RLBLUE - The Buddha Gut - DOM

Roy Oswalt

2012-01-20T20:21:00.004-06:00

From FoxSports.com
KC's patience may pay off ... eventually
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/kansas-city-royals-still-a-year-away-from-winning-al-central-analysis-011912
JON PAUL MOROSI is practically saying the Royals are throwing away their only chance to win the AL Central in 2012, if they don't sign Roy Oswalt. For sure, obtaining a healthy Oswalt (or any #1 starting pitcher) would fill the only glairing gap in the Royals roster. The Royals have ignored the temptation to give away key portions of a deep and respected Farm System or overpay Free Agents in order to accomplish a short term gain. Dayton Moore has said many times this offseason that he & his staff are building a team that can be contenders for many years. You don’t do that by trading away key players in your farm system or overpaying veterans who may block your up and coming players. They seem to have the offense, defense & have bolstered an already strong bullpen. Again this year (as last year) their starting pitching appears to be their Achilles Heel.

You don’t have to be an old-school scout in suspenders with a stop watch & a speed-gun, or be living in mama’s basement with a scientific calculator to know that 20012 could fall short of contention for the Royals (even with all their young talented players). And then again a lot can happen between the last week of January and the end of September.

But for what it’s worth, here’s my take on Roy Oswalt. He's damaged goods asking for $10M. The Royals aren't the only team not biting on that... so I wouldn't trash the Royals for NOT signing
him. Besides, waiting to sign him isn't a bad thing, he WAS asking for multi-year deal… now, he’ll take a 1 year deal. With his medical history, nobody's giving him a $10M guaranteed contract...
no matter how many times he’s been an All-Star in the past.

I have a feeling that he'll end up signing a 1 year deal (possibly with a 1 or 2 yr. option), for a base salary of $3-5M & incentives like an All-Star appearance, X# of innings &/or no time on DL that could get him close to his $10M asking price. Of course, if he comes down to these more realistic terms, there may be several teams willing to take a flier on Mr. Oswalt. And maybe it’s telling how far the Royals have come that they aren’t jumping at a chance at catching lighting in a bottle, by overpaying a veteran looking for a chance to keep his career alive.

Who knows, the Royals may already have their true #1 starting pitcher in their system. Luis Mendoza, Felipe Paulino, Jonathan Sanchez, Aaron Crow, Danny Duffy, Mike Montgomery, or even Luke Hochevar could turn into that true #1 guy in the starting rotation.

Of course, a healthy Roy Oswalt would…

"Named Six"

2011-02-26T19:06:00.000-06:00

The below is my gut feeling of how these “Named Six” will do in 2011… not based on anything but my gut.

Bruce Chen, Kyle Davies, Jeff Francis, Luke Hochevar, Vin Mizzaro, Sean O’Sullivan. These are the 6 pitchers who were named as the prime candidates to make up the Royals’ Starting Rotation to begin the season. Since there hasn’t been much press about these 6 dudes… because everyone likes to write about the bright new shinny prospects. So here is my pre-Spring Training forecast for the “Named Six”.

Kyle Davies. As per usual, Kyle will dazzle with his great fastball & spike-curveball. Kyle will do well for a while, and then loose his concentration. By mid-season, Kyle will find himself in the bullpen… do a fairly good job. But, I believe Kyle will be packaged in a mid-season trade… or Designated for Assignment next offseason.

Luke Hochevar. Here’s a tuffy. When healthy, he can be a very solid #3 starter, or better. But last year he injured his elbow during the season and when on the Disabled List. Then came back and was ineffective, so he was shut down for the rest of the year. Now they are calling him the probable Opening Day Starter. If he makes it out of Spring Training without needing surgery, I’m betting he’ll have some great games, but will end up having season ending surgery and (like Davies) probably never wear a Royals Uniform after 2011. And then again, Luke may feel the force and FINALLY become worthy of being a high draft choice (I won’t hold the #1 over-all pick tag on him).

I’ll combine Vin Mizzaro & Sean O’Sullivan. Both are youngish guys we got in trades during the season last year. Since we didn’t give away All-Star players in the trades, it’s doubtful that we got back All-Star pitching prospects. Both guys have the arms to be solid #3-#5 starters. But both have under-performed so far and could end up as easy cast-offs. I suggest that you flip a coin… one turning into an important piece in our rotation… the other… not so much. Don’t know (nor care) which.

Bruce Chen. The Bruce Chen we saw last year is the one I’ll be looking for this season. I’m guessing just a little better ERA & win total for Bruce. But he keeps talking about how he kept his pitches lower last year. When I view his 2010 re-caps, he got a lot of ground balls on pitches above the waist. Maybe he had a lot of downward movement through the hitting zone… it could happen! I like his veteran presence in the clubhouse… and sense of humor. I see Bruce as that all important innings eater.

Jeff Francis. Here’s our Ace! OK, NOT a big time dominating #1 starter, but he’ll be a better #1 guy than Redman and many other Pre-Greinke/Meche #1 starters. I’m looking for a sub-4. ERA & 15+ wins. If we get that out of him, 2011 may not be a total loss.

OR, I could be totally wrong.

The Process

2011-02-24T15:44:00.000-06:00

More honors for Royals' prospects

The Royals have 9 prospects listed as Baseball America's top 100 prospects. Better yet, 5 of the top 20 prospects... that's 25%... are from the Royals organization. The team has asked us fans to be patient for over 2 decades. Then, General Manager Dayton Moore (GMDM) told us that rebuilding a young team takes time... that it is a process... "The Process".

As the Major League team in Kansas City continued to look the same (old overpaid washed up veterans with bad attitudes) with the same old loosing results, "The Process" was underway.

This is all part of GMDM's "process". And for all those who compared GMDM's "process" to other attempts at "youth movements", etc... there is just no comparison. It doesn't even compare to the last wave of #1's we had in AA who fought for a championship. Lubanski Maier, Butler, Gordon & I'll even add Greinke who was making his comeback from leaving baseball. From that wave, there were no real hot pitching prospects (Greinke had a couple ML years under his belt), and Mike Aviles was the only non-#1 draft pick player good enough to "complement" the wave. Also Lubanski & Maier were "sign ability" #1 picks... so they hardly count anyway. Nobody expected them to be possible All-Star players, anyway.

Now in this wave, we have a ton of pitching prospects... mostly lefties, and the list runs deep. We have multiple power and batting average corner infielders & (at least) one corner outfielder. WE have guys with great speed & defense up the middle. I have never known our farm system to have such depth throughout the entire minor league system.

Folks, this is "The Process" that a small market team can be competitive (not just in a one & done fashion) for an extended period of time.

This is not to say that 2011 may be yet another loosing year. But, we should see some of the youngsters begin to take their place in Kansas City Royals History.

Play Ball!

Farnsworth Starting?

2010-02-22T20:59:00.000-06:00

Starting is 10 years in making for Farnsworth
Royals righty to have another shot after decade in the bullpen

By Dick Kaegel / MLB.com
02/21/10 8:45 PM EST

Not so fast there. Here’s the way I read it.

Last year, Kyle Farnsworth didn’t do well as a set-up man… with the game on the line. He showed time and again that he tends to choke in high stress situations.

He’s got a great arm, so the Royals are trying to figure out to how to maximize the best return on their investment in him. Believe me, making him a starter will NOT bring back high returns on their investment. Plus, if he makes the rotation, then there are MAJOR problems behind Zack Greinke. Gil Meche, Brian Bannister, Robinson Tejeda, Kyle Davies and Luke Hochevar all have to crash and burn in order for Farnsworth to join the rotation.

They need to get the most productive innings as they can out of him. Pitching in the rotation will get more innings out of him, but the key here is quality innings. He showed a knack at shutting the other team down when the game was NOT on the line. To me, that is the key element in his ability to provide quality innings.

The article mentions that he’s working on new pitches. So here’s what the buzz REALLY comes down to. First, he needs more innings in Spring Training to work on developing his new pitches. Throwing in the bull-pen is helpful, but he needs to see how batters react to them. Starting games during Spring Training is a good way of getting those developmental innings.

Then when the season begins, he becomes a long reliever… pitching well in less stress games (last year, no one was able to stop the bleeding once the other team began scoring runs, he seems to thrive more in these settings). That was when he seemed to have his best outings… middle of the game, no late game pressures.

If (when) we need a spot starter, Kyle Farnsworth could be an option. NOT in the regular starting rotation, but a potential “swing man” to eat up innings in long relief, or occasionally start a game.

We Need A Healthy Gil Meche

2010-02-20T09:57:00.000-06:00

Meche now No. 2, but feeling fine
Royals veteran happy for Greinke, and free of '09 back pain
By Dick Kaegel / MLB.com
02/19/10 6:06 PM EST

Whether Gil is “OK” about being the #2 guy in the Starting Rotation or not is of very little interest to me. The REAL question is whether Gil’s back is back. When a professional athlete looses his back, the rest of his body suffers. People run differently, and hurt their legs. Others throw differently, and hurt their arms.

The end of Gil’s 2009 season ended early and was shut down because of “arm & shoulder strain”. If indeed his core strength training resulted in a healthy Gil Meche, I’d put our #1 & #2 combination against ANY other 1-2 combination in the Major Leagues.

Aaron Crow… I just Gotta Say It

2010-02-09T00:22:00.000-06:00

I know that scouts are WAY smarter than I am, but this guy has hardly pitched at all in 2 years… and he’s rated as MLB.com’s 41st over-all best prospect in baseball? How did he earn that? Don’t get me wrong; I’d like to see him ranked high on ANYONE’S top prospect list… when he’s earned it. And so far, he hasn’t earned squat! I just have this gut feeling about Scott BoreAss’s clients who are talked into taking an entire year off from baseball (as it turns out essentially 2 years), before they have proven ANYTHING on the professional level.

Professional sports is a young man’s game. After a guy’s spent time in college… then holds out a year… the takes the whole summer to finally sign a professional contract… his developmental clock is ticking. That’s 2 years of development wasted… two years of lost professional athlete wages… two more years away from arbitration… two more years away from free agency. In a young man’s sport, there is a BIG difference between a 28 and a 30 year old free agent.

There is a long list of “can’t miss” prospects who come out of high school or college… who DO miss. Maybe a guy like Luke Hochevar (another hold out “can’t miss” guy) will have a breakout season in 2010. Maybe Crow advances through the organization to be a prominent pitcher (like Luke didn’t). I’d love to see both of those things happen… but I’m not holding my breath.

The REAL exiting thing will be watching how the four Royals on MLB.COM’s prospect list (Mike Moustakas-32, Will Myers-33, Crow-41 & Mike Montgomery-43) develop… in addition to guys like Jeff Bianchi, Eric Hosmer and Danny Duffy.

I just hope we don’t get Jeff Austin-ed… again.

The Rick Ankiel Experiment

2010-01-26T11:55:00.000-06:00

So the Royals are trying to “Catch Lightening In A Bottle”… again. Don’t get me wrong, I like the idea… it’s just a little redundant. I guess that is what happens when a team’s minor system isn’t pumping out solid prospects, and there isn’t a bottomless well to extract cash to BUY a contender.

But, unlike guys like Juan Gone, Ankiel should be a positive influence on the team in the locker & on the field…even though Rick is apparently requesting to be the Center Fielder. I don’t like a player telling the team (manager) when and where he should play, but who else do we have that would be better suited? But I’ve read that our outfield would be Scott Podsednik in left field, Ankiel in center and David DeJesus in right field. DeJesus had a great defensive year in left field, last year. He cut balls off and made accurate throws to the infield, but he doesn’t have a right fielder’s arm. Neither does Scott. I’d rather see DDJ in left, Pod in center and Ankiel in right. Actually what I’d RATHER see is DDJ in left, Mitch Maier in center, Ankiel in right and Pod as the #4 outfielder (though Mitch in R & Rick in C would work for me).

Anyway, I’ve also read that some fans don’t like the fact that Ankiel is “using” the Royals to give his career another kick-start. But that reminds me of a hot chick marrying a rich old man. Is she using him as a “Gold Digger”, or is he using her as a “Dirty Old Man”? The answer is, “YES!” It’s a win-win proposition (if it works). If Ankiel has a monster year the Royals will benefit on the field (ticket sales) for one year (possibly 2), then they can flip him for much needed high level prospects… in turn… he can go get his Bore-Ass deal when we’re done with him. THEN, some of our more highly touted recent draft picks may be ready to make their trip to The K.

With a seemingly weak AL Central, maybe Rick Ankiel will prove to be a boost on an otherwise weak offensive and defensive team.

Or Not!

STILL (not) KICKING

2009-12-17T14:09:00.000-06:00

I know this is supposed be my KC Royals blog, but I’ll probably not start back up until Spring Training.

Today, I’m posting something that I had written 11 years ago on the 30-year anniversary of when I acquired my disability.

~~THIRTY~~ 41 YEARS AND STILL (not) KICKING

December 18, 1998 – (edited Dec. 2009)

Today I celebrate ~~thirty~~ 41 years as a person with a disability. At the time of my automobile accident, I was a sixteen-year-old kid who certainly didn't want to work too hard in school, or think about the future. Like most kids, I really just wanted to have some fun. Then at the age of sixteen, the day after I got my driver's license, a mother's worst nightmare happened... I had a very serious automobile accident. I wasn't drinking... I wasn't driving fast... there wasn't another driver involved... no passenger distracted me... no pedestrian or animal that I had to dodge... there was just me, a slippery road and a very steep hill. But of course, it WAS the other guy's fault!

Luckily, I was knocked out and don't remember anything about that evening... one week before Christmas.

Three daze (days) later, I woke up in the middle of the night. It was dark. I couldn't move my head (didn't know I was in traction). Couldn't feel my legs, (let alone move them). I was confused, bewildered, terrified. I thought someone was torturing me. They had me tied down and wouldn't let me up. I didn't know who they were, or why they were doing this to me. I yelled for help. I screamed bloody murder. A nurse turned on the lights and I said that someone had me tied down and wouldn't let me move. She told me that I wasn't supposed to move... that I had a bad car accident and was in the hospital... that I was in traction so I wouldn't move and hurt myself even more... that I needed to stop yelling a waking up the other patients. I said, "Oh my God. Tell the other patients I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bother anyone. I was just... a little... confused."

I asked what I did to myself. The nurse said the doctor would talk to me about it in the morning... that I needed to just go back to sleep. But I was still confused... why couldn't she say what happened to me. I then realized that besides having no movement in my legs... I couldn't FEEL my legs... I just knew they were gone... amputated... they had me tied down so I couldn't see they were missing. The nurse assured me that they were still there. But I couldn't feel them... they must be missing. I said, (being from Missouri and all) "Oh yeah, SHOW me." So she lifted one of my legs to show me. I'll be damned, she's holding up one of my body parts... and I don't feel ANYTHING. I was shocked... confused... had MORE questions... was told to hold them for the doctor in the morning and she left.

I had always been a "pronie"... I was very accident-prone... if something happened to one of us boys, it usually happened to me. I was laying there flat on my back. I tried to raise my arm in the air... and it fell back onto my face... I tried it again and it fell on my face, again... I tried it a third time with the same result... being rather quick to pick up on things... I decided to not try that again. I just laid there and said to myself, "Steve, I don't know what you did... but this time you really fucked up!"

The next day the doctor came in and told me that I had a skull fracture but more seriously I had a blood clot in my spine that had to be removed or it would have killed me. So I thought to myself... that's cool, I'm not dead and that is the reason why. I asked why I couldn't feel or move most of my body, and he told me that the blood clot (and the subsequent removal thereof) damaged my spinal cord. I thought to myself... the good news is that I'm not dead; the bad news is that I'm paralyzed... I didn't like this good news / bad news joke, at all.

Before the doctor left, I asked if I would be back up on my feet in time to start training for football next year (as if I was a talented jock or something). He said that most likely I would never walk again... ever. So that was the end of my brief career as a tackling dummy. After everyone left I thought... for the first time in my life... gee, I wonder what the rest of my life will be like. I made a mental list of all the things I probably wouldn't be able to do anymore... then made a mental list of the things I probably COULD do... I decided the things that I could do were more important than the things that I couldn't do... I made a decision right then that, for the rest of my life, I had to focus on the things I could do and not worry about those I couldn't do. As time went on, there were things on the couldn't-do list that I figured out ways to do them... and a few things on the could-do list that didn't pan out. But after a while I misplaced these mental lists but kept the concept of not worrying about what I physically couldn't do, and instead focus on exploring different ways to do things.

Thirty years. What a long strange trip its been. What have I accomplished... nothing special... but a lot more than some people may have expected. I got the feeling that people expected me to crawl into a corner... curl up and die. Suddenly, I was "special". People acted like I was Wyatt Earp... you know... the old TV western. The theme song was: Wyatt Earp. Wyatt Earp. Brave, Courageous and Bold. And why? Because I didn't fold my hand... I have played the cards dealt to me.

I've never been the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I have learned to work hard with the tools I have. I caught up with my class in school after living 6 months in three hospitals. I completed a goal I had before my accident of earning my Eagle Scout Award. My service project was a life long endeavor to teach others that a person with a disability can (and should) be just like everyone else. I was the first person in a wheelchair to graduate from my high school. I went to college and graduated with a three-point average (not bad for a quad who also has a perceptual problem). I was the first person in a wheelchair to graduate from my college with a four-year degree. I was stunned when everyone, including people who didn't even know me, gave me a standing ovation on graduation day. When it happened in high school, I understood that all these kids knew me before I acquired this disability and they were proud of me. When it happened in college, I became very cynical. Was it so far fetched to think that a person with a disability could be successful? Why is it that when others do something its expected of them… but when I do, its so astounding that I can?

To this day, I try to preach that I am many things... a man... a sports fan... a husband... a dad... a sexual human being... a friend... a voter... a driver... a consumer... a bowler... a wanna-be comedian... a pain in the ass... a dirty old man... and... a person with a disability. Having this thing called disability is but one part of me.

Please celebrate life with me on the ~~thirty~~ 41-year anniversary of the day I acquired this thing called disability.

-- Steven A Hurst

Watching Billy Butler...

2009-09-09T15:36:00.000-05:00

... is like watching a little leaguer play. When he gets a big hit, he's like"Wow, see what I did!"

It's fun to see.

Now, when he isn't getting those big hits, he'a poutty faced.

Now Pitching For The Royals… Tony Pena. Jr.

2009-07-28T18:11:00.000-05:00

http://tinyurl.com/mlofpq

So, Tony Pena, Jr. is heading to AZ… Surprise! He’s converting into a pitcher. All I can say is, go for it. He’d need to know how to operate a bat to be a position player (even a Short Stop)… and he hasn’t been able to accomplish that task. He has a strong arm, so that should help.

TJ does have a pretty good career pitching line:
1 I, 0 R, 1 SO, 0 BB… here’s the video: http://tinyurl.com/kspnvm

TJ also seems to be a good kid, so I like keeping him in the organization. The only other way to keep him is to make him Zack Greinke’s & Brian Bannister’s valet Short Stop… DH the SS spot… and let the pitchers hit. I don’t think even Tony LaRussa would do that!

People with disabilities will find the new Kauffman Stadium far friendlier

2009-03-29T17:49:00.000-05:00

People with disabilities will find the new Kauffman Stadium far friendlier

Forty years ago, when I acquired my disability, there were NO equal rights laws for people with disabilities. I was young, skinny & used a manual wheelchair and ready willing & able to be lifted, bounced & banged up steps, curbs & steep inclines.

Since then I’ve seen (& have been involved in) the passage of: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Amendments to National Transportation & Safety Board regulations, Amendments to the Fair Housing Act, as well as the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Now, I don’t do steps… nor do I “go in the back door” at restaurants (which needs to ramped so they can get their kegs of beer in). So when we (Jackson County residents) passed the bonds to renovate The K, I was excited to see how they would include integrated seating in the retro-fit and new seating configurations.

I sent several emails to Royals inquiring about accessible seating and their only reply was to send me a Seating & Pricing link, which I already knew how to navigate to. That bothered me on two fronts. First of all, they didn’t directly answer my question, nor route me to someone who COULD. So, I was kind of worried that my issues weren’t being addressed.

My other problem has to do with the fact that I can’t order accessible tickets online… they always make me send an email that they may or may not respond to in a timely manner… but I’ll go deeper into this issue in another blog-post.

Anyway, I know and trust some of the people sited in the KC Star article and mostly just wish I had been involved in the process… jealousy is an ugly thing. (insert emotion)

So when I go to The K, I’ll know who to bitch to if I see accessibility issues.

Side note… this article includes proper terminology when referring to people with disabilities. It’s not that hard to get it right, but not done well on a consistent basis… kudos KC Star!

Sheridan's Signature Store

2009-03-28T13:54:00.000-05:00

Kauffman Stadium will feature the only frozen custard parlor in a professional sports venue (Sheridan's Signature Store).

Sheridan's Signature Store in the Outfield Experience will feature the famous "Dirt and Worms" concrete, Royal Turtle sundaes, gourmet hot chocolate, smoothies, fresh-baked cookies and more. The Sheridan's Signature Store at Kauffman Stadium will operate on the same hours as the Outfield Experience.

Sheridan's will be easy to spot --- here's a sneak peek at a six-foot frozen custard cone that will be outside the store!

The Buddha Gut will haveta check this one out on a hot day at The K!

Friday RLBLUE Report – 3/27/09

2009-03-27T21:41:00.000-05:00

DRI DUCK Fountain Seats

We’re getting General Admission back… Yeah! With all the high end seating additions at The K, I was glad to see some aimed at people like me. I could save up and go to a game or two at the higher priced seats, or go several times. I just need to remember to bring a plastic bag to cover joystick control box. If the wind is blowing just right (wrong?), I could see fans getting a little wet (On a fishing trip in WI a couple years ago, I sat out in the rain catching some nice small-mouth bass and the controller shorted out… this fat old man doesn’t like to have people push his chair around!). I don’t know how many people this area seats but “The first 100 fans arriving at these seats each game receive a special edition Royals cap made exclusively by DRI DUCK. The featured cap design will change for every homestand.”

The Bob Evans Bases Loaded 4-Pack sounds good, too. “Get four (4) View Level Infield tickets and $10 of loaded value per ticket for concessions and merchandise - over a $100 value - all for just $60!”

Ponson has ups and downs in debut

Sir Sid did well for 5 innings… then lost it. He seems to have been an OK pick-up. I wouldn’t mind seeing a starting rotation of Meche, Greinke, and Davies, with Hochevar & Ponson in the final two spots. Bannister can go to Omaha to find his consistency, like he did in ’07.

Aviles has big day for Royals

Looks like Aviles is heating up, now that he’s back from the WBC & getting consistent AB’s. We need a good offensive showing from him this year. It just concerns me a little to have both middle infielders being big O little D players (assuming Teabag wins 2B).

Royals' Olivo content as the starting catcher

Miggy certainly made it clear enough late last year that he wasn’t happy being the number 2 catcher for the Royals. He got the lion’s share of the playing time behind the plate in September. I like the way Buck is hitting this spring. If Bryan Pena can pass through waivers at the end of ST… and… if both Olivo & Buck hit well in the first half of the season… maybe… we can turn one of these guys into some good prospects near the trading dead-line. That’s a lot of if’s… so we’ll see.

One Sign Of A Good Team...

2009-03-18T15:54:00.000-05:00

... is that there are some ML capable players in Spring Training who will NOT make the club. If that is true, maybe the Royals WILL be a contender this year. Wednesday (3/18/09), the club announced that they released Jimmy Gobble. OK, so last year he was horrible against right handed hitters... but what do you expect from a lefty specialist?

No whining about how poorly he was used in 2008, he's gone now... we move on.

I say. "Bye, Jimmy. Good luck. Hope we don't get to see ya soon."

No Way, TJ

2009-03-17T21:59:00.000-05:00

OK... so my TJ canpaign is over.

If he clears waivers... goes to Omaha & turns things around offensively, MAYBE he gets another shot in KC. I'm not holding my breath. Too bad... I like speed & D... not sure why I'm skeptical about Bloomer-boy.

Oh well, time to move on to other fun shtuff.

Tony Pena, Jr. Should Be Our SS

2009-02-24T13:08:00.000-06:00

I know many people would like to sweep TJ under the rug… but I don’t.

The man carries a gold glove onto the field. He has the range that could help make the left side of the infield awesome. With his absence last year, Alex Gordon had to range WAY to his left to fill in the hole between third base & Short Stop. With TJ in there, Gordon could set-up closer to the line (taking away doubles down the line) and letting TJ range far to his right & gun down runners (even on his knees). The improved defense would boost our already great pitching.

With his new eyes , he can now see the ball & have better pitch recognition. It IS true that you can’t hit what you can’t see. George Brett had 20/10 vision during his playing career, and that gave him such an advantage over other players. TJ will never resemble Brett at the plate, but he showed great improvement in winter ball, after he had Lasik (AVE .275, OBP .347.). Once on base, TJ gives us very good base running speed.

The big question is whether TJ will get a true shot during Spring Training… Trey Hillman says he’ll get his opportunities… time will tell. A great spring by TJ will give MTH & GMDM more roster options. Mike Aviles can move over to his natural position at second base. Mark Teahen, Esteban German, Alberto Callaspo and Willie Bloomquist can fight out the back-up roles.

I’d REALLY hate to see Tony Pena, Jr. go elsewhere to become an All-Star Gold Glove SS.

Let The Flames Begin.

Bob Kaegel & Dick Dutton

2009-02-17T10:40:00.000-06:00

Is it just me, or does anyone else think these 2 clones arrive at the ST complex (or ballparks during the regular season) and say, "Who are you interviewing today... Wow, that sounds good, mind if I tag along?"

I understand that there are group interviews & everyone basically gets the same sound bites, etc., but I also know that there are 64 players on the spring roster & all the regular & extra coaches & spare parts players (like the minor leaguers needed for "live" batting practice before Wednesday).

I guess I should just remind myself that this is not like "real" journalism where getting your OWN story is important. These two guys are just a couple old beat writers beaten down by many long (& loosing) seasons.

02/16/09 5:44 PM EST
Silent authority of Meche inspires KC
Right-hander has become quiet leader in Royals' clubhouse
By Dick Kaegel / MLB.com
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=....artnerId=rss_kc

Posted on Mon, Feb. 16, 2009 10:15 PM
Meche believes in this Royals team
By BOB DUTTONThe Kansas City Star
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/royals/story/1037880.html

How Are We Going To Do This Year?

2009-02-16T14:52:00.000-06:00

Some of the moves made by the Royals during the off-season are ones that Daytona Moore had the do to rev up our offense. The additions of Jacobs & Crisp will help to that end. We’ll miss Noonie & Ho Ram, but ya gotta give up talent to obtain talent in trades.

Moore has said that he’d give up offense up the middle for defense, but the corners have to be power guys. Teahen doesn’t fit into this prototype corner-fielder. So the great Teahen @ 2B experiment of 09 will be underway this spring / summer. Funny, but I still have a gut feeling that TJ just MIGHT have a shot at winning back SS (moving Aviles to 2B)… or not.

Anyway, I believe our offense will be improved (tho Gordon & Butler HAVE to become MEN for that to fully come true). Our pitching should prove to be a force.

So my fearless projection for the 2009 Royals is 90 wins… with the beginning of several post-season appearances in the next decade.

HEY… it could happen!

Not Much Of A Home Run Derby!

2008-09-28T17:17:00.000-05:00

When Billy Butler & Mike Avelis hit their 7th HR in early August, I thought it would be fun to track their HR's.

I thought wrong.

Oh, the "race" was tight and both banged their last HR's out in the same game of the last series. But their power surge was more like a flicker.

For what it's worth...

Billy won with 11...

one more than Mike who hit 10.

As a team, the Royals ranked way down in the league with total Home Runs... however... 7 players ended the season in double digits.

Something to build on... that's my spin!

WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR!!!

The Last Home Stand Of 2008

2008-09-15T20:54:00.000-05:00

During this last home stand for the Royals, I’ll be out at The K 3 times, at least!

Why?

Well, it’s like this. Being a die-hard Royals fan, I’d go to any game, any time. I’m also a family man. That means two things… games have to meet: family needs, and family budget.

Getting “STUFF” seems to be a driving force in my family’s (read son’s) desire to go to a game.

This home stand is a great example. Tuesday night is “T-shirt Tuesday” (we’ll get a long sleeved T). Also, we got free tickets in a promotion through KCP&L. Actually it WAS 2 tickets in the nosebleeds. We went to the ticket office, before another game, and tried to get one accessible ticket and 2 companions (we pay for the extra ticket). The lady at the ticket window looked all flustered, excused herself and left the window area. When she came back, she had three tickets and said we didn’t have to pay for the third one, either… Deal! Then when we looked at the tickets, we noticed they weren’t in the nosebleeds at all… no… they are Dugout Box Seats… right behind home-plate…section 101, seats 1-3… regularly $37.00, each… for free… Double Deal!! Now I’m a proud man. I don’t ask for stuff I don’t earn. But man, when someone hands me stuff like this. I smile and say, “Thanks!!!” We will even NOT bring our own food and buy their overpriced stuff… we can afford it… this time. We were planning on pre-paying for our parking (but wanted to rush off to get our banners), but they are offering parking for this series for only $5.00, so we are glad we did didn’t pre-pay $8.00 (usually $9.00 at the gate).

Then we heard they’re having $3.00 nosebleeds for this series… halfway to St Patrick’s Day (free KC caps with a shamrock on it)… add my son’s girlfriend’s birthday (next week)… and you have our second day at The K this home stand. Don’t forget the $5.00 parking!

I was thinking about going out on Saturday (take the bus & go out by myself). I casually told my wife that maybe I’d like a KC Stocking Cap. She said that maybe we should all go… cool! I decided to get the tickets when we go out on Tuesday. Now I get an email saying I can get 50% off tickets. Half off already cheap tickets fits my budget!!

Now, the last home game of the season… we’ll see.

OOPS, He Does It Again!

2008-09-03T21:06:00.000-05:00

Just when I give up on the Bam Bam vs Smiley - Home Run Race, Bill The Thrill bangs another out! And WHAT a bomb!!
http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200809023407925&c_id=kc

Butler is the sixth Royals player to reach double digits in HR's this season. Buck has 8 and Aviles has 7, so there is a chance of 8 players to get there... MAN... even I have a hard time reaching for positives in this year's Royals team, again. But just as in life, one needs to relish the positives, then go on.

So I am.

OK... Here's The Thing...

2008-08-31T21:26:00.000-05:00

On August 2, Billy Butler hit his seventh Home Run of the season, the next day, Mike Aviles did the same. I thought, "Wow... our young guns are finally going to show something!" So I started my tracking of their HR's.

ALL MONTH LONG, they didn't hit another... until Billy hit a couple more the last weekend of August. So I'll end my HR tracking, RIGHT HERE!

... It's A Jungle Out There ...

Mike (Smiley) Aviles vs Billy (Bam Bam) Butler

2008-08-08T18:34:00.000-05:00

Mike (Smiley) Aviles & Billy (Bam Bam) Butler, are young guys with similar swings. Both enter the Twins series (starting 8/8/8) with Seven Home Runs each. So I wonder, "Which will hit the most Dingers this year?" So, I'll be updating their slug success, right here.

Mike (Smiley) Aviles

7 HR - 08/03/08
Billy (Bam Bam) Butler
7 HR - 08/02/08

RLBLUE Ride

2008-08-06T16:15:00.000-05:00

So here's some pics of my Royal Blue Mini-van (It's not my fault, the lady in the SUV smashed my full-sized van!)... OK... I'm OK... it just sometimes comes out like that. The shrink says it'll stop one day (or not). Surely I'll be OK with being in the mini-van generation someday (or not).

Front View (note the plates)

Rear View (duh)

Show Room Angle

And now for the part that cost more than twice the amount of the vehicle:

So the van pulls into the driveway

The door opens & ramp begins sliding fron below the floor

Meanwhile the back of the van neels

The ramp drops to the ground

And the fat old man gets out of the van... Independence... that's what it's all about, baby!

When's the game?

The Nicest Bunch Of Guys To Push Around!

2008-08-03T21:26:00.000-05:00

That’s the attitude teams have had about the Royals for the past decade or more.

At the risk of sounding like a biased, profiling bigot… I say, “Bring On That ‘Dominican Tude’!”

Year, after year, after freaking year the Kansas City Royals have been one of MLB’s doormats. There’s a close call to be made… the other team gets the call. A Royals’ batter gets hit… no retaliation is expected. The team goes on a long loosing streak; they all go out for a rousing night of “Cookies N Milk”. What a nice bunch of guys!

Well… now we’ve got some guys who aren’t afraid of stirring the pot! Young guys make stupid mistakes then bow their head… in the past they got hugs from their Captain… Now They Get Called Babies! A batter gets hit… AGAIN… in the past they take their base (with no repercussions)… Now The Batter Charges The Mound!

This year, pitchers have retaliated by hitting the opponent’s batter… that didn’t happened in the past.

Do I support beanings, brawls and nasty play? No! But at the same rime, rolling over time and again has gotten old. And I like the new fire in this team!

Ultimately, the game comes down to pitching, defense and run production… if doing it with a chip on the shoulder helps that process… BRING IT ON!!!

Mid Year Report (Part Deux)

2008-07-18T15:31:00.000-05:00

* * Pitchers * *

STARTERS

If there was any question of who the Ace of the Pitching staff was at the beginning of the season, Zack Greinke has answered that! He should have more wins, but the offense and bullpen have let him down. Zack has given up too many homeruns, but since he’s always around the plate that’s bound to happen. His (nearly) 3/1 K/SO rate and more innings pitched than hits given up are impressive. Another telling stat is the fact that he has only given up one unearned run. To me, that means that he keeps the flow of the game steady so that the defense is always “in the game.” I’d like to see Zack Greinke cut his HRA down and otherwise keep the strong performances coming!
Mid-Term Grade – A-

Gil Meche was the definitive Ace of the Royals pitching staff, last year. He had the goal of throwing more strikes and working longer in games. His control is a little off this year, but seems to make the pitch he needs to in order to get out of jams. Gil is not the force that he was last year, but usually gives the team a chance to win each time he takes the hill. I’d like to see Gil Meche be more pitch-efficient in the second half, and let his “stuff” do the rest.
Mid-Term Grade – B

Brian Bannister started the season on fire and looked like he was going to make the off-season nay Sayers eat their words. Since his hot start, he hasn’t been near the pitcher he was last year. A soft pitching fly ball pitcher needs pinpoint control… that hasn’t been there. As a result, he has given up way too many homeruns. Brian is a student of the game, and needs to be with his less than blow-‘em away fastball. In the second half, I’d like to see Brian Bannister regain comand of his pitches, keep the ball in the park, and re-consider adding a sinker to his arsenal.
Mid-Term Grade – C-

Number one draft-pick, Luke Hochevar, has yet to pitch like one. The Cool Hand shows a cool head when he has runners all around him, but that has been way too often. When Luke throws strikes and keeps his sinker down, he can control the game quite nicely. But too many walks have put a lot of stress on the young right-hander and have kept him from going deep into games. I’d like to see Luke Hochevar keep the ball down in the strike zone and keep the pace of the game crisp so the infielders have a chance to help him get deeper into games.
Mid-Term Grade – C-

Kyle Davies has pitched like the young Major Leaguer that he is. He has looked very good at times, and not so good at other times. Personally (and I have nothing to back this up), I am not REAL impressed with him. But that aside, he has shown the ability to keep the team in most games. I’d like to see Kyle Davies gain better command of the strike zone and develop a reliable “out pitch.”
Mid-Term Grade – C-

Brett Tomko - FAIL- Nuff Said

RELIEVERS

Joakim Soria has been the best Rule 5 acquisition the Royals have ever had. We’ve, seemingly, picked the pockets of several teams in the past only to have that player flame out (best example - Andrew Sisco). This time we found Gold! When Joakim takes the mound, the game is pretty much over. The only question is how many batters are going to end up looking silly. More saves than hits allowed speaks for itself… PLUS… he has a way cool nickname – The Mexicusioner! Best of all, the Royals FINALLY had a TRUE All-Star representing them during the mid-summer classic!! Joakim Soria needs to keep on Mexicusioning!
Mid-Term Grade – A++

The Royals needed veteran presence in the bullpen, and Ron Mahay has been that and more. When the starters go into the sixth inning (or deeper), the bridge guys have done a very good job of handing the lead over to The Mexicusioner. Ron has done an excellent job against both right and left-handers. All I can say to Ron Mahay is, “Keep It Up Old Man!”
Mid-Term Grade - A

Leo Nunez lit up eyes at the beginning of the year, even though he only made the team because he was out of options. Leo went from a thrower to a pitcher… finally. Although he’s young (one of Allard Baird’s “bring ‘em up too soon boys”), it looked like the organization was loosing patience with him. His injury has marred his break-out year, but hopefully he can regain his early season form. When Leo Nunez comes back from the DL, he needs to “fill the strike zone”, and let his “stuff” take over (was that cliché enough for ya?).
Mid-Term Grade – A

The “Ramirez Twins” (especially Ram Ram) have been two other solid pieces to the bridge corps. When Ramon and Horacio command the strike zone, they have been extremely effective. I find it amazing how Dayton Moore has cherry picked pitchers that other teams have been so willing to give up on. I guess that’s a testament to the awesome job he has done to re-define the Royals’ scouting department. Not much to say to Ramon and Horacio Ramirez except, “Keep throwing strikes, dos Rams!”
Mid-Term Grade - A

Robinson Tejeda was bad enough to make the pitching-starved Texas Rangers dump him. Once again, the Royals’ scouting department was smart enough to grab him up. With the Royals, he has found the strike zone. He has been successful so far for KC, but has had very few chances. Robinson Tejeda appears to have a “Grade A” arm and needs to stay in the strike zone.
Mid-Term Grade - Incomplete

Joel Peralta was a very serviceable (and versatile) pitcher for the Royals in the past, and has been lights-out in Omaha this year. He has only had a little (not much) success for the MLB team. Giving up homeruns (and previous pitcher’s runs) has been his down-fall. Joel has an awesome forkball, but needs to get ahead in the count in order to use it. Keeping the ball in the park and inherited runners from scoring should be Joel Peralta’s second half goals (if he’s not bumped by other pitchers coming off pf the DL).
Mid-Term Grade – D-

What happened to the Jimmy Gobble that we saw the past year and a half? This year, he just doesn’t have it. This division has too many awesome left-handed hitters for our lefty specialist to implode. If he has options, I’d like to see Jimmy Gobble go to Omaha and rediscover his sidearm magic.
Mid-Term Grade - F

Hideo Nomo was an interesting experiment that failed.

Yasuhiko Yabuta was a large dollar failure - Nuff said (although I DO hold out hope for Yasuhiko Yabuta to learn where home plate is located on an American ball-field).

John Bale, Neal Musser, Jeff Fulchino, Carlos Rosa, - Incomplete – probably will see more action in the second half.

(opinions may vary, check your local ballpark for further deals)

Mid-Term Report

2008-07-16T17:23:00.000-05:00

* * Position Players * *

Jose Guillen was paid big money by the Royals to provide the one thing that was missing from the roster… veteran leadership that included a power bat and production in the middle of the batting order. By veteran leadership, I mean a proven MLB player who had been productive in the past and still had some productive years ahead of him (not the “Milk & Cookie” veteran leadership we’ve had in the past). Although streaky and moody, Jose has been that man. Amazingly, his RBI totals could have been better it seems that he’s had MANY runners LOB. In the second half, I’d like to see a more consistent stroke from Jose Guillen with runners in scoring position, and fewer SO’s in the second half.
Mid-Term Grade – B

Alex Gordon is long on potential and charisma, but short on consistent production. He often looks really silly in the batter’s box, and then he pounds the ball. Many people compare his swing to George Brett’s. Except for the top hand release of his follow-through, I don’t see it. I think that too many people WANT to see the similarities. I see more of a Ken Griffey Jr.’s swing when I see Alex, than George. But, I’ve never heard (or read) anyone else make that comparison, so it’s probably just me (I saw that in Michael Tucker’s swing, too). Alex’s OBP is OK. Although he strikes out a lot, he draws his share off walks. Batting ahead of Guillen, that’s a good thing. Like last year, any trouble in the batter’s box doesn’t carry over to his defensive position. In fact, his glove (and arm) appears to have a golden hue. For the second half, I’d like to see Alex Gordon cut his swing down with two strikes. With Alex Gordon’s size, strength and uppercut awing, he should be hitting more homeruns… but first… he needs to make contact.
Mid-Term Grade – C-

People look at Mark Teahen and hope he can be the player we saw in the second half of the 2006 season. From my point of view, too many people have tried to turn Mark into someone other than who he is. When he was in the Oakland organization, they tried to get him to be a Jason Giambi clone. When he was traded to the Royals, they sent George Brett to Omaha to turn him into a Brett clone. A clone of either player (minus Jason’s juice) would be awesome. He doesn’t have some of the tools that Jason or George have, but he does have some tools that THEY don’t (didn’t). He seems like the kind of guy that should be batting at, or near, the top of the batting order. Mark is more built to be a speedy run scorer rather than someone who drives runs in. If he drives the ball the opposite way, rather than trying to pull the ball, his SO’s should drop to a more acceptable level. A gap-to-gap hitter with speed is very valuable in spacious Kaufman Stadium. Like Alex Gordon, I’d like to see Mark Teahen make more contact with the ball.
Mid-Term Grade – C-

David DeJesus is not a real toolsy player. With average center field speed and below average throwing arm, he is not the prototypical center fielder and leadoff hitter. But what he doesn’t have in raw talent, he makes up with heart and a ton of energy. This is shaping up as his “career year”. He has bounced around the outfield and has performed very well in just about any role asked of him. Leading the MLB in batting average with runner in scoring position makes moving him down in the lineup very tempting. The way the two players are playing right now, flip-flopping him with Mark Teahen might make sense. I’d like to see David DeJesus continue to be the REAL team leader!
Mid-Term Grade – A-

When healthy, Mark Grudzielanek has been the veteran leader that management expects him to be. With his age (38) and a nagging back, he seems to need more days off than he did last year when he had two knee surgeries. But when he DOES take a few days off, he comes back hitting the ball all over the park. Grud doesn’t strikeout excessively, but he doesn’t take a lot of walks, also. Although he obviously doesn’t have the range he did in his first year with the Royals, he makes just about every play within reach. I’d like to see Mark Grudzielanek be more willing to take days off so he can keep his body fresh throughout the dog days of summer.
Mid-Term Grade – B

Joey Gathright can be a real-highlight-reel with his play in center field. This year, he has used his speed as a useful tool both offensively and defensively. But when there has been miscommunication in the outfield, Joey has been in the middle of it. Kaufman Stadium has a huge outfield and needs speedy men patrolling the large open spaces. Although Joey has improved his bunting skills (he needs way more work), his overall batting skills seem to have taken a step backwards from last year. Joey Gathright needs to learn to drive the ball to leftfield and up the middle in order to become a useful player for this (or any MLB) team.
Mid-Term Grade – D

Ross Gload hasn’t had the first-half season that he had last year. But, he’s been fairly good now that he’s had steady work. He doesn’t have the power that is needed for a starting first-basemen. Although his great defensive play and blue-collar work ethic wins favor from Trey Hillman (and Buddy Bell before him), he seems more useful as a bench player. Ross Gload needs to continue to take advantage of the opportunities offered to him.
Mid-Term Grade – C

Billy Butler appears to be an All-Star of the future, the future’s not here, yet. Apparently, Trey Hillman isn’t serious about allowing him to become a first-baseman. So Billy needs to be the pure hitter that he seems destined to be. To put things into perspective, with roughly the same number of at-bats as Ross Gload and Joey Gathright, Billy’s HR & RBI totals and AVG are similar. That was the reason he was sent down to Omaha, earlier this season. He has been hitting the ball harder lately, but pulling the ball more than he did last year. Billy Butler needs to begin driving the ball up the middle and into the power-alleys in the second half.
Mid-Term Grade – D+

John Buck has handled the starting pitching very well. That is his focus, and what we can always expect from him. He WAS groomed behind Brad Ausmus with the Astros. I am OK with Buck’s batting average, though I’d like to see him cut his strikeouts down and continue to hit the ball all over the park. John has the power to hit homeruns to any part of the park. With the pitchers’ help, I’d like to see John Buck improve his caught stealing rate and continue his solid handling of the pitchers through the rest of the season.
Mid-Term Grade – C

Miguel Olivo was signed as a backup catcher (although he claims he didn’t know that). I have no problem with that. Miggi may throw out base runners at a higher rate that John Buck, but pitchers have a higher ERA with him behind the plate. Olivo has a little better power numbers than Buck, but he is WAY hard to walk. When Miguel Olivo gets his chances in the second half, he needs to be better at using the whole field and drive the ball to the power-alleys, rather than being pull happy.
Mid-Term Grade – C

Tony Pena, Jr. is one of the slickest fielding shortstops I seen. Even more than Alex Gordon, his glove (and arm) appears golden. The problem is that his bat appears invisible. Is this a “sophomore jinx”? Or is he really that pathetic? He would be Trey Hillman’s starting shortstop if he would bat anywhere like he did last year. TJ’s defense is pure joy to watch! For the second half of the season, I’d like to see Tony Pena, Jr. bunt effectively and adopt a Rey Sanchez swing.
Mid-Term Grade – C-

Mike Aviles hit the MLB scene with a splash! His breakout series in his hometown New York didn’t hurt his stock. With a little back step at the plate after his hot start, he has shown the ability to deal with adversity. The biggest flaw that I’ve noticed in Mike’s game are his fielding mental errors (that don’t always show in the stats). Experience and a move to second base many help. In the second half, I’d like to see Mike Aviles continue his solid approach at the plate and hard work on his defense.
Mid-Term Grade – B+

Esteban German is having his roughest year with the Royals. A lot of this stems from the fact that Kansas City has too many middle infielders on their roster, and Esty isn’t getting consistent playing time. This is often the plight of a bench player. I see his worth being more on a National League team, where his versatility in the field can be exploited (and bat used more often). I like the energy that he brings to the team. In the second half Esteban German needs to try to make it hard for Trey Hillman to take him out of the lineup.
Mid-Term Grade – C-

Alberto Callaspo, in his limited exposure, has been all that was advertised. His bat looked pretty useful, before his personal issues imploded his career. I’m holding out hope that he can get his life worked out and that the organization supports him in that process. Ultimately, though, Alberto Callaspo controls his own destiny.
Mid-Term Grade – Incomplete

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

2008-07-13T00:10:00.000-05:00

I really love this song, especially all the different versions thereof. Trevor Hurst (no relation) does a real bluesy version that you should be listening to right mow. The history of the song is pretty interesting. Here’s some text from Baseball Almanac:

In 1858, the first known baseball song was written, "The Base Ball Polka!" It was not quite as famous as Jack Norworth's 1908 classic, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game", which was written on some scrap paper on a train ride to Manhattan, New York. Norworth then provided those paper scrap lyrics to Albert Von Tilzer who composed the music which in turn was published by the York Music Company and before the year was over, a hit song was born.

Jack Norworth was a very successful vaudeville entertainer / songwriter and spent fifteen minutes writing this classic which is sung during the seventh inning stretch at nearly every ball park in the country. In 1927, he changed some lyrics and a second version appeared. Baseball Almanac is proud to present both versions and an actual print of the original sheet music cover.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

1908 Version
Author: Jack NorworthComposer: Albert Von TilzerPublished on: 1908, 1927Published by: York Music Company

Katie Casey was baseball mad.

Had the fever and had it bad;

Just to root for the hometown crew,

Ev'ry sou Katie blew.

On a Saturday, he young beau

Called to see if she'd like to go,

To see a show but Miss Kate said,

"No, I'll tell you what you can do."

"Take me out to the ball game,

Take me out with the crowd.

Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,

I don't care if I never get back,

Let me root, root, root for the home team,

If they don't win it's a shame.

For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,

At the old ball game."

Katie Casey saw all the games,

Knew the players by their first names;

Told the umpire he was wrong,

All along good and strong.

When the score was just two to two,

Katie Casey knew what to do,

Just to cheer up the boys she knew,

She made the gang sing this song:

"Take me out to the ball game,

Take me out with the crowd.

Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,

I don't care if I never get back,

Let me root, root, root for the home team,

If they don't win it's a shame.

For it's one, two, three strikes, your out,

At the old ball game."

Take Me Out to the Ball Game
1927 Version
Author: Jack Norworth ©Composer: Albert Von TilzerPublished on: 1908, 1927Published by: York Music Company

Nelly Kelly love baseball games,

Knew the players, knew all their names,

You could see her there ev'ry day,

Shout "Hurray," when they'd play.

Her boy friend by the name of Joe

Said, "To Coney Isle, dear, let's go,

"Then Nelly started to fret and pout,

And to him I heard her shout.

"Take me out to the ball game,

Take me out with the crowd.

Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,

I don't care if I never get back,

Let me root, root, root for the home team,

If they don't win it's a shame.

For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,

At the old ball game."

Nelly Kelly was sure some fan,

She would root just like any man,

Told the umpire he was wrong,

All along, good and strong.

When the score was just two to two,

Nelly Kelly knew what to do,

Just to cheer up the boys she knew,

She made the gang sing this song.

"Take me out to the ball game,

Take me out with the crowd.

Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,

I don't care if I never get back,

Let me root, root, root for the home team,

If they don't win it's a shame.

For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,

At the old ball game."

So there you go. The song we all sing during the seventh inning stretch is just the chorus of a two verse song.

Here are some versions you might like to listen to:
Organ Version - instrumental
Traditional Version - instrumental
Goo Goo Dolls – Not my fav.

Abe Knuckleball Schwartz - Fun Version

Andrew Sisters 1940's
– Kind of Hawaii 50 meets the Beach Boys:

Polo del Mar
And here’s a couple for the kids:
The Countdown Kids

Raffi

VIRGIN BLOGGER, NO MORE!

2008-06-17T12:06:00.000-05:00

OK, so this is my first attempt at blogging. I’ve posted STUFF (my favorite word), but not in blog form… (the ... are also a fav of mine) in my own blog THANG (also a fav word).

This is my attempt at a Royals blog. Everyone has a story… in life as well as fandom. A brief back-story about my fandom & me is where I’ll begin.

Oh, and one thang about grammar & spelling. Both of my grammar’s were old county girls. I remember going up on Sundays for family dinners… Fried Chicken… Green Beans… Mashed Potatoes… Country Gravy &/or Noodles… And Lots Of Dessert (my Granpar said he only liked two types of pies – one crust & 2). Anyway, both Grammars are long gone, so don’t expect much of that to appear in my blog. And as far as Spelling… none of the spells that I read about or watched on Harry Potter has worked for me, so don’t expect too much from me there, either!

* * *

Growing up, I was never a Sports Fan. It seemed to me that sports were stuff you did, not watch. Baseball… Football… Basketball…Kickball… Dodge Ball… Sit On The Little Skinny Kid & Punch Him Until He Cries For Help (my fat older brother liked this game WAY more than I did). Now, I DID like watching College Football, when I was a kid. Back then they didn’t have so many instant replays from a hundred different angles (See Bob the ref REALLY blew the call… from this angle you can clearly see it’s a catch, and this one... catch, and this one... catch, and this one... catch, and this… oh, WOW, the ball skipped on the ground… that was CLEARLY NOT a catch)… yawn! Back in the day, they did more important things between plays at a College Football game… show the CHEERLEADERS! UCLA had the best… and of course… Dallas Cowboys STILL have the best Pro Football Cheerleaders.

But my playing career (or bench warming career as the case may be) came to an end at the age of sixteen… no big loss to the sports world. Here’s a thing I wrote 30 years after my “playing Career” ended.(http://tinyurl.com/e3vs7)

Living in St Joe, MO, as a baseball fan there was the Cardinals. By the mid-70’s I started paying attention to the Royals. Hardly ever got to watch them on TV, maybe once a year a group from our church would rent a bus & drive down for a game. In 1974 I started paying a LOT of attention to the Royals. In 1975, the Royals won a 90+ games and challenged the Oakland dynasty… THAT’S when I became a die-hard Royals fan… listening to the crackly AM radio & reading all I could get my hands on in the newspaper.

When Brett & McRae were fighting Carew for the batting title, I had to get the box scores & compute everyone’s average because that stuff was only in the Sunday newspaper (updated to the previous Friday)… but I kept track daily (except when the Royals &/or Twins were playing on the West Coast). Brett’s first batting title & the teams first AL West title… that was awesome. After college, I moved to KC, started watching more games on TV, went to the stadium more often and listened to Denny when I couldn’t watch them.

STILL CRAZY (about the Royals) AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!

Umbrella Night Before The Rain -2

2008-06-16T17:27:00.001-05:00

Umbrella Night Before The Rain -1

2008-06-16T17:24:00.000-05:00

2008-06-14T09:09:00.000-05:00

2008-06-14T09:08:00.001-05:00

2008-06-14T09:07:00.001-05:00

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2008-06-14T08:50:00.000-05:00

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2008-06-14T08:33:00.001-05:00

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2008-04-19T18:24:00.000-05:00