It Happened Again

Game Date: April 24, 2007
White Sox 9, Royals 7 / Box Score
WP: Logan (1-0), LP: Soria (1-1), SV: Jenks (8)
Royal Home Runs: None
Royals Record: 6-14

I honestly didn't think it was possible for the Royals' bullpen to be nearly as bad as they were last year, but so far, the names have changed, but he results have been the same. Going into the game last night, the bullpen was 1-6 with a 6.05 ERA. And they've already blown five saves.

Bob Dutton's article in the Star this morning makes the point that several of the guys we've have been counting on are on the DL. Octavio Dotel hasn't even thrown a pitch for the Royals yet this season. Neither has John Bale. And neither are expected back for at least a few more weeks. And Joe Nelson and Leo Nunez are out long-term.

So, in order to give the bullpen a break, the Royals called up Brian Bannister and moved Brandon Duckworth to the pen. I really don't understand this move. Bannister pitched 4.1 innings last night--how is that saving the bullpen? Bell's options are limited though until some of the guys return from the DL.

Neal Musser is an option (he's 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in Omaha). So is Jason Shiell (0-0, 2.92 in Omaha) and Thad Markray (0-0, 2.25 in Omaha). But Moore must not be convinced that these guys are ready for the bigs yet.

Something has to happen soon or we're in for another very long summer.

Brian Bannister's first start with the Royals was somewhat over-shadowed by the events at the end of the game. To be honest, I wasn't that impressed with him. He left a lot of pitches up and he wasn't even able to get through five innings even though he was handed a 4-1 lead. Let's hope his next start yields different results.

Odalis Perez (1-2, 8.64) goes against Sidney Ponson (1-2, 9.39) tonight. Perez is 1-1 in his career against the Twins with a 7.52 ERA. Ponson is 9-6 against the Royals with a 4.53 ERA.