The Royals left spring training hoping they would be battling the Tigers for supremacy in the American League Central.
A quarter of the way through the season, the Royals are fighting the Tigers, but for last place, not first. The teams open a three-game series Tuesday at Kauffman Stadium as the Royals complete a 10-game home stand.
Despite their off-season acquisitions, the Tigers are a disappointing 16-22 and in fifth place, a half-game behind the Royals, who are 16-21.
The Tigers opened the season at home and were swept in a three-game series by the Royals. The Tigers scored just five runs in the three losses and only one in the final two games.
Royals pitchers limited Detroit to a .206 batting average (only 21 hits in 29 innings) and logged a 1.55 earned-run average in the sweep. The Tigers struck out 24 times and walked nine times in the series.
The Royals hit .257 with eight extra-base hits, including three home runs, and scored 13 runs in the series.
Mark Grudzielanek and Jose Guillen love to face Tigers right-hander Nate Robertson, who starts Tuesday. Grudzielanek is 5-for-6 with a walk off Robertson. Guillen is 6-for-13 with two home runs and seven RBIs.
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I must say that I've been pretty impressed by Billy Butler since he has returned from AAA. He just went yard to keep us in the game tonight...GO Royals!!
I know I've posted it before but David DeJesus looks like a natural left fielder.. last night he made another brilliant layout catch that Jose Guillen could only dream of making. I know Jose Guillen has a cannon for an arm but you don't need to throw any o
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So so so close but yet just cant make that move...seems like they get to 8 or 9 games under .500 and cant make that turning point to get to .500 maybe they need another bat to get to that point if they can get to that point I think they will be ok and start playin better...sorry just a vent..I want them to play .500 ball so bad this year i can taste it but dont think its gonna happen this year.