Oakland Athletics @ Kansas City Royals Game Thread (7/17)

[alnorth]

<table border=3 cellpadding = 4>
<tr>
<td>Final</td> <td> 1 </td> <td> 2 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 6 </td><td> 7 </td><td> 8 </td><td> 9 </td><td> R </td><td> H </td><td> E </td></tr>
<tr> <td> OAK (45-46) </td> <td> 3 </td> <td> 0 </td><td> 0 </td><td> 0 </td><td> 0 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 0 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 6 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 1 </td></tr>
<tr> <td> KC (39-51) </td> <td> 0 </td> <td> 5 </td><td> 0 </td><td> 0 </td><td> 0 </td><td> 0 </td><td> 0 </td><td> 0 </td><td> 0 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 7 </td><td> 1 </td></tr>
</table>

http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/mlb/images/team_logos/60x60/oak.gif

Trevor Cahill 6⅔IP 5R 5ER 4BB 3K 1HR
Jerry Blevins ⅓IP 0R 0ER 0BB 0K
Win, (4-2) Craig Breslow 1IP 0R 0ER 1BB 0K
Save, (19) Andrew Bailey 1IP 0R 0ER 0BB 1K

VS.

http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/mlb/images/team_logos/60x60/kc.gif

Bruce Chen 5⅔IP 4R 4ER 1BB 4K
Blown Save, (3) Blake Wood ⅔IP 1R 1ER 0BB 1K
Kyle Farnsworth 1⅔IP 0R 0ER 0BB 0K
Loss, (0-2) Joakim Soria 1IP 1R 1ER 0BB 2K

Home Runs

OAK

none

KC

Yuniesky Betancourt, (7) - Bottom 2nd Grand Slam to left

Royals Prospects Today

AAA: Alex Gordon, (LF) 1/5, 2K (1 double)
AAA: Kila Ka'aihue, (DH) 1/3, 1BB, 2K
AAA: Mike Moustakas, (3B) 2/4
AA Game 1: Eric Hosmer, (1B) 1/2, 1BB, 1HR
AA Debut
AA Game 1: Edgar Osuna, (SP) 4IP 1R 1ER 1BB 3K
AA Game 2: Eric Hosmer, (DH) 0/3, 1K
Adv. A: Christian Colon, (SS) 1/4
Adv. A: Wil Myers, (C) 0/4, 1BB
Adv. A: Danny Duffy, (SP) 4IP 4R 3ER 2BB 3K 2HR

Starting Lineups

OAK

1. Coco Crisp, CF
2. Daric Barton, 1B
3. Kurt Suzuki, C
4. Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B
5. Adam Rosales, 2B
6. Mark Ellis, DH
7. Matt Carson, RF
7. Gabe Gross, ph/RF
8. Rajai Davis, LF
9. Cliff Pennington, SS

KC

1. Scott Podsednik, LF
2. Jason Kendall, C
3. David DeJesus, CF
4. Billy Butler, 1B
5. Jose Guillen, DH
6. Alberto Callaspo, 3B
7. Mitch Maier, RF
8. Mike Aviles, 2B
9. Yuniesky Betancourt, SS

[Sure-Oz]

Hope we can bounce back today with a W, it's the damn A's

[alnorth]

Danny Duffy was the highly-touted pitching prospect who flaked on us earlier this year, leaving the minor league camp in spring training to "reassess his life priorities". I'm guessing his reassessment included looking at the economy and how much major league pitchers make, because he recently told the Royals he wanted to come back, so we sent him to advanced A.

[JoeyChuckles]

So Hosmer has been promoted to AA. Good to hear.

[CaliforniaChief]

We're getting to the point where Omaha could probably give Kansas City a run.

Or at least to the point where we're doing MiLB game threads that have 3 or more pages than the Royals.

[alnorth]

Top 1st

Crisp pops out to first
Barton doubles to right
Suzuki singles to left, Barton to third
Kouzmanoff doubles to center, Suzuki and Barton scores, Kouzmanoff to third on the throw home
Rosales singles to left, Kouzmanoff scores
Ellis strikes out (swinging)
Carson doubles to left, Rosales to third
Davis flies out to right

3 runs, 5 hits

Bottom 1st

Podsednik strikes out (looking)
Kendall walks
DeJesus flies out to left
Kendall steals second
Butler grounds out 1-6-3

0 runs, 0 hits

[Sure-Oz]

Barton just did chen a favor

[Sure-Oz]

Chen throwing batting practice....this A's lineup is horrid and they already are owning us

[CaliforniaChief]

Chen...Lerew....pretty brutal right now.

[Sure-Oz]

Chen...Lerew....pretty brutal right now.

They are 2 guys that probably shouldnt be starting on any club. that said atleast chen has been solid, but i dont expect that to continue

[petegz28]

well we didnt take long to lose those this one

[Priest31kc]

COME ON CHEN!! This sucks, looks like we're back to Royals baseball.

[CaliforniaChief]

Can Ankiel pitch?

[Sure-Oz]

COME ON CHEN!! This sucks, looks like we're back to Royals baseball.

We have always been royals baseball, even a team like us can go on a solid 10-15 game run but then thats it

[Sure-Oz]

Who are these clowns hitting for the A's? this is pathetic chen

[alnorth]

Hosmer's first AB beginning right now

edit: in his AA hitting debut, he just hit a game-tying solo home run

[Sure-Oz]

I really dont get why kendall plays every damn day, wahts the point of pena on the roster

[petegz28]

I really dont get why kendall plays every damn day, wahts the point of pena on the roster

I don't get it either. Obviously they don't think his bat is good enough to override his bade defense.

[ArrowheadMagic]

Danny Duffy was the highly-touted pitching prospect who flaked on us earlier this year, leaving the minor league camp in spring training to "reassess his life priorities". I'm guessing his reassessment included looking at the economy and how much major league pitchers make, because he recently told the Royals he wanted to come back, so we sent him to advanced A.


Actually Duffy threw a few innings in the AZL rookie league, and he's getting shelled tonight. 3ip, 2 hr's , 3 er.

[Coach]

Awesome to see Pods get pwned on a called strike 3, right in the middle of the goddamn plate.
Posted via Mobile Device

[alnorth]

Top 2nd

Pennington strikes out (looking)
Crisp flies out to left
Barton singles to center
Suzuki flies out to center

0 runs, 1 hit

Bottom 2nd

Guillen grounds out to third
Callaspo singles to center
Maier singles to center, Callaspo to second, Maier to second, Callaspo to third on an Error by CF
Aviles walks
Betancourt hits a Grand Slam to left, Aviles, Callaspo, and Maier scores
Podsednik triples to center
Kendall sacrifices (fly) to center, Podsednik scores
DeJesus grounds out to second

5 runs, 4 hits, 1 error

[CaliforniaChief]

Hosmer's first AB beginning right now

edit: in his AA hitting debut, he just hit a game-tying solo home run

JIMP

[ArrowheadMagic]

Hosmer's first AB beginning right now

edit: in his AA hitting debut, he just hit a game-tying solo home run


Make room for him on the MLB roster. Sept. call ups should be interesting, be nice to get some of these kids a taste of what might be.

[Coach]

So its about 100 degrees outside, and none of the good looking chicks out in the outfield bleachers are wearing bikini top.

I want my fucking refund, please.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Sure-Oz]

I don't get it either. Obviously they don't think his bat is good enough to override his bade defense.

If they think that truly, then release him and use the roster spot for someone we need. Even the best catchers in this league get breaks, no reason why kendall should play as much as he should. If anything pena should get 2 games a week easy.

btw-go hosmer on the HR

[Coach]

Coco pulls a boner-of-the-week play out there in the CF.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Sure-Oz]

Cocoa Crisp with a gun

[Coach]

Okay, bases loaded now. Can they get at least a fucking run in?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Sure-Oz]

Why didn't aviles just swing and miss there? Yuni up now fuck

[Sure-Oz]

cmon yuni be patient damnit 2-0 count

[petegz28]

don't fuck this up, Yuni!

[Sure-Oz]

LMAO frank was reminded by ryan that he leads the team in grandslams and frank goes 'a whopping 6' lmao royals power there

[Sure-Oz]

LMAO Betancourt hits another GS!

[Coach]

Oh.

My.

God.
Posted via Mobile Device

[petegz28]

JFC! The guy in fron of you walks. Then the pitcher goes 2-0 to you and you swing at ball 3!!!

And then he hits the GRAND SLAM!!

I LOVE ME SOME YUNI!!!

[Sure-Oz]

Betancourt 2 GS's rest of the team 0

[Coach]

SAFE!

Loved the hustle.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Sure-Oz]

Nice a fucking triple!

[Blankey]

Anyone see those D-bags with their sleeves rolled up above their tattoos? Bahahahaha

[Sure-Oz]

Kendal is pretty damn weak but it works

[BillSelfsTrophycase]

5-3

LOL

[Sure-Oz]

LMAO Yuni with the trot like he does this all the time

[Sure-Oz]

DM is getting a new contract ready for Yuni and calling down to A ball to make sure Colon starts playing second base tomorrow

[Sure-Oz]

DDJ chucks another bat, lmao

[petegz28]

DDJ chucks another bat, lmao

He has to be close to setting a record for losing the bat

[alnorth]

Danny Duffy had a bad day today, 4 innings and 2 home runs, he's now done for the day.

[alnorth]

Top 3rd

Kouzmanoff fouls out to third
Rosales strikes out (swinging)
Ellis singles to center
Carson strikes out (swinging)

0 runs, 1 hit

Bottom 3rd

Butler grounds out to third
Guillen grounds out to pitcher
Callaspo grounds out to first

0 runs, 0 hits

[JoeyChuckles]

He gone

Sorry, I thought this was still the White Sox

[Coach]

Struck his ass out.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Coach]

Danny Duffy had a bad day today, 4 innings and 2 home runs, he's now done for the day.

Well, sounded like it was one of those days for him.
Posted via Mobile Device

[JoeyChuckles]

Danny Duffy had a bad day today, 4 innings and 2 home runs, he's now done for the day.

Can't get enough of that wonderful Duff

[JoeyChuckles]

Butler, out by a step

[JoeyChuckles]

Cahill just went to the mouth with his pitching hand. Is that allowed?

[Coach]

Fuck. Great play by the Oakland 1st baseman.
Posted via Mobile Device

[alnorth]

Top 4th

Davis grounds out to third
Pennington flies out to left
Crisp grounds out tio first 3-1

0 runs, 0 hits

Bottom 4th

Maier strikes out (looking)
Aviles grounds out to second
Betancourt pops out to shortstop

0 runs, 0 hits

[petegz28]

Cahill just went to the mouth with his pitching hand. Is that allowed?

As long as he wipes his and before he pitches, I believe.

[alnorth]

Cahill just went to the mouth with his pitching hand. Is that allowed?

new rule this year. You can go to the mouth while on the mound, but not while touching the rubber.

[Coach]

Well, outside of the first inning debacle, Chen has been solid thus far.
Posted via Mobile Device

[JoeyChuckles]

Sorry, I am out of the city. What is with the large crowds at the K this series?

[alnorth]

Sorry, I am out of the city. What is with the large crowds at the K this series?

first weekend after the all-star break, sunny, free hats today.

[alnorth]

Top 5th

Barton flies out to left
Suzuki grounds out to shortstop
Kouzmanoff grounds out to shortstop

0 runs, 0 hits

Bottom 5th

Podsednik strikes out (looking)
Kendall grounds out to shortstop
DeJesus flies out to right

0 runs, 0 hits

[alnorth]

gamegraph so far

http://www.fangraphs.com/lgraphs/20100717_Athletics_Royals_0_39_lbig_.png

[Coach]

Near-warning track power!
Posted via Mobile Device

[alnorth]

Top 6th

Rosales hits an infield single to shortstop
Ellis flies out to center
Carson flies out to center
Davis walks, Rosales to second
Pennington singles to left, Davis to third, Rosales scores

Blake Wood relieves Chen

Crisp flies out to center

1 run, 2 hits

Bottom 6th

Butler grounds out to shortstop
Guillen grounds out to pitcher
Callaspo grounds out to second

0 runs, 0 hits

[Bowser]

OK, don't have it on - did Yuni botch a play to give Rodales an infield single?

[JoeyChuckles]

first weekend after the all-star break, sunny, free hats today.

Never underestimate the power of free hats.

[Bowser]

OK, don't have it on - did Yuni botch a play to give Rodales an infield single?

Holy shit - Yuni hit a Grand Slam? OK, he can botch a play or two tonight....

[alnorth]

OK, don't have it on - did Yuni botch a play to give Rodales an infield single?

the radio guys seemed to think he never had a chance to throw him out since he had to go deep in the hole, but he tried anyway and threw it away. Fortunately it bounced back so he didn't get tagged with a 1-base error.

[Coach]

Disaster adverted.
Posted via Mobile Device

[alnorth]

yeah... Butler is definitely a SLG guy. OBP, not so much.

[alnorth]

Top 7th

Barton doubles to left
Suzuki strikes out (swinging)
Barton steals third
Kouzmanoff singles to right, Barton scores

Kyle Farnsworth relieves Wood

Rosales lines out to shortstop
Ellis flies out to right

1 run, 2 hits

Bottom 7th

Maier flies out to left
Aviles lines out to shortstop
Betancourt doubles to center
Podsednik intentionally walked
Kendall walks, Podsednik to second, Betancourt to third

Jerry Blevins relieves Cahill

DeJesus pops out to shortstop

0 runs, 1 hit

[petegz28]

Podz misplays the tieing run.......

[Coach]

Nice pitch to strike his ass out.
Posted via Mobile Device

[petegz28]

tie game...thanks, Podz

[petegz28]

It's too bad Wood is going to get tagged with that run. It should have been an easy out.

[JoeyChuckles]

What's a Kyle Farnsworth?

[Coach]

Oh shit....
Posted via Mobile Device

[JoeyChuckles]

What's a Kyle Farnsworth?

the correct answer is:

about 4.5 million.

I would have also accepted "nothing" or "worthless".

[Coach]

What's a Kyle Farnsworth?

A tendency to self-destruct, giving opposing teams 3 runs in the process.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Coach]

Damn, that bat shattered.
Posted via Mobile Device

[JoeyChuckles]

Thank God that wasn't Guillen out there just now.

[alnorth]

No clue what is happening in AA or AAA right now, those box scores and gamedays are frozen just like the Royals game.

[JoeyChuckles]

I feel like a walk-off home run tonight. Haven't had one of those in awhile.

[JoeyChuckles]

Dude's got a cannon. Why did we not sign him again?

[BillSelfsTrophycase]

bases loaded again

[JoeyChuckles]

bases loaded again

2 grand slams in one game?

[Sure-Oz]

cmon ddj!

[Sure-Oz]

DDJ making sure that trade value sinks, what a blown opp.

[alnorth]

2 grand slams in one game?

jinx

[petegz28]

JFC......nice error

[Sure-Oz]

No rush betancourt

[alnorth]

Top 8th

Gabe Gross bats for Carson

Gross flies out to left
Davis reaches on an Error by SS
Pennington singles to left, Davis to second
Crisp grounds into a 6-4-3 double play, Pennington out at second

0 runs, 1 hit, 1 error

Bottom 8th

Gross comes in at RF

Craig Breslow relieves Blevins

Butler walks
Guillen grounds into a 5-4-3 double play, Butler out at second
Callaspo singles to right
Maier pops out to shortstop

0 runs, 1 hit

[Sure-Oz]

I hit a GS today, so i dont need to play defense at 100%

[petegz28]

a real 1st baseman makes that play

[Sure-Oz]

That play was yuni's though, he half assed that shit

[alnorth]

MiLB gameday is frozen, but apparently Moustakas got his first AAA hit and run scored, barely missed a homer, then got another hit.

[Sure-Oz]

leadoff walk by butler, cmon lets get going

[BillSelfsTrophycase]

Get him home trade bait

[Sure-Oz]

cmon guillen increase the trade value which is .0001

[Sure-Oz]

super easy DP, man i cant wait till guillen is off this roster

[LoyalChief]

holy fuck guillen run or gtfo

[Sure-Oz]

clutch hit, no one on

[Sure-Oz]

holy **** guillen run or gtfo

He really can't with that leg injury, but he still can gtfo

[alnorth]

cmon guillen increase the trade value which is .0001

Guillen for a AA B-level outfield prospect... anyone? no? OK, for a low-minor C-grade prospect, any position. no? ok, make an offer.

[alnorth]

Guillen for a AA B-level outfield prospect... anyone? no? OK, for a low-minor C-grade prospect, any position. no? ok, make an offer.

no one? ok, free, you pay his salary.

no? ok, you pay half his salary.

[Sure-Oz]

no one? ok, free, you pay his salary.

no? ok, you pay half his salary.

LMAO

[alnorth]

Top 9th

Joakim Soria relieves Farnsworth

Barton lines out to shortstop
Suzuki doubles to center
Kouzmanoff strikes out (swinging)
Rosales singles to center, Suzuki scores, Rosales to second on the throw home
Ellis strikes out (swinging)

1 run, 2 hits

Bottom 9th

Andrew Bailey relieves Breslow

Aviles singles to center
Betancourt sacrifices (bunt) to pitcher 1-4, Aviles to second
Podsednik grounds out to second, Aviles to third
Kendall strikes out (swinging)

0 runs, 1 hit

Athletics win, 6-5

[Sure-Oz]

Great a 1 out double, cmon soria hold this

[Priest31kc]

Damnit Soria.

[LoyalChief]

soria gets pounded anymore

[alnorth]

cool, one of the very few times I would approve of a sac bunt.

[JoeyChuckles]

any hit to center is a guaranteed run

[petegz28]

Kendall swings at balls 1,2, and 3.....:facepalm:

[Priest31kc]

Yay! 5 game losing streak again.

[CaliforniaChief]

:facepalm:

[alnorth]

I'll update minor league stats later when the MiLB box scores get un-f***ed.

[Sure-Oz]

Sweet White sox lost only 10 back!1111111111111

[Sure-Oz]

Its good to see the royals go back to the crap they've been, to make sure DM uses the trade deadline

[alnorth]

I'll update minor league stats later when the MiLB box scores get un-f***ed.

and they finally got un-screwed.

Moustakas had a good day, Wil Myers did not.

They handled that double-header in AA weird. They decided not to play an early game, kept the 6pm start for the first game and played only 7 innings. Osuna must have been on a really strict pitch count (hopefully not hurt), he didn't even get to 60 pitches and seemed to be pitching fine. The 2nd game is going on now, no clue if that will also be a 7-inning game or not.

[gblowfish]

I was at the game. Just got home awhile ago. It was a hot one. Car said 101 degrees in the parking lot around 5pm. I got a free seat. That's the good news. Bad News: It was in right field, facing the sun, sun didn't clear the edge of the stadium roof until the 7th inning. Very hot, but got several free beers.

Observations:

1) Bentancourt giveth.

2) Bentancourt taketh away.

3) Guillen didn't hit a ball out of the infield. He can't run. Bench him till he's healthy.

4) Why do you NOT pinch run for Butler in the 8th? If you do, he gets to 2nd on Guillen's slow roller, then you have a runner on 2nd with two outs, he scores on Callaspo's single, Soria comes in the 9th with a one run lead.

5) Why do you not pinch hit Betamit for Kendall in the 9th? Dude is money.

6) Hot dog, fritos, beer. $14.50. Ouch. Just, ouch.

7) Why wasn't Oakland wearing their home whites tonight? Our team PR wanks spent the whole night kissing the A's ass. Hey they LEFT KC in 1967. They FREAKIN LEFT. AND, does nobody remember 1970 to 1975 when we had to battle those pukes every year for the AL West? And they're kissing ass on Bando, Campaneris, Jackson, Catfish Hunter, etc? WTF???? Why not kiss the Raiders ass while we're at it. It totally pissed me off.

Doesn't anybody remember what it's like to CONTEND any more? Isn't there ANYONE with a MEMORY left at Kauffman Stadium any more? God I HATE the marketing wanks.

Now I'm going to stick my head under a faucet and cool off.

BTW: We've lost five straight.

[CaliforniaChief]

1) Bentancourt giveth.

2) Bentancourt taketh away.


ROFL

[ChiTown]

That will be the last Royals game ill go to this season. They lose every time I go to the game. Seriously, we suck. And please, can we officially stfu about making a run this year. Ugh.

[Sure-Oz]

I'll probably be at the game tomorrow, it will be my first this season...


ive always gone to a game atleast before the end of april, this year for some reason was different

[Sure-Oz]

Also glad to see we traded leo nunez who has 20+ saves and looks to be a legit closer now for dogshit

[WilliamTheIrish]

I was at the game. Just got home awhile ago. It was a hot one. Car said 101 degrees in the parking lot around 5pm. I got a free seat. That's the good news. Bad News: It was in right field, facing the sun, sun didn't clear the edge of the stadium roof until the 7th inning. Very hot, but got several free beers.

Observations:

1) Bentancourt giveth.

2) Bentancourt taketh away.

3) Guillen didn't hit a ball out of the infield. He can't run. Bench him till he's healthy.

4) Why do you NOT pinch run for Butler in the 8th? If you do, he gets to 2nd on Guillen's slow roller, then you have a runner on 2nd with two outs, he scores on Callaspo's single, Soria comes in the 9th with a one run lead.

5) Why do you not pinch hit Betamit for Kendall in the 9th? Dude is money.

6) Hot dog, fritos, beer. $14.50. Ouch. Just, ouch.

7) Why wasn't Oakland wearing their home whites tonight? Our team PR wanks spent the whole night kissing the A's ass. Hey they LEFT KC in 1967. They FREAKIN LEFT. AND, does nobody remember 1970 to 1975 when we had to battle those pukes every year for the AL West? And they're kissing ass on Bando, Campaneris, Jackson, Catfish Hunter, etc? WTF???? Why not kiss the Raiders ass while we're at it. It totally pissed me off.

Doesn't anybody remember what it's like to CONTEND any more? Isn't there ANYONE with a MEMORY left at Kauffman Stadium any more? God I HATE the marketing wanks.

Now I'm going to stick my head under a faucet and cool off.

BTW: We've lost five straight.

G,

I was there too. Loved the caps.I found myself thinking the same thing you did when they began waxing rhapsodic about those bastards. Everybody HATED Charlie Finley.... Hated that SOB. Those fucks left and four years later began their run of three straight WS championships.

I fucking loathe that franchise.

[teedubya]

Im taking my 8 year old son to the game today... should be fun. Looking forward to losing 6 in a row!!

[Sure-Oz]

Im taking my 8 year old son to the game today... should be fun. Looking forward to losing 6 in a row!!

I was there, left about the 6th inning, while standing in line someone gave us 2 box seats about $33 a piece for free, so i just paid for my drinks and thats it, was nice. Too damn hot today

[gblowfish]

Royals have now been swept in their last two series. One in Chicago, and now at home vs Oakland. They're only a game and a half out of their usual home in the AL Central toilet bowl, after being just eight games out before the Chicago Series.

How does the organization react to this?

Nothing. They've done nothing. No trades, no changes, no reaction except for Yost to say today "Gosh, this is unacceptable."

He didn't say "We're going to do something about this." Because they won't. This is losing Royals baseball. Year, after year, after year, after year.

The team is, however, very excited about their KC Ribeye Stack Sandwich, that they charge fans $10.50 for. From the Royals web site:

"Kauffman Stadium's KC Ribeye Stack, one of 12 signature menu items picked to represent each of ARAMARK's MajorLeague Baseball partner ballparks, was the fans' top choice at two specially-developed BBQ dining destinations inside Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The competition ran the duration of MLB's All-Star Weekend, beginning with Sunday's Futures Game
through Tuesday's All-Star Game. The KC Ribeye Stack - a seasoned rib eye with cheddar cheese, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, onion rings, barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato and pickle on a potato bun - was prepared by Kauffman Stadium Executive Chef Dustin Miller, who brought his unique regional talents to Anaheim along with the top chefs from the other MLB ballparks where ARAMARK serves as the exclusive food and beverage provider."

So, as you can see, the Royals are very dedicated to serving you tasty sandwiches that cost more than ten bucks. AND they spend time writing press releases about it.

The winning baseball thing? Not so much.

[BillSelfsTrophycase]

This is the epic losing streak we were all waiting for.

If it helps speed up the exodus of the broke dicks and bringing up some of the young talent, it will be worth it.

[duncan_idaho]

Royals have now been swept in their last two series. One in Chicago, and now at home vs Oakland. They're only a game and a half out of their usual home in the AL Central toilet bowl, after being just eight games out before the Chicago Series.

How does the organization react to this?

Nothing. They've done nothing. No trades, no changes, no reaction except for Yost to say today "Gosh, this is unacceptable."

He didn't say "We're going to do something about this." Because they won't. This is losing Royals baseball. Year, after year, after year, after year.

The team is, however, very excited about their KC Ribeye Stack Sandwich, that they charge fans $10.50 for. From the Royals web site:

"Kauffman Stadium's KC Ribeye Stack, one of 12 signature menu items picked to represent each of ARAMARK's MajorLeague Baseball partner ballparks, was the fans' top choice at two specially-developed BBQ dining destinations inside Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The competition ran the duration of MLB's All-Star Weekend, beginning with Sunday's Futures Game
through Tuesday's All-Star Game. The KC Ribeye Stack - a seasoned rib eye with cheddar cheese, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, onion rings, barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato and pickle on a potato bun - was prepared by Kauffman Stadium Executive Chef Dustin Miller, who brought his unique regional talents to Anaheim along with the top chefs from the other MLB ballparks where ARAMARK serves as the exclusive food and beverage provider."

So, as you can see, the Royals are very dedicated to serving you tasty sandwiches that cost more than ten bucks. AND they spend time writing press releases about it.

The winning baseball thing? Not so much.

It isn't 2001. Have you been paying attention to any of the organizational changes that have been made since Moore became GM?

This system was a complete piece of shit when Moore took over. Gordon, Butler, and the 2006 draft class and that was it.

Moore has spent four years now building the system from the ground up (scouts, instructors, players, etc). It's about to start paying dividends.

Are you saying you want them to sacrifice that because the Royals just got swept? Come on, that makes no sense. This is a lost season that isn't going to matter one way or the other three-four years from now.

Moore assessed the organization and knew it was going to be 3-4 years before his changes could start making a difference, before the new approach to collecting talent could start moving it to the bigs. We're on the cusp of that...

Personally, I don't care what happens the rest of this year in terms of W/L. All I care about is starting to see some of the young guys (Kila, Gordon, Coleman?, Hardy?) and getting ready for the youth movement that will be hitting over the next two seasons.

Moore might fail just like everyone else since Kauffman died, but it isn't because there isn't a plan in place/attempt being made.

[duncan_idaho]

This is the epic losing streak we were all waiting for.

If it helps speed up the exodus of the broke dicks and bringing up some of the young talent, it will be worth it.

It also helps with draft position in the LOADED 2011 MLB draft. Currently, the Royals are sitting at 7th.

Would love to move up into the top 3-4, enough to have a shot at UCLA's Garrit Cole, TCU's Matt Purke, or Rice's Anthony Rendon.

[tk13]

No, that has been the exact problem with the Royals. People overrreact and we end up bringing up our prospects before they are ready. Where this team is right now is where they have been about 4 or 5 different times in the last decade. On the downswing with a veteran group. Then we'll bring up young guys... why aren't they up here to begin with? Then they struggle... "Why did we rush them? What was the rush?" Send them back down/release them. It's like we have nothing beyond short term memory.

I think if Baird was still GM, Moose might already be playing for the Royals.

[DeezNutz]

We're 3 1/2 years into the Moore tenure and we have a rotation of Chen, Davies, Bannister, Larew.

Moore's #1 overall pick is hurt because, allegedly, they're ****ing with his mechanics and implementing a screwball.

Moore is just as responsible as Hillman for abusing the **** out of Meche.

Overall, the farm system is decidedly better, but I contend that this has FAR more to do with Glass spending money than with Dayton making solid baseball moves. The ones that we can evaluate (FA, trades, management of ML roster) have been mediocre at best.

And tk, that's an unfair shot at Baird. If your owner did nothing to equip you with ammunition, you might be too quick to reach for something that had the faintest semblance of a loaded gun, too.

[teedubya]

I was there, left about the 6th inning, while standing in line someone gave us 2 box seats about $33 a piece for free, so i just paid for my drinks and thats it, was nice. Too damn hot today

Dude, what section were you in? I was in 225. $36 tix. Friend is an attorney for the Oakland A's... hooked them up.

[gblowfish]

It isn't 2001. Have you been paying attention to any of the organizational changes that have been made since Moore became GM?

This system was a complete piece of shit when Moore took over. Gordon, Butler, and the 2006 draft class and that was it.

Moore has spent four years now building the system from the ground up (scouts, instructors, players, etc). It's about to start paying dividends.

Are you saying you want them to sacrifice that because the Royals just got swept? Come on, that makes no sense. This is a lost season that isn't going to matter one way or the other three-four years from now.

Moore assessed the organization and knew it was going to be 3-4 years before his changes could start making a difference, before the new approach to collecting talent could start moving it to the bigs. We're on the cusp of that...

Personally, I don't care what happens the rest of this year in terms of W/L. All I care about is starting to see some of the young guys (Kila, Gordon, Coleman?, Hardy?) and getting ready for the youth movement that will be hitting over the next two seasons.

Moore might fail just like everyone else since Kauffman died, but it isn't because there isn't a plan in place/attempt being made.

Yeah, I've been paying attention.

Our "old" farm system came up with guys like Damon and Beltran. And....

The new crop of guys will be gone before they make an impact. Either we have pitching, or we have bats, but never at the same time. I've been told we're "three years away" since 1989. Sick of it.

[DeezNutz]

Ah, but this time, this time...we have a real window of opportunity.

In all seriousness, Moore's job is going to be defined by the performances of Moose and Hosmer. If they are impact players, he'll be considered a success. If they flop, I expect for him to be fired.

[Priest31kc]

So whats up with Aaron Crow? With Montgomery, Dwyer, & Lamb potential starters in year or 2, along w/ Greinke & Hochevar. What's gunna happen w/ Crow & how has he done so far? I thought I read when we drafted him he had a chance to be up in KC after the All-Star break this year.

[duncan_idaho]

Yeah, I've been paying attention.

Our "old" farm system came up with guys like Damon and Beltran. And....

The new crop of guys will be gone before they make an impact. Either we have pitching, or we have bats, but never at the same time. I've been told we're "three years away" since 1989. Sick of it.

Not true that they'll "be gone" before they make an impact...

Will the Royals keep ALL of their top talent? No, they're not going to have the cash to do that and never will. But with a $70-80 million payroll, they can keep a few of the most key guys and remain competitive as long as the farm system remains productive. Look at what the Twins have done. That's the model.

That's the way the whole system is being built. There hasn't been investment like that since the 1970s.

The difference is that it isn't just one or two hitters and it isn't just one or two pitchers we're watching... there is much more depth than that.

Starting Prospects:
Montgomery
Lamb
Dwyer
Crow
Mehlville
Tyler Sample
Edgar Osuna

Hitters:
Moustakas
Myers
Hosmer
Colon
Clint Robinson
Kila Ka'ahuie

[duncan_idaho]

So whats up with Aaron Crow? With Montgomery, Dwyer, & Lamb potential starters in year or 2, along w/ Greinke & Hochevar. What's gunna happen w/ Crow & how has he done so far? I thought I read when we drafted him he had a chance to be up in KC after the All-Star break this year.

Struggling, though he has had a pretty good run recently.

His stuff remains outstanding (great two- and four-seam fastball, sharp slider with violent two-plane movement, good changeup). His command has been poor. The extremely long lay-off without pitching seems to have had a big impact.

[ChiefsCountry]

Hosmer had another home run tonight. His second in two games in Texas League play.

[Reaper16]

Hosmer had another home run tonight. His second in two games in Texas League play.
Once you get out of the cavernous Wilmington stadium those doubles turn into homers.

Remember when everyone was super-worried about Hosmer last year? Dude is a way better prospect than Moustakas to me.

[gblowfish]

Not true that they'll "be gone" before they make an impact...

Will the Royals keep ALL of their top talent? No, they're not going to have the cash to do that and never will. But with a $70-80 million payroll, they can keep a few of the most key guys and remain competitive as long as the farm system remains productive. Look at what the Twins have done. That's the model.

That's the way the whole system is being built. There hasn't been investment like that since the 1970s.

The difference is that it isn't just one or two hitters and it isn't just one or two pitchers we're watching... there is much more depth than that.

Starting Prospects:
Montgomery
Lamb
Dwyer
Crow
Mehlville
Tyler Sample
Edgar Osuna

Hitters:
Moustakas
Myers
Hosmer
Colon
Clint Robinson
Kila Ka'ahuie

Duncan:
One of my best buddies is an optimistic Royals fan like you are. I'm sorry, but I've heard and seen all this before. I guess as an authentic Missourian, they're gonna have to show me. At this point in 2010, they have shown VERY LITTLE PROGRESS in won-loss record since 2009. Last year at this time the Royals were 37-54. A year later they're 39-52. Two games over a half a season is not much progress.

I won't believe in progress till I see it. I've been saying that for the last 20 years, so excuse me if I'm skeptical.

[Reaper16]

Duncan:
One of my best buddies is an optimistic Royals fan like you are. I'm sorry, but I've heard and seen all this before. I guess as an authentic Missourian, they're gonna have to show me. At this point in 2010, they have shown VERY LITTLE PROGRESS in won-loss record since 2009. Last year at this time the Royals were 37-54. A year later they're 39-52. Two games over a half a season is not much progress.

I won't believe in progress till I see it. I've been saying that for the last 20 years, so excuse me if I'm skeptical.
You are quite right in your skepticism.

But you have not heard this before. The Royals have never been stocked like this in terms of prospects in this 20 year period of "wait until next year." Before, the team may have hyped up the couple or so legit prospects they had in the whole system and had the bluster to say to the fanbase "wait 'til these kids are here." But now, only now, can the organization say that and be referring to close to 15 players.

[Sure-Oz]

Dude, what section were you in? I was in 225. $36 tix. Friend is an attorney for the Oakland A's... hooked them up.

I was in sec 143, they were badass seats but we roasted...man that heat sucked.

[alnorth]

Yeah, I've been paying attention.

Our "old" farm system came up with guys like Damon and Beltran. And....

The new crop of guys will be gone before they make an impact. Either we have pitching, or we have bats, but never at the same time. I've been told we're "three years away" since 1989. Sick of it.

We have arguably the best minor league system in all of baseball. If not THE best, then easily top-3. Saying "we're 3 years away" was wishful thinking many years ago. Now, it is reality. We have several studs and over a dozen legit prospects all over the system.

I could not care less how badly we do this season, they could finish the year playing 0.300 ball for all I care, most of the guys on this team are not in our future. Our near future is in Delaware, Arkansas, and Nebraska.

Who should get credit for this? we'll see, maybe it is Moore drafting well and getting coaches who can develop players, maybe it is Glass willing to overpay for slot, maybe it is dumb luck, maybe a combination of the three, but if you are not looking forward to 2012 you either don't know any better, or you are looking for a reason to be pessimistic.

[gblowfish]

We have arguably the best minor league system in all of baseball. If not THE best, then easily top-3. Saying "we're 3 years away" was wishful thinking many years ago. Now, it is reality. We have several studs and over a dozen legit prospects all over the system.

I could not care less how badly we do this season, they could finish the year playing 0.300 ball for all I care, most of the guys on this team are not in our future. Our near future is in Delaware, Arkansas, and Nebraska.

Who should get credit for this? we'll see, maybe it is Moore drafting well and getting coaches who can develop players, maybe it is Glass willing to overpay for slot, maybe it is dumb luck, maybe a combination of the three, but if you are not looking forward to 2012 you either don't know any better, or you are looking for a reason to be pessimistic.

I hope you're right.

But you can only get hit in the face with a frying pan so many times before you learn to duck.

[DeezNutz]

And the reaction of Royals fans in this thread if Moose and Hosmer end up being ok-average ML players?

[alnorth]

And the reaction of Royals fans in this thread if Moose and Hosmer end up being ok-average ML players?

thats the thing, this isn't like 5-10 years ago. Sure, they are both high-profile prospects but we dont have 1 or 2 saviors of the franchise anymore. This isn't us putting all our dreams into Dos Carlos, Damon, Dye, Gordon, etc.

Every team gets a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick. Unless you suck at drafting (which the Royals did many years) everyone is going to have a few promising prospects, we did before too. The reason to be excited is the sheer depth. Teams rise and fall based on how they do in those crapshoot 4th-15th round picks. A lot of our low picks have done well enough to dream a little. If you have 15 or 20 of those low-round early-performing scratch-off lottery tickets, 4 or 5 of them will work out, at worst. If Moose isn't a stud, we have Hosmer, and if Hosmer cant hit out of Omaha, well... we have a lot of other B-level hitters who could emerge on us. This isn't like other years where we had 2 or 3 guys, and if they didn't work we were screwed. (and no one in pitching some years or hitting other years, so we were screwed anyway)

[DeezNutz]

thats the thing, this isn't like 5-10 years ago. Sure, they are both high-profile prospects but we dont have 1 or 2 saviors of the franchise anymore. This isn't us putting all our dreams into Dos Carlos, Damon, Dye, Gordon, etc.

Every team gets a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick. Unless you suck at drafting (which the Royals did many years) everyone is going to have a few promising prospects, we did before too. The reason to be excited is the sheer depth. Teams rise and fall based on how they do in those crapshoot 4th-15th round picks. A lot of our low picks have done well enough to dream a little. If you have 15 or 20 of those low-round early-performing scratch-off lottery tickets, 4 or 5 of them will work out, at worst. If Moose isn't a stud, we have Hosmer, and if Hosmer cant hit out of Omaha, well... we have a lot of other B-level hitters who could emerge on us. This isn't like other years where we had 2 or 3 guys, and if they didn't work we were screwed. (and no one in pitching some years or hitting other years, so we were screwed anyway)

I understand, and this is a very valid stance.

But the point remains, you simply cannot have top-3 selections in '05, '06, '07, and '08 and NOT get one fucking star.

*of course '05 is not on Moore, but going 0-3 in the top 3, coupled with absurd decisions in FA and trades, would justify his firing.