Kansas City Royals: 14 innings of “eh” and one swing of “wow”

The Kansas City Royals had an “interesting” game on Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins. The way it ended was probably the most interesting part.

Alcides Escobar ended last night’s 14 innings “thriller” with his first career walk-off home run. In his own words, “Wow”. Escobar was the hero that Kansas City Royals fans needed last night, but not the one they deserved. The people of Kansas City needed their mid-week sleep.

If you stayed up for the full 14 innings, good for you. I can’t say I was right there with ya. After watching 10 innings and no end in sight, I sank into the couch and let the sounds of baseball drift me to sleep.

Escobar hasn’t received the most “love” from Royals fans the last two seasons, somewhat rightfully so. Some will continue hunting him on Twitter and sports talk radio until the day he leaves. But one thing you can’t deny is that he’s been a silent protector at shortstop for the last 378 games in a row (club record).

That’s pretty amazing in this day in age and especially at a position you need everyday stability at. I understand his production at the plate hasn’t been close to good since our World Series runs. The frustration escalates while we watch the rest of the young shortstops in the American League crush the ball. **Paging Adalberto Mondesi…**

I just feel Escobar deserves better treatment than what he’s seen the last few years. Just like everyone else, I hope we can move on after this year and find a new option at shortstop.

Final Thoughts

The past eight seasons of Escobar have been quite the roller coaster. The ups and downs have been eventful, to say the least. Sometimes you have to take the “swings at pitches in the dirt” to see some amazing plays in the field. I have personally enjoyed the ride and thanks for reminding me that last night Alcides.

What seems to be lost in the long game…

The other player to note from last nights games is pitcher Scott Barlow. Barlow pitched four scoreless extra innings last night that allowed us to see Escobar’s walk off. It was a great performance by someone in their third major league appearance.

Barlow is 25 and was drafted in the 6th round by the Dodgers. We picked him away from the Dodgers this past offseason. Last season Barlow started 26 games across AA and AAA last season, putting together a 3.29 ERA. He will be one to follow as the Royals continue to look for more starting pitching options.

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Without Barlow’s strong performance, seeing Escobar’s walk-off homerun doesn’t happen. And perhaps, we don’t go back to appreciating the small things that Escobar does do for the Royals.

So what do you think Royals fans? Did you last all 14 innings? What did you think of Scott Barlow? Did the Esky Magic come back and bring the old feelings with it? Let us know below!