Are the Royals for real?
Posted: Saturday, May 16, 2009 1:31 PM
Had it not been for rain which delayed the start of the game by 2 hours, 30 minutes, Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City would have been packed last night. When was the last time the Royals had a chance to sell out a May game that didn't involve the Cardinals?
Zack Greinke, reluctant recent Sports Illustrated cover boy, pitched, and upped his record to 7-1 as the Royals clubbed the Orioles, 8-1. Greinke has become the face of resurgence for the long-dormant Royals. People in Kansas City care, about Greinke and about baseball. The stadium is sparkling after a $250 million renovation.
The Royals are one of the season’s early surprises, but their 19-17 start has come with some ominous signs.
First, the injury to closer Joakim Soria disrupts a solid bullpen. Once the Royals learned (and it only took opening day) that Kyle Farnsworth couldn't be trusted with a lead, their relief corps shined. Now Soria has a rotator cuff strain, yet another injury with linkage to the WBC, and the Royals hope Juan Cruz can hold the job in his place.
Second, a balky back has struck starter Gil Meche. Meche has lost four of his last five starts, and sounds puzzled by the lack of stamina caused by his back issues. Problem for the Royals is their fast start was built on the dominance of Meche-Greinke, the team winning nine of the pair's first 12 starts. And with Luke Hochevar failing in his first start, the concern about rotation depth is real. Simply, the Royals need Meche-Greinke to anchor two of every 5 days
This team is built on pitching. They are ranked 1st in ERA (slightly deceiving in that they have allowed the league's third most unearned runs), second in opponents BA and fourth in walks allowed.
The hitting numbers, despite the addition of veteran bats Coco Crisp and Mike Jacobs, are below standard. The Royals rank 11th in runs and OPS.
The good news is no team is currently running away with the AL Central. And that appears unlikely to happen soon, thus the Royals have time to limit the damage, and a rebound this weekend builds more hope as the calendar races towards June.
FIVE SWINGS:
1. NOTICE THE ANGELS…started Ervin Santana in his season debut Thursday. John Lackey is scheduled to return today, and Vlad Guerrero is due for weekend batting practice. Without these lead players, the Angels have risen above .500, and allowed no team to pull away in the AL West. Despite their 7-2 division record, Texas is only 2.5 games ahead of the Angels.
2. DONTRELLE WILLIS…has two hurdles to clear, the anxiety that sidelined him is crucial to his life. Only Willis and his doctors know the progress on that front. The rest of us can only judge his pitching, and the report on his first start against Minnesota was described in the Detroit Free Press as "so-so."
Radar readings were in the high 80s and low 90s. That's still a significant drop from his stellar Florida days, which are unlikely to return. He was stung by the Twins' top lefty hitters and failed to finish five innings. (A sign of the times: Willis said afterwards that he was glad to "keep his team in the game.").
3. SHOULD BE A TERRIFIC WEEKEND SERIES…in St. Louis as the Brewers ride a 9-2 streak into three with the Cardinals (last night’s game was postponed and will be made up on Monday). Yes, it is early but this is an important weekend as the Crew has negated St. Louis' hot start. Now the Cards must survive DL stints for Rick Ankiel and Ryan Ludwick. And, Prince Fielder talks about the new phenomenon in Milwaukee -- "The Bell." Trevor Hoffman has yet to allow a run and is 8-8 in saves as a Brewer. His theme, Hell's Bells, seemed forever linked to San Diego, but the all-time saves leader is proving doubters wrong with an inspired start for his new team.
4. WELL DONE TO ATLANTA…for a 6-2 trip against division rivals. And it could well have been 7-1 if not for a missed call late in Tuesday's game with the Mets. No matter, the Braves have righted themselves. From this view, it is hard to see them hanging with the Mets, Phils and even Marlins over 162 games, but note the Braves went 4-2 after the return of catcher Brian McCann.
5. 35 GAMES WITHOUT A HOMER…for David Ortiz, but Thursday could be the low point. In a 12-inning loss to the Angels, Papi was 0-7 and left 12 men on base. Jason Bay, Mike Lowell and Kevin Youkilis have been phenomenal. But can the Red Sox hope to navigate a summer with the Ortiz whose OPS exceeded 1.000 for 3 straight years? This year it stands at .650. He’ll get this weekend off to see it that helps.
