May 8, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) and right fielder Brandon Barnes (2) celebrate defeating the Los Angeles Angels in the ninth inning at Minute Maid Park. The Astros won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City concludes its six-game road trip in Houston after two series on the west coast through Anaheim and Oakland. The Royals will face the newest American League team in the Astros so we thought it be appropriate to chat with Climbing Tal’s Hill senior editor Greg Thurston.

Kings of Kauffman – How have fans adjusted to new play-by-play voice Robert Ford who use to host the pre and post game on Royals flagship?

Climbing Tal’s Hill – I can’t speak for all fans but I think Ford has done a good job. His delivery is smooth and accurate but he has a few “go to” terms that he repeats too often. I think he will get better with experience and we at CTH like him because he was kind enough to come on our podcast.

KOK – Houston not only is making the jump to the AL but to one of the tougher divisions how are fans adjusting?

CTH – Fans were not at all happy about the move and some have gone as far as boycotting the team. The transition has been tough for both the team and the fans.

KOK – Follow-up to question two, were fans in favor/liking being in the AL long term?

CTH – Short answer: no. But after kicking and screaming in the beginning, I have actually come around. It gives us a chance to see a lot of great teams and players that we didn’t get to see in the National League.

KOK – Who are the starters this coming week and Royals fans should look at?

CTH – Left-hander Dallas Keuchel gets the start on Monday. Keuchel has bounced between AAA and the majors a couple of times this season but has pitched well in his last two starts. Bud Norris is slated to start Tuesday. Norris left his last start with back spasms so it’s hard to say what we should expect from him. If he can’t get deep into the game look for Paul Clemens or Jose Cisnero to work in long relief. Jordan Lyles goes on Wednesday. Since being called up, Lyles has had three decent starts and one bad one. The Astros will be looking for him to get past the fifth inning, something he has yet to do this season.

KOK – Series predictions?

CTH – I’m going to predict the Royals will win games one and three with Guthrie and Shields on the mound. The Astros should be able to take the middle game against Wade Davis.

Here’s the other part of the Q&A at Climbing Tal’s Hill

Pitching Match-ups and game times –

Monday: Jeremy Guthrie v. (5-1, 2.82) v. Dallas Keuchel (0-1, 4.82), 7:05 pm/FSKC & 610 Sports
Tuesday:  Wade Davis (3-3, 5.98) v. Bud Norris (4-4, 4.32), 7:05 pm/FSKC & 610 Sports
Wednesday:  James Shields (2-4, 2.45) v. Jordan Lyles (1-1, 6.63), 7:05 pm/FSKC & 610 Sports

Series Preview –

The Royals alternated wins in Anaheim while taking the series against the Halos and are 20-17 this season. Oakland is finishing a six game home stand which began with dropping two-of-three against Texas earlier this week.

Probable Pitching Matchups –

Friday, May 17 (9:07 pm): James Shields (2-3, 3.04) v. Jarrod Parker (2-5, 6.39)
- Shields is coming off a tough loss last Saturday against the Yankees at the K
- His career record against the A’s is 5-3 with a 4.08 ERA and is 2-2 in Oakland

Saturday, May 18 (8:07 pm): Ervin Santana (3-2, 2.79) v. Tommy Milone (3-5, 3.71)
- Santana is sitting on 99 careers wins
- In his career he’s 6-1 at the Coliseum with a 2.08 ERA in 12 outings (10 starts)

Sunday, May 19 (3:07 pm): Luis Mendoza (1-2, 6.00) v. A.J. Griffin (4-3, 3.48)
- Last time out Mendoza picked up his first win of 2013 at Los Angeles
- The Dozer went six innings for the third time this season on Monday while striking out six Angels

2012 Results –

Kansas City won the season series 5-4 against Oakland in 2012 in what was a close series, KC outscored the A’s 22-20 in nine meetings. The Athletics held a 2-1 lead when the teams played at the Coliseum in the lone trip the Royals made to the Bay Area both losses were by a run. Fans will remember the series finale going 12 innings and Jonathan Broxton being unable to protect the lead.

TV/Radio –

All three games are on Fox Sports Kansas City with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler on the call with Joel Goldberg hosting the pre and post game. On 610 Sports Radio will be Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart.

2013 Schedule v. Athletics –

May 17-19, Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
July 5-7, Kauffman Stadium

Team Game Notes –

Kansas City
Oakland

This will be the only visit the Royals make to Angels Stadium against Los Angeles and Mike Trout. Photo Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Series Preview –

KC comes to the big A having lost six of their last seven games, after getting to 17-10 on the season. The Angels are coming off a series win on the Southside of Chicago but are 3-3 in their last six games.

Probable Pitching Matchups –

Monday, May 13 (9:05 pm): Luis Mendoza (0-2, 6.38) v. Joe Blanton (0-6, 5.66)
- Mendoza is making just his fifth start of the season tonight in Anaheim
- This is the Dozers first start against LA as a Royal but his career record against the Halos is 0-1 in three starts
Tuesday, May 14 (9:05 pm): Jeremy Guthrie (5-0, 2.28) v. Jason Vargas (1-3, 4.11)
- Guthrie looks to continue his club-record 18 game unbeaten streak
- His 2.28 ERA is seventh as of Monday in the American League
Wednesday, May 15 (9:05 pm): Wade Davis (2-3, 5.86) v. TBA
- Davis suffered a 11-6 defeat Friday night against the Yankees going just five innings
- After starting 2-0 he’s lost three of his last four starts with a no-decision mixed in

2012 Results –

In 2012 the Royals were 4-5 against the Angeles but were 3-3 in Anaheim which included taking the opening series. Los Angeles outscored Kansas City by the narrow margin of 44-39 last season in the nine games played.

TV/Radio –

All three games are on Fox Sports Kansas City with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler on the call with Joel Goldberg hosting the pre and post game. On 610 Sports Radio will be Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart.

2013 Schedule v. Angels –

May 13-15, Angels Stadium
May 23-26, Kauffman Stadium

Public enemy number one Robinson Cano returns to the K this weekend. Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Kings of Kauffman – Robinson Cano will be booed every time he’s at bat or announced this weekend, how do you think this will play with Yankee fans watching on TV?

Yankees Go Yard – The Cano thing to me was very overblown. There should just be a rule that the host stadium automatically has a competitor in the home run derby. Yankees get booed all the time so it won’t bother him or fans watching.

KOK – Many, myself included thought New York would take a step back but to their credit they are playing decent, what are the reasons for this?

YGY – The credit goes to the pitching staff. After early struggles, they’ve really calmed down. GM Brian Cashman has brought in some nice veteran stop gaps like Lyle Overbay to help out. Vernon Wells has been better than anyone could have expected.

KOK – How does the starting pitching line-up for the weekend?

YGY – he Royals will see Phil Hughes friday who has pitched quite a bit better than early on. If he can throw strikes, and keep his pitch count down, it could be a long night for KC. Andy Pettitte goes saturday night and he’s really struggled of late. If he’s elevating the ball, KC is in good shape. Hiroki Kuroda goes sunday and he’s been the Yankees most consistant starter this year.

KOK – This will be the Yankees lone trip to the K so our last chance to see Mariano Rivera how has Mo been (nearly a year to the day to his injury at Kauffman Stadium)

YGY – Mariano RIvera has been as good as he ever has. He could probably pitch another two years after this if he wanted.

Pitching Match-ups and game times –

Friday: Phil Hughes (1-2, 3.60) v. Wade Davis (2-2, 4.75), 7:10 pm
Saturday:  Andy Pettitte (3-2, 4.06) v. James Shields (1-2, 3.09), 6:10 pm
Sunday:  Hiroki Kuroda (4-2, 2.30) v. Ervin Santana (3-1, 2.00), 1:10 pm

This will be the Royals only trip to Oriole Park at Camden Yards against Baltimore in 2013. Photo Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Series Preview –

Baltimore enters the series with 19-13 record to Kansas City’s 17-11 mark, the O’s are two games back of Boston in the AL East. The O’s are home after a successful road trip out west going 7-3 against Seattle, Oakland and Los Angeles.

Probable Pitching Matchups –

Tuesday, May 7 (6:05 pm): Ervin Santana (3-1, 2.00) v. Wei-Yin Chen (2-3, 3.50)
- Santana was dominant in the game that never happened on Thursday against Tampa Bay
- The “Magic Man” sits at 99 career victories after narrowly missing getting the milestone in his last start

Wednesday, May 8 (6:05 pm): Luis Mendoza (0-1, 7.00) v. Chris Tillman (2-1, 3.63)
- This is just Mendoza’s fifth start of 2013 due to all the off days KC has had during the first month of the season
- The Dozer will be making his third career start against the O’s where he’s 2-1, 5.79 ERA, his first big league win was against Baltimore when he was with Texas

Thursday, May 9 (6:05 pm): Jeremy Guthrie (4-0, 2.40) v. TBA
- Guthrie will be making his first start since his first complete game on Saturday night against the White Sox at the K
- He’ll also be looking to improve his franchise record unbeaten streak which is at 17 straight starts

2013 Results –                               

Last year the O’s went 5-4 against Kansas City, the two teams will only play seven times. The next meeting will be a four game series in July at the K.

TV/Radio –

FSKC will carry all three games this week while 610 Sports Radio will have the radio coverage if you can’t watch the television broadcast.

2013 Schedule v. Orioles –

May 7-9, Oriole Park at Camden Yards
July 22-25, Kauffman Stadium

Team Game Notes –

Baltimore Orioles
Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals and Sluggerrr hope the weather improves this weekend at Kauffman Stadium when the White Sox come to town. Photo Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Series Preview –

KC lost 2-of-3 on the south side to begin the 2013 campaign but both teams have gone different directions since then. The Royals lead the AL Central at 15-10 while the White Sox are 12-15 last in the division but did take two at Texas.

Probable Pitching Matchups –

Friday, May 3 (7:10 pm): Dylan Axelrod (0-1, 3.95) v. Jeremy Guthrie (3-0, 3.06)
- Guthrie dominated the Tribe last weekend throwing 6.2 scoreless innings with five strikeouts
- He continues to ride a 16 game unbeaten streak that dates back to August 8, 2012 against Chicago

Saturday, May 4 (6:10 pm): TBA v. Wade Davis (2-2, 5.55)
- In his last start Davis only last 4.2 innings allowing eight runs
- He’s looking for his first win since April 17 in Atlanta which has been one of the best starts of the season by a Royal pitcher

Sunday, May 5 (1:10 pm): Jose Quintana (2-0, 3.58) v. James Shields (2-2, 3.00)
- Shields looked good against his former team on Tuesday night and will get another crack at Chicago
- Getting the ball on Opening Day in Chicago Big Game lost a 1-0 decision allowing a solo shot to Tyler Flowers which was the difference

2013 Results –                               

The teams met the opening week of the season in which the White Sox took two of three against the Royals. Chicago won the first two games 1-0 and 5-2 with KC taking the series finale 3-1.

TV/Radio –

FSKC will carry all three games this weekend while 610 Sports Radio will have the radio coverage if you can’t watch the television broadcast.

2013 Schedule v. White Sox – CWS 2-1

April 1-4, US Cellular Field: Chicago wins the series 2-1
May 3-5, Kauffman Stadium
June 21-23, Kauffman Stadium
July 26-28, US Cellular Field
August 20-22, Kauffman Stadium
September 27-29, US Cellular Field

James Shields and the Royals open a three game series against his old team the Rays on Tuesday night. Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Kings of Kauffman – At 12-13 what’s been the number one issue for the Rays? 

Rays Colored Glasses – If there’s one number that the Rays have to address, that’s their 3.79 team ERA, just 8th in the American League. The Rays’ pitching staff has been very streaky all year, tossing 5 shutouts but also allowing 6 or more runs six times. The keys to fixing that are going to be David Price and Roberto Hernandez.

Price finally got his first win yesterday, but his ERA still stands at 5.21 despite a 35-9 K-BB ratio as he has allowed a crazy 6 home runs in 38 IP (1.4 HR/9). Price has been good his last two times out, but the Rays need him to get back to being that ace pitcher he has been for them the past few years. If he can do that, pairing him with the untouchable Matt Moore will leave opposing teams shaking in their boots.

Hernandez, on the other hand, has just a 4.66 career ERA so his 5.28 mark this year isn’t so surprising, but he has looked electric, managing a 30-10 K-BB in 30.2 IP with a strikeout rate not too far off from double his career average as the Rays have altered his pitch usage to utilize his great changeup more often. But Hernandez has to become more consistent throughout his outings and find a way to get his results in line with his stuff. There’s reason for optimism, but that means nothing if Hernandez doesn’t start putting some solid starts together.

In the bullpen, the major concerns is Jake McGee, who is striking out batters like no tomorrow (14.0 K/9) but allowing far too many walks and home runs on his way to just a 6.48 ERA. That’s a sharp contrast from his 1.95 ERA from last season. McGee has been relying too heavily on his fastball in big spots and Rays have to get him right as well.

The offense is always a concern for the Rays as well, but they’ve gotten solid contribution all over the place and adding in Luke Scott will only make things better. If there’s one player the Rays have to get going, it’s Yunel Escobar, who has hit just .164 in 80 PA’s. He will return from a hamstring injury for Game 1 of the Rays-Royals series.

KOK – Tampa Bay is 8-4 at the Trop while just 4-9 away? Any reason for this oddity 25 games into the season?

RCG – Watching the team, I don’t think there has really been any difference and it really has just been a matter of the Rays just happening to be playing poorly on the road and well at home. That’s illustrated best by the fact that the Rays’ team OPS at home is better than away (.725 vs. .686) something shocking giving how tough a ballpark they play in, while their pitching staff has been just about as good, managing a 3.50 ERA and a 3.90 FIP at home and a 4.07 ERA and a 4.10 FIP on the road. The Rays have really just been basically the same team everywhere and one tough road trip in Texas, Boston, and Baltimore and a great home stand versus the Yankees and A’s are making the difference seem a lot more than it should be. It’s early in the season, and by the end of it all I’ll be shocked if the Rays’ home and away records aren’t remarkably similar.

KOK – Have fans been wondering when Wil Myers will be freed with how James Shields and Wade Davis have done so far?

RCG – Everyone is talking about Wil Myers, but I don’t think anyone cares about Shields and Davis anymore. Both of them, especially Shields, were great for the Rays, but they were also easily replaceable because the Rays just have so much pitching. It’s a real possibility that the Rays could lose Shields and Davis yet still have a significantly better starting rotation with Matt Moore, Alex Cobb, and Jeremy Hellickson looking vastly improved in the early goings.

Back to Myers, he hasn’t exactly set the world on fire at Triple-A, not hitting for much power, and most Rays fans have just accepted that he’s probably not coming up until June. The Rays’ offense has not been that bad, all things considered, and while Myers will be a big boost to the Rays when he comes up, if keeping him at Triple-A makes him a better player in the long-term, Rays fans are fine leaving him there as long as it takes.

KOK – Who are the pitchers that KC can expect to see this week at the K?

RCG – The Royals are lucky enough to miss both Matt Moore and David Price, but it will certainly not be smooth sailing for them as they take on Alex Cobb, Jeremy Hellickson, and Roberto Hernandez.

Cobb, 25, has been incredible to begin the year, going 3-1 with a 1.82 ERA, but I don’t believe he has looked as good as the numbers would indicate. He attacks hitters with a heavy sinker, but the issue with him has always been missing bats. He throws an excellent split-change, but the key for him is his curveball. Cobb has been throwing a lot to begin at-bats and a decent amount with two strikes, but I don’t think it’s that great of a pitch and I expect the league to adjust soon. Will that happen before or after the Rays leave Kansas City?

Hellickson is a pitcher who has elicited much debate between the traditionalists and the sabermetricians the past couple years, but this is the season where they all agree that he’s a very good pitcher. Hellickson’s ERA is just 4.31 in his first five starts, but he’s pitching like a completely different pitcher right now. In his last three starts, Hellickson, a pitcher who has struck out just 6.2 batters per 9 innings in  his career, has struck out 23 while walking just 6 in his last 3 starts spanning 20 IP. And that isn’t just an aberration–Hellickson has made a major breakthrough. Hellickson’s bread-and-butter has always been his fastball and changeup, but this season, he has added his curveball as a third plus pitch, and that gives him a real chance to become a true number two starter. Hellickson will obviously still have his struggles, especially when his fastball command is off, but he’s emerging as a really good pitcher and just maybe one of the best in baseball.

And then there’s the enigma, Hernandez. As we talked about above, Hernandez can befuddle hitters with his electric arsenal but has been missing way too often over the heart of the plate. Hernandez has two really good pitches in his sinker and changeup and another solid one in his slider, but often his sinker moves so much that he doesn’t know where it’s going, and when he misses he gets hit hard. If Hernandez can be a little more consistent, he has the ability to be a rock-solid innings-eating 4th or 5th starter. No matter how Hernandez does for the Royals, there will be a few swings from Kansas City hitters about as ugly as you’ll see. The question is whether those will be canceled out by his mistakes.

Pitching Match-ups and game times –

Tuesday: Alex Cobb (3-1, 1.82) v. James Shields (1-2, 3.09), 7:10 pm
Wednesday: Jeremy Hellickson (1-2, 4.31) v. Luis Mendoza (0-1, 5.14), 7:10 pm
Thursday: Roberto Hernandez (1-4, 5.28) v. Ervin Santana (3-1, 2.00), 1:10 pm

Ervin Santana and the Royals return home to Kauffman Stadium after a 4-3 road trip against the Cleveland Indians. Photo Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Kings of Kauffman – What has stuck out with Cleveland’s start this season?

Wahoo’s on First – Surprisingly, it’s the lackluster performance of the offense to start the season. With the acquisitions we made this offseason, everyone figured the Indians would be one of the top run scoring teams in baseball. That hasn’t really happened, at least not yet. Sure, we’ve had a few eruptions against Tampa and Houston, but runs have been pretty hard to come by. I think injuries are partly to blame. Missing Michael Bourn has really hurt over the past week or so, Jason Kipnis has been dealing with a sore elbow on top of an ice cold start, and Asdrubal Cabrera has struggled with a few lingering issues physically. They’re the top three in our everyday lineup and without them getting on base it’s made things that much more difficult for everyone else. I think it’s only a matter of time though until they turn things around and really get things going offensively. Now the starting pitching, that’s a whole other story.

KOK – Any noticed differences with Terry Francona in the dugout

WOF – Yes, and not just the increased consumption of Double Bubble over the course of nine innings. The big difference is apparent in how he handles the in game decisions and the lineups. With Eric Wedge it became comical how we never seemed to have the same lineup day in and day out. There was no consistency and I think that wore on the players at times. Then under Manny Acta it was a complete debacle. Batting Jose Lopez cleanup, intentionally walking Mitch Mooreland to get to Adrian Beltre (he hit a home run that still hasn’t landed), and refusing to utilize players in a practical manner. With Francona, there seems to be a more relaxed atmosphere with him putting more faith in the players to come through. He’s not micromanaging situations and forcing square pegs into round holes. It’s refreshing.

KOK – These two teams had tension last season due you think that’s gone with Choo now in Cincinnati?

WOF – I don’t think there will be any sort of carry over effect. The two players most having issue with one another, Choo and Jonathan Sanchez, are both long gone. There has also been so much roster turnover on our side of things that I find it hard to believe anything could come bubbling to the surface. Nowadays with things as they are with free agency, the feuds tend to center more around individual players and less around the actual teams. Plus, Carlos Carrasco will be nowhere to be found so everyone on the Royals should be safe.

KOK – Scott Kazmir, Ubaldo Jimenez, Justin Masterson and TBA are the scheduled pitchers how have these guys started out?

WOF – In Kazmir’s first and only start of the season, he was somewhat disappointing. After having a great spring he struggled with his command and the long ball and didn’t qualify for the win even though the Tribe scored 19 runs. He should bounce back, though. His velocity was great and he had good movement. The problem was that it was his first start of the DL and on top of that he had to endure sitting through an 8 run first and a 7 run second. I think he’ll show tremendous improvement against the Royals.

Ubaldo Jimenez is a mystery. To be honest, we’re all pretty much over him at this point. We never know what we’re going to get out of him and more often than not it’s a complete disaster. He had a decent start his last time out, so maybe he’s starting to turn the corner a bit, but until he can throw strikes with some sort of consistency things won’t really get better.

Justin Masterson has been phenomenal. After a subpar 2012 season following a dominant 2011, we were all a bit worried about whether or not he really was a front line starter. Well, those concerns have been set aside, at least for now. When his sinker is working, it’s almost impossible to make solid contact against him.

In game four, if I had to wager a guess, the Royals will probably face Corey Kluber. He was called up recently to replace Brett Myers in the rotation. Myers has been shelved with an elbow issue that may be the reason for his absolutely abysmal performance so far this season. As for Kluber, he’s nothing spectacular and gets hit pretty hard on a consistent basis. As soon as Myers is healthy or the Indians decide to permanently call up Trevor Bauer, Kluber will be back down in Triple A.

Pitching Match-ups and game times –

Friday: Scott Kazmir (0-0, 16.20) v. Ervin Santana (2-1, 2.48), 7:10 pm
Saturday: Ubaldo Jimenez (0-2, 10.06) v. Jeremy Guthrie (2-0, 3.86), 6:10 pm
Sunday: Justin Masterson (4-1, 1.85) v. Luis Mendoza (0-1, 5.14), 1:10 pm
Monday: TBA v. Wade Davis (2-1, 3.20), 7:10 pm

Royals nemesis Justin Verlander gets the ball Wednesday at Comerica Park in game two of the series against the Royals. Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Series Preview –

This will be Kansas City’s first trip to the Motor City and third series against the AL Central during the 2013 season. It also kicks off a string of seven straight divisional games as KC hosts Cleveland after completing this road trip. Last season Detroit dominated the Royals with a 13-5 record.

Probable Pitching Matchups –

Tuesday, April 23 (6:05 pm): Wade Davis (2-0, 2.25) v. Max Scherzer (1-0, 2.84)
- After a season opening no decision in Philadelphia, Davis has wins over Minnesota and at Atlanta
- In his last outing he helped end the Braves 10 game winning streak being on the right side of a 1-0 decision

Wednesday, April 24 (6:05 pm): Luis Mendoza (0-1, 6.17) v. Justin Verlander (2-2, 2.13)
- When last we saw the Dozer he was on the wrong side of a 6-4 decision against Toronto
- Mendoza was skipped his last time in the rotation due to the amount of Royals off days last week

Thursday, April (12:05 pm): James Shields (1-2, 3.00) v. Anibal Sanchez (2-1, 1.75)
- While not factoring in the decision Saturday in Boston, Big Game James again provided another quality start going six innings allowing just one run
- Shields is looking to reverse his road record as he’s 0-1 with a no decision which game in his last start at Fenway

2012 Results –

Last season KC was 5-13 against Detroit as the Tigers outscored the Royals 76-51 in the eighteen games played. The 51 runs were the fewest runs scored against central division foe in 2012.

TV/Radio –

Tuesday and Wednesday games are on Fox Sports Kansas City with no TV on Thursday afternoon. 610 Sports Radio will have you covered for all three games if you’re not by a television.

2013 Schedule v. Tigers –

April 23-25, Comerica Park
June 10-12, Kauffman Stadium
July 19-21, Kauffman Stadium
August 15-18, Comerica Park
September 6-8, Kauffman Stadium
September 13-15, Comerica Park

Fenway Park is sure to be electric this weekend when the Red Sox return home following the tragic events earlier this week. Photo Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Kings of Kauffman – How surprised are Red Sox fans at the early season success?

BoSox Injection – I would characterize it as more than mildly, very pleasantly and cautiously surprised. After all we’re talking New Englanders here with a long history of getting their spirit crushed. Yeah, we won it all in 2004 and again in 2007 but the bitter divisiveness that resulted in Boston’s worst record since 1965 made Red Sox Nation feel like angry losers again. With all the offseason moves there was a potential for either a solid gelling of the new lineup and coaching staff – great clubhouse guys like Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino and Jonny Gomes – or the same old flat as a turd start that marked both the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Right now the fans and the team are riding the crest of a winning wave and it shows.

KOK – John Farrell‘s impact on the pitching staff is one of the major reasons Boston wanted him back, right?

BI – Certainly the magic that Farrell was able to create during his pivotal years as pitching coach in Boston have been key foundational elements to stabilizing Boston’s talented but sometimes fussy group of starters. Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz need managers and coaches that understand them. Farrell’s return set the tone from the get go. Juan Nieves, Boston’s new pitching coach, has likewise been a smart and steady influence who treats the pitchers like professionals and gets his points across through subtle teaching exercises. The group is happy, the bullpen has been very solid. As for the closer? Hmmm….

KOK – Individual to watch this weekend?

BI – It’s hard not imagine Dustin Pedroia as the Red Sox man to watch. He is the heart and soul of the team. He’s currently batting .306 and doing what he does so well in the field. He’s tough as nails. Any team would kill to have a second baseman like Pedey. From a pitching perspective, Clay Buchholz is the Red Sox man to watch. He took a no-no into the eighth inning in his last outing and his ERA of 0.41 is third best in the majors.

KOK – How emotional do you think Fenway Park will be Friday night given the tragedy on Monday in Boston?

BI – In a word, Fenway Park will be at fever pitch. It will have been five days since the bombings and will be the first Friday night after a brutal week of heartache. Fans will be ready to cut loose, especially if the Sox remain hot and take the Cleveland series, which as of this writing looks probable.

Here is the other side of the Q&A at BoSox Injection

Pitching Match-ups and game times –

Friday: James Shields (1-2, 3.43) v. C. Buchholz (3-0, 0.41), 6:10 pm
Saturday: Ervin Santana (1-1, 2.45) v. R. Dempster (0-1, 2.65), 12:10 pm
Sunday: Jeremy Guthrie (2-0, 3.20) v. F. Doubront (1-0, 4.50), 12:35 pm

Kansas City begins its road trip at Turner Field with the 11-1 Atlanta Braves on Tuesday for a brief two game series. Photo Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Kings of Kauffman – Expectations before the season were large in Atlanta, how much have they grown with the start plus road sweep at Washington?

Tomahawk Take – The expectations before the season began were no doubtably huge.  With the additions of both Justin Upton and B.J. Upton the Braves seemed to have the youngest most exciting outfield in the game, not to mention maybe the best outfield in the game.  Sure we lost Chipper Jones, Martin Prado and Michael Bourn this offseason but I believe GM Frank Wren made all the right moves.  One of the most interesting story lines for the Braves heading into spring training was the catcher position.  With franchise face and backbone of the team Brian McCann starting the season on the DL , the Braves had to find a temporary replacement.  We picked up Gerald Laird off free agency but knew he was nothing but a backup.  Then coming off a great winter league season, Evan Gattis came to spring training and put on a show.  Gattis has a great comeback story as he quit baseball for 4 years working jobs here and there across the country trying to find himself.  He finally decided to come back to baseball and the Braves drafted him.  Now, an everyday starter either at the catcher spot or filling in at first base to keep his bat in the lineup.  If your pitchers don’t know about him, they should start studying….if they can, he’s got a great eye and seems to be able to hit a pitch anywhere he wishes.

Right now, Atlanta Braves fans are astatic about the 11-1 start to the season especially after the sweep of “The Mothership’s” love for the Nationals.  But we all know it is real early and we’ve got to keep winning!

KOK – What’s been the key to Atlanta starting 11-1 and having the best record in baseball?

TT – I’d say the Braves have a few keys to the quick start.  The pitching has been tremendous with been lead by Paul Maholm who is 3-0 and hasn’t given up a run yet.  Tim Hudson, Kris Medlen and Mike Minor have all started strong with ERA’s of 2.50, 1.50 and 0.69.  Julio Teheran is our 5th starter and our top prospect who has struggled to find a groove but I see him turning it around.

Also, Justin Upton…he’s started off with MVP numbers hitting .348 with league leading seven home runs. We’ve got a platoon at third base with Juan Francisco and Chris Johnson.  Both have been keys aspects to the start of the season.  Especially Johnson as he’s stepped up to play first base while Freddie Freeman is on the DL.  Johnson started a rally during the opening game of the Washington series that changed the entire series around.  Then Gattis, as I mentioned before the guy has been unreal to start the season. Batting 4th in our lineup and hitting .324 with four home runs and 10 RBI’s.

Another key has been our bench play.  Ramiro Pena has started the season hot off the bench and as our utility player.  He’s played so well he started over Andrelton Simmons on Saturday.  He’s a key switch hitting guy who can play third, short and second.  Jordan Schafer has four hits in seven at bats and the combination of catchers with Laird and Gattis both hitting the ball well.

KOK – Kris Medlen and Mike Minor are the Braves scheduled starters, what should we know about them?

TT – Kris Medlen will get the ball on Tuesday wearing the #42 jersey for Jackie Robinson tribute.  He started off the season against the Phillies and not having his best stuff.  Medlen is a location guy and lives off his command.  He can throw it by some but where he gets most hitters is with his nasty changeup pitch and where he can spot it.  He came back against the Marlins and threw a lot better pitching up his first win of the year.  He’s only given up two runs in two starts in 2013 and came off his fantastic 2012 season.  I’d look for Medlen to have another stellar start against the Royals.

Mike Minor is a guy who most didn’t see being a top of the rotation guy a few years ago.  He has matured into a great young left handed pitcher.  He’s started off the 2013 season with two wins in his first two starts and only giving up one run against the Chicago Cubs.  His fastball has lots of movement on it and can throw it by hitters.  He’s looking for a breakout season and 2013 could be it.

KOK – Kansas City has former Braves on the team in Bruce Chen and Jeff Francoeur any thoughts of how they’ll be greated?

TT – Jeff Francoeur was my favorite Braves player a few years ago, (I even named my dog after him) but he needed a change of scenery.  I always pull for him and check the box score on how he’s doing.  I’m hoping the rest of Braves Country will accept him with open arms with his return.  No hard feelings here at all.  I don’t see the Braves fan base booing either of those guys, we just aren’t that type of fans….but call an infield fly, all hell breaks loose!!

Here is the other side of the Q&A at Tomahawk Take

Pitching Match-ups and game times –

Tuesday: Jeremy Guthrie (2-0, 3.55) v. Kris Medlan (1-1, 1.50), 6:10 pm
Wednesday: Wade Davis (1-0, 4.00) v. Mike Minor (2-0, 0.69), 11:10 am

Melky Cabrera is one of the former Royals who’ll be at the K when the Toronto Blue Jays come in for a weekend series. Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Kings of Kauffman – What are Blue Jays fans feeling now with the slow start given the offseason moves.

Jays Journal –Well, you can’t help but be a bit disappointed after a slow start, but a lot of that disappointment stems from 4 months worth of building expectations. It just takes a moment to realize that every team is going to slump at some point in the season, and a slow start won’t necessarily doom this team. A sustained slow start, well that may be a different story.

KOK – Of all the moves which one is the most important for the team’s success this season?

JJ – They pitching staff additions are going to dictate how far this team goes. R.A. Dickey and Josh Johnson need to adjust to pitching in the American League East, and Mark Buehrle needs to be that veteran presence in the middle of the order. Dickey becomes the de facto cog in the wheel, as this team really needs an ace that can be a stopper, something they missed badly in 2012.

KOK – Toronto hasn’t been to the playoffs since 1993 when they won the World Series, does that streak end in 2013?

JJ – You would have to think so. The AL East is wide open in 2013, and Toronto saw that and pounced. Now they need to capitalize on all of those offseason moves. If Bautista and the rotation stays healthy, then there is no excuse for this team not making the postseason.

KOK – Jose Bautista will have how many HRs this season?

JJ – I’d be comfortable in predicting 35-38 home runs on the season. He’s shown a quick bat thus far in the spring and early going, but we need to remember he is coming off of a solid wrist injury and may have soreness he hasn’t in the past. Don’t get me wrong, 35-38 home runs is still a solid number, but fans have come to expect more out of Bautista.

To see the other half of the series Q&A click here.

Pitching Match-ups and game times –

Friday: J.A. Happ (1-0, 0.00) v. Luis Mendoza (0-0, 1.50), 7:10 pm
Saturday: R.A. Dickey (0-2, 8.44) v. James Shields (1-1, 3.75), 6:10 pm
Sunday: Brandon Morrow (0-1, 5.59) v. Ervin Santana (1-1, 3.21), 1:10 pm

Kansas City returns home to open the home portion of their schedule at Kauffman Stadium on Monday against Minnesota. Photo Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Series Preview –

Kansas City returns home for the first time in 2013 and they’ll see AL Central foe Minnesota at the K. A season ago the Twins won 11 of 18 games against the Royals.

Probable Pitching Matchups –

Monday, April 8 (3:10 pm): Kevin Correia (0-0, 2.57) v. Ervin Santana (0-1, 6.00)
- Santana gets the ball in the 2013 home opener, here’s hoping it’s better than Luke Hochevar’s last season.
- Last time out in Chicago, Santana went six innings but allowed four runs on five hit but allowed three home runs.

Tuesday, April 9 (7:10 pm): Mike Pelfrey (1-0, 0.00) v. Jeremy Guthrie (1-0, 1.50)
- Last Thursday Guthrie was solid in his continued mastery of the White Sox
- Royals fans will want to see how he does against a non-pale hoes team.

Wednesday, April 3 (7:10 pm): Liam Hendriks (0-0, 7.71) v. Wade Davis (0-0, 9.00)
- Davis got roughed up in his Royals debut Friday in Philadelphia against the Phillies.
- Hendriks also didn’t fair the best in his first start and one hopes that Davis bounces back.

2012 Results –

Last season the Royals went 7-11 against the Twins they were outscored by Minnesota 89-85. The 85 runs were the second most runs KC scored against an opponent last year (103 versus Cleveland).

TV/Radio –

All three games are on Fox Sports Kansas City in addition can be found on 610 Sports Radio.

2013 Schedule v. Twins –

April 8-10, Kauffman Stadium
June 4-6, Kauffman Stadium
June 27-30, Target Field
July 30-31 and August 1, Target Field
August 5-7, Kauffman Stadium
August 27-29, Target Field

Kansas City travels to Philadelphia for the Phillies home opening series and will see shortstop Jimmy Rollins at Citizens Bank Park for the first time since June of 2004. Photo Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Kings of Kauffman – What are Phillies fans expectations this season in the tough NL East?

That Balls Outta Here – What AREN’T people expecting in the NL East? Have you seen an NL East prediction that wasn’t Nats-Braves-Phils-Mets-Fish?  The Nats win the division, and there’s some debate over whether the Braves get the first or second Wild Card. Some jokers occasionally put the Mets over the Phillies in third place.  Jokers like Baseball Prospectus.

And you know what?  They’re probably right.  The NL East lined up so clearly in the offseason that there’s not even a lot of backdoor stats that you can use to loop the Phillies back around to second place.  They’re not going to win the division.  They might get a Wild Card spot, though that’s something I’ve been saying and I’m not sure if it’s because I actually believe it or because I refuse to not believe it.  The Phillies are part of a middling .500 group of NL teams; for some, they’ll get a few lucky bounces and fight for the playoffs; others will get struck by lightning and fall to 60-70 wins.  The Phillies are the only team like this in the NL East (Nats are dominant, Braves are between dominant and average, Mets are below average, Marlins are invisible), and if they were playing in the AL Central division or somewhere, they might have a better shot.

KOK – If any Royals fans are in Philly this weekend what can they expect from the crowd on the home opening weekend? 

TBOH – This Interleague everyday stuff really confuses the vitriol-spew.  I’m sure there will be plenty of people who watched the 1980 World Series and bring it up, but it’s not like any sort of longstanding feelings between the Phillies and Royals.  Not that there needs to be for the hate to flow, but it’s still early in the season, people are excited, and Chipper Jones/Jose Reyes/any of the Nationals aren’t on your team so there’s no instinctive spark to pummel anybody right from the get-go.

I think the early season enthusiasm, home opener excitement, and flaccid relationship with the Royals will make this an enjoyable experience for anybody.  But please don’t take my word for it.

KOK – These teams have met three times with the 1980 World Series, 2004 & ’07 Interleague Play, what are the thoughts of KC?

TBOH – Honestly, close to nil.  I know you guys have been bad for a long time and have been supposed to be good for a little while; not overly good, but at least seeing some of those top picks get it together as Major Leaguers.  If Jeff Francoeur still on your team?  I used to have a really personal grudge against him.  I forget why. Probably because he’s an a-hole and he sucks at baseball.

There’s nothing more fun than watching a team of anonymous youngsters get hot, even if it’s just for a part of the season, so you guys have that to look forward to – and your eventual breakout year.  The Orioles did it last year, as did the Nationals; hell, even the Pirates almost got into the playoffs.  The Pirates.  Your guys’ year has to be forthcoming.

The Pirates.

KOK – Citizens Bank Park seems to be a hitters park from the little we know will the weather make this the case over the weekend?

TBOH – CBP is a hitters’ park, for sure, which is why it is so nice that the Phillies have some hitters this year. Well, at least one.  Charlie Manuel calls the hotter summer months “hittin’ season” because the ball carries better or whatever made-up West Virginia magic he’s cooking with.  By that logic, the ball won’t carry much further than it’s supposed to.  Of course, I was down at the park yesterday (no there was nothing going on) and it was a veritable wind storm, so.  That might not help.  Plus you’re going to be facing Kyle Kendrick and John Lannan, I think.  They could both go sideways really at any time.

Pitching Match-ups and game times –

Friday: Wade Davis (0-0, 0.00) v. Kyle Kendrick (0-0, 0.00), 3:05 pm
Saturday: Luis Mendoza (0-0, 0.00) v. John Lannan (0-0, 0.00), 6:05 pm
Sunday: James Shields (0-1, 1.50) v. Cole Hamels (0-1, 9.00), 12:35 pm

Follow Justin on twitter @TBOHblog

Opening Day is here for the Royals as they head to Chicago to face the White Sox. The Royals send James Shields to take on Chris Sale today. Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Series Preview –

After a 25-7-1 spring in Surprise the Royals open the season at Chicago on April Fool’s Day. Taking the mound will be the “Big Game” James making his debut against the White Sox. Last season KC won 12 games against the South Siders.

Opening Day Lineups –

Royals: Alex Gordon LF, Alcides Escobar SS, Billy Butler DH, Mike Moustakas 3B, Salvador Perez C, Eric Hosmer 1B, Lorenzo Cain CF, Jeff Francoeur RF, Chris Getz 2B – James Shields SP

White Sox: Alejandro De Aza CF, Jeff Keppinger 3B, Alex Rios RF, Adam Dunn DH, Paul Konerko 1B, Dayan Viciedo LF, Alexei Ramirez SS, Tyler Flowers C, Gordon Beckham 2B – Chris Sale SP

Probable Pitching Matchups –

Monday, April 1 (3:10 pm): James Shields (0-0, 0.00) v. Chris Sale (0-0, 0.00)
- Shields will make his debut for the boys in blue
Wednesday, April 3 (1:10 pm): Ervin Santana (0-0, 0.00) v. Jake Peavy (0-0, 0.00)
- Santana was acquired in the offseason from Los Angeles will make his first start for KC
Thursday, April 3 (1:10 pm):  Jeremy Guthrie (0-0, 0.00) v. Gavin Floyd (0-0, 0.00)
- Can Guthrie continue to put up the numbers he did since coming over from Colorado?

2012 Results –

Last season the Royals went 12-6 against the White Sox which was KC’s best mark against any team they faced last year. Kansas City outscored Chicago 78-52 in 18 games.

TV/Radio –

All three games are on Fox Sports Kansas City in addition can be found on 610 Sports Radio.

2013 Schedule v. White Sox –

April 1-4, US Cellular Field
May 3-5, Kauffman Stadium
June 21-23, Kauffman Stadium
July 26-28, US Cellular Field
August 20-22, Kauffman Stadium
September 27-29, US Cellular Field

Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers hope a third trip to the World Series is the charm. Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Kings of Kauffman – Detroit gets Victor Martinez back, what does Jim Leyland plan on doing with him DH/First or what?

Motor City Bengals – Martinez has played a couple of games at first base this spring, but the plan is for him to pretty much be a DH-only guy this year. Prince Fielder doesn’t miss a lot of time — he’s missed one game total over the last four seasons — so there probably won’t be much playing time at first for Victor. He could fill in for a game here or there, but I don’t think he’d even be the primary backup option should Fielder go down with an injury.

Leyland has opened the door for Martinez to get back behind the plate for a handful of games in National League parks if they’re facing a left-handed pitcher. But between catcher and first base, I don’t expect him to see the field for even a double-digit number of games.

KOK – The Tigers are clearly the best team in the Central but what do they plan to do to not win the division later in the season again?

MCB – There was a lot of talk of “underachievement” last season, but I think the truth was that they simply weren’t quite as good as many thought they were. Delmon Young was a terrible DH, and I think we actually saw the real Brennan Boesch in right field (those two combined for -2.0 WAR). They’ve plugged those two holes with Victor Martinez and Torii Hunter and they’ll be getting full seasons from Omar Infante and Anibal Sanchez (who they acquired at the deadline last year). I think the team could be seeing a 5 WAR improvement just in the RF and DH positions over last season.

Other than that, though, you just have to put the players on the field, watch the games, and understand randomness is a part of the game. Jim Leyland never panicked last year, even when it was September and they weren’t where they wanted to be. Fans hated him for it (though the anti-Leyland chatter mysteriously died during the playoff run to the World Series), but he managed his way up until the very end of the regular season.

KOK – What are the concerns of the fans heading into this season in the Motor City?

MCB – The bullpen is definitely a concern. Right now no one knows who will close out games – and Leyland usually does like to have “a guy” – so there is a lot of hand wringing there. It looks like rookie Bruce Rondon will make the team and could be the guy to get the first crack at save chances. He throws 100 mph and strikes out a ton of guys, but he also issues a boatload of walks. Other guys in the immediate closer mix include Phil Coke, Joaquin Benoit, and probably Octavio Dotel.

I would personally like to see them play out the final innings based on situational leverage and platoon matchups, but that’s not something the Tigers have done under Leyland. He has said that he will “play the matchups” if they don’t have a closer named, but he’s always been much more comfortable defining seventh, eighth, and ninth inning roles.

KOK – After getting swept in the World Series do you think that this team will have enough motivation to end its title drought?

MCB – The players really seem to want it, especially a guy like Justin Verlander who has been to two World Series with the team (with a 1-8 team record). Following the season, a bunch of players took to Twitter and talked about training all offseason in order to get those final four wins.

As a fan, though, I don’t really concern myself with postseason success. I obviously would love to see a World Series Champion in Detroit, but so much of each playoff series is determined by luck and randomness that I can’t pin all my hopes and dreams the outcomes. I’m much more concerned with their overall play in the regular season, winning a division championship, and simply getting that playoff berth. In October, I just try to enjoy being there (not that I’m there, of course).

Cleveland brought in Terry Francona in the offseason to return the Indians to the top of the AL Central. Photo credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Kings of Kauffman – What does the fan base think about Terry Francona taking over the team?

Wahoo’s on First – At the time, the general reaction was a muted positive one. It was exciting to bring in such a renowned manager, but it was bittersweet that local hero Sandy Alomar Jr. didn’t get the job. But even the biggest Sandy fan has to admit that bringing in Francona now looks like a stroke of genius. He’s helped to reenergize a clubhouse that had turned to torpor last year under Manny Acta and the gravitas he brings to the team has made Cleveland a more attractive landing spot for free agents. So yeah, give the Tribe an A+ for that one.

KOK – Cleveland like Kansas City is a team that seems to be a trendy pick to do big things, how realistic do you think this is?

WOF – Very. The Indians now have one of the best lineups in the league and possibly the best defensive alignment in baseball. Combine that with an incredibly underrated rotation—yes, there are a lot of question marks, but this staff has a lot of upside and a ton of depth—and there’s a lot to like about this team. I’m not expecting 90 wins, but they’re a lot better than the .500-ish projections most people have been giving them.

KOK – Which offseason moves do you like that the club made?

WOF – Almost all of them. Francona was a great hire. The Shin-Soo Choo trade was sheer highway robbery. The Nick Swisher deal was terrific. So was the Mark Reynolds signing. And Michael Bourn. Mike Aviles is going to be nice to have around, and the minor-league deals we gave to Scott Kazmir, Jason Giambi, and Ryan Raburn all look like winners. I still don’t get the Brett Myers signing and I think the team will live to regret not trading Chris Perez when his value was at its peak, but it’s been an incredible winter for the Tribe.

KOK – Where do you think the Indians finish in the standings this season?

WOF – Second place in the AL Central, somewhere around 86-88 wins. The Tigers are probably the better team—for now—but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Tribe in the playoff hunt for most of the season.

What will year two of the Robin Ventura era be like for the Chicago White Sox? Photo Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Kings of Kauffman – What did the White Sox do to improve this offseason?

Southside Showdown – You might say the main portion of the White Sox improvement plan was to go au naturale. Let some of the young arms improve with experience, hope confused bats like Alexei Ramirez and Gordon Beckham figure it out, and rely on aging performers like Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn to repeat their career production levels.

Obviously a gaping hole was filled at third with Jeff Keppinger.  The nightmare experienced to start 2012 with an awful Brent Morel and eventually Orlando Hudson couldn’t be repeated.  Of course, now Keppinger is making it clear that he’s not the most durable fellow in the world so it might be repeated after all.  With A.J. Pierzynski leaving, it may seem at a glance that the team has moved backwards rather than improve, but A.J.’s numbers from last season wasn’t going to happen again, so there’s nothing wrong with giving Tyler Flowers a chance.

KOK – Who has stood out this spring?

SS – As “meh” as I was when the Jeff Keppinger signing occurred it is impressive to see a guy out there that doesn’t really strike out much. In a lineup full of K’s it’s great to watch a guy step into the box and make contact nearly every time.  In the minor league ranks, Jared Mitchell has looked fairly impressive, considering he seemed to have stalled after breaking his ankle a couple years ago. And Simon Castro has looked straight nasty in all of his mound appearances so far.  Definitely hoping he can spend some time in AAA amassing innings and erasing the idea that these showings are a fluke.

KOK – Year two under Ventura, what do you expect?

SS – He’s shown that he’s not the “new thinker” that I hoped when he came in with no experience.  It was my admittedly far-fetched hope that the White Sox had gone and hired a manager with no experience because he had an approach between the lines that didn’t fall in line with the “conventional wisdom” applied by pretty much every other manager in the league.  Well it’s not so, however Ventura does a great job on the clubhouse end.  The players like him, respect him, and seem to carry a relaxed approach.  That says a lot.  You or I could get in there and do reasonably well making the in-game calls but the having the players buy in and listen to you is the hardest part.

KOK – Can Chicago finish this season if they lead the division late again?

SS – If they find themselves in that situation, certainly.  For one, it’s just bad luck that the offense fell off to the degree it did at that particular time.  I don’t think it happened because it was September, I think that it happened and it also happened to be September.  One thing that September did have an effect on is the arm of Chris Sale, who had never approached that sort of workload before in his career.  Having a little more endurance built up, knowing what to expect and how to deal should help him out this year assuming he can reach the same levels he did in 2012.

Here is the other side of the conversation at Southside Showdown

Outside of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau the Twins will have plenty of new faces in 2013. Photo Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Kings of Kauffman – What do the Twins need to do get the offense going this season?

Puckett’s Pond – Actual issues for the Twins offense replacing Denard Span and Ben Revere (finding a leadoff hitter, could be rookie Aaron Hicks), Trevor Plouffe needs to be more consistent at the plate, Chris Parmelee will most likely start the season in RF and needs to show that his AAA mashing can translate to the gigs. Josh Willingham is a candidate to drop off production in 2013.

KOK – Pitching was a problem last season for Minnesota what can we expect in 2013?

PP – Pitching should be better than last year, but that’s not saying much. Twins brought in a number of mid-level and bargain free agents, but they have a number of young stud pitchers who could see time with the big league club this year, notably Kyle Gibson and Trevor May. This rotation could look very different at the end of the season. Bullpen was very solid last year and should be again.

KOK – Expectations are low but what are your expectations for this season?

PP – Who knows, the offense has the potential to be pretty devastating, and the pitching should be poor but improved this is a team in flux, so rookies and young players could step up and help the Twins surprise, but realistically this is a team in transition, and by the end of 2013, you’ll start to see the pieces of a future contender trickling in. So in sum: the record is much less important than seeing the team moving in the right direction prospects/youngsters Hicks, Gibson, May, Parmelee, Oswaldo Arcia, Joe Benson and others could all see MLB time this year and start to form the core of a team that
should contend by 2016.

KOK – The Royals farm system is well know but how is the future looking for the Twins organization?

PP – The Royals farm system dropped off severely in national rankings this year, but the Twins farm system jumped dramatically we’ve got an at least top-7 system, higher in many publications. Span was traded for Alex Meyer and Revere for May, and the Twins drafted Byron Buxton, JO Berrios and a slew of college power arms last year. Here’s the top 5 with links to the top 40; we’re stacked and deep, and now sitting much better at pitching after the past year.

All eyes of Royals fans will be on James Shields one inning of work Thursday against the Padres. Photo Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

What can be expected for one inning? How many strikes are thrown? Batters faced? How quick the outing is? I think they all can be focused on Thursday but I think a scoreless inning with a strikeout will be fine for most.

We obviously won’t know more about Shields until later in the spring when he gets more work in, however pitching in Arizona will be different than his previous camps in Florida. The scenery is different but the game is the same. Shields is a veteran and he’s going to go at a pace he’s comfortable with.

The interesting thing about the Shields start is that he asked for one inning and manager Ned Yost allowed it. Based on reading articles from Jerry Cransick of ESPN.com article it doesn’t seem like the clubhouse will have a problem with this request.

Again if he struggles in Thursday’s start you won’t see the billboards around town get taken down. Most fans won’t pan it if he struggles in a spring training start. “It’s still inevitable that Shields’s first Royals inning will be talked about and analyzed as people are always more anxious to pick apart spring performances.

Other newcomers to Surprise are Jeremy Guthrie who came to KC last July and Ervin Santana who are in their first camps with the Royals. Both have experience with pitching in Arizona during the spring but how they do with the Royals coaches watching their preparation will be interesting.

Wade Davis made his first start against the Cleveland Indians in Goodyear and even with it being two innings it went well. The goal will be be to stretch him out and he’ll get longer outings as spring continues but in some ways Davis going two innings allowing just one will allow peace of mind.

Silencing the Indians in February isn’t the same as doing so in April, May and so forth or just seeing a handful of hitters. Interested observers will need to see more in the coming starts.

When Shields takes the mound on Thursday, Royals fans will stop and pay attention. And considering what the Royals gave up, many might go check out the Rays and see what Wil Myers is up to. As of Wednesday Myers has three hits in seven at-bats for a .429 average.

Alex Gordon was scratched on Monday by the Royals but it shouldn’t be a long term issue. Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Ned Yost told the media that Gordon noticed the tightness after taking some swings and the team gave him the day off. When Yost was asked about the concern of the injury he initially said he had none before saying he had one percent of concern.

Xavier Nady took his spot in left field with Jarrod Dyson batting leadoff against Arizona in a game in which KC belted 19-hits.

While Gordon’s injury appears to be nothing fans could feel a little worried considering the MASH unit the team turned out to be after Spring Training last year. Thankfully the club is taking the precautionary route since we’re only four games into camp.

Billy Butler and Mike Moustakas each had two hits apiece while combining for five RBIs before being removed. In addition, Chris Getz, Jeff Francoeur and Elliot Johnson had two-hit games. Getz also scored twice before Irving Falu came in to play. Max Ramirez hit a grand slam and Adam Moore hit another home run for KC

The Royals had three big innings scoring five runs off Texas starter Randall Delgado in the bottom of the first inning. Kansas City scored four in the fourth and five in the fifth inning before putting the final two more on the board in the eighth inning.

Chris Dwyer made his first start of the spring getting in 1.2 innings allowing just one hit but three runs though two earned and three walks, before Nate Adcock came in for 1.1 innings in which he allowed just one hit. Probably the most anticipated appearance on Monday was Noel Arguelles whom many have waited to see in live action.

Arguelles got two innings of work, allowing one run on three hits but did strike out two Rangers during his outing. J.C. Gutierrez, Blaine Boyer, Sugar Ray Marimon and Atahualpa Severino combined to not allow a hit or runs. Tomorrow Kansas City will play Cleveland with Wade Davis making his first start of the spring.

The team brought in George Kottaras and acquired Brett Hayes from Miami during the offseason. Both catchers are 29 years old (Kottaras will turn 30 this season) plus have experience in the majors. So who’s the right choice to be the back-up catcher this season?

Of the two catchers I’m sure Kottaras is the more household name for most Royals fans (was a highly ranked prospect with the Padres and Red Sox). He’s been a part of playoff teams in Milwaukee and most recently with Oakland. In terms of what kind of player that he is, defense looks to be more of the calling card.

Who will backup Salvador Perez? Dayton Moore made sure to address this after what happened last spring. Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

In 2011 when the Brewers made the National League Championship Series he hit .252, which has been his highest batting average since being in the majors. But he spent most of that season as Jonathan Lucroy’s backup appearing in just 49 games getting 111 at-bats.

Last season he played in 58 games with Milwaukee and 27 after being traded to Oakland. He played in 85 games a career high and his offensive numbers match what he did in 2010 when he played in 67 total games in home runs/RBIs.

Moving onto Hayes he made his MLB debut in 2009 for the then Florida Marlins appearing in 14 games. His batting average was .273 which he’s not matched since but given that’s the fewest number of games played in his brief career.

An interesting note for Hayes is during 2011 he played multiple positions. It’s not uncommon for a catcher to see some time at first base but he also logged a couple games in left and right field. Before KC fans get excited it was just two innings but it’s something to consider, even if Hayes is unlikely to play the outfield.

Last season he committed his first errors in his career he committed five playing 33 games at catcher for Miami. Hayes did set a career high with 21 assists and posted a .980 fielding percentage in 247 chances even with five errors.

So how can you choose among two guys who seem to be identical? Both played in the National League last season and were primarily their team’s backup while posting similar numbers. We’ve been spoiled in the short time with Perez as the Royals catcher.

But as originally stated in case of emergency one of these two guys will get the call to keep the staff a float. In a narrow decision I think that I’d go with Kottaras as the second string catcher since I really don’t like the idea of three catchers.

So why Kottaras? I go with a guy whose caught pretty good pitchers with the Brewers and A’s plus his playoff “experience even with it just being seven games”. Yeah, it’s only seven games, but it’s seven more games than Hayes, not that it’s the end all determinant but the high pressure works is a nice feather in the hat.

Again a backup catcher should be counted on a few times a week and does a good enough job when behind the clear cut starter. Ideally, they don’t have to fill in for Perez but the 2013 Royals seem to have better options this spring than last year.

Let’s start with Getz since I feel he’ll get the first chance at the job. When last we saw him, he took a ball off his hand trying to get a bunt down on August 17. After the unsuccessful try Getz missed the rest of 2012 with a broken thumb.

Who will win the Kansas City Royals second baseman job? Johnny Giavotella or Chris Getz? Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

In 64 games he hit .275 which was a career high for him (he had hit .286 for the White Sox in 2008 but it was in just seven at bats) in addition to having 10 doubles and three triples last season with a .312 OBP. Besides the thumb he missed time with a left leg strain which led to him playing the second fewest total games played, with 72 in 2010 being the next lowest.

Let’s look at his 2011 season which he played in 110 games making 97 starts in and he played in 95 complete games at second base. During this season he set career highs in games played (118), plate appearances (429), at-bats (380), runs (80) and tied his career high in walks (30).

In three years with the Royals he’s appeared in 254 games all but nine games played at second base. Only nine other second basemen didn’t homer last season and only Ben Revere hasn’t hit a homerun in the past three seasons. Fans want to see more than what he’s provided the team or give someone else an opportunity even if that means Christian Colon or dare I say Miguel Tejada (hopefully not) gets a longer look.

Giavotella whole spent most of the past two seasons in Omaha but as a minor league player he’s hit at each level. The issue that’s holding him back is his defense which always gets mentioned when you hear from the front office. Over the last two seasons he’s played in 46 and 53 games at second base.

While Giavotella’s hit in the minors, he hasn’t done so in the majors and hasn’t taken the job from Getz. He played about everyday in 2011, but until Getz got hurt in 2012, he played more sporadically.. This could be a factor for why his batting average went from .247 to .238, RBIs fell from 21 to 15 while his OPS slide to .574 after being .649.

The statistics selected for Giavotella represent the greatest drops given that he’s got a small sample size to go off of. It is probably a credit that even in fewer games than Getz his numbers are close if not better in some categories despite the disparity in playing time for the two.

So who’s the better option at the position? To me it seems like a coin toss based on Getz struggles with staying healthy while with the team, while Gio’s big league career hasn’t taken off yet

What’s the way to see who can be the guy this coming season? Split-squad action which isn’t the clearest way to tell who played the best but it give both guys a chance at playing daily. Seeing both player everyday would give the team a chance to see who’s the guy.

My preference is that if the competition is close they give Giavotella the opportunity with how he’s played at every level with much of this teams core. He’s younger than Getz and I think he can still improve if given the chance.

If its Getz he’ll have my support and I’ll pray that he stays healthy and is productive but the evidence that we’ve seen fuels my doubts. A platoon could work I guess but I don’t have faith in how Ned would do this given what seems to be his preference to playing veterans.

From a platoon standpoint Getz hits lefties better at .262 over .226 for Gio against lefties. From the right side Getz hits at .256 to Giavotella being a .252 hitter. An interesting point is that in way fewer plate appearances Giavotella is pretty close despite 800 few at-bats against RHP pitchers.

Comparing these two and giving one an advantage is tough based on Gio’s smaller sample but we’ve got an idea. As of today Getz is the safe bet given that he’s been in the major’s longer but in terms of upside Giavotella offers that but his chances are probably starting to run out.

Willie Wilson has had a bobblehead before but why not feature him and other Royals in a new series. Photo by Mike Vamosi

Rookie of the Year Set – As Kansas City fans know, the team has had four Rookie of the Year winners which is a perfect number for a set. It’s an oddball set with Lou Piniella (1969), Bob Hamelin aka “The Hammer” (1994), Carlos Beltran (1999) and finally Angel Berroa (2003).

Cy Young Series – Another four-pack that the Royals could give away features the team’s pitching strength of years past. They could update the Bret Saberhagen (1985 and 1989) since the club recently did a bobblehead. David Cone (1994) and Zack Greinke (2009) are the most recent additions to this idea.

Silver Sluggers – This is the first of multiple season bobblehead series given how many KC has had in the franchise’s history. Winners here are George Brett (1980, ’85, 88), Willie Wilson (1980, ’82), Hal McRae (1982), Frank White (1986), Gary Gaetti (1995), Dean Palmer (1998) and Billy Butler (2012) will be this season so he could be excused.

George Brett Only – How about one that is nothing but George Brett? Have one with him standing on second base during his 1980 MVP season, three bats for the three batting titles he had, Gold Glove, 1985 ALCS MVP or the pine tar charge. Lastly kissing homeplate from his last game at the K make this a must have set.

Gold Glove – While Frank White sticks out when you mention Royals and defensive excellence with him winning eight Gold Gloves the team has others who could be featured. Amos Otis won the club’s first three, Al Cowens and Willie Wilson have one each. Brett was mentioned previously, Saberhagen and Bob Boone won in 1989. Ushering the current era of the team Jermaine Dye won in 2000, Mark Grudzielanek won in 2006 before Alex Gordon’s back-to-back wins in leftfield.

Postseason/All-Star Heroes – The purpose for this one is to acknowledge accomplishments that the team has had and a certain All-Star moment. While he’s shown up a lot again Saberhagen’s 1985 World Series MVP is part of this, White’s 1980 and Brett’s 1985 ALCS MVP also are part of this. Lastly Bo Jackson winning the 1989 All-Star MVP has to be featured here.

Sluggerrr and Mr. Royal –For the kids I’m sure that the team could come up with a three to four set to give away on Sunday’s which would be fun. It also be another chance to have a Mr. Royal make another appearance after showing up on a lunchbox last season.

Mr. Royal got a lunchbox last season but how about bring him back for another go around? Photo by Mike Vamosi

Royals Closers – Kansas City has had some pretty solid guys in the “closers” role and this would be the way to salute them. They can do another Dan Quisenberry who won the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year four times (1980, ‘82-’84) and while including Jeff Montgomery who won in 1993. Adding Joakim Soria might seem soon but given how much of a fan following he had it’s an easy add.

Other ideas that could be incorporated could be Bo breaking a bat over his knee. Jim Sundberg sliding into home in Game 6 in 85 could be one for a 1985 World Series set. Jorge Orta stepping on first, recreating that play and Hal McRae sliding in, spikes up. A Royals no-hitter set of Steve Busby, Saberhagen and Jim Colbornfrom the franchise history.

These are some of my ideas, which series do you think would fit into this list that I didn’t think of?

The Royals infield took part in a Q&A at Fan Fest on Saturday. Photo by Mike Vamosi

We decided to open up Fan Fest going to the Royals Majestic store garage sale to see what that had to offer. Standing in the mammoth line, I noticed that David and Dan Glass were walking through the crowd mingling with fans. At one point I heard David say “We’re glad you’re here and looking forward to this season”. Funny how an offseason move builds goodwill.

Autograph lines when we got in were long at all six of the stations. My dad and I were more interested in what we could find on sale. And again it looked like each line was at least 30-45 min long which wasn’t a guarantee to get those players in our opinion.

A few minutes later in line Bruce Chen and Danny Duffy wrapped up their autograph session. I wished Bruce good luck at the World Baseball Classic in March which he said he appreciated before moving to his next engagement. Another observation was Duffy had number 41 on his royal blue jersey instead of number 23 which he’d been wearing.

Inside the sale a lot of previous giveaways were available for purchase including the banners that hung around the K on the lights and “elsewhere in the parking lot”. I did wind up purchasing one that had the 2012 All-Star Game logo on it (seemed like it could be a nice wall piece at some point).

During the time in line I listened to the main stage where Ryan Lefebvre, Dayton Moore and Ned Yost were having a Q&A on various topics, such as offseason moves, the current roster and how close the organization might be. As I continued to move through the line I picked up a couple $5 hats which included a blue Kansas City Athletics hat and this season’s stars and stripes hat.

One of my favorite things about these events is the ability to buy discounted jerseys of current and former Royals. I picked up a road Ryan Verdugo jersey from this season while my dad decided he wanted a Vin Mazzaro. Seeing some of the names of previous years was awful tempting to purchase just for the humor in it “anyone want a Wilson Betemitor Sean O’Sullivan jersey?”.

Jerseys of current and former Royals were available at the garage sale portion of Fan Fest in addition to other items. Photo by Mike Vamosi

After the shopping we sat in on the Q&A of the infielders (Billy Butler, Alcides Escobar, Chris Getz, Johnny Giavotella, Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas) plus Salvador Perez. My take away was when asked what each players favorite park to hit in besides the K was interesting.

Butler and Hosmer said Fenway while Getz and Moose liked Angels Stadium but the answer which got the best reaction was when Sheriff Sal said he loved hitting at the Cell. Sal in his young career has three homeruns on the Southside.

After that we decided to head back to Omaha but on the way out they had a card show going on which for $5 I picked up a “Splitt” patch from the 2011 season. It just seemed like a nice item to pick up after my first Fan Fest. Optimism seemed to be on full display on this pleasant Saturday in Kansas which should only continue to grow before Opening Day in April.

San Francisco’s AT&T Park will serve host to the World Baseball Classic semifinals and finals for the March 2-19 tournament.

Current Royals on the 40-man roster:

China – Bruce Chen (LHP)

Dominican Republic – Kelvin Herrera (RHP)

Mexico – Luis Mendoza (RHP)

Puerto Rico – Irving Falu (Infielder)

United State of America – Tim Collins (LHP)

Venezuela – Salvador Perez (Catcher)

Royals minor leaguers/spring training invitees on rosters:

Brazil – Paulo Orlando (Outfielder)

Dominican Republic – Miguel Tejada (Shortstop)

Netherlands – J.C. Sulbaran (RHP)

Chen is expected to anchor the Chinese staff during the classic as they are in pool A with back-to-back champion Japan, 2006 runner-up Cuba and Brazil. Perez is one of several MLB players on the Venezuelan roster and will likely be counted on to contribute. Mendoza should provide to versatility for the Mexican team either in the starting rotation or out of the bullpen.

Herrera will be an important arm in the Dominican Republic’s ‘pen on a roster that’ll have plenty of offense. Royals fans know how valuable Collins can be in situational or regular use as a lefty out of the bullpen which should be a great option for Joe Torre.

Orlando helped Brazil to qualify for the WBC last year as an outfielder and will probably see extended playing time. Tejada will be Herrera’s teammate on the DR team and give them infield depth. Sulbaran, was acquired in the Jonathan Broxton trade will be a bullpen arm. Lastly is Falu who became a fan favorite in KC when he was called up from Omaha.

One name Royals fans might be wondering about is Alcides Escobar who due to the incredible shortstop was left off the Venezuelan roster.

Those playing in the tournament will miss spring training from March 2-19^th with the semifinals/finals at San Francisco’s AT&T Park.

For full rosters on the 2013 World Baseball Classic click here

10) Sluggerrr Piggy Bank/Sunday, July 21 v. Detroit – Sure this is a great give away for the kids on what will probably be a warm Sunday afternoon at the K. The Tigers are a good reason to attend but I think this is probably a better promo for those with kids based on the age.

9) Stars & Stripes Royals Hat/Wednesday, July 3 v. Cleveland – I imagine since it’s the day before the Fourth of July there will also be fireworks but I feel this is a recycled promotion. This is against another divisional foe which does help but again I feel like they’ve done this give away before.

8) Cooler/Sunday, May 5 v. Chicago – Here is your yearly Royals cooler giveaway and it’s tied with the “Viva Los Royals” event. I like both ideas but last year against the White Sox the team gave away a chip plate for this theme night.

7) Royals Blanket/Saturday, September 21 v. Texas – It’s the end of the season and Fan Appreciation Night so come collect your annual fleece blanket. Good chance you’ll see a team in playoff contention which depending on how the weather is might be handy against a good team.

6) Green T-Shirt/Tuesday, September 17 v. Cleveland – Hey another giveaway with the Tribe in town! Ok, sarcasm aside this isn’t a bad looking shirt and you can wear it when St. Patrick’s Day actually arrives and not just on this day marking the halfway point.

5) Charlie-O T-Shirt/Saturday, July 6 v. Oakland – Last season when these two teams played the Royals gave out KC A’s hats. This year they’ll honor the Kansas City Athletics mascot a mule named after the team’s then owner Charlie Finley. This rates high paying respect to history.

4) Hot Dog Derby Bobblehead Series/Saturday May 25 (Los Angeles), June 22 (Chicago), July 20 (Detroit) – If you want all ketchup, mustard and relish in bobblehead form then you’ll need to see the Angels, White Sox and Tigers this summer. Other teams have done this and I give KC credit for doing something different with their bobbleheads here.

3) Monarchs Vintage T-Shirt/Saturday August 24 v. Washington – A second Saturday night t-shirt giveaway but why so high on my list? Because it’s a sharp-looking shirt and will probably be a salute to the Negros Leagues. Oh and the Expos/Nationals haven’t been to the K since 2004.

2) Billy Butler Bobblehead/Saturday May 4 v. Chicago – Hey another giveaway against the ChiSox but a Country Breakfast promotion? This will definitely be one of the most attended games of the season plus it’s still early in the year when optimism will be high as long as the team doesn’t start out like they started 2012.

1) Powder Blue Retro Jersey/Saturday June 8 v. Houston – This is a sharp-looking jersey which falls in line with previous season’s promotions. This will also be against “new” American League West foe the Houston Astros. More importantly it’s my birthday (which I swear has nothing to with this ranking).

Billy Butler was shown the love during the 2012 All Star Game at Kauffman Stadium and all weekend. Photo Credit: H. Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports via USA TODAY Sports

1 Opening Day at the K: I always hate when the Royals begin a season on the road then come home but for some reason that never ruins opening day for me. Luke Hochevar was good enough to do that on his own. Despite the final result, the home opener always has such a special feeling. My dad and I have driven from Omaha to the K for years to attend which will always hold a great place in my memory.

2 Return of Greinke Day: I had a little fun and taped Danny Duffy’s name over the Zack Greinke shirtsy I wore to the game. But the tape job didn’t hold so I was back at where I started the day. Seeing Zack in a Brewers jersey in KC was strange but I was glad to be there live. Alex Gordon opening the Royals half of the first with a “welcome” back homerun seemed to set the tone as Kansas City wound up winning the game. It was an awesome scene on a June night for interleague play with an old friend returning for the first time.

3 The 83^rd Midsummer Classic: I’ve been to a World Series game before in St. Pete in 2008 but this was by far the biggest game I’d attended at Kauffman Stadium. I’d also been in town since Sunday attending all the events leading up to the game but didn’t know what to expect on Tuesday night. Turns out former Royal Melky Cabrera would steal the show (before a short while later exiting stage left for the season) and the National League cruised to an easy win to take home field in the Fall Classic. It was great to see all the game’s greats and everything that goes into the actual All Star Game.

4 MLB Futures/Celebrity Softball Game: My dad and I got into town just before the game started and arrived to a crowd outside the stadium that neither of us anticipated. We got in just as the game started and by the time we got to the seats the top of the first was nearly complete. Wil Myers and the USA squad was the main draw for us but seeing all the young talent from both teams was pretty cool. The stadium being packed on a Sunday for a game that usually isn’t usually well-attended set the tone for the entire week so being there felt that much better. In the end Team USA, managed by George Brett, defeated the World team. After the game they taped the celebrity softball game which I will mention since it did happen but it never matched the “undercard” however still cool to see Hall of Famers and Celebrities playing softball at the K.

5 Home Run Derby: Another event that I like many of you who attended didn’t know what to expect being at the stadium. Watching on TV is hard because it feels the event just drags on and on and on but being there it didn’t feel too bad. During commercial breaks on-field stuff took place that keep the crowd interested but then the moment that got everyone talking happened. Enter Robinson Cano, the new most hated opponent in KC. To remind you Cano, said he’d take the hometown guy on his derby team which would’ve been Billy Butler. This didn’t happen which lead to the stadium booing him each and every time he was shown on Crown vision or stepped to the plate. It was fun to chime in with all the fans, even if many in the national media didn’t get the point when recapping the booing. Country Breakfast’s spot with Royals fans was cemented based on the support he was given on this Monday night and reminded people that pinstripes are still not welcomed in the city of fountains.

So this is my list of events witnessed in-person this past year which I admit will be pretty hard to top in 2013 but all that can change quickly if, say, the team competes for a playoff spot. What are your favorite moments of this past season?

One of my resolutions is getting the nickname of “Sheriff Sal” for Salvador Perez to happen. Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

1 Giving Jeff Francoeur a break – Am I wild about Frenchy being the everyday right fielder? Of course not, but I’m willing to back off and let him regain his 2011 form. Of course I’m a realist and will lower the bar that if he can just be serviceable putting 2012 in the rearview mirror I can be pretty forgiving.

2 Using the #HochevarMeltdownInning less – I say this half seriously because I know once he makes his first start I’ll be right back where the usage currently is. Look if they put on the Royal blue I want the player to succeed and Luke Hochevar isn’t any different but let’s face it he makes it difficult to do usually. I’ll call off the dogs early on hoping for the best but in the back of my mind I know I’ll break this out sooner than later.

3 Shields Up – James Shields has probably the toughest job on the team early on, a slow start and Royals fans’ will panic with thoughts of “we traded Wil Myers for this?” which will be hard for him to overcome in fans eyes. I say Shields up fans and full bore to him doing will no matter the length of time he’s in the uniform.

4 Helping get #A1 to the All-Star Game – I’ve decided that as Royals fans we can get our guy to the All-Star Game in Queens. Stating this goal early will hopefully lead us to voting early and often for the back-to-back AL Gold Glover. So if you’re ready fans lets start organizing and get Alex Gordon that spot in Queens!

5 Less is more with Ned – Fire Yost is a popular thing for us Royals fans, for now I think I’ll hold out and just hope that he takes the approach I will try to. Less complaining about him will lead to him doing fewer things that just seem to be puzzling.

6 Sheriff Sal – We’ve come up with creative hashtags for Royals players the last season and this is one I hope as a group we can get going. Salvador Perez controls the opponents running game and the name fits, so feel free to get the movement going.

These resolutions could go by the wayside early in the season but admit-it the gym membership you bought won’t seem as cool January 2^nd as it did before Christmas.

Hopefully Alex Gordon and Billy Butler get the gifts asked for on the wishlist. Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Dear Santa,

1. An All-Star Game for Alex Gordon – #A1 has been good enough the past two years as evidence by being the back-to-back AL gold glover seasons in left field. 2012 would’ve been ideal but Santa how about sending him to “Queens”.
2. #CountryBreakfast MVP season – Sure he’s been a club MVP in season’s past but what if he could somehow get into the national conversation? We know how good Billy Butler is and it felt like the All-Star Game in KC put him on the radar.
3. The return of “Big Game” James – In 2008 James Shields was at the heart of the Tampa Bay Rays World Series run and has helped them to the playoffs. Shields will be counted on to be the man for the staff which hopefully he’s able to be Big Game James in a Big Game.
4. A nice home for Luke – Let’s face it Luke Hochevar and the Royals need a mutual break-up. While it hurt to lose a guy drafted number one overall Luke needs a change of scenery, where perhaps he can thrive.
5. Jeff Francoeur the 2011 edition – Santa since we appear stuck with him how about meeting you halfway, if you could deliver something to make Frenchy play like he did in 2011 that be enough for this fan base.
6. Planting the idea in David Glass’s mind to sell the team– Mr. Glass helped the franchise when it needed an owner and has done things to help. But in this season of giving how about the nudge to have the Glass family to part with the city?
7. Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas improving enough to get long-term deals – Both players had up and downs a season ago, so how about consistency that both want to be in KC for awhile.
8. Injury free in 2013 – Last season KC was plagued by injuries so if you could see fit that no major injuries occur we’d be grateful for that.
9. More bullpen success – In 2012 the Royals bullpen was a consistent strength for the team and if isn’t too much could you see that it continues this season. In the back of fans heads this season might be that key bullpen guys like Aaron Crow, Kelvin Herrera and Greg Holland struggle.
10. Competitive baseball all season – I don’t know if we’ve been good enough to find a playoff berth under the tree but playing competitive baseball all season would be nice.

Santa if you could get us anything on the list (but hopefully all ten) this season we’d be greatly appreciative to you this season. Hopefully we’re on the good list and you can provide this to us on in 2013…just because technically, on Christmas morning…there’s no baseball.

Sincerely,

Mike V (and other Royals fans)

I wish you nothing but the best of luck and I’m happy to read that you’re both happy to be moving to the city of fountains. I’d also like to apologize for any comments that I might’ve made about your arrival to the Royals (saying you weren’t worth as much as KC traded). Sure there will be pressure on the both of you given what Kansas City gave up but you’re used to the pressure with a nick name of “Big Game James”.

Please don’t think new fan base doesn’t care please don’t think they don’t care about winning (not that Rays fans didn’t). Produce and you’ll see the K filled up. You’ve both got a great opportunity in KC be a part of ending a playoff drought that’s existed since 1985.

Let me catch you up on that number that was mentioned, since defeating the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games to win the 1985 World Series we’ve been at a loss. Winning has been few and far between on the Kauffman side of the Truman Sports Complex we hope you can fix.

Mr. Shields I spent some time in Florida in 2008, Mr. Shields, I spent some time in Florida in 2008, a magical year a magical year for you and Tampa Bay which ended in the franchise’s first postseason appearance and a World Series. You helped that team get past the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox. Fortunately we’ve seen you continue to pitch well since that season and hope it continues.

Royals general manager Dayton Moore, newly acquired James Shields, Wade Davis, and manager Ned Yost will try and return postseason baseball to Kauffman Stadium. Photo Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Mr. Davis this is an opportunity for you as well to stabilize the 2013 rotation at the back end. Sure you threw out of the bullpen last year but this will provide you an opportunity to start again. We think that you’ll enjoy pitching outside at the K instead of being in that dome in St. Pete also.

Hopefully, Dayton tells you how popular Wil Myers, Jake Odorizzi and Mike Montgomery were. Why? Because we counted on those three to be a part of a playoff push, and Myers was extremely popular with thousands awaiting his arrival.

Back to the fans: we’re a supportive group that will back you as long as we see effort being given. Sure that sounds extremely small townish but Kansas City is a community that supports our athletes as you’ll come to find out. We want to win and believe that with the both of you that we’ve got the chance to.

2013 can go multiple ways and meshing with your new teammates when spring training convenes hopefully you both fit in well. Success is hoped for and James with the offense that is expected if you throw as you to this point in your career I think everyone will be pretty happy. Welcome to Kansas City and we wish you nothing but success for however long as you wear the blue and white.

Sincerely,

Royals fans

A lot has been written about these two teams making a move with one another at some point this offseason so let’s examine.

Could Jeremy Hellickson be part of a potential deal between the Rays and Royals? Photo Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

Tampa Bay Rays –

Tampa Bay went from 100 loss franchise to playoff team in 2008 when they made the World Series. Since then, the team has made the playoffs by winning the challenging AL East while winning another wildcard berth. Three playoff appearances in five seasons in baseball’s toughest division with the restrictions they face must be maddening for Royals fans.

While the Rays have done much of this with good pitching they could use another bat to go with Evan Longoria who just re-upped with the team. So who are the pitchers that Dayton Moore should think about trading a top hitter for? Well let’s look at the embarrassment of riches known as the Tampa Bay Rays pitching depth.

The Trade Targets –

James Shields, RHP: He’s been the popular name attached to Kansas City recently and while he’d be a good addition while he’d be a good addition, he’s only under control for two more years which limits his value. Since 2007 Shields has won ten plus games each year with 2011 being his best going 16-12 with an 2.82 ERA plus a All-Star selection and finishing third in the AL Cy Young voting. Another thing to look at is his ability to eat innings having thrown an average of 221 innings since 2007.

Jeremy Hellickson, RHP: The 2011 AL Rookie of the Year needs to be in all conversations that GMDM has with the Rays. In that season while the win/loss record was 13-10 his ERA was 2.95 in 189 innings pitched with 117 strikeouts and 72 walks. Last season his numbers came back to the pack a little bit, hopefully last season was just a bump in the road.

Alex Cobb, RHP: Like Hellickson he’s 25 years old but has spent most of the last two years in the minors making 23 starts in Tampa Bay. He did go 11-9 in the majors last year throwing 136.1 innings with two complete games and a shutout while striking out 106 with only 40 walks. In triple-A Durham he threw 41.1 innings going 1-4 in eight starts but did K 44 to 18 walks. Cobb is another that KC needs to have in any conversation given his age and early success.

Chris Archer, RHP: Tampa Bay is stocked with right-handed pitchers who are 25 years old and under like Archer who is 24 years old, he’ll be 25 next September. Last season he was a September call-up appearing in six games going 1-3 in 29.1 innings striking out 36 with 13 walks with a 4.60 ERA. Most of 2012 was spent in triple-A which he made 25 starts with a 7-9 record, 3.66 ERA throwing 128 innings and 139 strikeouts, walking 62. Archer projects well and has always been well-regarded, and would look great in Royal blue.

David Price, LHP: Before you say the Rays would never trade the reigning AL Cy Young winner and three-time All-Star and the Rays probably would listen to offers. Coming off of his award-winning year, he’d probably command the best return in baseball. In 2008 he was a part of the World Series team as a late season call-up and since 2009 he’s won 10 plus games with a 19 and 20 win season. Last year on the way to being named ALCY he went 20-5 with a 2.56 ERA in 211 innings in addition to 205 Ks walking just 59. Any deal for Price probably would include Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas or Wil Myers which while it hurt he’s not a free agent until 2016.

Matt Moore, LHP: The youngest name on the list at 23 years old, Moore played the David Price 2008 role showing up late in the season and helping the team make the playoffs. Last year he started 31 games going 11-11 with a 3.81 ERA in 177.1 innings. He struck out 175 with 81 walks in 2012 which I’m sure the organization wants him to improve upon in 2013. While there is only a 34 game sample size, but he was ranked number two by Baseball America going into 2012. Moore is signed through 2016 ($14 million) with team options through 2017-19, arbitration eligible in 2017 but could hit the free agent market in 2018. So the club control is attractive for the Royals if they can get him in a trade but will also make it harder to land him due to this.

Here is part two where we look at the franchise that Deyton Moore plus a few others in the Kansas City front office use to call home.

Could Kris Medlen be had in the right deal between the Royals and Braves this offseason? Photo Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

Atlanta Braves –

Could Atlanta use more offense? Of course they could but at what position do they need it most? With Chipper Jones retiring maybe they inquire about KC’s Mike Moustakas to come in and be the guy but Martin Prado will get a shot. There have been rumblings that they like Lorenzo Cain to man center field.

The point is there are players they probably have an eye on but let’s see what pitching options might make this a fit.

The Trade Targets –

Brandon Beachy, RHP: He’s 25 years old and pitched 2 ½ seasons in the major leagues for Atlanta. Finished 5-5 but only in 13 starts with a 2.00 ERA in 81.0 innings pitched with 68 K’s and 29 walks before going on the DL last season with a torn partial tear in his elbow. It probably makes 2013 a long shot for him to return given that injury back in June to at least make opening day. His breakthrough was in 2011 where he went 7-3, with 169 strikeouts, 46 walks in 141.2 innings thrown and 3.68 ERA.

Tommy Hanson, RHP: You’ll notice a theme of mid-20 year old pitchers listed in the Braves organization. Hanson is a name that you’ve probably heard of as the 25 year old has been in the Braves rotation since 2009 where he finished third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting. He’s won 10+ games each season while averaging 158. 3 innings during his four year career his strikeout plus walk numbers average out to 148 K/55 BB.

Randall Delgado, RHP: Delgado is lumped into this group because he’s made 24 MLB starts over the last two seasons. At age 21 made his Atlanta debut going just 1-1 but had a 2.83 ERA in 35 innings thrown, last year the ERA rose to 4.37 in 92.2 innings. His strikeouts to walks are 94/56 since earning the promotion so he could be in a any potential trade.

Julio Teheran, RHP: Is another prominent name that baseball fans have heard about and not just because he’s 21 years old but because he’s got good “stuff”. Fans probably want to see more of Teheran who made a handful of appearances for the Braves but has spent most time in triple-A Gwinnett. In 2011 he had an ERA of 2.55 while going 15-3 in 144.2 innings striking out 122 with 48 walks. Royals fans don’t like the word “potential” but he oozes it.

Kris Medlen, RHP: Medlen was probably the hottest pitcher down the stretch and kept opponents off the scoreboard until the one-game playoff against St. Louis. He arrived in 2009 and has primarily been a bullpen guy. Last season he appeared in 50 games starting 12 posting a 10-1 record, 1.57 ERA in 138 innings pitched. The most impressive part was his strikeout to walk ratio of 120/23 which got him MVP votes. He had Tommy John surgery on Aug. 18, 2010 and came back in 2011 which has led the Braves to limit his innings since.

Mike Minor, LHP: 7^th overall pick out of Vanderbilt in the 2009 draft and made it to the majors by 2010 making eight starts for the Braves. He went 11-10 in 2012 with a 4.12 ERA in 179.1 innings of work striking out 145 while walking 56. His earned run average has gone down each year as a professional but after a rough start to 2012 he got on track the second half of the season lowering his ERA.

I’ve broken this into three parts for each team that has exceptional pitching depth plus might need one of the Royals bats.

Royals fan got to see Danny Hultzen at the 2012 All Star Futures Game at Kauffman Stadium. But could he be part of a deal with the Mariners? Photo Credit: Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE

Seattle Mariners –

It’s no secret that the M’s need a bat, which might be better looking for hitters since Safeco Field is bringing in the fences in 2013.  While Felix Hernandez would be nice in Royal blue simply put the Mariners aren’t going to trade him unless KC wants to part with those pieces.

After we get past the former Cy Young award winner Hernandez who’s next on the list of trade targets? Seattle has some attractive parts that make up their current rotation but the bigger prizes are probably in the farm system.

The Trade Targets –

James Paxton, LHP: Ranked as Baseball America’s 52^nd overall prospect from British Columbia but I included the 23-year-old due to going 12-4 the past two seasons in double-A Jackson. He spent most of 2012 in AA ball going 9-4 with 3.05 ERA, striking out 110 with 54 walks in 21 starts. It’s no doubt a project but he might be a throw in with a later name mentioned as he’s probably a season or two from being MLB ready.

Brandon Maurer, RHP: This right hander is 22 and like Paxton spent all of the 2012 season in double-A. He was drafted out of high school in 2008 spending the first two years in rookie ball. Last season he finally posted a winning year making 24 starts in Jackson. In addition to going 9-2 his ERA was 3.20 with 117 K’s while walking 48 in 137.2 innings. Another throw in candidate who will probably get promoted to triple-A next season but appears to be on the fast track.

Erasmo Ramirez, RHP: Another 22 year old right hander from this organization but hails from Nicaragua. He made his MLB debut on April 9 for Seattle while going just 1-3 with a 3.36 ERA in 16 games with eight starts. He’s another guy who strikes guys out while not walking many, his numbers were 48 SO/12 BB with Seattle then with triple-A Tacoma 58/18 in 15 starts. Since he made the majors he could have five to six years of club control.

Danny Hultzen, LHP:  Hultzen is the same age as the previous two guys mentioned but drafted second overall by Seattle out of Virginia in 2011. In 2012 he spent time in both double and triple-A plus was discussed as a September call-up. After going 8-3 at Jackson he struggled a bit with Tacoma with a 1-4 record but the concern is 75 walks (32 AA/43 AAA) even with 136 strikeouts. The ERA also showed him dominating double-A 1.19 then struggling when moving up with a 5.92 in the next level. To get him KC would need to part with a Mike Moustakas or Billy Butler type hitter for a guy probably more suited for a 2014 debut.

Blake Beavan, RHP: Royals fans saw Beavan a few times in 2012 when the righty went 11-11 for Seattle. His 4.43 ERA is high but he did strikeout 67 to just 24 walks in making 26 starts last season. July was the best month which included beating the KC twice in a stretch from July 17-27. Maybe not a front line starter but just 23 and a former first round pick by Texas he could be a future star. Given the depth of M’s organization he could be on the cheap even with how young he is.

Jason Vargas, LHP: Like Beavan, Vargas was solid in July when the Mariners as a team showed promise that they might be improving as a team. He’s gone from 3, 6, 10 to 14 wins during his time in Seattle which began in 2009 (needs to learn to keep opponents in the part) after being in Florida and New York Mets. He too beat KC twice from July 16-26 when M’s beat down the Royals. What makes him attractive is he’s a workhorse throwing 217.1 innings while striking out 141 with 55 walks. If possible Kansas City should make a play at both Vargas and one of these others for a hitter to help out both teams. He’s a free agent after this season which is a concern.

Taijuan Walker, RHP: Walker would be a great for any deal with the Mariners as Baseball America’s 20^th ranked prospect and is 20 years old. Seattle selected him 43^rd overall as a first round sandwich pick in 2010 out of Yucaipa HS in California. In 25 starts last season for Jackson, he threw 126.2 innings, striking out 118 with 50 walks. His record was 7-10 with a 4.69. Previous to this last season in double-A he’d been only in rookie and A-ball. I’d like KC to kick the tires on including Walker in any potential deal with the M’s.

In this edition of Operation Offseason Improvement I’ll look at the right 25-man roster that the Kansas City Royals should have as of today. Using the current 40-man roster I’ll slice it down to one which I’d prefer for next spring.

Kansas City Royals general manager Dayton Moore and manager Ned Yost will be looking for the “right 25″ this offseason both in-house and beyond. Photo Credit: Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE

Catchers –

Salvador Perez (1): This face of the franchise was going to make the cut no matter what, he handles the staff great and the team’s win/loss record reflects it. The injury in spring training can be argued for the slow start here’s hoping for health in 2013.
Adam Moore (2): Acquired from the Mariners, Moore got an opportunity at the end of the season. I feel enough was seen to be the back-up next season, this mean that Brayan Pena not being a part of the team next year.

First Base –

Eric Hosmer (3): His offensive sophomore slump is a cause for concern which hopefully can get corrected for next season. Defensively he’s got things to improve on dispute being a top three finisher in the AL 1B Gold Glove.
Billy Butler (4): While a DH let’s admit that Country Breakfast has turned himself into a serviceable first baseman in a pinch. Whether it be in interleague or if Hosmer needs a day off he can play here without the team worry/losing much.

Second Base –

Chris Getz (5): Injuries continue to plague him but despite this I think he’s safe in the eyes of the Royals organization. Fans might not like it but GMDM/Ned Yost like him enough that he’ll be on next year’s roster.
Johnny Giavotella (6): Does he hit enough? Last season he didn’t in the limited sample we got to see. Can he play defense? I’ve never had the doubts that the team seems to continue to recycle about why he isn’t out there more.

Third Base –

Mike Moustakas (7): His second half on offense was concerning but in his first full season I think the benefit of the doubt can be given. On defense he improved to the point that if he can hit a little more, a Gold Glove could be in his future (that and Adrian Beltre leaving the AL).

Shortstop –

Alcides Escobar (8): Alcides might’ve made the most improvement on team in terms of offense production from 2011 to 2012. His defensive stats might not be what fans want but he’s among the top in the league but he passes the eye test.

Utility –

Irving Falu (9): A fan favorite who can play three spots in the infield plus supplies a little pop out of his bat. He seems to be valuable enough to have on the bench this upcoming season.

Outfield –

Alex Gordon (10): “A1” the back-to-back AL left field Gold Glover is one of the faces of the franchise. He continues to improve since changing positions and fulfilling the promise many had for him.
Lorenzo Cain (11): Needs to stay healthy as any fan would tell you but when he’s in the lineup good things happen. His offense and defense are both extremely important to the team as an everyday player.
Jeff Francoeur (12): Probably the most polarizing figure on this list and might be keeping a spot warm for Wil Myers (who isn’t on the 40-man) but again those in charge like him.
Jarrod Dyson (13): Does he have things to fix this offseason? Absolutely. Can they be fixed I think so but most probably want to see his bunting improve so that he can be more effective and get on-base.

Starting Pitching –

Ervin Santana (14): Again, working off the current 40-man the newest Royal will be given every opportunity to be the Opening Day starter. To the Royals credit they’ve done well with guys whom they’ve acquired in-season, fans won’t soon forget Jonathan Sanchez.
Luke Hochevar (15): Consistency, that’s the rally cry that we always hear with this guy but only get in streaks. Will 2013 finally be the season which it all clicks for the former number one pick?
Bruce Chen (16): Great personality who keeps the clubhouse loose and can pitch. Can he improve from this season? Expect him to make these changes during this offseason given how last year went.
Will Smith (17): Big Will showed positive flashes when KC promoted him midseason and expect him to win a spot in the rotation.
Jake Odorizzi (18): Royal fans only got to see Jake-O a few times during the last month of the year. Seeing him in Omaha most of 2012 like Smith I think he’ll go to Surprise and take the last spot in this rotation, should GMDM not be able to swing any more deals or signings.

Bullpen –

Louis Coleman (19): Colemen didn’t do enough to in my opinion to lose his spot in the ‘pen. Louis can fill multiple spots as multiple innings, situational or work in mid-relief man.
Tim Collins (20): Everyday Tim has had two good seasons for KC. He’s made 140 appearances as a big leaguer, but at 5’7″, is Ned overusing him? That’s my only concern. He can get outs no matter the situation it seem, throw multiple innings but has increase value being left-handed.
Everett Teaford (21): This is the second lefty out of the bullpen that I’d include but unlike the previously named he can be a longman. Spot starter is another role that Teaford can fulfill which increases his value.
Nathan Adcock (22): Adcock is the righthanded version of Teaford he can fill the same roles from the other side. I think that he can be used more often if the team felt the need, hopefully he’s not wearing a path on I-29 again this season.
Kelvin Herrera (23): Herrera can close, set-up or go multiple innings for this bullpen. Kelvin proved this past season to be reliable and has arguable the organizations best fastball/changeup.
Aaron Crow (24): Another guy who is both valuable and can close if asked to do so but will be the primary bridge to the last guy on the list. Former All-Star Crow continues to improve with improve standing out most to fans from 2011 to 2012 and is one of the most important guy at the back-end for KC.
Greg Holland (25): “Dirty South” actually improved the closer’s position after Jonathan Broxton was dealt to Cincinnati. Holland will be “the guy” entering camp and here’s to hoping he gets plenty of opportunities this season.

That said no one is mistaking Dayton Moore for a GM for building two World Series teams in the last three seasons. However, he does need to figure out what the team will do with second base having the other three infield positions figured out with Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Alcides Escobar.

Will Johnny Giavotella be Ned Yost’s starting second basemen in 2013 at Kauffman Stadium? Photo Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

Looking at a list of free agents it’s likely the Royals will need to stay in-house or swing a trade. So here are the options, Johnny Giavotella, Irving Falu, Tony Abreu, or Chris Getz. Who all played in Kansas City this season. These four guys will be in direct competition for the starting job.

Johnny Giavotella –
Age: 25
From: New Orleans, Louisiana
2012: Omaha Storm Chasers/Kansas City Royals
MLB Debut: 8-04-11 w/ Kansas City
2012 Numbers in KC: 53 Games/1 HR/15 RBI/43 H/21 R/7 2B/1 3B/3 SB/8 BB/.238 BA/.270 OBP/.304 SLG
Why the Royals Should Give Him a Shot: Has only played in 99 games the past two seasons in Kansas City spending most of his time in Omaha. In spring training he was given the opportunity to win the job but was unable to. After the injury to Chris Getz, Gio again got some playing time with KC but to this point, he hasn’t had enough playing time to get a clear idea of what he can do? Defense has been the biggest knock written against him but in two stints he has fielding % of .972 and .967 with 11 combined errors. Give him a chance because of his age and the numbers in a short samples, plus he is a second round pick but he might be on his last chance with the organization.

Irving Falu –
Age: 29
From: Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
2012: Omaha Storm Chasers/Kansas City Royals
MLB Debut: 5-06-12 w/ Kansas City
2012 Numbers in KC: 24 G/0 HR/7 RBI/29 H/14 R/6 2B/1 3B/4 BB/.341 BA/.806 OBP/.435 SLG
Why the Royals Should Give Him a Shot: Falu was a fan favorite when he was called up from Omaha in May and played 14 games at second then five games at third/short. Of the positions played Ned Yost put him at second base 11 times. That’s a small sample size but offensively despite not hitting for power he did get on-base which should be noted compared to others on the roster. 29 hits in 91 plate appearances is interesting but at 29 years old and largely thought of a career minor leaguer can he do more than being a utility guy? I’m curious to see what could happen in spring training.

Tony Abreu –
Age: 27
From: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
2012: Omaha Storm Chasers/Kansas City Royals
MLB Debut: 5-22-07 w/ Los Angeles Dodgers
2012 Numbers in KC: 22 G/1 HR/15 RBI/18 H/5 R/2 2B/1 3B/2 BB/.257 BA/.641 OBP/.357 SLG
Why the Royals Should Give Him a Shot: In 2010 he appeared in 81 games with the Arizona Diamondbacks and played equal games at second, third and short. Like Falu he saw most of his action at second starting 11 games there. While offensively he had a handful of two hit games and one three hit game this season. Defensively he committed one error in 65 defensive chances playing the three positions. Like Gio, Abreu needs to prove that he can hit given that in his last full time audition in Arizona he hit just .233 which won’t cut it. Abreu is still young enough to warrant the chance to win a job in Surprise next season.

Chris Getz –
Age: 29
From: Grosse Point, Michigan
2012: Kansas City Royals
MLB Debut: 6-09-05 w/ Chicago White Sox
2012 Numbers in KC: 64 G/17 RBI/52 H/22 R/10 2B/3 3B/11 BB/.275 BA/.312 OBP/.360 SLG
Why the Royals Should Give Him a Shot: Fans like to rip Getz because well he’s Chris Getz plus when he seems to get going injury happens. It can’t help that fan favorite Mark Teahen was dealt for him either in addition to those setbacks. He’s a player who won’t hit for power but usually can get on base one way or the other. In his defense the adjusted batting stance did seem to work but having his 2012 season cut short due to a broken bone in his hand who knows what the finals stats would’ve looked like. Expect him to get every opportunity to start 2013 as the team’s second, given the speed option he provides.

Christian Colon is likely to start in Omaha but keep an eye on him around June or July if the previous options aren’t working.

Christian Colon –
Age: 23
From: Cayey, Puerto Rico
2012: Arizona Royals/Northwest Arkansas Naturals/Omaha Storm Chasers
2012 Numbers in AR, NWA and Oma
Arizona Royals: 7 G/4 RBI/8 H/6 R/3 2B/4 BB/.364 BA/.481 OBP/.500 SLG
Northwest Arkansas: 73 G/5 HR/27 RBI/79 H/33 R/9 2B/2 3B/31 BB/.289 BA/.364 OBP/.392 SLG
Omaha: 5 G/1 HR/5 RBI/7 H/4 R/1 2B/2 BB/.412 BA/.429 OBP/.647 SLG
Why the Royals Should Give Him a Shot: Drafted in 2010 he started in the Carolina League with the Wilmington Blue Rocks after quickly signing. 2011 saw him in Northwest Arkansas primarily playing at shortstop that season before getting to play at second base. While most of this past year was spent in Double-A he did play in Omaha before the team shut him down for the after a foul ball off his eye. Being a Dayton guy expect him to get a chance to continue his upward climb this spring. In his career playing second base as a pro he committed only two errors with his mistakes coming at short. Offensively he’s not hit above .300 at NWA but he has shown he can take walks and get on base. He’ll be the wildcard in this race to watch of the in-house names.

Those are just two measurements of the Royals pitching problems in 2012. Frankly the Detroit Tigers (Tied first in complete games, fourth strikeouts/9 and fifth in strikeouts) and San Francisco Giants (Fourth in team shutouts, sixth in complete game shutouts and seventh in team ERA ) are in the World Series because of how they pitch. It’s been reported/rumored that GMDM will try to get at least two pitchers for next season. Here are five names that I suggest the Royals go after,

Kansas City native Shaun Marcum hopefully shows up on the Royals free agent radar. Photo Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

Anibal Sanchez, Brandon McCarthy, Dan Haren, Francisco Liriano and Shaun Marcum are those names and here are numbers plus information.

Anibal Sanchez –
Age: 28
From: Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela
2012 Club: Miami Marlins/Detroit Tigers
MLB Debut: 6-25-06
2012 Numbers: 5-7, 3.94 w/ Miami/4-6, 3.74 w/ Detroit
Career Win/Loss: 48-51
Why The Royals Should Sign Him: Yes, Sanchez has only two seasons with 10 or more wins (2006 and ’10) and during 2007-09 made 6, 1 and 16 starts during those seasons. Since that stretch he’s made 30+ starts a season he has averaged 175 strikeouts to 53 per season which is nearly 3-to-1. His rookie season he sported a 2.83 ERA which he hasn’t come close to but during the last three seasons it’s been 3.55, 3.67, 3.94 (Miami) and 3.74 (Detroit) which averages out to 3.84. Keep an eye on him during the World Series if you missed his divisional and ALCS starts.

Brandon McCarthy –
Age: 29
From: Glendale, California
2012 Club: Oakland Athletics
MLB Debut: 5-22-05
2012 Numbers: 8-6, 3.24
Career Win/Loss: 37-39
Why The Royals Should Sign Him: McCarthy made news this season when he was struck by a line drive to the back of his head that prematurely ended his 2012 season. Once a highly touted star of the White Sox organization he was traded to the Texas Rangers in 2007 but after three largely forgetful seasons he’s remade himself in Oakland. While his numbers don’t look outstanding during this year it’s worth noting that he made only 18 starts due to injury. 2011 is the banner year despite a 9-9 record he threw a career high 170.2 innings, struck out 123 while allowing only 23 walks with a 3.32 ERA. Off the field he’s got one of the better player twitter accounts, not that is a pre-rec but he seems to be a great clubhouse guy.

Dan Haren –
Age: 32
From: Monterey Park, California
2012 Club: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
MLB Debut: 6-30-03
2012 Numbers: 12-13, 4.33
Career Win/Loss: 119-97
Why The Royals Should Sign Him: Haren had a down year in 2012 compared to his first two seasons in Anaheim. Seven times has he won 10 or more games posting just three losing seasons. Eight times he’s had 30+ start seasons. Haren has made the three All-Star teams and finished 5^th and 7^th in Cy Young voting. Another staple is that he strikes guys out without putting them on via walks. 2007 and ’08 with Oakland and Arizona were probably the high mark for his career winning 15 and 16 games. His 2011 season he did win 16 games starting 34 which he finished seventh in the Cy Young voting. Lastly, all of this is moot if the Angels exercise his option for 2013 since I doubt KC would try to swing a trade.

Francisco Liriano –
Age: 29
From: San Cristobal, Dominican Republic
2012 Club: Minnesota Twins/Chicago White Sox
MLB Debut: 9-05-05
2012 Numbers: 3-10, 5.31 w/Minnesota/3-2, 5.40 w/Chicago
Career Win/Loss: 53-54
Why The Royals Should Sign Him: Admittedly Liriano has been down since 2010 when he went 14-10 with a 3.62 ERA. That was just two seasons ago under Rick Anderson whose one of the best pitching coaches in baseball. His age intrigues me even if he made his debut seven years ago during the stretch run for the Twins. A lot of this suggestion has to do with the success Dave Eiland had with Jeremy Guthrie when he came over via a trade. He’s got the “stuff” still and putting him in a pitchers friendly park against competition he’s familiar with could revitalize his career.

Shaun Marcum –
Age: 31
From: Excelsior Springs, Missouri
2012 Club: Milwaukee Brewers
MLB Debut: 9-06-05
2012 Numbers: 7-4, 3.70
Career Win/Loss: 57-36
Why The Royals Should Sign Him: Yes, my next option debuted a day after the previous suggestion. Many Royals fans know that Marcum is a native son who they like to see return home after making good in Toronto and Milwaukee. For me, having a guy who, if he can shake off injuries, is at the age where maybe a 2-3 year deal looks attractive for him to prove his value and health could work to the Royals advantage. Selling him on coming back on a team that is “close” could also sway his choice since he’s already been to the postseason once and could help lead another team there. His ERA the last four seasons are 3.39, 3.64, 5.54 and 3.70 before last season his strikeouts had risen each year. He missed a total of two months in 2012 due to a sore elbow but with the Brewers put up a two year total of 20-11 with a 3.62 ERA.

Conventional wisdom says the team’s skipper only counts for a handful of wins during a season, but talk with Kansas City fans during a game or on social media and the term “Yosted” gets thrown around, which defined to me is a poor choice made by Ned Yost. To extend the definition it can be a move that isn’t made or one that only Yost could make to cost or help the team, keeping in starters too long, question bullpen move or calling for bunts. So with that’s lets go down the oppositions by 2012 finish.

Can Ned Yost lead the Royals to glory compared to other managers in the AL Central next season? Photo Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

Jim Leyland, Detroit Tigers –
Resume: Won 1997 World Series with the Florida Marlins and has led the Detroit Tigers to the 2006 and 2012 World Series. In addition to three trips to the World Series he’s lead the Pirates to the NLCS multiple times before stops with Florida, Colorado and Detroit.
Outlook: Leyland is known as a guy who wins wherever he goes and his success backs this up with multiple League Championship Series appearances plus managing in three World Series.
Effect on the Royals: Kansas City had a tough time with Detroit this season winning just four times in 18 meetings. The signature for the Tigers against KC was winning close games which in my opinion comes down to the manager making the right moves.

Robin Ventura, Chicago White Sox –
Resume: As a player Ventura was known as an excellent third baseman with the White Sox and others. Chicago GM plucked him out of near obscurity and all he did was keep the ChiSox competitive all season, nearly winning the division.
Outlook: Sure you can dwell on the negatives but without any experience as a manager the team had success that Royals fans crave.
Effect on the Royals: It could be said that Kansas City kept Chicago from the division crown with their success. Will this continue? Hard to say but one would think that Ventura will remember this next season when the teams play. The biggest example might be to stop issuing intentional walks to Jeff Francoeur in 2013.

Terry Francona, Cleveland Indians –
Resume: After a largely forgettable stint with the Philadelphia Phillies, Francona rebounded with two World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox in 2004 and 2007. While forced out after a non-playoff season during his last season it might not of been all him with the Red Sox 2012 failings.
Outlook: Cleveland made this hire feeling that having a quality manager will lift this long suffering franchise to the success they enjoyed in the 90’s.
Effect on the Royals: Will Royals fans pine for the days of Manny Acta with Cleveland upgrading with a World Series manager on the bench? Expect the Tribe to start the process of improving with this hire in the coming years.

Ron Gardenhire, Minnesota Twins –
Resume: Since taking over for Tom Kelly the Twins have been to the ALCS and won multiple central crowns. Gardenhire might lack a World Series appearance and dropped off the past couple years but his teams always compete.
Outlook: Minnesota made some coaching changes this offseason with the hope of changing its luck, also expect on-field moves to help the team.
Effect on the Royals: One of the many complaints of Royals fans is why can’t we be as good as the Twins? Well a good starting point is their manager who continues to have KC’s number whenever the teams face off.

While Kansas City needs to upgrade the pitching, defense and other aspects of the team competing against these guys shouldn’t be undervalued. Upgrading the talent will help even a guy like Ned but know the opposition is looking to do the same.

The Royals host the Tigers in their final series of 2012 at Kauffman Stadium Monday-Wednesday. Photo Credit: Jerry Lai/USA TODAY Sports via US PRESSWIRE

We took a couple minutes to catch-up with Matt Snyder who is the co-editor over at Motor City Bengals.

Kings of Kauffman – With how everything has played out this season how does it feel knowing Detroit could be the first AL team to clinch a playoff spot?

Matt Snyder – That is a crazy thought, considering the roller coaster ride this team took us on, but I think it says more about the state of the American League Central than it does about the Tigers. In any other division, the Tigers’ playoff hopes would be dashed by now. But as we’ve seen in the past, all a team needs to do is get in the playoffs, and then anything can happen.

KOK – In your opinion what has it been for the Tigers to claw back and finally grab hold of a division many thought they’d have an easier time with?

MS – The first half of the season (primarily the month of May) didn’t go as the Tigers had planned, but they’ve played some pretty good baseball since then (they have a .574 win percentage since June 1). The defense has been shoddy, and the offense hasn’t been quite as potent as predicted, but their rotation has been dominant and the big fellas (Fielder and Cabrera) have provided enough pop to get the job done. I think the main difference between our expectations and what played out was the surprising resurgence of the Chicago White Sox. I don’t think anyone quite expected Jake Peavy, Alex Rios, Adam Dunn, and AJ Pierzynski to bounce back the way they did this season, and consequently no one really predicted them to make a serious run at the division. They were a big pain in the neck.

KOK – Kansas City did an alright job with Miguel Cabrera last week in Detroit but do you think he does what is needed to win the Triple Crown and is he the AL MVP (bias aside)?

MS – He has as good of a chance to win the Triple Crown as anyone could hope, though Joe Mauer is breathing down his neck for the batting title, and Josh Hamilton is tied with him on the home run leader board. I’m obviously pulling for him to win the Triple Crown for historical reasons, but I don’t think he should win the MVP even if he accomplishes that feat. Cabrera has had a fantastic year — and he’s probably second in the AL if I had a vote — but I don’t think he holds a candle to what Mike Trout was able to do in Los Angeles if we consider all facets of the game.

KOK – Any concerns with this three-game series given that the Tigers were swept the last time they played the Royals at the K and that the teams have played several 1-2 run games?

MS – No concerns really. Although visions of 2006 still dance through the heads of many fans, the Tigers are in a great position. All it will take at this point is one win or one Chicago loss to clinch the division, so chances are strong the job will be done before the final day rolls around. Kansas City is one of those pesky teams that Detroit fans fear. We would like to take them to be automatic wins, but in reality the Royals seem to be a big thorn in the side, especially when it matters most.

Probable Starters this week (All Times Central) –

Monday 7:10 pm, Rick Porcello (9-12, 4.68) v. Bruce Chen (11-13, 5.13)

Tuesday 7:10 pm, Doug Fister (10-9, 3.38) v. Jeremy Guthrie (4-3, 3.18)*

Wednesday 7:10 pm, Max Scherzer (16-7, 3.82) v. Luis Mendoza (8-9, 4.36)

* = Since joining the Royals

Sandy Alomar, Jr. will make his Indians mangerial debut Friday night against the Royals at Progressive Field. Photo Credit: David Richard-US PRESSWIRE

We took a couple of minutes to catch-up with Lewie Pollis, who is the senior staff editor at Wahoo’s on First.

Kings of Kauffman – What has it been in the second half for Cleveland? The team was in the thick of it at the All-Star Break but why did they go bottom up?

Lewie Pollis – Really, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong. As a team the Indians have hit .239 with a .667 OPS since the All-Star Break, and they’ve got a team ERA of 5.16—looking at OPS, it’s as though the Tribe’s lineup is made up of nine Luis Valbuenas while they’re turning opponents into a team of nine Curtis Grandersons. Injuries and the exhaustion of the season have taken their toll, not to mention that at least a dozen players are having significant down years. The apathy and defeatedness snowballed quickly, especially in a clubhouse run by the low-key Manny Acta.

KOK – Who are the young players that have made the most of their September call ups that we should get to know?

LP – Unfortunately we haven’t seen a whole lot of positive signs from the gaggle of quasi-prospects and Quad-A players who’ve gotten the call this September. Russ Canzler has probably been the highlight, hitting .307/.325/.467 with three homers in 77 plate appearances—that’s not great, but for a team starved for first base production we’ll take it. Matt LaPorta also has a hearty .333/.355/.467 line, but that’s in only 31 plate appearances and it’s fueled by a .429 BABIP. The Indians seem to have basically given up on him.

The most intriguing pitcher we’ve seen is David Huff, who’s been bouncing back and forth between the minors and the majors for four years now. He started to put things together last year, and in 16 September innings he has a 2.25 ERA and a 12:3 K/BB ratio. I’m probably in the minority of Tribe fans on this, but I could see him as a dark horse candidate to win a rotation spot next year.

KOK – Do you sense that the April bad blood between these teams still exists? 

LP – To be honest, I’d forgotten about that until now. I can’t imagine we’ll see any more flare-ups this weekend. One of my writers, Merritt Rohlfing, wrote a great post earlier this month about the Tribe’s lack of passion—it’s hard for me to picture this clubhouse holding a grudge over almost six months, especially after the miserable few weeks they’ve been slumping through.

KOK – Today the Indians fired Manny Acta and will be led by Sandy Alomar Jr. the rest of the season, is he the guy no matter how Cleveland finishes?

LP – I don’t think the last six games will really make that much of a difference in the decision-making process, but Sandy has to be frontrunner. He’s a popular managerial prospect around the league, he’s been a leader in this clubhouse for three years, and he’s one of the most popular sports figures in Cleveland even though it’s been 12 years since he last caught for the Tribe. I don’t think it’s a slam-dunk (I’m hoping we somehow land Terry Francona), but Alomar is the heir apparent and it’s probably a good bet that the Indians will go with him.

Here is the other side of the conversation

Probable Starters this weekend (All Times Central) –

Friday 6:05 pm, Will Smith (6-8, 4.88) v. David Huff (2-0, 2.25)

Saturday 6:05 pm, Jake Odorizzi (0-1, 5.06) v. Jeanmar Gomez (5-8, 5.54)

Sunday 12:10 pm, Luke Hochevar (8-15, 5.43) v. Zach McAllister (5-8, 4.25)

Kansas City will be making their final trip to Comerica Park this season taking on triple crown hopeful Miguel Cabrera and the Detroit Tigers. Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

When Last We Saw …

August 28-30 was the last time these teams faced one another which was a Kansas City sweep at the K. The Royals won three one-run games against Detroit by scores of 9-8, 1-0 and 2-1, before that series KC was 1-7 against the Tigers. Aaron Crow, Bruce Chen and Jeremy Guthrie picked up decisions over the sweep.

Season Series …

Following last month’s sweep the season series is now 7-4 in favor of Detroit and over the final two weeks the teams meet seven more times. Kansas City could play an important role in who wins the AL Central crown.

In the series opener of the last series Justin Verlander faced Luis Mendoza in a high scoring contest. The Royals touched Verlander for eight runs on 12-hits over 5.2 innings of work. Detroit fought back to tie the game up but in the bottom of the eighth inning Mike Moustakas doubled in Lorenzo Cain for a 9-8 victory.

Game two was a match-up between Anibal Sanchez and Bruce Chen who both went seven plus innings each with a quality starts. Chen held the Tigers scoreless over eight innings allowing just four hits and striking out four. Eric Hosmer drove in the only run in the fourth on a pop fly that brought in Moustakas.

Rick Porcello went up against Jeremy Guthrie in the finale which wound up being another pitcher’s duel. The Royals chased out Porcello after five innings scoring two-runs on eight hits, Guthrie went 7.1 innings allowing one run while scattering 10 hits.

Johnny Giavotella drove in the first run and Alex Gordon scored the second on his 10^th home run of the season. Worth noting Greg Holland saved the first two games of this series with Kelvin Herrera notching the save in game three.

4/16 – Tigers 3 @ Royals 2
4/17 – Tigers 3 @ Royals 1
4/18 – Tigers 4 @ Royals 3
4/30 – PPD
5/1 – Royals 3 @ Tigers 9
5/2 – Royals 3 @ Tigers 2
7/6 – Royals 2 @ Tigers 4
7/7 – Royals 7 @ Tigers 8
7/8 – Royals 1 @ Tigers 7
8/28 – Tigers 8 @ Royals 9
8/29 – Tigers 0 @ Royals 1
8/30 – Tigers 1 @ Royals 2

Probable Pitching Match-Ups (All Times Central):

Monday, 6:05 pm – Luke Hochevar (8-14, 5.40) v. Justin Verlander (15-8, 2.74)
- Against Detroit Hochevar is 0-1 this season losing 9-3 on May 1st
- Tonight Luke will tie his career high making his 31^st start of the season which he also did in 2011
- Verlander is 1-0 with a no-decision against KC this season
Tuesday, 6:05 pm – Bruce Chen (11-12, 5.22) v. Anibal Sanchez (3-6, 4.55*)
- Chen is 1-2 versus the Tigers in 2012
- This will be his third start at Comerica Park where he’s 0-2 with 3-1 and 8-7 defeats this year
- Sanchez is making his third start against KC since being acquired from Miami, he’s 1-1 against the Royals
Wednesday, 6:05 pm – Jeremy Guthrie (4-3, 3.00*) v. Rick Porcello (9-12, 4.57)
- This is a rematch of Aug 30 when Guthrie outduel Porcello 2-1 at the K
- Guthrie is coming off a no-decision against the White Sox on Thursday which the Royals won on a walkoff hit by Hosmer. He went six innings allowing one-run on eight hits.
- Porcello is 1-1 this season against KC
Thursday, 12:05 pm – Luis Mendoza (8-9, 4.44) v. Doug Fister (10-9, 3.43)
- Mendoza is coming off a 6-3 win Friday night against the Indians
- This will be the Dozer’s first start in Detroit
- Fister got the decision on July 7 against Chen in the Tigers 8-7 win

* – Stats since joining the Royals/Tigers

Salvador Perez has been a thorn in the side of Robin Ventura/Chicago White Sox all season long. Photo Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

We took a couple minutes to catch-up with our friend Matt Adams, who is the editor at Southside Showdown.

Kings of Kauffman – Chicago returns to the K for a midweek series against the Royals, any concerns from the fan base?

Definitely, the fan base as a whole thinks that there is some sort of crazy mind control going on with the Royals and the White Sox can’t beat them.  In particular Bruce Chen seems to scare everybody quite a bit.  It’s not logical, and it may even play in the White Sox favor as numbers like that tend to even out over time.  My concern is that the Royals are fielding a team of talented 25 year-olds and at some point guys like that figure it out become serious competitors.  This type of thing doesn’t have to happen in the off-season and I’d hate to be on the losing end of that realization with so much on the line.

KOK – How big is this six-game road trip for the White Sox given their three game lead in the division and being 37-35 away from the Cell?

Having just put themselves 3 games up on the Tigers, it’s not as do or die as it might have been would they have allowed the gap to be just a single game.  As mentioned, the Royals have given the White Sox a tough time and it certainly gets no easier heading to Anaheim after that.  The good news is that if they can get through the trip not having lost any ground, there is a week of home games waiting and opportunity to clinch.

KOK – We asked last time about Robin Ventura, but why does it seem his moves against KC have backfired this season at times? 

Against Kansas City?  Robin has made a lot of moves that seem to have backfired against quite a few teams and there have been many questions thrown in his direction regarding in-game decisions.  Ventura has done a great job for the team morale, they like him, they like playing for him and guys seem to be playing to their ability.  Tactically, he has some odd approaches.  I think he manages heavily from his gut, and the outcomes when managers do that rely on pure chance.  On one end he comes out looking golden and on the other foolish. He’s definitely managed both outcomes.  I can say that with the extended rosters and an inconsistent back end of the rotation, get ready for some long games.  He’s not shy about emptying the ‘pen with regular pitching changes.

KOK – Should Chicago make the playoffs which potential playoff match-up benefits the White Sox best in your opinion?

Based on how the teams have played head to head things look best going against the Yankees, which seems like a strange thing to say, considering the names in their lineup.  The Yankees are a beat up team, though, and there is no guarantee that they’ll be healthy enough in October to look like the team they are supposed to be on paper.  The recent success against them and their health issues make me want that matchup.  The Rangers are the team that scares the crap out of me, though the Sox have fared well against them this season as well.

Here is the other half of the Q&A that was conducted between Kings of Kauffman and Southside Showdown.

Probable Starters this weekend –

Tuesday 7:10 pm, Gavin Floyd (9-10, 4.59) v. Luke Hochevar (8-13, 4.59)

Wednesday 7:10 pm, Chris Sale (17-6, 2.78) v. Luis Mendoza (7-9, 4.50)

Thursday 7:10 pm, TBS v. Bruce Chen (10-12, 5.42)

Kansas City (65-78) returns home after a successful 4-2 road trip trough division leading Chicago and cellar dweller Minnesota. The Royals haven’t seen the Angels (78-66) since July when Los Angeles took two-of-three games in that series. For the season series the teams are tied three games apiece, so this weekend will decide the winner between KC and LA.

With the Los Angeles Angels coming to town over the weekend the Royals will get a second chance to see Zack Greinke in 2012. Photo Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

When Kansas City visited Anaheim July 23-25, Greg Holland suffered the opening night loss allowing three runs in 2/3^rd of an inning. Game two Will Smith threw seven innings allowing one run on just two hits and was backed by a Lorenzo Cain two-RBI night. In the final LA won 11-6 but that game will be remembered by Luke Hochevar getting thrown batters into the fourth inning.

We conducted a Q&A with Jason Evans who is the editor over at Halo Hangout to see what’s up with the Angels.

Kings of Kauffman – Royals fans will get their second look at Zack Greinke this weekend at the K (first as a Brewer in June), what have Angel fans thought of him so far?

Jason Evans – Zack’s start wasn’t the best with the Angels, however he’s come back and become a real stabilizing factor in their rotation. He’s going to need to stay on this roll if they have any shot at a playoff spot

KOK – Los Angeles have had a rollarcoaster season so far any predictions on how it ends?

JE – My opinion on that really changes by the day. They’ve been so inconsistent that at this point, I’m not sure if they make it.

KOK – Albert Pujols is another guy that Royals fans know well and has rebounded well since his slow start, what has his value been to the team this season or has it been lost behind Trout/Trumbo?

JE – I think everyone’s expectations for Pujols were too high. He was going to need to make adjustments in a new league. He’s probably having the quietest 30 home run year he ever has.

KOK – Speaking of Trout, Royals fans got a taste at the All-Star Game in July at the K, do you think he’ll sweep AL Rookie and MVP honors?

JE – I think Trout had rookie of the year locked up in June. MVP probably depends on whether they make the playoffs or not. I think it’s still TBD.

Here is the other half of the conversation that took place at Halo Hangout with Jason

Probable Starters this week (All Times Central) –

Friday 7:10 pm, C.J. Wilson (12-9, 3.69) v. Bruce Chen (10-12, 5.36)

Saturday 7:10 pm, Zack Greinke (5-2, 4.15)* v. Jeremy Guthrie (4-3, 3.23)*

Sunday 1:10 pm, Dan Haren (10-11, 4.45) v. Will Smith (5-7, 4.94)

* = Stats since joining Angels/Royals

Can Jeremy Guthrie and the Royals continue their success against the division leading White Sox this weekend in Chicago? Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-US PRESSWIRE

When Last We Saw …

Last month the Royals swept the White Sox at the K when they played August 17-19^th by the scores of 4-2, 9-4 and 5-2. That sweep concluded a 5-1 homestand for Kansas City before an east coast road trip to St. Pete and Boston. Jeremy Guthrie’s near no-hitter on the Sunday game of that series was the last time the teams met.

Season Series …

KC is 8-4 this season against the Chicago including 5-1 over the last two meeting winning five straight. The teams split the first two series three games apiece before the recent run of success for the boys in blue.

Last time out Luis Mendoza opened the series going seven innings allowing two runs on four hits striking out six. Greg Holland worked around two hits in the ninth before notching his fifth save of the season. Tied in the seventh inning at two, Salvador Perez’s two-run double plated Mike Moustakas and Alcides Escobar for a 4-2 win.

Bruce Chen and Jake Peavy matched up in the second game of the series which finished in a 9-4 Royals win. Chen went six innings with four relievers coming in after him on what was a soggy game at Kauffman. Escobar went 4-for-5 with three runs scored, Eric Hosmer and Moustakas hit homeruns with Billy Butler driving in three runs.

In the series finale it appeared that Kansas City was going to cruise to an easy win while making history in the process. Guthrie went 7.2 innings striking out five but allowing two hits but it was the first that caused controversy, the official scorer ruled an Escobar an error (later overruled by MLB).

Chicago tied the game at two chasing Guthrie from the game, Tim Collins come in trying to preserve the lead which he was unable to. With the game tied in the bottom of the eighth Butler walked to leadoff with Jarrod Dyson coming in to pinch run. Perez came up with his second clutch hit of the weekend scoring Dyson, Johnny Giavotella and Lorenzo Cain padded the lead by the time the Royals finished the inning.

5/11 – Royals 0 @ White Sox 5
5/12 – Royals 5 @ White Sox 0
5/13 – Royals 9 @ White Sox 1
7/13 – White Sox 9 @ Royals 8 F/14
7/14 – White Sox 3 @ Royals 6
7/15 – White Sox 2 @ Royals 1
8/6 – Royals 2 @ White Sox 4
8/7 – Royals 5 @ White Sox 2
8/8 – Royals 2 @ White Sox 1
8/17 – White Sox 2 @ Royals 4
8/18 – White Sox 4 @ Royals 9
8/19 – White Sox 2 @ Royals 5

Probable Pitching Match-Ups (All Times Central):

Friday, 7:10 pm – Luis Mendoza (7-9, 4.48) v. Francisco Liriano (2-1, 4.54*)
- Against Chicago this season Mendoza is 2-2 with a 2.96 ERA
- In his last time out Luis had a no-decision against Minnesota over the weekend
- Liriano has one win against the Royals this season which came as a member of the Twins
Saturday, 3:05 pm – Bruce Chen (10-11, 5.28) v. Chris Sale (15-6, 2.93)
- Chen is coming off a loss against the Rangers on Labor Day allowing six runs in six innings
- Over his last four starts at the Cell, Bruce is 4-0 with a 1,35 ERA
- Sale has been roughed up by KC in 2012 while he’s rolled everyone else, in his last outing he gave up four runs on nine hits taking the loss
Sunday, 1:10 pm – Jeremy Guthrie (4-3, 3.70*) v. Hector Santiago (3-1, 3.71)
- On August 8 Guthrie went eight innings striking out six allowing just five hits
- Tuesday Jeremy picked up the lone win in the Texas series going seven striking out five
- Santiago made his MLB debut against the Royals on July 6, 2011 and is coming off a win versus the Twins this week

* – Stats since joining the Royals/White Sox

After losing the series opener KC took the next two games with a comeback win game two and Bruce Chen clinching the series with 6.2 innings pitched. Billy Butlerwent 3-for-7 with a homerun and three RBIs after going hitless in the series opener.

This will be the Royals lone trip to Fenway Park which is celebrating 100 years this season. Photo Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

We conducted a Q&A with Derek Stykalo who is the senior editor over at BoSox Injection to see what’s up with Red Sox Nation.

Kings of Kauffman – The Red Sox fired their pitching coach Bob McClure who had been with the Royals until this season, how dysfunctional are things with the team for us outside Boston? 

Derek Stykalo – It depends what you want to believe.  There have been numerous reports this season stating the clubhouse is in disarray, only to hear from the players like Josh Beckett that this is tightest group of player’s he’s ever been a part of.  Personally, I think the clubhouse is a mess and there are a few egos that need to go, NOW!  Last September is still being brought up because this club can’t get over the issues that plagued them to that historic collapse.  Until they trim the fat with some of the overpaid, lazy, underachieving players, this team will be mediocre at best.

KOK – Follow-up what are fans opinions of how Bobby Valentine this season, since he seemed to be in a no win situation given how beloved Terry Francona was. Do you think given how torn the front office seemed to be on the hire is the reason for this? 

DS – At first the fans were against Bobby V, wanting him gone as quickly as he started.  Now, the fans realize that this is more on the players and they need to be held accountable for their actions both on and off the field.  Bobby’s hands were tied from the moment he signed on in Boston.  The owners make too many baseball decisions and granted Bobby didn’t help his cause when he threw Kevin Youkilis under the bus early on this year.  That was the start of a huge riff between Bobby and the players, but again, the prisoners are running the asylum here and it starts at the top.

KOK – For Boston they’ve had better pitching and for various reasons that’s failed them this season, do you think it’s just the perfect storm of unfortune that’s hit the staff this season?

DS – I think the Sox pitching woes have more to do with the egos that remain from last year and the inability for some pitchers to break away from that.  Specifically, Josh Beckett is the leader of this bunch and his attitude just plain sucks.  He’s managed to drag Jon Lester down with him and aside from his last start, Clay Buchholz gave fans some hope that maybe he had broken away from the Beckett influence and would return to his dominant ways.  The others, Felix Doubront and Franklin Morales have done a nice job filling in but still need some work before they’re ready to start 30+ games in a season.  Aaron Cook and Dice-K are bridge players, holding down a spot until the offseason when the Sox can attempt to patch their rotation with better, more effective solutions.

KOK – A lot has happened since these teams played in May when KC took two-of-three but how would Red Sox Nation take if they lost another series to the Royals?

DS –To be honest, it would be fitting that the Red Sox continue their slide towards misery by losing another series to the Royals.  This team is so far gone from turning it around that nothing would surprise me at this point.  I may sound negative, but it’s hard not to when you look at the talent on paper this club has and considering they have one of the highest payrolls in baseball, a sub .500 season is just unacceptable.  Yes, injuries have been a major story this year with 25 different players on the DL over the course of the season.  But there is still too much talent to be this bad. 

Probable Starters this week (All Times Central) –

Friday 6:10 pm, Bruce Chen (9-10, 5.45) v. Jon Lester (7-10, 5.03)

Saturday 6:10 pm, Jeremy Guthrie (5-12, 5.41) v. Josh Beckett (5-11, 5.23)

Sunday 12:35 pm, Will Smith (4-5, 5.40) v. Felix Doubront (10-6, 4.70)

Monday 12:35 pm, Luke Hochevar (7-11, 4.95) v. TBA

Here is the other side of the conversation that took place at BoSox Injections

Kings of Kauffman - Tampa Bay is 8-2 over its last 10 including a 4-game sweep of the Angels in Anaheim, is this all having Evan Longoria in the line-up or more to it?

Robbie Knopf- The Rays are not 8-2 in their last 10 purely because of Evan Longoria‘s play. Heck, he’s not even hitting that well yet, posting a .265/.316/.471 line with 2 homers, 8 RBI, and 12 strikeouts versus 3 walks over that stretch. But his presence has been huge. Adding him to the lineup makes it look a lot scarier. It allows the Rays to slot players in lineup spots where they’re comfortable instead of shuffling players all over the place. And then there’s the fact that the Rays know that they have their leader back, they have the player who has taken this team on his back before. Now they can just relax, contribute what they can and know that now they don’t have to overcompensate. Oh, and by the way, the Rays have allowed just 2.77 runs per game during this stretch. The pitching has been great all year, and now that the lineup is finally up to par, the Rays have the potential to win a lot of games.

Luke Hochevar threw a complete game shutout when he faced the Rays back in June, he'll start Tuesday at the Trop. Photo Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

KOK – Do Rays fans feel they can catch the Yankees given this current run and capture the AL East?

RK – This is a team that overcame a 9-game deficit in September of last season to make the playoffs. 5 games out with 42 games to go is a deficit that the Rays are confident they can overcome. Everyone knows that the Yankees are a great team. The Orioles are right behind the Rays and refuse to fade away. But no one in the AL can parallel the Rays’ pitching and the Rays know that if they can continue this offensive surge or anything near it, they have the ability to beat anyone in baseball. This is a team that some experts picked for the World Series, and one of those experts happens to be Joe Maddon. The Rays may have the highest upside of any team in baseball given their incredible starting pitching, bullpen, revived defense, and the flashes of excellence from the lineup. Rays fans believe that the sky is the limit for this team. They just hope that the Rays’ lineup can continue playing well to give them a chance.

KOK – Why does Tampa Bay seem to be better on the road (eight games over away from the Trop) than in St. Pete (five games over at home)?

RK – That Rays are undeniably better on the road. The Rays got off to an incredible 13-1 start at home, and that skews their home record. Since May 5th, they’re just 19-26. Part of that is definitely Longoria being out, part of it is that Tropicana Field is just a tough place to play.  Between the empty seats and just how annoying the stadium is in general, no one wants to play at Tropicana Field. But then you have to consider that Tropicana Field is a significant pitcher’s ballpark, which doesn’t help the Rays very much because their pitching is great anyway. The Rays’ hitters get to see much better hitter’s parks on the road which has led to better performance overall. The Rays have been able to establish a home field advantage before, especially when the stadium has been filled, and hopefully that will happen the rest of the season. But so far this season, they’ve definitely been more comfortable on the road

KOK – Is David Price one of the AL Cy Young/MVP favorites given how he’s pitched this season and helped keep the Rays afloat given the injuries?

RK – Price absolutely has to be one of the favorites for the AL Cy Young. By conventional measures, he’s leading the league in wins with 16 and in ERA at 2.39, and he’s 6th in strikeouts and innings pitched. In 24 starts, he has thrown 20 quality starts and allowed more than 3 earned runs just twice. If you want to get into a little sabermetrics he’s 3rd in FIP at 3.16, striking out 8.8 per 9 innings, walking just 2.8, and allowing 0.7 homers per 9 without being overly lucky. His 3.16 xFIP, yes, the same as his FIP, leads the AL. He has just gone out every 5th day and dominated. Price finished second in the Cy Young voting in 2010 and he has been significantly better this year. There are plenty of worthy candidates, but Price has to be right among the top two or three names on the list.

Probable Starters this week (All Times Central) –

Monday 6:10 pm, Will Smith (4-4, 5.09) v. Jeremy Hellickson (7-8, 3.39)

Tuesday 6:10 pm, Luke Hochevar (7-11, 5.24) v. David Price (16-4, 2.39)

Wednesday 12:10 pm, Luis Mendoza (7-8, 4.26) v. James Shields (11-7, 4.03)

Head over to Rays Colored Glasses for the other half of the series Q&A

Kings of Kauffman – How do you explain the White Sox struggles at home against the Royals at home but being successful largely in Kansas City?

Matt Adams– Mostly chance. This team, as is the case with most, go through hot and cold streaks.  It just so happens that some poor games have been strung together against the Royals.  It would be nice to have some extra consistency against a less experienced team but the White Sox haven’t exactly been able to turn that into an advantage.

Jeremy Guthrie will face the White Sox for the second time in just over a week on Sunday at the K. Photo Credit: Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE

KOK – What is the team’s plan for Chris Sale at this point of the season? 

MA – The idea at this point is to keep him fresh through the year so that he’ll be primed for a playoff run.  It’s tricky with a guy who hasn’t even approached this sort of workload before.  You want to protect him but at the same time you don’t want to miss out on the value that he provides.  Sale is arguably this team’s ace, and you feel much better about winning games when your ace is on the mound.

KOK – On a scale to 1-10 how surprised are White Sox fans with Robin Ventura at this point?

MA – I’d put it at maybe a 2.  Nobody knew what to expect out of Robin before the season started so there isn’t much to be surprised about.  Everybody is psyched about the job he’s done.  The team is in first and the players appear to be pretty relaxed out there.  There are some gripes about his x’s and o’s here and there but overall he’s got the fans feeling good.  A manager doesn’t really need to change his style for fan opinion of him to change.  All that has to shift is the team’s record and the fan opinion will go along with it.

KOK – What’s happened in the brief time since these two teams met last week at the Cell?

MA – Since last we met there was a bit of a moral victory to accompany some big wins.  The White Sox had been notoriously bad playing in the Rogers Center and managed 3 of 4 there.  Again, likely it was just a timing thing along but feels good to not have that hanging over the team.  Paul Konerko has missed the entire week after hitting the 7-day DL from a concussion inadvertently delivered by Jarrod Dyson.  He’s available for the series for the first time since the two teams last played.

For the other side of the conversation check out Southside Showdown

Probable Starters this weekend –

Friday 7:10 pm, Chris Sale (14-3, 2.60) v. Luis Mendoza (6-8, 4.37)

Saturday 6:10 pm, Jake Peavy (9-8, 3.04) v. Bruce Chen (8-10, 5.56)

Sunday 1:10 pm, Jose Quintana (5-2, 2.77) v. Jeremy Guthrie (5-12, 5.75)

Will Smith opens the series for the Royals tonight at Camden Yards against the Orioles. Photo Credit: Kelvin Kuo-US PRESSWIRE

When Last We Saw …

These two teams haven’t seen each other since May 25-27 when they met at Orioles Park at Camden Yards. KC was coming off losing two-of-three in New York against the Yankees but after taking the series in Baltimore finished the trip beating the Indians twice in Cleveland on that nine game road trip.

Season Series …

KC trails the season series 3-2 but did win two of the previous three at Baltimore in May. The season series began in May with O’s coming to town taking the series winning both games.

Royals fans won’t forget the 15-inning game with Jonathan Broxton blowing the save and Nate Adcock saving the ‘pen. The next day Kansas City built a 3-0 lead that Luke Hochevar and crew couldn’t hold onto losing 5-3.

In the first game at Baltimore the birds knocked Bruce Chen out with a five run fifth en route to a 8-2 victory. Jason Hammel handcuffed KC in six innings no allowing a run on five hits while striking out seven. DH Chris Davis went 2-for-4 driving in three runs, J.J. Hardy and Adam Jones drove in two runs each.

Game two of the series saw the Orioles again jump out to a lead of 3-0 but the Royals scored the game’s final four runs. Humberto Quintero of all players put KC ahead driving in Eric Hosmer with a double to the left. Hosmer extended the lead in the eighth driving in Mike Moustakas on a single, also to note Greg Holland picked up the win with Broxton the save.

The final game of the series was back and forth with the teams exchanging the lead. Hochevar took the no-decision going 4 2/3 innings striking out six. Jeff Francoeur gave the Royals the lead with a solo homerun and Quintero added an insurance run with another double that scored Alcides Escobar.

5/16 – Orioles 4 @ Royals 3 F/15
5/17 – Orioles 3 @ Royals 5
5/25 – Royals 2 @ Orioles 8
5/26 – Royals 4 @ Orioles 3
5/27 – Royals 4 @ Orioles 2

Probable Pitching Match-Ups (All Times Central):

Thursday, 6:05 pm – Will Smith (2-4, 6.00)  v. Wei-Yin Chen (10-6, 3.46)
- Smith will be seeing Baltimore for the first time in his career on Thursday night in his eighth MLB start.
- While 1-4 in his last five starts he’s gone 5+ four times, the lone win game at the Angels in which might be his best start going seven innings allowing one run on two hits.
- Chen took a no-decision in his May 27^th start against KC after going six innings and allowing two runs. He’s won his last two starts against Oakland and at Tampa Bay.
Friday, 6:05 pm – Luke Hochevar (7-9, 5.04) v. Miguel Gonzalez (3-2, 3.80)
- Hochevar is 0-1 with a ND this season against the O’s this season.
- In the start at Baltimore he threw 109 pitches striking out six, allowing seven hits.
- Gonzalez will be making his first career start against KC and has alternated wins/losses during his last five starts with the last being a win over Tampa Bay which he went seven innings.
Saturday, 6:05 pm – Luis Mendoza (5-8, 4.36) v. Chris Tillman (5-1, 2.38)
- Mendoza comes in as probably the Royals most consistent starter being 2-4 in his last six starts going back to July 4.
- His last two starts saw him go 7.1 innings both starts which he’s 1-1 (beat Cleveland and lost at Chicago).
- Tillman since losing his long game of 2012 has won four straight starts. Wins have come at Cleveland, Tampa Bay, at New York and Seattle, against the Mariners he went seven innings.
Sunday, 12:35 pm – Bruce Chen (8-9, 5.51) v. Tommy Hunter (4-7, 5.55)
- Chen suffered his fifth loss of the season on May 25 in Baltimore when he allowed six runs on seven hits going only four innings.
- In his career he’s 2-2 against the O’s in five career starts but has only thrown 25.2 innings.
- Hunter has losses in three of his last four starts with a no-decision at New York. On May 16 he also got a ND against the Royals at the K which he went seven innings.

Alex Gordon will look to continue his recent hot streak as the Royals visit Seattle for the only time this season. Photo Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

When Last We Saw …

As mentioned the M’s were at the K just last week when they took three of four against Kansas City. Seattle traded Ichiro Suzuki earlier this week to the New York Yankees, who went 7-for-20 with five runs scored, one double and triple.

Season Series …

Ichiro wasn’t the only Mariner to hurt the Royals last week left fielder Casper Wells drove in seven runs over the four game series. Jesus Montero was 8-for-17 scoring five runs plus drove in eight runs against KC. Pitching wise the M’s got solid efforts from three of their four starters which was capped by Felix Hernandez eight inning performance.

In the opener Seattle put the final nail in the Jonathan Sanchez coffin scoring five first inning runs and knocking him out after an inning and a third. Jason Vargas went six innings allowing three runs but was picked up by his ‘pen allowing one run over the final three innings. Alex Gordon had three hits with Mike Moustakas providing two in the 9-4 defeat.

Game two was similar to game one with the Royals not getting a long outing from its starter when Ryan Verdugo made his MLB debut and only went 1 2/3 innings. Verdugo allowed six runs on eight hits in his rough debut. KC fought back from a six-run deficit twice in the game but ultimately lost 9-6, Lorenzo Cain had a two-run pinch hit home run.

Kansas City fell behind 1-0 in game three but tagged Kevin Millwood for three runs in the second inning. Gordon and Cain each drove in two runs and six of the seven Royals starters drove in a run in the 8-7 win, Bruce Chen took a no-decision. Billy Butler was the hero in the game with a walkoff HR to left centerfield.

Will Smith gave KC a 6 1/3 inning start which he struck out five walking just two in what was largely a good start. Facing King Felix proved difficult even with Kansas City getting eight hits, they were 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and grounded into two double plays. Montero drove in four runs in the Mariners 6-1 victory.

7/16 – Mariners 9 @ Royals 4
7/17 – Mariners 9 @ Royals 6
7/18 – Mariners 7 @ Royals 8
7/19 – Mariners 6 @ Royals 1

Probable Pitching Match-Ups (All Times Central):     

Thursday, 9:10 pm – Luis Mendoza (4-6, 4.31) v. Jason Vargas (10-7, 3.91)
- Mendoza picked up his first victory at home on Saturday night against the Twins going 6 1/3 well pitched innings in a 7-3 win.
- In his career he’s 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA against Seattle in four games which includes one start.
- Vargas has won his last three starts and has been given run support of 7 (at Oak), 9 (at KC) and 2 (at TB) runs in these starts. He hasn’t won at home since May 9, 2-1 against Detroit at Safeco Field.
Friday, 9:10 pm – Jeremy Guthrie (3-10, 6.49)  v. Blake Beavan (5-6, 5.54)
- Guthrie made his Royals debut on Sunday at home against the Twins allowing five runs in five innings, striking out four and walking three.
- He’s faced the Mariners ten times with each appearance being a start, his record is 2-6 both wins were complete games.
- Beavan threw last week at the K picking up the win going six innings, he allowed five runs and struck out three.
Saturday, 3:10 pm – Bruce Chen (7-8, 5.54) v. Kevin Millwood (3-8, 4.13)
- Chen’s last start came in the third game of the series last week in which he got the ND throwing 5 1/3 innings. He allowed four runs on seven hits striking out six without issuing a walk.
- Last week was the first time in his career that Bruce faced the M’s.
- Millwood got rocked in during his five innings at Kansas City last week which he allowed seven runs on 10 hits. On June 8^th he was part of a combined no-hitter for the team against the Dodgers in Seattle.
Sunday, 3:10 pm – Will Smith (2-3, 6.26) v. Felix Hernandez (9-5, 2.80)
- Smith started Tuesday night in Anaheim going seven innings in the Royals 4-1 victory allowing just two-hits.
- He’ll get another shot at King Felix who he faced in the series finale last week where he worked into the seventh inning before being pulled.
- Hernandez like Smith pitched and won on Tuesday night the only game of the previous series for his team. Against the Yankees he went 7 1/3 innings allowed four hits and two runs.

Will Hosmer have another series like he did last time the Royals played the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim? Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

When Last We Saw …

KC and LAA haven’t seen each other since the first week of the season when the Royals took two-of-three against the Angels. Los Angeles won the opening game before Kansas City took the next two, my how things have changed during the year for both franchises during the season.

Season Series …

In the season opener LA won 5-0 in a well pitched game from Bruce Chen but it was Jared Weaver who got the win as Aaron Crow took the loss. Erick Aybar hurt the boys in blue driving in three runs during the five run eighth which was the difference in game one.

The next day Kansas City touched up Dan Haren en route to a 6-3 victory evening up the series. Jeff Francoeur went 2-for-4 driving in two, Eric Hosmer batting in the third spot was 2-for-5 which he scored twice with an RBI. Not to be forgotten Luke Hochevar went 6 1/3 innings allowing two runs with four strikeouts.

Easter was the last time these teams played with the Royals beating the Angels 7-3 moving to 2-1. KC struck Ervin Santana for three runs in the highlighted by Billy Butler hitting a two-run homer that brought in Hosmer. Country Breakfast and Hos combined for six of the seven runs Kansas City scored, Jonathan Sanchez picked up the win to show how long ago this was.

4/6 – Royals 0 @ Angels 5
4/7 – Royals 6 @ Angels 3
4/8 – Royals 7 @ Angels 3

Probable Pitching Match-Ups (All Times Central):     

Friday, 9:05 pm – Bruce Chen (7-8, 5.57) v. C.J. Wilson (9-6, 2.82)
- Chen has two no-decisions in his last two starts for the Royals
- In his last start against the Mariners he left the game after 5 1/3 innings when Ned Yost might of left him in too long. Chen struckout six, allowing four runs on seven hits.
- Wilson who came over from the Rangers in the offseason will be facing the Royals for the first time this season. In his career he’s 3-0 with a 2.34 ERA against Kansas City in 13 career appearances.
Saturday, 9:05 pm – Will Smith (1-3, 7.97) v. Garrett Richards (3-1, 3.53)
- Smith who was drafted by the Angels in the seventh round of the 2008 draft will face his original team for the first time.
- Last week against the M’s he went 6 1/3 innings taking the loss giving up four runs on eight hits. He did strike out five walking just two Seattle hitters.
- Richards three wins have come against the Mariners, Diamondbacks and most recently the Tigers last week in Detroit. He went seven innings allowing three hits, striking out two with four walks.
Sunday, 2:25 pm – Luke Hochevar (6-8, 4.91) v. Jered Weaver (10-1, 2.20)
- Hochevar like Chen has no-decisions in his last two starts but the impressive stat is how he’s gone at least five innings in each of his last eight starts.
- Luke went seven innings against Minnesota on Friday night which the Royals lost 2-1 in 11 innings but struck out six without a walk allowing just a run.
- Weaver was masterful on Opening Night against KC and his only loss came on May 13 at Texas. Like Hochevar he went seven innings on Friday but picked up his 10^th win against the Rangers in Anaheim.