Just Figures...

[Killah Sith]

And their hitting is even worse. Actually their pitching has improved since the beginning of the season even though it's still inconsistant. Earlton has pitched well for the most part and Hernandez has two solid outings since his return. Even Affeldt has been decent the last few outings. There hasn't been any run support though. Mays has been horrible and Redmond has struggled because of the knee. This team has no true ace, nobody who'll take the ball and will a win on the mound. That is a big problem. The one guy who everyone thinks can be that guy is Greinke, and as we all know he hasn't pitched yet and has his own problems to overcome.

[Porter]

What are they going to do with Affeldt? Are they going to make him a SP or a Closer?

[Killah Sith]

He's a starter now. The only reason he ever went to the pen was because of the blister he got just about every time he pitched. They figured the shorter outings would help, and it apparently did. He was actually the closer to start the season last year but got hurt and MacDougal came back, pitched very well and took the job back. Affeldt's problem ahs been staying off the DL and not showing consistency, which of course has been hampered by his DL visits. For the first time in his career he's put together a string of strong starts which has me excited, though I'm keeping it tempered at this point. Afterall, this is the Royals we're talking about. He pitched well again last night, though he only went five innings and walked 6. But no runs is huge and the bullpen picked it up and finished the game.

[Porter]

You think he might evetually be a top of a rotation starter? Or inconsistency do him in like it did Joel Pineiro for the M's?

[Killah Sith]

I think he could be, but the question is will he ever be? No doubt he has the talent and maybe he's going to be a late bloomer, but to me a true top guy would have it by now. But between his injuries, the incompetence of the Royals, and having a new pitching coach every year, his progress has been hampered plenty.

[Porter]

Do you have anyone up in the minors that might impress at all?

[Providence A's]

I'm pretty sure if anyone was ready, they'd be on the Royals already.

[Porter]

Probably right but I wanted Killah's take on the situation.

[HuskerFan2002]

Do you have anyone up in the minors that might impress at all?

I know you're not directing the question to me and I have no idea where Killah is, but I'll answer it for you.

One name comes to mind is Alex Gordon. I heard some rumblings that he might be promoted to the majors any day now.

[Killah Sith]

I haven't heard that about Gordon, but I'm sure we'll see him this year. We have Alex Gordon, Billy Butler, and Justin Huber who are all expected to be big time hitters and have been so far in their careers. These are the three guys I'm excited about. These were the three guys who were going to be the final pieces, but with Teahan and Buck struggling and the young pitching falling apart it now looks like they will be the starting point.


As for pitchers, there is still hope in Zach Grienke. In the minor we have JP Howell who is a number 3 at best, most likely a 4 or 5. He is a big time competitor and showed some promise in the majors last year. So he isn't anyone who is going to come up and lead the staff. They have a kid down in A ball who has been lights out, but I'd say he's a couple years away.

I don't know much about the minors, I just pick up bits and pieces here and there.

[Porter]

You think there is any line of hope for the future right now?

[Killah Sith]

Yes, but I'm mainly an optimist. It's embarrassing how far this organization has fallen. But with the three young hitters and I still have high hopes for Greinke, we have something to build around. Plus we do have the top pick this year and most likely a top 2 pick next year in the draft.


If Gordon, Butler, and Huber are as good as they can be we will have a good core right there. DeJesus is a good player, he's just been hurt. I like what Shane Costa has shown us this year as well and I haven't given up on John Buck at all. Teahan has me worried though. But even if Teahan proves to be a bust we can keep Gordon at third and still have a solid outfield.


That just leaves holes at second and shortstop, of course that is assuming all the others pan out. But my biggest concern is pitching and we all know that is what you need to win. I like our bullpen and we have plenty of young arms there. But if Greinke, Runelvys Hernandez, and Affeldt all fail us....the Royals are in trouble. Denny Bautista is a wild card, he's got amazing stuff but too is always hurt. Some think if he can add some weight to his frame he'd be fine and others believe he'll end up in the pen which would only help that part of the team.


The owner, David Glass, is promising big changes. I could care less if he fires Alard Baird at this point. He needs to fix the philosophy of the organization and that starts with him. If the rumor that he cut back on scouting is true, that's the best place to start.

[Porter]

This just figures that the Royals finally get good pitching and Gil Meche wakes up and pitches to his potential.

[Porter]

Can this team at least beat the Rangers just once?