Is this the year for the Royals?

[CRTsports.com]

Originally Posted by toxicavenger74

Stranding 29 runners is not as bad as it sounds in OOTP land. I believe the way OOTP logic works is for example if the first three batters reach base and then the 4th batter gets an out without driving in a run, then 3 runners would be stranded, if the 5th batter gets an out without driving in a run then it would be another 3 runners stranded or 6 in total, then if the 6th batter gets an out without driving in a run that would be 9 runners stranded when in reality it was the same 3 runners stranded 3 times.

Wierd I know.

So I just checked the game log and I stranded 15 men on base. I never noticed in all my years playing this game, this difference in numbers. Overall for the game there were 22 actual men LOB but the box score shows 43 total.

[CRTsports.com]

Royals Explode for 17 in Florida!!

07/21/2012

Its really hard to say what the headline of lasts nights game should have been. On one hand you have Robert Shelor improving to 8-0 this year for the Royals and on the other hand you have the Marlins committing six errors in the game. And we all know when the errors mount up, the runs start coming in bunches.

But more importantly for the Royals faithful, their 26-year-old pitcher, Robert Shelor improved to 8-0 and currently has a 2.62 ERA in 2012. This is the second year in a row the Royals have had a pitcher nearing 10-0 to start the season. In 2011, Joe Blanton started 8-0 before losing his first decision.

Shelor, who is a product of the Royals farm club and who missed the entire 2009 season due to a torn labrum had this to say after the game. "It feels good to win but more importantly, its really great to get run support when you pitch. We all know we can throw great games but if the offense does not come up with the timely hits, we lose games as a pitcher."

So as you can tell, the youngster was a bit cocky after last nights game but when you are winning, you feel invincible. Let's just hope the young man can continue his superb pitching as we near the All-Star break.

Now on the offensive side of the ball, the Royals were led last night by William Quattlebaum and David Adam, the reigning AL Rookie of the Year. Quattlebaum ended the night 3 for 5 with a double, a home run, four RBI's and scored three times.

Adam on the other hand, went 4-5 and also added a double, a home run, three RBI's and scored three times also. Not too bad coming from your fifth and sixth batters in the lineup. And the 17 runs scored in tonights game, was just one run short of a team record 18 runs which they scored against Minnesota in April of this year.

And on a side note, the Marlins six errors were a team record with three coming from 3B Conor Jackson. "Just awful." said Jackson after the game. "If it was not for all of our errors, there is no doubt the game would have been close, but we just had a mental lapse all game."

The win moves the Royals to 46-21 for the year and they currently have a nine game lead in the division over the White Sox and Tigers. And for inter-league play, the win moves the Royals record to 8-3 in 2012 with one more game in Florida tomorrow. They also will face the Rockies at home and Reds on the road but they are in between division games in the next two weeks. Let's go Royals!!

[CRTsports.com]

Royals obliterate Tigers!!
06/25/2012

In what can be described in near football terms, the Royals showed the Detroit Tigers why they are the best in the game. Just a few nights after putting up 17 against the Marlins, the Royals bested themselves by scoring 25 runs in last nights game.

The damage all started in the first inning with two on and William Quattlebaum at the plate. He proceeded to crush a ball to deep center and ended up at third base to plate both runners. A passed ball to David Adam was next which allowed Quattlebaum to score and the Royals never looked back.

"I thought scoring 17 runs was a lot. " Antonio DeLeon said, "but 25 was just amazing. And the best part is this was a whole team effort. If I remember correctly, everybody had at least two hits and scored a run. Now lets just hope we don't have a let down in tomorrows game." After the Royals scored 17 against Florida, they were shut out 3-0 in the following nights game.

Now by looking at the box score you will notice the Royals scored 10 runs in the eighth inning. That was courtesy of the Tigers just running out of pitchers. They had Steve Colyer and Chris Mears out there to finish the game but both were exhausted from pitching in the previous game.

"I felt bad putting them out there but we had no one left. Its embarrassing to get shelled at home but its a totally new level when you practically have to just give up and pray the defense can make an out because you know your pitchers have nothing left. Colyer and Mears allowed ten hits, twelve runs and four walks in two innings of work.

The win moves the Royals to 7-0 for the season against the Tigers and to 49-22 for the year. They have also opened a nice 11.5 game lead over the Tigers and Indians. And the Tigers are 12 games back in fourth place.The Royals have one more game in Detroit before heading to Colorado for a three game inter-league series. Let's go Royals!!

[CRTsports.com]

Fans Vote Six Royals as 2012 All-Stars!!
06/26/2012

As the All-Star break nears in a few days, the only thing left to do was too announce the 2012 NABL All-Stars. The fans have voted and the Royals had six players selected, three starting pitchers and three position players.

With the Royals having a league leading starters ERA at 3.36, its no surprise they had three pitchers selected. Landing in his first All-Star Game is 30-year-old Robert Shelor who is currently 8-0 in 2012.

"Last year I was playing in the Pacific Coast League All-Star Game and I thought that was a blast. I can't wait to experience the MLB All-Star Game next week!" said Shelor.

Also joining Shelor on the pitching side of the roster will be 29-year-old Blake Hawksworth and 31 year-old Joe Blanton. This is the second straight year Hawksworth has made the All-Star team and the fourth year in a row for Blanton, but second in a row in a Royals uniform.

On the offensive side of the ball the Royals managed to land Catcher Gene Marguez, First Baseman Melvin Colmenares and DH William Quattlebaum on the team. All three players were elected as starters!

For Quattlebaum, this is the 29-year-old's second straight All-Star Game representing the Royals. "This one was a real surprise for me. I didn't expect to get voted but the Royal faithful came through in the clutch and got me on the team."

While Quattlebaum was a surprise selection for the team, one who was not, was Gene Marguez. The reigning AL MVP Award Winner at just 23-years-old, was the top vote getter and will be making his second straight All-Star appearance. "I am headed back to the mid-summer classic with my boys and couldn't be happier." said Marguez.

And rounding out the Royals All-Star participants is Melvin Colmenares. The 24-year-old will be making his third straight appearance in the mid summer classic. For Colmenares and Marguez this is almost becoming a routine each July and for both players to be under 25-years-old, is even more amazing!

"I could not be happier for our guys." said GM Chris Torres. "I know they put a lot of work into their craft and its great to see a few of them get recognized. But don't get me wrong, you don't get to where we are without 25 guys giving their best everyday of the week."

2012 Statistics for the Royal All-Stars

And on a side note if anyone is wondering, I let the computer select the All-Stars in the game.

[CRTsports.com]

Royals decimated - Blanton out 3 Months!!
06/27/2012

With already one of their starting five on the DL, the last thing the Royals needed was another starting pitcher to go down with an injury. But the injury bug had other ideas and the Royals now have to deal with Joe Blanton out of commission for the next three months with a partially torn labrum. Blanton is currently 7-2 on the year and sports a 3.17 ERA. Certainly not an easily replaceable player but with him out until the last week of the season, someone will have to do it.

The injury happened in the second inning of last nights game against the Colorado Rockies. "My arm felt good going into the game so who knows what happened. But after I walked (Douglas) Love, I heard a pop in my arm and knew it was not good. I figured I just strained my arm or something but when I couldn't move it, I knew it was serious." said Blanton

With Blanton out for the next three months and Bobby Brownlie out for the year for Tommy John surgery, this leaves the Royals in a world of hurt for their fifth spot in the rotation. The Royals only option is to insert Paul Valtierra into the rotation for now.

This is the 23-year-olds third year in the majors in spot duty and carries with him a 15-11 win loss record and a 4.42 ERA. Now if we look on the bright side, he did pitch five innings of one hit ball after relieving Blanton yesterday. So he certainly has the ability to pitch in the big leagues, its just a matter of making it happen.

Even though the Royals lost Blanton in the game, they did manage to clobber the Rockies 8-1 and the win moved their season total to 51-22. Now thankfully they have a 13.5 game lead over the White Sox and Indians but the all but sure trip to the 2012 playoffs might just be in question after losing Blanton.

"I know my guys can rally." said Antonio DeLeon. "You saw them battle back last night after Joe's injury and I have no doubt they will rally around Paul and give him all the run support he needs to win. And looking at the big picture, we have a sizeable lead in the division and the best record in baseball. So if we lose a few extra games, that wont hurt us. It's just making sure that we don't get down on ourselves in the process. But trust me, we will still be playing our hearts out."

[tylertoo]

I was reading the sports section this morning at breakfast and saw Greinke is hinting he wants out of KC, he says he doesn't expect them to be competitive in 2012. And I thought of this dynasty report and wondered, maybe KC should hire you and Zack will stick around .

[CRTsports.com]

Originally Posted by tylertoo

I was reading the sports section this morning at breakfast and saw Greinke is hinting he wants out of KC, he says he doesn't expect them to be competitive in 2012. And I thought of this dynasty report and wondered, maybe KC should hire you and Zack will stick around .

I gave Greinke every opportunity in this dynasty but after he fractured his elbow in 2009 he was never the same. He ended up retiring at 26 years old after playing a year for the Twins.

[CRTsports.com]

Royals Sweep June Awards!!
07/01/2012

For the first time in franchise history the Royals had both the Pitcher of the Month and Batter of the Month in the American League. With the Royals sitting at 52-23 and after a 21-5 June, it was only fitting they had the top players in the league.

Winning the award for AL Pitcher of the Month was Ian Oquendo. The 30-year-old is certainly having a career year and he showcased his true potential this past month.

In June, Oquendo went 6-0 and struckout 41 in 42.2 innings of work. His ERA was a paltry 1.27 and opposing batters hit .207 against him. For the year Oquendo is 9-3 with a 2.68 ERA. And considering his ERA entering June was 4.15, what a remarkable turnaround he has made in six starts!

"I had a great month but I certainly don't feel like the best pitcher in the American League." said Oquendo. "Stinky(Robert Shelor) who is currently undefeated this year for us, has also been pitching lights out. I really felt like he would win the award but apparently they felt I was more deserving. Either way, I am glad the award was award to a KC Player."

Now on the offensive side of the ball, Melvin Colmenares was the runaway winner for the AL Batter of the Month. Colmenares finished the month of June with a phenomenal .406 batting average in 98 at-bats and had four home runs and 26 RBI's in June. For the year, Melvin is currently hitting .353 with 14 home runs and 56 RBI's.

"I had won a few batter of the week awards but it feels really good to win my first monthly award. Anyone can get hot over six or seven days but being hot over a full month is just awesome." said Melvin.

But considering Colmenares leads the American League in average, OBP, slugging, OPS, weighted OBA, VORP and isolated power, this award shocked no one. He has certainly been the best hitter in the AL all season long.

"If there is one guy that I can count on day in and day out, its Butterball." "He has been a rock solid first baseman, person and more importantly teammate in the past several years. I don't know where we would be without him." said Antonio DeLeon. Let's go Royals!!

[CRTsports.com]

Royals Bats Quieted and Ruins Shelor's Perfection
07/02/2012

Just a day after Joey Ros won the AL Player of the Week Award and sweeping the AL Batter and Pitcher of the Month Awards, the Royals laid a goose egg against the White Sox.

And more importantly, their quiet bats combined with Robert Shelor not pitching the greatest game, the White Sox have managed to gain two games on the Royals and are only behind by 11.5 games at the moment.

"Just a terrible game." a dismayed Antonio DeLeon proclaimed. "How can the best team in baseball be two hit. We got runners on second and third twice with one out and we never sniffed home plate. It was sickening. And with "Stinky" trying to improve to 10-0 for the year, that also hurts."

Robert Shelor entered the game sporting a perfect 9-0 record but pitched one of his worst games of the year. In 6.1 innings pitched he gave up ten hits, two being home runs and allowed four earned runs. "Nasty game. I couldn't locate my pitches all day. I might have been putting too much pressure on myself being a divisional game but I have no idea." said Shelor.

The Royals have one more game in Chicago before heading to Cincinnati to finish up inter-league play in 2012. And although they have lost the last two games to the White Sox, they are still in the drivers seat for the division. Let's go Royals!!

[CRTsports.com]

2012 All-Star Break Summary
07/14/2012

As all of the stars gather in Atlanta for this years All-Star Game, the Royals brass are trying to figure out what is going on with the team. After ending a spectacular June with a 21-5 record, they are currently 6-7 in July. The seven loses represents the second most losses this season in a month with May being a 15-12 month. But even though the Royals are struggling at the moment, they are still sitting at 58-30 and have a 12.5 game lead over the Tigers.

Now while the Royals have been struggling, the Tigers and White Sox have not been capitalizing on their .500 ball. They are essentially the same position they were to start the month. And if we go looking for the catalyst of this downswing, it would have to be the loss of Joe Blanton at the end of July.

"Losing Joe was huge for us. He was the club house leader and not having him out there every fifth day, really hurt us mentally. We always knew he would give us a chance to win." said Antonio DeLeon.

Blanton will more than likely be out the rest of the regular season with a partially torn labrum. At the time of the injury Blanton was 7-2 with a 3.17 ERA in fifteen games this season. While not the greatest of numbers for him this season, just losing him out of the rotation has hurt.

To replace Blanton in the lineup the Royals have called up Paul Valtierra and Todd Pound to fill the rotation spot. Valtierra has made three starts so far and is currently at 1-0 in that time frame. But Valtierra has given up 26 hits in 17 innings pitched so the Royals are not sold on him being the fifth starter.

Pound who was traded from Atlanta in the Santiago Rao trade this past month has been brought up as insurance for the Royals. While not making a start for the team yet, he did pitch five innings in the 14 inning game against the Texas Rangers the other night. Although he took the loss, he did hold his own out there allowing only four hits and one earned run.

Along with Blanton being lost for the rest of the regular season, they were already down a man when Bobby Brownlie went down with a season ending injury that is requiring Tommy John Surgery. Thankfully Robert Shelor who is 10-2 on the season so far, has stepped up nicely for the Royals after his own Tommy John Surgery in 2009.

Now while the pitching side of the Royals have struggled a bit, the offense has not lost one step since last year. As a team they lead the American League in six major categories and their worst statistic is being fifth in stolen bases with 82.

Melvin Colmenares is certainly leading the way for the Royals and is making his case made for American League MVP this year. He currently leads the AL in Slugging, OBP, Isolated Power, Extra Base Hits, Weighted OBA and VORP.

"Its been fantastic watching Melvin hit the ball this season." DeLeon said. "He has made huge strides on and off of the field and his current .349 average and 17 home runs in a product of that. I am looking forward to seeing him and rest of the guys in tonights All-Star Game."

Along with Melvin the biggest surprises for the Royals this year would have to be the play of Kevin McCreight and long-time veteran Larry Bigbie. In his first full season in the majors, McCreight has just raked the ball in the second spot.

For the year he is batting .324 with 11 home runs and 58 RBI's. This all coming from a twenty-year old kid that the Royals almost rushed too early to the big leagues a few years ago. "We thought he would be ready but it was just a bit too much for him to handle then. He plowed through the minors but just like any 18 year-old he struggled against the big boys." said DeLeon.

He spent a majority of the 2011 season in Omaha before being called up in September but batted a miserable .205 in 34 games. "I knew I could play, but I was just not getting it done." said Kevin. "It was sad but I am glad that I spent the little bit of extra time down there because this year would not have happened if I was not sent down a few years ago." For the early part of the season McCreight was leading the AL in batting with a .350+ average.

So while we have a young gun on one side, on the other side we have the seasoned veteran in Larry Bigbie trying to earn a contract extension for next year. The 34-year-old center fielder who is in his fifth year with the Royals has certainly been putting up career like numbers in 2012.

He currently has a .287 batting average, .352 OBP, has lauched five home runs, knocked in 44 runs and has 15 doubles. Not bad coming from your most senior player on the team and an assumed role player before the season started. Now the Royals front office is working on an extension for Bigbie because he certainly has been the most consistent Royal over the past five years.

"I just love it here in KC." Bigbie said. "Ever since I got here, it just feels like home. I was never given a chance to start before I got here but they instilled a ton of confidence in me and it certainly has paid off. I have told my agent, I want to sign an extension with them and to finish my career as a Royal."

And being a Royal certainly has rebooted Bigbie's career. Before coming to KC, Bigbie had never logged 400 AB's in a season but in KC the least he has had was 418 in 2009 after an injury cut his season short. But other than that, he has logged 491,509,519 and 256 so far this season respectively. Along with the increased plate appearances he has hit double digit home runs in every season, something he had never done, and has slugged over .400 in all but his first season. Needless to say, he is a huge fan favorite.

The Royals start the second half of the season in Anaheim for a four game series and then head to Seattle for a quick two game set. They return home on July 23rd to finish the month with three big series against the Tigers, Twins and White Sox. Those stretch of games could certainly break or make the season for the Royals. Below you will find all the mid year stats you could imagine for the Royals and American League in general. Let's go Royals!!

Side Note: I forgot to change my in game All-Star Game from 07/01. Hence the Post AS record even though I just got there in game.

AMERICAN LEAGUE STANDINGS

NATIONAL LEAGUE STANDINGS


KANSAS CITY TEAM STATISTICS


NABL COMBINED OFFENSIVE STATISTICS


AMERICAN LEAGUE OFFENSIVE STATISTICS


NATIONAL LEAGUE OFFENSIVE STATISTICS


NABL COMBINED PITCHING STATISTICS


AMERICAN LEAGUE PITCHING STATISTICS


NATIONAL LEAGUE PITCHING STATISTICS

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