An Offensive Explosion

Game Date: July 9, 2009
Kansas City @ Boston
Royals 8, Red Sox 6 / Box Score
WP: Hochevar (5-3), LP: Masterson (3-3), SV: Soria (14)
KC Home Runs: DeJesus (7)
Royals Record: 37-48 / Record in July 4-5

Who saw that one coming? Especially after the Red Sox put a three spot on the board in the first inning. But Hochevar battled and found a way to keep the Royals in the game. Not a great performance from him, but it was good to see him slow the attack.

Offensively, every starter for the Royals had at least one hit except for Mike Jacobs. Mark Teahen and Willie Bloomquist had three hits. And what’s with all of the stolen bases? Bloomquist stole his 16th, Teahen stole his fourth, and Miguel Olivo stole his third. David DeJesus even went deep. It’s about time the offense pulled its weight. Let’s not read too much into this offensive explosion though. We all know how quickly it can fade away.

On a somewhat related note, I found Gil Meche’s comments interesting regarding the possibility of waiving his no-trade clause. He said he wants to be in Kansas City and then he said, “If everybody is healthy, this is a different team. Why would I want to leave what could be a good situation? I came here to win. So to leave when we have guys hurt would be a waste. That doesn’t make sense to me.”

Surely losing Alex Gordon, Coco Crisp, and Mike Aviles have left huge holes in the lineup. If all three had remained healthy, we probably wouldn’t have seen Luis Hernandez or Tug Hulett in Kansas City. Mitch Maier wouldn't have seen nearly as much playing time. And you wonder if Alberto Callaspo would been able to hang on to his spot since Teahen would probably be the everyday second baseman and Willie Bloomquist would be a utility man.

But every team has injuries. I’m just glad to hear Meche say he wants to be in Kansas City. I don’t really understand why, other than the reason he stated—he came to Kansas City to win.

Tomorrow, Brian Bannister (6-6, 3.87) will go up against Jon Lester (7-8, 4.16). Bannister is 0-3 in his career against the Red Sox with an 8.22 ERA in 15.1 IP. Lester is 2-1 against the Royals with a 1.64 ERA in 22.0 IP.