cmm392's Kansas City Royals Dynasty

[cmm392]

http://home.kc.rr.com/emison/royals.gif

I am relatively new to the Sports Mogul community (I recently jumped ship from OOTP2006), and I thought I would give a dynasty report a shot. Whether or not you read it is up to you, but by doing this I will keep myself into the game and not give up after a couple of weeks (plus, I will be more aware of what my players are doing rather than skipping through days). I will start in 2006 with the Kansas City Royals using HoustonGM's V2.0 rosters. I am a college student so I will update every night if I can, but if I don't...stay patient - I plan on sticking with this. Also, on a side note - I enjoyed ChrisJNelson's dynasty read so much that I have decided to incorporate most of his ideas into mine...so thanks to ChrisJNelson and hopefully you guys will read his dynasties (Read his Mariners dynasty here (http://forum.sportsmogul.com/showthread.php?t=113679)...it only lasted a year before he accidently deleted it, but its a good read). Thanks and hope you all read!

[cmm392]

The Kansas City Chronicle - February 4th, 2006

Baird & Glass Introduce New GM Concept

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After a dismal 56-106 finish in 2005, Allard Baird decided not to step down as General Manager, but rather find someone who will give a second opinion to him - someone to make transactions with him. Today, Allard Baird has introduced the concept of a Co-GM. This "Co-GM" will handle all the responsibilities that a General Manager would, only with the help of a mentor (Baird).

Baird was quoted as saying, "...and I plan on retiring after the 2006 season due to health concerns." Baird, who turns 45 this November, is relatively young to have the chronic spleen issues he has had for the past 4 months. Baird has also had a long history of an irregular heart beat. "Although I am not stepping down from my position just yet," Baird said Tuesday night at a press conference, "I will be handing the team over to my Co-GM, Mr. Chris Muller, at the conclusion of the 2006 season."

Baird is a good friend of Royals owner David Glass and it has been reported that Glass is okay with this. Chris Muller is a 21 year-old recent UC-Berkeley graduate, where he excelled in Finance and Sports Marketing. Glass has been criticized for the hiring of such a young executive to run his baseball franchise, but after seeing the success of Theo Epstein and the Red Sox, plus the realization that he had absolutely nothing to lose with this team, he felt it was a good risk to take.

One source close to the Royals has reported that Co-GM Chris Muller will be calling all the shots this season, with Baird basically there to aid him in his desicions. Muller has to get a feel for the job this year if it's going to be all his next season.

[cmm392]

The Kansas City Chronicle - February 5th, 2006

Payroll Budget Announced

http://www.cnnsi.com/baseball/mlb/news/2000/04/28/royals_president_ap/t1_glass_ap_01.jpg

Owner David Glass has given Co-GMs Baird and Muller a payroll budget this year of $46.4 M. This is due to the poor performance over recent years and this should prevent the team from losing a large amount of money come the season's end. Right now, the team's payroll stands at $58.8 M, nearly $13 M over budget - so it's quite obvious that the Co-GMs have some payroll slashing to do in the upcoming weeks.

The top 5 highest paid players in the organization are as follows:

1. Mike Sweeney, 1B - $11 Million/yr
2. Reggie Sanders, LF - $5 Million/yr
3. Mark Redman, LHP - $4.5 Million/yr
4. Mark Grudzielanek, 2B - $4 Million/yr
5. Scott Elarton, RHP - $4 Million/yr

It's a safe bet that some, if not all, of these players will be gone very soon.

[cmm392]

The Kansas City Chronicle - February 10th, 2006

Sweeney, Grudzielanek First To Go

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20040711/sweeney_61533.jpg http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/images/2005/07/27/PH25zN2m.jpg

Muller made his first move as Co-GM late last night, sending highly-paid veterans Mike Sweeney and Mark Grudzielanek to the New York Yankees for minor leaguers C.J. Henry and Marcos Vechionacci. Sweeney batted .300 with 21 HR and 83 RBI last season with the Royals while Grudzielanek batted .294 with 8 HR and 59 RBI with the St. Louis Cardinals last year.

[Sanji Watsuki]

If you need a DH try and get the old Frank Thomas (If you're using HoustonGM's rosters). He's being paid 500k and he still can be a GREAT hitter, just a poor fielder.

[cmm392]

The Kansas City Chronicle - February 11th, 2006

Yet Another Deal...

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Co-GM's Chris Muller and Allard Baird have pulled off their second major trade in as many days. The deal comes as somewhat of a shock to Royals fans, as they are now finally realizing that their franchise has officially entered "Rebuilding Mode" with the trading away of nearly all of the major vets on the team. In the deal...

Chicago (N) gets...
LF Reggie Sanders
1B Matt Stairs
2B Tony Graffanino
SS Mike Aviles
RHP Scott Elarton

Kansas City gets...
RHP Jae Kuk Ryu
1B Brian Dopirak
C Mark Reed

Obviously this was a salary-dump move in hopes to at the same time aquire some young talent. The prospects received in this trade are 22, 22, and 19 years old, respectively. Mike Aviles (SS, 25 years old) became expendible with yesterday's aquisition of C.J. Henry - who will now be considered as a possible shortstop of the future.

As of right now, the Royals seem to be loading up on young talent and their farm system is starting to shape up nicely. Jae Kuk Ryu was rated as one one of the Cubs top 5 prospects according to Baseball America, so he should help the Royals without a doubt down the line.

[cmm392]

The Kansas City Chronicle - February 14th, 2006

Miles Aquired To Start At Second

http://images.usatoday.com/sports/bbw/_photos/2006-04-12-miles.jpg

In the latest Co-GM move, and quite possibly one of the last before the start of Spring Training, Baird & Muller aquired second basemen Aaron Miles from the St. Louis Cardinals in return for SS Angel Berroa and 2B Donnie Murphy.

It looks as if 22 year old Angel Sanchez will begin the season as the Royals' starting shortstop now that Berroa is a Cardinal. Aaron Miles provides some pop in an otherwise relatively weak-looking, developing lineup. Miles is expected to start at second base.

[cmm392]

The Kansas City Chronicle - February 29th, 2006

Royals Sign Plethora of Free Agents

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The Royals have signed twelve free agents prior to the start of Spring Training:


C Tom Gregorio; 1 yr/$500k
2B Alex Prieto; 1 yr/$700k
2B Wilton Guererro; 1 yr/$500k
3B Ramon A. Castro; 1 yr/$400k
LF Jason Romano; 1 yr/$900k
LF Stephen Smitherman; 1 yr/$450k
RF Richard Hidalgo; 1 yr/$900k
LHP Scott Stewart; 1 yr/$650k
RHP Nate Cornejo; 1 yr/$550k
RHP Jeff Nelson; 1 yr/$950k


It is unknown what role these free agents will play this season. It is speculated, however, that pitchers Scott Stewart and the ageless Jeff Nelson could play a significant role in the Royals bullpen.

[Sanji Watsuki]

Interesting. You're going with the rebuilding style, completely different from my style. I made temporary moves to improve my fan interest such as trading for old, but still good, stars to bolster my team for at least a year of 2 (I used Clemens, Schilling, and the Big Hurt) and made a few trades for people that would advance quickly or were simply easy to trade for (Chien-Ming Wang, Nate Robertson). Rebuilding was simply too boring and slow a path for me to take, but I eventually am getting around to it and my prospects are starting to pop up in my '08 season. I'd be watching this though.

[cmm392]

Interesting. You're going with the rebuilding style, completely different from my style. I made temporary moves to improve my fan interest such as trading for old, but still good, stars to bolster my team for at least a year of 2 (I used Clemens, Schilling, and the Big Hurt) and made a few trades for people that would advance quickly or were simply easy to trade for (Chien-Ming Wang, Nate Robertson). Rebuilding was simply too boring and slow a path for me to take, but I eventually am getting around to it and my prospects are starting to pop up in my '08 season. I'd be watching this though.

Yeah I tried trading for promising veterans (Like Big Hurt) but the thing is, the Royals really don't have players that anyone wants, especially at their salaries, so its either lose with a high payroll and go nowhere, or scrap the team and lose with a low payroll, but prepare for the future...thanks for reading and stay tuned!

[HoustonGM]

This is the Opening Day roster I'm assuming?

[cmm392]

This is the Opening Day roster I'm assuming?

Yes it is. Great roster by the way!

[cmm392]

Kansas City Chronicle - March 1st, 2006

Spring Training Begins!

http://www.baseballpilgrimages.com/spring/baseballcity1.jpg

Spring Training will begin today for the Kansas City Royals. For coverage of all Spring Training games, please check out our exclusive section on the Royals website. Although we will not be providing game by game statistics for the Spring, we would like to note a few players to watch out for and could be in the starting lineup come April:

Angel Sanchez, SS
Sanchez is already the favorite to win the starting shortstop position this season. He provides a solid glove and good contact to give the Royals a speedster that will score runs, while also helping out huge in the field.

Justin Huber, 1B
Huber has tremendous power, especially against lefties. Doug Mientkiewicz is still on the roster and will most likely be the starter come opening day, but that may not last long with the stick that Huber's got. Stay tuned...

Brian Bass, SP
Bass will most likely start the season in AAA but is only 24 and has a great arm with excellent endurance. Look for him to crack the starting rotation by the All-Star break.

Also, a big question looms around RF Richard Hidalgo. Can he become the 40+ HR player he was only three years ago or will he putter back and forth between the minors and the big leagues? Keep watching the Royals this season to find out.

[HoustonGM]

Definitely like this so far. Keep it up!

[cmm392]

The Kansas City Chronicle - April 1, 2006

Bell Chooses Opening Day Rosters & Lineups, Top Prospects Ranked

http://www.cantstopthebleeding.com/img/bell0918.jpg

Well folks, now that Spring Training is behind us, the new season is about to begin. With just three days until opening day, Manager Buddy Bell has chosen his opening day lineups. From the looks of it, it seems Bell is taking a different approach this season - looking primarily for guys who can simply make contact and get on base - with no concern for power. "I believe the object of this game is to get on base, score runs, and just win ball games," Bell said at the press conference, "...and if it means benching players who want to simply crush the ball out of the park in their every at bat, then so be it." Bell is also using the idea of platooning players, as well as changing the lineups around based on righties and lefties. "It's very possible that I will have a new lineup every single game," Bell stated, "while we figure out the identity of this new-look Royals ballclub. Everyone will get a chance to show what they've got."

David Glass, Baird, and Muller must obviously know that this is a year for rebuilding and they won't be taking home any championship. This gives them a great opportunity for the young players to showcase their skills. The opening day lineups should look something like this:

Starting Lineup
C John Buck
1B Doug Mientkiewicz (R) / Justin Huber (L)
2B Aaron Miles
3B Esteban German
SS Angel Sanchez
LF Shane Costa (R) / Chip Ambres (L)
CF David DeJesus
RF Emil Brown
DH Chip Ambres (R) / Alex Prieto (L)

Bench (other than those involved in platoon)
C Paul Bako
RF Richard Hidalgo
IF Wilton Guererro

Starting Rotation
1. Mark Redman
2. Denny Bautista
3. Joe Mays
4. Runelvys Hernandez
5. Nate Cornejo

Bullpen
CL: Ambiorix Burgos
SU: Scott Stewart
SR: Joel Peralta
SR: Andrew Sisco
MR: Elmer Dessens
LR: Jeremy Affeldt

Disabled List
1B Ken Harvey (3 months)
RHP Mike MacDougal (2-3 months)
RHP Zach Greinke (2 months)
LHP Bobby Madritsch (2-3 months)

Minor Leagues
Here are a few notable players from each of the minor league teams. Please note that not all players of the organization are listed.

AAA Omaha
RHP Bobby Keppel
RHP Brian Bass
LHP Ryan Snare
LHP Jimmy Gobble
C Paul Bako
2B Ruben Gotay
SS Andres Blanco
3B Alex Gordon
OF Mitch Maier

AA Wichita
RHP Jeff Nelson
RHP Billy Buckner
LHP J.P. Howell
LHP Juan Cedeno
C Adam Donachie
3B Mark Teahen
SS Jeff Bianchi
OF Chris Lubanski

A Burlington
RHP Luis Cota
RHP Jae Kuk Ryu
C Mark Reed
1B Brian Dopirak
3B Marcos Vechionacci
SS C.J. Henry
OF Joe Dickerson

R Idaho Falls
(none)

---

Stay tuned for opening day, April 4th, when the Kansas City Royals head to Seattle to jumpstart the 2006 season!

[cmm392]

April 4-6 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gifKansas City Royals (0-0) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/mariners_45.gifSeattle Mariners (0-0)

Projected Starters
April 4: Mark Redman vs. Felix Hernandez
April 5: Denny Bautista vs. Jarrod Washburn
April 6: Joe Mays vs. Joel Pineiro

Game Recaps
April 4: Mark Redman lost his 2-1 lead in the bottom of the third, going 4.2 innings and giving up 4 earned runs off of 8 hits. Of the nine Royals hitters, only three came out with hits. The Mariners played small ball, hitting a bunch of singles that eventually led to runs. Royals 2, Mariners 6
April 5: Bautista pitched well, going 7.2 innings and giving up three runs. The game was tied at three on a David DeJesus homerun in the top of the 9th, but Scott Stewart gave up the game winning single to Kenji Jojima in the bottom of the 9th. Royals 3, Mariners 4
April 6: Pitching loses the game again for the Royals as Joe Mays gives up six earned runs in 6.0 innings pitched. Scott Stewart gave up another two runs in the bottom of the 8th to seal the game. Royals 3, Mariners 8

Royals News & Notes
(no major news)

In The Minors...
AAA Omaha: SP Brian Bass started his first game of the season, going six innings and giving up two earned runs getting the no-desicion.
AA Wichita: SP Billy Buckner won his first start, going 7.2 innings and striking out 8 batters.
A High Desert: Prospect SP Jae Kuk Ryu went 6.1 innings in his first start of the year, giving up three earned runs and getting a no-desicion. And although he's only played three games, newly aquired prospect 1B Brian Dopirak is batting .455 with 1 HR and 3 RBI.

Division Leaders
AL East: Boston (2-1)
AL Central: Cleveland/Minnesota (2-1)
AL West: Seattle (3-0)
AL Wild Card: Los Angeles/Minnesota/Tampa Bay/Texas (2-1)
NL East: Philadelphia/Washington (2-1)
NL Central: Cincinnati/St. Louis (2-0)
NL West: Arizona/Colorado (2-1)
NL Wild Card: St. Louis (2-0)

League Leaders
Batting Average: OF Vladimir Guerrero (AL, LAA, .615) / 1B Albert Pujols (NL, STL, .857)
Hits: 2-tied (AL, 8) / 1B Sean Casey (NL, PIT, 7)
Homeruns: C Rod Barajas (AL, TEX, 3) / 1B Todd Helton (NL, COL, 4)
Stolen Bases: 4-tied (AL, 2) / 2-tied (NL, 2)
Earned Run Average: Multi-player tie (AL/NL, 0.00)
Wins: Multi-player tie (AL/NL, 1)
Strikeouts: 2-tied (AL, 10) / SP John Patterson (NL, WSN, 9)
Saves: Multi-player Tie (AL/NL, 1)

Notable News Around the Majors
-The Florida Marlins signed 1B Rafael Palmeiro to a one-year deal
-OFs Juan Gonzalez and Ruben Sierra were released by Boston and Minnesota, respectively, and announced their retirement.
-Many teams signed their star players to multi-year extensions, namely 1B David Ortiz (BOS), RP Mike Gonzalez (PIT), SP Mark Prior (CHC), RP Mariano Rivera (NYY), and SP Cliff Lee (CLE).

Notable Injuries
-SP Josh Beckett (BOS); Mild shoulder separation, out two weeks.

[cmm392]

April 8-10 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/twins_45.gifMinnesota Twins (2-1) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gifKansas City Royals (0-3)

Projected Starters
April 8: Kyle Lohse vs. Runelvys Hernandez
April 9: Johan Santana (1-0, 0.00 ERA) @ Nate Cornejo
April 10: Carlos Silva (0-1, 2.57 ERA) vs. Mark Redman (0-1, 7.71 ERA)

Game Recaps
April 8: Hernandez pitched acceptable, going 6.2 innings and giving up four earned runs. The game was tied until the top of the 7th when Jason Bartlett and Joe Mauer hit RBI singles to make it 4-2. Twins 5, Royals 2
April 9: Nate Cornejo went 7.2 innings, giving up 13 hits but only 3 earned runs in this game. Shane Costa and John Buck each chipped in 2 RBIs along with a Chip Ambres solo shot that came in the bottom of the 4th to help the Royals pull off their first victory. Twins 6, Royals 9
April 10: Mark Redman got rattled again, giving up four earned runs in 5.2 innings. The Royals also commited three errors, but overall were just outpitched by the Twins. Twins 8, Royals 2

Royals News & Notes
-The Royals are off to an awful 1-5 start, already three games out of first in the AL Central.

In The Minors...
AAA Omaha: OF Chad Allen is lighting it up so far, hitting .462 with 1 HR and 10 RBI. SP Brian Bass is 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA and 9 strikeouts in two starts.
AA Wichita: SS Jeff Bianchi is hitting .318 with 3 HR. RP Kyle Snyder is 1-0 with a 0.59 ERA in 15.1 innings pitched.
A High Desert: 1B Brian Dopirak is now hitting .409 with 2 HR. In two starts SP Jae Kuk Ryu is 1-0 with a 3.29 ERA and 7 strikeouts.

Division Leaders
AL East: New York/Tampa Bay (4-3)
AL Central: Cleveland (4-2)
AL West: Los Angeles (5-2)
AL Wild Card: 5-team tie (4-3)
NL East: Philadelphia/Washington/New York (5-2)
NL Central: Cincinnati (5-1)
NL West: Colorado (4-2)
NL Wild Card: New York/Washington (5-2)

League Leaders (Both leagues combined)
Batting Average: OF So Taguchi (STL, .583)
Hits: OF So Taguchi (STL, 14)/OF Alex Rios (TOR, 14)
Homeruns: OF Barry Bonds (SFG, 6)
Stolen Bases: OF Chris Duffy (PIT, 5)/OF Dave Roberts (SDP, 5)
Earned Run Average: Multi-player tie (0.00)
Wins: Multi-player tie (2)
Strikeouts: SP John Patterson (WSN, 16)
Saves: 3-tied (3)

Notable News Around the Majors
(none)

Notable Injuries
-1B Derrek Lee (CHC); Sprained back, out two weeks
-SP Roy Halladay (TOR); Dislocated shoulder, out three weeks
-C Jason Varitek (BOS); Inflamed rotator cuff, out three weeks
-SP David Wells (BOS); Chipped knee cap, out three weeks

[cmm392]

April 12-14 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/indians_45.gifCleveland Indians (4-2) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gifKansas City Royals (1-5)

Projected Starters
April 12: Jake Westbrook (1-0, 2.45 ERA) @ Denny Bautista (0-0, 3.52 ERA)
April 13: Cliff Lee (0-1, 1.13 ERA) @ Joe Mays (0-1, 9.00 ERA)
April 14: Jason Johnson (0-0, 1.13 ERA) @ Runelvys Hernandez (0-1, 5.40 ERA)

Game Recaps
April 12: What a game! The score was tied through 8 innings. In the top of the 9th, big Travis Hafner hit a two-run shot over the wall in left-center to give the Tribe a 5-2 lead going into the bottom of the 9th. Bob Wickman came in to try for the save and he loaded the bases on two walks and a single. Richard Hidalgo pinch hits, walks, brings in a run to make it 5-3. Paul Bako then comes up to bat and hits a deep single to left field to score two runs and win the game. When asked how it felt to win the game, OF Richard Hidalgo said, "I didn't win the game. I came in to pinch hit and I walked. In case you were watching, Paul Bako won the game in the at-bat after mine...idiots." Indians 5, Royals 6
April 13: Joe Mays gave up four homeruns and a total of six earned in seven innings. Why Buddy Bell left him in the game for that long is a mystery. Indians 6, Royals 4
April 14: Hernandez pitched eight innings - walking six and also striking out six. He gave up no earned runs and pitched great. The game was tied at 0 the whole way through, going into extra innings. In the bottom of the 10th, however, Paul Bako reached 2nd base on a fielding error and Esteban German knocked him in for the winning run off a sharp single to right field. Indians 0, Royals 1

Royals News & Notes
-The Royals improved their record to 3-6, winning 2 out of 3 against Cleveland.
-There is absolutely no hitting coming from the Royals so far. Two players, John Buck & Chip Ambres, are batting below .200. This needs to be improved if they want to win games.

In The Minors...
AAA Omaha: OF Chad Allen continues his success and is now batting .429 with 2 HR and 12 RBI. SP Brian Bass raised his era to 1.64, but picked up his second win.
AA Wichita: SS Jeff Bianchi is hitting .321 with 4 HR and 12 RBI. J.P. Howell is 2-0 with a 2.21 ERA in 3 starts so far.
A High Desert: SS Chris McConnell is hitting .424 with 1 HR. RP Felix Sanchez has thrown 13 innings of relief and has an ERA of 1.38 with 8 strikeouts thus far.

Division Leaders
AL East: New York (7-3)
AL Central: Cleveland/Chicago/Minnesota (5-4)
AL West: Los Angeles/Texas (5-4)
AL Wild Card: Chicago/Minnesota/Texas (5-4)
NL East: Philadelphia/Washington/New York (6-3)
NL Central: Cincinnati (7-1)
NL West: Colorado (5-3)
NL Wild Card: St. Louis (6-2)

League Leaders (Both leagues combined)
Batting Average: 1B Nick Johnson (WSN, .485)
Hits: OF Garret Anderson (LAA, 18)/OF Johnny Damon (NYY, 18)
Homeruns: OF Barry Bonds (SFG, 6)
Stolen Bases: OF Dave Roberts (SDP, 6)
Earned Run Average: SP Aaron Harang (CIN, 0.00)
Wins: SP Brandon Webb (ARI, 3)
Strikeouts: SP Dontrelle Willis (FLA, 17)/SP A.J. Burnett (TOR, 17)
Saves: Jose Valverde (ARI, 4)

Notable News Around the Majors
-The San Fransisco Giants have signed 1B Carlos Pena to a one-year deal
-Both OF Wily Mo Pena (BOS) and SS Jose Reyes (NYM) have signed two-year extensions to stay with their respective ball clubs
-1B Mark Teixeira (TEX) signed a 3-year contract extension with the Rangers

Notable Injuries
-LF Brad Wilkerson (TEX); Sprained finger, out two weeks
-SP Jamie Moyer (SEA); Foot stress fracture, out two weeks

[cmm392]

April 15-17 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gifKansas City Royals (3-6) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/tigers_45.gifDetroit Tigers (4-5)

Projected Starters
April 15: Nate Cornejo (1-0, 3.52 ERA) @ Joel Zumaya
April 16: Mark Redman (0-2, 6.97 ERA) @ Jeremy Bonderman (0-1, 6.94 ERA)
April 17: Denny Bautista (0-0, 3.68 ERA) @ Nate Robertson (2-0, 0.53 ERA)

Game Recaps
April 15: Nate Cornejo threw a complete game in only 95 pitches, giving up three earned runs. Emil Brown went 2-for-4 and hit his 2nd triple of the season to help lead the Royals to victory. Royals 5, Tigers 3
April 16: The Royals started with the lead, but then trailed 5-4 up until the top of the 8th, where a Doug Mientkiewicz sacrifice bunt tied the game at 5. However, in the bottom half of the inning, two doubles is all it took to give the Tigers the lead and eventually the victory. Mark Redman gave up seven earned runs in 7.1 innings. Royals 5, Tigers 7
April 17: Bautista got shelled in this outing - giving up 8 earned runs in 6 innings pitched. The game was tied in the 7th at 6, but a pair of homers in the bottom half of the 7th inning gave the Tigers a 10-6 lead. The Royals bullpen got attacked too, giving up a combined four runs in 2 innings pitched. On the plus side, 29 year-old rookie Alex Prieto went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI, bringing his batting average to .357. Royals 7, Tigers 12

Royals News & Notes
-The team batting average continues to suffer (.243) as well as the pitching (5.68 team ERA).
-RP Andrew Sisco has been moved to the setup role; Scott Stewart was moved to the middle relief role after posting a 13.42 ERA in 4.2 innings so far this season.

In The Minors...
AAA Omaha: 3B Alex Gordon, the #4 overall prospect in the Royals organization, is batting .284 with 2 HR and 11 RBI; his OBA is at .405. SP Bobby Keppel is 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA.
AA Wichita: Former standout 3B Mark Teahen is now batting .289 with 2 HR and 9 RBI. 26-year old RP Danny Tamayo has a 2.95 ERA in 18.1 innings so far this season.
A High Desert: 1B Brian Dopirak continues to show promise, batting .400 with 3 HR and 12 RBI. Jae Ruk Kyu is now 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA.

Division Leaders
AL East: New York (9-4)
AL Central: Cleveland/Minnesota (7-5)
AL West: Los Angeles (7-5)
AL Wild Card: Minnesota (7-5)
NL East: Philadelphia/Washington (8-4)
NL Central: Cincinnati/St. Louis (8-3)
NL West: Arizona (7-5)
NL Wild Card: St. Louis (8-3)

League Leaders (Both leagues combined)
Batting Average: 1B Nick Johnson (WSN, .455)
Hits: 6-tied (20)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 8)
Stolen Bases: 5-tied (6)
Earned Run Average: SP Jason Johnson (CLE, 0.52)
Wins: 3-tied (3)
Strikeouts: SP Ben Sheets (MIL, 22)/SP Johan Santana (MIN, 22)
Saves: RP Jose Valverde (ARI, 5)/RP Jason Isringhausen (STL, 5)

Notable News Around the Majors
-RF Tim Salmon (LAA) announced his retirement at age 37
-C Mike Piazza (SDP) hit his 400th career homerun

Notable Injuries
-RF Alex Rios (TOR); wrist stress fracture, out five weeks

[cmm392]

April 18-19 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gifKansas City Royals (4-8) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/twins_45.gifMinnesota Twins (7-5)

Projected Starters
April 18: Joe Mays (0-2, 8.31 ERA) @ Brad Radke (1-0, 5.40 ERA)
April 19: Runelvys Hernandez (0-1, 2.45 ERA) @ Francisco Liriano (0-1, 4.50 ERA)

Game Recaps
April 18: Joe Mays got torched for seven earned runs in five innings. Justin Morneau had six RBI in the game to lead the Twins to victory. Royals 3, Twins 7
April 19: Hernandez got lit, giving up seven earned runs in five innings just like Mays the night before. However, this time with the help of David DeJesus and Aaron Miles, the Royals were able to take control of the game. DeJesus and Miles each had a three hits including a homerun, and 3 and 4 RBIs, respectively. Royals 10, Twins 9

[cmm392]

April 20-21 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/white_sox_45.gifChicago White Sox (8-6) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gifKansas City Royals (5-9)

Projected Starters
April 20: Jon Garland (2-0, 3.60 ERA) @ Nate Cornejo (2-0, 3.24 ERA)
April 21: Mark Buehrle (0-3, 10.67 ERA) @ Mark Redman (0-3, 7.64 ERA)

Game Recaps
April 20: Nate Cornejo went eight innings and gave up three runs, pitching very effectively once again. The Royals took this tied game all the way into the bottom of the 11th inning, where Paul Bako once again won the game - this time with a walk off homerun. White Sox 3, Royals 4
April 21: Mark Buehrle pitched a flawless complete game and shut the Royals out. Only three Royals got a hit in this game. White Sox 4, Royals 0

Royals News & Notes
(no major news)

Division Leaders
AL East: New York (10-7)
AL Central: Cleveland/Minnesota/Chicago (9-7)
AL West: Los Angeles (9-7)
AL Wild Card: Baltimore/Chicago/Minnesota (9-7)
NL East: Philadelphia/Washington/New York (9-7)
NL Central: St. Louis (11-4)
NL West: Arizona (10-6)
NL Wild Card: Cincinnati (10-5)

League Leaders (Both leagues combined)
Batting Average: OF Barry Bonds (SFG, .425)
Hits: SS Khalil Greene (SDP, 25)/OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 25)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 10)
Stolen Bases: OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 9)
Earned Run Average: SP Mark Mulder (STL, 0.35)
Wins: SP Brandon Webb (ARI, 4)/RP Todd Coffey (CIN, 4)
Strikeouts: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 32)
Saves: RP Jose Valverde (ARI, 7)

Notable News Around the Majors
-SP Barry Zito (OAK) signed a three-year extension with the Athletics
-OF Moises Alou (SFG) and OF Jeromy Burnitz (PIT) hit their 300th career homeruns

Notable Injuries
-CF Ken Griffey; Severe shoulder separation, out two months

[cmm392]

The Kansas City Chronicle - April 22, 2006

Royals Aquire Catcher Navarro

http://dodgers.mlb.com/images/2005/02/20/syEz6v8J.jpg

With backup catcher Paul Bako playing well so far and the Royals in need of a strong defensive catcher to start, Muller went out and aquired 22-year old catcher Dioner Navarro from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for C John Buck and OF Kerry Robinson. While Buck was a solid future catcher, he didn't have the defensive skills that the Royals feel Navarro can bring to the team.

Navarro is out for two more weeks with a shoulder separation, so for the time being, C Paul Bako will handle the majority of the starts behind the plate. When Navarro returns, he should jump immediately onto the active roster and work his way into the everyday catcher's role.

TRADE RECAP

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/dodgers_45.gifLos Angeles (N) gets...
C John Buck
OF Kerry Robinson

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gifKansas City gets...
C Dioner Navarro

---

Also, in another news story, Manager Buddy Bell has been quoted as saying, "We are going to try shifting away from the platooning now that we have some sort of idea of who can play every day." So it looks as if we will see more everyday players in the lineup...Stay tuned!

[cmm392]

April 22-24 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gifKansas City Royals (6-10) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/indians_45.gifCleveland Indians (9-7)

Projected Starters
April 22: Denny Bautista (0-1, 6.10 ERA) vs. C.C. Sabathia (1-0, 3.79 ERA)
April 23: Runelyvs Hernandez (1-1, 5.03 ERA) vs. Jake Westbrook (1-0, 3.09 ERA)
April 24: Nate Cornejo (2-0, 3.28 ERA) vs. Cliff Lee (1-1, 4.66 ERA)

Game Recaps
April 22: Bautista pitched effectively, but ultimately it was Burgos who blew the game. Taking a 7-3 lead into the bottom of the ninth, Burgos gave up a walk, four singles, a double, and a homerun to give the Indians six runs. Royals 7, Indians 9
April 23: Hernandez pitched well, giving up four earned runs in seven innings while also striking out 7. DeJesus and Mientkwiecz each pitched in 3 hits and 3 RBI to help the Royals beat the tough Tribe. Royals 9, Indians 5
April 24: Nate Cornejo gave up three homeruns which lead to 7 earned runs total in the three innings he pitched. The Royals countered with 10 hits, but couldn't turn them into runs. Royals 2, Indians 8

Royals News & Notes
-P Joe Mays has been removed from the starting rotation and into the bullpen for long relief. Mays was 0-3 with a 9.50 ERA this season. SP Jeremy Affeldt will take his spot in the rotation for now.
-RP Geremi Gonzalez has been signed to a one-year deal. He will start off in AAA Omaha.
-RP Joe Nelson has been released.

In The Minors...
AAA Omaha: RP Luke Hudson is 4-0 with a 1.99 ERA in 22.2 innings pitched; we could see him in the majors very soon. 2B Ruben Gotay is batting .341 with 2 HR and 17 RBI.
AA Wichita: RP Jeff Nelson is 0-1 with 3 saves and a 2.16 ERA. 2B Chris Clapinski is batting .256 with 5 HR and 20 RBI.
A High Desert: SP Erik Cordier has an ERA of 2.51 in 5 games started. 3B Marcos Vechionacci is batting .299 with 1 HR and 16 RBI.

Division Leaders
AL East: Baltimore (11-8)
AL Central: Cleveland/Chicago/Detroit (11-8)
AL West: Texas (10-9)
AL Wild Card: Chicago/Detroit (11-8)
NL East: Philadelphia/Washington (12-7)
NL Central: St. Louis (12-6)
NL West: Arizona (12-7)
NL Wild Card: Washington (12-7)

League Leaders
Batting Average: 1B Nick Johnson (WSN, .411)
Hits: OF Cory Sullivan (COL, 30); 1B Nick Johnson (WSN, 30)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 10); OF Barry Bonds (SFG, 10)
Stolen Bases: SS Craig Counsell (ARI, 9); OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 9)
Earned Run Average: SP Jason Johnson (CLE, 0.71)
Wins: SP Brandon Webb (ARI, 4); RP Todd Coffey (CIN, 4); SP Chris Carpenter (STL, 4)
Strikeouts: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 32)
Saves: RP Chris Ray (BAL, 8)

Notable News Around the Majors
-SP Vincente Padilla (TEX) threw a no-hitter on April 22nd, 2006

Notable Injuries
-RP Mariano Rivera (NYY); Dislocated shoulder, out three weeks
-OF Magglio Ordonez (DET); Pulled groin, out two weeks
-SP Vincente Padilla (TEX); Torn quadriceps, out four weeks (*This comes two days after pitching the no-hitter)

[Bye1918]

Nice dynasty, I'll be reading.

[cmm392]

April 26-28 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gifKansas City Royals (7-12) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/white_sox_45.gifChicago White Sox (11-8)

Projected Starters
April 26: Jeremy Affeldt vs. Mark Buehrle (1-3, 6.56 ERA)
April 27: Mark Redman (0-4, 6.31 ERA) vs. Javier Vazquez (2-1, 2.93 ERA)
April 28: Denny Bautista (0-1, 5.40 ERA) vs. Jose Contreras (2-1, 1.52 ERA)

Game Recaps
April 26: Buehrle pitched a gem, going eight innings and only giving up one run. Jeremy Affeldt was decent in his first start, going six innings and giving up 4 runs while striking out 6. Justin Huber went 3-for-4 with two doubles, but that wasn't enough to match the homeruns by Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye. Royals 1, White Sox 4
April 27: Redman went 8 innings and gave up 2 earned runs, pitching very well. The game deadlocked at 3 runs a piece until the top of the 10th, when 3B Esteban German hit a 3-run HR to give the Royals the edge. Royals 6, White Sox 3
April 28: Denny Bautista picks up his first win of the season, going 7.2 innings and giving up 4 earned runs - but he threw 132 pitches which could have an effect later in the season. Emil Brown's first homerun of the season and Wilton Guererro's triple gave the Royals the ability to score runs in this one. Royals 5, White Sox 4

Royals News & Notes
-The Royals' pitching was fairly effective in this series as they took two out of three from the White Sox.
-SS Angel Sanchez has been put on the bench and IF's Wilton Guerrero and Alex Prieto are getting some playing time. Sanchez is batting only .177 this year in 79 at bats.

In The Minors...
(no major updates)

Division Leaders
AL East: New York (13-10)
AL Central: Cleveland (14-8)
AL West: Texas (12-10)
AL Wild Card: Chicago/Toronto (12-10)
NL East: Philadelphia/Washington (14-8)
NL Central: St. Louis (14-7)
NL West: Arizona (13-9)
NL Wild Card: Washington (14-8)

League Leaders
Batting Average: 3B Corey Koskie (MIL, .413)
Hits: OF Cory Sullivan (COL, 33); 1B Nick Johnson (WSN, 33)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 14)
Stolen Bases: Carl Crawford (TBD, 10)
Earned Run Average: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 1.34)
Wins: SP Chris Carpenter (STL, 5)
Strikeouts: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 40)
Saves: RP Chris Ray (BAL, 8); Danys Baez (LAD, 8); Derrick Turnbow (MIL, 8)

Notable News Around the Majors
(no major news)

Notable Injuries
(no major injuries)

[cmm392]

April 29 - May 1 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/rangers_45.gifTexas Rangers (12-10) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gifKansas City Royals (9-13)

Projected Starters
April 29: Kameron Loe (3-0, 3.28 ERA) vs. Runelvys Hernandez (2-1, 5.06 ERA)
April 30: Rick Bauer (1-2, 7.27 ERA) vs. Nate Cornejo (2-1, 5.20 ERA)
May 1: Edison Volquez vs. Jeremy Affeldt (0-1, 6.00 ERA)

Game Recaps
April 29: In a slugfest, 7 total homeruns were hit between the two teams today. Both starters got roughed up, but the Royals managed to out-slug the Rangers with homeruns from Aaron Miles, David DeJesus, and Shane Costa. Rangers 7, Royals 13
April 30: The slugfest continued today as both started got absolutely plowed; as did the relievers. This game had 6 total homeruns and was tied at 13 all the way into the bottom of the 9th. David DeJesus stretched an ordinary single into a double, then was waved home on a hard hit Doug Mientkwiecz single to win the game. Rangers 13, Royals 14
May 1: Jeremy Affeldt went 8 scoreless innings to help shut the door on the Rangers. Chip Ambres gave him run support, going 2-for-4 in the contest with 1 RBI and 1 double. Rangers 0, Royals 4

Royals News & Notes
-The Royals have completed their first sweep of the season, shutting out the Rangers 3 games to 0.
-The Royals scored a total of 31 runs as the bats started to heat up
-SS Wilton Guererro made use of his promotion to the starting lineup, going 3-for-7 with 3 RBI in the series.
-38 year-old IF Mike Mordecai was signed to a one-year deal. With SS Angel Sanchez batting only .181 this season, Mordecai was signed to take his spot on the active roster until he can get his bat working again. Sanchez will report to AAA Omaha.

In The Minors...
AAA Omaha: OF Chad Allen is batting .368 with 4 HR and 26 RBI. RP Ricardo Rodriguez is 0-3 with a plump ERA of 5.34 so far this year.
AA Wichita: In 121 at-bats, SS Jeff Bianchi is playing very well; he is batting .289 with 5 HR and 19 RBI. SP J.P. Howell is now 4-1 with a 2.40 ERA.
A High Desert: OF Billy Butler is hitting .488. SP Jae Kuk Ryu's ERA blossomed to 4.30.

Division Leaders
AL East: New York (15-11)
AL Central: Cleveland (16-9)
AL West: Oakland (13-13)
AL Wild Card: Chicago/Toronto/Baltimore (14-11)
NL East: Washington (16-9)
NL Central: St. Louis (15-9)
NL West: Arizona/Los Angeles (14-11)
NL Wild Card: Milwaukee/Philadelphia (15-10)

League Leaders
Batting Average: OF Barry Bonds (SFG, .404)
Hits: OF Cory Sullivan (COL, 38)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 17)
Stolen Bases: Carl Crawford (TBD, 10)
Earned Run Average: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 2.11)
Wins: SP Chris Carpenter (STL, 5); RP Sun-Woo Kim (COL, 5)
Strikeouts: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 46)
Saves: RP Chris Ray (BAL, 9)

Notable News Around the Majors
-RP Roberto Hernandez (PIT) retired at age 41.

Notable Injuries
-2B Chase Utley (PHI); Hand stress fracture, out two weeks
-SP Jeff Weaver (LAA); Finger stress fracture, out two weeks
-SP Shawn Chacon (NYY); Dislocated shoulder, out two weeks

[cmm392]

May 3-5 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/tigers_45.gifDetroit Tigers (12-13) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gifKansas City Royals (12-13)

Projected Starters
May 3: Nate Robertson (3-0, 2.36 ERA) @ Mark Redman (0-4, 5.35 ERA)
May 4: Justin Verlander (2-1, 3.79 ERA) @ Denny Bautista (1-1, 5.25 ERA)
May 5: Joel Zumaya (0-2, 13.00 ERA) @ Runelyvs Hernandez (3-1, 5.79 ERA)

Game Recaps
May 3: Mark Redman continues to pitch terribly this season, going 5 innings and giving up 6 runs. Dessens gave up another two. The Royals offense was in tact however, as they knocked 13 hits, including Richard Hidalgo's 2nd HR of the year, but once again failed to convert them into enough runs. Tigers 8, Royals 3
May 4: Denny Bautista gave up only 3 runs in 7 innings, striking out 5. Doug Mientkiewicz hit his 3rd homerun of the year while five other Royals hit extra base hits - finally giving the pitching staff enough run support to pull off a win. Tigers 4, Royals 7
May 5: Blame it on the pitching again, as Hernandez gave up 7 earned runs in 7.1 innings. The bullpen didn't help much either, giving up another 3 runs in 1.2 innings - the bats weren't really alive today either, as only one player hit for an extra bases hit and only two players had more than one hit. Tigers 10, Royals 7

Royals News & Notes
-The Royals pitching is awful, however, the return of Dioner Navarro from the DL should help because of his great defensive skills.
-C Raul Chavez was signed to a one-year deal. He also has a great arm and great defensive skills but is an offensive liability. He will continue his season in AAA Omaha.
-C Mike Tonis was released.


In The Minors...
AAA Omaha: SS Andres Blanco will be out for two weeks with a stretched ankle ligament.
AA Wichita: (no major updates)
A High Desert: (no major updates)

Division Leaders
AL East: New York (17-12)
AL Central: Cleveland (18-11)
AL West: Oakland (15-14)
AL Wild Card: Chicago (17-11)
NL East: Philadelphia (16-11)
NL Central: St. Louis (18-10)
NL West: Arizona (17-12)
NL Wild Card: Milwaukee (17-11)

League Leaders
Batting Average: 1B Albert Pujols (STL, .400)
Hits: OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 44)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 17)
Stolen Bases: SS Jose Reyes (NYM, 11)
Earned Run Average: SP Kevin Millwood (TEX, 2.01)
Wins: SP Chris Carpenter (STL, 6)
Strikeouts: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 46)
Saves: RP Chris Ray (BAL, 9); RP Jose Valverde (ARI, 9); Danys Baez (LAD, 9); RP Jason Isringhausen (STL, 9); RP B.J. Ryan (TOR, 9)

Notable News Around the Majors
-LF B.J. Surhoff (FA) announced his retirement at age 41.

Notable Injuries
-SP Bronson Arroyo (CIN); Foot stress fracture, out two weeks
-SP Scott Kazmir (TBD); Broken foot, out two months

[cmm392]

The Kansas City Chronicle - May 6, 2006

Royals playing close to .500 ball this season (13-15)

http://www.mlb-teams.com/stadiums/pictures/kansas_city-royals.jpg

Well, we're just over a month into the season and it's time to post our monthly stat update. Here are the Royals statistics through May 6, 2006:

Batting:

2006 Batting Team G AVG AB H 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS R RBI SLG OBP
German, Esteban KCR 28 .260 123 32 4 0 1 5 10 7 3 13 7 .317 .295
DeJesus, David KCR 28 .355 107 38 10 1 5 13 15 1 4 21 23 .607 .430
Brown, Emil KCR 27 .276 105 29 5 2 1 10 23 5 0 15 17 .390 .336
Miles, Aaron KCR 26 .280 100 28 4 0 2 0 9 0 0 13 15 .380 .280
Ambres, Chip KCR 25 .247 97 24 5 0 2 5 15 3 1 9 12 .361 .288
Costa, Shane KCR 22 .315 92 29 7 1 1 5 12 1 2 18 11 .446 .351
Sanchez, Angel KCR 25 .181 83 15 3 0 0 4 9 1 0 8 4 .217 .216
Mientkiewicz, Doug KCR 21 .296 81 24 4 0 3 4 16 0 0 15 17 .457 .329
Bako, Paul KCR 13 .283 46 13 1 0 1 7 5 0 0 8 9 .370 .364
Huber, Justin KCR 9 .324 34 11 3 0 0 1 4 0 0 3 5 .412 .343
Prieto, Alex KCR 9 .280 25 7 3 1 0 2 7 0 0 7 2 .480 .333
Guerrero, Wilton KCR 8 .286 21 6 1 1 0 0 3 0 0 3 4 .429 .286
Hidalgo, Richard KCR 6 .158 19 3 0 0 2 3 7 0 0 3 3 .474 .304
Chavez, Raul KCR 8 .167 12 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 .250 .167
Phillips, Paul KCR 3 .167 12 2 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 .333 .167
Navarro, Dioner KCR 3 .222 9 2 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 .222 .364
Mordecai, Mike KCR 1 .333 3 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 .333 .500


Pitching:

2006 Pitching Team IP ERA G GS W L SV K BB R/9
Bautista, Denny KCR 43.0 5.02 6 6 2 1 0 28 24 14.02
Hernandez, Runelvys KCR 40.0 6.30 6 6 3 1 0 22 16 14.85
Redman, Mark KCR 38.2 6.05 6 6 0 5 0 18 14 13.97
Cornejo, Nate KCR 31.2 6.82 5 5 2 1 0 10 13 16.77
Mays, Joe KCR 24.1 7.40 5 3 0 3 0 13 9 13.32
Peralta, Joel KCR 20.0 3.60 15 0 2 1 0 13 7 12.60
Affeldt, Jeremy KCR 14.0 2.57 2 2 1 1 0 12 6 11.57
Dessens, Elmer KCR 12.1 5.84 8 0 0 0 0 6 2 18.24
Sisco, Andrew KCR 10.1 5.23 9 0 0 0 0 11 7 16.55
Burgos, Ambiorix KCR 8.1 8.64 9 0 3 1 5 5 6 16.20
Stewart, Scott KCR 5.2 11.12 6 0 0 1 0 6 4 25.41


Fielding:

2006 Fielding Team G PCT A PO DP E RF A/G InnOuts PB SBA RTO
German, Esteban KCR 28 .975 64 13 4 2 2.86 2.29 745 0 0 0
DeJesus, David KCR 28 1.000 2 63 0 0 2.36 0.07 745 0 0 0
Brown, Emil KCR 27 .886 1 38 0 5 1.65 0.04 721 0 0 0
Miles, Aaron KCR 26 1.000 77 72 21 0 5.80 2.96 694 0 0 0
Sanchez, Angel KCR 25 .976 73 49 16 3 5.94 2.92 568 0 0 0
Costa, Shane KCR 22 .980 1 49 0 1 2.38 0.05 578 0 0 0
Mientkiewicz, Doug KCR 21 1.000 17 167 19 0 9.48 0.81 524 0 0 0
Peralta, Joel KCR 15 1.000 3 0 0 0 1.35 0.20 60 0 0 0
Bako, Paul KCR 13 .989 3 90 0 1 7.13 0.23 356 0 6 2
Huber, Justin KCR 9 1.000 5 81 7 0 10.51 0.56 221 0 0 0
Burgos, Ambiorix KCR 9 .000 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 25 0 0 0
Sisco, Andrew KCR 9 1.000 3 0 1 0 2.61 0.33 31 0 0 0
Guerrero, Wilton KCR 8 1.000 20 9 3 0 4.83 2.00 162 0 0 0
Chavez, Raul KCR 8 .933 0 28 0 2 7.71 0.00 105 1 6 0
Dessens, Elmer KCR 8 1.000 0 1 0 0 0.73 0.00 37 0 0 0
Ambres, Chip KCR 6 1.000 0 5 0 0 0.94 0.00 143 0 0 0
Redman, Mark KCR 6 .750 0 3 2 1 0.93 0.00 116 0 0 0
Bautista, Denny KCR 6 1.000 1 6 0 0 1.47 0.17 129 0 0 0
Hernandez, Runelvys KCR 6 1.000 1 4 1 0 1.13 0.17 120 0 0 0
Stewart, Scott KCR 6 1.000 1 0 0 0 1.59 0.17 17 0 0 0
Cornejo, Nate KCR 5 1.000 1 3 0 0 1.14 0.20 95 0 0 0
Mays, Joe KCR 5 1.000 0 2 0 0 0.74 0.00 73 0 0 0
Navarro, Dioner KCR 3 1.000 2 19 0 0 7.56 0.67 75 0 3 1
Prieto, Alex KCR 3 .875 5 2 1 1 5.54 0.00 39 0 0 0
Phillips, Paul KCR 3 1.000 0 23 0 0 7.96 0.00 78 0 1 0
Hidalgo, Richard KCR 2 .800 0 4 0 1 2.81 0.00 48 0 0 0
Affeldt, Jeremy KCR 2 1.000 0 1 0 0 0.64 0.00 42 0 0 0
Mordecai, Mike KCR 1 1.000 5 5 0 0 10.00 5.00 27 0 0 0

[cmm392]

May 6-8 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gifKansas City Royals (13-15) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/red_sox_45.gifBoston Red Sox (10-19)

Projected Starters
May 6: Nate Cornejo (2-1, 6.82 ERA) vs. Curt Schilling (2-2, 4.50 ERA)
May 7: Jeremy Affeldt (1-1, 2.57 ERA) vs. Tim Wakefield (0-4, 13.71 ERA)
May 8: Mark Redman (0-5, 6.05 ERA) vs. Matt Clement (2-2, 3.19 ERA)

Game Recaps
May 6: Only two Royals players got hits today as both starters went the entire game. Cornejo went 8 solid innings, giving up only two earned runs, but the offense didn't help enough in this one. Royals 0, Red Sox 2
May 7: Dioner Navarro went 1-for-3 in his Royals debut, but Jeremy Affeldt gave up 5 runs in 5.2 innings to allow the Red Sox to steal game 2 of the series. Royals 3, Red Sox 5
May 8: In just his second game as a Royal, Dioner Navarro went 3-for-5 with 2 runs, 1 HR, and 1 RBI. Six players had a multi-hit game and five of them had RBIs in the game. Redman went 7.1 innings, giving up four runs while earning his first win of the season. Royals 10, Red Sox 4

Royals News & Notes
-C Dioner Navarro has looked promising in his first two games as a Royal, going 4-for-8 with 1 HR.
-The Royals have switched their broadcast strategy from Local Blackout to Normal, lowering the payroll budget by about $2.00 M. This will give fans the ability to watch more games on TV.
-OF David DeJesus is tied for 4th place in the league in hits with 42.
-RP Luke Hudson (AAA) will miss two weeks with a mild shoulder separation.

In The Minors...
AAA Omaha: 3B Alex Gordon is batting .307 with 9 HR and 27 RBI. SP Brian Bass leads the AAA team with 30 strikeouts.
AA Wichita: SS Jeff Bianchi leads the team with 15 stolen bases. SP J.P. Howell leads the team in wins (5) and strikeouts (31).
A High Desert: The two hitters aquired in the offseason from the Cubs, C Mark Reed and 1B Brian Dopirak, are playing extremely well - Reed is hitting .339 with 3 HR and 27 RBI while Dopirak is hitting .391 with 7 HR and 25 RBI. Jae Kuk Ryu's ERA is now 5.36 (He is 2-3 also).

Division Leaders
AL East: Baltimore (18-13)
AL Central: Cleveland (20-12)
AL West: Oakland (18-14)
AL Wild Card: New York/Toronto (18-14)
NL East: Philadelphia (19-11)
NL Central: St. Louis (20-11)
NL West: Arizona (20-12)
NL Wild Card: Milwaukee (19-12)

League Leaders
Batting Average: OF Barry Bonds (SFG, .417)
Hits: SS Jhonny Peralta (CLE, 47)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 17)
Stolen Bases: SS Jose Reyes (NYM, 12); OF Willy Taveras (HOU, 12)
Earned Run Average: SP Mark Mulder (STL, 2.05)
Wins: SP Chris Carpenter (STL, 6)
Strikeouts: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 51)
Saves: RP Chris Ray (BAL, 12)

Notable News Around the Majors
-RP Mike Stanton (WSN) has announced his retirement at age 38

Notable Injuries
-SP Carlos Zambrano (CHC); Finger stress fracture, out two weeks

[cmm392]

May 9-11 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gifKansas City Royals (14-17) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/orioles_45.gifBaltimore Orioles (18-13)

Projected Starters
May 9: Denny Bautista (2-1, 5.02 ERA) vs. Rodrigo Lopez (2-3, 6.35 ERA)
May 10: Runelyvs Hernandez (3-1, 6.30 ERA) vs. Bruce Chen (1-2, 5.14 ERA)
May 11: Nate Cornejo (2-2, 5.90 ERA) vs. Daniel Cabrera (2-1, 4.31 ERA)

Game Recaps
May 9: This is how the team should be playing. Four different players hit doubles, including 3 doubles by Aaron Miles. IF Mike Mordecai got the start to day at SS and went 1-for-3 with 1 HR and 2 RBI. Denny Bautista pitched a complete 9 innings, giving up only one run and striking out 4. Royals 5, Orioles 1
May 10: The Orioles had 14 hits in three innings, which led to 9 runs. Enough said. Royals 2, Orioles 10
May 11: Cornejo gave up 5 earned runs in 7 innings, being outpitched by Daniel Cabrera. The Orioles had another 10 hits today, winning game three of the series and taking two of three from the Royals. Royals 1, Orioles 5

Royals News & Notes
-IF Mike Mordecai was able to capitalize on his chance to start at SS this series. He went 3-for-8 with 1 HR and 3 RBI in the series.
-1B Doug Mientkwiecz hit 2 HR in the series to bring his total on the year to 5.
-The Royals have traded SS Andres Blanco (AAA) to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for 19 year-old RF Daryl Jones. Jones will report to A High Desert.
-RP Andrew Sisco will miss three weeks with a broken jaw. P Bobby Keppel was recalled from AAA Omaha to take his spot on the active roster.
-SP Mark Redman will make his next start a day later than usual, giving his sore heel some time to rest. P Bobby Keppel or P Joe Mays are expected to make a spot start for Redman.

Division Leaders
AL East: Baltimore (20-15)
AL Central: Cleveland (20-15)
AL West: Oakland (21-14)
AL Wild Card: New York (20-13)
NL East: Philadelphia (20-13)
NL Central: St. Louis (23-12)
NL West: Arizona (22-14)
NL Wild Card: Milwaukee (21-13)

League Leaders
Batting Average: 1B Albert Pujols (STL, .417)
Hits: SS Miguel Tejada (BAL, 50)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 18)
Stolen Bases: OF Willy Taveras (HOU, 14)
Earned Run Average: SP Kevin Millwood (TEX, 2.27)
Wins: SP Chris Carpenter (STL, 6)
Strikeouts: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 51); SP Ben Sheets (MIL, 51)
Saves: RP Chris Ray (BAL, 12)

Notable News Around the Majors
(none)

Notable Injuries
-2B Mark Loretta (BOS); Pulled groin, out two weeks
-C Joe Mauer (MIN); Finger stress fracture, out two weeks

[cmm392]

May 13-15 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/athletics_45.gifOakland Athletics (21-14) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gifKansas City Royals (15-19)

Projected Starters
May 13: Dan Haren (2-1, 2.92 ERA) vs. Jeremy Affeldt (1-2, 4.12 ERA)
May 14: Rich Harden (4-2, 2.74 ERA) vs. Bobby Keppel
May 15: Joe Blanton (2-1, 3.48 ERA) vs. Denny Bautista (3-1, 4.33 ERA)

Game Recaps
May 13: The A's pounded 14 hits off of KC pitching; Affeldt gave up 7 runs in 5.2 innings. David DeJesus hit his 6th HR of the year, but that wasn't enough to stop the scorching hot A's. Athletics 8, Royals 3
May 14: Bobby Keppel was incredible in his first major league start, going 8 innings and giving up only one run while striking out 7! Dioner Navarro added two hits to lead the Royals in this one. Athletics 1, Royals 3
May 15: Dioner Navarro homered, but RP Scott Stewart gave up 4 runs in 0.1 innings. Bautista pitched well, but not well enough. Athletics 8, Royals 6

Royals News & Notes
-SP Mark Redman was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for OF Delwyn Young. Young will report to AAA Omaha, while P Brian Bass was recalled from Omaha to take Redman's spot on the roster.
-RP Scott Stewart was sent down to AAA Omaha after posting an 11.42 ERA. P Jimmy Gobble was recalled to take his spot on the roster. Gobble was 3-1 with 2.72 ERA at AAA Omaha this season.
-SP Kyle Snyder and RP Jeff Nelson were both promoted from AA Wichita to AAA Omaha.
-SP Nate Cornejo was demoted to AAA Omaha today after going 2-3 with a 5.98 ERA. His spot in the rotation will be filled by Rookie SP Bobby Keppel until he can get things together down in the minors. RP Justin Huisman was recalled from AAA Omaha to take his spot on the active roster.
-OF Richard Hidalgo will miss 3-4 months due to a broken tibia. OF Chad Allen will take his spot on the active roster. Allen was batting .319 with 4 HR and 31 RBI at AAA Omaha this season.

Division Leaders
AL East: New York (22-16)
AL Central: Cleveland (22-16)
AL West: Oakland (23-16)
AL Wild Card: Baltimore (21-17)
NL East: Philadelphia (22-15)
NL Central: St. Louis (25-13)
NL West: Arizona (24-15)
NL Wild Card: Milwaukee (22-15)

League Leaders
Batting Average: OF Barry Bonds (SFG, .405)
Hits: OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 55)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 19)
Stolen Bases: OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 18)
Earned Run Average: SP Nate Robertson (DET, 2.24)
Wins: SP Chris Carpenter (STL, 7)
Strikeouts: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 58)
Saves: RP Chris Ray (BAL, 13); RP Jose Valverde (ARI, 13)

Notable News Around the Majors
(none)

Notable Injuries
-OF Jason Bay (PIT); Broken foot, out five weeks
-OF Grady Sizemore (CLE); Sprained finger, out two weeks
-OF Pat Burrell (PHI); Sprained ankle, out two weeks
-SP Chan Ho Park (SDP); Spiked achilles tendon, out three weeks
-SS Orlando Cabrera (LAA); Dislocated shoulder, out two weeks

[cmm392]

The Kansas City Chronicle - May 17, 2006

Muller & Baird make cluster of moves...but will they help?

http://cjonline.com/images/050906/37792_512.jpg

Mark Redman was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for AAA Prospect OF Delwyn Young. When asked about the trade, Muller said, "[Young] is a very talented young hitter and we look foreward to him being in our starting lineup in the near future. Mark Redman is an excellent pitcher and a close friend, but right now, he didn't fit in with what the Royals were trying to do," he added, "...and after a long night's chat at dinner, Mark had simply requested to go to a team that can win NOW, so we respected that request because it fit our scheme at the same time." Owner David Glass liked the deal and was quoted as saying, "It's a win-win situation for both us and Mark."

TRADE RECAP

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/dodgers_45.gifLos Angeles (N) gets...
SP Mark Redman

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gifKansas City gets...
OF Delwyn Young

---

In a rage of other moves, as stated in the game report above, Muller shuffled a bunch of pitchers around between the minors and the majors. Here is a look at the change:

Royals Pitching Staff, May 16, 2006
SP Mark Redman
SP Denny Bautista
SP Runelyvs Hernandez
SP Nate Cornejo
SP Jeremy Affeldt
CL Ambiorix Burgos
SU Joel Peralta
SR Scott Stewart
SR Elmer Dessens
MR Bobby Keppel
LR Joe Mays

Royals Pitching Staff, May 17, 2006
SP Denny Bautista
SP Runelyvs Hernandez
SP Jeremy Affeldt
SP Joe Mays
SP Bobby Keppel
CL Ambiorix Burgos
SU Joel Peralta
SR Elmer Dessens
SR Justin Huisman
MR Jimmy Gobble
LR Brian Bass

Don't forget, Andy Sisco and Zach Greinke are due off the DL in about two weeks, then in about a month we have Mike MacDougal and Bobby Madritsch coming off the DL - so this should make for an interesting 2-4 weeks. Stay tuned!

[cmm392]

May 17-19 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/yankees_45.gif New York Yankees (22-16) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gif Kansas City Royals (16-21)

Projected Starters
May 17: Tyler Clippard vs. Runelyvs Hernandez (3-2, 7.74 ERA)
May 18: Jaret Wright (3-2, 3.86 ERA) vs. Jeremy Affeldt (1-3, 5.68 ERA)
May 19: Randy Johnson (3-3, 3.88 ERA) vs. Joe Mays (0-3, 6.30 ERA)

Game Recaps
May 17: Hernandez gave up 4 runs in 6 innings while Emil Brown blasted 2 homeruns. The Royals beat up Yankees rookie pitcher Tyler Clippard today. Yankees 7, Royals 13
May 18: The Yankees had 19 hits, the Royals had 4. Jaret Wright pitched 8 innings, no runs, 7 k's, Affeldt pitched 3.1 innings, 9 runs, 1 k. Need I say more? Yankees 11, Royals 0
May 19: Nearly identical from the day before - Randy Johnson pitched stellar while Joe Mays gave up 7 runs in 4 innings. The Yankees had 15 hits, 4 of them being homeruns. On a positive note, rookie 3B Alex Gordon got the start and had his first career hit, then was sent back to AAA. Yankees 13, Royals 1

Royals News & Notes
-3B Alex Gordon was recalled from AAA Omaha after hitting .314 with 11 HR and 34 RBI. 1B Justin Huber was sent down to work on his plate patience.
-After only two games, the Royals decided it was too soon to bring Alex Gordon up to the show and sent him back down to AAA Omaha, bringing up OF Jason Romano.
-After an awful series against the Yankees, RP Jimmy Gobble was sent back to AAA Omaha. In 6.1 innings he gave up 8 runs. RP Steve Stemle was recalled to take his spot.
-P Brian Bass will make a spot start for SP Bobby Keppel this week as Keppel is resting his twisted ankle.

Division Leaders
AL East: New York (24-17)
AL Central: Cleveland (23-18)
AL West: Oakland (24-17)
AL Wild Card: Chicago (22-19)
NL East: Philadelphia (22-17)
NL Central: St. Louis (27-14)
NL West: Arizona (25-17)
NL Wild Card: Milwaukee (24-15)

League Leaders
Batting Average: 1B Albert Pujols (STL, .406)
Hits: OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 59)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 21)
Stolen Bases: OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 20)
Earned Run Average: SP Mark Mulder (STL, 1.99)
Wins: SP Chris Carpenter (STL, 7); SP Mark Mulder (STL, 7); SP Kelvim Escobar (LAA, 7)
Strikeouts: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 64)
Saves: RP Jose Valverde (ARI, 14)

Notable News Around the Majors
-OF Rob Mackowiak (CHI) hit 4 homeruns in 1 game
-OF Gary Sheffield (NYY) hit his 1500th career RBI (*strangely enough against the Kansas City Royals)

Notable Injuries
-SP Nate Robertson (DET); Dislocated shoulder, out two weeks
-3B Scott Rolen (STL); Inflamed rotator cuff, out five weeks
-RP Brian Fuentes (COL); Finger stress fracture. out two weeks

[cmm392]

May 20-22 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/reds_45.gif Cincinnati Reds (18-22) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gif Kansas City Royals (17-23)

Projected Starters
May 20: Aaron Harang (4-3, 3.86 ERA) vs. Brian Bass (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
May 21: Brandon Claussen (5-3, 3.59 ERA) vs. Denny Bautista (3-2, 4.27 ERA)
May 22: Elizardo Ramirez (1-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. Runelyvs Hernandez (4-2, 7.53 ERA)

Game Recaps
May 20: Brian Bass went 6.2 innings and gave up 5 earned runs in his first start this year. The game was tied at 9 going into extra innings and went all the way into the bottom of the 11th. Chip Ambres reached on an error, then after a sac bunt by Dioner Navarro (who also hit two homeruns in this game) reached third. Mike Mordecai then laid down a beautiful suicide squeeze bunt toward the third base line and Ambres rushed home for the Royals to win the game. Reds 9, Royals 10
May 21: Denny Bautista is starting to come along this season, as he pitched another good game. Bautista went 6 innings, giving up 3 earned runs and striking out 4. The game was tied (again) at 5 runs going into the bottom of the 12th inning, but Emil Brown hit a weak single, just hard enough to score David DeJesus for the winning run. Reds 5, Royals 6
May 22: Elizardo Ramirez threw a 2-hit shutout as the Reds scored 11 runs to pound the Royals and avoid being swept. Reds 11, Royals 0

Royals News & Notes
-SP Jeremy Affeldt will miss two weeks due to a stretched ankle ligament. RP Luke Hudson was recalled from AAA Omaha to take his spot on the active roster. P Brian Bass will remain in the starting rotation while Affeldt is out.
-OF David DeJesus is only 5 hits behind the league leader (both leagues combined, 58) in a 3-way tie for 4th place. He is also in the top 10 in the league (both leagues combined) in batting average - batting .339 this season.

In The Minors...
AAA Omaha: SS Angel Sanchez took his previous demotion as a chance to make a change and make himself better - and that's exactly what he did. Since his demotion (he was hitting .181 in the majors), he is hitting .324 with 1 HR and 14 RBI, not to mention a .451 SLG. We could see him promoted back to the major leagues as early as next week.
AA Wichita: SP Billy Buckner continues to impress as he is posting great numbers. He is 3-0 with a 2.65 ERA and 56 strikeouts so far this season in AA Wichita.
A High Desert: Once an outcasted Cubs reliever, 24 year-old RP Felix Sanchez signed a one-year deal with the Royals in the beginning of the season to play at A High Desert. He is playing extremely well, pitching in 54.2 innings so far, posting a 2.63 ERA and 5 saves.

Division Leaders
AL East: New York (26-18)
AL Central: Cleveland (26-18)
AL West: Oakland (25-17)
AL Wild Card: Chicago (24-20)
NL East: Philadelphia (24-18)
NL Central: St. Louis (29-15)
NL West: San Francisco (24-19)
NL Wild Card: Milwaukee (25-17)

League Leaders (both leagues combined)
Batting Average: OF Barry Bonds (SFG, .414)
Hits: OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 63)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 21)
Stolen Bases: OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 21)
Earned Run Average: SP Mark Mulder (STL, 1.99)
Wins: SP Chris Carpenter (STL, 7); SP Mark Mulder (STL, 7); SP Kelvim Escobar (LAA, 7); SP Noah Lowry (SFG, 7)
Strikeouts: SP Ben Sheets (MIL, 68)
Saves: RP Jose Valverde (ARI, 14); RP Chris Ray (BAL, 14)

Notable News Around the Majors
(none)

Notable Injuries
-2B Placido Polanco (DET); Wrist stress fracture, out five weeks

[cmm392]

The Kansas City Chronicle - May 23rd, 2006

RP Nelson Caught Selling Sperm, Flees to Mexico

http://sportsmed.starwave.com/media/marketing/2002/0515/photo/sc_nelly_i.jpg

After missing for nearly three days, the Royals started a police investigation on pitcher Jeff Nelson. Late last night, RP Jeff Nelson (AAA) was caught yesterday selling his own sperm (so we think) on the streets. He has tried selling other "body parts" such as his own bone chips from his surgically repaired elbow on eBay, but this was the one that crossed the line. Nelson was heavily intoxicated after an apparent long night of drinking near the Mexican border in Arizona. When cops attempted to arrest him, Nelson dropped the cups of sperm he had been trying to sell and took off running. The cops knew he was drunk because he could barely stand up as he bolted down the street. He was so close to the border that he somehow managed to jump the barbed-wire fence and avoid any Mexican police contact - keeping him out of American police jurisdiction and safely in Mexico.

Needless to say, Jeff Nelson won't be returning to the Royals roster this season, or anytime in the future we predict. In fact, we're going to go out on a limb and say that he won't be seen in the United States for a quite a long time, seeing as how he's wanted for arrest on two counts of drunk & disorderly conduct, vending without a license, and indecent exposure.

When asked about this crazy situation, Owner David Glass simply laughed and said, "I always knew there was something wrong in that guy's head." Apparently so.

Stay updated as the Royals open up a 4-game series against the Tigers today. And Jeff Nelson, if you're reading, we'd like to say, "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?"

[cmm392]

Kansas City Chronicle - May 23, 2006

Jorge Sosa Aquired, Will Start Today

http://espndeportes-att.espn.go.com/2003/photos2005/0927/a_sosa_jorge_ht.jpg

SP Jorge Sosa was aquired today from the Atlanta Braves. Sosa had pitched out of the bullpen all year and wanted a shot in the starting rotation after winning 13 games last year, but was not given that opportunity. With Runelyvs Hernandez playing awful this season, GMs Chris Muller and Allard Baird shipped Hernandez along with AAA RP Ryan Snare to Atlanta.

Sosa's arm has been completely rested and has agreed to start in tonight's game against the Detroit Tigers.

TRADE RECAP

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/braves_45.gifAtlanta gets...
SP Runelyvs Hernandez
RP Ryan Snare

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gifKansas City gets...
SP Jorge Sosa

[cmm392]

May 23-26 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gif Kansas City Royals (19-24) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/tigers_45.gif Detroit Tigers (20-23)

Projected Starters
May 23: Jorge Sosa (0-1, 3.60 ERA) vs. Jason Grilli
May 24: Joe Mays (0-4, 7.41 ERA) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (0-6, 7.40 ERA)
May 25: Bobby Keppel (1-0, 1.13 ERA) vs. Kenny Rogers (3-2, 2.84 ERA)
May 26: Brian Bass (0-0, 4.35 ERA) vs. Justin Verlander (2-4, 5.79 ERA)

Game Recaps
May 23: In his Royals debut, Jorge Sosa pitched 7.2 innings and gave up only two runs while striking out 6. The bats were really alive in this one as the Royals had 18 hits which lead to a bunch of runs. Chip Ambres was 2-for-3 with 5 RBI in today's win over the Tigers. Royals 12, Tigers 2
May 24: Luke Hudson made an emergency start in place of Joe Mays, who bruised his hip falling down a flight of stairs the night before. Hudson went 5.2 innings and gave up three runs - the game was tied until the bottom of the 8th when Dmitri Young hit a 3-run shot off of Justin Huisman to give the Tigers the edge. Royals 3, Tigers 6
May 25: The Tigers got to Bobby Keppel early as he gave up 3 runs in the bottom of the 1st inning, which eventually set the stage for the Tigers win. Royals 2, Tigers 5
May 26: Relievers Jimmy Gobble and Kyle Snyder had to combine to help make another emergency start, this time for SP Brian Bass who was out for a day or two with a spiked foot. Despite homeruns by Chip Ambres and Emil Brown, the Royals couldn't keep up with the hot bats and unstoppable bullpen of Detroit. Royals 5, Tigers 6

Royals News & Notes
-SS Alex Prieto will miss two weeks with a mild shoulder separation. 3B Alex Gordon was recalled from AAA Omaha to take his spot on the active roster.
-Owner David Glass has asked the Royals organization to spend more on scouting, the farm system, and the medical staff. In doing so, the payroll budget has dropped to $32.7 M. The current payroll is $32.0 M.
-SS Mike Mordecai has decided to test his strength at football, leaving the Royals to go play in the NFL Europe as a kicker for the Argonauts. Good luck, Mike, we'll miss ya. SS Angel Sanchez was brought up to replace him.

Division Leaders
AL East: New York (28-19)
AL Central: Cleveland (28-19)
AL West: Oakland (26-21)
AL Wild Card: Chicago (26-21)
NL East: Philadelphia (26-20)
NL Central: St. Louis (31-16)
NL West: Arizona (27-21)
NL Wild Card: Milwaukee (26-20)

League Leaders (both leagues combined)
Batting Average: 1B Albert Pujols (STL, .406)
Hits: OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 66)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 21)
Stolen Bases: OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 21)
Earned Run Average: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 1.80)
Wins: SP Chris Carpenter (STL, 8)
Strikeouts: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 75)
Saves: RP Jose Valverde (ARI, 14); RP Chris Ray (BAL, 14)

Notable News Around the Majors
-SP David Wells (BOS) has retired at age 42.
-The Orioles traded SP Kris Benson to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for RP Scott Schoeneweis and a minor leaguer.

Notable Injuries
-SP Josh Fogg (COL); Ruptured cervical disc, out three months

[cmm392]

May 27-29 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gif Kansas City Royals (20-27) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/yankees_45.gif New York Yankees (28-19)

Projected Starters
May 27: Denny Bautista (3-2, 4.29 ERA) vs. Darrell Rasner
May 28: Jorge Sosa (1-1, 3.38 ERA) vs. Chien-Ming Wang (4-1, 5.55 ERA)
May 29: Joe Mays (0-4, 7.41 ERA) vs. Randy Johnson (5-3, 3.63 ERA)

Game Recaps
May 27: The Royals batters led the way, out-hitting the Yankees 18 hits to 8. The offense was led by Emil Brown's 5th HR of the year and 4-hit performances by Doug Mientkiewicz and David DeJesus. Denny Bautista struck out 5 batters in 8 innings of work, giving up 4 runs including Alex Rodriguez's 22nd homerun of the year.
May 28: In his first start since his return from AAA, Angel Sanchez batted leadoff and went 4-for-5 with 2 RBI. That wasn't enough however, as Ambiorix Burgos blew a Royals 2-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, giving up an RBI single to 1B Mike Sweeney and a 2-RBI double to 2B Mark Grudzielanek. Talk about your all-time backfires... Royals 7, Yankees 8
May 29: Joe Mays gave up 6 earned runs in 7.1 innings, which the Yankees took full advantage of with great pitching, winning this one. Royals 5, Yankees 6

Royals News & Notes
-With SP Zach Grienke returning from the DL in just a day, GMs Chris Muller and Allard Baird sat down with Manager Buddy Bell to discuss what will happen. The bottom of the rotation holds two rookies who the Royals would like to see get innings, and the top of the rotation has Jorge Sosa and Denny Bautista - who have been pitching well. That leaves Joe Mays to be the odd man out. Mays is 0-5 with a 7.40 ERA this season. He will move to the bullpen and quite possibly will get a chance to try the closer's role in hopes of another Gagne-like miracle. Ambiorix Burgos is getting shelled and may need more pressure-less situations to get his mind right before he is ready to close games.
-SP Nate Cornejo (AAA) and RP Geremi Gonzalez (AAA) have been released.
-SP J.P. Howell was promoted from AA Wichita to AAA Omaha after going 6-1 with a 2.28 ERA in AA.
-OF Delwyn Young was demoted to AA Wichita.
-OF Dee Brown, OF Chris Lubanski, OF Rich Thompson, and 3B Mark Teahen have been promoted from AA Wichita to AAA Omaha.
-2B Chris Clapinski (AA), C Tom Gregorio (AA), and 3B Ramon A. Castro (AA) have been released.
-C Mark Reed (.330/4/37) and 1B Brian Dopirak (.373/10/37) have been promoted from A High Desert to AA Wichita.

Division Leaders
AL East: New York (31-20)
AL Central: Cleveland (30-20)
AL West: Oakland (26-24)
AL Wild Card: Chicago (29-21)
NL East: Washington (28-23)
NL Central: St. Louis (34-17)
NL West: Arizona (29-22)
NL Wild Card: Milwaukee (28-22)

League Leaders (both leagues combined)
Batting Average: 1B Albert Pujols (STL, .391)
Hits: OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 73); (*Royals OF David DeJesus has 71 hits, 2nd in the majors)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 22)
Stolen Bases: OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 22)
Earned Run Average: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 1.61)
Wins: SP Chris Carpenter (STL, 9)
Strikeouts: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 84)
Saves: RP Jose Valverde (ARI, 16)

Notable News Around the Majors
-SP Pedro Martinez (NYM) got his 200th career win.

Notable Injuries
(no major injuries)

[Sanji Watsuki]

How good was Nate Cornejo in your dynasty?

[cmm392]

How good was Nate Cornejo in your dynasty?

In the majors for me this year he was 2-3 with a 5.98 ERA in 46.2 innings. The minors is what really made me want to release him though. In AAA he was 0-3 with a 6.12 ERA in 26.0 innings. My ratings are +/- 12 and he's rated at a 75, but I think it's actually closer to 65.

[cmm392]

May 31 - June 2 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/tigers_45.gif Detroit Tigers (24-26) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gif Kansas City Royals (21-29)

Projected Starters
May 31: Mike Maroth (1-1, 3.13 ERA) vs. Bobby Keppel (1-1, 3.00 ERA)
June 1: Justin Verlander (2-4, 6.12 ERA) vs. Brian Bass (0-0, 4.35 ERA)
June 2: Preston Larrison (1-0, 4.10 ERA) vs. Denny Bautista (4-2, 4.32 ERA)

Game Recaps
May 31: Trailing by two runs in the bottom of the ninth, SS Angel Sanchez blasted the first homerun of his career, hoping it would spark a rally late in the game. That wasn't the case, however, as the Tigers' Todd Jones kept his composure to close out the game. Tigers 5, Royals 4
June 1: SP Brian Bass threw a complete game shutout and with the help of homeruns from Emil Brown (7), Aaron Miles (3), and Dioner Navarro (5), the Royals were able to pull off a win. Tigers 0, Royals 8
June 2: Denny Bautista struck out 5 in seven innings while only giving up two earned runs. Add in a Chip Ambres homerun and you have the recipe for a Royals win. Ambres was 4-for-4 with 1 HR and 2 RBI. Tigers 2, Royals 6

Royals News & Notes
-The Royals signed 1B Erubiel Durazo to a one-year deal. He was sent directly to the major league roster in need of a backup corner infielder. IF Wilton Guererro was sent to AAA Omaha.

Division Leaders
AL East: New York (34-20)
AL Central: Cleveland (31-22)
AL West: Oakland (28-25)
AL Wild Card: Chicago (29-24)
NL East: Washington (30-24)
NL Central: St. Louis (36-17)
NL West: Arizona (29-25)
NL Wild Card: Milwaukee (31-22)

League Leaders (both leagues combined)
Batting Average: 1B Albert Pujols (STL, .392)
Hits: OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 78)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 23)
Stolen Bases: OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 24)
Earned Run Average: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 1.61)
Wins: SP Chris Carpenter (STL, 9)
Strikeouts: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 84)
Saves: RP Jose Valverde (ARI, 16)

Notable News Around the Majors
-OF Shawn Green (ARI) hit his 1000th career RBI.

Notable Injuries
-1B Sean Casey (PIT); Broken finger, out one month

[cmm392]

The Kansas City Chronicle - June 3, 2006

Royals Starting To Mesh?

http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/images/2005/06/01/g6wSEVci.jpg

Two months into the season, the Royals are starting to look somewhat like a team. Rookies are starting to pitch in, most of the heavy payroll is gone, and it seems as if we have nowhere to go but up. Here are the stats through June 3, 2006:

Batting

2006 Batting Team G AVG AB H 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS R RBI SLG OBP
DeJesus, David KCR 53 .344 215 74 16 1 6 19 26 3 4 39 37 .512 .405
Brown, Emil KCR 51 .295 210 62 8 4 7 10 45 8 2 29 39 .471 .329
German, Esteban KCR 47 .239 197 47 8 0 1 11 22 8 3 19 11 .294 .292
Miles, Aaron KCR 50 .316 190 60 13 0 3 3 17 1 2 25 26 .432 .327
Ambres, Chip KCR 47 .274 179 49 11 1 4 11 31 6 1 22 26 .413 .314
Mientkiewicz, Doug KCR 44 .316 171 54 13 0 5 13 24 0 0 30 32 .480 .362
Costa, Shane KCR 34 .268 142 38 8 1 2 8 19 2 2 23 14 .380 .311
Sanchez, Angel KCR 29 .206 102 21 4 0 1 4 10 1 0 10 7 .275 .234
Navarro, Dioner KCR 23 .345 87 30 2 1 5 9 11 0 0 14 12 .563 .406
Bako, Paul KCR 18 .258 62 16 1 0 1 7 7 0 0 8 10 .323 .324
Guerrero, Wilton KCR 17 .245 53 13 1 2 0 3 7 0 0 8 4 .340 .286
Allen, Chad KCR 10 .313 48 15 1 2 0 1 11 1 1 9 6 .417 .327
Huber, Justin KCR 11 .256 43 11 3 0 0 1 6 0 0 3 5 .326 .273
Prieto, Alex KCR 13 .219 32 7 3 1 0 3 10 0 0 7 2 .375 .324
Hidalgo, Richard KCR 10 .194 31 6 0 0 2 8 11 1 0 4 6 .387 .375
Gordon, Alex KCR 7 .208 24 5 1 1 0 1 6 0 0 3 1 .333 .296
Romano, Jason KCR 4 .000 12 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 2 0 .000 .200
Chavez, Raul KCR 8 .167 12 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 .250 .167
Phillips, Paul KCR 3 .167 12 2 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 .333 .167
Sosa, Jorge KCR 0 .000 8 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 .000 .000


Pitching

2006 Pitching Team IP ERA G GS W L SV K BB R/9
Bautista, Denny KCR 80.0 4.16 11 11 5 2 0 49 39 12.83
Sosa, Jorge KCR 48.2 3.51 18 2 1 1 2 33 22 13.13
Mays, Joe KCR 41.1 7.40 9 5 0 5 0 20 14 14.59
Peralta, Joel KCR 30.0 2.70 25 0 2 1 0 20 10 10.80
Affeldt, Jeremy KCR 28.2 7.85 5 5 1 4 0 17 15 18.84
Keppel, Bobby KCR 22.0 3.27 3 3 1 2 0 14 2 13.50
Dessens, Elmer KCR 20.1 7.08 13 0 0 0 0 10 5 19.03
Bass, Brian KCR 19.1 2.33 3 2 1 0 0 9 3 9.78
Burgos, Ambiorix KCR 15.0 6.60 16 0 4 2 7 13 9 13.20
Sisco, Andrew KCR 11.1 4.76 10 0 0 0 0 12 8 15.88
Gobble, Jimmy KCR 9.2 9.31 5 1 0 0 0 6 5 15.83
Huisman, Justin KCR 9.1 3.86 6 0 1 2 0 10 5 9.64
Stewart, Scott KCR 8.2 11.42 9 0 0 1 0 9 7 23.88
Hudson, Luke KCR 5.1 5.06 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 11.81
Snyder, Kyle KCR 4.0 0.00 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 6.75
Stemle, Steve KCR 4.0 0.00 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 9.00


Fielding

2006 Fielding Team G PCT A PO DP E RF A/G InnOuts PB SBA RTO
DeJesus, David KCR 53 .993 5 129 0 1 2.59 0.09 1410 0 0 0
Brown, Emil KCR 51 .901 1 72 0 8 1.63 0.02 1344 0 0 0
Miles, Aaron KCR 50 .986 148 141 46 4 6.01 3.02 1317 0 0 0
German, Esteban KCR 47 .985 103 28 13 2 3.01 2.11 1194 0 0 0
Mientkiewicz, Doug KCR 44 .995 34 369 43 2 9.63 0.77 1135 0 0 0
Costa, Shane KCR 34 .987 2 72 0 1 2.29 0.06 884 0 0 0
Sanchez, Angel KCR 29 .980 89 56 21 3 5.95 3.07 672 0 0 0
Peralta, Joel KCR 25 1.000 3 1 0 0 1.20 0.12 90 0 0 0
Navarro, Dioner KCR 23 1.000 7 135 1 0 6.24 0.30 614 0 11 3
Bako, Paul KCR 18 .992 4 122 0 1 7.11 0.22 482 0 11 2
Sosa, Jorge KCR 18 .889 6 2 1 1 1.66 0.33 146 0 0 0
Guerrero, Wilton KCR 17 1.000 43 28 7 0 4.66 2.00 411 0 0 0
Burgos, Ambiorix KCR 16 1.000 1 1 0 0 1.20 0.06 45 0 0 0
Dessens, Elmer KCR 13 1.000 0 1 0 0 0.44 0.00 61 0 0 0
Bautista, Denny KCR 11 1.000 4 7 0 0 1.24 0.36 240 0 0 0
Allen, Chad KCR 10 .938 0 15 0 1 1.59 0.00 272 0 0 0
Huber, Justin KCR 10 1.000 7 91 10 0 10.67 0.70 248 0 0 0
Sisco, Andrew KCR 10 1.000 3 0 1 0 2.38 0.30 34 0 0 0
Mays, Joe KCR 9 1.000 0 3 0 0 0.65 0.00 124 0 0 0
Stewart, Scott KCR 9 1.000 2 1 0 0 3.12 0.22 26 0 0 0
Chavez, Raul KCR 8 .933 0 28 0 2 7.71 0.00 105 1 6 0
Gordon, Alex KCR 7 .882 18 12 2 4 5.28 3.00 174 0 0 0
Prieto, Alex KCR 7 .909 12 8 2 2 4.95 2.00 120 0 0 0
Ambres, Chip KCR 6 1.000 0 5 0 0 0.94 0.00 143 0 0 0
Huisman, Justin KCR 6 1.000 1 2 0 0 2.89 0.17 28 0 0 0
Hidalgo, Richard KCR 5 .900 1 8 0 1 2.14 0.00 126 0 0 0
Gobble, Jimmy KCR 5 1.000 0 1 0 0 0.93 0.00 29 0 0 0
Affeldt, Jeremy KCR 5 1.000 1 3 0 0 1.26 0.20 86 0 0 0
Phillips, Paul KCR 3 1.000 0 23 0 0 7.96 0.00 78 0 1 0
Keppel, Bobby KCR 3 1.000 1 2 0 0 1.23 0.33 66 0 0 0
Bass, Brian KCR 3 1.000 0 1 0 0 0.47 0.00 58 0 0 0
Romano, Jason KCR 2 1.000 0 2 0 0 1.06 0.00 51 0 0 0
Stemle, Steve KCR 2 1.000 0 1 0 0 2.25 0.00 12 0 0 0
Snyder, Kyle KCR 1 .000 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 12 0 0 0
Hudson, Luke KCR 1 1.000 0 1 0 0 1.69 0.00 16 0 0 0

[cmm392]

June 3-5 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/devil_rays_45.gif Tampa Bay Devil Rays (24-29) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gif Kansas City Royals (23-30)

Projected Starters
June 3: Seth McClung (2-4, 6.10 ERA) vs. Jorge Sosa (1-1, 3.51 ERA)
June 4: Andy Sonnanstine (0-1, 10.80 ERA) vs. Zach Greinke
June 5: Mark Hendrickson (2-6, 5.64 ERA) vs. Bobby Keppel (1-2, 3.27 ERA)

Game Recaps
June 3: Burgos blows another game as he gives up a 2-run double in the bottom of the 10th inning to Julio Lugo to earn the Royals yet another loss. Devil Rays 7, Royals 5
June 4: The Royals committed 3 errors which lead to 4 unearned runs. Greinke pitched fine in his 2006 debut, going 5.2 innings and giving up only 2 earned runs. The fielding is what got the Royals today. Devil Rays 9, Royals 6
June 5: Keppel was rocked, giving up 6 earned runs in 6 innings. It was a slugfest - the Royals had 13 hits while the D-Rays had 17 - but it all came down to pitching and the Royals were simply out-pitched. Devil Rays 7, Royals 3

Royals News & Notes
-RP Joel Peralta will miss two weeks with a hairline wrist break. RP Andrew Sisco comes off the DL just in time to replace him on the active roster.
-P Joe Mays was sent to AAA Omaha. P Jeremy Affeldt comes off the DL and takes his spot on the active roster.
-3B Alex Gordon was sent back to AAA Omaha to work on plate discipline. 2B Ruben Gotay was recalled to take his spot on the active roster.

Division Leaders
AL East: New York (34-24)
AL Central: Cleveland (34-23)
AL West: Oakland (31-25)
AL Wild Card: Toronto (32-25)
NL East: Philadelphia (31-25)
NL Central: St. Louis (38-18)
NL West: Arizona (32-26)
NL Wild Card: Milwaukee (32-25)

League Leaders (both leagues combined)
Batting Average: 1B Albert Pujols (STL, .387)
Hits: OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 85)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 25)
Stolen Bases: OF Juan Pierre (CHC, 29)
Earned Run Average: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 1.57)
Wins: SP Chris Carpenter (STL, 10)
Strikeouts: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 94)
Saves: RP Jose Valverde (ARI, 18)

Notable News Around the Majors
-OF Garret Anderson (LAA) had his 2000th career hit.
-RP Billy Wagner (NYM) had his 300th career save.
-SS Derek Jeter (NYY) had his 2000th career hit.
-C Mike Piazza (SDP) had his 1000th career run scored.

Notable Injuries
-SP Jason Schmidt (SFG); Broken ankle, out two months

[cmm392]

June 7-9 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gif Kansas City Royals (23-33) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/diamondbacks_45.gif Arizona Diamondbacks (32-26)

Projected Starters
June 7: Brian Bass (1-0, 2.33 ERA) vs. Brandon Webb (5-3, 4.50 ERA)
June 8: Denny Bautista (5-2, 4.16 ERA) vs. Claudio Vargas (1-4, 5.82 ERA)
June 9: Jorge Sosa (1-1, 3.36 ERA) vs. Juan Cruz (3-2, 3.88 ERA)

Game Recaps
June 7: SP Brian Bass gave up 7 runs in 4.2 innings as the Royals, who had 13 hits, still got jammed for the loss. Royals 5, Diamondbacks 7
June 8: The Royals' 15 hits and stellar bullpen work allowed for Denny Bautista (5.0 IP, 4 ER, 1 K) to pick up his 6th win of the year. Royals 11, Diamondbacks 5
June 9: Getting just one-third of the hits they had the day before, the Royals weren't able to turn the offense on and give Sosa (6.2 IP, 4 ER, 1 K) the run support he needed, as he was handed his 2nd loss on the season. Royals 1, Diamondbacks 4

Royals News & Notes
-IF Wilton Guerrero was released.
-SS Jeff Bianchi (.291/11/41) was promoted from AA Wichita to AAA Omaha.
-SS Chris McConnell (.342/1/26) was promoted from A High Desert to AA Wichita.
-2B Aaron Miles will miss two weeks with a foot stress fracture. 3B Alex Gordon was recalled to take his spot on the roster.

Division Leaders
AL East: New York (35-25
AL Central: Cleveland (34-25)
AL West: Oakland (33-26)
AL Wild Card: Toronto (33-26)
NL East: Philadelphia/New York (33-26)
NL Central: St. Louis (40-19)
NL West: Arizona (34-27)
NL Wild Card: Milwaukee/New York (33-26)

League Leaders (both leagues combined)
Batting Average: 1B Albert Pujols (STL, .397)
Hits: OF Carl Crawford (TBD, 89)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 25)
Stolen Bases: OF Juan Pierre (CHC, 31)
Earned Run Average: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 1.46)
Wins: SP Chris Carpenter (STL, 11)
Strikeouts: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 103)
Saves: RP Jose Valverde (CIN, 19); RP Jason Isringhausen (STL, 19)

Notable News Around the Majors
-1B Frank Thomas (OAK) retired at age 37.
-OF Luis Matos was traded by the Baltimore Orioles to the Oakland Athletics for three minor leaguers.
-RP Jose Valverde (also the league leader in saves, 19) was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for 3B Rich Aurilia, RP Ryan Wagner, RP David Weathers, and two minor leaguers.

Notable Injuries
-RP Jose Valverde (CIN); Ankle stress fracture, out three weeks (*This comes the day after being dealt to CIN)
-1B Dmitri Young (DET); Broken collar bone, out one month

*Hank Aaron Homerun Chase*
Hank Aaron 755
Barry Bonds 724, 31 HR to tie, 32 to pass

[cmm392]

June 10-12 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gif Kansas City Royals (23-33) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/giants_45.gif San Francisco Giants (31-28)

Projected Starters
June 10: Zach Greinke (0-1, 3.38 ERA) vs. Noah Lowry (7-0, 2.89 ERA)
June 11: Bobby Keppel (1-3, 4.40 ERA) vs. Matt Morris (1-0, 5.40 ERA)
June 12: Brian Bass (1-1, 4.56 ERA) vs. Jamey Wright (4-4, 3.77 ERA)

Game Recaps
June 10: The Royals had 18 hits, including an 8-run 8th inning (a lot of 8's!). Zach Greinke (7.0 IP, 3 ER, 3 K) earned his first win of the season, and even pitched in a double of his own on the offensive side. Royals 10, Giants 3
June 11: Bobby Keppel was rocked for 6 runs in 4.1 innings and, despite the Royals 12 hits, including Ruben Gotay's first homerun of the season, the Royals fell short. Royals 6, Giants 8
June 12: Jamey Wright & Co. shut the Royals out in an absolute disaster. Brian Bass pitched okay, but there was no offense in today's game - no runs, no win. Royals 0, Giants 8

Royals News & Notes
-RP Ambiorix Burgos was sent to AAA Omaha due to his 7.79 ERA. He is only 21 and will benefit from more time in the minors. RP Jimmy Gobble will be given another chance as he is recalled from AAA Omaha.
-IF Alex Prieto was released.

Division Leaders
AL East: New York (37-27)
AL Central: Cleveland (34-28)
AL West: Oakland (36-27)
AL Wild Card: Toronto (34-29)
NL East: New York (35-28)
NL Central: St. Louis (43-20)
NL West: Arizona (37-28)
NL Wild Card: Milwaukee (36-27)

League Leaders (both leagues combined)
Batting Average: 1B Albert Pujols (STL, .399)
Hits: OF Juan Pierre (CHC, 96)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 26)
Stolen Bases: OF Juan Pierre (CHC, 33)
Earned Run Average: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 1.46)
Wins: SP Chris Carpenter (STL, 12)
Strikeouts: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 103); SP Jake Peavy (SDP, 103)
Saves: RP Jason Isringhausen (STL, 20)

Notable News Around the Majors
-OF Juan Pierre had his 300th career stolen base.

Notable Injuries
-OF Barry Bonds; Fractured skull, out two months
-RP Akinori Otsuka (TEX); Hand stress fracture, out two weeks
-SS Michael Young (TEX); Dislocated shoulder, out three weeks
-SP Paul Byrd (CLE); Inflamed rotator cuff, out one month

[cmm392]

June 14-16 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/rockies_45.gif Colorado Rockies (25-36) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gif Kansas City Royals (25-37)

Projected Starters
June 14: Byung-Hyun Kim (0-4, 6.25 ERA) vs. Denny Bautista (6-2, 4.34 ERA)
June 15: Jason Jennings (3-6, 5.22 ERA) vs. Jorge Sosa (1-2, 3.57 ERA)
June 16: Aaron Cook (1-3, 5.21 ERA) vs. Zach Greinke (1-1, 3.65 ERA)

Game Recaps
June 14: The Royals had 10 hits, led by David DeJesus and his 9th homerun. Denny Bautista went six innings, giving up 4 earned runs while striking out 7 to earn his 7th win on the year. Rockies 4, Royals 8
June 15: The Rockies just out-pitched the Royals in this one as the Royals offense couldn't string together enough runs. Jorge Sosa went 6.2 innings, giving up 4 runs and striking out 6 while earning his 3rd loss. Rockies 5, Royals 2
June 16: Zach Greinke gets his second win of the season, going 8.1 innings and giving up three runs. Alex Gordon, Ruben Gotay, and Shane Costa all hit doubles along with Emil Brown's two doubles to give the Royals just enough to get the close victory. Rockies 3, Royals 5
Royals News & Notes
-C Dioner Navarro will miss two weeks with a sprained finger. C Raul Chavez was recalled from AAA Omaha to take his spot on the active roster.

In The Minors...
AAA Omaha: Since his recent promotion to AAA, SS Jeff Bianchi is 10-for-40 (.375).
AA Wichita: Since his promotion to AA, 1B Brian Dopirak has hit 3 HR and 13 RBI while batting .304 in 56 at-bats.
A High Desert: In 264 at-bats this season, OF Daryl Jones is hitting .345 with 8 HR, 64 RBI, and 21 stolen bases. Look for him to be promoted to AA Wichita very soon.

Division Leaders
AL East: New York (38-28)
AL Central: Minnesota (36-30)
AL West: Oakland (37-28)
AL Wild Card: Cleveland/Toronto (35-30)
NL East: New York (37-29)
NL Central: St. Louis (44-21)
NL West: Arizona (37-30)
NL Wild Card: Milwaukee (36-29)

League Leaders (both leagues combined)
Batting Average: 1B Albert Pujols (STL, .407)
Hits: OF Juan Pierre (CHC, 99)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 27)
Stolen Bases: OF Juan Pierre (CHC, 33)
Earned Run Average: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 1.34)
Wins: SP Chris Carpenter (STL, 12)
Strikeouts: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 113)
Saves: RP Jason Isringhausen (STL, 21)

Notable News Around the Majors
(no major news)

Notable Injuries
(no major injuries)

[cmm392]

June 17-19 http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/dodgers_45.gif Los Angeles Dodgers (35-31) @ http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/logos/royals_45.gif Kansas City Royals (27-38)

Projected Starters
June 17: Mark Redman (2-6, 5.45 ERA) vs. Bobby Keppel (1-3, 5.45 ERA)
June 18: Derek Lowe (5-5, 4.34 ERA) vs. Brian Bass (1-2, 4.45 ERA)
June 19: Brad Penny (4-5, 3.99 ERA) vs. Denny Bautista (7-2, 4.45 ERA)

Game Recaps
June 17: Redman pitched amazing in his retun to Kauffman. The Dodgers had 11 hits, including 3 HR while the Royals had only 4 hits. Keppel got rocked, giving up 7 runs in just 5.1 innings pitched. Dodgers 9, Royals 0
June 18: After a 4-run 5th inning by the Dodgers, the Royals never had a chance to catch up. Derek Lowe went 8 innings, giving up only 1 run while Brian Bass gave up 4 runs in 6 innings. Only three Royals had a hit in this one. Dodgers 5, Royals 1
June 19: Denny Bautista went 6.1 innings, giving up what seems to be his usual 4 runs and striking out 6. Chip Ambres added two homeruns to help the Royals avoid being swept at home. Dodgers 5, Royals 6

Royals News & Notes
-SP Joe Mays, RP Elmer Dessens, and RP Danny Tamayo have been sent to the Baltimore Orioles in a trade to aquire SP Brandon Erbe. Erbe will report to A High Desert.
-2B Aaron Miles came off the DL, moving to the active roster. 2B Ruben Gotay was optioned to AAA Omaha.
-3B Alex Gordon was sent to AAA Omaha. 3B Mark Teahen was brought up to the active roster.

Division Leaders
AL East: New York (40-30)
AL Central: Minnesota (39-31)
AL West: Oakland (40-29)
AL Wild Card: Toronto (37-32)
NL East: New York (38-31)
NL Central: St. Louis (46-23)
NL West: Arizona (40-31)
NL Wild Card: Milwaukee (38-31)

League Leaders (both leagues combined)
Batting Average: 1B Albert Pujols (STL, .385)
Hits: OF Juan Pierre (CHC, 105)
Homeruns: 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY, 27)
Stolen Bases: OF Juan Pierre (CHC, 38)
Earned Run Average: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 1.32)
Wins: SP Chris Carpenter (STL, 12)
Strikeouts: SP Johan Santana (MIN, 123)
Saves: RP Jason Isringhausen (STL, 21)

Notable News Around the Majors
-Rookie SP John Danks (TEX) threw a no-hitter.

Notable Injuries
(no major injuries)

[cmm392]

June 21-23, 2006

Cleveland Indians (36-32) @ Kansas City Royals (28-40)

Game 1
Jake Westbrook (5-4) vs. Jorge Sosa (1-3)

Sosa gave up 4 runs which had the game tied at 4 going into the 9th. RP Kyle Snyder gave up the winning run on a wild pitch in the top of the 9th as the Royals weren't able to counter.

Indians 5, Royals 4

WP: J. Westbrook (6-4)
LP: K. Snyder (0-1)
SV: B. Wickman (14)

Game 2
Jason Johnson (5-5) vs. Zach Greinke (2-1)

The Royals 13 hits kept them alive as Greinke gave up 6 runs in 5 innings, taking a 10-10 tie into the bottom of the 9th. Esteban German hit a soft single to left in the bottom of the 9th to win the game.

Indians 10, Royals 11

WP: J. Huisman (2-2)
LP: R. Betancourt (3-5)

Game 3
Cliff Lee (8-5) vs. Brian Bass (1-3)

The Tribe out-hit the Royals 12 to 5. 'Nuff said.

Indians 5, Royals 0

WP: C. Lee (9-5)
LP: B. Bass (1-4)

Royals Updates
-OF Chris Lubanski was demoted from AAA Omaha to AA Wichita.
-SS Jeff Bianchi (AAA) is hitting .431 since being promoted from AA Wichita.
-RP Joel Peralta and RP Mike MacDougal were activated from the DL. Luke Hudson and Justin Huisman were sent to AAA.

League Updates
(no major updates)

[cmm392]

June 21-23, 2006

Kansas City Royals (29-42) @ Cincinnati Reds (32-40)

Game 1
Bobby Keppel (1-4) @ Dave Williams (1-4)

Keppel gives up 10 earned runs in 4 innings. He was immediately sent down to AAA Omaha. On a positive note, Emil Brown hit his 9th HR of the year, but it wasn't enough to carry the Royals today.

Royals 3, Reds 17

WP: D. Williams (2-4)
LP: B. Keppel (1-5)

Game 2
Denny Bautista (8-2) @ Eric Milton (1-0)

Denny gave up 5 earned runs in 6 innings as the Royals were not only out-hit, but outpitched as well. Eric Milton gets his 2nd win of the season.

WP: E. Milton (2-0)
LP: D. Bautista (8-3)
SV: K. Mercker (12)

Game 3
Jorge Sosa (1-3) @ Aaron Harang (6-5)

A tie sent the game into extra innings but RP Joel Peralta blew the game in the bottom of the 10th, giving up a two-run double to Austin Kearns.

WP: M. Burns (3-1)
LP: J. Peralta (2-2)

Royals Updates
-RP Jimmy Gobble and RP Jeremy Affeldt were sent to AAA. Brought immediately back up were RP Justin Huisman and Luke Hudson.
-SP Bobby Keppel was demoted to AAA Omaha. SP J.P. Howell was promoted.
-2B Rey Sanchez was signed to a one-year deal.

League Updates
-OF Steve Finley (SFG) hits his 300th HR.
-1B Jim Thome (CHW) will miss 1-2 months with a wrist stress fracture.

[Sanji Watsuki]

I see the breakdown of the CJN-style and one that looks like a hybrid between his and mine. XD

[cmm392]

I see the breakdown of the CJN-style and one that looks like a hybrid between his and mine. XD

Yeah it was taking me too much time to update...I am just trying out new things till I get to a format I like. I was spending more time updating and typing than I was actually playing, so I wanted a happy medium...this lets me update faster and play more...we'll see if it works out. Hopefully people still read... :-/

[Sanji Watsuki]

Hopefully you set a template. That'll speed up the process.