I never thought I'd see the day. In my tenure as a fanatic Kansas City Royals and Chiefs supporter, I've grown used to the bad. The Chiefs have just completed a season in which they won only two games. They booted their longtime general manager, Carl Peterson, as well as head coach Herm Edwards and official doormat Gunther Cunningham, who left for the lowly Lions when it became clear he was being hung out to dry for the second time in his illustrious Chiefs career. The last time they won a playoff game was January 16, 1994, when I was 7. And they've been considered a success story in my lifetime.
The Royals, always one-upping, haven't won a playoff game since Game 7 of the 1985 World Series. In that time they've had four 100 loss season and four 90 loss seasons. They've gone through 13 managers, finished last in their division on 8 different occasions, and played 7 seasons without an owner. There hasn't been much to like about the Royals since 1985.
All of this made Saturday all the more special. The Chiefs became more relevant than they've been in a decade, trading a mere second round pick for New England Patriots standouts Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel. There's not a media outlet in the country that hasn't praised new GM Scott Pioli for effectively fleecing his old team. The Chiefs are millions under the salary cap and still hold the #3 pick in the draft. It's an enviable position; at least as enviable a position as a 2-14 team is ever going to find themselves in.
The Royals made a surprise splash on Saturday as well, signing flame-throwing reliever Juan Cruz to a two year contract, with an option for a third year. While the signing of another reliever isn't usually something to write home about, even at Royals camp, Cruz's signing represents a serious commitment to make a run at a pennant this year. GM Dayton Moore has already admitted offering second basemen Orlando Hudson over 4 million dollars before the Dodgers upped the ante, and this signing shows that he isn't messing around. Already one of the most aggressive teams this offseason, the Royals now look deep enough to stay in the AL Central race throughout the season.
Cruz is best known for his mind boggling strikeout numbers. He is blessed with a high 90's fastball that posesses great movement. He struck out 71 batters in only 51.7 innings last year, a ridiculously high rate that would seem like an abberation if he hadn't done even better the previous season. Cruz is the real deal, and Dayton Moore is quickly establishing himself as a man who can get what he wants, whether it be more cash from his owner or a fair market deal from an agent.
And this is all brand new for Kansas City sports fans born after 1985. Never in my life has there been a time where this cities' franchises were in as good of hands as they're in now. Dayton Moore and Scott Pioli are legitimate cornerstone executives who have the faith of the respective owners. In todays landscape, there isn't anything more powerful than a general manager with strong backing from their owner.
Its an exciting time for my generation of fans. While I've always been unrepentingly loyal, I have never felt so sure about the direction of the Kansas City sports scene. I'm even trying to temper my excitement about Spring Training baseball this year. Greedy as ever, I'm holding out for October.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Royals Season Underway (Technically)
Well its only spring training, but on the other hand, its SPRING TRAINING! Baseball is officially back, as the Royals hosted the Texas Rangers today in Surprise, Arizona. As for the results, they were a mixed bag. Being who I am, I'll start with the positives.
Billy Butler hit a home run in his first at bat, and ripped a single later in the game. He started at first and made a couple plays, a great sign early in camp. Newly acquired Mike Jacobs hit a three-run jack in the third inning, showing off the power that brought him here. Coco Crisp singled to lead off the game, Tony Pena Jr. actually took a walk, and light-hitting outfielder Mitch Maier hit a bomb in the ninth inning. I was more than happy to see them score 7 runs.
Unfortunately, the Rangers scored 12. Starting pitcher Horacio Ramirez, considered a likely candidate for the starting rotation, struck out the first batter he faced before getting shelled for 7 hits and 6 runs in 2/3 of an inning. To his credit, Ramirez was hindered by a heinous Mark Teahen error which rendered 3 of the runs unearned. This, the same Mark Teahen who was making his professional debut as a second basemen. It was the first of two errors on Teahen, who also hit into two double plays. Things did not go so well for Teahen.
Brandon Duckworth gave up back to back home runs, which he promptly redeemed himself for by surrending a mere triple to the next batter, Hank Blalock. The pitching staff gave up 20 hits. And Willie Bloomquist started in right field.
Besides that, I was just happy to have baseball back, however I could get it.
Billy Butler hit a home run in his first at bat, and ripped a single later in the game. He started at first and made a couple plays, a great sign early in camp. Newly acquired Mike Jacobs hit a three-run jack in the third inning, showing off the power that brought him here. Coco Crisp singled to lead off the game, Tony Pena Jr. actually took a walk, and light-hitting outfielder Mitch Maier hit a bomb in the ninth inning. I was more than happy to see them score 7 runs.
Unfortunately, the Rangers scored 12. Starting pitcher Horacio Ramirez, considered a likely candidate for the starting rotation, struck out the first batter he faced before getting shelled for 7 hits and 6 runs in 2/3 of an inning. To his credit, Ramirez was hindered by a heinous Mark Teahen error which rendered 3 of the runs unearned. This, the same Mark Teahen who was making his professional debut as a second basemen. It was the first of two errors on Teahen, who also hit into two double plays. Things did not go so well for Teahen.
Brandon Duckworth gave up back to back home runs, which he promptly redeemed himself for by surrending a mere triple to the next batter, Hank Blalock. The pitching staff gave up 20 hits. And Willie Bloomquist started in right field.
Besides that, I was just happy to have baseball back, however I could get it.
Monday, February 23, 2009
KU-OU Loses Importance Without Griffin
Count me among those who wishes Blake Griffin was playing tonight against Kansas. This was supposed to be a battle of Big 12 giants fighting for the claim of best team in the conference. Oklahoma, a projected #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, should have been the greatest test of the season for the Jayhawks. And they still might be. It will be interesting to see how Willie Warren responds to being the guy, and one could make a convincing argument that playing without Griffin will actually be good for OU.
The same cannot be said for Kansas. They are being robbed of a chance to go up against the premier post player in the country, on the road no less. Cole Aldrich in particular could have benefited greatly in testing his skills against a sure-fire All American in Griffin. The matchup between Griffin and Aldrich would have been a classic case of unstoppable force meets immovable object, the Big 12's best offensive player against its best defensive force.
It also would have been a great learning experience for a team that lost its only two non-conference road games by a combined 30 points, to Arizona and Michigan State. In fact, Kansas has only played 8 road games this season, compared to 16 home games. Their three neutral court games, at the Sprint Center in downtown Kansas City, were de facto home games that their opponents (Syracuse, Washington, UMass) traveled halfway across the country for.
This would have been an excellent chance to match up against elite competition on the road. Now, the dynamics of the game have shifted dramatically. Instead of the pressure being on Oklahoma to protect their home court, it will fall directly on the shoulders of the Jayhawks to beat the Blake-Griffin less Sooners and grab sole claim of first place in the Big 12. Even without Griffin, OU is a dangerous team capable of pulling off victories, especially at home. Coming off a loss to a previously reeling Texas team, they will be eager to show their worth against the best team from the Big 12 North. While Kansas loses the opportunity to play against the best player in the country, they will still need to bring their best to pull out a victory.
The same cannot be said for Kansas. They are being robbed of a chance to go up against the premier post player in the country, on the road no less. Cole Aldrich in particular could have benefited greatly in testing his skills against a sure-fire All American in Griffin. The matchup between Griffin and Aldrich would have been a classic case of unstoppable force meets immovable object, the Big 12's best offensive player against its best defensive force.
It also would have been a great learning experience for a team that lost its only two non-conference road games by a combined 30 points, to Arizona and Michigan State. In fact, Kansas has only played 8 road games this season, compared to 16 home games. Their three neutral court games, at the Sprint Center in downtown Kansas City, were de facto home games that their opponents (Syracuse, Washington, UMass) traveled halfway across the country for.
This would have been an excellent chance to match up against elite competition on the road. Now, the dynamics of the game have shifted dramatically. Instead of the pressure being on Oklahoma to protect their home court, it will fall directly on the shoulders of the Jayhawks to beat the Blake-Griffin less Sooners and grab sole claim of first place in the Big 12. Even without Griffin, OU is a dangerous team capable of pulling off victories, especially at home. Coming off a loss to a previously reeling Texas team, they will be eager to show their worth against the best team from the Big 12 North. While Kansas loses the opportunity to play against the best player in the country, they will still need to bring their best to pull out a victory.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Royals Will Contend in '09
I come back this afternoon to deliver the last of my three Royals predictions for 2009. With this prediction, I pack a blog which gets down to the essence of why this year feels different for the Royals faithful.
Prediction #3: The Royals will win at least 83 games this year, climbing above .500 for the first times since 2003.
Hope is a wonderful thing. And there is no better for a Royals fan time to be hopeful than during the first fleeting weeks of Spring Training. These are the glory days, before injuries inevitably derail the perfect lineup, before the temperature hits triple digits, and before one can ever fully grasp the horrible repercussions of the position battle of the century.
But this year, spring training has a completely different vibe. There is a clearly established core of players that any major league club would gladly take off our hands. Meche, Greinke, Gordon, Aviles, Soria, DeJesus, Crisp, Guillen...even less heralded guys have a legitimate chance to make something of themselves this year. I'm looking at you, Butler, Jacobs, Davies, and Hochevar.
Those eight players (and potentially the latter four) are a better core group than any they've had in a decade. Billy Butler and Luke Hochevar are in real danger of beginning the season in the minor leagues. That is astounding to me. Two years ago, a prospect of Butler's potential would have been forced up to the big leagues out of necessity. Actually, two years ago, Butler was rushed up as a rosy-cheeked twenty one year old. I know hindsight is 20/20, but foresight isn't so blurry either. He simply was not ready mentally.
Luke Hochever is an interesting story as well. A former no. 1 overall pick, Hochevar was supposed to be proof that the Royals were done being doormats and were going to start making draft picks based on talent instead of salary demands. And it all seemed like peaches and cream. Hochevar signed a Major League contract, and began his career as the Royals Next Great Hope. It was all about hope back then.
At the end of 2007's 93 loss campaign, Hochevar made his first appearance in the big leagues. Brian Bannister and Ryan Braun had been shelled through six innings, and the Royals were down 11-2. A noticably juiced A-Rod had already slammed two home runs, and the Royals were just hoping to make it out of the game in one piece. While it was an underwhelming moment to make a big debut, Hochevar made the most of it, going three solid innings and allowing no runs.
So he began the next season in the rotation, and there was a lot of reason for hope. But it quickly faded away as Hochevar regressed, going 6-12 with a 5.51 ERA in an injury shortened season. Now, his rotation spot is in doubt, and he will be fighting for a spot along with Bannister, Horacio Ramirez, and Kyle Davies. And this, perhaps, is the best sign I've seen in the Royals development into a winning organization. Unlike in years past, Hochevar will have to earn his spot on the club, will have to beat out another qualified candidate for the job. And so I give a cheers to the new Royals spring training environment, where even a #1 overall pick has to work hard, perform to expectations, and hope.
Prediction #3: The Royals will win at least 83 games this year, climbing above .500 for the first times since 2003.
Hope is a wonderful thing. And there is no better for a Royals fan time to be hopeful than during the first fleeting weeks of Spring Training. These are the glory days, before injuries inevitably derail the perfect lineup, before the temperature hits triple digits, and before one can ever fully grasp the horrible repercussions of the position battle of the century.
But this year, spring training has a completely different vibe. There is a clearly established core of players that any major league club would gladly take off our hands. Meche, Greinke, Gordon, Aviles, Soria, DeJesus, Crisp, Guillen...even less heralded guys have a legitimate chance to make something of themselves this year. I'm looking at you, Butler, Jacobs, Davies, and Hochevar.
Those eight players (and potentially the latter four) are a better core group than any they've had in a decade. Billy Butler and Luke Hochevar are in real danger of beginning the season in the minor leagues. That is astounding to me. Two years ago, a prospect of Butler's potential would have been forced up to the big leagues out of necessity. Actually, two years ago, Butler was rushed up as a rosy-cheeked twenty one year old. I know hindsight is 20/20, but foresight isn't so blurry either. He simply was not ready mentally.
Luke Hochever is an interesting story as well. A former no. 1 overall pick, Hochevar was supposed to be proof that the Royals were done being doormats and were going to start making draft picks based on talent instead of salary demands. And it all seemed like peaches and cream. Hochevar signed a Major League contract, and began his career as the Royals Next Great Hope. It was all about hope back then.
At the end of 2007's 93 loss campaign, Hochevar made his first appearance in the big leagues. Brian Bannister and Ryan Braun had been shelled through six innings, and the Royals were down 11-2. A noticably juiced A-Rod had already slammed two home runs, and the Royals were just hoping to make it out of the game in one piece. While it was an underwhelming moment to make a big debut, Hochevar made the most of it, going three solid innings and allowing no runs.
So he began the next season in the rotation, and there was a lot of reason for hope. But it quickly faded away as Hochevar regressed, going 6-12 with a 5.51 ERA in an injury shortened season. Now, his rotation spot is in doubt, and he will be fighting for a spot along with Bannister, Horacio Ramirez, and Kyle Davies. And this, perhaps, is the best sign I've seen in the Royals development into a winning organization. Unlike in years past, Hochevar will have to earn his spot on the club, will have to beat out another qualified candidate for the job. And so I give a cheers to the new Royals spring training environment, where even a #1 overall pick has to work hard, perform to expectations, and hope.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Wild Royals Predictions: Phase 2
It's time for phase 2 of my offical 2009 Royals Predictions. Remember, that all predictions come packaged and delivered with a Paul Thompson 100% guarantee. Batteries sold seperately.
Prediction #2: The Royals will have three or more representatives at this years All-Star game.
I've already outlined the cases for Alex Gordon and Billy Butler in the first part of this series, and that was the hard part. Assuming that one of those two makes the cut, albeit a large leap of faith, I only need to two more Royals to make the squad to fulfill my prediction of three on the AL team. Those two will almost assuredly come from the following group:
Joakim Soria: Kansas City's 2008 all-star, Soria is the closest thing to a lock on the team. A bona fide star closer, Soria posted a 1.60 ERA last season with 66 strikeouts in 67 1/3 innings pitched. His 42 saves last year left him second in the American League behind record-setting former Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez. With Rodriguez now in a Mets uniform, Soria could easily step up and become the best closer in the league. Barring a serious injury, Soria will be at the game.
Zack Greinke: The recently inked 38 million dollar man has a lot to prove this season. First and foremost, he needs to prove that last year was no fluke. While widely considered one of the best young arms in the game, Greinke has really only had two productive seasons as a starter, one of which came in his rookie campaign as a 20 year old. Now 25, Greinke is blossoming into the pitcher we all knew he could be. He posted a 3.47 ERA last year and recorded 183 strikeouts. Another year in the same range should give Greinke the street cred he deserves. I see Greinke winning 15-17 games this year behind a much improved offense. Because his numbers are already superb, the few extra victories should be enough to catch the attention of the east and west coast media, even if it is only in speculating when the Royals will trade him to their teams.
Gil Meche: Now here is a guy who deserved to be an all-star in each of the past two seasons. He posted stellar ERA's in both years but was (seriously) hindered by his run support, finishing 97th(3.92 runs a game to back him up) and 79th(4.42) in the league in '07 and '08. It's refreshing to know he was still rewarded in 2007 but it can be argued his better year was 2008. While he had a bit higher ERA, he also struck out more batters and had more victories. I was also very impressed with his ability to bounce back from the worst month of his Royals career and have a stellar season. Meche was 1-4 with a 7.22 ERA last April yet was still able to turn in a great year. At this point it is clear that his signing was a home run, and he deserves to be treated like the staff leader that he is. If Greinke is not recognized this year, then Meche almost certainly will be.
I fell that I've discussed five players now that have legitimate chances at making the squad in this summer's all-star game. I haven't even mentioned newcomers Mike Jacobs and Coco Crisp, or last years breakout star Mike Aviles. A shortstop, Aviles has a real chance to make some noise if he continues to produce as he did last season.
So there are my candidates for all-star glory. Stay tuned for the last part of my Royals predictions, which could very well concern the teams overall record this season. Is there any doubt that I'm optimistic?
Prediction #2: The Royals will have three or more representatives at this years All-Star game.
I've already outlined the cases for Alex Gordon and Billy Butler in the first part of this series, and that was the hard part. Assuming that one of those two makes the cut, albeit a large leap of faith, I only need to two more Royals to make the squad to fulfill my prediction of three on the AL team. Those two will almost assuredly come from the following group:
Joakim Soria: Kansas City's 2008 all-star, Soria is the closest thing to a lock on the team. A bona fide star closer, Soria posted a 1.60 ERA last season with 66 strikeouts in 67 1/3 innings pitched. His 42 saves last year left him second in the American League behind record-setting former Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez. With Rodriguez now in a Mets uniform, Soria could easily step up and become the best closer in the league. Barring a serious injury, Soria will be at the game.
Zack Greinke: The recently inked 38 million dollar man has a lot to prove this season. First and foremost, he needs to prove that last year was no fluke. While widely considered one of the best young arms in the game, Greinke has really only had two productive seasons as a starter, one of which came in his rookie campaign as a 20 year old. Now 25, Greinke is blossoming into the pitcher we all knew he could be. He posted a 3.47 ERA last year and recorded 183 strikeouts. Another year in the same range should give Greinke the street cred he deserves. I see Greinke winning 15-17 games this year behind a much improved offense. Because his numbers are already superb, the few extra victories should be enough to catch the attention of the east and west coast media, even if it is only in speculating when the Royals will trade him to their teams.
Gil Meche: Now here is a guy who deserved to be an all-star in each of the past two seasons. He posted stellar ERA's in both years but was (seriously) hindered by his run support, finishing 97th(3.92 runs a game to back him up) and 79th(4.42) in the league in '07 and '08. It's refreshing to know he was still rewarded in 2007 but it can be argued his better year was 2008. While he had a bit higher ERA, he also struck out more batters and had more victories. I was also very impressed with his ability to bounce back from the worst month of his Royals career and have a stellar season. Meche was 1-4 with a 7.22 ERA last April yet was still able to turn in a great year. At this point it is clear that his signing was a home run, and he deserves to be treated like the staff leader that he is. If Greinke is not recognized this year, then Meche almost certainly will be.
I fell that I've discussed five players now that have legitimate chances at making the squad in this summer's all-star game. I haven't even mentioned newcomers Mike Jacobs and Coco Crisp, or last years breakout star Mike Aviles. A shortstop, Aviles has a real chance to make some noise if he continues to produce as he did last season.
So there are my candidates for all-star glory. Stay tuned for the last part of my Royals predictions, which could very well concern the teams overall record this season. Is there any doubt that I'm optimistic?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Wild Royals Predictions I'll be Sure to Regret
Groundhogs predict weather, the value of college football's finest players plummet and skyrocket without playing a down, and I make my annual Spring Training Royals Predictions. Ah, I love this time of year.
Every mid-Februrary, Spring Training rolls around and the part of my brain in charge of memory short circuits. Nothing the Kansas City Royals have done in the previous 365 days has any power to temper my excitement for the upcoming season. Their lousy play is ultimately replaced with the hope of another opportunity to make things right. I'm THAT guy. Alas, this unwavering optimism even led me to believe in the unforgettable "long names, veterans, and defense" era, featuring Mark Grudzielanek, Doug Mientkiewicz, and Tony Graffanino, respectively. To be fair, that team almost avoided losing 100 games. Please, I urge you to check that link. That team was so bad(Our All-Star that year, Mark Redman, posted a 5.71 ERA), I think you can make an argument for Buddy Bell as Manager of the Year.
Let that be a warning to everyone (me) about setting the bar a couple of notches high. But I also have to say, for traditions sake, that this year feels different.
So here is the first(of three) Offical 2009 Royals Predictions, to be released throughout this week. Naturally, these predictions come packaged with a Paul Thompson 100% guarantee:
Prediction #1: Alex Gordon or Billy Butler will be an All-Star.
This was too tough a decision for me to call, because I think both of these guys are capable of becoming All-Stars this year. But being so early in the year, and especially with Butler entrenched in the five-man DH/1B Battle Royale, I thought I would take the (relatively) safe pick and just predict that one of the two will make it.
Both players are coming off underrated second halves to last season after stumbling under enormous expectations. With Gordon, the path to star caliber is slightly clearer. He posted an on base percentage of .392 in the second half of last year, and slammed 13 doubles in only 41 games. Averaged out over a full 162 game slate, that would mean 52 doubles for Gordon. While that may be tough to reach, 40 two-baggers is definitely within his grasp. Keep in mind also that although Gordon is entering his third season in the majors, it is only his fourth professional season. That means he only played one year of minor league ball, virtually nothing in today's game. Gordon is also helped by the lack of other options at third base. Miguel Cabrera's switch to first base last season left a wide gap between de facto #1 and #2 AL third basemen, Alex Rodriguez and Evan Longoria. Gordon could be that third guy with a faster start in 2009.
Butler's case is a bit different. As mentioned above, he is not even guaranteed to start the season on the big league club. He still has options, which in a crowded position battle is a detriment. Especially when the people he's up against would have to be released outright if they don't make the cut. But the other guys he's up against aren't hitting prodigies like Billy Butler.
Butler has done nothing but demolish minor league pitching. He bats .336 with a .416 on base percentage in the minors, and has hit 73 home runs and 333 RBI's in his 395 games on the farm. But really, that in itself has been the problem with Butler. He can't stop getting demoted. Whether its attitude or performance, Butler has not been able to stay productive and in the Royals lineup. This winter, he has slimmed down considerably, and looks ready to devote himself fully to becoming the baseball player he's supposed to be. Look for him to mirror his second half (.305 BA, 9 HR's, 36 RBI's in 57 games) as opposed to his first (.249 BA 2 HR's, 19 RBI's in 67 games). He will not start off slow this year as he did in 2008. I guarantee it.
Every mid-Februrary, Spring Training rolls around and the part of my brain in charge of memory short circuits. Nothing the Kansas City Royals have done in the previous 365 days has any power to temper my excitement for the upcoming season. Their lousy play is ultimately replaced with the hope of another opportunity to make things right. I'm THAT guy. Alas, this unwavering optimism even led me to believe in the unforgettable "long names, veterans, and defense" era, featuring Mark Grudzielanek, Doug Mientkiewicz, and Tony Graffanino, respectively. To be fair, that team almost avoided losing 100 games. Please, I urge you to check that link. That team was so bad(Our All-Star that year, Mark Redman, posted a 5.71 ERA), I think you can make an argument for Buddy Bell as Manager of the Year.
Let that be a warning to everyone (me) about setting the bar a couple of notches high. But I also have to say, for traditions sake, that this year feels different.
So here is the first(of three) Offical 2009 Royals Predictions, to be released throughout this week. Naturally, these predictions come packaged with a Paul Thompson 100% guarantee:
Prediction #1: Alex Gordon or Billy Butler will be an All-Star.
This was too tough a decision for me to call, because I think both of these guys are capable of becoming All-Stars this year. But being so early in the year, and especially with Butler entrenched in the five-man DH/1B Battle Royale, I thought I would take the (relatively) safe pick and just predict that one of the two will make it.
Both players are coming off underrated second halves to last season after stumbling under enormous expectations. With Gordon, the path to star caliber is slightly clearer. He posted an on base percentage of .392 in the second half of last year, and slammed 13 doubles in only 41 games. Averaged out over a full 162 game slate, that would mean 52 doubles for Gordon. While that may be tough to reach, 40 two-baggers is definitely within his grasp. Keep in mind also that although Gordon is entering his third season in the majors, it is only his fourth professional season. That means he only played one year of minor league ball, virtually nothing in today's game. Gordon is also helped by the lack of other options at third base. Miguel Cabrera's switch to first base last season left a wide gap between de facto #1 and #2 AL third basemen, Alex Rodriguez and Evan Longoria. Gordon could be that third guy with a faster start in 2009.
Butler's case is a bit different. As mentioned above, he is not even guaranteed to start the season on the big league club. He still has options, which in a crowded position battle is a detriment. Especially when the people he's up against would have to be released outright if they don't make the cut. But the other guys he's up against aren't hitting prodigies like Billy Butler.
Butler has done nothing but demolish minor league pitching. He bats .336 with a .416 on base percentage in the minors, and has hit 73 home runs and 333 RBI's in his 395 games on the farm. But really, that in itself has been the problem with Butler. He can't stop getting demoted. Whether its attitude or performance, Butler has not been able to stay productive and in the Royals lineup. This winter, he has slimmed down considerably, and looks ready to devote himself fully to becoming the baseball player he's supposed to be. Look for him to mirror his second half (.305 BA, 9 HR's, 36 RBI's in 57 games) as opposed to his first (.249 BA 2 HR's, 19 RBI's in 67 games). He will not start off slow this year as he did in 2008. I guarantee it.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
KU-K-State: I Thought This Was a Down Year
Well, its that time again. The time of the year when Kansas University inevitably blows into Kansas State's Bramlage Coliseum and ruthlessly crushes them in front of all their friends, family, and fans. Or at least that was the story for the nearly three decades prior to the arrivals of "Batman" Beasley and "Robin" Walker last year. But that was supposed to be a shot in the dark, a one-hit wonder whose rightful place was in the dregs of society, or in this case the bottom of the Big 12 Conference.
And everything started out about right. The Wildcats fell back to earth, struggling through an uninspiring non-conference slate even before their four game losing streak to open up conference play. And it wasn't just any losing streak, mind you. I'm talking four straight losses by an average of 16 points per game, a streak that included a 22 point loss at Nebraska and an 18 point drubbing at home against Baylor. They had not just come back down to earth, they'd gone straight on through to the molten hot core.
But somewhere in the there, the young Wildcats forgot that they were supposed to roll over and die, forgot that they belonged at the bottom of the Big 12. They've reeled off six straight victories coming into today's game, capped off by a demolition of Texas Tech this past Wednesday. Kansas State is now 17-7 overall, 6-4 in conference and a legitimate contender to make the NCAA Tournament field. But don't take my word for it. ESPN uber-expert Joe Lunardi has K-State pegged as an 11 seed in his latest bracket projection.
All of this fascinates me. It fascinates me because I think this team, which as recently as January 23rd was dead last in the conference (tied with lowly Colorado), can actually beat Kansas today and protect their home floor for the second consecutive year. While the feat doesn't seem that impressive at first glance, it signifies a major leap for a program that opened Bramlage Coliseum with a depressing 24 consecutive losses to their in-state "rivals".
Don't get me wrong. A lot needs to go right today for Kansas State to pull this game out. Sherron Collins likely needs to have another off-shooting day. The Morris twins need to keep on the invisibility cloak they shared for last weeks game against Missouri. But most importantly, the Cats need to utilize their home-court advantage with an early run. If they can put together 10 consecutive points at any time in the first half, they will take this game. I never thought I would say this, but I don't think the young Jayhawks can overcome an early deficit in the bedlam of Bramlage Coliseum. Now try saying that without feeling crazy.
And everything started out about right. The Wildcats fell back to earth, struggling through an uninspiring non-conference slate even before their four game losing streak to open up conference play. And it wasn't just any losing streak, mind you. I'm talking four straight losses by an average of 16 points per game, a streak that included a 22 point loss at Nebraska and an 18 point drubbing at home against Baylor. They had not just come back down to earth, they'd gone straight on through to the molten hot core.
But somewhere in the there, the young Wildcats forgot that they were supposed to roll over and die, forgot that they belonged at the bottom of the Big 12. They've reeled off six straight victories coming into today's game, capped off by a demolition of Texas Tech this past Wednesday. Kansas State is now 17-7 overall, 6-4 in conference and a legitimate contender to make the NCAA Tournament field. But don't take my word for it. ESPN uber-expert Joe Lunardi has K-State pegged as an 11 seed in his latest bracket projection.
All of this fascinates me. It fascinates me because I think this team, which as recently as January 23rd was dead last in the conference (tied with lowly Colorado), can actually beat Kansas today and protect their home floor for the second consecutive year. While the feat doesn't seem that impressive at first glance, it signifies a major leap for a program that opened Bramlage Coliseum with a depressing 24 consecutive losses to their in-state "rivals".
Don't get me wrong. A lot needs to go right today for Kansas State to pull this game out. Sherron Collins likely needs to have another off-shooting day. The Morris twins need to keep on the invisibility cloak they shared for last weeks game against Missouri. But most importantly, the Cats need to utilize their home-court advantage with an early run. If they can put together 10 consecutive points at any time in the first half, they will take this game. I never thought I would say this, but I don't think the young Jayhawks can overcome an early deficit in the bedlam of Bramlage Coliseum. Now try saying that without feeling crazy.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Give Glass Credit for Greinke Deal
It looks like Dayton Moore and Dan Glass decided their offseason was not quite done yet. Recently, The Royals announced that budding star Zack Greinke has been signed to a four year contract extension, for a reported 38 million dollars. In signing Greinke, the Royals have bought out two of his free agency years, a feat few expected as Greinke trade rumors swirled throughout the offseason.
It is almost impossible to explain how important this signing is for the Royals organization. Only months from the signing of stud closer Joakim Soria to a three year (with three option years) contract extension, the Greinke deal represents a new era of management for the organization. There was a time when extensions for hot Royals prospects were as likely as a meteor shower raining down on the K.
Consider the cases of Kevin Appier, Carlos Beltran, Jermaine Dye, Johnny Damon, and Raul Ibanez. All were players whose great productivity all but ensured a one-way ticket out of town. During much of that time, there was no owner to give final say-so on a large, guaranteed contract. Thus large, guaranteed contracts were non-existent, their void filled with large, depressing, hope crushing trades.
In 2000, David Glass bought the Royals for $96 million. In sports ownership terms, this was a purchase from the 75% off rack at
His only major signing during this period was of Mike Sweeney, the slugging first baseman with a golden reputation around town. This virtually signaled the end for emerging super-duper star Carlos Beltran, who was eventually traded in midseason 2004 for a bag of potatoes and some eye black. Of course, Sweeney was almost immediately incapacitated by a nagging, well, everything. During the course of his 5 year, 55 million dollar contract, he never played more than 122 games, bottoming out with a combined 134 games between 2006-2007.
Rookie of the Year Angel Berroa flamed out tremendously. The can’t miss shortstop acquired in the Dye trade, Neifi Perez, proved to be among the least-liked Royals during his tumultuous time here. All-Everything prospect Alex Gordon developed more slowly than expected, and hitting machine Billy Butler stalled when faced with major league pitching. And, well, this seemed about right for the Royals.
But then something happened. Amid a disappointing 2008 season, the Royals announced that they had signed phenom Joakim Soria to an extension, a deal that would keep him in a Royals uniform for the foreseeable future. While having Soria signed was wonderful, it was the philosophical shift in management’s thinking which really got me excited.
It got me excited because for the first time in years it allowed me to think about a time and place where the Greinke signing was possible, where I could grow attached to my favorite players and envision them in Royals gear for years to come. And today, it has happened. Zack Greinke has forfeited a chance at mega-millions in free agency to stay with the Kansas City Royals. Fans should rejoice, should thank Zack Greinke for staying loyal, should thank GM Dayton Moore for convincing our best prospect in years that the Royals can contend. But most of all, fans should thank owner David Glass for doing what it takes to build a winner. He, more than anyone, deserves credit for making us believe again. Congratulations, Mr. Glass.
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