I know. I know. Spring Training doesn't mean anything. But the Royals are 16-9-2, just a game and a half out of first in the Cactus League, and they've obviously found a way to score runs this spring. Mike Sweeney claims that the guys on this team are closer than in previous years. And apparently he's predicted that he's going to play 160 games this year since he considers himself to be in the best shape of his life. I don't see how he can make such a predication given his recent track record, but if he does stay healthy, the Royals will indeed score more runs this season.
I'm still concerned about our starting staff—especially in light of who our "ace" is. Scott Elarton has a 6.55 ERA in his five starts this spring. He's given up 39 hits in 22 innings. On what planet is that grounds for being an ace? Or even a number five guy? Runelvys Hernandez is out of shape and probably shouldn't even be our number five guy. Joe Mays—our number two guy—has a Jose Lima-like 7.45 ERA this spring. Jeremy Affeldt went from struggling to make the rotation to being our number three guy. And Denny Bautista is probably where he should be in the number four spot.
On Wednesday, we got into another slugfest—this time with Seattle, and the game ended in a 10-10 tie. Scott Elarton gave up 7 ER in 5 IP and in the process, he got taken deep three times. Graffanino, who started at first base, launched a grand slam and Berroa hit a three-run shot. I don't expect this to be the norm though. We've got to figure out a way to get guys out. We're never going to be able to compete over the long haul by out-slugging teams.
The Royals are off to Houston for the weekend where they will wrap up exhibition play before opening the season at home on Monday afternoon against Detroit.
Friday, March 31, 2006
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