Spring Game #7

Game Date: March 3, 2009
Royals 9, Indians 9 / Box Score
Royals Spring Training Record: 3-2-2

Jimmy Gobble and Kyle Farnsworth gave up a four run lead late in this one and the game ended in a tie. After the game, presumably speaking about both pitchers, Bob McClure said, “For a first time out, it was OK.” Look, I’m not one who reads too much into Spring Training stats for various reasons. Guys are working on things they wouldn’t ordinarily work on in regular season games, etc. And that’s probably the spirit in which McClure spoke, but without any context, his statement seems bizarre.

Zack Greinke started for the Royals and he says he worked primarily on his change up. He only threw one change up in his first outing because he was working on his four-seamer. The Indians knocked him around for four earned runs in three innings, taking him deep twice. Greinke isn’t a guy I’m at all concerned about though. Ron Mahay pitched a scoreless inning. So did Roman Colon and Joel Peralta.

At the plate, Alex Gordon hit a grand slam home run in the fifth inning and John Buck hit a solo shot in the same inning. Willie Bloomquist had a nice game, going 2-for-3 with an RBI. As a team, the Royals drew just two walks. Mike Jacobs drew both of them. Hillman sure is emptying his bench during each game, trying to spread the at bats around. Nineteen different guys got a chance to hit yesterday.

Dayton Moore was busy yesterday too. The Royals signed Billy Butler, Mitch Maier, and Mike Aviles.

This afternoon, Brian Bannister and Luke Hochevar will pitch against the Rangers in Surprise.