What a return to the bigs for Brian Bannister. Since he was so unimpressive in Arizona, we can’t think he’s going to be this lights-out every outing. But holy crap will the Royals be difficult to beat if he can consistently offer six innings of quality pitching.
Alberto Callaspo is a throwback. He reminds me of the Tony Muser Royals who hacked at everything early. Not sure what’s got into him, since he has generally been a patient hitter, but he sure loves him some first pitches.
Turning the double play has been problematic at times this year. I’ve seen the pivot man drop the ball on the exchange at least three times this year. And they haven’t made it easy on the first basemen at times.
On the other hand, I’m becoming increasingly comfortable with Billy Butler at first. He made a couple nice plays bailing out his infielders tonight.
Ryan Lefebvre toes the company line. He offered these two comments during The Mexicutioner’s appearance.
“The Royals have not had a true Joakim Soria situation in that period.”
“After missing eight games and nine days…because of no true save situations….”
THAT’S OLD THINKING, RYAN. FREE YOUR MIND, BURN ‘THE BOOK” AND ACCEPT THAT A CLOSER CAN GET MORE THAN THREE OUTS ON OCCASION.
Loved the effort from Wright in the 7th and 8th, and then seeing Soria stroll out to close things down. Not the best conditions to make your first appearance in that long – cold and rainy probably isn’t conducive to finding yourself – but he still kept the shutout, and more importantly the win.
I found a downside to MLB.TV: no local postgame show. Every game I get teased about the Boulevard Post Game Show that’s coming up after the game. Sadly I have neither a Boulevard nor access to the show.
8-6, still in first, Meche going tomorrow with an extra day of rest.