Breaking 100: Trey Takes Over

First - my apologies for not updating the game results yet. I started a new job, and things have been pretty hectic over the past month. I will make it a priority to finish out the season very soon.

Now, on to the other big Royals news. Trey Hillman was introduced this week as the newest Royals manager. Hillman is currently managing the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan, and his team is vying for their second straight Japan Series championship.

There aren't a lot of folks who know much about Hillman. In his brief visit to KC, he seemed like a no-nonsense baseball guy; a good communicator with a willingness to adjust his gameplan as needed.

I'm not going to pretend to know whether this is a good hire or not. Hillman has a lot of managerial experience, both in Japan as well as 12 years in the Yankees minor league system. He also took a struggling young team in Japan and guided them to a championship. That's what is needed in KC.

Hillman has already announced his coaching staff. Luis Silverio will stay, as will pitching coach Bob McClure and hitting coach Mike Barnett. Silverio will move to third base, and former third base coach Brian Poldberg will leave the Royals. Bench coach Billy Doran will also leave.

The only new coaches that Hillman will bring to the Royals are Dave Owen and Rusty Kuntz. Owen is Hillman's bench coach in Japan and will do the same in KC, and Kuntz will coach first.

It's pretty obvious how this came together. Dayton Moore told Hillman that the pitching coach is staying. He then asked Hillman if he wanted to bring any new coaches to the staff. Hillman tagged his buddies Kuntz and Owen, and Moore decided who to whack.

Spring Training is a long ways off, so in the meantime we'll cheer on the Nippon Ham Fighters.

The Saga of Buddy Bell

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/royals/story/310622.html

As my old boss used to say... "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over?!?!?"

What the hell is the deal with Buddy Bell? First he announces on August 1 that he will step down as manager to take a Royals front office role. The reason, he said, was so he could spend more time with his family.

Royals fans weren't too concerned. Bell's managerial record speaks for itself. It stinks. But Royals fans had a small soft spot for Buddy. He fought cancer last year and his desire to be with his family fits right in with KC's midwestern values.

But with how badly the Royals played in the final month of the season, you have to wonder if Buddy's lame duck status had any kind of effect on the team.

But now Buddy's decided to quit his new job before he even started to join the White Sox. The Royals bent over backward to accommodate Buddy. They created a new position for Buddy so he collect a paycheck while hanging out at Cincinnati Reds games.

Well, good luck Buddy. We won't really miss you much around here. As it turns out, you didn't leave much of a mark on the team or the city. You will be another forgotten manager to oversee terrible losing baseball. Bell and Muser are two of a kind.

Game 145 - 9/12/2007

Twins 3, Royals 6

FINALLY!!! The Royals finally won their 63rd game (after a 7 game losing streak) which guarantees they will NOT lose 100 games in 2007.

Will this blog ever be necessary again????

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 63-82
Expected Record 68-77
Runs Scored 656
Runs Allowed 695
Projected Record 71-91
Pythagorean Record 77-85
Pythagorean Winning% 0.471

Let's go get 'em

Game 144 - 9/11/2007

Twins 6, Royals 3

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 62-82
Expected Record 67-77
Runs Scored 650
Runs Allowed 692
Projected Record 70-92
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.468

Let's go get 'em

Game 143 - 9/10/2007

Twins 4, Royals 2

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 62-81
Expected Record 67-76
Runs Scored 647
Runs Allowed 686
Projected Record 71-91
Pythagorean Record 77-85
Pythagorean Winning% 0.47

Let's go get 'em

Game 142 - 9/9/2007

Yankees 6, Royals 3

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 62-80
Expected Record 67-75
Runs Scored 645
Runs Allowed 682
Projected Record 71-91
Pythagorean Record 77-85
Pythagorean Winning% 0.472

Let's go get 'em

Game 141 - 9/8/2007

Yankees 11, Royals 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 62-79
Expected Record 67-74
Runs Scored 642
Runs Allowed 676
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 77-85
Pythagorean Winning% 0.474

Let's go get 'em

Game 140 - 9/7/2007

Yankees 3, Royals 2

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 62-78
Expected Record 67-73
Runs Scored 637
Runs Allowed 665
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 78-84
Pythagorean Winning% 0.478

Let's go get 'em

Game 139 - 9/5/2007

Royals 2, Rangers 3

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 62-77
Expected Record 67-72
Runs Scored 635
Runs Allowed 662
Projected Record 73-89
Pythagorean Record 78-84
Pythagorean Winning% 0.479

Let's go get 'em

Game 138 - 9/4/2007

Royals 8, Rangers 9

The Royals put up a good fight, but couldn't quite overcome Billy Buckner's rough first inning. They'll try again tonight to make Breaking 100 history.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 62-76
Expected Record 66-72
Runs Scored 633
Runs Allowed 659
Projected Record 73-89
Pythagorean Record 78-84
Pythagorean Winning% 0.479

Let's go get 'em

Breaking 100: TONIGHT!

One More Win....

The Royals need just one more victory to guarantee a sub-100-loss season! We will be watching tonight's Rangers game with much anticipation!

Game 137 - 9/3/2007

Royals 8, Rangers 1

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 62-75
Expected Record 66-71
Runs Scored 625
Runs Allowed 650
Projected Record 74-88
Pythagorean Record 78-84
Pythagorean Winning% 0.48

Let's go get 'em

Game 136 - 9/2/2007

Royals 8, Twins 1

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 61-75
Expected Record 64-72
Runs Scored 617
Runs Allowed 649
Projected Record 73-89
Pythagorean Record 77-85
Pythagorean Winning% 0.474

Let's go get 'em

Game 135 - 9/1/2007

Royals 4, Twins 6

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 60-75
Expected Record 63-72
Runs Scored 609
Runs Allowed 648
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.469

Let's go get 'em

Game 134 - 8/31/2007

Royals 0, Twins 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 60-74
Expected Record 63-71
Runs Scored 605
Runs Allowed 642
Projected Record 73-89
Pythagorean Record 77-85
Pythagorean Winning% 0.47

Let's go get 'em

Game 133 - 8/31/2007

Royals 9, Twins 4

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 60-73
Expected Record 63-70
Runs Scored 605
Runs Allowed 637
Projected Record 74-88
Pythagorean Record 77-85
Pythagorean Winning% 0.474

Let's go get 'em

Game 132 - 8/30/2007

Tigers 6, Royals 1

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 59-73
Expected Record 62-70
Runs Scored 596
Runs Allowed 633
Projected Record 73-89
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.469

Let's go get 'em

Game 131 - 8/29/2007

Tigers 0, Royals 5

My brother and I were at the game last night. We were starting to feel bad for Andrew Miller, but then the Royals committed a major flub to help him out. With 5 runs in and nobody out, Joey Gathright struck out trying to bunt and Pudge threw Alex Gordon out after Gordon wandered off second. Miller still didn't get out of the inning though.

After that exciting first inning, the rest of the game was terribly boring, but at least they moved it along. Looking for the sweep this afternoon!

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 59-72
Expected Record 62-69
Runs Scored 595
Runs Allowed 627
Projected Record 73-89
Pythagorean Record 77-85
Pythagorean Winning% 0.473

Let's go get 'em

Game 130 - 8/28/2007

Tigers 3, Royals 6

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 58-72
Expected Record 61-69
Runs Scored 590
Runs Allowed 627
Projected Record 73-89
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.469

Let's go get 'em

Game 129 - 8/26/2007

Indians 5, Royals 3

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 57-72
Expected Record 60-69
Runs Scored 584
Runs Allowed 624
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.466

Let's go get 'em

Game 128 - 8/25/2007

Indians 9, Royals 4

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 57-71
Expected Record 60-68
Runs Scored 581
Runs Allowed 619
Projected Record 73-89
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.468

Let's go get 'em

Game 127 - 8/24/2007

Indians 1, Royals 2

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 57-70
Expected Record 60-67
Runs Scored 577
Runs Allowed 610
Projected Record 73-89
Pythagorean Record 77-85
Pythagorean Winning% 0.472

Let's go get 'em

Game 126 - 8/22/2007

Royals 7, White Sox 6

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 56-70
Expected Record 59-67
Runs Scored 575
Runs Allowed 609
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 77-85
Pythagorean Winning% 0.471

Let's go get 'em

Game 125 - 8/21/2007

Royals 2, White Sox 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 55-70
Expected Record 59-66
Runs Scored 568
Runs Allowed 603
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 77-85
Pythagorean Winning% 0.47

Let's go get 'em

Game 124 - 8/20/2007

Royals 3, White Sox 4

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 55-69
Expected Record 59-65
Runs Scored 566
Runs Allowed 598
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 77-85
Pythagorean Winning% 0.472

Let's go get 'em

Breaking 100: Almost a Certainty

The Royals need to win only 8 of their final 39 games to avoid losing 100. Personally, I think they will succeed. The Royals are have a chance to enjoy their third straight winning month (the Royals are 8-9 in August and played above .500 ball in both June and July). They haven't had 3 straight winning months since 1994.

Overall, things are looking up for the Royals. All of this progress has happened in just 1 year, since Dayton Moore took over as General Manager. As a life long Royals fan, this is a fun time to watch the boys in blue!

Game 123 - 8/19/2007

Royals 1, A's 6

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 55-68
Expected Record 58-65
Runs Scored 563
Runs Allowed 594
Projected Record 73-89
Pythagorean Record 77-85
Pythagorean Winning% 0.473

Let's go get 'em

Game 122 - 8/18/2007

Royals 7, A's 3

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 55-67
Expected Record 58-64
Runs Scored 562
Runs Allowed 588
Projected Record 74-88
Pythagorean Record 78-84
Pythagorean Winning% 0.477

Let's go get 'em

Game 121 - 8/17/2007

Royals 9, A's 2

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 54-67
Expected Record 57-64
Runs Scored 555
Runs Allowed 585
Projected Record 73-89
Pythagorean Record 77-85
Pythagorean Winning% 0.473

Let's go get 'em

Game 120 - 8/16/2007

Royals 6, Rangers 2

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 53-67
Expected Record 56-64
Runs Scored 546
Runs Allowed 583
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.467

Let's go get 'em

Game 119 - 8/15/2007

Royals 3, Rangers 4

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 52-67
Expected Record 55-64
Runs Scored 540
Runs Allowed 581
Projected Record 71-91
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.463

Let's go get 'em

Game 118 - 8/14/2007

Royals 3, Rangers 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 52-66
Expected Record 55-63
Runs Scored 537
Runs Allowed 577
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.464

Let's go get 'em

Game 117 - 8/13/2007

Blue Jays 2, Royals 6

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 52-65
Expected Record 54-63
Runs Scored 534
Runs Allowed 572
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.465

Let's go get 'em

Game 116 - 8/12/2007

Blue Jays 4, Royals 1

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 51-65
Expected Record 53-63
Runs Scored 528
Runs Allowed 570
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 75-87
Pythagorean Winning% 0.461

Let's go get 'em

Game 115 - 8/11/2007

Blue Jays 1, Royals 4

Game 115 - 8/11/2007

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 51-64
Expected Record 53-62
Runs Scored 527
Runs Allowed 566
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.464

Let's go get 'em

Game 114 - 8/10/2007

Blue Jays 2, Royals 1

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 50-64
Expected Record 53-61
Runs Scored 523
Runs Allowed 565
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 75-87
Pythagorean Winning% 0.461

Let's go get 'em

Game 113 - 8/9/2007

Twins 0, Royals 1

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 50-63
Expected Record 52-61
Runs Scored 522
Runs Allowed 563
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 75-87
Pythagorean Winning% 0.462

Let's go get 'em

Game 112 - 8/8/2007

Twins 11, Royals 4

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 49-63
Expected Record 52-60
Runs Scored 521
Runs Allowed 563
Projected Record 71-91
Pythagorean Record 75-87
Pythagorean Winning% 0.461

Let's go get 'em

Game 111 - 8/7/2007

Twins 1, Royals 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 49-62
Expected Record 52-59
Runs Scored 517
Runs Allowed 552
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.467

Let's go get 'em

Game 110 - 8/5/2007

Royals 5, Yankees 8

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 48-62
Expected Record 51-59
Runs Scored 512
Runs Allowed 551
Projected Record 71-91
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.463

Let's go get 'em

Game 109 - 8/4/2007

Royals 8, Yankees 16

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 48-61
Expected Record 51-58
Runs Scored 507
Runs Allowed 543
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.465

Let's go get 'em

Game 108 - 8/3/2007

Royals 1, Yankees 7

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 48-60
Expected Record 51-57
Runs Scored 499
Runs Allowed 527
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 77-85
Pythagorean Winning% 0.472

Let's go get 'em

Game 107 - 8/1/2007

Royals 5, Twins 3

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 48-59
Expected Record 51-56
Runs Scored 498
Runs Allowed 520
Projected Record 73-89
Pythagorean Record 78-84
Pythagorean Winning% 0.478

Let's go get 'em

Game 106 - 7/31/2007

Royals 3, Twins 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 47-59
Expected Record 50-56
Runs Scored 493
Runs Allowed 517
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 78-84
Pythagorean Winning% 0.476

Let's go get 'em

Breaking 100: Should White Manage the Royals?

Let's get this out of the way quickly…

Frank White does not need to be the next manager of the Kansas City Royals. Yes, I know that White wants to manage in the big leagues (or, at least he did at one time. I'm not so sure that's still the case), and I'm sure many older Royals fans would love to see White in the dugout every day. But that scenario is nothing but trouble.

Look, I respect White as a person and as a player. He is truly beloved in Kansas City. I'm confident he would be a great manager. But he should manage somewhere else. Why? Think about it. What happens to every manager in baseball eventually? They get fired. What Kansas City GM wants to be the one to fire the beloved Frank White?

Let's not put Frank through that. Let's not have the talk radio shows buzzing every day second guessing a bunt or a pitching change. Let's just let Frank be Frank. He's a great ambassador for the Royals, and it should stay that way.

Breaking 100: Dotel for... Who???

So, Dayton Moore finally pulled the plug on the Dotel trade. I think it's fair to say that Royals fans were hoping for a little more sparkle in this trade. The Royals acquired Kyle Davies from the Braves for Dotel.

Yes, the Royals need starting pitching. But Davies hardly inspires confidence. First, no Royals fans have heard of him, and second, 5.76 ERA this year is hardly exciting.

Could it be that Dayton took this trade as a quid pro quo type of deal? After all, the Braves got next to nothing for Tony Pena, Jr. earlier this season. So, this is the reciprication: the Royals get next to nothing for Dotel.

Or, perhaps Moore knows Davies well and we can expect good things. After all, Brain Bannister didn't look like much last summer.

I also saw that the Royals announced that Soria will become the closer with Dotel gone. I just hope Soria won't end up injured this year. He's been used too much this season, IMHO.

And why can't we win at the Metrodome????

Game 105 - 7/30/2007

Royals 1, Twins 3

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 47-58
Expected Record 50-55
Runs Scored 490
Runs Allowed 512
Projected Record 73-89
Pythagorean Record 78-84
Pythagorean Winning% 0.478

Let's go get 'em

Game 104 - 7/29/2007

Rangers 0, Royals 10

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 47-57
Expected Record 50-54
Runs Scored 489
Runs Allowed 509
Projected Record 74-88
Pythagorean Record 78-84
Pythagorean Winning% 0.479

Let's go get 'em

Game 103 - 7/28/2007

Rangers 5, Royals 6

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 46-57
Expected Record 48-55
Runs Scored 479
Runs Allowed 509
Projected Record 73-89
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.469

Let's go get 'em

Game 102 - 7/27/2007

Rangers 1, Royals 6

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 45-57
Expected Record 48-54
Runs Scored 473
Runs Allowed 504
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.468

Let's go get 'em

Game 101 - 7/26/2007

Yankees 0, Royals 7

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 44-57
Expected Record 47-54
Runs Scored 467
Runs Allowed 503
Projected Record 71-91
Pythagorean Record 75-87
Pythagorean Winning% 0.462

Let's go get 'em

Game 100 - 7/25/2007

Yankees 7, Royals 1

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 43-57
Expected Record 46-54
Runs Scored 460
Runs Allowed 503
Projected Record 70-92
Pythagorean Record 74-88
Pythagorean Winning% 0.455

Let's go get 'em

Game 99 - 7/24/2007

Yankees 9, Royals 4

Seriously... Name me one Royals fan who didn't see this coming. Scott Elarton has looked awful all year. And yet, the Royals still put him on the mound last night, only to see him get rocked while not even getting out of the second inning. It was so obvious!

After seeing Perez and Elarton, hopefully the Yankees will will be a put back tonight when they face a real pitcher - Gil Meche. It should be a good one, and we'll be there!

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 43-56
Expected Record 46-53
Runs Scored 459
Runs Allowed 496
Projected Record 71-91
Pythagorean Record 75-87
Pythagorean Winning% 0.461

Let's go get 'em

Game 98 - 7/23/2007

Yankees 9, Royals 2

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 43-55
Expected Record 46-52
Runs Scored 455
Runs Allowed 487
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.466

Let's go get 'em

Game 97 - 7/22/2007

Royals 5, Tigers 2

The Royals just completed a very difficult road trip against three of the best teams in the American League. They finished the road trip 5-4. They also tied the White Sox for fourth place in the AL Central. As you compare the Royals and White Sox, you have to feel good that it is the White Sox, not the Royals, who will end up at the bottom this year. The Royals have a run differential of only 25 runs. The White Sox' current run differential is 82 runs. That's a strong indication that the Royals are a better team than the White Sox.

Bring on the Yanks!

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 43-54
Expected Record 46-51
Runs Scored 453
Runs Allowed 478
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 77-85
Pythagorean Winning% 0.473

Let's go get 'em

Game 96 - 7/21/2007

Royals 8, Tigers 10

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 42-54
Expected Record 45-51
Runs Scored 448
Runs Allowed 476
Projected Record 71-91
Pythagorean Record 76-86
Pythagorean Winning% 0.469

Let's go get 'em

Game 95 - 7/20/2007

Royals 10, Tigers 2

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 42-53
Expected Record 45-50
Runs Scored 440
Runs Allowed 466
Projected Record 72-90
Pythagorean Record 77-85
Pythagorean Winning% 0.471

Let's go get 'em

Game 94 - 7/18/2007

Royals 6, Red Sox 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 41-53
Expected Record 43-51
Runs Scored 430
Runs Allowed 464
Projected Record 71-91
Pythagorean Record 75-87
Pythagorean Winning% 0.462

Let's go get 'em

Breaking 100: Keeping Pace

The Royals are on pace to win a whopping 74 games this year, based on the pythagorean formula. That is a 12 game improvement over last season, and any Royals fan would gladly accept that.

It would take a collosal collapse to hit 100 losses (which is still very possible) but as we head into the dog days of August, things look good for the Royals.

They still need to figure out that rotation. The Royals have too many "spot starters" working here lately. Hopefully the rotation is something that Dayton Moore will address this off season.

Game 93 - 7/17/2007

Royals 9, Red Sox 3

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 40-53
Expected Record 43-50
Runs Scored 424
Runs Allowed 459
Projected Record 70-92
Pythagorean Record 75-87
Pythagorean Winning% 0.46

Let's go get 'em

Game 92 - 7/16/2007

Royals 0, Red Sox 4

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 39-53
Expected Record 42-50
Runs Scored 415
Runs Allowed 456
Projected Record 69-93
Pythagorean Record 74-88
Pythagorean Winning% 0.453

Let's go get 'em

Game 91 - 7/15/2007

Royals 3, Indians 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 39-52
Expected Record 42-49
Runs Scored 415
Runs Allowed 452
Projected Record 70-92
Pythagorean Record 75-87
Pythagorean Winning% 0.457

Let's go get 'em

Game 90 - 7/14/2007

Royals 6, Indians 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 39-51
Expected Record 41-49
Runs Scored 412
Runs Allowed 447
Projected Record 71-91
Pythagorean Record 75-87
Pythagorean Winning% 0.459

Let's go get 'em

Game 89 - 7/13/2007

Royals 4, Indians 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 38-51
Expected Record 41-48
Runs Scored 406
Runs Allowed 442
Projected Record 70-92
Pythagorean Record 75-87
Pythagorean Winning% 0.457

Let's go get 'em

Game 88 - 7/8/2007

Devil Rays 4, Royals 12

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 38-50
Expected Record 40-48
Runs Scored 402
Runs Allowed 437
Projected Record 70-92
Pythagorean Record 75-87
Pythagorean Winning% 0.458

Let's go get 'em

Game 87 - 7/7/2007

Devil Rays 7, Royals 8

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 37-50
Expected Record 39-48
Runs Scored 390
Runs Allowed 433
Projected Record 69-93
Pythagorean Record 73-89
Pythagorean Winning% 0.447

Let's go get 'em

Game 86 - 7/6/2007

Devil Rays 6, Royals 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 36-50
Expected Record 38-48
Runs Scored 382
Runs Allowed 426
Projected Record 68-94
Pythagorean Record 73-89
Pythagorean Winning% 0.445

Let's go get 'em

Game 85 - 7/4/2007

Mariners 4, Royals 0

Dang, Brian Bannister pitched a helluva game - AFTER the first inning. Unfortunately, Seattle's Jared Washburn also pitched a helluva game, but he did it from the get go. The Mariners were able to get 4 runs in the top of the first, and that was it.

To make things even more frustrating, the fireworks show fizzled. Ah well... The Royals still continue to show improvement, which is nice.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 36-49
Expected Record 38-47
Runs Scored 377
Runs Allowed 420
Projected Record 69-93
Pythagorean Record 73-89
Pythagorean Winning% 0.446

Let's go get 'em

Game 84 - 7/3/2007

Mariners 3, Royals 17

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 36-48
Expected Record 38-46
Runs Scored 377
Runs Allowed 416
Projected Record 70-92
Pythagorean Record 73-89
Pythagorean Winning% 0.45

Let's go get 'em

Game 83 - 7/2/2007

Mariners 2, Royals 3

We are officially past the halfway point of the season, and the Royals are on track to break 100. Their poor start is unfortunate, since they have played so well over the past month or so. The biggest impact right now seems to be the bullpen (shock!).

Questions to ponder for the second half:

• Will the Royals leave Grienke in the 'pen?
• Will Grienke go back to the rotation?
• Will Grienke become the close?
• If so, what happens to Dotel?
• Will the Royals ever settle on a first baseman?
• What will they do with all the DH's when Sweeney returns?
• Is Moore pondering any big trades?
• Is Moore pondering a managerial change?
• Will Alex Gordon continue to mash?

It will be fun to watch!!!

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 35-48
Expected Record 36-47
Runs Scored 360
Runs Allowed 413
Projected Record 69-93
Pythagorean Record 70-92
Pythagorean Winning% 0.431

Let's go get 'em

Game 82 - 7/1/2007

White Sox 3, Royals 1

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 34-48
Expected Record 35-47
Runs Scored 357
Runs Allowed 411
Projected Record 68-94
Pythagorean Record 70-92
Pythagorean Winning% 0.43

Let's go get 'em

Game 81 - 6/30/2007

White Sox 3, Royals 1

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 34-47
Expected Record 35-46
Runs Scored 356
Runs Allowed 408
Projected Record 68-94
Pythagorean Record 70-92
Pythagorean Winning% 0.432

Let's go get 'em

Game 80 - 6/29/2007

White Sox 1, Royals 8

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 34-46
Expected Record 35-45
Runs Scored 355
Runs Allowed 405
Projected Record 69-93
Pythagorean Record 71-91
Pythagorean Winning% 0.434

Let's go get 'em

Game 79 - 6/27/2007

Royals 1, Angels 0

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 33-46
Expected Record 33-46
Runs Scored 347
Runs Allowed 404
Projected Record 68-94
Pythagorean Record 69-93
Pythagorean Winning% 0.424

Let's go get 'em

Game 78 - 6/26/2007

Royals 12, Angels 4

I'm heading out of town today, so I probably won't be able to update Breaking 100 until after the weekend homestand against the White Sox. Hopefully by then, we can say that the Royals are NOT in last place!

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 32-46
Expected Record 33-45
Runs Scored 346
Runs Allowed 404
Projected Record 67-95
Pythagorean Record 69-93
Pythagorean Winning% 0.423

Let's go get 'em

Game 77 - 6/25/2007

Royals 5, Angels 3

Nice start by super-sub John Thomson. Thomson was signed in desparation after Elarton tanked was injured. He pitched well and, amazingly, didn't walk or strike out any batters. Now that's pitching to contact.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 31-46
Expected Record 32-45
Runs Scored 334
Runs Allowed 400
Projected Record 66-96
Pythagorean Record 67-95
Pythagorean Winning% 0.41

Let's go get 'em

Game 76 - 6/24/2007

Royals 4, Brewer 3

So, what is the story exactly with the Milton Bradley trade? I'm not sure why Dayton Moore would want yet another outfielder since the Royals already have a glut of outfielders (Reggie Sanders, Emil Brown, Mark Teahen, Ross Gload, David DeJesus, Joey Gathright, Billy Butler, Shane Costa, etc.) But Joe Posnanski had a good theory on this, perhaps Moore was sending a signal to his team that he is tired of seeing them play poorly. The trade didn't work out, but perhaps it will light a fire under the Royals. They certainly need it.


The Bell Curve
Actual Record 30-46
Expected Record 31-45
Runs Scored 329
Runs Allowed 397
Projected Record 64-98
Pythagorean Record 66-96
Pythagorean Winning% 0.407

Let's go get 'em

Game 75 - 6/23/2007

Royals 1, Brewers 7

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 29-46
Expected Record 30-45
Runs Scored 325
Runs Allowed 394
Projected Record 63-99
Pythagorean Record 66-96
Pythagorean Winning% 0.404

Let's go get 'em

Game 74 - 6/22/2007

Royals 6, Brewers 11

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 29-45
Expected Record 30-44
Runs Scored 324
Runs Allowed 387
Projected Record 64-98
Pythagorean Record 67-95
Pythagorean Winning% 0.412

Let's go get 'em

Game 73 - 6/20/2007

Royals 6, Cardinals 7

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 29-44
Expected Record 30-43
Runs Scored 318
Runs Allowed 376
Projected Record 65-97
Pythagorean Record 68-94
Pythagorean Winning% 0.417

Let's go get 'em

Game 72 - 6/19/2007

Royals 1, Cardinals 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 29-43
Expected Record 30-42
Runs Scored 312
Runs Allowed 369
Projected Record 66-96
Pythagorean Record 68-94
Pythagorean Winning% 0.416

Let's go get 'em

Game 71 - 6/18/2007

Royals 5, Cardinals 3

Wow! Did you see that play by Alex Gordon at third. That was sick.

Good to see Perez pitch better, and the bullpen continued its solid pitching.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 29-42
Expected Record 30-41
Runs Scored 311
Runs Allowed 364
Projected Record 67-95
Pythagorean Record 69-93
Pythagorean Winning% 0.421

Let's go get 'em

Breaking 100: Bring on the Seniors

My apologies for the delay in posting. I've been out of town. But, the Royals have been on a nice roll of late. In Interleague play, they are 8-4, and they are 17-16 over the last 5 weeks - and that even includes a 7 game losing streak.

Hopefully, this isn't just because of their dominance over the National League, but yet more an indication that the team is improving.

They have a few more Interleague games to go, so hopefully the improvement will continue.

Game 70 - 6/17/2007

Marlins 4, Royals 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 28-42
Expected Record 29-41
Runs Scored 306
Runs Allowed 361
Projected Record 65-97
Pythagorean Record 68-94
Pythagorean Winning% 0.418

Let's go get 'em

Game 69 - 6/16/2007

Marlins 9, Royals 8

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 27-42
Expected Record 29-40
Runs Scored 301
Runs Allowed 357
Projected Record 64-98
Pythagorean Record 68-94
Pythagorean Winning% 0.415

Let's go get 'em

Game 68 - 6/15/2007

Marlins 2, Royals 6

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 27-41
Expected Record 28-40
Runs Scored 293
Runs Allowed 348
Projected Record 65-97
Pythagorean Record 68-94
Pythagorean Winning% 0.414

Let's go get 'em

Game 67 - 6/14/2007

Cardinals 8, Royals 17

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 26-41
Expected Record 27-40
Runs Scored 287
Runs Allowed 346
Projected Record 63-99
Pythagorean Record 66-96
Pythagorean Winning% 0.407

Let's go get 'em

Game 66 - 6/13/2007

Cardinals 7, Royals 3

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 25-41
Expected Record 26-40
Runs Scored 270
Runs Allowed 338
Projected Record 62-100
Pythagorean Record 64-98
Pythagorean Winning% 0.389

Let's go get 'em

Game 65 - 6/12/2007

Cardinals 1, Royals 8
The Bell Curve
Actual Record 25-40
Expected Record 26-39
Runs Scored 267
Runs Allowed 331
Projected Record 63-99
Pythagorean Record 64-98
Pythagorean Winning% 0.394

Let's go get 'em

Game 64 - 6/10/2007

Phillies 5, Royals 17

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 24-40
Expected Record 24-40
Runs Scored 259
Runs Allowed 330
Projected Record 61-101
Pythagorean Record 62-100
Pythagorean Winning% 0.381

Let's go get 'em

Game 63 - 6/9/2007

Phillies 4, Royals 0

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 23-40
Expected Record 22-41
Runs Scored 242
Runs Allowed 325
Projected Record 60-102
Pythagorean Record 58-104
Pythagorean Winning% 0.356

Let's go get 'em

Game 62 - 6/8/2007

Phillies 4, Royals 8

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 23-39
Expected Record 22-40
Runs Scored 242
Runs Allowed 321
Projected Record 61-101
Pythagorean Record 59-103
Pythagorean Winning% 0.362

Let's go get 'em

Game 61 - 6/7/2007

Royals 3, Indians 8

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 22-39
Expected Record 21-40
Runs Scored 234
Runs Allowed 317
Projected Record 59-103
Pythagorean Record 58-104
Pythagorean Winning% 0.352

Let's go get 'em

Game 60 - 6/6/2007

Royals 4, Indians 3

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 22-38
Expected Record 21-39
Runs Scored 231
Runs Allowed 309
Projected Record 60-102
Pythagorean Record 58-104
Pythagorean Winning% 0.358

Let's go get 'em

Game 59 - 6/5/2007

Royals 0, Indians 1

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 21-38
Expected Record 21-38
Runs Scored 227
Runs Allowed 306
Projected Record 58-104
Pythagorean Record 58-104
Pythagorean Winning% 0.354

Let's go get 'em

Game 58 - 6/4/2007

Royals 2, Devil Rays 4

I'm beginning to think I'm just weird. Am I the only person who is bothered by the rotating announcers on Royals radio and TV broadcasts? Maybe it wouldn't bother me so much if the announcers they used weren't so awful. I respect Brian McRae and I know he has a great deal of knowledge and experience in baseball, but the guy can't talk. And Bob Davis is just this side of fingernails on a chalk board. My wife says I'm getting grumpy in my old age. Maybe so. What do you think?

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 21-37
Expected Record 21-37
Runs Scored 227
Runs Allowed 305
Projected Record 59-103
Pythagorean Record 58-104
Pythagorean Winning% 0.356

Let's go get 'em

Game 57 - 6/3/2007

Royals 1, Devil Rays 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 21-36
Expected Record 20-37
Runs Scored 225
Runs Allowed 301
Projected Record 60-102
Pythagorean Record 58-104
Pythagorean Winning% 0.358

Let's go get 'em

Game 56 - 6/2/2007

Royals 9, Devil Rays 4

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 21-35
Expected Record 20-36
Runs Scored 224
Runs Allowed 296
Projected Record 61-101
Pythagorean Record 59-103
Pythagorean Winning% 0.364

Let's go get 'em

Game 55 - 6/1/2007

Royals 4, Devil Rays 1

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 20-35
Expected Record 19-36
Runs Scored 215
Runs Allowed 292
Projected Record 59-103
Pythagorean Record 57-105
Pythagorean Winning% 0.351

Let's go get 'em

Game 54 - 5/30/2007

Orioles 3, Royals 0

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 19-35
Expected Record 19-35
Runs Scored 211
Runs Allowed 291
Projected Record 57-105
Pythagorean Record 56-106
Pythagorean Winning% 0.344

Let's go get 'em

Game 53 - 5/29/2007

Orioles 6, Royals 2

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 19-34
Expected Record 18-35
Runs Scored 211
Runs Allowed 288
Projected Record 59-103
Pythagorean Record 57-105
Pythagorean Winning% 0.349

Let's go get 'em

Game 52 - 5/28/2007

Orioles 9, Royals 1

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 19-33
Expected Record 18-34
Runs Scored 209
Runs Allowed 282
Projected Record 60-102
Pythagorean Record 58-104
Pythagorean Winning% 0.354

Let's go get 'em

Game 51 - 5/27/2007

Mariners 7, Royals 4

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 19-32
Expected Record 19-32
Runs Scored 208
Runs Allowed 273
Projected Record 61-101
Pythagorean Record 60-102
Pythagorean Winning% 0.367

Let's go get 'em

Game 50 - 5/26/2007

Mariners 9, Royals 1

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 19-31
Expected Record 19-31
Runs Scored 204
Runs Allowed 266
Projected Record 62-100
Pythagorean Record 60-102
Pythagorean Winning% 0.37

Let's go get 'em

Game 49 - 5/25/2007

Mariners 10, Royals 2

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 19-30
Expected Record 19-30
Runs Scored 203
Runs Allowed 257
Projected Record 63-99
Pythagorean Record 63-99
Pythagorean Winning% 0.384

Let's go get 'em

Game 48 - 5/24/2007

Indians 10, Royals 3

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 19-29
Expected Record 19-29
Runs Scored 201
Runs Allowed 247
Projected Record 65-97
Pythagorean Record 65-97
Pythagorean Winning% 0.398

Let's go get 'em

Game 47 - 5/23/2007

Indians 7, Royals 11

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 19-28
Expected Record 19-28
Runs Scored 198
Runs Allowed 237
Projected Record 66-96
Pythagorean Record 67-95
Pythagorean Winning% 0.411

Let's go get 'em

Game 46 - 5/22/2007

Indians 3, Royals 4

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 18-28
Expected Record 18-28
Runs Scored 187
Runs Allowed 230
Projected Record 64-98
Pythagorean Record 65-97
Pythagorean Winning% 0.397

Let's go get 'em

Game 45 - 5/20/2007

Royals 10, Rockies 5

Wow! What a great road trip for the Royals. Could this be the beginning of the great turnaround?

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 17-28
Expected Record 18-27
Runs Scored 183
Runs Allowed 227
Projected Record 62-100
Pythagorean Record 64-98
Pythagorean Winning% 0.393

Let's go get 'em

Game 44 - 5/19/2007

Royals 4, Rockies 6

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 16-28
Expected Record 17-27
Runs Scored 173
Runs Allowed 222
Projected Record 59-103
Pythagorean Record 62-100
Pythagorean Winning% 0.377

Let's go get 'em

Game 43 - 5/18/2007

Royals 5, Rockies 2

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 16-27
Expected Record 16-27
Runs Scored 169
Runs Allowed 216
Projected Record 61-101
Pythagorean Record 62-100
Pythagorean Winning% 0.379

Let's go get 'em

Breaking 100: An Improving Team

You may have noticed the Breaking 100 Trend (which is a season projection based on the last 15 games) has turned into a green up arrow. Consider these facts from today's Kansas City Star:

• The Royals are 4-1 since Sunday this week.
• The Royals have outscored their opponents 28-14 this week.
• The Royals won 27% of their total victories this week (four of 15).
• It's been 35 weeks since the Royals last won four games in a week.
• It's been 85 weeks since the Royals last won a four game series.
  

Hopefully this isn't just a result of playing the A's, but rather the result of some improvement on the part of the Royals. Certainly the pitching has been adequate, and now the offense is beginning to show signs of improvement. It will be fun to watch what happens at Coors Field this weekend.

Game 42 - 5/17/2007

Royals 7, A's 4

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 15-27
Expected Record 15-27
Runs Scored 164
Runs Allowed 214
Projected Record 58-104
Pythagorean Record 60-102
Pythagorean Winning% 0.369

Let's go get 'em

Game 41 - 5/16/2007

Royals 4, A's 3

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 14-27
Expected Record 15-26
Runs Scored 157
Runs Allowed 210
Projected Record 56-106
Pythagorean Record 58-104
Pythagorean Winning% 0.358

Let's go get 'em

Game 40 - 5/15/2007

Royals 4, A's 5

Sorry for the delays in keeping this thing updated. Work has become very busy and the Royals, frankly, haven't been very interesting.

We are now 40 games into the season. Earier in the year, Dayton Moore had said that he wouldn't make any judgements on any players until 40 games. A couple of things are pretty clear to me at this point:

Alex Gordon needs to go to Omaha. He still looks lost at the plate. Give him some time at AAA to get his stroke back, then call him back up. This is probably doing more damage than good right now.

Buddy Bell needs to be fired. I'm so tired of these inexplicible moves. Billy Butler was brought up to "play every day," and "spark our offense." He's been on the bench for a week. I'm sick of seeing players play out of position. We have catchers playing third, third basemen playing short and first, and infielders playing outfield. This all seemed to start back in the Tony Pena days when Desi Relaford was playing left field. I'm sure it's not helping the young players like Butler and Gordon to have to deal with changing positions while they try to learn to hit in the big leagues.

To make things worse, Bell does not know how to use his players. In last night's game - a close game in the late innings that the Royals tied in the ninth, we somehow ended up with our best hitter (John Buck) on the bench. Of all the players to sub out, he picks Buck? Buck is the only hitter in the lineup who is hitting the ball hard. And with two right handed hitters on the bench, Bell left the struggling, left handed hitter Gordon in the game to face a nasty lefty sidearm pitcher. It makes no sense at all.

It is frustrating to see the Royals players stuggle. Let's face it, we have some talent, but not as much talent as most other teams. But the stupid managerial moves are turning an 85 loss team into a 100 loss team. Bell's gotta go.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 13-27
Expected Record 14-26
Runs Scored 153
Runs Allowed 207
Projected Record 53-109
Pythagorean Record 58-104
Pythagorean Winning% 0.353

Let's go get 'em

Game 39 - 5/14/2007

Royals 2, A's 1

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 13-26
Expected Record 14-25
Runs Scored 149
Runs Allowed 202
Projected Record 54-108
Pythagorean Record 58-104
Pythagorean Winning% 0.352

Let's go get 'em

Game 38 - 5/13/2007

Royals 11, White Sox 1

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 12-26
Expected Record 13-25
Runs Scored 147
Runs Allowed 201
Projected Record 52-110
Pythagorean Record 57-105
Pythagorean Winning% 0.348

Let's go get 'em

Game 37 - 5/12/2007

Royals 4, White Sox 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 11-26
Expected Record 12-25
Runs Scored 136
Runs Allowed 200
Projected Record 49-113
Pythagorean Record 52-110
Pythagorean Winning% 0.316

Let's go get 'em

Game 36 - 5/11/2007

Royals 1, White Sox 2

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 11-25
Expected Record 11-25
Runs Scored 132
Runs Allowed 195
Projected Record 50-112
Pythagorean Record 51-111
Pythagorean Winning% 0.314

Let's go get 'em

Game 35 - 5/10/2007

A's 17, Royals 3

Oh boy. Has anybody else noticed how terribly the Royals play on get-away days? Sheesh!

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 11-24
Expected Record 11-24
Runs Scored 131
Runs Allowed 193
Projected Record 51-111
Pythagorean Record 52-110
Pythagorean Winning% 0.315

Let's go get 'em

Game 34 - 5/9/2007

A's 2, Royals 3

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 11-23
Expected Record 12-22
Runs Scored 128
Runs Allowed 176
Projected Record 53-109
Pythagorean Record 56-106
Pythagorean Winning% 0.345

Let's go get 'em

Game 33 - 5/8/2007

A's 6, Royals 1

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 10-23
Expected Record 11-22
Runs Scored 125
Runs Allowed 174
Projected Record 50-112
Pythagorean Record 56-106
Pythagorean Winning% 0.34

Let's go get 'em

Game 32 - 5/6/2007

Tigers 13, Royals 4

How in the world did they get that game in with all the rain???

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 10-22
Expected Record 11-21
Runs Scored 124
Runs Allowed 168
Projected Record 51-111
Pythagorean Record 58-104
Pythagorean Winning% 0.352

Let's go get 'em

Game 31 - 5/5/2007

Tigers 7, Royals 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 10-21
Expected Record 12-19
Runs Scored 120
Runs Allowed 155
Projected Record 53-109
Pythagorean Record 61-101
Pythagorean Winning% 0.374

Let's go get 'em

Game 30 - 5/4/2007

Tigers 6, Royals 3

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 10-20
Expected Record 11-19
Runs Scored 115
Runs Allowed 148
Projected Record 54-108
Pythagorean Record 61-101
Pythagorean Winning% 0.376

Let's go get 'em

Game 29 - 5/3/2007

Angels 2, Royals 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 10-19
Expected Record 11-18
Runs Scored 112
Runs Allowed 142
Projected Record 56-106
Pythagorean Record 63-99
Pythagorean Winning% 0.383

Let's go get 'em

Game 28 - 5/2/2007

Angels 3, Royals 1

The highlight of the game? Me snagging a foul ball off the bat of Mark Teahen (off the bounce) as we huddled under the overhang down the third base line to get out of the rain. Oh, and German's three run homer to win it. That was good too.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 9-19
Expected Record 10-18
Runs Scored 107
Runs Allowed 140
Projected Record 53-109
Pythagorean Record 60-102
Pythagorean Winning% 0.368

Let's go get 'em

Game 27 - 5/1/2007

Angels 7, Royals 5

If it's not one thing, it's another. The starting pitching for the Royals has been much better this season. In fact, the starters have been very encouraging, but the Royals have suffered with terrible offense.

To spark plug the offense, the Royals called up Billy Butler from AAA Omaha. Butler represents the Royals' best hitting prospect in years. He is a line drive hitter with power - a true RBI type hitter. He lived up to expectations in his debut, going 2-4.

But, in true Royals fashion, the starting pitching struggled. Zack Greinke gave up three singles followed by a grand slam, putting the Royals in a 4-0 hole before the first out had been recorded.

If the rain holds off today, we will be there to witness Butler's second day in the big leagues.

You will notice that the Breaking 100 trend has turned to green. Based on the Royals' last 15 games, they are projected to finish 66-96, breaking the 100 lost barrier.


The Bell Curve
Actual Record 8-19
Expected Record 10-17
Runs Scored 104
Runs Allowed 139
Projected Record 48-114
Pythagorean Record 58-104
Pythagorean Winning% 0.358

Let's go get 'em

Game 26 - 4/30/2007

Angels 3, Royals 1

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 8-18
Expected Record 9-17
Runs Scored 99
Runs Allowed 132
Projected Record 50-112
Pythagorean Record 59-103
Pythagorean Winning% 0.36

Let's go get 'em

Game 25 - 4/29/2007

Royals 1, Mariners 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 8-17
Expected Record 9-16
Runs Scored 98
Runs Allowed 129
Projected Record 52-110
Pythagorean Record 60-102
Pythagorean Winning% 0.365

Let's go get 'em

Game 24 - 4/28/2007

Royals 8, Mariners 3

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 8-16
Expected Record 9-15
Runs Scored 97
Runs Allowed 124
Projected Record 54-108
Pythagorean Record 62-100
Pythagorean Winning% 0.379

Let's go get 'em

Game 23 - 4/27/2007

Royals 4, Mariners 7

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 7-16
Expected Record 8-15
Runs Scored 89
Runs Allowed 121
Projected Record 50-112
Pythagorean Record 57-105
Pythagorean Winning% 0.351

Let's go get 'em

Game 22 - 4/26/2007

Royals 0, Twins 1

The Royals stranded 14 runners but couldn't get any of those across. Their best chance seemed to be in the 10th when Ross Gload was at second with 2 out. Alex Gordon singled to right but third base coach Brian Poldberg held Gload at third instead of trying to score him. John Buck then grounded out to end the inning.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 7-15
Expected Record 8-14
Runs Scored 85
Runs Allowed 114
Projected Record 52-110
Pythagorean Record 58-104
Pythagorean Winning% 0.357

Let's go get 'em

Game 21 - 4/25/2007

Royals 4, Twins 3

This cracked me up: Jimmy Gobble came into the game, and Paul Splittorf started talking about how Gobble had been working on a side arm delivery. He said that it would probably take 2 or 3 years before Gobble would use that delivery in game action. As soon as those words left his mouth, Gobble threw a side armed pitch for a strike.

Of course then Splitt tried to redeem himself by stating that it may be difficult to control his pitches if he switches between side arm and over the top. Gobble then walked the batter. Oh well.

The rest of the bullpen did its job in holding onto a tight lead. Is Soria for real, or with that balloon burst one of these days? Odalis looked much better tonight, so here's hoping he gets back on track.

Can we play all our games against the Twins?

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 7-14
Expected Record 8-13
Runs Scored 85
Runs Allowed 113
Projected Record 54-108
Pythagorean Record 59-103
Pythagorean Winning% 0.361

Let's go get 'em

Game 20 - 4/24/2007

White Sox 9, Royals 7

Lots of rain + crappy pitching = another loss...

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 6-14
Expected Record 7-13
Runs Scored 81
Runs Allowed 110
Projected Record 49-113
Pythagorean Record 57-105
Pythagorean Winning% 0.351

Let's go get 'em

Game 19 - 4/23/2007

White Sox 7, Royals 4

What an irritating night. Everytime the Royals got a lead, they gave it right back in the next inning. Then, the bullpen just looked awful, soiling a decent outing by Gil Meche.

To make things worse, the Royals radio network had issues with audio replays being heard over the commercials and even over the Denny and Ryan as they annouced the game. I can understand this accidentally happening at first, but it went on all night!

About the only good thing about this game was watching as ex-Royal Andrew Sisco completely fail to throw strikes; the very reason the Royals bailed on him in the off-season.

Esteban German continues to amaze at the plate. Bell needs to find more at-bats for German. John Buck is making it hard to justify the playing time that Jason LaRue has been getting.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 6-13
Expected Record 7-12
Runs Scored 74
Runs Allowed 101
Projected Record 52-110
Pythagorean Record 57-105
Pythagorean Winning% 0.349

Let's go get 'em

Game 18 - 4/22/2007

Twins 1, Royals 3

Jorge De La Rosa turned in a spectacular pitching performance as the Royals shut down the Twins on a very windy day. The Royals have now won 3 of their last 4 are are looking much better.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 6-12
Expected Record 6-12
Runs Scored 70
Runs Allowed 94
Projected Record 54-108
Pythagorean Record 58-104
Pythagorean Winning% 0.356

Let's go get 'em

Game 17 - 4/21/2007

Twins 5, Royals 7

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 5-12
Expected Record 6-11
Runs Scored 67
Runs Allowed 93
Projected Record 48-114
Pythagorean Record 56-106
Pythagorean Winning% 0.341

Let's go get 'em

Game 16 - 4/20/2007

Twins 7, Royals 11

The bats finally started coming alive for the Royals. Let's hope those sub-200 averages start to climb as the weather warms up.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 5-11
Expected Record 5-11
Runs Scored 62
Runs Allowed 86
Projected Record 51-111
Pythagorean Record 56-106
Pythagorean Winning% 0.341

Let's go get 'em

Game 15 - 4/18/2007

Royals 4, Tigers 3

This is why the Royals paid all that money for Gil Meche. Meche was great today, even though he did give up 3 unearned runs. He pitched 8 innings and shut down the Tigers to give his team a chance to win and bust their losing streak. So far, he's validating Dayton Moore's decision.

Kudos to John Buck who seems to be responding to the competition of having Jason LaRue right behind him. He's hitting well so far, and won the game today with a 10th inning homer. It sure feels good to win.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 4-11
Expected Record 4-11
Runs Scored 51
Runs Allowed 79
Projected Record 44-118
Pythagorean Record 48-114
Pythagorean Winning% 0.294

Let's go get 'em

Game 14 - 4/17/2007

Royals 6, Tigers 7

David DeJesus had a four hit night. That's all I can muster tonight.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 3-11
Expected Record 4-10
Runs Scored 47
Runs Allowed 76
Projected Record 35-127
Pythagorean Record 45-117
Pythagorean Winning% 0.276

Let's go get 'em

Game 13 - 4/16/2007

Royals 5, Tigers 12

What an embarrassment! What are the Royals thinking? Jason LaRue at third base? Alex Gordon at short? Tony Pena at second?

Why did the Royals get caught in this situation? If a player is hurt (Grudz), put him on the DL and get someone in here to play second.

Frustrating.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 3-10
Expected Record 3-10
Runs Scored 41
Runs Allowed 69
Projected Record 38-124
Pythagorean Record 43-119
Pythagorean Winning% 0.26

Let's go get 'em

Game 13 - 4/15/2007

Good news! The Royals didn't lose. Of course, they didn't win either and the rain prevailed.

Game 12 - 4/14/2007

Royals 4, Orioles 6

Morpheus says that a deja vu is a disturbance in the Matrix. Consider the Matrix disturbed. Within a span of about 3 minutes, the Royals watched a popup drop between them, and then gave up a grand slam, propelling them to their fourth straight loss. It looks like 2006 all over again. Or, for that matter, 2005 or 2004.

Awful Aprils are becoming the hallmark of this team. It's no wonder they continually lose 100 games when they continually get off to such dismal starts.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 3-9
Expected Record 3-9
Runs Scored 36
Runs Allowed 57
Projected Record 41-121
Pythagorean Record 47-115
Pythagorean Winning% 0.285

Let's go get 'em

Game 11 - 4/13/2007

Royals 1, Orioles 8

Debilitating injuries (Octavio Dotel), late inning pitching collapses (David Riske), and enemic offense (Alex Gordon). This season is starting to look far too much like seasons past. Let's just hope this small sample size stays small.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 3-8
Expected Record 3-8
Runs Scored 32
Runs Allowed 51
Projected Record 45-117
Pythagorean Record 46-116
Pythagorean Winning% 0.282

Let's go get 'em

Game 10 - 4/12/2007

Royals 1, Orioles 2

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 3-7
Expected Record 3-7
Runs Scored 31
Runs Allowed 43
Projected Record 49-113
Pythagorean Record 56-106
Pythagorean Winning% 0.341

Let's go get 'em

Game 9 - 4/11/2007

Royals 4, Blue Jays 7

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 3-6
Expected Record 3-6
Runs Scored 30
Runs Allowed 41
Projected Record 54-108
Pythagorean Record 57-105
Pythagorean Winning% 0.348

Let's go get 'em

Game 8 - 4/10/2007

Royals 6, Blue Jays 3

The Royals bounced back after two very disappointing games - a blown save and a rout - to get a solid 6-3 win over the Blue Jays.

Zach Greinke had his second straight impressive outing, holding the Jays to 1 run on 6 hits over 6 innings. More importantly, he struck out 5 with no walks. In fact, Royals pitchers gave up no walks at all.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 3-5
Expected Record 3-5
Runs Scored 26
Runs Allowed 34
Projected Record 61-101
Pythagorean Record 60-102
Pythagorean Winning% 0.368

Let's go get 'em

Game 7 - 4/9/2007

Royals 1, Blue Jays 9

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 2-5
Expected Record 2-5
Runs Scored 20
Runs Allowed 31
Projected Record 47-115
Pythagorean Record 48-114
Pythagorean Winning% 0.293

Let's go get 'em

Game 6 - 4/8/2007

Tigers 3, Royals 2

Blown saves. The Royals had an amazing 31 of them in 2006. This, obviously, is an area that needed much improvement. Dayton Moore signed Octovial Dotel to fill that role and reverse that trend.
Unfortunately, we heard on the way to the Opening Day game that Dotel had a strained oblique and he was later put on the DL. Setup man David Riske is handling the closing duties until Dotel's return. Riske notched his first save on Friday night, but couldn't record his second on Easter Sunday.
After Brandon Duckworth pitched an absolute gem, keeping the Tigers scoreless, Riske entered the ninth to complete the win. He gave up a double to Ordonez, then a walk and then a homerun to Pudge Rodrigez to give the Tigers the lead, and eventually the win.
Losing the game is somewhat heart breaking, but it is much more encouraging to see the starting pitching continue to be so strong.
Duckworth gave up only 4 hits with one walk and a strike out. He handed the shut out over to Gobble and Soria who each did their part. Too bad Riske couldn't complete the job.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 2-4
Expected Record 3-3
Runs Scored 19
Runs Allowed 22
Projected Record 54-108
Pythagorean Record 70-92
Pythagorean Winning% 0.427

Let's go get 'em

Game 5 - 4/7/2007

Tigers 6, Royals 5

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 2-3
Expected Record 2-3
Runs Scored 17
Runs Allowed 19
Projected Record 65-97
Pythagorean Record 72-90
Pythagorean Winning% 0.444

Let's go get 'em

Game 4 - 4/6/2007

Tigers 1, Royals 3

The Royals' run of impressive starting pitching continued on a frigid night as the Royals beat the Tigers 3-1. Royals starter Jorge De La Rosa pitched 7 strong innings giving up 4 hits and 1 earned run. He walked 3 and struck out 5.

Overall, Royals starters had done well:

Starter	IP	H	ER	BB	SO	Result
Meche	7.1	6	1	1	6	W,7-1
Perez	5.1	5	4	3	3	L,7-1
Greinke	7	8	1	1	7	L,4-1
De La Rosa	7	4	1	3	5	W,3-1
Totals	26.2	23	7	8	21	-

This is a huge improvement over 2006, when the starters for the first 4 games looked like this:

Starter	IP	H	ER	BB	SO	Result
Elarton	5.2	7	2	3	3	L,3-1
Mays	4.1	8	6	1	2	L,14-3
Affeldt	4	7	6	2	2	W,11-7
Bautista	6	1	1	5	5	W,4-3
Totals	20	23	15	11	12	-

It's encouraging to see the runs and walks reduced, while innings and strike-outs have increased. The Royals' pitching was so awful last year that new GM Dayton Moore completely revamped the staff, retaining only Jimmy Gobble from 2006's opening day roster. Let's hope this improved pitching continues with Saturday's game, which features Gil Meche facing Mike Maroth.

It probably isn't fair to compare Tony Pena Jr's performance with Angel Berroa's 2006 performance, but it is fun to see that Pena has already tripled Berroa's triple total (Pena has 3 in 4 games; Berroa had 1 all year).

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 2-2
Expected Record 2-2
Runs Scored 12
Runs Allowed 13
Projected Record 81-81
Pythagorean Record 75-87
Pythagorean Winning% 0.46

Let's go get 'em

Game 3 - 4/5/2007

Red Sox 4, Royals 1

Daisuke Matsuzaka lived up to the hype in his debut against the Royals. Dice-K struck out 10 and had the Royals hitters off balance all day. The only run he gave up was on a 6th inning homerun by David DeJesus.

Zack Greinke, meanwhile, also pitched well in his first start since 2005. Greinke pitched 7 innings, giving up 8 hits and 1 earned run. Most importantly, he walked only one while striking out 7.

Things unraveled for the Royals in the 8th, when Joel Peralta entered the game in relief of Greinke. Peralta gave up three hits, but Gordon committed an error on an easy ground ball off the bat of Mike Lowell that rolled between his legs and into left field. The Sox scored 2 runs (1 earned) in the inning, pushing their 1 run lead to a 3 run lead.

Matsuzaka left after seven innings and the Royals went quietly in the 8th and 9th, giving the Red Sox a 4-1 win and a 2-1 series win.

The Tigers will come to KC tomorrow night, and Breaking 100 will be there.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 1-2
Expected Record 1-2
Runs Scored 9
Runs Allowed 12
Projected Record 54-108
Pythagorean Record 59-103
Pythagorean Winning% 0.360

Let's go get 'em

Fallen Angel

Please check out Dan Fox's column on the decline of Angel Berroa at Baseball Prospectus (subscription required, but well worth the money).

Dan has more info at his blog.

Game 2 - 4/4/2007

Red Sox 7, Royals 1

The Sox turned the tables on the Royals on a cold, blustery Wednesday night.

Royals starter Odalis Perez struggled early, giving up 3 runs in the first inning. He settled down after that, but seemed to tire as the game progressed.

Perez' last couple of spring starts were cut short because of blister problems on his pitching hand. Perez wasn't able to stretch out his outings, which probably hurt his conditioning. The cold weather probably didn't help much either.

Off Topic... The Mets seem to have the Cardinals' number here in 2007, don't they?

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 1-1
Expected Record 1-1
Runs Scored 8
Runs Allowed 8
Projected Record 81-81
Pythagorean Record 81-81
Pythagorean Winning% 0.500

Let's go get 'em

Game 1 - 4/2/2007

Red Sox 1, Royals 7

It was a beautiful day in so many ways. The weather was perfect, and the Royals had an outstanding game to open the 2007 season.

Check out some of these stats:
Gil Meche - 7.1 IP, 6 Hits, 1 Run, 1 BB, 6 SO
Mark Grudzielanek - 3-5, 3 RBI, 2B
Mark Teahen - 2-4, 1 RBI
Joel Peralta - 1.2 IP, 2 Hits, 0 BB, 4 SO

Royals pitchers did a great job of containing the formidable Red Sox lineup, and the Royals were able to string together timely hitting. It was a great game on all counts.

The Bell Curve
Actual Record 1-0
Expected Record 1-0
Runs Scored 7
Runs Allowed 1
Projected Record 162-0
Pythagorean Record 159-3
Pythagorean Winning% 0.98

Let's go get 'em

Opening Day

Opening Day is a big deal in KC. Kauffman Stadium will be packed, one of the few times each year that the stadium is filled to capacity with Royals fans (as opposed to it begin filled with Cardinals fans). Local news channels are broadcasting live from the stadium.

And God has ordered up a perfect, 80 degree day.

After today, the Royals will project to be either 162-0 or 0-162. Either way, it doesn't matter does it? We love Opening Day.

The Berroa Saga

It seems the Berroa roller coaster ride is over. On Friday, the Royals traded for Tony Pena, Jr., giving up pitcher Erik Cordier to the Braves.
On Saturday, Berroa was optioned to AAA Omaha. His performance has been in a steep decline since winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2003. That year, Berroa batted .287 with 92 runs scored. In 2006, Berroa batted .234 with a dismal .259 OBP. He walked just 14 times in 132 games.
This spring, the Royals were hoping a renewed off season training regimen would translate into an improved Berroa. That didn’t materialize however, and Berroa is batting just .263 with 14 strike outs and no walks.
In addition to his offensive struggles, Berroa has also struggled in the field. He has seemed to have lost much of his range, and often muffs the easy plays.
GM Dayton Moore’s quote regarding Berroa’s demotion seemed to say it all: “The decision speaks for itself.” The Royals’ patience with Berroa has run out.
In his first game as a Royal, Pena played well, ranging far to his left to make a diving snag on a grounder and throwing out the speedy Rickie Weeks. Pena already has out-walked Berroa, getting a base on balls in his first game.
Pena might not be the final answer at short for the Royals, but many fans agree, he’s gotta be much better than Berroa has been.

10 Days to go!

There were some interesting developments in Surprise this week while I was in Colorado skiing with my family.

In the "what a shocker!" category (sarcasm duly noted), comes the formal announcement that Alex Gordon will indeed be the starting third baseman on opening day. I found it interesting that the Royals were somewhat mum on this topic heading into Spring Training. All indications were that Gordon would have to earn the job, and the Royals would not commit to the idea of Teahen playing outfield. However, as soon as the team arrived in Surprise, it was obvious that this move would come to pass. Of course it didn't hurt that Gordon had a great spring (.390 with a .500 OBP and .659 SLG), and that Teahen has seemingly taken to the outfield. The decision easily became a no brainer.

In other news, the Royals are beginning to hint that they are running out of patience with SS Angel Berroa. This is good news for frustrated Royals fans. Since his promising Rookie of the Year season in 2003, Berroa has been on a steady decline, capped with a terrible 2006 season. He has no patience at the plate, and seems to brain fart his defense almost nightly. With short stop being such an important position, many fans feel the Royals have no chance to win as long as Berroa is the short stop. The Royals are said to be looking for trades to acquire a new short stop, and would probably have to eat the remainder of Berroa's contract ($8.5 million), but GM Dayton Moore doesn't seem to mind.

Let's go get 'em.

Spring Training

This is one of my favorite days of the year. As we speak, I am listening to the first Royals radio broadcast.

Yes, it's only the first spring training game and doesn't mean anything. But hearing Denny Matthews and Ryan Lefevre on the radio tells me that spring is indeed coming, and all is good in the world. (except Teahen just struck out).

Denny Matthews

What can you say about Denny Matthews?

Denny has been the voice of the Kansas City Royals since their inception in 1969. He's called nearly every pitch in the history of the Royals.

He's missed a few games in recent years. Matthews has taken a few road trips off the last few years, a luxury that he certainly deserves.

But other than those few games, he's been there. Night after night, game after game, pitch after pitch.

I was two years old when Denny began broadcasting Royals games. Needless to say, I grew up listening to Denny. My summers are defined by the sound of Denny's voice.

When I was growing up, the Royals were on. We had an old transistor radio in our kitchen, and Denny's voice flowed out of that radio in a sweet baseball melody.

Denny Matthews is not a flashy broadcaster. His quiet, elegant style fits baseball perfectly. Baseball has no shot clock, and does not involve huge, hulking men crashing into one another. Baseball is a slow paced, flowing game. It is three hours of pleasantness.

Denny's style of broadcasting is like baseball itself. It's a quiet, understated flow of words that perfectly describe the game. Denny is very knowledgeable about baseball. You can learn a lot about baseball when you listen to Denny broadcast a game.

He has no catch phrase. (Personally, I want to hang myself when I hear the "Hawk" scream "HE-GONE!")

He simply describes the game in a comforting voice that makes you feel like all is good in the world. He has a wry humor that makes you smile in between pitches. And occasionally, he will tell one of his many stories that he's accumulated over the years. It goes without saying that a great baseball announcer is also a great story teller.

He is radio's equivalent to comfort food. He's there, in the car and on the porch. He's there, as a child and as an adult. He's there, with your parents and with your kids. He's there, while you work and while you play.

And now, Denny Matthews is there. Matthews was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, winning the Ford Frick Award. Congratulations, Denny. You certainly deserve this great honor.

And thank you.

Another Royals Hall of Famer

Congratulations to Denny Matthews for his induction into the Hall of Fame. I grew up listening to Matthews, who has been a Royals broadcaster since the team's inception in 1969. I cannot even conceive of a summer without the voice of Matthews filling my ears.

Good news, indeed for Matthews and the Royals.

The Return of Greinke

There's a great article in today's Kansas City Star about Zack Greinke. Greinke is finally comfortable talking about his personal leave last season, and subsequent comeback.

Reading the article brought back old memories of Zack when he first came up to the Royals. We Royals fans were so excited to see him, and he didn't fail us. I remember seeing his first outing at Kauffman Stadium. We were especially awed when he would snap off that 60 MPH curve ball.

Zack's a great pitcher, and I certainly hope he can find his way back to prominence.

And for the first time in 2007… Let's go get 'em!

Blog This!

If you haven't seen it yet, please check out The Soul of Baseball, a new baseball blog by Joe Posnanski.

JoPo is my favorite sports columnist, and I'm fortunate that he lives and works in my home town and he loves to write about baseball and the Royals. I was so excited when I heard that he was looking at house down the street from me. I couldn't think of anything better than sitting out on the driveway, listening to the Royals on the radio and having a few cold ones with Joe. But alas, it wasn't meant to be and Joe moved into a much better neighborhood, I'm sure.

Also, my thanks to the folks over at Royals Review for linking this blog. Check out the Review for all the latest skinny on the boys in blue.

My Evening with Dayton Moore

One of the many changes that Royals GM Dayton Moore has brought to the organization is to create a Speaker's Bureau. By making himself accessible to the public, Moore hopes to bridge the gap between frustrated fans and the club.

I experienced this first-hand Thursday night when Moore visited my brother's church. Moore spoke for about an hour, most of which was Q&A with the audience.

Moore began his talk by discussing his background and how he came to become the GM of the Kansas City Royals. Moore stated that as he began his career in baseball, at the college level, his feeling was that he did not want to be a part of Major League Baseball because of what he had observed as an erosion of morals as people moved up through the ranks of professional baseball.

The Atlanta Braves approached Moore to join their organization, and Moore declined the job. A few days later, Roy Clark called Moore and persuaded him to take the job, and after a great deal of prayer and contemplation with his wife Marianne, he took the job.

Moore was greatly successful in Atlanta, starting as a scout, then Director of Player Personnel, and then finally Assistant General Manager. In 2005, he was named by Baseball America as one of the top 10 Up-and-Coming Power Brokers in Major League Baseball. In 2004, Moore was Baseball America's top general manager prospect.

Moore's success was not going unnoticed. First, the Arizona Diamondbacks approached Moore hoping to hire him as their GM. He passed.

Then, after Theo Epstien so famously left the Boston Red Sox, they tapped Moore to be their next GM. Moore said that he felt excited about the opportunity, but after much prayer and deliberation, he and his wife decided to stay in Atlanta. Moore said that he felt that John Schuerholz would be retiring in a few years and he would take over for the Braves.

Then, in May of 2006, David and Dan Glass requested permission to speak to Moore. Again, Moore was excited about leading a baseball organization, especially his boyhood team. He considered the opportunity, but in the end, decided to stick it out in Atlanta. He called his wife and they agreed that they should stay in Atlanta. But, alas, Moore had a gnawing feeling about the Royals' job. He called his wife four hours later and she mentioned the same "gnawing" feeling. Together, they decided that he should take the job.

After the game that night, Moore called John Schuerholz into his office and told him that he had decided to take the job. He was excited to "go do something special."

Moore expressed his belief that the success of a baseball player depends mostly upon his moral character. He mentioned that there were several players in Kansas City that he felt did not have the character needed to be successful, and those players are now gone. (Affeldt? Burgos?)

Moore opened it up to questions from the crowd, which I will paraphrase below:

Q: How do you turn this thing around?

A: By doing things the right way. We know that it will take time, but we are putting people and processes in place that are the right thing to do. From that, we expect success. I know of people in other places who didn't care about their jobs or about the success of their team because of the way they were treated. We will treat our employees well and do things the right way so that everybody will work together to bring success to Kansas City.

Q: How do you rate the KC farm system?

A: My only point of reference is how Atlanta did it, and they were very successful. We are beefing up our player development and scouting. We are focused on pitching, and we have some good prospects – Luke Hochevar, Tyler Lumsden, Billy Buckner – but not enough. We've added another minor league team to increase the number of prospects we have in our system. We are investing in Latin America, opening an Academy in the Dominican Republic this year. Just a couple of years ago, the Royals were very last in spending in Latin America. We are changing that.

Q: How is Mike Sweeney?

A: He's doing well. He's changed his workout routine to focus on flexibility. He's working with a back specialist. He's a good example of players perhaps doing too much with regard to working out in their younger years. As they get older, they begin to experience these injuries, especially in their backs. He plans to have a strong, healthy season this year.

Q: What is the first thing you changed when you arrived?

A: Level of expectations. Too many people in Kansas City had just come to expect to lose. We've brought in people who have experienced winning in the past, and who expect nothing less than success. Teams who win the World Series overachieve. The talent level is pretty comparable between teams, but the teams that win overachieve, and that is caused by great chemistry and character. The players we've let go didn't fit that mold, the players we've brought in do.

Q: What will happen with Mark Teahen?

A: Teahen will ultimately play the outfield. He could play third or DH to spell other players, but ultimately, he will be an outfielder.

Q: What about the logjam of outfielders?

A: We do have a lot of outfielders right now, and that is a good problem. Buddy Bell will have a lot of flexibility to rotate players around. We also have some room for trades.

Q: What did you see in Gil Meche?

A: We often see pitchers who can "throw" but haven't developed the ability to "pitch" yet. Gil is reaching the point in his career where his ability to throw, his power, is meeting up with his knowledge and ability to pitch. It's when these two things meet that a number 1 or number 2 pitcher is created. But look, signing him may end up being a mistake. But if it is, we would still do it the same way. We needed a pitcher and we felt Gil was the best available and we were going to win that negotiation. What the critics aren't telling you is that the Blue Jays and the Cubs were willing to pay what we paid. The Cubs had 4 years, $40 million on the table. The Blue Jays had 4 years, $48 million on the table. They were willing to go to 5 years, but Gil picked us. He wants to be an ace, and we need an ace. You'll just have to trust me on this one. We feel it's a great match.

Q: Who do you think will have big years this year?

A: Ross Gload. Ryan Shealy. And certainly having Jason LaRue here will spark the competiveness in John Buck, such that I think Buck will have a great year.

Q: What's up with Zack Greinke?

A: He's doing well. I've heard that this offseason, he's worked harder than any other offseason. He's more excited about getting to Spring Training than any other year. Zack is a good example of the damage that can occur when a player is rushed to the majors too fast. He just didn't know how to react to being in the big leagues.

We're finding that a lot of our players come from broken homes, and who have never really learned wrong from right. They are immature and don't know how to handle being on their own. We've created a new Character and Leadership Program in the minors to help teach players these things. We discuss things like "how did Jackie Robinson react, and how would you react?" We hope to give these kids some direction and develop them into strong young men with character.

Q: How soon until we see some success?

A: It obviously won't happen overnight. If we win the World Series in the next 1-3 years, we will be ecstatic. We will be better this year, but we're probably looking at 3-5 years to be a World Series caliber team.

 

All in all, I was very impressed with Moore. He spoke with authority and he definitely has a plan of attack for making the Kansas City Royals the model organization in baseball. He took on criticism head on, and was realistic about the current state of things and where the sees it going. I'm looking forward to this season, but more importantly, the next 3 seasons.