Royals Fail in the Little Things

The 6-5 loss last night in Baltimore was the type of loss that is difficult to take. Getting out-pitched, or out-slugged, or even out-hit, is going to happen on any given night. But last night, when Angel Berroa tried to bunt Graffanino over to third with no outs in the eighth inning with the score tied 5-5, he couldn't get the job done. He bunted the ball right back to the pitcher and Graffanino was a sitting duck at third base. And then, Berroa got thrown out attempting to steal second. Have I mentioned yet this season how much better off I think the Royals would be without Angel Berroa?

The Orioles scored in the bottom of the eighth to go up 6-5. But when Stairs drew a lead off walk in the ninth, we had another shot. But Kerry Robinson fouled off two bunt attempts and then grounded into a double play. Bell isn't big on sacrifice bunts and you can understand why after seeing the way Buck blew one the other night, and the way Berroa and Robinson blew their attempts tonight. But at the major league level, players simply must be able to move runners. Unfortunately, we have so many free swingers on this team that asking them to bunt is like asking them to speak Greek.

And so, the mini-three game winning streak comes to an end. And the Royals drop to 2-15 on the road. They are 8-8 at home. Considering that 16 of their next 23 games are on the road, this could be one of the worst stretches of baseball you've ever seen. Hopefully getting Sanders back in the lineup will help alleviate a little of the pain.

Mark Redman (0-2, 5.76) goes against Kris Benson (4-3, 4.89) in Baltimore this afternoon.

Berroa Walk Watch: 1 walk in 33 games.