Going for an unprecedented sweep of the Twins last night the Royals came oh so close to getting their first sweep of the Twins in 12 years. The Royals played about 24 innings of some of their best baseball of the year, but starting in that 25th inning they did what they usually do and found a way to lose the game. Hoch got tapped around a bit and might have been hurt by a defensive lapse when Kila tried to make a great double-play instead of taking a sure out at home. Then Delmon Young hit a Home Run that stayed fair by inches, the Royals struck out some more, Jesse Chavez did what he does and gave up a run, then Ned does what managers do and asked the teams hottest hitter to bunt with the winning runs on base in the bottom of the ninth which, of course, led to another strike-out (number 15) and Billy did what he does and grounded into another double play to end the game. Prior to inning number six it looked good and we were on our way to extracting some minor revenge on our arch nemesis at the end of the year. But on the bright side those first 24 innings are why we're still watching this pathetic team on September 30th.
Home Runs Help: The Royals hit six home runs in the series and we can see that the equation is pretty simple; more home runs = more runs. It takes three singles to score a run but only one home run, okay I'll stop restating the obvious, but the big hit is something the Royals have been lacking all year long, we've had the hits (2nd in the AL), just not the big ones (2nd to last in HRs) and folks its the big ones that really add up. Lets get our head out of the 80s and realize that modern baseball requires hitters that can turn the game around with one swing, the Royals need those players. Yuni and the dearly departed Jose Guillen will lead our team with less than 20 a piece and even though you can point to our pitching as the main reason for this year's disaster, we won't contend until we have more than two guys who can hit 20 HRs.
Pitching & Defense, I guess: Seriously, how do the Twins do it? They've lost one of the best closers (Joe Nathan), one of the best offensive players (Morneau), played a lot without their starting SS (JJ Hardy), lost more relievers and yet still, here they are running away with the Central, AGAIN! Through all of this, they still have one of the best pitching staffs and one of the best defenses and by pretty much all statistical measures we have the worst in each of those categories. Well their offense isn't bad either, but is it really that simple?
The curse of the....Is there a goat or Babe Ruth incident that we as Royals fans are not aware of? The Twins have been killing us for a long, long time now, when will it stop, when can we just be two competitive mid-western teams battling for the division and not on completely different ends of the spectrum? Will Obama still be president, will the PBR still be around, will internet still be used? Lets just call it a Curse to be Named Later, do our best rain dances when the end of the year comes and hope this is the last time we reside in the cellar of the AL Central for a long time.
Bring on part II of the Royals end of the year look at teams whom they should aspire to be, as the Rays come to town looking to take the AL East crown away from the Yanks. Hopefully this is also a preview of what the Royals will someday be and should serve as a nice little test to try and close out the year with your head-up (or as high as you can hold it for finishing last in the Central). Good luck to Zach tonight as it would be nice to see him pitch well and forget about his last outing and end a mostly forgettable year.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Stretch Run
Things are just as they should be with the Royals battling for last place heading into the final games of the season. The Royals head to Cleveland tonight to start a big four game series to see whose late season call-ups and rookies are better than the other team's, also to avoid the distinction of last place in the American League Central. While this may seem like another in a long string of disappointing years for the Royals and being 4th or 5th in the division is not much to play for, well...that's all we've got. However, this year is one of the few that you can actually say, hey maybe next year, and here's why:
Center Field: Not since the days of Carlos Beltran have the Royals been fairly secure at this position, we have a rookie who has come-up and made a nice first impression (Jarrod Dyson), and a youngish, serviceable guy we got in a trade (Gregor Blanco) and Mr. Steady Eddie (Mitch Maier) who all can do the job. This puts us in the position not to have to trade for a Joey Gathwright or a Coco Crisp, nor to have to sign a Rick Ankiel and that is a big improvement. CF is obviously an important position and being fairly certain that you will have someone who is about average playing out there next year is comforting from a fan's viewpoint (A Royals Fan's viewpoint).
"If we get him back" (offense): Normally this is how an oblivious fan starts out a rant about how their team just came up short because of an injury and that some decent player was really going to make the difference between them and last place. However this year, if you say that about David DeJesus, you might actually have to pause and think if you had Billy Butler, DDJ and Wilson Betimit hitting in a row this would be the best Royals 3-4-5 combo since, I don't know, but if those guys put together full seasons like they have this year, come next year we might be talking about battling for third place!
"If we get him back" (pitching): See above, but this time re: Luke Hochevar. Now maybe he is going to be that pitcher who never can quite go a full season and he hasn't been insanely impressive this year, BUT he actually could be better. A full season from him with standard improvement and voila you have a #3 starter
Brayan Pena: Who knew? We actually had a catcher who was capable of hitting the ball over the fence. How can you not like Pena?
Hope: This year, above all other (recent) years, blind hope is warranted. Okay so Kila and Alex haven't quite carried their AAA number to the bigs, but just look at them, there is a reasonable expectation that at least one of the two could be an above average player next year. While we haven't seen many of them yet, keeping your fingers crossed and hoping for some miracle rookie to come-up next season and actually live-up to wild expectations is not that far-fetched. There are at least enough of them that we have some odds working in our favor as opposed to putting all of our money on one number at the roulette table we can spread it out and spin the wheel a few times.
Returning Players: The more guys you have on your current roster whom you actually want to see back next year and who are having solid years this year is a strong indicator of how well your team is doing. Zach had somewhat of a disappointing year by his unsustainable standards, but I'm looking forward to seeing him back. No Billy Butler may never be Miguel Cabrera, but I think it's safe to say he won't be Bob Hamelin either and that we can expect his solid production to be there again next year. Joakim Soria, we've commented on it here at the PBR as have all of the other Royals' Blogs and even though having a great closer on a losing team isn't helpful, just knowing that your losing team has one of the best at its position is worth something. Wilson probably won't sustain his MVP caliber numbers through an entire season next year but anything resembling what he's done this year would be a welcome sight. Mike Aviles, much like Pena, you just have to like the guy and if nothing else, he is WAY WAY better than Willie Bloomquist. Not to mention, this is his first year back from major surgery. I could probably go on a bit more, but being that the number of players that you want to see back outnumbers the ones who you would prefer didn't play on your team is proof enough that this year's last place finish might not be as bad as some of the previous ones.
As is stand we now hold a narrow 1/2 game lead on the Indians and we all know that fourth place is nothing to shoot for, but looking for signs of a third place team is actually reason enough to watch this year's 4th or 5th place team.
Center Field: Not since the days of Carlos Beltran have the Royals been fairly secure at this position, we have a rookie who has come-up and made a nice first impression (Jarrod Dyson), and a youngish, serviceable guy we got in a trade (Gregor Blanco) and Mr. Steady Eddie (Mitch Maier) who all can do the job. This puts us in the position not to have to trade for a Joey Gathwright or a Coco Crisp, nor to have to sign a Rick Ankiel and that is a big improvement. CF is obviously an important position and being fairly certain that you will have someone who is about average playing out there next year is comforting from a fan's viewpoint (A Royals Fan's viewpoint).
"If we get him back" (offense): Normally this is how an oblivious fan starts out a rant about how their team just came up short because of an injury and that some decent player was really going to make the difference between them and last place. However this year, if you say that about David DeJesus, you might actually have to pause and think if you had Billy Butler, DDJ and Wilson Betimit hitting in a row this would be the best Royals 3-4-5 combo since, I don't know, but if those guys put together full seasons like they have this year, come next year we might be talking about battling for third place!
"If we get him back" (pitching): See above, but this time re: Luke Hochevar. Now maybe he is going to be that pitcher who never can quite go a full season and he hasn't been insanely impressive this year, BUT he actually could be better. A full season from him with standard improvement and voila you have a #3 starter
Brayan Pena: Who knew? We actually had a catcher who was capable of hitting the ball over the fence. How can you not like Pena?
Hope: This year, above all other (recent) years, blind hope is warranted. Okay so Kila and Alex haven't quite carried their AAA number to the bigs, but just look at them, there is a reasonable expectation that at least one of the two could be an above average player next year. While we haven't seen many of them yet, keeping your fingers crossed and hoping for some miracle rookie to come-up next season and actually live-up to wild expectations is not that far-fetched. There are at least enough of them that we have some odds working in our favor as opposed to putting all of our money on one number at the roulette table we can spread it out and spin the wheel a few times.
Returning Players: The more guys you have on your current roster whom you actually want to see back next year and who are having solid years this year is a strong indicator of how well your team is doing. Zach had somewhat of a disappointing year by his unsustainable standards, but I'm looking forward to seeing him back. No Billy Butler may never be Miguel Cabrera, but I think it's safe to say he won't be Bob Hamelin either and that we can expect his solid production to be there again next year. Joakim Soria, we've commented on it here at the PBR as have all of the other Royals' Blogs and even though having a great closer on a losing team isn't helpful, just knowing that your losing team has one of the best at its position is worth something. Wilson probably won't sustain his MVP caliber numbers through an entire season next year but anything resembling what he's done this year would be a welcome sight. Mike Aviles, much like Pena, you just have to like the guy and if nothing else, he is WAY WAY better than Willie Bloomquist. Not to mention, this is his first year back from major surgery. I could probably go on a bit more, but being that the number of players that you want to see back outnumbers the ones who you would prefer didn't play on your team is proof enough that this year's last place finish might not be as bad as some of the previous ones.
As is stand we now hold a narrow 1/2 game lead on the Indians and we all know that fourth place is nothing to shoot for, but looking for signs of a third place team is actually reason enough to watch this year's 4th or 5th place team.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
September is here, the end is near
This is the part of the season we as Royals fans know all too well; it's September we're battling to stay out of last place and there is seemingly nothing left to play for, but they must grind out these last games and try to make the most of it.
What to make of the Kendall injury - we here at the Powder Blue Room admit we may have taken too many cheap shots at Kendall, but maybe, just maybe he shouldn't have played ALL of those games? He led all catchers in games and innings played as well as stolen bases given up, so finally the the 36-year-old's wing just gave out on him - is anyone surprised? Admittedly, we are going to express some guarded enthusiasm about getting to see Pena for the rest of the season, as well as seeing the catcher we got for Pods, but we won't kick a man when he's down. Only for the Royals is it a good thing when your big offseason free agent catcher signing goes down with an injury, however I'm not sure I'm going to have much to complain about for the rest of the year and that is a good thing. It's been a long time since there has been no old man/bad signing to complain about, go Royals.
Willie's Week - Finally, I could actually cheer for Bloomquist and appreciate what he brings to the table. He gets credit for winning two games with late inning heroics in the last week. I felt pretty bad for Lil'Wil when he had to sit by as almost every other aging veteran who wasn't going to be around next year was traded away by the Royals and apparently no one wanted him. Lets face it, seeing him play RF is just a joke, but when he is used to play infield on a get away day to give a starter some rest, this is his role. Also, when he is used as a pinch runner in the bottom of the ninth for a much slower player, this too is where he has some value. In both of those occasions he was the hero and won the games for the Royals, this was a great way to go out, we wish you the best in the future Willie - so long as you don't start one game for the Royals next year.
Welcome Back Mr. Meche - Last night we saw Gil for the first time in a while and he actually looked good for the first time in a LONG time. Who knows how this experiment will go, and who knows who is to blame for ruining his arm, but if this works out and he can be a decent reliever for the whole year next season, then Gil will be remembered fondly as a Royal. Incidentally, this may have the added advantage of preventing the Royals from signing a free agent relief pitcher - between Soria and Meche we'll have $16 mil already.
Alex & Kila - We would still like to see a lot more, I know there have been a few brief flashes of potential and we've got to be a little more patient, but this is your time to shine - NOW. I know it is a lot of pressure but you guys have to give us a good September and carry it into 2011, we need you two to have some hope for a .500 record next year and rid KC of these painful Septembers. This is the PBR on its hands and knees begging.
Digging for reasons to watch the Royals play can be difficult - judging by their attendance lately, maybe impossible - but if you look hard enough they are there and if you've watched this much, why not stick around until the bitter end.
What to make of the Kendall injury - we here at the Powder Blue Room admit we may have taken too many cheap shots at Kendall, but maybe, just maybe he shouldn't have played ALL of those games? He led all catchers in games and innings played as well as stolen bases given up, so finally the the 36-year-old's wing just gave out on him - is anyone surprised? Admittedly, we are going to express some guarded enthusiasm about getting to see Pena for the rest of the season, as well as seeing the catcher we got for Pods, but we won't kick a man when he's down. Only for the Royals is it a good thing when your big offseason free agent catcher signing goes down with an injury, however I'm not sure I'm going to have much to complain about for the rest of the year and that is a good thing. It's been a long time since there has been no old man/bad signing to complain about, go Royals.
Willie's Week - Finally, I could actually cheer for Bloomquist and appreciate what he brings to the table. He gets credit for winning two games with late inning heroics in the last week. I felt pretty bad for Lil'Wil when he had to sit by as almost every other aging veteran who wasn't going to be around next year was traded away by the Royals and apparently no one wanted him. Lets face it, seeing him play RF is just a joke, but when he is used to play infield on a get away day to give a starter some rest, this is his role. Also, when he is used as a pinch runner in the bottom of the ninth for a much slower player, this too is where he has some value. In both of those occasions he was the hero and won the games for the Royals, this was a great way to go out, we wish you the best in the future Willie - so long as you don't start one game for the Royals next year.
Welcome Back Mr. Meche - Last night we saw Gil for the first time in a while and he actually looked good for the first time in a LONG time. Who knows how this experiment will go, and who knows who is to blame for ruining his arm, but if this works out and he can be a decent reliever for the whole year next season, then Gil will be remembered fondly as a Royal. Incidentally, this may have the added advantage of preventing the Royals from signing a free agent relief pitcher - between Soria and Meche we'll have $16 mil already.
Alex & Kila - We would still like to see a lot more, I know there have been a few brief flashes of potential and we've got to be a little more patient, but this is your time to shine - NOW. I know it is a lot of pressure but you guys have to give us a good September and carry it into 2011, we need you two to have some hope for a .500 record next year and rid KC of these painful Septembers. This is the PBR on its hands and knees begging.
Digging for reasons to watch the Royals play can be difficult - judging by their attendance lately, maybe impossible - but if you look hard enough they are there and if you've watched this much, why not stick around until the bitter end.
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