soon as 8:00 pm for the game that starts at 7:10. As the night goes on it will turn to thunder storms and become heavy.
Jose Guillens possible suspension has been pushed back to Tuesday. The Players Union and the owners are still trying to get a negotiate a new drug policy. Guillen is having a slow start with his new team hitting only .138 in the first seven games with three RBI.
In yesterdays game Brian Bannister survived a rocky 40 pitch second inning to get the victory. Bannister is now 2-0. Conditions were miserable for the game. Temps were in the 40's with a strong wind and a light drizzle taking place. Both Bannister and Yankee starter Phil Hughes had a difficult time throwing strikes. Hughes threw 87 pitches in three innings only 47 were strikes. Bannister tossed 97 with 57 being strikes over five innings. Bannister gave up two runs both in that tough second inning. The bullpen was once again outstanding. This time four pitchers were used, Ron Mahay, Ramon Ramirez, Leo Nunez, and Joakim Soria. Only Mahay allowed any hits (2) and a walk (1). He also had two K's. Ramirez, Nunez and Soria allowed no Yankee to reach base in 2 2/3 innings. Its become apparent that manager Trey Hillman has settled on a some roles for the relief corps. Ramirez is the bridge to Nunez who is the bridge to Soria.
The Royals stole five bases in the game. Joey Gathright was the main culprit with three stolen bases, Tony Pena and Ross Gload also had one each.
ESPN has a little blurb on the Royals fast start.
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Jose Guillens possible suspension has been pushed back to Tuesday. The Players Union and the owners are still trying to get a negotiate a new drug policy. Guillen is having a slow start with his new team hitting only .138 in the first seven games with three RBI.
In yesterdays game Brian Bannister survived a rocky 40 pitch second inning to get the victory. Bannister is now 2-0. Conditions were miserable for the game. Temps were in the 40's with a strong wind and a light drizzle taking place. Both Bannister and Yankee starter Phil Hughes had a difficult time throwing strikes. Hughes threw 87 pitches in three innings only 47 were strikes. Bannister tossed 97 with 57 being strikes over five innings. Bannister gave up two runs both in that tough second inning. The bullpen was once again outstanding. This time four pitchers were used, Ron Mahay, Ramon Ramirez, Leo Nunez, and Joakim Soria. Only Mahay allowed any hits (2) and a walk (1). He also had two K's. Ramirez, Nunez and Soria allowed no Yankee to reach base in 2 2/3 innings. Its become apparent that manager Trey Hillman has settled on a some roles for the relief corps. Ramirez is the bridge to Nunez who is the bridge to Soria.
The Royals stole five bases in the game. Joey Gathright was the main culprit with three stolen bases, Tony Pena and Ross Gload also had one each.
ESPN has a little blurb on the Royals fast start.
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Monday, April 07, 2008
Off Day Notes
The Royals are off today and will resume play tomorrow for the Home Opener against the Yankees. Brian Bannister will go against Phil Hughes. The White Sox won today so the Royals are now in second place 1/2 game behind the Sox. Not that it really matters this early in the season but its nice to see us in the upper portion of the standings. After all we could be in Detroits position, dead last at 0-6.
The game will be the first for new manager Trey Hillman in KC. Weather could be a problem. Heavy rain is expected in the morning and hopefully will be clearing out by the 3:10 start of the game.
Jose Guillen's suspension will go into effect this Thursday unless the players union and MLB come to an agreement on a new drug policy.
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The game will be the first for new manager Trey Hillman in KC. Weather could be a problem. Heavy rain is expected in the morning and hopefully will be clearing out by the 3:10 start of the game.
Jose Guillen's suspension will go into effect this Thursday unless the players union and MLB come to an agreement on a new drug policy.
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Sunday, April 06, 2008
Weekend Wrap
The Royals ended there three game series on a positive note today with a 3-1 victory over the Twins. The victory stopped a two game losing streak to the Twins and improved the Royals record to AL 4-2. So the Royals end the first week with at least a share of 1st with the White Sox. The Sox are playing the struggling Detroit Tigers at this moment and are 1/2 game behind the Royals.
In todays game Brett Tomko threw five innings of shutout ball but it took 92 pitches to do so. He gave up six hits, 1 walk and had three K's. In the last four innings the Royals used four pitchers to finish the game. Ron Mahay took over in the 6th and gave up a two out solo homer to Justin Morneau. In the 7th the Twins went down in order to Mahay. Nunez pitched 2/3 of an inning in the 7th. He retired the first two then gave up a double to Matt Tolbert before Gobble came in and retired Joey Mauer. Joakim Soria K'd the side in the 9th for the save his third of the year. So far this year the Royals relief corps has allowed two runs in 17 innings.
Alex Gordon had the big hit today driving in two runs with a base hit in the second inning. In the 7th John buck drove in Gordon ending the scoring for the day.
Hideo Nomo was called up from Omaha and Matt Tupman a reserve catcher sent down Saturday. Miguel Olivo was activated after serving his four game suspension and played Saturday. David DeJesus missed the Twins series. It is unknown if we will be activated for the home opener Tuesday against the Yankees.
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In todays game Brett Tomko threw five innings of shutout ball but it took 92 pitches to do so. He gave up six hits, 1 walk and had three K's. In the last four innings the Royals used four pitchers to finish the game. Ron Mahay took over in the 6th and gave up a two out solo homer to Justin Morneau. In the 7th the Twins went down in order to Mahay. Nunez pitched 2/3 of an inning in the 7th. He retired the first two then gave up a double to Matt Tolbert before Gobble came in and retired Joey Mauer. Joakim Soria K'd the side in the 9th for the save his third of the year. So far this year the Royals relief corps has allowed two runs in 17 innings.
Alex Gordon had the big hit today driving in two runs with a base hit in the second inning. In the 7th John buck drove in Gordon ending the scoring for the day.
Hideo Nomo was called up from Omaha and Matt Tupman a reserve catcher sent down Saturday. Miguel Olivo was activated after serving his four game suspension and played Saturday. David DeJesus missed the Twins series. It is unknown if we will be activated for the home opener Tuesday against the Yankees.
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Thursday, April 03, 2008
Game 3 Royals 4, Tigers 1
Another day, another routine victory by the Boys In Blue over the suddenly hapless Tigers in there own park. In a stunningly efficient manner the Royals swept the Tigers with a combination of strong pitching, timely hitting and good defense. The victory boosted the Royals record to 3-0 and 1st place in the AL Central. For the Ultra Optimist the magic number to clinch the division is 159. The 3-0 record to start the season is only the third time that has happened. It is only the second time the team has done this in there 40 year history, the last time in 1977 also against the Tigers. The Royals outscored the Tigers for the series 13-5. Eight of the Royals runs came with two outs. The starting pitchers limited the Tigers to 4 runs for the series for a ERA of 1.8. Overall the staff ERA is 1.55 with 24 K's 9 W's 21 Hits in 29 innings.
Zack Greinke garnered the Royals third straight quality start with a line 7IP 6 hits 3K 1W and 1 run. Despite the good numbers Zack had a control problems early in the game falling behind almost every hitter the first couple innings. He was able to get out of trouble until the 7th when Brandon Inge hit a solo homer. Ramon Ramirez relieved Greinke in the 8th and immediately gave up a single to Gary Sheffield who was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double. Ordonez k'd, Carlos Guillen doubled and IRod K'd ending the inning so Ramirez's line was 1 IP, 2 hits, 2K, 0W, 0 Runs. Soria picked up his second save 1 IP, 0 hits, oK, 0W, 0 runs.
Offensively the Royals struck earlier this game than the previous two. In the 4th Grudz singled to lead off the inning and Alex Gordon cranked his second homer of the series giving the Royals a 2-0 lead. In the 6th Mark Teahan hit a solo homer to right with two outs upping the lead to 3-0. In the 7th Joey Gathright singled, stole second and scored on Jose Guillen's single.
Tomorrow the Royals take on the Twins, John Bale vs Scott Baker. Baker was 3-0 vs the Royals last year including a near perfect game in late August.
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Zack Greinke garnered the Royals third straight quality start with a line 7IP 6 hits 3K 1W and 1 run. Despite the good numbers Zack had a control problems early in the game falling behind almost every hitter the first couple innings. He was able to get out of trouble until the 7th when Brandon Inge hit a solo homer. Ramon Ramirez relieved Greinke in the 8th and immediately gave up a single to Gary Sheffield who was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double. Ordonez k'd, Carlos Guillen doubled and IRod K'd ending the inning so Ramirez's line was 1 IP, 2 hits, 2K, 0W, 0 Runs. Soria picked up his second save 1 IP, 0 hits, oK, 0W, 0 runs.
Offensively the Royals struck earlier this game than the previous two. In the 4th Grudz singled to lead off the inning and Alex Gordon cranked his second homer of the series giving the Royals a 2-0 lead. In the 6th Mark Teahan hit a solo homer to right with two outs upping the lead to 3-0. In the 7th Joey Gathright singled, stole second and scored on Jose Guillen's single.
Tomorrow the Royals take on the Twins, John Bale vs Scott Baker. Baker was 3-0 vs the Royals last year including a near perfect game in late August.
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Prediction Time
I am late doing this but its time for my predictions in the AL Central. Last year I nailed it, predicting all five positions correctly. I had the Royals winning 67 games, they won 69.
This years predictions:
1. Cleveland. I still think the Indians are the team to beat, better balance with pitching and offense than Detroit.
2. Detroit. Awesome lineup but have major relief woes. And no I am not saying that because of the first two games. This was apparent before the season started. If Detroit wants to advance in any playoffs they need to go shopping.
3. Minnesotta. I still believe the Twins have a good team. Probably the best relief corps in baseball and some very good hitters still around.
4. Kansas City. Yes you read that right. I believe the Royals can pass the White Sox. I believe the Royals are developing a fine pitching staff. Meche, Bannister and Greinke give the Royals I believe one of the better top three starting pitching staffs in the game. It will be interesting to see how John Bale and Brett Tomko do as starters. Regardless if one of the pitchers goes down or fails to produce they can can call up Luke Hochevar. And you know DM is always to be on the prowl for even more pitching where ever he can find it. I am going to resist predicting the Royals will finish the year at .500. but I do see improvement in all phases of the game I think they will finish at 78-84, an improvement of 9 games. The reason I stop short of the .500 is we still need some punch in the lineup. If a Guillen or Butler goes down for any length of time the lack of depth will show through putting even more pressure the pitching staff and the rest of the lineup.
5. Chicago. Like I said last year, an aging team. The GM is being a cheapskate and refuses to make any real changes. The Royals can pass this team no doubt about it.
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This years predictions:
1. Cleveland. I still think the Indians are the team to beat, better balance with pitching and offense than Detroit.
2. Detroit. Awesome lineup but have major relief woes. And no I am not saying that because of the first two games. This was apparent before the season started. If Detroit wants to advance in any playoffs they need to go shopping.
3. Minnesotta. I still believe the Twins have a good team. Probably the best relief corps in baseball and some very good hitters still around.
4. Kansas City. Yes you read that right. I believe the Royals can pass the White Sox. I believe the Royals are developing a fine pitching staff. Meche, Bannister and Greinke give the Royals I believe one of the better top three starting pitching staffs in the game. It will be interesting to see how John Bale and Brett Tomko do as starters. Regardless if one of the pitchers goes down or fails to produce they can can call up Luke Hochevar. And you know DM is always to be on the prowl for even more pitching where ever he can find it. I am going to resist predicting the Royals will finish the year at .500. but I do see improvement in all phases of the game I think they will finish at 78-84, an improvement of 9 games. The reason I stop short of the .500 is we still need some punch in the lineup. If a Guillen or Butler goes down for any length of time the lack of depth will show through putting even more pressure the pitching staff and the rest of the lineup.
5. Chicago. Like I said last year, an aging team. The GM is being a cheapskate and refuses to make any real changes. The Royals can pass this team no doubt about it.
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