Royals Win the Series

Remember what happened the last time the Royals took two out of three games from the White Sox? Immediately after pulling out a dramatic win in the final game of the series (and appearing to finally be on the way to turning their season around), they began a 19 game losing streak. I guarantee that won't happen again. We only have 18 games left to play, so it's not even possible.

Did you have a chance to catch the game yesterday on WGN? Hawk and D.J. sounded just like every other out of town announcer when calling a Royals game. They butchered one name after another. Note to D.J.: Chip Ambres' last name is not pronounced like the Spanish word for "man" (hombre). And Ambiorix Burgos' last name doesn't contain that weird emphasis on the last syllable that you kept doing.

The Royals look like a completely different club when Mike Sweeney is healthy, don't they? The middle of the line up actually produced yesterday like the middle of the line up should. Sweeney had 2 hits. Brown and Berroa each had 3 hits. And Buck even had 2 hits.

Greinke threw way too many pitches (111) for a 6 inning outing, but he pitched reasonably well and left the game tied at 2-2. And for the first time in a long while, his ERA is below 6.00. He can't possibly save his season with only a few starts left, but he can at least gain a little momentum going into Spring Training. And if we are indeed able to pick up a couple of veteran starters during the off season, Greinke might not look too bad as a number five guy as we break camp.

Andres Blanco continues to impress. In the sixth inning, with the score tied, Jermaine Dye doubled down the right field line. Emil Brown hit Blanco with the cut off and Blanco threw behind Carl Everett who had wandered off third and didn't appear to be in any big hurry to get back. Blanco's throw was perfect and he nailed Everett. Bell considered it the play of the game.

The White Sox lead in the Central is down to 4 ½ games. Wow. The Royals open a series in Cleveland tonight, so they'll still get to play a part in the outcome of the division. Jimmy Gobble (1-0, 5.83) goes against Scott Elarton (9-7, 4.73).