SB Nation - Billy Butler

Zack Grienke watching Royals' offseason moves

Eli Greenspan — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:02:12 -0000

More photos » by Charlie Riedel - AP

Royals ace Zack Grienke did not hold back in expressing his disappointment over the Royals' 2009 season. The Royals really should listen to Grienke, considering he emerged as the face of the franchise after the 2009 season.

"We'll see when the offseason comes what all we do," Greinke said. "I thought we'd be better than we've been, but we kind of proved this year that we still need more than we have to compete."

Mike Jacobs was a flop, and the injuries to Alex Gordon and Coco Crisp certainly hurt their chances. Their prize from the 2007 offseason, Gil Meche, has put up three straight double-digit losses, and finished the 2009 season with a 5.09 ERA.

The Royals need to make an investment on an impact player, because Alex Gordon is struggling to live up to potential, and Billy Butler's biggest test will come next season, when we'll see if he can continue to swing a hot bat.

If the Royals have another disappointing season, and Grienke has another Cy Young-like season, we should expect to hear whispers of a Grienke trade.

Grienke isn't eligible for free agency until after the 2012 season, but he is looking to sign an extension if the team doesn't invest more in winning. If the Royals can't lure any top players on the free agent market, then they'll likely have to shop Zack Grienke for a boatload of young prospects.

Grienke will turn 30 during the 2012 offseason, meaning his value could be at its peak coming into the 2011 season. The Royals would be smart to consider making that move so they can start the rebuilding process, because right now they are in a state of funk.

Twins Hammer and Homer Royals for the Sweep: Bring On the Tigers!

Jesse — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:23:49 -0000

More photos » by Jim Mone - AP

Minnesota Twins' Jason Kubel doffs his helmet to the crowd after his second three-run home run of the game off Kansas City Royals' Luke Hochevar in the third inning of a baseball game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Minneapolis, while Denard Span makes fun of his beard. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

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Twins 13, Royals 4

Do you hear that? Can you still hear it? It's the reverb from the cacophony of noise created by fans at the Dome. Why, you may ask?

Because we just forced game 163.

"BOOM!" said Jason Kubel.

"BOOM!" said Delmon Young.

"BOOM!" said Kubel, again.

"Ditto," said Delmon.

As the Detroit Tigers hung on to salvage one game from the Chicago White Sox this afternoon, the Twins were busy putting the hurt on the Kansas City Royals. It was 7-0 at the end of the third inning, with six of those runs crossing the plate stuck in Kubel's beard; a pair of three-run jacks lifted Jason to one of the best days of his career in a crucial game.

Young went deep twice of his own accord, solo shots that, "just enough" or not, certainly did the trick. His second blast put the Twins up 8-1 going into the sixth, and the game looked like it was on ice. But oh yeah, we were facing the Royals, and they have just as much fight as the Twins. Sadly for them they don't have the talent to match, but for one half of an inning, things were interesting.

Carl Pavano started on three days rest this afternoon, and he looked good. Working out of a second and third with one out situation in the second inning, he made a statement about exactly what kind of a pitcher he can be when he bears down. He worked John Buck out-in-out-in-in to induce a shallow fly-out to center that couldn't score a run, and then quickly sent down Alex Gordon as well. It was a microcosm of the game for the Royals: try as they might, it wasn't going to be good enough.

Pavano pitched around a Luis Hernandez leadoff double in the third before allowing a run in the fourth off back-to-back doubles by Alberto Callaspo and Mark Teahen. He looked strong again the fifth before falling off the table in the aforementioned sixth.

Mike Jacobs picked up a leadoff single before Callaspo tripled to bring the score to 8-2. Still Pavano battled back, striking out Teahen and inducing a Buck ground-out for out number two. Another run scored, but with the bases empty and the bullpen spare he attacked Alex Gordon.

"BOOM!", said Gordon. 8-4, hook for Pavano, enter Bobby Keppel.

Quick, ask me which pitcher I don't want to see in a game.

Keppel lasted six pitches, delivering five fastballs down the middle of the plate and a slider in the dirt. The Royals continued to jab with the left, trying to inch closer before coming in with a strong right. With runners on the corners and still just the two outs that Pavano managed, Ron Gardenhire went to Ron Mahay in order to get lefty Mitch Maier.

Mahay hit Maier.

Bases loaded, down by four and with Billy Butler at the dish, this game suddenly didn't look like such a sure shot. Gardenhire power walked to the mound for the third time that inning, stuck two fingers up Mahay's nose, pulled down, said "Get outta here you knucklehead" and then poked Mahay in the eyes. Out came Jon Rauch.

Big, surly Jon Rauch. The Jon Rauch whose tattoo changes color depending on his mood. I think it's like a mood tattoo, and today it was green. Whatever green means, it didn't bode well for the Royals. Rauch dusted in and out with a couple of breaking balls, and then attacked the outer half with two consecutive fastballs, the second of which Butler just stood and watched without flinching. Strike three, good sir.

From there things got considerably easier. In the bottom half of the sixth Denard Span walked, and then scored on an Orlando Cabrera double down the left field line. After Kubel singled in the seventh, Carlos Gomez replaced him on the bases and later scored on a Matt Tolbert (TOL-BEAR!!) double into right. In the bottom half of the eighth Span singled, and then scored on a Cabrera double down the left field line. Yes, again. Oh, and one more thing.

"BOOM!" said Cuddyer. With authori-tah.

Astoundingly the Royals actually out-hit the Twins 12-11, with the difference being that A) the Twins walked seven times and B) the Twins out-homered the Royals 5-1. That kind of thing usually makes it very easy to win.

Brian Duensing, Jesse Crain and Francisco Liriano dusted off the final three innings without allowing a run, and at the end of the afternoon the Twins had done the unbelieveable: they'd swept the Royals, and earned themselves a shot at the division title.

While the White Sox couldn't complete the miracle, it hardly seems to matter. Minnesota was written off for dead, not just by most of the baseball world but by many of their own fans. And you know what? I don't blame anyone. I don't harbor any hard feelings toward anyone for looking at the mathematical probabilities on Friday morning and saying "nope". But it was't over then, and it's not over now.

Tuesday afternoon at four the Tigers come to town to defend a crown that should be theirs. There will be no pressure on the Twins in this game--they're "not supposed" to even be there. For the second year in a row the Twins have to play game 163 to decide whether or not they are the AL Central champions, to decide whether or not they earn the right to play post-season baseball. This time the game is being played where it should be played: in the comforts of Dome.

The season plays on for at least one more glorious afternoon of baseball. And we get once last shot under the teflon sky. Are you excited? Because you sure as hell should be.

Stars of the Game
#3: Delmon Young (2-for-5, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, .071 WPA)
#2: Carl Pavano (5.2 IP on three days rest, 8 H, 7 K, 1 BB, 4 R, .096 WPA)
#1: Jason Kubel (3-for-4, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 2 R, .257 WPA)

Actually, Billy Butler Has Been Pretty Bad Defensively

royalsreview — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:30:15 -0000

Billy Butler's offensive breakout, evidenced by a .306/.367/.501 line, has been one of the real bright spots for the Royals this season. Butler's been a patient hitter to go with a .300 average, and he's shown some of the power we've been waiting for. After all, the guy slugged .400 last season.

	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
2009 - Billy Butler	156	595	78	182	51	1	21	93	58	99	1	0	.306	.367	.501

As has been noted by many, Butler's ability to post these kind of numbers in his age 23 season is a hugely positive sign, and makes him a likely bet to be a productive hitter for the next decade. Somewhat amazingly, Billy Butler has emerged as a Royals position player prospect that hasn't been a disappointment.

While most expected Butler to hit, there have been questions about his glove from day one. When the Royals acquired Mike Jacobs last offseason, most assumed that Jacobs, one of the worst fielders, at any position, in baseball, would become the regular first baseman. Butler's defensive reputation was that bad. The Royals should be held partially to blame for this, as it is clear that they've largely mismanaged Butler's defensive development. Rather than hedging their bets, and admitting that he would be a 1B at best, the Royals wasted everyone's time by playing Butler at third and in the outfield for way too long. Then, when he was promoted, time at 1B, in the hundreds of meaningless Royals games he'd participated in, was suprisingly hard to find.

And then, the Royals made Butler the starting 1B for 2009. Whoa.

For months, judging from the thousands of comments here on the game threads, as well as my general sense of the opinion of Royals writers, fans, etc. has been this: hey, Billy Butler has actually been ok at first! Cool!

According to the defensive stats however, he really hasn't been. While no one is arguing that Butler is a net positive at first, we may need to revisit our assumption that he's non-bad. He's probably better than Mike Jacobs, but then again, 99% of all first basemen ever to play the game have been.

Butler's RZR (used by The Hardball Times) is 8th out of 9 qualified AL 1Bs.
Butler's UZR is 9th out of 9 qualified AL 1Bs. If you expand that group to include all players who have played 500 innings at 1st (Butler has played 1224, as a reference) Butler is 14th out of 14. His UZR/150 (rate UZR) is 14th of 14th. If you expand to 300 innings played, Butler gets some relief, as Jason Giambi, Andy Marte and Kevin Millar posted worse UZR/150 numbers.
Butler's comparables at first are not impressive: Carlos Pena, Aubrey Huff, Kevin Millar, Chris Davis, Victor Martinez, etc.

To conclude, Butler was 25.3 runs above average in 2009, but he gave back 5.9 runs with the glove. First base is not a hugely important defensive position and guys like Butler have been hidden at first base for over a hundred years. In some ways, a -5.9 score, well out of the Giambi/Jacobs zone (Jacobs posted an otherworldly -13.6 in 2008) is still better than might have reasonably be expected. Unlike his comps, which are mostly older players, Butler might be expected to improve, and perhaps could some day emerge as a player like Paul Konerko, a player who started out bad but worked his way to average.

So let's be real: Billy Butler is one of the worst defensive 1Bs in the American League. He's been so good with the bat that he's still one of the team's best hitters. Nevertheless, with poor defensive players like Alberto Callaspo and Yuni Betancourt seemingly guaranteed of playing time, the Royals have an anti-foundation in place to again be the worst defensive team in the American League again in 2010.

Not "goodbye," just "see you soon": Yanks' last regular season homestand ends in 4-3 loss

CrazyYankeeChick — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:14:13 -0000

More photos » by Kathy Willens - AP

FORGET THE BALL! SAVE YOURSELF!

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There was no better testament to what's seated at the forefront of Yankee fans' minds then when Nick Swisher very awkwardly misplayed the fly ball that scored the go-ahead run:

A month ago, the bar would have thrown its hands up in aggravation. Typical Swish! Bobbles the cans of corn, nails the web gems! Grumble grumble. Get your head in the game, boy.

Tonight? Me and the bartender shouted in unison: "DON'T GET HURT!"

At the risk of sounding like a Second Play Red Sox fan who's been bitterly arguing for the last 2 weeks that these games are meaningless, I will say that losing the last home game, in a game we could have won against the Royals, with a loss that snapped a hot winning streak...actually didn't get me too riled up tonight.

There was, of course, the requisite sting. But after briefly commiserating with the other Yankee fans populating the bar, the consensus was a resounding: "I love this team. And their biggest games are still ahead of them."

I'll tackle the one negative aspect of the night first. And you probably know what's coming, since it's basically become a boilerplate element in anything I write now, (I think it's even inadvertantly come into play in thank you notes, receipt signing, and a grocery list):

Joba Chamberlain.

I've been panned left, right, and center for outright dismissing him for the better part of the seasons.

The Yankees are about to enter the most important period of the season, and the argument can be made that with the unquestionably best team in baseball, this is the most critical opportunity they've had in since 2001 to make something happen. That said, is there a Yankee fan on the face of the planet who is comfortable with Joba starting in the playoffs?

In his last 10 starts, he's 1-4 with a 7.75 , giving up 56 hits in 40 2/3 innings.

According to Joba, this the result of a combination of factors: poor fastball command (that's a start...) and "the first cooler days of the fall." (Well, sure. I mean the bitter 55 degree arctic climate of Manhattan is gong to dramatically impact any young midwestern transplant who still tightly clings to many childhood memories of balmy Nebraskan winters.) Rule #76, buddy...

While Joba is absolutely a much better pitcher than Sergio Mitre, both inspire the same level of confidence in me. And both have the same chance of either dealing or bombing. It's a fun little game of Russian Roulette with every Joba start. Are we gonna see the guy who seamlessly made quick work of the Sox last week, cruising through 6 innings on 86 pitches? Or are we gonna see tonight's Joba, who lasted 3 2/3 innings, and who needed 91 pitches to walk 4, give up 3 runs on 7 hits, with only a little over half of his first pitches being called for strikes?

Maybe he turns into David Cone come the playoffs. Anything's possible. But what makes this risk more rational than say, batting Brett Gardner in clean up? As far as I can tell, there's about the same chance of our little firecracker slugging in heaps of RBIs...as there is of Joba waking up, giving the old "Shelled or Excelled" wheel of fortune a spin, and getting a positive reading.

Well, my mom always says that everything happens for a reason, and everything works out for the best. So maybe tonight's loss was a good thing? Maybe we needed a loss to spotlight the liability with this pseudo-starter?

(Ah, I"m feeling a little nostalgic...my last regular season Joba rant! We've had some "good" times...)

As for the rest of the game:

It would have been cool to get another comeback win and even cooler to break the record for most wins in a stadium's season (57, currently tied with Fenway). But I'm all for picking our battles, so to speak. I'm ok with a loss because it's like they're saving their best dramatics for the playoffs. Plus there's a verrrrry little part of me that gets a little paranoid about "no-end-in-sight" hot streaks, ever since the Rockies' run in 2007. Momentum isn't foolproof. Just ask Endy Chavez.

Jorge Posada made a throw to second in the 5th to try to catch Mark Teahen. While he was rightly called safe, I couldn't help but marvel at the throw--a bullet zipped from home, without ever moving out of the catcher's squat. A perfect, sharp zinger that was made from his knees. I don't extol Jorge's virtues enough, but you gotta wonder where we'd be without him and his 4-out-of-5 tool threat.

After KC scored in the first off third-string catcher Brayan Pena's RBI single, Derek Jeter responded in the bottom of the inning with a solo blast. For the rest of the game, it was the B. Pena, Teahen, Billy Butler, and John Buck circus act of run-manufacturing. The best the Yanks could do was a 2-run shot from Swish, (I really thought we had the game won after that).

With game tied at 3-3 and when it was later 4-3, I realized that with each Yankee batter stepping up, I thought every single one of them had a good chance to win the game for us. I remember days of the confidence peaks and troughs, but right now? The words "bottom of the order" mean nothing.

I really liked the fact that the YES Players of the Game were the Yankee fans.

I also really liked the fact there's someone named Tug Hulett playing professional baseball, when he sounds like he should be bursting into choreographed musical numbers as the guileless hero in an off-Broadway musical.

When the game ended and I started to leave the bar to head home, a couple of Sox fans did that whole passive-aggressive-shot-at-your-team-while-you're-walking-by move.

"Hey, the Yankees lost, by the way."

Really, Second Place Sox Fans? Are you really going down this route?

Words actually failed me. I think Boston fans are possibly the last people who should open their mouths tonight.

"Just wait til October," one continued. "You're only as good as the last game you played."

(To be clear, the Red Sox lost tonight for the 6th consecutive game. 12-0.)

So...I guess it's safe to say that Sox fans have officially removed reason and sense from the table.

The postseason nears. So let's savor these last 3 games before our own levelheadedness gets taken out of the picture, as well.

-CYC

Fantasy Baseball: 2010 AL Dynasty/Keeper 1B rankings

Ian, yo — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 22:14:53 -0000

More photos » by Duane Burleson - AP

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Now it's time for the top keepers/dynasty first basemen.

1. Miguel Cabrera- In his first full season in the American League, Miggy put up numbers pretty consistent with his past numbers. Cabrera is still very young and can have many many more years with these types of numbers. Currently ranking 4th on the ESPN player rater and top five overall in Yahoo leagues, Cabrera and his high average, 30+ home runs and 100+ RBI's should be a very consistent 1B for you in the future.

2. Mark Teixeira- Pretty much in the same boat as Cabrera, Teixeira is one of the most consistent players in fantasy baseball. He's widely known for being a slow starter and heats up later in the year but if you're playing in H2H leagues, he's what you're looking for. Currently hitting .292 with 37 HR and 118 RBI, and hitting in the Yankee jetstream, Teixiera could easily move to the top of this list.

3. Justin Morneau- Morneau was shut down near the end of the season with a stress fracture in his lower back and managed to put up a season rivaling other power first basemen in the AL. If you're looking for a consistent player to give you power numbers, he can be your guy. Coming off the injury could drop his value a bit in the offseason so if you plan on trading him, make sure you're getting fair value (healthy value.)

4. Kevin Youkilis- Youk missed a little time this season and still put up stats close to the players after him in this list. If Youk can have a full healthy season, we're looking at a season with a little less power than Teixeira and Cabrera, but should put up RBIs, runs and average. If you're in leagues that count OBP or OPS, Youk will be a straight up stud, putting up a .900+ OPS in his last two seasons.

5. Kendry Morales- Morales had a break out year in his first season as the Angel's 1B keeping with the 30/100 theme here. Morales is 2/7 in stolen base attempts and while playing on the Angels, you probably won't see those attempts go away next year. Maybe if you're lucky he grab you a few more steals, but those will just come as a bonus anyways.

6. Carlos Pena- This is the guy on this list that may get me the most criticism. I'm a huge fan of Pena and think he's very underrated by most based on his low average alone. Now, if Pena didn't miss the last month of the season, you could be looking at a 100/40/100 guy. On the surface, his .227 average is pretty horrendous, but if you check into his BABIP, you'll notice he had a season where he was a bit lower than his career number. Not that it would make a whole world of difference, you've gotta keep it in mind. Next year, Pena could fall in the draft because of his average, but if you can get three solid categories from your 1B, take it and be happy. Just try and draft someone who can give you a bit of an average boost in later rounds. Also, if your league counts OBP or OPS, Pena is your man.

7. Victor Martinez- V-Mart is a strong candidate to win the MLB Comeback Player of the Year in 2009. Martinez has put up numbers comparable to his previous seasons (minus his injury ridden 2008 season.) Martinez will have catcher eligibility again in 2010, but would still be a very valuable 1B in AL only leagues. While Martinez has hit only one home run in Fenway Park, he will be playing many games in Yankee Stadium (where he's hit four home runs in 37 ABs.) and in an offense as potent as Boston's, should remain a very good fantasy producer.

8. Michael Cuddyer- With Carlos Gomez and Delmon Young struggling in Minnesota, Cuddyer's put up a career year. While he's only hit 20 or more home runs one in his career (discounting 2009) he did hit 24 in 2006 and has shown the ability to hit for power. If you're looking for a guy who can get you anywhere from 20-30 HR and not kill you on average, Cuddyer is your man.

9. Billy Butler- Butler is finally having that breakout season everyone's been hoping for. Butler is only 23 years old and has put up a 20 home run, 90+ RBI season while hitting .300 on a poor offense. If Butler keeps improving as he's done over the last three years, we could be seeing another Victor Martinez, with less RBI's of course.

10. Paul Konerko- I was debating on whether or not to have Russell Branyan or Konerko as the last man on this list and decided that since Branyan is a free agent and has missed significant time with a back injury, I'd have Konerko round the list out. While Konerko is not nearly as successful as he was in his prime, he's still putting up close to 30 home runs with a decent RBI total and average. Konerko's BB% has dropped compared to the last two years, so if he makes a correction, we could be looking at even better numbers. Just keep in mind that he's 33 years old and will turn 34 before the 2010 season.

Angels Five Starters Superb Despite Disappearing Bats

Rev Halofan — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:00:17 -0000

More photos » by ED ZURGA - AP

3 months ago: Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher John Lackey throws in the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

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Here is how awesome the pitching has been for the Angels...

Monday night’s game was the only time thru the order in the past 15 games that inherited runners left by an Angels starting pitcher scored. What follows is all of the scoring that has occurred with an Angels starting pitcher on the mound in each of their past three starts (15 games, 3 starts each).

John Lackey

D. Barton scored on J. Lackey's throwing error
B. Butler singled to second, W. Bloomquist scored

Joe Saunders

B. Pena singled to shallow center, D. DeJesus scored
M. Olivo homered to deep left
J. Nix homered to deep left

Ervin Santana

M. Sweeney singled to shallow left, F. Gutierrez scored
M. Jacobs singled to shallow right, D. DeJesus scored
A. Callaspo singled to shallow right, M. Maier scored
B. Butler homered to deep left, M. Maier scored
B. Butler singled to shallow right, J. Anderson scored
G. Beckham homered to deep left center
S. Podsednik hit an inside the park homerun to deep right
M. Kotsay safe at first on right fielder B. Abreu's fielding error, G. Beckham scored

Scott Kazmir

B. Hall doubled to deep center, M. Sweeney scored
B. Hall scored on M. Napoli's throwing error
F. Gutierrez homered to deep center
C. Quentin singled to shallow left, G. Beckham and P. Konerko scored

Jered Weaver

A Callaspo tripled to deep right center, M. Jacobs scored
K. Johjima homered to deep left center
J. Lopez homered to deep left
N. Swisher homered to deep right
M. Teixeira tripled to deep center, N. Swisher and J. Damon scored

THE TOTALS FOR THE STARTING STAFF SINCE AUGUST 30:

Runs Allowed on…
ERRORS: 2
SINGLES: 7
DOUBLES: 1
TRIPLES: 2
HOMERS: 9
SOLO HOMERS: 8

Of 19 hits that have batted in a run, only 3 have brought more than 1 run across the plate, a Billy Butler 2-Run HR in KC (by Santana), a Carlos Quentin 2-Run single in Anaheim on Saturday (by Kazmir) and the Mark Teixeira 2-Run triple last night (by Weaver).

The Angels are 10-5 in this stretch and most of that is entirely due to a singles-hitting offense that peaked in mid-August with many betters on quick regressions, especially Mike Napoli, Juan Rivera, Chone Figgins, Bobby Abreu and our hero Kendry Morales.

On the plus side, the last time the bullpen allowed an inherited runner to score before last night was August 25, when Jason Bulger allowed a sac fly to score a runner on 3rd in the 7th inning of a home game against Detroit.

Three Games of Pain: Royals 7, Tigers 4

Ian Casselberry — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:55:29 -0000

by Charlie Riedel - AP

Much like Ryan Raburn here, the Detroit Tigers were a team sliding to nowhere over the past three games in Kansas City.

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Once again, this 2009 Detroit Tigers season has become a roller coaster.

Just as this team starts to look like it's coming together, with all sorts of different ways to beat the opposition, it reminds us that it's far from a perfect team. Just as we start to believe that this team might actually be capable of doing something in the playoffs, beating last year's AL champs with authority, it gets swept by the last place team in its division.

Who are these guys?

Was the three-game sweep last weekend in Tampa - the one with great pitching, timely hitting, and rousing comebacks - a fleeting moment of greatness? Are these 2009 Tigers really just the same team they've been all season? The one that hits into double plays and squanders scoring opportunities? Whose middle relief leaks gasoline all over the pitching mound?

Maybe the Tigers used up all its good road trip juju in Tampa and was due for a correction in Kansas City. And maybe all will seem well again with seven upcoming games at Comerica Park (including a chance to exact some revenge against the Royals next week).

But a series like this - a result like this - shakes the faith. And for many, it wasn't that exactly that deep to begin with.

Whimper:

Zach Miner has kind of been a man without a role all season. Is he better as a starter? A reliever? Is he better in late innings or in middle relief? Maybe we can scratch middle relief from the list. Miner was handed a 4-3 lead in the sixth inning, and pretty much blew it right away.

Alex Gordon hit a leadoff homer, and the next two batters reached base on a walk (How can this team walk Yuniesky Betancourt so often?) and a bunt single. That led to another RBI for Billy Butler, who's rediscovered his inner Tigers Killer after taking a season off.

Purr:

I've been kind of hard on Marcus Thames for his lack of contributions over the past couple of months. But if there's a bright side to this series, maybe it's that Thames found his bat again. Could a 3-for-5 series with two RBIs be a revival?

Comment of the Day:

The Tigers are making me cry...

although, it could just be the allergies

by ahtrap

And just for a laugh (or a wince), check out the recap headline at Royals Review.

Royals to extend GM Dayton Moore

Eli Greenspan — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:09:42 -0000

More photos » by ED ZURGA - AP

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MLB.com is reporting that the Royals are giving General Manager Dayton Moore a four year extension through 2014. The 2009 Royals have been quite a disappointment, with a 50-80 record. They own a .254 batting average, worst in the AL, and are on pace to have the worst record in the AL.

However, credit Moore with bringing in Joakim Soria, who owns a 2.25 ERA in 160 career appearances. Not only that, but Moore wisely held onto Billy Butler, who at 23, is starting put everything together at the plate.

	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
2009 - Billy Butler	128	491	57	145	41	0	15	67	38	81	0	0	.295	.345	.470

Moore also handled the Zack Grienke situation very well. In 2006, Grienke left the Royals complex in Arizona for personal reasons. It was later revealed that he was suffering from a social anxiety disorder. The Royals put him on the 60-day disabled list and gave him time to recover. Now, Grienke is in Cy Young contention, with 13 wins and a 2.32 ERA.

James Quinn over at Royals Review wrote recently about the Royals struggling bullpen. More importantly, he points out several players the Royals have traded away who are now experiencing success. Jeremy Affeldt, who was traded by the Royals to the Rockies, has a 1.81 ERA in 58 games this season with the Giants. Former Royals first round draft pick J.P. Howell is starting to emerge with Rays, posting 2.48 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP in 60 games this season.

It is apparent that Moore hasn't been the most patient with his players, and it will be interesting to see if Moore can build the Royals back into a playoff contending team.

Twins Sweep Royals, Michael Cuddyer Homers Twice In One Inning

Jesse — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 22:07:43 -0000

More photos » by Charlie Riedel - AP

3 months ago: Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Carl Pavano throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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Good news, everyone! Twins 10, Royals 3

Carl Pavano rolled through most of his afternoon, mowing down Kansas City impressively for five innings, throwing up zeros and his hands in the air like he just didn't care. He allowed a few singles until he crested, retiring ten in a row to take him through the end of the fifth.

Mike Jacobs singled in David DeJesus for a run in the sixth, and after the Twins scored eight in the top of the seventh Pavano came out for the seventh as well. Mark Teahen and Mitch Maier both singled to start the frame before Pavano was able to fight back, and he allowed just one more run before finishing the seventh inning (and his afternoon) with 108 pitches.

Pounding the strike zone with mostly fastballs and changeups his first time through the Royals order, Pavano adjusted the second time through, throwing more sinking fastballs and sliders. He was around the plate all afternoon, and he made the Royals earn every single they picked up. Of the eight hits Pavano surrendered, only DeJesus' double to lead off the top of the sixth was for extra bases. No walks and just two strikeouts, he succeeded by inducing contact and keeping his defense active. Outfielders fought the sun, and Brendan Harris flashed some quick reflexes, but for the most part the defense did it's job without flash or error.

This was also the game that should probably show the Royals fans, players and front office that sending Alex Gordon down to triple-A (for service time I'm sure, regardless of the official why) was the wrong move. Teahen was ~~playing~~ manning the hot corner this afternoon, and proceeded to let a small handfull of hits trickle or fly by him. On the opposite corner of the infield, Billy Butler is much the same--a talented athlete who's even less mobile. Josh Anderson in right field didn't have a good afternoon, either.

Bob Keppel pitched a scoreless inning, his third scoreless appearances in ten over the course of August. Jeff Manship pitched the eighth, allowing one run by tightening up after letting his first two hitters get on base.

Offensively the story of the game would be one Michael Cuddyer. Cuddyer homered twice, dropping bomb numbers 21 and 22 in the eight-run seventh. That feat means Cuddyer is the first Twin to homer twice in the same inning. Congratulations, sir! (Hat tip: fischean)

Denard Span picked up a triple and three RBI, with Brendan Harris and Orlando Cabrera each tallying a double to join the extra-base hit parade. Every Minnesota hitter picked up at least one hit, with Cuddyer, Span, Joe Mauer and Carlos Gomez picking up multiple-hit days.

Most importantly, the number one thing for today: while the Twins won, the White Sox lost. ~~If the~~ ~~Tigers~~ ~~can't overcome a 5-1 deficit in the seventh, the'll lose too. With any luck, Minnesota will be just 4.5 games out when the sun comes up tomorrow morning.~~ Division-leading Detroit lost too, after a late pounding from the A's, leaving the Twinks just 4.5 games out.

Three wins in a row = winning streak. Here's hoping we can ride this crest for a few days.

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Stars of the Game
#3: Denard Span (2-for-5, 3B, 3 RBI, R, .103 WPA)
#2: Carl Pavano (7 IP, 8 H, 2 K, 2 R, 0 BB, .206 WPA)
#1: Michael Cuddyer (3-for-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, .222 WPA)

Quote of the Game Thread, from tobynotjason:

Posted this to SBG too:

After Delmon’s PA last inning I poked around Baseball Reference a little. I know his historically consistent 2nd-half improvement is well-known, but check this split out — it’s one I haven’t seen mentioned (and I apologize if it has been):
CAREER vs. Power pitchers (28%or more K+BB rate): .508 OPS.
Vs. Avg Power/Finesse (24-28% K+BB rate): .720.
Vs. Finesse pitchers (less than 24% K+BB rate): .951 OPS.

No, that is NOT typical. But it IS dramatic. Basically, if a pitcher relies on his stuff to strike guys out, he’s going to to own Delmon. If he relies on suppressing walks and/or inducing groundballs (the usual picture of a guy with less than 24% K+BBs, D. Young’s decent to great. If Prof. Gardenhire took note of this and benched him against power pitchers, his overall numbers would look pretty darn good. The problem, of course, is that means Gomez and his .474 OPS vs. Power pitchers (he splits like Young only worse across the board) plays, so it doesn’t get the team very far, I suppose. Still, though, interesting numbers.

Twins Hang On to Beat Royals

Jesse — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:20:07 -0000

More photos » by Charlie Riedel - AP

3 months ago: Minnesota Twins left fielder Delmon Young (21) and center fielder Carlos Gomez (22) celebrate in the outfield after their 8-7 win in a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. The Twins won the game 8-7. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Browse more photos »

Twins 8, Royals 7

No Justin Morneau, no Joe Nathan, no problem? Not exactly. While Brian Duensing pitched about as well as could be expected, his bullpen wasn't able to close the door on an early lead. Bob Keppel and Jesse Crain each were tagged for a pair of runs, although Crain's second wasn't necessarily his fault.

Jose Mijares, on in relief of Crain, had Crain's man on third when he induced a shallow pop-fly to center field. Whether it was the wind, the lights or whether Carlos Gomez just didn't track it, he over-ran the ball and it bounced out of his glove as he stretched back over his head to try and make the catch.

Opposing Gomez's blunder was Alexi Casilla's superior play in the bottom of the third. Billy Butler slapped a grounder, a quick bouncing ball that looked like a sure shot to end up in right field and score at least one if not two runs. At a full sprint Casilla charged to his left and took a sprinting dive into the gap. He came up with the ball and threw onto first for the final out if the inning.

That was the way it was all night between the Royals offense and the Twins pitching. Kansas City out-hit the Twins 14-11 on the night, while also picking up three walks. Luckily the pitching was good enough when it counted, holding the Royals to a 3-for-19 mark with runners in scoring position. Matt Guerrier picked up a five-out save to lock down the win, although the ninth was just as shaky as the rest of the game.

Notes, studs and duds after the jump.

Michael Cuddyer blasted his 20th bomb of the season, while also tallying his 29th double. Cuddles is now batting .272/.340/.503 on the season. After years of offensive mediocrity (at best), the fact that a guy whose OPS of .843 makes him fourth on the team is very impressive.
Jason Kubel also picked up a pair of hits, including a double, and plated a trio of runs on the night.
Even after dropping the can of corn in the seventh inning, Gomez picked the ball off the grass and proceeded to gun down Alberto Callaspo as he tried to take third base. Mis-TAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKKE!!!
Mijares wasn't charged with a run on Saturday night. He was the only Twins pitcher who wasn't.
Since July 10, Gomez is hitting .288/.345/.463. Honestly.

Stars
#3: Jason Kubel: Three runs driven in off a pair of hits--that'll do, Patches. That'll do.
#2: Michael Cuddyer: A big homer, a double, a pair of RBI's and a walk? Giggidy.
#1: Matt Guerrier: Okay he allowed a run, but he gave Joe Nathan a night off after he'd thrown more than 50 pitches on Friday night, and he still shut the door. Job done.

Dude
#1: Jesse Crain: AARRGGHH!!!
#2: Bob Keppel: Ditto.
#3: Delmon Young: 0-for-5, 5 LOB. AARRGGHH!!!