Royals When will you be convinced... - Page 2

Archie F. Swin · 05-07-2009, 08:35 AM

...that the 2009 Kansas City Royals will contend for a pennant in October?

Poll forthcoming

eazyb81 · 05-07-2009, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jidar

This isn't a division thing. The Royals would be contenders in any division this year, and they're doing it by beating teams that are winning other divisions. (Toronto, Seattle)
That's why I think they're a pretty solid pick to win the AL Central consider how much of a down year it is.

I don't think so. It might appear like that now, but we've been on a great hot streak, and I don't think we have the pitching depth to compete in, say, the AL East over a 162 game season.

KChiefs1 · 05-07-2009, 09:20 AM

Four reasons why the Royals aren't going away
Stan McNeal

KANSAS CITY -- Zack Greinke has been the best pitcher on the planet for the past month but he's not the only reason to believe the AL Central-leading Royals are for real. Here's four others.

Maturity matters
After losing an average of 98 games for the previous five years, Kansas City's culture needed an overhaul. That process started before last season when the club imported Trey Hillman to manage after five years in Japan.

GM Dayton Moore then made a point of acquiring veterans who have played on winning teams over the offseason. None made headlines outside of Kansas City but they have paid off on the field and in the clubhouse. Coco Crisp, for example, has given the club a World Series winner and true leadoff hitter and Mike Jacobs has brought much-needed power potential and presence.

Not coincidentally, the Royals are winning come-from-behind games they rarely won in previous seasons. They won one Tuesday night by rallying from 5-1 in the fourth to beat the White Sox 8-7 in 11 innings.

"When it gets late and guys are used to losing, how do you all of a sudden change," Moore says. "You learn from experience but you also add guys who have won. They bring confidence."

Such confidence results in big hits. While the team's batting average is next to last in the A.L., the Royals are hitting nearly .300 -- fourth in the A.L. -- in "close and late" situations. "We've gotten a lot of clutch hits," Moore says.

A leader in the clubhouse
Trading for Jacobs has given K.C. more than a guy who hit 32 homers in 2008. He also has brought a healthy dose of brash. Both were on display against White Sox starter Gavin Floyd when Jacobs mashed a three-run, 440-foot home run and paused to admire it.

"The word is swagger," John Buck says of what Jacobs has given the Royals. "It's kind of like if someone tells us we suck just because we've sucked in the past, punch them in the mouth. 'You're not going to tell me I suck, I haven't even played here yet.' He's like the ultimate confident loud mouth, but it's always positive. He's very energetic and his personality is very infectious. "

Jacobs' blast turned what was shaping up as a White Sox cruise into a game that didn't end until Buck's two-out single in the 11th gave Kansas City its fourth straight victory.

Stingier defense
The acquisition of Crisp improved the outfield for two reasons: He's an above average centerfielder and his arrival allowed the Royals to upgrade in left by moving over last year's centerfielder, David DeJesus. Strong-armed Jose Guillen remains in right.

"Whenever you can have two centerfielders and one of the best arms in the league in right field, that can make for a pretty good outfield," Crisp says.

The infield is better because Billy Butler has learned how to handle first. Last year, Butler played the position like he would be a full-time DH by 23, but in the offseason he hired a personal trainer and converted some of his baby fat into what manager Trey Hillman calls "good body mass." The result is a more mobile fielder who has impressed at least one of his teammates.

"The last thing in the world I expected was Billy to play that kind of defense," Greinke says, dryly. "For the first month of the season, he's definitely been an above-average first baseman. That's hard for me to say because I never thought anyone would say that but him and his family."

Improved pitching
With the offense still struggling to find its consistency, the Royals' early success has been built around pitching. They lead the A.L. in ERA after finishing 10th a year ago. Besides Greinke, the Royals also have arguably the game's best young closer in 24-year-old Joakim Soria, who has saved all six of his chances despite being slowed by a tender shoulder.

Of course, we would not be talking about the Royals if not for Greinke. Practically overnight, the 25-year-old righthander has become the game's best pitcher. Check these numbers: In 45 innings covering six starts, he has given up two earned runs. Total. He is 6-0 and leads the majors in just about everything, including strikeouts.
"Right now, he's the best there is," says Steve Stone, White Sox TV analyst who worked Greinke's six-hit shutout of the White Sox on Monday night.

Stone knows successful pitchers. He is one of only two -- along with Bob Welch -- to win 25 games in a season since 1980.

"Right now, Zack is doing everything right," Stone says. "The confidence is as high as it can possibly be. If he keeps it there, he'll be the third guy in the last 30 years to win 25 games."

And he just might take the Royals with him on a ride they haven't been on in a long time.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=545971

wild1 · 05-07-2009, 09:21 AM

Isn't the first week of May a little early to be convinced a team will contend this year?

If they're still in the race at the all star break then I'll believe it. For now, they are just a team that's made amazing strides in the past few years, and we should be grateful that we have the most any fan base can ask for, continuous improvement

eazyb81 · 05-07-2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

"The last thing in the world I expected was Billy to play that kind of defense," Greinke says, dryly. "For the first month of the season, he's definitely been an above-average first baseman. That's hard for me to say because I never thought anyone would say that but him and his family."

Thig Lyfe · 05-07-2009, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KChiefs1

"The last thing in the world I expected was Billy to play that kind of defense," Greinke says, dryly. "For the first month of the season, he's definitely been an above-average first baseman. That's hard for me to say because I never thought anyone would say that but him and his family."

irishjayhawk · 05-07-2009, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THISmaqe

I voted for "now" but I don't know that I really need to be convinced.

I feel like the Royals are playing with house money. Nobody really expected this, so rather than getting wrapped up in whether or not it's "real" I'm just gonna enjoy it.

I learned my lesson in 2003 with the Chiefs.

Good point.

Dr. Johnny Fever · 05-07-2009, 09:56 AM

It's for real that they are maturing as a team, winning games they would have lost last year, getting some attitude and swagger, believeing they should win and playing good, gritty ball. All of that is for real. Whether it means they'll stay in contention all season and/or make the playoffs remains to be seen. There are a lot of variables... injuries, slumps at particularly bad times, other teams getting hot when we're cold etc.... I do not expect them to go on one of their patented 10 or 12 game losing streaks this year though... the maturity and talent level, not to mention the pride, seems to be beyond that. I'm sure they will go through a couple losing streaks... the best teams even do that... but I really don't think we'll see the season crushing streaks we have seen in the past.

Whether it turns into a playoff year or not it will be a huge step forward if they can just stay competitive all season and I for one think they can and will.

ziggysocki · 05-07-2009, 09:57 AM

Where is the "Never! We are talking about the Royals, dipshit." option? Kidding aside, if they stay close to resembling the team they are now up to the break, I will be sold. I just am sick of getting my hopes up too early.

KC native · 05-07-2009, 10:41 AM

There's no option for a few weeks after the All Star Break. If they can keep playing strong until the break and then come out after the break strong then I will have a lot more faith in them

MIAdragon · 05-07-2009, 10:49 AM

Its easy to win now, its the stretch run that’s hard, deep into the grind with key players on the DL. So I guess IMO its more than a little early to call anything.

Frazod · 05-07-2009, 10:51 AM

I was feeling pretty good about the 2003 team until the bottom fell out at the end.

This bunch seems stronger, though. I hope they hold up.

Mr. Krab · 05-07-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demonpenz

I am already convinced. Gordon is going to have to fight for at bats when he comes back.

I don't. I think Gordon is handed back his starting job at 3rd base without so much as a blink. They will start shifting Teahen around like a gawd dam pinball again. Mark Teahen should of told the Royals to fack off along time ago.

Dr. Johnny Fever · 05-07-2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Krab's

I don't. I think Gordon is handed back his starting job at 3rd base without so much as a blink. They will start shifting Teahen around like a gawd dam pinball again. Mark Teahen should of told the Royals to fack off along time ago.

But he's the consumate team player so he doesn't. Guys like Mark Teahen get my respect.

Demonpenz · 05-07-2009, 11:10 AM

the thing is when gordon comes back we just have alot of players for that stretch run. Grienke Meche Soria need to stay healthy though. We are just walking a shitload this year. Guillen has been walking too. Seems like everyone is buying into walking = winning

htismaqe · 05-07-2009, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demonpenz

the thing is when gordon comes back we just have alot of players for that stretch run. Grienke Meche Soria need to stay healthy though. We are just walking a shitload this year. Guillen has been walking too. Seems like everyone is buying into walking = winning

It's all Kevin Seitzer. The guy obviously knows what he's doing.

BTW, Seitz was on 810 this morning and he said that he's not emphasizing the walks. They're a byproduct of the approach.

View Poll Results: When will you say "This Royals team is for real"
I'm saying that now	43	29.66%
End of May	14	9.66%
All Star break	49	33.79%
Mid-September	39	26.90%
Voters: 145. You may not vote on this poll

05-07-2009, 08:35 AM
Archie F. Swin This is the way Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Wichita Falls, Texas Casino cash: $9975673	When will you be convinced... ...that the 2009 Kansas City Royals will contend for a pennant in October? Poll forthcoming
Posts: 11,800

05-07-2009, 09:20 AM	#17
KChiefs1 I’m a Mahomo! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mid-Missouri Casino cash: $6771021	Four reasons why the Royals aren't going away Stan McNeal KANSAS CITY -- Zack Greinke has been the best pitcher on the planet for the past month but he's not the only reason to believe the AL Central-leading Royals are for real. Here's four others. Maturity matters After losing an average of 98 games for the previous five years, Kansas City's culture needed an overhaul. That process started before last season when the club imported Trey Hillman to manage after five years in Japan. GM Dayton Moore then made a point of acquiring veterans who have played on winning teams over the offseason. None made headlines outside of Kansas City but they have paid off on the field and in the clubhouse. Coco Crisp, for example, has given the club a World Series winner and true leadoff hitter and Mike Jacobs has brought much-needed power potential and presence. Not coincidentally, the Royals are winning come-from-behind games they rarely won in previous seasons. They won one Tuesday night by rallying from 5-1 in the fourth to beat the White Sox 8-7 in 11 innings. "When it gets late and guys are used to losing, how do you all of a sudden change," Moore says. "You learn from experience but you also add guys who have won. They bring confidence." Such confidence results in big hits. While the team's batting average is next to last in the A.L., the Royals are hitting nearly .300 -- fourth in the A.L. -- in "close and late" situations. "We've gotten a lot of clutch hits," Moore says. A leader in the clubhouse Trading for Jacobs has given K.C. more than a guy who hit 32 homers in 2008. He also has brought a healthy dose of brash. Both were on display against White Sox starter Gavin Floyd when Jacobs mashed a three-run, 440-foot home run and paused to admire it. "The word is swagger," John Buck says of what Jacobs has given the Royals. "It's kind of like if someone tells us we suck just because we've sucked in the past, punch them in the mouth. 'You're not going to tell me I suck, I haven't even played here yet.' He's like the ultimate confident loud mouth, but it's always positive. He's very energetic and his personality is very infectious. " Jacobs' blast turned what was shaping up as a White Sox cruise into a game that didn't end until Buck's two-out single in the 11th gave Kansas City its fourth straight victory. Stingier defense The acquisition of Crisp improved the outfield for two reasons: He's an above average centerfielder and his arrival allowed the Royals to upgrade in left by moving over last year's centerfielder, David DeJesus. Strong-armed Jose Guillen remains in right. "Whenever you can have two centerfielders and one of the best arms in the league in right field, that can make for a pretty good outfield," Crisp says. The infield is better because Billy Butler has learned how to handle first. Last year, Butler played the position like he would be a full-time DH by 23, but in the offseason he hired a personal trainer and converted some of his baby fat into what manager Trey Hillman calls "good body mass." The result is a more mobile fielder who has impressed at least one of his teammates. "The last thing in the world I expected was Billy to play that kind of defense," Greinke says, dryly. "For the first month of the season, he's definitely been an above-average first baseman. That's hard for me to say because I never thought anyone would say that but him and his family." Improved pitching With the offense still struggling to find its consistency, the Royals' early success has been built around pitching. They lead the A.L. in ERA after finishing 10th a year ago. Besides Greinke, the Royals also have arguably the game's best young closer in 24-year-old Joakim Soria, who has saved all six of his chances despite being slowed by a tender shoulder. Of course, we would not be talking about the Royals if not for Greinke. Practically overnight, the 25-year-old righthander has become the game's best pitcher. Check these numbers: In 45 innings covering six starts, he has given up two earned runs. Total. He is 6-0 and leads the majors in just about everything, including strikeouts. "Right now, he's the best there is," says Steve Stone, White Sox TV analyst who worked Greinke's six-hit shutout of the White Sox on Monday night. Stone knows successful pitchers. He is one of only two -- along with Bob Welch -- to win 25 games in a season since 1980. "Right now, Zack is doing everything right," Stone says. "The confidence is as high as it can possibly be. If he keeps it there, he'll be the third guy in the last 30 years to win 25 games." And he just might take the Royals with him on a ride they haven't been on in a long time. http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=545971 __________________
Posts: 54,038

05-07-2009, 09:21 AM	#18
wild1 MVP Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: 31040 Casino cash: $10004900	Isn't the first week of May a little early to be convinced a team will contend this year? If they're still in the race at the all star break then I'll believe it. For now, they are just a team that's made amazing strides in the past few years, and we should be grateful that we have the most any fan base can ask for, continuous improvement
Posts: 6,935

05-07-2009, 09:56 AM	#22
Dr. Johnny Fever stax of wax Join Date: Feb 2004 Casino cash: $10004900	It's for real that they are maturing as a team, winning games they would have lost last year, getting some attitude and swagger, believeing they should win and playing good, gritty ball. All of that is for real. Whether it means they'll stay in contention all season and/or make the playoffs remains to be seen. There are a lot of variables... injuries, slumps at particularly bad times, other teams getting hot when we're cold etc.... I do not expect them to go on one of their patented 10 or 12 game losing streaks this year though... the maturity and talent level, not to mention the pride, seems to be beyond that. I'm sure they will go through a couple losing streaks... the best teams even do that... but I really don't think we'll see the season crushing streaks we have seen in the past. Whether it turns into a playoff year or not it will be a huge step forward if they can just stay competitive all season and I for one think they can and will.
Posts: 34,865

05-07-2009, 09:57 AM	#23
ziggysocki mmm sweet lemonade Join Date: Oct 2008 Casino cash: $10005000	Where is the "Never! We are talking about the Royals, dipshit." option? Kidding aside, if they stay close to resembling the team they are now up to the break, I will be sold. I just am sick of getting my hopes up too early.
Posts: 1,582

05-07-2009, 10:41 AM	#24
KC native Banned Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Casino cash: $10049239	There's no option for a few weeks after the All Star Break. If they can keep playing strong until the break and then come out after the break strong then I will have a lot more faith in them
Posts: 24,946

05-07-2009, 10:49 AM	#25
MIAdragon Someone pass the antifreeze Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Miami (North Cuba) Casino cash: $1517819	Its easy to win now, its the stretch run that’s hard, deep into the grind with key players on the DL. So I guess IMO its more than a little early to call anything.
Posts: 15,769

05-07-2009, 10:51 AM	#26
Frazod WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $3045085	I was feeling pretty good about the 2003 team until the bottom fell out at the end. This bunch seems stronger, though. I hope they hold up.
Posts: 119,511

05-07-2009, 11:10 AM	#29
Demonpenz I got Rice cookin in the micro Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $3082136	the thing is when gordon comes back we just have alot of players for that stretch run. Grienke Meche Soria need to stay healthy though. We are just walking a shitload this year. Guillen has been walking too. Seems like everyone is buying into walking = winning __________________
Posts: 54,279