My Royals Rant...a good rant.

My Royals Rant...a good rant.

Topic Author: Andrew Switzer

Posted: 8:32 AM May 5, 2009

Replies Posted: 5 comments

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Well here we sit, May 5th, and the Royals are 15-11 and alone in First Place...1.5 games ahead of second place Detroit. Some may be thinking we could be 17-9 b/c of a few games blown by the bullpen, but remember we have won some games that we "stole" from other teams, so I think a 15-11 record is pretty accurate for how the Royals have been playing. I am still cautiously optimistic b/c we have seen this team start the season well before, but this year it does not feel like a fluke. The American League Central Division will probably be won by a team that wins 88-92 games this year. The Royals are on pace to win 92 games. This would put us right in the thick of things. Even if we don't end up winning the division, I do believe we will be playing "meaningful" games in September....Meaning we are within 2 or 3 games of the division leader. I'm excited.

Here is my real reason to be excited....Jose Guillen. Over this past weekend, I became a huge Guillen fan. Last year if your remember he said some things that made him less than popular with his teammates and the fans, but this year it seems as if his attitude has taken a 180 degree turn. He is still one of the best pure hitters in the game, but a good attitude can take his play to new heights. I saw effort over the weekend that I did not see last year. He sprinted to cut off a would-be double in the gap and held the player to a single. This play may have saved a game that the Royals ended up winning in extra innings. Then after he lead a Royals come-from-behind victory on Sunday afternoon he was interviewed on the post-game show. He had great things to say about his teammates and did not take all the credit. I see him as a person that says what is on his mind. Some may take offense to some things he says, but he calls it like he sees it. After complimenting the play of his teammates he said the 2009 version of the Royals is a team to take very seriously. I think he sees something in this team. He is excited. If Jose Guillen is excited, I'm excited.

Sit back and enjoy because this may be a fun ride.

What are your thoughts?

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

by Terry Location: Topeka on May 15, 2009 at 02:39 PM

So are you so excited about Guillen now? I'm tired of watching him watch balls plop in front of him in the outfield and not hustling when he needs to. His bat has been pretty quiet recently as well. He has flashes of great plays but his old legs can't carry him in the outfield every day. Time for him to hang up his cleats and let the younger guys take over!

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by Jason Location: Alma on May 11, 2009 at 05:07 PM

I'm optimistic, too! However, a close divisional race to close out September worries me as the Royals end the season with a 4 game series against the Boston Red Sox, then go to New York Yankees, then to the always tough Metrodome of Minnesota. A murder's row of opponents to end the season!!

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by estie Location: topeka on May 6, 2009 at 12:09 PM

Drew, You are looking a little tired in the am on the weather forecast...it those late nite with the royals i know....take care of yourself...

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by Becki Location: Chino Hills, CA on May 5, 2009 at 07:04 PM

Is this the same JG who was with 10 different teams from 1999 when the Pirates traded him, to 2007 when the Royals signed him??? (http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/1061/Jose_Guillen) The same JG who was dumped by the Angels after getting into a physical altercation with manager Mike Scioscia after being pulled for a pinch-runner??? (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1889533) Unfortunately, no matter how much the fans love his fielding percentage, or his skill with the bat (and NOT as a lethal weapon!), it's his attitude that will always resurface to hurt those who love him the most! Trust me, I know...I've been there! Who knows? Maybe KC will be able to give Jose what he's always wanted: "I'm looking for a place that could be my last stop," Guillen says. "I'm tired of traveling every year. I'm tired of renting. I just want to own a home. Is that asking so much?" (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/mariners/2007-03-22-spring-preview_N.html) Somehow, I doubt it...

RESPONSE FROM DREW - Good post Becki. I agree with you that his attitude in the past has kept him from achieving what his abilities would otherwise allow. My point is he seems to have a completely different attitude this year. Of course only time will tell but there is reason to be optimistic.

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by Nick Location: Carbondale on May 5, 2009 at 08:44 AM

i for one believe the big thing with the royals pitching is up it always works this way u have great pitching and the offense comes with it the royals have have some good players ex. Teahen, Greinke, Butler, Gordon and i could go on but the GM fitted this team with better players to help those guys out ex Jacobs, Guillen and Crisp i believe the success is on the GM's hand i just hope when the royals lose it isn't in long streaks like before with 10 games in a row or 15 thats was why they were bad i believe now with the pitching they will be fine.

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