Royals Sweep the Yankees

Who knows why the Royals pulled off the sweep against the Yankees? Baseball is a funny game. One where the worst team can choose five smooth stones from a riverbed, and fire one from their slingshot, hitting the overpaid, arrogant, aging giant right between the eyes with the first shot—knocking him off his feet and make everything seem okay for a while.

Terrance Long points to the attitude that Buddy Bell brought with him for the Royals new swagger. "A lot of guys know what he expects before he opens his mouth," Long is quoted as saying in the KC Star this morning. "A lot of stuff that went on — no disrespect to Tony and Schaef — is not going to go on anymore. Guys know that, and they're trying to avoid that. We're playing with a little more enthusiasm, I think. It's natural when you bring in a new guy."

I can't figure out why a team of grown men would need a guy with a reputation for expecting prompt, disciplined, enthusiastic players, but apparently some on the team do. And by Bell simply having that sort of reputation, it seems to have made a difference—at least for now.

Congrats to Matt Stairs for slamming his 200th career home run. I can't say enough about what the 37-year old means to the Royals. He's accepts responsibility when he plays poorly. He's not afraid to get on players who aren't playing hard. And he plays whatever position he is asked to play. Last night he made a good play at first to end the game on a low throw from Berroa. He's everything the Royals need right now. I hope he sticks around for another year or two.

And hats off to the bullpen last night. The combined efforts of Wood, Sisco, Nunez, and Burgos gave up no runs in the final four innings of the game. Burgos didn't exactly pitch well trying to pick up his second save of the season, but ultimately he got the job done.

Tonight the Royals open a new series at home against the Rangers. Runelvys Hernandez (2-7, 5.67) goes against Pedro Astacio (2-5, 5.57).