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View Full Version : Royals KC vs Detroit 7/10: End of the First Half


gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:09 PM
We're on pace to lose 95 games this year, and today for the first half finale we get Justin Verlander.

Are you optimistic?

KurtCobain
07-10-2011, 12:11 PM
I say we go on a 25 game win streak.

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 12:11 PM
For Verlander? Yes

CoMoChief
07-10-2011, 12:12 PM
This team desperately needs pitching. Royals are about 4-5 players away from being a competitive team.

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:12 PM
Game time temp, 95 degrees, 103 degree heat index.
Nice to be inside in the AC watching this.

CoMoChief
07-10-2011, 12:13 PM
I say we go on a 25 game win streak.

<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nMCaHxZuf94" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Dr. Johnny Fever
07-10-2011, 12:13 PM
Verlander is due for a bad outing. Unfortunately it won't be today.

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:13 PM
Francis and his awesome 85 mph fastball.
Hope he has some vaseline hidden somewhere on his glove.

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:15 PM
Ryan is looking at half naked dudes. I'm worried about him.

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 12:16 PM
Francis mows em down

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:18 PM
Verlander is a bad ass. I wish we had him.

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:26 PM
Moose is busy today!

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 12:26 PM
Looks like Detroit is going to swing at anything today

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 12:29 PM
Clog hits a single

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:30 PM
Those super hero capes are cool. When the kids go home, they can pretend to be "massively disappointing chronic loser man."

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 12:30 PM
Might need a red one too

Deberg_1990
07-10-2011, 12:32 PM
Whoa, we actually won last night.

Damn you George. On your advice at being at the game, i bet the house on the Tigers!!! : )

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:32 PM
When Hosmer wears a batting helmet, it looks like he has a furry chin strap on....

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:33 PM
Whoa, we actually won last night.

Damn you George. On your advice at being at the game, i bet the house on the Tigers!!! : )

Luckily, houses are cheap now. Sorry bout that :D

Al Bundy
07-10-2011, 12:34 PM
Frenchy getting owned.

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:38 PM
Verlander just makes it look so easy. Bloop hit? No problem, just strike out the side. Easy Peazy.

Al Bundy
07-10-2011, 12:39 PM
Verlander just makes it look so easy. Bloop hit? No problem, just strike out the side. Easy Peazy.

Yup.. it's the exact opposite for our guys. Bloop hit, 3 runs in the inning. BTW Kevin Shanks older daughter...... great big boobs.

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:41 PM
Umps really expand the strike zone for Verlander. Anything within the width of a baseball on the corner he gets the call. That makes him even tougher.

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:42 PM
Oh, BTW: A bottle of Aquafina water is $4.50 at Kauffman Stadium. Whatta racket.

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 12:43 PM
Francis getting a few good calls too

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:44 PM
This ump is going to call anything close a strike. He just wants to get this game over with and go on vacation.

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:49 PM
I hope Escobar spends a little time in the weight room over the off season. He could use about another 10 to 15 lbs of upper body strength. Hopefully he'll get stronger as he gets older.

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 12:50 PM
Yost finally got some gumption?

SPchief
07-10-2011, 12:50 PM
Even a hits batsman is called a strike

Dartgod
07-10-2011, 12:50 PM
Stupid fucking ump.

BillSelfsTrophycase
07-10-2011, 12:51 PM
WTF? That wasn't even close

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:51 PM
That ball CLEARLY hit Escobar in the forearm. Jeez that had to hurt. This is an example of where Verlander gets calls.

Al Bundy
07-10-2011, 12:51 PM
HBP.... wow. Idiot ump.

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:51 PM
Yost has no sack. So what if he gets kicked out? All Star Break is tomorrow. Get an early jump on the drive to the lake.

Dartgod
07-10-2011, 12:52 PM
If he wasn't injured on the HBP, that ball goes yard.

BillSelfsTrophycase
07-10-2011, 12:53 PM
Next at bat Escobar needs to show the idiot ump the welt on his arm

Al Bundy
07-10-2011, 12:54 PM
Would have been wiped out in a DP by Getz anyway.

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:55 PM
We should be able to hit Martinez in the head and get a foul ball call now. Even it up, ump.

Blankey
07-10-2011, 12:56 PM
They wouldn't have done shit with Escobar on base anyway

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 12:56 PM
God, this flash mob commercial is getting old. Can't Sprint afford to make a new spot?

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 12:59 PM
Francis loses the no hitter damn it

Blankey
07-10-2011, 01:00 PM
game over

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 01:01 PM
Getz should have had that ball.

Hammock Parties
07-10-2011, 01:01 PM
I noticed you guys were in last place.

Together again, huh?

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 01:09 PM
Yeah, what's your point?

Blankey
07-10-2011, 01:11 PM
Verlander is good enough, you dont need to give him every call stupid ump

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 01:19 PM
Francis is going to pitch just good enough to lose. I don't see the Royals getting a sniff of Verlander today.

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 01:25 PM
Chance to tie

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 01:27 PM
Pena way over matched. Couldn't even get a fly ball to score a run. Really poor AB.

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 01:29 PM
Nope

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 01:30 PM
Totally wasted that opp...fuck

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 01:31 PM
Verlander is just too good not to convert your chances. He's probably going to be he AL Cy Young this year. Francis is about due to run out of gas.

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 01:37 PM
2-0 ballgame

no way we get 2

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 01:37 PM
Game over.
Nap time.

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 01:42 PM
Davies and Hochaver not in contention for the Cy Young? Damn

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 01:44 PM
Can't imagine that Melky doesn't get us something solid the way he is hitting so far...hope he keeps it up til the trade deadline

teedubya
07-10-2011, 01:45 PM
I say we go on a 25 game win streak.

I say you're on a 25 day crack binge.

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 01:46 PM
Verlander just dominating

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 01:48 PM
Butler you need to come through here you fat fuck

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 01:49 PM
Cock your head and sit down Belly

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 01:49 PM
borderline call

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 01:53 PM
Wow he almost had that

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 01:55 PM
Can't ask for more than that from Francis

BillSelfsTrophycase
07-10-2011, 02:23 PM
Something about Valverde makes me want to punch him in the nuts

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 02:26 PM
Come on Royals do it

BillSelfsTrophycase
07-10-2011, 02:30 PM
Another 3 run jack would work here Alex

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 02:31 PM
C'mon Alice, you giant pussy. Here's your chance to show you're an "All Star."

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 02:32 PM
Thanks INGE!

Coach
07-10-2011, 02:32 PM
Gifted.

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 02:32 PM
I think Brandon Inge just bought himself a ticket to Triple A....

Demonpenz
07-10-2011, 02:33 PM
oh those pesky royals

BillSelfsTrophycase
07-10-2011, 02:35 PM
Come on Belly

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 02:37 PM
Billy fucking swing at a pitch

Coach
07-10-2011, 02:38 PM
Right on the knee

Bambi
07-10-2011, 02:38 PM
come on billy, do somethin for once

Bambi
07-10-2011, 02:39 PM
what a joke

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 02:39 PM
Nice fucking swing butler you fucking loser

BillSelfsTrophycase
07-10-2011, 02:39 PM
:facepalm:

That was ball 4 you fat fuck

Coach
07-10-2011, 02:39 PM
Chased it. :facepalm:

Al Bundy
07-10-2011, 02:40 PM
Blue was going to call that a strike regardless. He has already shown he is only interested in getting the game over with.

Bambi
07-10-2011, 02:41 PM
Nice ****ing swing butler you ****ing loser

CP Royals fan: "There's no such thing as a clutch hitter."

Bambi
07-10-2011, 02:41 PM
Blue was going to call that a strike regardless. He has already shown he is only interested in getting the game over with.

I dunno, that was a good 18" outside.

Bambi
07-10-2011, 02:43 PM
Not only that but once again Ryan Lefever goes and calls it like there's nothing wrong with Billy Butler.

Have some balls dude, call this guy out once in a while.

Coach
07-10-2011, 02:43 PM
Right under the nuts.

Demonpenz
07-10-2011, 02:44 PM
remember when Carbrera played 3rd, damn he is a big boy

Al Bundy
07-10-2011, 02:46 PM
I dunno, that was a good 18" outside.

It's hot and the ump wants in the AC.

petegz28
07-10-2011, 02:47 PM
This Ump has been a piece of shit all game

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 02:47 PM
No way that last pitch to billy wouldve been called a strike

petegz28
07-10-2011, 02:50 PM
No way that last pitch to billy wouldve been called a strike

No it wouldn't have. But given how the pitch started and how the Ump called a very outside strike 2 pitches earlier I understand why he swung. The break just made it look worse.

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 02:54 PM
Time to bitch slap Valverde

BillSelfsTrophycase
07-10-2011, 02:55 PM
HOSMER

Bambi
07-10-2011, 02:55 PM
HOSMER

At least we have a couple real players on this team.

Bambi
07-10-2011, 02:56 PM
Come on Frenchy, blast that shit outta here.

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 02:58 PM
Be nice to see the Royals show some sack and actually win won in the 9th....

Demonpenz
07-10-2011, 02:59 PM
Jeff can't hit fastball :(

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 03:00 PM
I really fucking hope Dayton trades Frenchy and Melky....Betimit as well

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 03:00 PM
Frenchy should have been bunting

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 03:00 PM
Why are we running????????

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 03:00 PM
Fuck You NED, FUCK YOU!

BillSelfsTrophycase
07-10-2011, 03:01 PM
FUCK YOU UMP

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 03:01 PM
WTF is that bullshit

Coach
07-10-2011, 03:01 PM
He was safe. Damn.

Bambi
07-10-2011, 03:01 PM
uhh, he was safe by a mile. Retarded either way

petegz28
07-10-2011, 03:01 PM
He was safe....stealing 3rd was stupid though

Demonpenz
07-10-2011, 03:01 PM
when we are supposed to be good we can't be running ourselves out of innings

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 03:01 PM
Yost is a dumb mother fucker

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 03:02 PM
IDC if he was safe....never ever fucking try that

stonedstooge
07-10-2011, 03:02 PM
Yost better have a GOOD apology after this game

petegz28
07-10-2011, 03:02 PM
Definitely no love from this Ump crew.

BillSelfsTrophycase
07-10-2011, 03:02 PM
Fucking stupid to run there, but he WAS safe

Bambi
07-10-2011, 03:02 PM
in other news its a thrilling 0-0 tie between portland and seattle in the mls. :)

petegz28
07-10-2011, 03:03 PM
Agreed, it was a dumb, dumb, DUMB call to steal 3rd. Totally mismanaged that inning. Frenchy should have been bunting and Hosmer has no business stealing...even though he was safe

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 03:03 PM
Exciting Royals Baseball.
Hey, we only lost by a run.
And we ran ouselves out of an inning....again (even if Hoz was safe).
Progress.

Shut up, it's progress. Yep. Progress. We're losing by less.

Way to protect that draft pick!
Here's to the 2013 Royals!

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 03:04 PM
Also, where is Yost not defending his player there?

DeezNutz
07-10-2011, 03:05 PM
Cool. Always good when you run yourself right out of the fucking game.

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 03:06 PM
Also, where is Yost not defending his player there?

Why waste the energy? He's got a plane to catch. Don't you short time it on the last work day before you go on vacation?

Too hot to argue. Silly Royals fan, it's not about winning this year. Get with the program....

Bambi
07-10-2011, 03:07 PM
Silly Royals fan, it's not about winning this year.

The Kansas City Royals are the only professional organization that I've ever heard say this........ever.

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 03:08 PM
Why waste the energy? He's got a plane to catch. Don't you short time it on the last work day before you go on vacation?

Too hot to argue. Silly Royals fan, it's not about winning this year. Get with the program....

Pretty sure Yost will throw Hos under the bus or Moose saying there was a sign missed and it was a hit and run

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 03:14 PM
The Kansas City Royals are the only professional organization that I've ever heard say this........ever.

Read any Royals thread on here. If you dare to criticize the Royals for losing this year, you get your nuts handed to you. You're stupid, or ignorant about baseball, or "don't get what they're doing" yap yap yap.

The organization has said over and over "this year is not about wins and losses" although curiously, that's the yardstick every other MLB team uses to measure success or failure. Not KC. Nope. It's all about growing the young guys. They're expecting to lose between 90 and 100 games this year. Fans are just going to have to deal with it, even if they piss away chances like today.

Ned won't throw anybody under the bus. I bet he says:

1) Verlander was too tough
2) It was hot today, dag nabit,
3) We had our chances to win, but couldn't get it done, dog gone it...
4) Looking forward to seeing Crow sit the bench in Arizona
5) Kyle Davies has good stuff.

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 03:17 PM
Ned said we're "vastly improved."

I need a Tums.

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 03:28 PM
I just went to the KC Royals website to check the Royals chat board. Their game thread today had four posts.

Four.

That kind of apathy on the Royals own fan site says it all.

Three7s
07-10-2011, 03:31 PM
Exciting Royals Baseball.
Hey, we only lost by a run.
And we ran ouselves out of an inning....again (even if Hoz was safe).
Progress.

Shut up, it's progress. Yep. Progress. We're losing by less.

Way to protect that draft pick!
Here's to the 2013 Royals!
Ah yes, good ole` 2013, the year we might actually come CLOSE to .500? Nah, just fucking with you dudes.

GoHuge
07-10-2011, 03:37 PM
That was a True Blue Royal's Tradition way to end a game. If it was Yost that called for it that it is something that could be listed under "fireable offense" on most MLB teams. If it was all Hosmer you send an exremely strong message in some way of how fucking stupid that was.......in almost any part of the game, but especially bottom 9th, 1 out, and a left handed batter at the plate. Or you can just say it's the Royals and it won't take as many words. Just fucking stupid!!

GoHuge
07-10-2011, 03:43 PM
Ned said we're "vastly improved."

I'd like to hear Ned in a press conference after being injected with a truth serum right about now. That would be entertaining as hell!! :)

Al Bundy
07-10-2011, 03:45 PM
Fuck this.... I'm watching Pirates games for the rest of the year.

Al Bundy
07-10-2011, 04:32 PM
lol at the piece of shit Jeff Francis well on his sorry ass way to losing 20 games. Talk about an embarrassment of a signing.

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 04:36 PM
Francis pitched OK, but he is 3-10. He reminds me of Darrell May, another milktoast pitcher the Royals brought in as a reclamation project.

An 86 mph fastball isn't going to get you far in the AL Central, that's for sure.

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 04:40 PM
So glad we ditched Phil Humber to make sure Francis or a scrub like Davies is here. Humber i wish we gave a shot atleast to start, not like his #'s were horrible here

Dr. Johnny Fever
07-10-2011, 04:44 PM
lol at the piece of shit Jeff Francis well on his sorry ass way to losing 20 games. Talk about an embarrassment of a signing.

I didn't watch the game but the Tigers scored 2 runs. Francis must have been terrible.

Sure-Oz
07-10-2011, 04:46 PM
Francis pitched as well as he has at any start this season. Certainly not his fault today

Bowser
07-10-2011, 04:49 PM
37-54. I called 106 losses before the season started, and it looks like they're trying their hardest to get there.

Saw just bits and pieces of the game, but how the hell is Escobar ruled to have not been hit, and Hosmer was safe at third (even if it was a dumbass call to steal it). Shit officiating today.

Deberg_1990
07-10-2011, 05:01 PM
This team makes me long for the Buddy Bell era....

BigMeatballDave
07-10-2011, 07:06 PM
This team makes me long for the Buddy Bell era....:rolleyes: We have only 2 key future kids up right now. 3, if you count Duffy.

BigMeatballDave
07-10-2011, 07:11 PM
37-54. I called 106 losses before the season started, and it looks like they're trying their hardest to get there.

Saw just bits and pieces of the game, but how the hell is Escobar ruled to have not been hit, and Hosmer was safe at third (even if it was a dumbass call to steal it). Shit officiating today.Their 2nd half record would have to be 19-52 to eclipse that. Lets hope it doesnt get that bad from here on out.

Dr. Johnny Fever
07-10-2011, 07:20 PM
I just went to the KC Royals website to check the Royals chat board. Their game thread today had four posts.

Four.

That kind of apathy on the Royals own fan site says it all.

That's why I came back here to talk baseball. A football board is the best place I've found for that. I was on there as KCblue20 and most of the time there was nothing happening.

Dr. Johnny Fever
07-10-2011, 07:22 PM
:rolleyes: We have only 2 key future kids up right now. 3, if you count Duffy.

Please don't use logic this is the Royals and we will always suck because we have sucked and suck now.

'Hamas' Jenkins
07-10-2011, 07:25 PM
I rarely watch Royals games, but every time I do tune in, I see your team consistently make mind-numbingly stupid mistakes, even I'm just watching for an inning or two. How on Earth could anyone have thought that stealing third with one out in the bottom of the 9th was a good idea is a goddamned moron.

Al Bundy
07-10-2011, 07:27 PM
Their 2nd half record would have to be 19-52 to eclipse that. Lets hope it doesnt get that bad from here on out.

They are definitely capable of that.

Dr. Johnny Fever
07-10-2011, 07:34 PM
They are definitely capable of that.

At least you'll be following the Pirates so it won't matter to ya.

Al Bundy
07-10-2011, 07:42 PM
At least you'll be following the Pirates so it won't matter to ya.

I am a sucker for punishment. I have watched both teams play for the last 20+ years and finally the Pirates are worth a shit, the Royals are not.

Reaper16
07-10-2011, 07:50 PM
I rarely watch Royals games, but every time I do tune in, I see your team consistently make mind-numbingly stupid mistakes, even I'm just watching for an inning or two. How on Earth could anyone have thought that stealing third with one out in the bottom of the 9th was a good idea is a goddamned moron.
Yes.

gblowfish
07-10-2011, 07:53 PM
Look at the bright side. We won't have to watch these morons again until Thursday!

milkman
07-10-2011, 07:54 PM
Have to say that even I, one that doesn't believe in the conventional thinking about base stealing, know that stealing third in that sitution is stupid, even though he was safe.

Titty Meat
07-10-2011, 08:14 PM
I rarely watch Royals games, but every time I do tune in, I see your team consistently make mind-numbingly stupid mistakes, even I'm just watching for an inning or two. How on Earth could anyone have thought that stealing third with one out in the bottom of the 9th was a good idea is a goddamned moron.

They have a bright future.

KCUnited
07-10-2011, 08:29 PM
I rarely watch Royals games, but every time I do tune in, I see your team consistently make mind-numbingly stupid mistakes, even I'm just watching for an inning or two. How on Earth could anyone have thought that stealing third with one out in the bottom of the 9th was a good idea is a goddamned moron.

Welcome to KC in July, the smell of fire on meat, gun shots, and dumb as **** baseball.

Brianfo
07-10-2011, 08:49 PM
I rarely watch Royals games, but every time I do tune in, I see your team consistently make mind-numbingly stupid mistakes, even I'm just watching for an inning or two. How on Earth could anyone have thought that stealing third with one out in the bottom of the 9th was a good idea is a goddamned moron.

10-4

KChiefs1
07-10-2011, 09:33 PM
Jack Harry all over Yost!

DeezNutz
07-10-2011, 10:14 PM
1. Hosmer's decision to steal was easily one of the single dumbest moves of the year. Absolutely unfathomable. And there was no way that was a "call." Most of the time, there is never a sign to steal third. The players with athleticism and speed always have a green light. The catch is that they MUST make it: go if you know you'll be safe. It's like this from college on. Hell, in high school in some cases, even.

2. He was not safe. Inge blocked the bag with his left leg, and this is why there wasn't much of an argument from either the third base coach, Hosmer, or Yost.

Demonpenz
07-10-2011, 10:19 PM
Hosmer could have surprised them that first time he was dancing around if he went, but once he got caught dancing and the pitcher did that inside move, the catcher was locked and loaded for a steal

Al Bundy
07-10-2011, 10:26 PM
Probably didn't get argued because all parties involved wanted to get the hell out of there and get back to their respective homes outside of Kansas City.

kcchiefsus
07-10-2011, 10:29 PM
lol at the piece of shit Jeff Francis well on his sorry ass way to losing 20 games. Talk about an embarrassment of a signing.

Seriously? Fuck off.

DeezNutz
07-10-2011, 10:30 PM
Dude was out as out can be. Now, you could argue that Inge was blocking the base without the ball, which is illegal, but you'd be pissing into the wind, since this infraction is glossed over by all umpiring crews. Blocking the bag, that is. Pissing into the wind is only mildly frowned upon.

Al Bundy
07-10-2011, 10:41 PM
A rule is a rule. It wouldn't have mattered anyway.The only starting pitcher that isn't just happy to be in the big leagues is Duffy, the other 5 are just collecting checks at this point in their careers. Until that changes the Royals won't win anything.

Reaper16
07-10-2011, 10:41 PM
Pissing into the wind is only mildly frowned upon.
And even then; for Moises Alou, it is agreeable in the way that all minutely-restorative things are.

DeezNutz
07-10-2011, 10:43 PM
And even then; for Moises Alou, it is agreeable in the way that all minutely-restorative things are.

Calluses are bad, mmkay.

Titty Meat
07-10-2011, 10:43 PM
Jack Harry all over Yost!

He's a few weeks too late. Throwing Hosmer under the bus was bullshit and then telling Bob Davis he'd rather be at the lake on the 4th of July was telling.

sedated
07-11-2011, 09:00 AM
Seriously? **** off.

Prowl is a complete moron who constantly berates pitchers. He is the same douche who, after O'Sullivan pitched 8 innings of 1-run ball, said he "did just enough to lose".

Deberg_1990
07-11-2011, 09:14 AM
Why Hosmer was right to steal


http://royals.kansascity.com/games/268/



Fans have the luxury of waiting until a play is over before deciding whether it should have been attempted. Unfortunately, managers and players have to decide whether to attempt a play before they know the outcome. I’ve said this before, and I’m guessing I’ll say it again, especially if people say Eric Hosmer should not have attempted to steal third in the ninth inning of this game.

Here’s the deal. Bottom of the ninth, score 2-1 and Hosmer doubles the other way. The Royals put on a “don’t steal” sign because nobody’s out and Jeff Francoeur is at the plate. Frenchy leads the team in RBIs, so they want to give him the chance to drive in Hosmer. Frenchy strikes out. One down. Mike Moustakas at the plate. The Royals give Hosmer a “steal if you get a jump” sign. (They also have a “must steal” sign.)

Manager Ned Yost and the Royals did have several other options. Moustakas had one hit in his last 24 at-bats. He clearly has been scuffling, so they could have sent a pinch hitter up there if they wanted to. But remember Alcides Escobar. Everyone screamed at Ned for not pinch-hitting for Esky, but Ned said that Esky is never going to learn to hit in those situations without hitting in those situations. Yost stuck by his guns, and Alcides started hitting.

Same thing with Mike Moustakas. Ned thinks Mike needs to face the top pitchers to learn how to have success against the top pitchers, so he stuck with Moustakas. Moose is the third baseman of the future. He needs to experience this stuff.

So if it’s a given that Moose is going to go to the plate, you could also have Hosmer stay put and put all the pressure on Mike and whoever hits next. (Brayan Pena was scheduled, but he’s not on the same developmental path as Moustakas, so maybe they pinch hit there … I don’t know the answer to that one.) If Hosmer stays put, you’re betting on a guy who is hitting about .230 and having a rough time to come through against Tigers closer Jose Valverde, who has a 2.70 ERA and 24 saves. Not a great bet.

If Hosmer got to third, Mostakas might have been able to score him by just getting the ball in play, which was a much better bet. Mike had a broken-bat hit against Tigers starter Justin Verlander and got the ball in play every time he went to the plate, so those odds look quite a bit better.

One more thing tipping the scale in favor of the steal: Jose Valverde takes 1.75 to 1.8 seconds to get the ball to the plate. The Royals base-stealers can go on a 1.3. Hosmer isn’t a burner, but 1.7 is Billy Butler territory, so Hosmer went.

And was probably safe.

Hosmer beat the throw, but he was called out. When I saw the replay, I expected to see Eric blocked off the base by Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge. Inge tried. He “dropped a knee,” the technique for keeping the runner from touching the base by kneeling in front of it. But Inge’s knee came down on top of the base, not in front of it. Eric said he got his hand to the base before being tagged and was “100 percent” sure.

Unfortunately for Hosmer, the Royals and all their fans, third-base umpire Tom Hallion just stayed where he was and never improved his position before calling Hosmer out. From his angle, Hallion probably saw Inge’s knee go down, missed that it was on top of the base and made the call assuming that Hosmer never touched third.

When a play fails, it’s easy to say it shouldn’t have been attempted. But when you examine the options available — let Moustakas try to drive in Hosmer from second with a hit, or steal the base and let Moustakas try to drive in Hosmer by putting the ball in play — I think Hosmer needed to steal.

And good for him for having the guts to try it.

gblowfish
07-11-2011, 10:20 AM
When you look up "David Glass" on Wiki and read his bio as owner of the Royals, it's pretty bleak. Funny Drayton McLain is one of Glass' best friends. He owns the Astros, one of the few teams that is actually crappier than the Royals this year. Birds of a feather flock together:

David Glass' Career with Kansas City Royals

Glass became the interim CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Royals on September 23, 1993, following the death of the founding owner, Ewing Kauffman. Under Glass' leadership, the board cut the payroll budget from $41 million to $19 million. During the Major League Baseball strike of 1994-1995, Glass opposed any settlement with the players' union without a salary cap, and supported the use of strike breaking "replacement" players, despite a court ruling that Major League owners were in violation of Federal labor laws.

On April 18, 2000, Glass became sole owner of the Royals, purchasing the organization for $96 million. The Board approved his offer despite a competing bid $120 million by Miles Prentice. The MLB said that Prentice did not have league mandated net worth to buy the team. An original stipulation of the sale was that any profits from Glass' sale of the Royals must go to charity, but that clause has since expired.

During his tenure as owner, Glass has been criticized for using the same cost-cutting management style of the Wal-Mart company with the Royals baseball team, resulting in large personal profits for himself but a poorly-performing team. Glass' management is cited for transforming the Royals from a winning team in the 1980s to one of the worst teams in Major League Baseball during the 1990s and 2000s.

Glass created a controversy on 9 June 2006 by revoking the press credentials of two reporters who had earlier asked pointed questions to Royals management. The harsh move to avoid criticism infuriated many within the press and led to a backlash of articles that extended far beyond the Kansas City sports community.