Tigers finally take one from the Royals

Game Date: September 16, 2009
Kansas City @ Detroit
Tigers 4, Royals 3 / Box Score
WP: Miner (7-5), LP: DiNardo (0-1), SV: Rodney (33)
KC Home Runs: None
Royals Record: 58-87 / Record in September 8-6

Lenny DiNardo threw strikes, but the Tigers still found a way to score four runs against him. Of course, Jamey Wright didn't help matters by allowing one of DiNardo's runners to score in the sixth inning. But at this stage of a disastrous season, I'm more interested in seeing what we've got for next year.

I'm not optimistic about next season. I think it'll be another one of those years that we have to endure in hopes that the following season will be better. Of course, things could change if Moore signed some free agents who make an immediate impact, but I'm not holding my breath.

Mitch Maier is starting to hit. He's hitting .298 in September with a .344 OBP. Of course, he isn't driving in any runs, but I'm not sure we need him to if he could just find a way to continue to do what he's doing. I wouldn't mind seeing him get the nod in center next year.

Will the Royals go shopping for a second baseman this offseason? Alberto Callaspo continues to hit better than any of us could have hoped for, but will his defense keep him out of the starting lineup next season? I'm not sure that his glove is redeemable, but if the Royals could figure out a way to help him improve his defense measurably, he could be around for a while.

Alex Gordon misplayed a couple of more balls yesterday. This season is a wash for him because of his hip injury and subsequent surgery, but you have to wonder how much longer the Royals will, or should, give him to get on track at the big league level. He's not hitting and he's not fielding. I've said this a dozen times, but I'd still like to see him play first base because it seems like his most natural position. Billy Butler could become the fulltime DH, Mark Teahen could move back to third, and Jacobs could fill in for Gordon or Butler and be a power bat off the bench.

Today, is Zack Greinke Day. The game isn't being shown on FS Kansas City, but I understand that it'll be carried live on the MLB Network.