Bautista Shines

You've got to love competition. After Affeldt pitched lights out against the Mariners yesterday, Denny Bautista posted nearly identical numbers when he one-hit the Padres today for five innings in a game the Royals went on to win 7-0. I'm not crazy about the three walks Bautista issued, but it's hard to complain about his performance today.


Mike Wood, another contender for one of the two remaining spots in the rotation, goes against the Angels tomorrow. If he pitches well tomorrow, I hope Bell leaves him in the game for the third time through the line up—that's been his big problem the past couple of seasons when has been allowed to start. I'm anxious to see if he's improved his stuff enough to pull it off.

Emil Brown blasted a grand slam home run in the fifth inning to put the game out of reach. If his back is still tender, it must be feeling a little better. Doug Mientkiewicz picked up three more hits and he's now hitting a slow-pitch softball-like .487 for the spring. Angel Berroa had two more hits—and you guessed it, zero walks. The guy still hasn't walked yet this spring. Unbelievable.

David DeJesus is nursing a tight left hamstring and missed his second game in a row. Mike Sweeney is still out with an ankle bruise.