Game 16

Game Date: April 17, 2008
Angels 5, Royals 3 / Box Score
WP: Garland (2-2), LP: Tomko (1-2), SV: Rodriguez (6)
Royal Home Runs: None
Royals Record: 9-7

I'm at a bit of a disadvantage since Cox Communications continues to blackout selected Royals games in the Omaha area. Nothing new to report there, by the way. It's a money issue and Cox isn't budging. And I'm still considering DirecTV.

If you look at the line on this one, the pitching appears to tell the story. Brett Tomko gave up five earned runs in seven innings and Jon Garland continued to dominate the Royals, much like he has throughout his career. This was his 17th career win against the guys in blue.

David DeJesus went down with a toe injury on his left foot. He ran into a wall before the game started. I'm still trying to figure that one out. John Bale, who said he had a dead arm after his last start, was placed on the 15-day DL. Joel Peralta finally got the call to rejoin the Royals, but we don't know yet who is going to take Bale's spot in the rotation. You have to think that Moore will need to make another move to bring up a starter from Omaha. I'm hoping it'll be Luke Hochevar and according to Bob Dutton, he's the likely choice, which could spell the end for Hideo Nomo.

And now the Royals begin a new two-game series in Oakland. How odd is it going to be to see Mike Sweeney wearing any color other than blue? Zack Greinke said it'll be different to see Sweeney and Emil Brown on the other side and he went on to say that Brown was
probably his best friend when he was with the Royals. I doubt if anybody saw that coming.

Brian Bannister (3-0, 0.86) will go up against Chad Gaudin (0-1, 7.20). Bannister is 1-0 in his career against the A's with a 2.40 ERA in 15.0 IP. Gaudin is 2-2 against the Royals with a 3.26 ERA in 30.1 IP.