Early Reviews

A couple of months ago, I wrote a column that described five keys to a successful Kansas City Royals season. Successful for this year's team would be going .500, in my opinion. 

Well, it's still early. Really, really early. But the Royals are 6-3, and they've taken two series from two of baseball's biggest payrolls (Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees). So, I would like to revisit how the five keys that I mentioned in an earlier post have contributed to the KC's solid start.

1. Which Zack Greinke will the Royals get?

Again, let me say how early it is. It's probably too early to even write a column like this. But, I am anyway, and Zack Greinke has been superb. In 15 innings against the Yankees and the Tigers, Greinke has given up one earned run. That calculates to a 0.60 ERA. And the one run was a Brandon Inge home run, so Greinke hasn't been in much trouble so far. This could be huge for the Royals. If Greinke can continue to pitch well, the Royals' pitching staff, along with Gil Meche and Brian Bannister, could be for real.

2. Can Alex Gordon and Billy Butler progress?

The answer to this question through the first two weeks of the season has been simple: Um...YES! Billy Butler is hitting everything. In 32 at-bats, he has 13 hits (.407 average). He hasn't hit any home runs yet but he already has four doubles, and he has provided a spark in the middle of the Royals lineup. Butler's progress has been even more important since Jose Guillen has struggled early. Butler, a 21-year-old, looks like a seasoned veteran at the plate right now.

Gordon has also showed tremendous progression, especially compared to how he started the 2007 season. He leads the Royals in runs, total bases, home runs and RBIs. Unfortunately he also leads the team with eight strikeouts. Regardless of the last statistic, Gordon is showing tremendous improvement at the plate, and it looks like he and Butler will be mainstays in the middle of the Royals' lineup for years.

Was Jose Guillen a smart sign?

Again, it's really, really early. Having said that, Guillen is struggling at the dish. In 33 at-bats, he has a miserable five hits (four singles, one double) and only two walks. Now, let me make some excuses for him. Manager Trey Hillman gave some of the Royals' veterans (including Guillen) the option to get a later start at spring training. When Guillen did show up, he caught the flu bug that went around the team's clubhouse. So he didn't get much work in spring training. Also, he still has a potential suspension looming over his head since he was named in the Mitchell Report. This could possibly be affecting his offense also. Defensively, Guillen's arm is as advertised. He has to have one of the three best outfield arms in the league. At this point, Guillen doesn't look like a great sign, but I think that he will only improve in the weeks to come.

Which Mark Teahen will the Royals get?

Teahen, like Butler and Gordon, is one of the Royals' young players that has started off well. He's hitting .286 (mostly in the three spot) with one home run, one triple and three doubles. His base running is as good as ever, and he looks comfortable in left field. If Teahen, Butler and Gordon continue to hit like they are in the 3, 5, and 6 holes, and Jose Guillen comes around in the 4 spot, then the Royals offense could be very respectable.

How will Trey Hillman transition?

I have to admit. I'm already a Trey Hillman fan. The Royals aren't going to get the big three-run home run often, and Hillman knows it. Offensively he attacks the opposition and manufactures runs by hitting and running, stealing bases and bunting. So far, the Royals have stolen 10 bases in nine games, six of those coming from Joey Gathright.

Hillman also seems to work well with the core of young talent that the Royals have. I have watched eight of the team's nine games, and I've yet to see Hillman raise his voice at a player. Instead, I have seen him pull a player off to the side, put his arm around him, talk privately to him for a bit, and pat him on the back when he's done. The Royals look good so far, and Hillman should get plenty of credit for the team's solid start.

Gordon aiming to rebound in '08

See, the Royals can make it onto ESPN.com for good reasons... sometimes. Check out Jerry Crasnick's column on Alex Gordon. He elaborates on some of the points I made in an earlier February post about how the Royals could eclipse the 81 win mark. Anyone ready for opening day? 

Here we go again

After reading this story from Tuesday's Kansas City Star, I think that buying season tickets to the Kansas City Brigade may be a better option than investing in more Chiefs tickets for 2008.

Brigade home opener

If you're a fan of Herm Edwards' old-school style of football (strong run game, hawkish defense and error-free special teams), you probably won't agree with the assessment I made while attending my first Arena Football League game.

However, I, for one, am not a big supporter of Edwards' decades-old philosophy. So, the fact that the Kansas City Brigade ran the ball about five or six times the entire game didn't bother me at all. I didn't mind that the Brigade's defense was mediocre at best. And, as far as special teams go, there isn't even a punter on the team's roster.

The Brigade's season opener against the Tampa Bay Storm on Saturday at the Sprint Center was really something else. Purist football minds such as Edwards most likely despise the AFL's concept and rules. But I don't see how fans of sports, in general, couldn't be impressed.

For one, many Kansas City residents already know that the Sprint Center offers a great indoor experience for all types of entertainment. It really is a top-notch option for such sporting events. As far as the game went, there was constant, face-paced action. Even though the Brigade lost by a last-second field goal, the game was extremely entertaining. One reason that fans remain attentive is because a running clock has been implemented throughout AFL games, other than during timeouts or less than two minutes remaining in the second or fourth quarters. So the games are much shorter than average NFL games (the game started at five and ended about 7:30). Also, even during timeouts and intermissions, something was happening, whether it was a field goal competition or beach ball race. And the halftime show featured the Marching Cobras, one of the most energetic acts around.

The Sprint Center was probably about half-full, and I didn't quite understand this. I was invited by a friend to the game, but the price listed on my ticket was $8. The athletic entertainment is really unlike any other sport, and we were back to our vehicle before 8 p.m. I would recommend dropping by a Brigade game sometime this season. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe you'll hate it. But at least give it a shot. The worst thing that could happen is that you'll be out eight bucks and 2 1/2 hours.

Another Posnanski must-read

Check out Joe Posnanski's column, "Why the Royals could win it all." This is the beauty of spring training. 

http://www.kansascity.com/180/story/500147.html

Show-Me Recruits

Even though this is only a blog, I would like to uphold at least one of the cornerstones of journalism for this particular post: transparency. And before you read any farther, you should know that I am a senior news-editorial major at the University of Missouri. So, would it be fair to say that I am kind of a Mizzou sports fan? Um... yes. And could you assume that I may be just a tad bit biased in my opinions regarding the Tigers? Well... yeah, you could probably say that too. 

OK, now that we have all that out of the way, I want to discuss MU's recent recruiting job in the Kansas City area and in Missouri in general. Let's first start by reviewing last year's offensive unit. Across the stellar offensive line were Tyler Luellen (LT), Ryan Madison (LG), Adam Spieker (C), Kurtis Gregory (RG) and Colin Brown (RT). In that same order, here are those players' hometowns: Bethany, Bethany, Webb City, Blackburn, Braymer. For those who are unfamiliar with the Show Me State, all of these towns are located within its borders.

Now, let's move around the rest of the offensive unit a little.

• Tony Temple, tailback, Kansas City, Mo.
• Tommy Saunders, Z wide receiver, Kearney, Mo.
• Jeremy Maclin, H wide receiver, Kirkwood, Mo.
• William Franklin, X wide receiver, St. Louis Mo.
• Martin Rucker, tight end, St. Joseph, Mo.
• Chase Coffman, tight end, Peculiar, Mo.
  

Obviously, everyone knows where Chase Daniel is from (Southlake Carroll, Tex.), and it's probably safe to say that this was a pretty decent out-of-state pickup for the Mizzou squad, but other than the Heisman finalist quarterback, the entire Tiger offensive attack calls Missouri home.

I just want to commend the Tiger coaching staff and recruiters for this fact. The 12-2 season was one of the best ever for the Missouri program, but what made it even better was that these players were our own. Other than Daniel and possibly Temple, these weren't the recruits you see pulling a mysterious baseball cap out of a bag for the ESPN cameras and declaring the school they will attend on TV for the nation to see. These were local guys, that a hard-working staff targeted, pursued, and persuaded to come to a school that hadn't been overly successful for many, many years.

And it wasn't just the offense that was filled with Missourians. The defense boasted a few of them also.

• Van Alexander, strong-side linebacker, Columbia, Mo.
• Brock Christopher, middle linebacker, Kearney, Mo.
• William Moore, free safety, Hayti, Mo.
• Darnell Terrell, cornerback, St. Louis, Mo.
• Carl Gettis, cornerback, O'Fallon, Mo.

The list of defensive players from Missouri isn't as impressive as that of the offensive side, but there are plenty of studs in this group also. Bottom line: The MU football program IS recruiting MAJOR players in the state AND signing them. Maybe you don't think this is that unusual. Maybe you think it's no big deal if colleges recruit their state effectively. To that, I would simply say: Tyler Hansbrough and Brandon Rush. How much different would MU's basketball program look with these two Missourians. OK, now I'm just angry, and I have strayed from my point.

The MU football squad is building something special, in my opinion. And part of the reason for this is that the program is keeping in-state players in state. Of course my hope is that this continues, and for now it has.

Just look at some of the studs of this year's recruiting class.

• Blaine Gabbert, quarterback, Ballwin, Mo. Any list of top recruits for the Tigers has to start with this name. Rivals.com lists him as a five-star recruit. Gabbert orally committed to Nebraska last year, and the rumor is that he was in attendance as a Nebraska recruit when the Cornhuskers were embarrassed by the Tigers on ESPN last season. How does it feel to have the score run up on you Nebraska? Anyway. Look for Gabbert to take some snaps next season for the Tigers.
• Andrew Jones, tight end, Smithville, Mo. Jones is another highly touted tight end for the Tigers. Rivals.com lists him as a four-star recruit. Listen. If he is a tight end, and the Tiger coaching staff says he's good, then I'm good. They haven't missed at the position recently.
• Wes Kemp (WR, St. Louis, Mo.), Aldon Smith (DE, Raytown, Mo.), Drew Temple (RB, Kansas City, Mo.), and Rolandis Woodland (WR, St. Louis, Mo.) are all listed as three-star recruits for the Tigers, according to rivals.com.

The pressure that Mizzou felt last year is miniscule compared to what the team will face in '08. The way it is shaping up, the Tigers are the favorite to take the Big 12 North again this season. And, if that's the case, the team will be doing it with a bunch of good ol' Missouri boys.

Royal Outlook

With the Royals' first spring training game just days away, I started thinking, "What are some keys to a successful season for the team?" To be more specific, I think a .500 season would be a tremendous success for a Kansas City squad that hasn't finished above this mark since 2003. So, here are the five most important factors that I think will decide whether or not the Royals can reach 81 wins in 2008.

1. Which Zach Greinke will the Royals get?

This question has been asked numerous times since Kansas City called up the boy wonder in 2004. Greinke showed tremendous upside as a rookie, posting a 3.97 ERA in 24 starts. But after a sub-par 2005 where Greinke's ERA was 5.80, the young pitcher experienced personal problems and was excused from the team during the 2006 spring training. Greinke started the 2007 season as the Royals No. 3 starter, but was moved to the bullpen later in the season due to inconsistencies in the starting role. Buddy Bell's decision to move Greinke to the pen proved to be the right one. Greinke looked refreshed and rejuvenated coming out of the bullpen, touching the upper 90s regularly on the radar gun and gaining confidence along the way. He finished the 2007 season on a high note after Bell reinstated him as a starter.

With the success of Gil Meche and the emergence of Brian Bannister, there is much less pressure on Greinke, and if the Royals can get the Greinke that they saw in 2004 and parts of 2007, the Royals' pitching staff could turn into a respectable group in 2008. If Greinke stumbles, the Royals could be scratching for starters, just like they have the last few years.

2. Can Alex Gordon and Billy Butler progress?

The Royals have been waiting for these two prospects to grace the middle of the team's lineup literally for years. Now the two have the chance to turn the struggling franchise back into a respectable organization. Sounds like real pressure. It is. Just ask Gordon, who stumbled through the first half of his 2007 rookie season. Gordon even dropped below the .200 mark for part of the year. But he progressed as a hitter, and showed plenty of pop in his bat towards the end of the season, and he finished 2007 hitting .247 with 15 HR and 60 RBI, a far cry from his miniscule numbers earlier in the year. 

Butler, on the other hand, was called up in the middle of another miserable Royals season. He looked comfortable and seasoned at the plate, but was restricted mostly to a DH role because of a lack of defensive prowess. This year, the Royals expect Butler to hit smack dap in the middle of the lineup, possibly in the 3, 4, or 5 spot, and most news outlets have reported that Butler is making strides at first base.

The Royals desperately need Alex Gordon to be the player that they thought he would be when they chose him No.1 overall in the 2005 draft. Gordon was great at third base, and if he can swing the bat like he did in the second half of the 2007 season, he could potentially be an All-Star. Butler's offense will be much needed also if the Royals want to push for 81 wins. And if Butler can play first base, the Royals could have a corner infield to die for in a few years.

3. Was Jose Guillen a smart sign?

Dayton Moore hasn't done anything to inspire doubt in Royals fans. He went out and got Gil Meche. Baseball experts criticized the signing (5 years, $55 milllion), and Moore proved them all wrong. Moore snagged Brian Bannister in a trade with the Mets for Ambiorix Burgos, and Bannister finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting. And, oh yeah, Moore grabbed a kid name Joakim Soria in the Rule 5 Draft from the Padres. Now, Soria is the team's closer. So, Moore clearly has made some great decisions in his first year as the Royals' general manager.

Was Guillen a great sign? This will be an interesting story to follow as 2008 progresses. Guillen is coming off of a career year with the Seattle Mariners, hitting .290 with 23 HR and 99 RBI. But, Guillen will turn 32 this season, and it has already been announced that he will miss the first 15 games due to a violation of the MLB's steroid policy. Also, Guillen recently asked Moore and Manager Trey Hillman to be the team's primary right fielder, moving Mark Teahen to left field after Teahen already moved from third base to right field to make room for Alex Gordon.

Guillen could be a great asset to the middle of the Royals lineup and a great arm in right field. He could also be past his prime and a cancer in the locker room. Which way this goes could make a huge difference for KC in 2008.

4. Which Mark Teahen will the Royals get?

Mark Teahen exploded onto the Royals scene towards the end of 2006. His numbers after the All-Star game rivaled those of many of the game's best hitters. Teahen finished the 2006 season hitting .290 with 18 HR and 69 RBI. Many people around the organization thought the Royals had found an important offensive cornerstone. But, after an off-season shoulder surgery Teahen seemed to underperform offensively in 2007, hitting .274 with 60 RBI and only 7 HR.

In my opinion, the Teahen we saw in 2006 could hit anywhere from No. 2 to No. 7 in the Royals lineup. The 2007 offensive version of Teahen, on the other hand, is much less valuable. If Billy Butler, Alex Gordon, Jose Guillen and Mark Teahen all pull it together offensively, the middle of the Royals lineup could become very respectable very quickly.

5. How will Trey Hillman transition?

Baseball experts around the country praised the hiring of Trey Hillman in much the same way that they gawked at the hiring of General Manager Dayton Moore. Because of Hillman's experience in Japanese baseball, many people don't know what to expect as far as strategy goes. How Hillman handles his young team, especially the pitching staff, will ultimately decide the fate of the 2008 Royals.