Game 127: Kansas City @ Cleveland

Game Date: August 21, 2008
Indians 10, Royals 3 / Box Score
WP: Lee (18-2), LP: Greinke (9-9)
Royal Home Runs: None
Royals Record: 55-72

Do you remember the game a couple of seasons ago when Esteban German didn't take a pair of sunglasses with him to the outfield and then he ended up losing a ball in the sun, getting hit in the face with it, and leaving the game? Remember Buddy Bell's reaction? Here's what he said:

"I've seen things here recently I haven't seen since rookie league," Bell said. "Guys not having (sun)glasses, guys not covering first."

Well, maybe he should have stuck around a little longer because he would have had a chance to see it again yesterday when Tony Pena dropped an infield popup in the second inning. Here's what Hillman said about the play:

"Today was a sun ball," Hillman said. "Tony's got prescription glasses, flip shades don't fit over them and he doesn't have any prescription sunglasses."

In the Star today, Pena said that he ordered a pair of prescription sunglass, but they never showed up. I've got an idea. How about someone sending him to Wal-mart before the game tonight so he'll have them by the next time he plays?

The Indians went on to score three runs that inning.

I hate the fact that this franchise has been the butt of jokes over the past decade, but jokes have to have an element of truth, otherwise they aren't funny. And the Royals certainly provide enough material.

Pena's blunder wasn't the only costly mistake in this game. In the third inning, Billy Butler committed an error and the next hitter blasted a two-run home run to center field.

If you are looking for a little positive news, Mitch Maier seems to be doing fine after being hit in the face with a pitch a couple of games ago. The right side of his face is swollen, his right eye is hard to open, and he's still bleeding from his nose, but he says that he isn't in any pain. I'm thinking that this guy should have been a middle linebacker instead of a center fielder.

The Royals begin a new series at home tonight against Detroit. Brian Bannister (7-12, 5.96) will go up against Justin Verlander (9-13, 4.60). Bannister is 3-1 in his career against the Tigers with a 1.82 ERA in 24.2 IP. Verlander is 6-1 against the Royals with a 2.69 ERA in 63.2 IP.