The Royals had some very talented players on their team in 2009, but overall the season was still a failure. Here’s what they need to do to get back on the right track for 2010:
- Extend Greinke’s contract. I know, easier said than done, but we’ve got to try. He’s the face of the organization right now.
- Sign Eric Bedard
- Sign Xavier Nady. He might be available for cheap given his 2009 injury problems.
- Let Coco Crisp go
- Resign Olivo
- Sign Miguel Tejada
- Sign Jonathan Papelbon if the price is right. His stock should be much lower than expected following his playoff performance. This move would allow the Royals to transition Soria to a starter. They need more depth in the starting rotation, as there was a night-and-day difference between the Royals with Greinke starting and the Royals with anyone else starting. Greinke saved this team from being the Washington Nationals.
Aaron Crow, the same guy who caused headaches for the Nationals last season when they were unable to sign him, was drafted in the first round again this year by the Kansas City Royals. Crow was the 8th consecutive pitcher selected in the draft, although I think he should have gone in the 5th or 6th spot. He has a fastball that tops out at around 97 mph, but his power slider is what really has scouts talking. After not signing last year, he’s been playing for the Fort Worth Cats awaiting another chance this year, so it’s not like he’s been rotting away somewhere. I don’t think it would surprise too many experts if Crow ended up being the #1 or #2 pitcher to come out of this draft, and that’s with Stephen Strasburg included.
This is a picture of the current issue of Sports Illustrated. Everybody knows about the SI curse. Why did SI feel the need to harass the Royals when they’ve got someone who’s playing well right now? I’ll be saying a prayer to the baseball gods (and Jobu) tonight, so that they might protect the precious arm that belongs to Zach Greinke.
John Buck homered twice, including a grand slam in the 8th inning, as the Royals beat the Indians 9-3. The Indians started the oft-injured Carl Pavano, who seems to help his team out more when he’s on the bench than when he’s on the mound, against the Royals Kyle Davies. Neither pitcher fared very well, but Davies managed to prevent the Indians from getting any big hits to break the game open. The Royals, meanwhile, were ripping apart the Indians pitching for 6 extra base hits, including a triple from new center fielder Coco Crisp.
Zack Greinke found his way into and out of trouble tonight against an Indians team that has only won a single game in its first week of the 2009 season. The Royals are up 4-0 in the 8th inning as they go for their 4th win to put them above .500. Greinke gave up 6 hits and 2 walks in 5 innings, but his 9 strikeouts on the night helped him out of difficult situations time and again. He was also helped out by a homer from Mike Jacobs. Jamey Wright has pitched 2 scoreless innings in relief.
***Update***
Royals win 4-2.
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