2008 Royals - July

[RoyalShock]

KC enters July on a positive trend, having virtually erased the 12-game losing streak in May by winning 11 of 12 the latter half of June.

We're actually not in last in the Central. That honor goes to Cleveland, who is a game back of KC.

[Shocker85]

I have to say, the Royals have re-energized my interest a little this season.

In the late-'70s and throughout the '80s I was a huge Royals fan, in fact my wife and I had our first date at a Royals game in '78. 1980 was the most fun baseball season I ever experienced with Brett's pursuit of .400 and we were able to attend 1 game of the '85 World Series.

The collapse in the 90's and my general apathy for watching pro baseball found me caring less and less about the Royals - after all - who follows a loser? I got really tired of the Royals being a farm club for the rest of the majors and dealing away all the promising young players.

This year, though, I check FSN almost every evening to see if the Royals are on and usually watch a few innings. The pitching isn't horrible and the kids are fun to watch. If they keep it up, July and August should be fun. It is certainly ironic how well they've done against the NL, considering they had the chance to move to the NL instead of Milwaukee.

I sure hope the organization stands their ground and keeps most of these youngsters around. The pitching staff is pretty decent and if they stay together and healthy, who knows ...

--'85.

[Awesome Sauce Malone]

3 more months to go.
The Royals are 38-45

The record is a bit disappointing there was NO reason for the 12 game losing streak. The 7 game earlier is hurtful but having 2 long streaks such as these arent good.

This team has the talent to do some damage. Pitching has been good. The bullpen not so much at times but Soria is easily one of the best closers in the league. Greinke has shown what everybody thought he was. The scary thing is I feel like he's just getting started, and that he hasnt shown anything yet.

Offense has been really good over the last few weeks. DeJesus has my pick for Team MVP so far. No offense to Jose Guillen.
Speaking of Jose, The dude has been great. currently hitting at a .281 with 13 Hr 61 Rbi's .306 OPS and .488 slugging.
I will take that anyday of the week. Now the Royals need at least one more guy that can put up those same numbers. Ill take more but lets take baby steps here.

[newshock1234]

to add to that, Middle Relievers such as Ram Ram and Mahay have been very solid

[RoyalShock]

Once Nunez returns the Royals will be hard-pressed to lose any lead they take into the 7th inning.

And Hillman needs to learn that Gobble is nothing more than a situational lefty. Bring him in to get one left-handed hitter, then send him to the dugout.

[newshock1234]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/07/rockies-to-deci.html

i dont know how credible this site is. But it says we one one of the teams that is interested in trading for Matt Holiday

[SubGod22]

Interesting, but it would depend on how much we'd have to give up.

[Awesome Sauce Malone]

gathright definently throw in gobble.

im not sure after that.

[RoyalShock]

I read somewhere that he's set to make $13 million next year. He's not as good away from Coors. If he made under $10 million, I'd say he'd be worth a prospect.

[vbird53]

It is certainly ironic how well they've done against the NL, considering they had the chance to move to the NL instead of Milwaukee.

--'85.

Yup.

[vbird53]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/07/rockies-to-deci.html

i dont know how credible this site is. But it says we one one of the teams that is interested in trading for Matt Holiday

Gimme Holiday in a second. Cut a deal for Dejesus and Grud.

We need that bat.

[RoyalShock]

Holliday's OPS+ (park-adjusted OPS) in each of the past three seasons is better than anyone who got regular playing time for KC in those same years.

He currently as an OPS+ of 143.

KC notables this season:

Aviles - 131 (I expect this to go steadily down)
DeJesus - 127
Guillen - 107
Teahen (who MH would/should replace, IMO) - 96

If I understand OPS+ correctly, league-average is 100.

His away split (removing the Coors field factor) for OPS is higher than any of the current Royals.

[Awesome Sauce Malone]

The only way i give up DeJesus is for sure fire prospects.

[vbird53]

The only way i give up DeJesus is for sure fire prospects.

Are there such things?

[RoyalShock]

KC can't afford to give up a guy like DDJ (and his resonable contract) for an outfielder set to make $13 million.

I would be willing to part with Teahen or Bannister, plus a guy like Meier/Lubanski or Pimental/Johnson. Maybe, maybe Cortes.

Until we find out the deal with Callaspo, Grudz isn't as expendable as he once was.