Bleacher Report - Articles by Sean Kellerman

Indians-Royals: Greinke Improves to 2-0 as Royals Win Second Straight

Sean Kellerman — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 01:21:27 -0400

KANSAS CITY—Zack attack.

The Royals once again used their great starting pitching to snag a victory, seeing it come this time from young phenom Zack Greinke. Greinke took the mound and led the Royals to a 4-2 victory over Cleveland on Monday night at Kauffman Stadium.

Although Greinke did not have his best stuff or command, he still found a way to get the job done.

Greinke got immediate help from his offense, an area that the Royals have brutally struggled with during the first week of the season.

Royals lead-off hitter Coco Crisp led off the Royals half of the first with a walk, which one out later. was followed by David DeJesus earning a walk of his own. RBI hits by right fielder Mark Teahen and designated hitter Billy Butler brought home Crisp and DeJesus, giving the Royals an early 2-0 lead. With two outs, second baseman Alberto Callaspo singled home Teahen, completing the Royals' three run first.

That was all Greinke would need.

Greinke blanked the Indians through his five innings at work, working his way out of two separate occasions when the Indians had two runners in scoring positions.

The Royals'fourth and final run of the game came in the fourth inning off the bat of newly-acquired first baseman Mike Jacobs, who belted a Fausto Carmona fastball into the brand new fountain seats in right center field.

The two lone Indians runs were scored in the Indians's half of the ninth, when youngsters Trevor Crowe and Asdrubal Cabrera led off the inning with back-to-back singles against Royals lefty reliever Ron Mahay, and came around to score when Royals closer Joakim Soria entered the game and immediately surrendered RBI singles to Grady Sizemore and Shin-Soo Choo. However, Soria was able to clamp down shortly thereafter and recorded his fourth save of the season.

Greinke improved to 2-0 in 2009, and his ERA stayed consistent, sitting at a respectable 0.00.

Carmona was given the loss, as he dropped to 0-2 on the season. His ERA currently sits at a 9.00 clip.

The Royals will hope to secure the series victory over the Indians on Tuesday night at the K. They will send young right-hander Kyle Davies—0-0, 0.00 ERA—to face the Indians' Carl Pavano, who is 0-1 with an 81.00 ERA, following his forgettable outing against the Texas Rangers on April 9. The game is scheduled for 7:10 PM CDT.

Yankees-Royals: Catchers Provide Pop as Kansas City Steals Game Three

Sean Kellerman — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:35:26 -0400

Finally, some offense.

The Royals came through with some offense on Sunday, albeit from unlikely sources, as they used a three-run eighth inning rally to defeat the New York Yankees 6-4 in the final game of the first-ever series at the "new" Kauffman Stadium.

Royals righty Gil Meche cruised through the first six innings on the mound, before hitting a bump in the road in the Yankees half of the seventh.

Yankees first baseman Nick Swisher and designated hitter Hideki Matsui led off the inning with a pair of singles, and outfielder Xavier Nady followed with an RBI double to left. An error by Royals first baseman Mike Jacobs sent another run home for the Yankees, and a productive double-play ball by Melky Cabrera got the Yankees the 4-3 lead.

Meche, 0-0, 3.21 ERA, worked his way out of the inning and left the mound hoping that his offense would bail him out of a loss, despite the fact that his team had only scored eight runs in their first five games played.

The offense did its part.

With his team trailing 4-3 with two outs and nobody on in the bottom of the eighth inning, Royals manager Trey Hillman opted to pinch hit 22-year-old prodigy Billy Butler. Butler coaxed a walk, and was quickly pinch run for with Tony Pena, Jr.

That brought up former Atlanta Brave and Royals third-string catcher Brayan Pena, who hit right-handed against Yankees lefty Phil Coke.

Pena, a lifetime .227 hitter, drilled a Coke fastball deep into the left center field gap, chasing Pena, Jr. home and tying the game.

Pena's double was followed by an RBI single from little-used infielder Alberto Callaspo, which was followed by an RBI double down the left field line from backup catcher John Buck, who had three hits and three RBI in the game, including a solo home run.

It was business as usual for Royals closer Joakim Soria in the top of the ninth, as he calmly struck out the side in order, wrapping up his third save of the season.

Royals newly-acquired righty Juan Cruz took the win, throwing a scoreless eighth inning, while Coke suffered the loss.

The Royals look to improve their record to above .500 as they send right-hander Zack Greinke, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, to the mound to face the Indians at 7:10 p.m. Monday at Kauffman Stadium. The Tribe will counter with Fausto Carmona, who is 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA.

Don't Laugh Now: Kansas City Royals Will Win AL Central

Sean Kellerman — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:28:54 -0400

With there being no clear favorite in the American League Central Division for 2009, I am here to say that the American League playoffs will be shaken up once again, as the Kansas City Royals will take home the Central Division crown.

Much like the surprising Tampa Bay Rays from 2008, the 2009 Royals have a good mixture of young players, both pitchers and position players, and a few proven veterans sprinkled in.

Here is a rundown of the 2009 Royals.

Starting Pitchers

The Royals have arguably as a good a one-two punch in terms of starting pitchers as any team in their division. Mr. Consistency, Gil Meche, and phenom Zack Greinke are both possible All-Stars, and the Royals' success in 2009 depends on their right arms.

The third starter, former Atlanta Brave Kyle Davies, was as dominant as any pitcher in the majors last September, when he posted a 4-1 record and a 2.27 ERA.

Although the team's fourth and fifth starters are as shaky as the next team in the Central (currently Sidney Ponson and Horacio Ramirez), the three at the top look to be in top form at the beginning of the season and seem poised to carry the team to a divisional crown.

Look for youngsters Luke Hochevar and Brian Bannister to possibly win out the fourth and fifth spot in the rotation as the season progresses.

Bullpen

Similar to their starting pitchers, the Royals have dominant relief pitchers as well, boasting one of the best bullpens in the American League.

The bullpen is anchored by "The Mexicutioner," closer Joakim Soria, who recorded 42 saves and posted a 1.60 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 2008.

As for the rest of the bullpen, the Royals retained left-handed shutdown setup man Ron Mahay, who carried an under 1.00 ERA deep into the season in 2008.

They also opened up their wallets to some right-handed relievers, signing hard-throwing setup man Juan Cruz as well as Kyle Farnsworth, both of whom have proved to be reliable relievers throughout their respective careers.

Outfielders

The Royals enhanced their outfield in the offseason by adding speedy switch-hitting center fielder Coco Crisp.

Although adding Crisp does not help the Royals from a power standpoint, he has stolen 20 bases or more in the last three seasons, and has also had an increased on-base-percentage in each of those seasons, two categories that the Royals have been lacking in in the recent past.

While Crisp is anchoring center field for the Royals, lefty David DeJesus will take over in left. DeJesus is coming off his best season yet in the majors, when he hit .307 with 12 home runs and 11 stolen bases in 2008.

What many people don't know but should about DeJesus is that he led the majors in hitting with runners in scoring position in 2008, posting a .419 batting average.

The Royals hope to have a healthy and determined Jose Guillen in right field, as he provides as their only consistent power hitting right-handed bat.

Guillen has had 20 or more homers and nearly 100 runs batted in in the last two seasons, although he did see his average dip from .290 in 2007 to .264 in 2008.

Guillen will need to be an integral part of the Royals' offense if they are to succeed in 2009.

Infielders

The Royals will boast one of the most balanced infields that they have had in a long time, which includes newly-acquired first baseman Mike Jacobs and oft-moved second baseman Mark Teahen on the right side, while young guns shortstop Mike Aviles and third baseman Alex Gordon look to anchor the left side.

Jacobs adds to another category that the Royals have been lacking—power. He cranked 32 home runs for the Marlins last year, a stat that Royals fans are not exactly accustomed to seeing.

The Royals have been waiting and waiting for Teahen to develop into a major-league hitter, but he struggled again in 2008, hitting .255 with 15 home runs.

However, the seven home runs he hit in spring training earned him a spot as a starter and continue to give the Royals hope.

The additions of Crisp and Jacobs put Teahen at second base, a position where he likely won't have as much pressure to hit for power.

Shortstop Aviles put himself into the running for American League Rookie of the Year in 2008, as he hit .325 with 10 home runs and 51 runs batted in in just 102 games.

Although the batting average is likely to decline in 2009, another productive season from Aviles, both offensively and defensively, will only help the Royals' chances.

Last but not least, highly-touted third baseman Alex Gordon looks to have his breakout season in 2009.

Gordon slightly improved his numbers from his rookie season in 2007 to 2008, but the Royals hope that he will make a big improvement in both categories of power and speed in 2009.

Gordon's success is not only key to that of the Royals in 2009, but of the franchise's progression in the future.

Designated Hitter/Catchers

Aside from Gordon, the Royals have another highly-touted prospect as their designated hitter. 22-year-old Billy Butler has also yet to have his breakout season, but his numbers at the Triple-A level are impossible to ignore.

With him being so young, it is almost a foregone conclusion that he will find a way to produce big numbers at the major league level.

The Royals also boast one of the better catching tandems in the American League with Miguel Olivo and John Buck. Although neither is an All-Star catcher, both have shown decent power and a good ability to work with their pitchers behind the plate.

With the acquisitions that the front office has made and the likely development of the highly-touted young players, the Royals put forth one of the most balanced teams in the American League Central.

They have improved their on-base percentage and speed with the addition of Crisp, their power with the addition of Jacobs, and their bullpen with the addition of Cruz and Farnsworth.

Adding those players and improving their talent all-around (not letting players like Tony Pena Jr. and Joey Gathright take up a combined 550 at-bats, like in 2008), the Royals will be able to shock the baseball world and head to the playoffs for the first time since 1985.

Kansas Basketball Season in Review: Defending Champs Exceed Expectations

Sean Kellerman — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:51:25 -0400

Despite falling short of the Final Four, the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team far exceeded the expectations given to them before the season.

Although the Jayhawks lost all five starters from their 2007-2008 National Championship team, they rode point guard Sherron Collins, the only returning contributer from last season's title run, and center Cole Aldrich all the way to a 27-8 record, a Sweet 16 appearance, and a fifth consecutive Big 12 Regular Season Championship.

Before the 2008-09 season, the Jayhawks were picked by many experts, both around the conference and nationally, to finish third or fourth in the Big 12, following Oklahoma, Texas, and in some cases Baylor.

The following is a report card on the players who played a factor in Kansas' surprisingly successful season.

Guards:

Sherron Collins (Jr.)

Collins had to endure all the pressure of carrying this young team as far as he could, and for the most part, he came through. After averaging 9.3 points and 3.1 assists per game last year, Collins was told by everyone, including the Jayhawk faithful and Kansas' Head Coach Bill Self, that he was to undoubtedly be the leader of this team. Collins embraced the challenged and carried this team to another regular season conference championship and a sweet sixteen appearance.

The Jayhawks went as Collins went, as their 27 wins were highlighted by his 26 point effort in Kansas' road victory against Oklahoma, his 25 point showing in a 90-65 rout of Missouri, and a 32 point, 8 assist effort in Kansas NCAA Tournament victory over North Dakota State.

The Jayhawks' eight losses were mainly on days that Collins did not play well, as their three worst losses were on Collins' three worst shooting nights. Collins was 6-for-21 from the field against Massachusetts, 3-for-19 at Texas Tech and 6-for-20 in the Big 12 Tournament against Baylor.

Statistics: 18.9 PPG, 4.9 APG, 43.4 FG%, 37.6 3PT FG%

Grade: A-

Tyshawn Taylor (Fr.)

Just a freshman, Taylor showed many signs throughout the year of possibly becoming a star at Kansas, but also had many games where he committed mistakes. His year was highlighted with a 26 point effort against Oklahoma, but he was unable to come through when the Jayhawks needed him most in the NCAA Tournament, as he averaged just 6.3 points and 2.0 assists per game in the three game span, while also turning it over 3.7 times per game.

Although he was often inconsistent, Taylor produced well in many games for the Jayhawks, and the fact that he is only a freshman gives hope to all Jayhawk fans.

Statistics: 9.7 PPG, 3.0 APG, 50.4 FG%, 36.4 3PT FG%

Grade: B

Brady Morningstar (So.)

Morningstar was the surprise player for the Jayhawks this season, as the redshirt sophomore led the Big 12 in three-point percentage. Morningstar was told that he would be the starter at the beginning of the year until someone stepped up and took it from him.

As it turned out, Morningstar was the player who stepped up and contributed greatly to the Jayhawks' success, forcing the coaching staff to give him many minutes. Much like Taylor, Morningstar's numbers dropped in the Big Dance, but his success during the regular season was crucial to Kansas' success.

Statistics: 6.5 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.6 APG, 42.0 3PT FG%

Grade: B

Tyrel Reed (So.)

Although Reed's end of season numbers do not jump off the page, the thing that he contributed greatly to the Jayhawks was his ability to hit big shots when the team needed it the most. He often lacked defensively, which caused him some playing time. But nonetheless, Reed hit drained some big shots, often times given the Jayhawks much needed momentum.

Statistics: 6.5 PPG, 38.9 3PTFG%

Grade: B-

Mario Little (Jr.)

The junior college tranfer Little opted to play his junior year at Kansas despite missing much of the first half of the season with an injury. Little was very inconsistent, as he was likely bothered by the injury. Whatever the problem was, it caused him playing minutes down the stretch. He showed good signs in a few games throughout the year, but he is probably already looking forward to next season to prove to everyone, himself included, that he can play at a high level at Kansas.

Statistics: 4.7 PPG, 3.2 RPG

Grade: C+

Forwards/Center:

Cole Aldrich (So.)

Aldrich was named to the Honorable Mention All-American team for his efforts in the 2008-09 season, as he went from averaging 8.3 minutes a game in 2007-08 to averaging a double-double in his first year of legitimate playing time. Aldrich had only four games in which he did not achieve double digits in scoring, and only two that he had double digits in neither points nor rebounds.

Aldrich was the most consistent player for the Jayhawks this year, and provided as a safety net for Collins. He dominated opponents defensively, recording 94 blocks. His year was highlighted by the first triple-double in the NCAA Tournament that included blocks since Shaquille O'Neal achieved that feat in 1992.

Statistics: 14.9 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.7 BPG, 59.8 FG%

Grade: A

Marcus Morris (Fr.)

Marcus Morris progressed throughout the year quicker than his brother Markieff, but they both need improvement entering next year. Marcus' best performances throughout the year were double-doubles against Kent State and Syracuse, and the game in Manhattan against Kansas State in which he scored 15 points, and had seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

He showed improving footwork on the blocks due to the help of assistant coach Danny Manning, but needs to show improvement both defensively and with having the ability to use his skill set wisely on the offensive end. Cutting down his turnovers would also be a plus.

Statistics: 7.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1 SPG

Grade: B-

Markieff Morris (Fr.)

The one area where Markieff excelled more than his brother was in low-post defense. Although Marcus recorded more steals than Markieff, Markieff had over twice as many blocks as Marcus, providing as a nice complement to Aldrich if defenses chose to go away from him.

Markieff needs to find his niche on the offensive end, and, similarly to his brother, learn how to use his own specific skill set. Also similar to Marcus, Markieff must cut down on the turnovers and be more comfortable with the ball in his hands. The potential is there, it's just a matter of how long it takes for him to reach it.

Statistics: 4.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG

Grade: C+

Best moment of the year: Collins taking over against Oklahoma.

When the Jayhawks were leading by a few on the road against the Number 3 team in the country, Collins took it upon himself to not let Oklahoma come back. The Sooners started nailing three after three, with Willie Warren, Omar Leary and Cade Davis all chipping in from long range. Collins matched them though, draining 24-footers to ensure the Jayhawks of the victory. Kansas rode Collins' hot shooting to the 87-78 upset.

Kansas Jayhawks Season Statistics:

Record: 27-8 (14-2)

Big 12 Regular Season Conference Championships

Sweet 16 appearance

Royals-A's: KC Wins Fourth in a Row as They Complete the Sweep of Oakland

Sean Kellerman — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:39:20 -0400

OAKLAND— It seemed like just another day at the ballpark lately for Royals closer Joakim Soria, as he set down the A's 1-2-3 to end Wednesday afternoon's game in Oakland. Soria wrapped up a 4-3 Royals' victory while collecting his 30th save of the year and third straight in the Royals three-game sweep of the A's.

The Royals won their fourth straight game by getting more solid pitching from both their starter and their relievers and getting their runs when they needed to—funny how that works.

Royals second-year right-hander Brian Bannister took the mound in hopes to regain his form that made him 3-0 with an under 1.00 ERA in his first three games.

Bannister pitched well, giving up just two runs in five innings of work, though he had to tightrope his way out of danger many times.

Due to some shoddy defense and a couple of soft hits, the A's took an early 2-0 lead on KC after the second inning.

The Royals answered in the top of the third. With one out in the inning, following a lead-off double by catcher Miguel Olivo and a strikeout of Tony Pena Jr., rookie shortstop Mike Aviles blasted a double of his own into the left-center field gap, cutting the A's lead in half.

Rookie outfielder Mitch Maier followed Aviles with a single to right, tying the game at two apiece. The RBI was the first of Maier's career.

A key inning for Bannister and the Royals was the bottom of the fifth, when Oakland loaded the bases with two outs following a walk to Jack Cust, a single by Mark Ellis, and another walk to Bobby Crosby.

Bannister, approaching 100 pitches at the time, didn't give in.

Attacking Oakland's rookie first baseman Wes Bankston, Bannister induced a fly out, ending both the A's possible rally and Bannister's day on the mound.

When it was all set and done for Bannister on the mound, he had surrendered eight hits and had given up four walks, but kept his team in the game by limiting the A's to just those two runs.

The Royals took that momentum into their half of the sixth inning, when they tallied again when outfielder Jose Guillen, following a Maier single and walk to Alex Gordon, punched a single up the middle to put the Royals ahead for the first time all game.

Oakland retaliated in the bottom of the seventh inning when shortstop Bobby Crosby singled home former Royal Emil Brown to tie the game at three.

The game couldn't be decided through nine innings, so the Royals figured the 10th would be a good inning to end it.

Against A's closer Huston Street, pinch-hitter Esteban German led off the inning with a walk and after Aviles couldn't get down a bunt, he made up for it by cranking another double, this one into right-center field, sending German to third.

After a weak pop-up in foul territory by Maier, the A's decided to once again walk Gordon to get to Guillen. In five plate appearances, Gordon was 0-for-0 with five walks, two of which were intentional.

Guillen didn't take the second intentional walk lightly, as he hit a line shot into deep left-center field for a sacrifice fly, scoring German and giving the Royals a 4-3 lead, a lead much too big for the Mexicutioner to give up.

Ramon Ramirez earned the win for the Royals, improving to 2-1, while Street took the loss, dropping his record to 2-4.

The Royals, 50-59, look to continue this spell of both good pitching and hitting when they return home for a long home-stand, beginning with a three-game series against the White Sox on Friday night. Young righty Luke Hochevar, 6-8, 5.38 ERA, will oppose Chicago's Javier Vazquez who is 7-9 with a 4.73 ERA.

Royals-A's: Oakland Drops Series as They Can't Figure Out KC's Pitching

Sean Kellerman — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:17:10 -0400

The Royals continued their recent success against the A's in Oakland on Tuesday night, as they won the 12th of their last 20 games at McAfee Coliseum, defeating the home team 5-2.

Once again, the Royals used a good starting-pitching performance to wrap up their second victory in as many games against the A's.

The battery tandem of starting pitcher Gil Meche and catcher John Buck was the main reason for the Royals' success, but it took a while for either offense to get going.

Through 5.2 innings pitched, A's lefty Greg Smith—5-10, 4.04 ERA—had given up just one hit, a third-inning leadoff triple by Royals rookie shortstop Mike Aviles.

Aviles went on to score on a Mark Grudzielanek sacrifice fly. That run was matched by the A's in the bottom of the fifth on an RBI single by Mark Ellis.

Before getting to six innings of one-hit ball, Smith had to get past Aviles.

Not so much.

Aviles turned on a Smith fastball and belted it over the left-field wall, giving the Royals a 2-1 lead.

They wouldn't look back.

In the top of the seventh inning, the Royals had runners on second and third and one out, when right-fielder Mark Teahen couldn't get the run home—he grounded into a fielders choice, as rookie outfielder Mitch Maier was tagged out at home plate.

However, with runners at first and third and two outs in the inning, Buck stepped up to the plate.

After swinging through one fastball, Buck sent an 0-1 fastball high over the left-center-field wall, giving KC a 5-1 lead and deadening the Oakland crowd.

While Aviles and Buck led the KC offensive attack, whatever offense the A's could muster up was provided mainly by Ellis and Jack Hannahan, who each had two hits.

However, Meche—9-9, 4.22 ERA—and his mid-90s fastball were too much for the A's on this night. Meche went seven innings, surrendering two runs on five hits and two walks, while striking out eight.

Since the Midsummer Classic, Meche has had three starts for the Royals, going 3-0 with a 1.33 ERA in 20.1 innings. In those outings, Meche has surrendered just 12 total hits and four walks, and has struck out 18 batters.

Smith took the loss for the A's, as he gave up five runs on four hits and two walks, while striking out five in seven innings of work.

The Royals go for the series sweep on Wednesday afternoon at the Coliseum, as their young right-hander Brian Bannister, 7-9, 5.40 ERA, will toe the rubber. The A's will counter with a righty of their own, newly acquired Sean Gallagher. Combining his stats with the Cubs and the A's, Gallagher is 4-4 with a 4.03 ERA.

Royals-A's: Greinke Dominant as Royals Take Game One

Sean Kellerman — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 03:56:42 -0400

OAKLAND- That's better.

The Royals' Zack Greinke could finally smile after leading his team to a 4-2 victory in Oakland on Monday night.

Greinke, promoted to the Royals' number one starter for the second half, had struggled in his first two outings since the Mid-summer Classic, but finally showed the Royals why it was a good decision to have him as number one.

In his first outing after the break against Chicago, Greinke gave up five runs before recording the first out of the first inning, surrendering a six-run first.

In his second outing against Detroit, Greinke gave up five runs in the first three innings before tossing three scoreless ones. However, with Armando Galarraga on the mound for the Tigers, five Detroit runs was more than enough to propel the Tigers to victory.

In going 7.1 innings, Greinke, 8-7, surrendered two runs, seven hits, and one walk while striking out 11 Oakland batters.

Young right-hander Ramon Ramirez came in the game in the eighth inning with runners at first and third and one out, and proceeded to strike out Jack Cust (for Cust's American League leading 133rd punch-out on the year), and forcing Carlos Gonzalez to hit a weak ground out.

KC's All-Star closer Joakim Soria was lights out again, claiming his 28th save of the year by pitching a 1-2-3 ninth. Soria's save tied the record for most saves in a season by a Mexican-born relief pitcher. He now shares that record with Juan Acevedo.

The A's lefty Dallas Braden took the loss, dropping to 2-1 on the year. Braden went 6.2 innings and surrendered four runs on six hits and two walks, while striking out seven and giving up two long balls.

The Royals, 15-8 this year when hitting more than one home run in a game, were led by the big sticks from outfielder Jose Guillen and young third baseman Alex Gordon. Guillen cranked a two-run homer in the first, his 14th on the year, and Gordon also hit a two-run shot in the sixth inning, his 12th on the season. Gordon and rookie shortstop Mike Aviles each had three hits in the game.

Catcher Kurt Suzuki provided the A's (53-52) with whatever offense they got in the game, reaching base four times against Greinke, including getting three hits off him.

After a disappointing homestand in which they were swept by the Tigers and split a four-game series with the Rays, the Royals (48-59) look to make this short three-game road trip a winning one on Tuesday night as they take on the A's at 9:05 CDT. The Royals Gil Meche (8-9) with a 4.31 ERA will face the Oakland's Greg Smith, who is a tough-luck (5-9) with a 3.90 ERA.

Royals-Rays: Meche Leads Royals to Game One Victory Over First Place Rays

Sean Kellerman — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:33:05 -0400

KANSAS CITY— That one feels better.

The Royals snapped a three game losing skid on Thursday night with a 4-2 victory over the American League East leading Tampa Bay Rays, and it was likely one of their most relieving victories on the season.

Yeah yeah, it may be July 24, and the Royals may have just improved to 46-57, but this game was an important one to win for the the boys in blue if they look to improve in the second half, especially because of their hard to watch series against Detroit to start off the week, a series in which they got outscored 33-6 in three games.

Royals right-hander Gil Meche improved to 8-9 on the season and lowered his ERA to 4.31 after going seven scoreless innings while giving up five hits, walking one and striking out four.

Lefty Ron Mahay and All-Star closer Joakim Soria closed it out for the Royals, though each surprisingly gave up a run in their inning pitched. Mahay's ERA now sits at 1.88, Soria's at 1.60.

Rays right-hander Matt Garza took the loss, falling to 8-6 after allowing four runs, eight hits, four walks and striking out four in his five innings of work.

The Rays, 59-42, fell into a first-place tie with the Boston Red Sox following their own loss and the BoSox day off.

The Royals were once again led offensively by should—have—been—All—Star David DeJesus, who went two-for-three with a double and a run scored. First baseman Ross Gload and third baseman Alex Gordon also contributed two hits for the Royals, while catcher John Buck drove in two runs with a double down the right field line in the fourth inning.

The Rays' first run came following a lead-off double by shortstop Jason Bartlett in the eighth, while their second also followed a lead-off double, this one in the ninth by All-Star rookie third baseman Evan Longoria.

Bartlett had three hits for Tampa Bay, in addition to turning a web gem quality double play in the second inning.

The Royals will look to ensure at least a series split with these Rays on Friday night at Kauffman stadium, when struggling righty Brian Bannister, 7-8, 5.49 ERA, will oppose the Rays' righty Edwin Jackson, who is 5-7 with a 4.25 ERA. Bannister will try to earn his first victory and provide his first quality start since June 23rd.

Royals-Tigers: Galarraga's Near No-no Propels Tigers to Series Sweep in KC

Sean Kellerman — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:07:05 -0400

KANSAS CITY—Bring on the Rays.

As strange as it may sound, the Kansas City Royals might actually be relieved to see the AL East leading Tampa Bay Rays come to town on Thursday night following the Royals' embarrassing performance both offensively and on the mound during their three game sweep at the hands of the Detroit Tigers.

The sweep was completed on Wednesday afternoon at Kauffman stadium, as 16,594 fans left the K disgruntled once again over their team's flat out weak performance.

Detroit will depart Kansas City to go back home following a 5-2 road trip, splitting two with Baltimore before taking all three from the Royals.

The final game of the series was over before it started.

The Royals right-handed phenom Zack Greinke took the mound on Wednesday afternoon hoping to shake off his previous start in Chicago in which he allowed five runs before recording the first out.

Needless to say, he didn't.

Before anyone watching the game could blink, the Tigers, picking up where they left off in the first two games of the series, had scored two runs in the top of the first.

Detroit's table setters Curtis Granderson and Placido Polanco quickly got on base to lead off the inning, Granderson reaching with a walk and Polanco with a soft single to right.

After striking out Carlos Guillen, Greinke surrendered an RBI single into the right center field gap by Magglio Ordonez. With Polanco at third and Ordonez at first, Greinke struck out Miguel Cabrera before catcher Miguel Olivo fired down to second base to try to catch Ordonez stealing.

Ordonez saw the strikeout and then purposely got caught in a rundown when he noticed Polanco get a big jump off third. Royals second baseman Mark Grudzielanek didn't have time to return the throw to Olivo to get Polanco at home.

Instead, he tossed to Ross Gload to tag out Ordonez for the third out, but not before surrendering the Tigers' second run of the inning.

That's all Armando Galarraga would need.

Galarraga, 8-4, started off the game retiring the first 18 batters, while needing just 64 pitches to do it.

The perfect game bid was trashed in the top of the seventh when Royals catalyst and most consistent hitter David DeJesus smoked a 3-2 fastball into right field for a single.

Following a Mike Aviles fly out and a walk to Esteban German, Galarraga surrendered an RBI single to Royals leading RBI man Jose Guillen, which effectively ended the shutout as well.

Alex Gordon followed with a single to right before Galarraga retreated to his normal self, getting out of a bases loaded jam by striking out Mark Teahen and retiring Olivo on a fly out.

Casey Fossum and Todd Jones closed out the game for the Tigers who are three games over .500 for the first time all year, at 52-49.

Galarraga got the victory while Greinke, giving up five runs in six innings, took the loss and now sits at 7-7.

Cabrera had three RBI on the day and pushed his total in the series to 10. Polanco and Ordonez also contributed to the offense, each collecting three hits.

For Kansas City, DeJesus collected two of the Royals four total hits, while Aviles' American League leading 12-game hit streak was snapped.

The Royals, 45-57, dropped to 6-3 this year against the Tigers following the three game sweep. The shaky start to the second half for KC has been contributed to both the starting pitching and the anemic offense. In the three game series against the Tigers, the Royals were outscored 33-6.

The Royals look to rebound from this shoddy performance in a weekend four-game series against Tampa Bay, starting Thursday night at 7:10. Kansas City's Gil Meche, 7-9, 4.55 ERA, will duel against the Rays' Matt Garza, who is 8-5 with a 3.68 ERA.

Royals-Tigers: Kansas City "Drops" Series to Detroit

Sean Kellerman — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:18:34 -0400

Two hours and 20 minutes of rain in the bottom of the seventh inning didn't necessarily boost the offense of the hometown Royals, as they dropped their second straight to the Tigers, 7-1.

Detroit, 51-49, improved to 2-6 this year against the Royals, and they now sit just five-and-a-half games back of the first place Chicago White Sox in the American League's Central Division.

The Tigers were led by 43-year-old starting pitcher Kenny Rogers, who pitched six strong innings, and even came out for the seventh inning before the heavy rain caused the long delay.

Fireballers Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya came in following the delay to close the door for Detroit, pitching the final three innings unscathed.

The Royals, 45-56, lost a series to Detroit for the first time all year, as their starting pitching continues to struggle during the second half.

Right-hander Kyle Davies gave up just two runs, but his inability to go more than four innings due to an elevated pitch count caused the ball to be handed to the bullpen much too early.

In five games since the Midsummer Classic, the Royals' five starters have thrown a total of 21.1 innings, while the bullpen has thrown 23.2.

On a night when the Royals' Hall of Fame second baseman Frank White was honored by his T-shirt being the subject of a T-shirt Tuesday at the K, two other Gold Glove Award-winning second basemen provided for the bulk of their teams' offenses.

The Royals' Mark Grudzielanek, the 2006 AL Gold Glove winner at second, continued his absolute dominance of the lefty Rogers, going three-for-three against him with a double and the Royals' lone run driven in on the night before striking out in the eighth inning against Rodney.

With those three hits, Grudzielanek improved to a ridiculous 15-for-23 career against Rogers, good for a .652 average.

On the other side of the diamond, the Tigers' Placido Polanco, the 2007 Gold Glove honoree at second for the AL, also had a great night at the dish, going two-for-five with his fourth home run of the season, while scoring three runs and driving in two.

With their performances, Grudzielanek and Polanco each remain in the top 10 in the American League in batting average, batting at .310 and .308, respectively.

The Royals look to avoid the sweep by the Motown boys in a day game on Wednesday at Kauffman stadium. They will hope for a deep-inning start from 24-year-old phenom Zack Greinke, while the Tigers will counter with rookie Armando Galaragga, who has easily been their most consistent starter all year.

David DeJesus: All-Star Snub

Sean Kellerman — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:14:45 -0400

Although not many people know him due to the team on which he plays (the always-forgotten Kansas City Royals), outfielder David DeJesus definitely deserves some public attention due to the breakout season he is having in 2008.

Although I can't necessarily argue with most of the All-star outfielders who were present at the final All-Star game in the Bronx, DeJesus was barely mentioned at all for consideration to be an All-Star.

Playing for a small-market team that hasn't had a decent shot at the playoffs since 2003 has made much deserved media attention shy away from the outfielder.

Here are some of David's all-star quality stats, as of July 21, 2008:

AVG: .306, R: 46, HR: 10, RBI: 54, SB: 9

These stats speak for themselves, but it should also be noted that he is putting together this season batting in the leadoff spot in over 70 of the 83 games that he has been able to play for KC.

How is he when his team needs him the most?

No biggie, DeJesus just leads the American League in batting with runners in scoring position, holding up a .460 batting average through July 19. That held a commanding lead over Ian Kinsler, the next closest player on that list, who was hitting at a .413 clip.

Not to mention that DeJesus has started at every outfield position at least eight times in 2008 and has committed ZERO errors while contributing three outfield assists. That's a 1.000 Fielding Percentage, for anyone wondering.

No disrespect to the selected American League All-Stars of 2008, but David DeJesus' hitting and fielding stats alike show that there should be NO reason for him to have not gotten major consideration to be a member of the 2008 American League All-Star team.