I thought that I would try and point out some good things in an otherwise dismal season. I read in the comments section of a blog yesterday, if memory serves me it was posted by someone who goes by monster. Anyway monster pointed out that everything he reads of late is negative and just points out what this team is doing wrong or stressing players weak points. When thinking about what he wrote I have to agree, of course when you have lost as long as this franchise has you have to expect a lot of negative reactions and thoughts.
Rany on the Royals is a well known blog that has been traditionally positive despite the Royals ongoing futility. I think much of the appeal of Rany was because he stayed positive and hopeful for all of these years. Recently Rany got a weekly one hour gig on WHB radio and I think he was thought of more as a member of the local media. Rany seemed to be getting on the Royals a little harder than in the past but certainly nothing out of line in my view. I have read his thoughts for some time and have found myself agreeing if not enlightened by much of what he says. Of course the Royals got mad at something he wrote on his blog and briefly "banned" him or wouldn't let Royals players or personnel on his radio show. I think Rany kind of got his feelings hurt then overreacted to all of this and has indeed been really negative of late.
I enjoy reading Joe Posnanski probably more than anyone at this point in time. He is a talented and gifted man and we are so lucky to have him be a part of KC. Joe for many years at the beginning of every season would write a column devoted to why the Royals would win this year. He would create a scenario in which certain players would surprise and come up big or finally enjoy a breakout season and by the end of the article you thought to yourself defying all logic that the Royals could do it this year. Even Joe seems exasperated by Royals management in much of what he writes lately.
Now lets look at what is good so far this season. Lets start with pitching positives. Zack Greinke has been everything that you could hope for and more this year. He started out historically good. He has come back to earth as we all knew that no one could keep the freakish numbers for an entire season that he put up initially. As of today he stands 10-5 with an ERA of 2.08 and WHIP of 1.11. His one inning of work in the All Star game was simply dominate. Lack of offensive support has kept him from some wins but again lets keep positive here. Brian Bannister has really turned it around after last year, many thought he would not see this type of success again. More than half of his 17 starts are quality starts and his ERA+ is 117
Joakim Soria is 2-0 with 14 saves has an ERA of 1.80 a WHIP of 0.96 and has struck our 32 in 25 IP. He is as good a relief ace as there is today.
Looking at those having a good year with the bat you have to start with Alberto Callaspo and his 298/351/448 numbers after yesterdays 2 games. He has been consistent with these numbers all season. Billy Butler has shown his best numbers in his young career going 294/349/459. Mark Teahen has enjoyed similar numbers going 294/351/445.
Davis DeJesus since moving to LF full time has put up excellent fielding numbers. He has not made an error so his FP is perfect. His range is well above league average and has a UZR of 12.5 in LF. After a slow start with the bat his numbers are slowly getting closer to normal as he has a career OBP of .356. The Royals have pretty much completed the renovation of Kauffman Stadium this season and it seems to be a hit with most fans. The Glass family is giving Dayton Moore the financial resources to sign better quality players in the draft and to acquire free agents more so than they have ever done in the past.
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