Royals Report: 5 Things About The Bust In The Bronx

The Royals went back to their losing ways the day after notching a 7-3 victory in New York. Ian Kennedy, the only pitcher who had been succeeding in the KC Royals rotation, got bombed for seven runs in a 7-3 loss on Thursday.

In many ways, this game felt like the 13-2 drubbing the Washington Nationals put on the Royals the day after they had stolen a 7-6 victory with a three-run ninth inning rally. Kansas City Royals fans couldn’t help but hope that the win would break the slump. The Royals fell to 16-18 on the season.

Instead, the KC Royals went right back into their doldrums.

The Kansas City Royals haven’t won back-to-back games since April 22, after opening the season 12-6.

Right now, #Royals Twitter is awash in negativity as fans continue to express dismay at the long dry spell following the team’s first title in 30 years. The Kansas City Royals are finding out that repeating is harder than winning the first time around. Let’s see if they’re up to the challenge.

Hey, if we knew what was going to happen, why would anyone watch? Uncertainty is what makes baseball fun.

Next: Ian Kennedy

5). Ian Kennedy Wasn’t Really That Bad

The line was hideous. Kennedy went 6.1 innings, allowing seven runs on five hits and three walks. He surrendered three home runs and struck out six.

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Two home runs that came with one runner on base were barely over the wall. Those would be outs in Kauffman Stadium. Two more runs allowed by Kennedy came when reliever Chien-Ming Wang failed to close the door in the seventh. Despite Wang giving up a hit and two walks, BOTH of those runs ended up getting charged to Kennedy.

The fact is, Yankee Stadium is a terrible venue for a fly ball pitcher like Ian Kennedy. With some luck, and better hit sequencing, Kennedy puts in another quality start. On Thursday night, he didn’t keep his team in the game.

So, yes, it would be easy to throw up our hands in frustration and say that even the one pitcher going well failed on Thursday night. But, it wouldn’t really be accurate.

Kennedy Is still giving good value so far and looks like a good pick up by KC Royals general manager Dayton Moore.

Next: Twitter

4). Twitter Fun

Kansas City Royals fans are frustrated and you can see it all over #Royals Twitter.

I must confess, I’m as frustrated as everyone else. Heck, as a guy that writes about the KC Royals one heck of a lot, I’m probably more frustrated than most.

Really, people, it’s going to be OK. Repeating is HARD. Even if the Kansas City Royals don’t do it, we’ve had a great ride and will still have some strong players coming back in 2017. The farm is having a good year, with formerly stuck prospects like Cheslor Cuthbert, Hunter Dozier, and Jorge Bonifacio putting up strong seasons. Brett Eibner blasted three home runs for Omaha last night.

The pipeline looks much better than it did last winter.

The guys in charge of the Royals are still the same people that broke a 28-year desert of failure. I’m not expecting it to happen again anytime soon.

Next: Brett Eibner

3). Brett Eibner Could Be Getting The Next Ticket To KC

Like I mentioned before, the 27-year-old Brett Eibner blasted three home runs for Omaha last night. He just happens to be able to play right field, where Jarrod Dyson is currently not getting on base. Eibner is a former second round draft pick with good athleticism and a bat that has been slow to develop.

Right now, he’s following up a strong .303/.364/.514 season with a .318/.415/.542 line in Omaha this spring with seven home runs in 107 at bats. Eibner is showing plate control, as the .415 on base percentage will show you.

Running neck and neck with Eibner is former international bonus baby Jorge Bonifacio who is slashing .336/.382/.582 also in Omaha. However, to me Eibner gets the edge due to his defense (Eibner plays center in Omaha while Bonifacio plays right), and his ability to recognize strikes. Both Bonifacio (31 strikeouts in 122 at bats) and Eibner (28 strikeouts in 107 at bats) whiff more than you’d like, but could provide a boost to an offense that sorely needs it.

I’m beginning to think Jarrod Dyson doesn’t have the bat to hold down an everyday spot in the lineup. He’s a weapon off the bench when he can be inserted into situation where his speed and range can turn the game. Both Bonifacio and Eibner have stronger minor-league pedigrees than current reserve outfielder Paulo Orlando.

Dayton Moore would be wise to try out what he’s got parked in Omaha before seeking help on the trade market.

Next: Scott Alexander

2). Scott Alexander Sighting

The Royals called up pitcher Scott Alexander after examination showed Kris Medlen needed to go to the 15-day disabled list. He joined the team in New York Thursday afternoon and immediately saw action with the KC Royals down by four runs in the eighth inning.

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• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Expectations met
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Day 3 update
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Day 2 update
• Winter Meetings: Any blockbusters for the KC Royals?
• Grading the 2022 KC Royals: The versatile Nate Eaton

The 26-year-old lefty reliever pitched a clean inning with one strikeout in his 2016 debut. His only other major league experience came in four September appearances with the 2015 Royals.

The unheralded Alexander was a sixth round draft pick of the Kansas City Royals in 2010 from Sonoma State University (CA). He steadily rose through the system before getting his first taste of major-league action last season. He turns 27 in July.

Alexander isn’t a prospect that anyone has gotten excited about, getting ignored by pretty much every top prospect list. However, as a lefty reliever, he could enjoy a long career in the game if he can get same side hitters out.

Here’s to you hanging around a long time, Scott.

Next: Eric Hosmer