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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Apr 1, 2008
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I went to tonight's game and watched the Royals pull a come from behind victory out of thin air. It was awesome. However, there are some striking concerns with this team as they progress towards the future.
With the exception of DeJesus and Guillen, none of the other Royal hitters appear to be looking for a specific pitch to hit early in the count. Even Grudzielanek who went 4-5, was behind 0-2 often.
I wish the Royals would refrain from swinging at so many first pitches. The more pitches you look at the more counter-productive you become as a team. First you get to see the pitcher more, second you wear the pitcher down more.
The Royals pitching was horrible at times and unbelievable at times. Davies gave up one hit in the first 3 innings and was making some talented Orioles look absolutely silly. Then in the 4th all the sudden he couldn't get anyone out. No idea. He appeared to get nervous, and lose his confidence after a few guys got on base.
Ron Mahay was lights out. He came in after the Royals came from behind and threw 2 innings of no-hit relief. Peralta did a good job as well. Royals have some serious pieces in place if management is ready to start spending some money to hang onto these guys.
Gordon and Butler knock the cover off the ball. Gordon hit a ball tonight that must have reached the right field seats (slightly foul) in about 2.5 seconds. Also, he knocked a ball onto Eutaw street on Tuesday. That's only been done 5 times this year (twice by Giambi). Butler is really, really young. I'd never seen him in person. Kid looks like he's about 16. It helps that he's about 6'2" 250.
A few more pieces added to this team, and the Royals could be serious playoff contenders. One more starting pitcher, one more arm, Teahan and Gload did not appear solid to me. Maybe they had off nights, but at this point, I think they are the weaker links.
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Reputation:93
Level:All-Star
Since:Nov 14, 2006
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Teahan had somewhat of an off series. He really is a pretty solid player and has had some big games throughout the season. Gload i Don't know about some games he seems really good others just medioccur. Obviosly he aint to bad he mad the big leagues but maybe it kind of a consitency problem.
The no-picky batting has been somewhat of crappy spot for the team this season but it also seems to have a difference on the situation. When down in the game for more than an inning, they seem to almost get desperate and take some hacks they shouldn't.
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Reputation:89
Level:All-Star
Since:Mar 20, 2007
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Gload needs to go he is a corner infielder with no power. In the AL you need a 1B that droves in 100 runs and gets extra base hits. They need to upgrade 1b.
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Reputation:90
Level:All-Star
Since:Aug 17, 2006
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No way Mark Teahan is one of the weaker links on this team (of weak links). Unfortunately, like most of his teammates, his hitting is streakier than would be liked, but when he is on, he can stroke the ball. Not to mention he is fourth on the team in both RBIs and runs scored as well as tied for third in HRs, so even for the few runs KC scores, he is responsible for a big chunk of them. He is also one of our best defensive assets. He is able to play any outfield position and with those long legs of his he eats up a lot of ground. He can also play either corner on the infield. Keep in mind, if it weren't for Alex Gordon, he would probably be KCs starting 3B which is what he was before Gordon came on the scene.
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Reputation:7
Level:Amateur
Since:Jul 4, 2008
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To call Teahan a weaker link is ludacris. The man has started at 3 different positions over the last 3-4 opening days, and can play LF RF 1B 3B. Last year he was high up on the outfield assist leaderboard, and is a leader in the locker room. In the offseason he was one of the Royals that teams were actually shopping for (or so say sports writers in the KC area).
Gload, understandably, could be called a weak link, but he's rode his fair share of pine this year to Butler and Teahan, and had to beat out Ryan Shealy in spring training. He's battled and never spoke out/acted out. He doesn't have the power of a MLB 1B but he has the glove and is riding a nice hitting streak as of now, however yes, to suggest he's more than a few years patch, I agree he isn't a "piece" to the bigger puzzle.
But, is TPJ? TPJ is beautiful with the glove but you cannot have a MLB SS batting .160 or whatever he's batting. SS is very unsettled (note that they continue to draft infield), seeing as if Mike Aviles sticks around it will be more than likely at 2B when Grudz stops producing/retires, and we have no clue as to what kind of sustenance Mike Aviles can sustain.
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Reputation:79
Level:Pro
Since:May 14, 2008
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Are you all relaed to Teahen? Lets be serious,He IS a weak link!
Hes plyed in almost (82) every game this year, and hes only batting .252. That would be okay if hewere driving in runs, which he isnt (30). And with only nine homeruns, that makes him trade bait.
Someone earlier said we were one pitcher away from contending. I say we wrap up Gload, Teahen, andTPJ for a pitcher, and maybe a middle infeilder. After all , Grudz isnt getting any younger.
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 23, 2007
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