Royal Opportunity Wasted - 8 out of 11

The Royals always have trouble against the Minnesota Twins and we all went in to this short 2 game series with hope. Hope that the team has made steps to take advantage of opportunities to win against a good team. The game Tuesday night had such a situation after the Royals tied the game.

Down 1 run going into the 7th, the Royals get a lead off infield single from Alcides Escobar. Then on an attempted sac bunt by Chris Getz, Twins pitcher Brian Duensing air mails the throw over the first baseman and Escobar goes to 3rd, Getz to 2nd. Excellent, the Twins make an unusual critical error and try to and the Royals the lead on a silver platter. Next up Melky Cabrera lines one off the knee of Duensing, Escobar scores, Getz to 3rd.

1st and 3rd with nobody out, tie game in the 7th inning with Alex Gordon, Billy Butler and Jeff Francoeur due up. 3 tries to get one run across. Then an amazing thing happened. Those 3 men swung at 8 of the next 11 pitches ( all fastballs by the way )... 3 quick outs, game still tied. The last strike was a fastball middle in that Francoeur watches to end the inning. They seriously could not get ONE ball it on the ground, or in the air far enough for a sacrifice? These are the games that good teams win. I know this team technically is not a "good" team.

The best we can hope for is that this inning will be used as a "teaching opportunity" at all levels of the organization. I don't blame the bullpen for this loss, I blame the offense for failure to execute.

It's the little things that great teams do... let's be great.

Denny Matthews in March

Ahhh... Denny Matthews. What a perfect voice to hear on the radio in March. The Royals are playing the Reds under the lights in Arizona. Mostly regulars in the lineups for both teams and it's a perfect 84 degrees in the desert. When Denny decides to retire, listening to a game on an AM radio ( or in this day and age, my iPhone ) will never be the same. Still baseball but not Denny. He truly IS the voice of the Royals.

Butler slams a singles and the next up Kila Ka'aihue belts a bomb and right away it's 2-0 Royals. Inning over after an easy pop up. But a great start against a top pitcher in Bronson Arroyo.

Middle of the 1st 2-0 Royals

It's going to be a fun summer for sure! So many interesting story lines both in Kansas City and as well as Omaha and NW Arkansas. So many prospects, so much to be excited about. Youngster Mike Montgomery is throwing strikes in the bottom of the 1st. Seven pitches and six strikes and an out. If the Royals are to make any noise in the AL Central, it will require a few surprises from the starting pitching as that is easily the weakest part of the team for 2011. I am not hoping for a lot of noise from the team this season, mostly because they are taking a good approach to the prospects and not rushing anyone up. Double play, Aviles to Getz to Ka'aihue.

End of the 1st 2-0 Royals

Red hot Alex Gordon hits one of the wall for a lead off double. How many times can we say, maybe Gordon will "find it" this year. He just might, hate to give up on a player like him with the team building as it is. Gordon scores on a single by newcomer Alcides Escobar. Close play at home but the Royals are forcing the running game which is well over due. This team is being built for speed, defense and pitching. Power may be on it's way in 2012 and 2013.

Middle of the 2nd 3-0 Royals

Gotta cut this one short.... early day tomorrow and hey, it's my Spring Training too !

End of the 2nd 3-0 Royals

Go Royals !!