Bullpen Falters Again

Game Date: April 27, 2007
Mariners 7, Royals 4 / Box Score
WP: Ramirez (2-1), LP: De La Rosa (2-2), SV: Putz (3)
Royal Home Runs: Gload (2)
Royals Record: 7-16

Another frustrating game on so many levels.

Emil Brown, in spite of his three hits, couldn't get the job done with runners in scoring position--twice. Early in the game, he couldn't the runner home from third with one out. That's the second straight game he's failed to do so.

De La Rosa pitched reasonably well, even though his line doesn't show it (5 ER, 8 H, 1 BB, 3 K, in 6.1 IP). After leaving in the seventh, Ryan Braun allowed both inherited runners to score. Not good.

And then, with the Royals trailing 5-1 in the top of the eighth Ross Gload hit a pinch-hit three-run home run to bring the Royals to within a run only to see the Mariners score two more in the bottom half of the inning with David Riske came into the game. 

To date, the bullpen has been awful, posting a 5.86 ERA, and they've blown five games already. Joel Peralta, a guy who has been reasonably steady the past couple of seasons, is really struggling. He's 0-2 with a 7.11 ERA. David Riske, another guy who is normally solid, has a 6.97 ERA. Todd Wellemeyer is off to a disastrous start with a 10.13 ERA. Ryan Braun is at 4.82. The only two bright spots so far are Jimmy Gobble who has a 2.16 ERA and Joakim Soria who has three saves and a 3.00 ERA.

Throw in two errors by the Royals (made by Alex Gordon and Tony Pena) last night and the frustration level in Royal-land continues to grow. Alex Gordon has made four errors already and his .926 fielding percentage ranks him third from the bottom among all qualified major league third baseman. He's also third from the bottom in zone rating (.714). Tony Pena has made some incredible plays this season, but he's also made five errors, placing him 19th among qualified major league shortstops in fielding percentage. He's currently 15th in zone rating (.843). I'll still take him any day over Angel Berroa. Overall the Royals rank 20th with their .981 fielding percentage.

So, the combination of poor performances by the bullpen, poor defense, and hitters being unable to drive in runners in scoring position has put the Royals in an early hole again. At 7-16, we have the worst record in baseball. Here's something that might soften the pain a little though--take a look at the bottom of the AL East standings. The evil Yankees are 8-13 and 6.5 games back of the Red Sox. How sweet is that?

Tonight, Gil Meche (1-1, 2.55) faces his former team. He'll go against a struggling Jeff Weaver (0-3, 13.91). Meche has obviously never faced the Mariners. Weaver is 5-7 in his career against the Royals with a 3.91 ERA.