Sunday, October 19, 2014

Arizona Fall League Standings and Top Performers Week Two 2014

Arizona Fall League East

Salt River Rafters 7-3-0
(Astros, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Rockies, Twins)

Eddie Rosario (15 for 36) .417/.421/.444 w/ 0 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R, 6 SB in 8 games

Andrew Aplin (9 for 22) .409/.435/.682 w/ 1 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R, 1 SB in 6 games

Ryan Casteel (10 for 31) .323/.405/.419 w/ 0 HR, 8 RBI, 4 R, 0 SB in 8 games

Mark Appel 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 8 K, 0.71 WHIP in 7.0 IP over 2 games

Jayson Aquino 1-0, 1.29 ERA, 6 K, 1.00 WHIP in 7.0 IP over 2 games


Mesa Solar Sox 5-5-0
(Angels, Athletics, Blue Jays, Cubs, Nationals)

Sean Ochinko (7 for 16) .438/.438/.813 w/ 1 HR, 7 RBI, 1 R, 0 SB in 5 games

Cal Towey (5 for 14) .357/.438/.500 w/ 0 HR, 4 RBI, 1 R, 2 SB in 5 games

Boog Powell (7 for 20) .350/.435/.650 w/ 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R, 2 SB in 6 games

Nate Smith 1-0, 2.84 ERA, 3 K, 1.11 WHIP in 6.1 IP over 2 games

C.J. Edwards 1-0, 1.80 ERA, 4 K, 1.20 WHIP in 5.0 IP over 2 games


Scottsdale Scorpions 5-6-0
(Giants, Mets, Phillies, Pirates, Yankees)

Greg Bird (14 for 38) .368/.415/.684 w/ 3 HR, 10 RBI, 9 R, 0 SB in 9 games

Aaron Judge (7 for 20) .350/.391/.600 w/ 1 HR, 7 RBI, 4 R, 0 SB in 5 games

Brandon Nimmo (9 for 27) .333/.455/.444 w/ 0 HR, 4 RBI, 5 R, 1 SB in 7 games

Tyler Glasnow 0-0, 1.35 ERA, 7 K, 1.65 WHIP in 6.2 IP over 3 games

Joely Rodriguez 1-0, 1.69 ERA, 5 K, 1.31 WHIP in 5.1 IP over 2 games


Arizona Fall League West

Glendale Desert Dogs 5-4-0
(Brewers, Dodgers, Orioles, Tigers, White Sox)

Tim Anderson (10 for 30) .333/.355/.467 w/ 1 HR, 2 RBI, 5 R, 3 SB in 8 games

Jason Esposito (10 for 33) .303/.324/.485 w/ 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, 0 SB in 8 games

Steven Moya (10 for 33) .303/.361/.515 w/ 1 HR, 8 RBI, 8 R, 4 SB in 8 games

Francellis Montas 1-0, 1.42 ERA, 6 K, 1.74 WHIP in 6.1 IP over 2 games

Robbie Ray 0-0. 0.00 ERA, 7 K, 0.80 WHIP in 5.0 IP over 2 games


 Surprise Saguaros 5-6-0
(Mariners, Padres, Red Sox, Reds, Rangers)

Jesse Winker (10 for 24) .417/.500/.625 w/ 1 HR, 10 RBI, 7 R, 0 SB in 6 games

Kyle Waldrop (13 for 32) .406/.406/.625 w/ 1 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R, 2 SB in 7 games

John Hicks (5 for 17) .294/.400/.353 w/ 0 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R, 1 SB in 5 games

Taijuan Walker 0-0, 2.00 ERA, 11 K, 1.00 WHIP in 9.0 IP over 2 games

Keith Couch 1-0, 2.00 ERA, 3 K, 1.00 WHIP in 9.0 IP over 2 games


Peoria Javelinas 3-6-0
(Braves, Cardinals, Indians, Rays, Royals)

Jacob Wilson (11 for 30) .367/.424/.533 w/ 0 HR, 5 RBI, 2 R, 1 SB in 8 games

Justin O'Conner (7 for 23) .304/.407/.435 w/ 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3 R, 1 SB in 6 games

Daniel Castro (7 for 26) .269/.367/.308 w/ 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3 R, 1 SB in 7 games

Kyle Zimmer 0-0, 2.79 ERA, 15 K, 0.93 WHIP in 9.2 IP over 3 games

Tyrell Jenkins 0-1, 0.00 ERA, 9 K, 1.08 WHIP in 8.1 IP over 2 games

Giants Other Guys

While the Royals have an elite bullpen the back of the Giants' pitching staff may as well be the Other Guys. Rookie Hunter Strickland is their closest to a seventh inning guy but Jeremy Affeldt has served as the bridge no matter what inning he enters. Sergio Romo and Santiago Casilla are now the eighth and ninth inning standards although Romo had once been the closer. I'll be looking at how all three did this season, if they pitched against the Royals in August, their September numbers and their performance so far in the playoffs.

RHP Hunter Strickland:
Season/September: 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 9 K, 0.71 WHIP, 1 SV, .200 BAA in 7.0 IP over 9 games
Playoffs: 1-0, 8.31 ERA, 5 K, 1.38 WHIP, 1 SV (1 BS), .294 BAA in 4.1 IP over 4 games

LHP Jeremy Affeldt
Season: 4-2, 2.28 ERA, 41 K, 1.10 WHIP, (3 BS), .229 BAA in 55.1 IP over 62 games
v Royals: 0-0, 10.80 ERA, 0 K, 1.80 WHIP, .429 BAA in 1.2 IP over 2 games
September: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 8 K, 1.20 WHIP, .200 BAA in 6.2 IP over 8 games
Playoffs: 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 K, .063 WHIP, .105 BAA in 6.1 IP over 7 games

RHP Sergio Romo
Season: 6-4, 3.72 ERA, 59 K, 0.95 WHIP, 23 SV (5 BS), .203 BAA in 58.0 IP over 64 games
v Royals: 0-0. 0.00 ERA, 1 K, 1.00 WHIP, .250 BAA in 1.0 IP in 1 game
September: 1-1, 2.57 ERA, 6 K, 0.86 WHIP, .231 BAA in 7.0 IP over 9 games
Playoffs: 1-1, 1.93 ERA, 3 K, 0.86 WHIP, .222 BAA in 4.2 IP over 7 games

RHP Santiago Casilla
Season: 3-3, 1.70 ERA, 45 K, 0.86 WHIP, 19 SV (4 BS), .177 BAA in 58.1 IP over 54 games
September: 1-0, 1.13 ERA, 6 K, 0.25 WHIP, 5 SV, .077 BAA in 8.0 IP over 7 games
Playoffs: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 5 K, 0.75 WHIP, 4 SV, .091 BAA in 6.2 IP over 7 games

Royals Bullpen Uber Trio 2014

This is a quick look at how the heralded back three of the Kansas City Royals bullpen did this season. Will also look at how they did against the Giants in August, how they did in September and their performance so far in the playoffs.

RHP Kelvin Herrera
Season: 4-3, 1.41 ERA, 59 K, 1.14 WHIP, (1 BS), .214 BAA in 70.0 IP over 70 games
v Giants: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 K, 1.00 WHIP, .250 BAA in 1.0 IP
September: 1-1, 1.54 ERA, 7 K, 1.20 WHIP, .256 BAA in 11.2 IP over 12 games
Playoffs: 0-0, 1.08 ERA, 10 K, 0.96 WHIP, .194 BAA in 8.1 IP over 7 games

RHP Wade Davis
Season: 9-2, 1.00 ERA, 109 K, 0.85 WHIP, 3 SV (3 BS), .151 BAA in 72.0 IP over 71 games
v Giants: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 K, 1.50 WHIP, .375 BAA in 2.0 IP over 2 games
September: 1-0, 2.31 ERA, 19 K, 0.94 WHIP, 3 SV (1 BS), .205 BAA in 11.2 IP over 13 games
Playoffs: 2-0, 0.96 ERA, 10 K, 0.75 WHIP, .156 BAA in 9.1 IP over 8 games

RHP Greg Holland
Season: 1-3, 1.44 ERA, 90 K, 0.91 WHIP, 46 SV (2 BS), .170 BAA in 62.1 IP over 65 games
v Giants: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 4 K, 1.50 WHIP, 2 SV, .250 BAA in 2.0 IP over 2 games
September: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 14 K, 0.25 WHIP, 6 SV, .000 BA in 8.0 IP over 8 games
Playoffs: 0-0, 1.13 ERA, 10 K, 1.00 WHIP, 6 SV, .107 BAA in 8.0 IP over 8 games

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Giants v Royals Wild Cards in 2014 World Series

This is a look at how the starting position players and pitchers did during the season, against the other in August, how they did in September and their performance in the playoffs so far.

GIANTS

C Buster Posey
Season: .311/.364/.490 w/ 22 HR, 89 RBI, 72 R, 0 SB in 147 games.
v Royals: 1 for 12, .083/.154/.083, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 R, 0 SB
September: .393/.436/.607 w/ 4 HR, 18 RBI, 13 R, 0 SB
Playoffs: .302/.354/.302 w/ 0 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R, 0 SB in 10 games

1B Brandon Belt
Season: .243/.306/.449 w/ 12 HR, 27 RBI, 30 R, 3 SB in 61 games
September: .286/.375/.464 w/ 1 HR, 3 HR, 4 R, 0 SB
Playoffs: .286/.409/.371 w/ 1 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB in 10 games

2B Joe Panik
Season: .305/.343/.368 w/ 1 HR, 18 RBI, 31 R, 0 SB in 73 games
v Royals: 1 for 6, .167/.375/.333 w/ 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1 R, 0 SB
September: .301/.321/.350 w/ 0 HR, 3 RBI, 12 R, 0 SB
Playoffs: .239/.271/.348 w/ 1 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R, 0 SB in 10 games

3B Pablo Sandoval
Season:.279/.324/.415 w/ 16 HR, 73 RBI, 68 R, 0 SB in 157 games
v Royals: 4 for 13, .308/.308/.308 w/ 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2 R, 0 SB
September: .218/.274/.276 w/ 1 HR, 10 RBI, 4 R, 0 SB
Playoffs: .326/.396/.419 w/ 0 HR, 1 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB in 10 games

SS Brandon Crawford
Season: .246/.324/.389 w/ 10 HR, 69 RBI, 54 R, 5 SB in 153 games
v Royals: 0 for 4, .000/.000/.000 w/ 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 R, 0 SB
September: .365/.388/.541 w/ 2 HR, 16 RBI, 9 R, 1 SB
Playoffs: .211/.279/.342 w/ 1 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB in 10 games

LF Travis Ishikawa
Season: .274/.333/.397 w/ 2 HR, 15 RBI, 7 R, 0 SB in 47 games
v Royals: 0 for 4 .000/.000/.000 w/ 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 R, 0 SB
September: .205/.311/.282 w/ 1 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R, 0 SB
Playoffs: .269/.345/.462 w/ 1 HR, 7 RBI, 2 R, 0 SB in 10 games

CF Gregor Blanco
Season: .260/.333/.374 w/ 5 HR, 38 RBI, 51 R, 16 SB in 146 games
v Royals: 2 for 8, .250/.250/.250 w/ 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 R, 1 SB
September: .286/.333/.451 w/ 1 HR, 9 RBI, 17 R, 2 SB
Playoffs: .159/.229/.182 w/ 0 HR, 3 RBI, 4 R, 1 SB in 10 games

RF Hunter Pence
Season: .277/.332/.445 w/ 10 HR, 74 RBI, 106 R, 13 SB in 162 games
v Royals: 2 for 13, .154/.154/.154 w/ 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0 R, 0 SB
September: .165/.240/.231 w/ 2 HR, 9 RBI, 10 R, 2 SB
Playoffs: .256/.341/.333 w/ 0 HR, 3 RBI, 5 R, 2 SB in 10 games

(Likely DH) Michael Morse
Season: .279/.336/.475 w/ 16 HR, 61 RBI, 48 R, 0 SB in 131 games
v Royals: 2 for 7, .286/.286/.286 w/ 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1 R, 0 SB
September: .000/.000/.000 w/ 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 R, 0 SB
Playoffs: .500/.500/1.250 w/ 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R, 0 SB in 4 games


RHP Madison Bumgarner
Season: 18-10, 2.98 ERA, 219 K, 1.09 WHIP, .240 BAA in 217.1 IP over 33 games
v Royals: 0-1, 3.38 ERA, 5 K, 0.88 WHIP, .241 BAA in 8.0 IP
September: 2-1, 3.08 ERA, 20 K, 1.14 WHIP, .257 BAA in 26.1 IP over 4 games
Playoffs: 2-1, 1.42 ERA, 28 K, 0.76 WHIP, .170 BAA in 31.2 IP over 4 games

RHP Jake Peavy
Season: 6-4, 2.17 ERA, 58 K, 1.04 WHIP, .231 BAA in 78.2 IP over 12 games
September: 3-0, 1.44 ERA, 22 K, 0.96 WHIP, .219 BAA in 31.1 IP over 5 games
Playoffs: 1-0, 1.86 ERA, 5 K, 1.24 WHIP, .182 BAA in 9.2 IP over 2 games

RHP Tim Hudson
Season: 9-13, 3.57 ERA, 120 K, 1.23 WHIP, .270 BAA in 189.1 IP over 31 games
v Royals: 0-1, 4.50 ERA, 1 K, 1.00 WHIP, .250 BAA in 6.0 IP
September: 0-4, 8.72 ERA, 14 K, 1.85 WHIP, .357 BAA in 21.2 IP over 5 games
Playoffs: 0-0, 3.29 ERA, 13 K, 1.02 WHIP, .259 BAA in 13.2 IP over 2 games

RHP Ryan Vogelsong
Season 8-13, 4.00 ERA, 151 K, 1.28 WHIP, .254 BAA in 184.2 IP over 32 games
September: 0-4, 5.53 ERA, 23 K, 1.52 WHIP, .262 BAA in 27.2 IP over 5 games
Playoffs: 0-0, 5.19 ERA, 5 K, 1.50 WHIP, .273 BAA in 8.2 IP over 2 games

ROYALS

C Salvador Perez
Season: .260/.289/.403 w/ 17 HR, 70 RBI, 57 R, 1 SB in 150 games
v Giants: 2 for 11, .182/.250/.455 w/ 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3 R, 0 SB
September: .235/.240/.357 w/ 2 HR, 11 RBI, 7 R, 0 SB
Playoffs: .118/.143/.118 w/ 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1 R, 0 SB in 8 games

1B Eric Hosmer
Season: .270/.318/.398 w/ 9 HR, 58 RBI, 54 R, 4 SB in 131 games
September: .290/.347/.495 w/ 3 HR, 12 RBI, 9 R, 1 SB
Playoffs: .448/.556/.759 w/ 2 HR, 8 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB in 8 games

2B Omar Infante
Season: .252/.295/.337 w/ 6 HR, 66 RBI, 50 R, 9 SB in 135 games
v Giants 2 for 13, .154/.154/.231 w/ 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2 R, 0 SB
September: .233/.300/.267 w/ 0 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R, 2 SB
Playoffs: .207/.294/.207 w/ 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R, 0 SB in 8 games

3B Mike Moustakas
Season: .212/.271/.361 w/ 15 HR, 54 RBI, 45 R, 1 SB in 140 games
v Giants: 2 for 10, .200/.200/.300 w/ 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R, 0 SB
September: .247/.287/.296 w/ 0 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R, 1 SB
Playoffs: .241/.267/.655 w/ 4 HR, 5 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB in 8 games

SS Alcides Escobar
Season: .285/.317/.377 w/ 3 HR, 50 RBI, 74 R, 31 SB in 162 games
v Giants: 2 for 10, .200/.200/.200 w/ 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2 R, 1 SB
September: .320/.343/.420 w/ 1 HR, 6 RBI, 12 R, 4 SB
Playoffs: .278/.297/.417 w/ 1 HR, 3 RBI, 5 R, 1 SB in 8 games

LF Alex Gordon
Season: .266/.351/.432 w/ 19 HR, 74 RBI, 87 R, 12 SB in 156 games
v Giants: 5 for 10, .500/.545/1.100 w/ 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R, 0 SB
September: .190/.333/.286 w/ 1 HR, 11 RBI, 14 R, 4 SB
Playoffs: .222/.400/.444 w/ 1 HR, 9 RBI, 3 R, 3 SB in 8 games

CF Lorenzo Cain
Season: .301/.339/.412 w/ 5 HR, 53 RBI, 55 R, 28 SB in 133 games
v Giants: 1 for 7, .143/.143/.143 w/ 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0 R, 0 SB
September: .315/.344/.449 w/ 2 HR, 11 RBI, 12 R, 5 SB
Playoffs: .353/.378/.441 w/ 0 HR, 4 RBI, 9 R, 2 SB in 8 games

RF Norichika Aoki
Season: .285/.349/.360 w/ 1 HR, 43 RBI, 63 R, 17 SB in 132 games
v Giants: 3 for 7, .429/.600/.429 w/ 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2 R, 3 SB
September: .379/.432/.494 w/ 0 HR, 10 RBI, 7 R, 2 SB
Playoffs: .259/.344/.259 w/ 0 HR, 2 RBI, 6 R, 1 SB in 8 games

DH Billy Butler
Season: .271/.323/.379 w/ 9 HR, 66 RBI, 57 R, 0 SB in 151 games
v Giants: 4 for 11, .364/.364/.818 w/ 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R, 0 SB
September: .255/.293/.345 w/ 0 HR, 9 RBI, 4 R, 0 SB
Playoffs: .222/.303/.296 w/ 0 HR, 5 RBI, 2 R, 1 SB in 8 games

RHP James Shields
Season: 14-8, 3.21 ERA, 180 K, 1.18 WHIP, .256 BAA in 227.0 IP over 34 games
v Giants: 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 5 K, 0.56 WHIP, .133 BAA in 9.0 IP
September: 2-1, 2.31 ERA, 30 K, 0.86 WHIP, .200 BAA in 35.0 IP over 5 games
Playoffs: 1-0, 5.63 ERA, 15 K, 1.63 WHIP, .309 BAA in 16.0 IP over 3 games

LHP Jason Vargas
Season: 11-10, 3.71 ERA, 128 K, 1.27 WHIP, .267 BAA in 187.0 IP over 30 games
v Giants: 0-0, 3.60 ERA, 5 K, 1.80 WHIP, .391 BAA in 5.0 IP
September: 1-3, 6.57 ERA, 21 K, 1.46 WHIP, .279 BAA in 24.2 IP over 5 games
Playoffs: 1-0, 2.38 ERA, 8 K, 0.79 WHIP, .135 BAA in 11.1 IP over 2 games

RHP Jeremy Guthrie
Season: 13-11, 4.13 ERA, 124 K, 1.30 WHIP, .272 BAA in 202.2 IP over 32 games
September: 3-1, 2.40 ERA, 12 K, 1.17 WHIP, .252 BAA in 30.0 IP over 5 games
Playoffs: 0-0, 1.80 ERA, 2 K, 1.00 WHIP, .167 BAA in 5.0 IP in 1 game

RHP Yordano Ventura
Season: 14-10, 3.20 ERA, 159 K, 1.30 WHIP, .240 BAA in 183.0 IP over 31 games
September: 4-1, 2.41 ERA, 34 K, 1.26 WHIP, .225 BAA in 37.1 IP over 6 games
Playoffs: 0-0, 4.85 ERA, 8 K, 1.23 WHIP, .250 BAA in 13.0 IP over 3 games

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Royals Sweep Way to 2014 World Series

The Kansas City Royals have some extra lumber among their equipment this post season. I'm not talking about their bats. The Athletics, Angels and now the Orioles have all been a clean sweep as the Royals carry a mighty broom. A perfect 8-0 to advance to the 2014 World Series.

It's been a long journey since the Royals last trip to the World Series in 1985. If they were driving cross country a detour down to the tip of South America was involved. Royals fans like myself are rejoicing at the long awaited return.

Much has been made about how young the team is. The youngest starter Salvador Perez is the field general behind the plate at 24. First baseman Eric Hosmer is almost 200 days older and still 24 while leading in the playoffs with his bat. Across the diamond third baseman Mike Moustakas already has tied a Royals post season record of four home runs at 26. Shortstop Alcides Escobar has found a home at lead off and has reached his prime at 27. Center fielder Lorenzo Cain is emerging as a super star in these playoffs at 28. DH Billy Butler has had some key hits while also 28. Right fielder Alex Gordon has also had some important hits while showing toughness at 30 as he took a pitch to the neck and ran into a wall. Nori Aoki is like a samauri at times the way he swings his bat and roams right field well at 32. Omar Infante is the old man among the starters by another 10 days and brings a steadying influence at 32.

Then there is the super sub. The tenth man. The blur on the base paths known as Jarrod Dyson. The center field sub is 30.

The regular season saw the team enjoy many highs as they had two stints in first place in the AL Central before falling short down the stretch. The playoffs have been magical as the many extra inning and one run games sharpened the steel of the players. Winning breeds confidence and more winning. The Royals are on a hot streak and have unfinished business. Four more wins.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Arizona Fall League Standings and Top Performers Week One 2014

Arizona Fall League East

Salt River Rafters 4-1-0
(Astros, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Rockies, Twins)

Andrew Aplin (5 for 10) .500/.500/.800 w/ 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R, 0 SB in 2 games

Eddie Rosario (8 for 18) .444/.444/.444 w/ 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, 3 SB in 4 games

Jayson Aquino 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 3 K, 0.25 WHIP in 4.0 IP in 1 game


Scottsdale Scorpions 3-2-0
(Giants, Mets, Phillies, Pirates, Yankees)

Greg Bird (8 for 21) .381/.409/.667 w/ 1 HR, 5 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB in 5 games

Brandon Nimmo (6 for 18) .333/.333/.500 w/ 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, 1 SB in 4 games

Nefi Ogando 1-0, 2.25 ERA, 3 K, 1.00 WHIP, 1 SV in 4.0 IP over 3 games


Mesa Solar Sox 1-3-0
(Angels, Athletics, Blue Jays, Cubs, Nationals)

Chad Hinshaw (4 for 10) .400/.455/.700 w/ 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R, 0 SB in 3 games

Boog Powell (3 for 9) .333/.333/.333 w/ 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2 R, 1 SB in 3 games

Nate Smith 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 K, 0.67 WHIP in 3.0 IP in 1 games


Arizona Fall League West

 Surprise Saguaros 3-2-0
(Mariners, Padres, Red Sox, Reds, Rangers)

Kyle Waldrop (8 for 15) .533/.533/.800 w/ 1 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB in 3 games

Jesse Winker (5 for 11) .455/.563/.909 w/ 1 HR, 7 RBI, 4 R, 0 SB in 3 games

Taijuan Walker 1-0, 2.25 ERA, 5 K, 1.25 WHIP in 4.0 IP in 1 games


Peoria Javelinas 2-3-0
(Braves, Cardinals, Indians, Rays, Royals) 

Justin O'Conner (7 for 12) .583/.615/.833 w/ 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3 R, 0 SB in 3 games

Francisco Lindor (7 for 14) .500/.583/.786 w/ 1 HR, 3 RBI, 4 R, 1 SB in 3 games

Aaron Northcraft 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 K, 0.67 WHIP in 3.0 IP in 1 game


Glendale Desert Dogs 1-3-0
(Brewers, Dodgers, Orioles, Tigers, White Sox)

Steven Moya (6 for 13) .462/.500/.615 w/ 0 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, 1 SB in 3 games

Jason Esposito ( 5 for 12) .417/.462/.833 w/ 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R, 0 SB in 3 games

Francellis Montas 0-0, 2.70 ERA, 3 K, 1.50 WHIP in 3.1 IP in 1 game

Monday, October 6, 2014

Royals Playoff team 2014

Here is a quick look at how the players that started for the Royals so far in the 2014 AL Playoffs came to be with the team. They have used this batting order for all four games.

SS Alcides Escobar came to Royals in December 2010 from Brewers in Zack Greinke trade.
RF Nori Aoki came to the Royals in December 2013 from Brewers in Will Smith trade.
CF Lorenzo Cain came to Royals in December 2010 from Brewers in Zack Greinke trade.
1B Eric Hosmer drafted by Royals in 2008 with third pick of first round.
DH Billy Butler drafted by Royals in 2004 with 14th pick of first round.
LF Alex Gordon drafted by Roaysl in 2005 with second pick of first round.
C Salvador Perez signed by Royals in 2006 as amateur free agent out of Venezuela.
2B Omar Infante signed as Free Agent with Royals in December 2013.
3B Mike Moustakas drafted by Royals in 2007 with second pick of first round

Plus the three starting pitchers so far in the playoffs.

RHP James Shields came to Royals in December 2012 in Wil Myers trade.
LHP Jason Vargas signed as Free Agent with Royals in November 2013.
RHP Yordano Ventura signed with Royals in 2008 as amateur free agent out of Dominican Republic

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Royals Sweep Angels in Playoffs 2014

The Kansas City Royals didn't need extras in game three as the bats woke early and stayed active as they swept the Los Angeles Angels in three games and advance to the American League Championship Series. The young warriors on the corners Hosmer and Moustakas brought the boom sticks to provide thunder for the usual lightning show. Cain ran his highlight catch total to three for the series. While the future is bright it is also now for Kansas City. They have the talent and enthusiasm to continue this ride to the end. One night to celebrate and dream with smiles. Then its prep time for the series against the Orioles on Friday.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Royals Finally Return to Playoffs in 2014

While not in the category of those woeful Cubs fans this Royals fan is very happy the Royals finally returned to the playoffs after 29 years. It was easy for me to remember the last time they were in the playoffs because it was the year I graduated high school. I had started following the Royals during their glory days of the late seventies.

The right combination of  draft picks panning out, good trades and the stars aligning allowed the Royals to claim the wild card spot in spite of Yost. Not a fan of his. He tried to mismanage the bull pen in the wild card game and the Royals over came that. That fantastic 12 inning win likely bought him another couple years.

Now the Royals start their series with the Angels. Fingers crossed that Vargas can somehow return to his pre-All Star game self. He has been rapidly declining since the break and a 1-3 September with a 6.57 ERA does not look promising. Is it possible to hit the reboot in the post season? 

That Wild Card win over the Athletics was magical and maybe it can spark the team on another hot streak. The Royals have had them this season as they basked in first place for awhile. That is the mindset they need to summon. Good luck to the Royals!