Kansas City Royals: Over and Out

Well, it’s been fun writing this little blog. But it’s over, at least for now. I just don’t have the heart or the desire to do it anymore. Tonight’s game, believe it or not, was the breaking point. If you want to know what happened, read it elsewhere.

Suffice it to say that Trey Hillman had two opportunities to make a game-winning decision, fluffed both of them, and then chastised reporters postgame for even daring to question his piss poor management of this team. After listening to the mental retardation that came from Hillman’s lips, I came to a realization.

It may be over for my beloved Royals. I mean, over. I am old enough to have watched during the glory days; watched them battle the Yankees in the ’70s, lose to the Phillies in ‘80, and beat the Cardinals in ‘85. I’m glad I did. Because I no longer believe that glory days will return to Kauffman Stadium.

I have either seen or heard from the lips of David Glass, Trey Hillman, and Dayton Moore in the last week, “Hey, we’re as frustrated as the fans.” To which I reply, “Shut the hell up. You aren’t.

Why? Simple—frustration comes from a lack of control. Those three men control the destiny of our beloved boys in blue. No way are they as frustrated.

However, the Royals’ organization did show significant fire for battle recently. How? They banned Rany. Temporarily. Once again, I’m not going to recap; go to ranyontheroyals.com to read about it.

The truth is that I am reverting to the most casual of Royals fandom. I’ll still watch the games and go every now and then, but I will no longer live and die with each run scored and each ball kicked. It’s not worth it. I’ll renew my love affair with the Royals when:

The organization worries more about the performance of the team on the field than what a (very astute) blogger says about it.

They have a manager who is willing to admit, and then LEARN FROM, his mistakes.

Statistical analysis is utilized for what it is—perhaps the cheapest source of game and personnel management information, rather than something to be overlooked in favor of “gut feels.”

The argument over who should play a position doesn’t hinge on who is lousier.

An opposing hitter gets plunked in the middle of yet another blowout loss.

The manager and general manager stop being so damn SMUG and know-it-all when they defend crappy decisions. If you suck (and believe me, the record of this club indicates that they do), then ADMIT it.

High draft picks pan out.

Players play BETTER here than they have elsewhere.

Truth is that I don’t see any of these things happening. This organization is made up of losers, and they are dedicated to that task. I could lay the blame at David Glass’ feet, but I won’t.

He did all the “right” things—he got the first-round-draft picks for both GM and manager, and he’s opened his checkbook to nearly double the payroll from the last year of Allard Baird’s reign of terror.

Honestly, I wouldn’t blame Glass if he cut payroll back to $40 million for next year; if we’re going to be the cellar dwellers regardless, why not pocket the extra 30M?

Anyway, to paraphrase Fever Pitch, (and to rip off a little bit more from Rany), this organization does not love me back. I’ll keep this site open, and maybe post a tidbit every now and then. But it’s just not worth the energy to continue to come up with synonyms for “suck.”

Unknown Royals Fan, over and out.