Mike Sweeney was asked yesterday in the clubhouse about his health. Here's some of what he said…
What do you have going on today?
"I swung a lousy bat today and it felt great."
When are you expected back?
"I don't know."
What's a lousy bat?
"There's no ball marks on it, so it's lousy. I was able to just take air swings today. Hopefully I can get back soon. I miss my teammates and I miss contributing and I miss being around the guys. I hope that today is just the beginning of the race and hopefully the race will be not a marathon. And I'll be back in the clubhouse soon."
Was it pain free?
"Pain free. Yes."
How many air swings did you do?
"I think about 30 or 40. I think my little two year-old took more swings than I did today."
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Sweeney on Grimsley
I was in the clubhouse yesterday when Mike Sweeney was asked about the Jason Grimsley story. Here are some of his remarks:
"I don't know what Jason did when we were not at the baseball field or when we were not working out together, but I love the guy and I'm going to support him."
Were you surprised by the story?
"Yeah, absolutely. I think everyone in our clubhouse is surprised. There are only probably a few guys in here that actually played with Jason when he was here, and I'm privileged to say I was one of them. He's been a great teammate. He's been a great friend. And I love him and his family dearly. He's obviously going through a tough time right now and the last thing he needs is to have his friends tear him down right now rather than build him up. That's what he needs."
Were you aware of, while he was here, of anybody on the team taking steroids or any sort of performance-enhancing drugs?
"The story is about Jason and to my knowledge I knew nothing about Jason or anyone he hung with doing steroids or human growth hormone. I was shocked. I really was shocked and I just want to support Jason through this because it's obviously a very tough time for him. "
How do you feel about the fact that he named names?
"I spoke with Jason today and he said a lot of the stuff that's going to come out is not necessarily the truth. I've been around long enough to where I know that sometimes the media twists things. And Jason is my friend and I don't know who the people are that wrote these things about him or what he said, but I'm going to side on the side of my friend."
But what about the affidavit?
"I have not read that. And until it comes out as fact—like that Jason says to me that this is something I said, then I'm going to believe him. He's my friend."
Did you and Jason get in touch with each other because of this?
"Yeah, well, Jason and I, we talk all the time. We're good friends. Unfortunately, when I got home from the game last night I needed to talk to him about what I saw on the ticker…I love the guy. I can't say it enough. He's a great friend. He's one of the best teammates that I've ever had here in Kansas City. He took the ball every single night whether he was hurt or feeling great and until I see facts, he's my friend, I'm going to support the guy."
Does he live here in town?
"Jason, his wife, and his three kids, they live in town. I think a lot of times people lose sight of the fact that he is a human being and we've all made mistakes. I don't think it's right to crucify a man. He has a wife that loves him. He has three kids that adore him and look up to him. Rather than tear the guy down, it's our duty to build him up and be with him."
He was a team leader and the player's rep, does this make it more shocking?
"Well, it's just surprising because he's my friend and I love the guy. I just hope that this can get resolved and I just hope the best for him and his family because your family comes before the game of baseball and I just hope that something like this does not tear him and his family apart because that's much more important than the game."
Can you give us a perspective about what really goes on in a clubhouse (regarding steroids)?
"Sure. All I can do is speak for myself. I'm proud—I'd place my hand on the Bible or on my children and say I've never used a greenie, I've never used steroids, never used growth hormone, never done anything that would give me an edge. And I'm proud to say that. As far as my teammates go, if I ever had any knowledge of them, I love them, I would never sell them out publicly. To my knowledge, I know I've never done anything and I love Jason Grimsley and I want to support him through this."
"I don't know what Jason did when we were not at the baseball field or when we were not working out together, but I love the guy and I'm going to support him."
Were you surprised by the story?
"Yeah, absolutely. I think everyone in our clubhouse is surprised. There are only probably a few guys in here that actually played with Jason when he was here, and I'm privileged to say I was one of them. He's been a great teammate. He's been a great friend. And I love him and his family dearly. He's obviously going through a tough time right now and the last thing he needs is to have his friends tear him down right now rather than build him up. That's what he needs."
Were you aware of, while he was here, of anybody on the team taking steroids or any sort of performance-enhancing drugs?
"The story is about Jason and to my knowledge I knew nothing about Jason or anyone he hung with doing steroids or human growth hormone. I was shocked. I really was shocked and I just want to support Jason through this because it's obviously a very tough time for him. "
How do you feel about the fact that he named names?
"I spoke with Jason today and he said a lot of the stuff that's going to come out is not necessarily the truth. I've been around long enough to where I know that sometimes the media twists things. And Jason is my friend and I don't know who the people are that wrote these things about him or what he said, but I'm going to side on the side of my friend."
But what about the affidavit?
"I have not read that. And until it comes out as fact—like that Jason says to me that this is something I said, then I'm going to believe him. He's my friend."
Did you and Jason get in touch with each other because of this?
"Yeah, well, Jason and I, we talk all the time. We're good friends. Unfortunately, when I got home from the game last night I needed to talk to him about what I saw on the ticker…I love the guy. I can't say it enough. He's a great friend. He's one of the best teammates that I've ever had here in Kansas City. He took the ball every single night whether he was hurt or feeling great and until I see facts, he's my friend, I'm going to support the guy."
Does he live here in town?
"Jason, his wife, and his three kids, they live in town. I think a lot of times people lose sight of the fact that he is a human being and we've all made mistakes. I don't think it's right to crucify a man. He has a wife that loves him. He has three kids that adore him and look up to him. Rather than tear the guy down, it's our duty to build him up and be with him."
He was a team leader and the player's rep, does this make it more shocking?
"Well, it's just surprising because he's my friend and I love the guy. I just hope that this can get resolved and I just hope the best for him and his family because your family comes before the game of baseball and I just hope that something like this does not tear him and his family apart because that's much more important than the game."
Can you give us a perspective about what really goes on in a clubhouse (regarding steroids)?
"Sure. All I can do is speak for myself. I'm proud—I'd place my hand on the Bible or on my children and say I've never used a greenie, I've never used steroids, never used growth hormone, never done anything that would give me an edge. And I'm proud to say that. As far as my teammates go, if I ever had any knowledge of them, I love them, I would never sell them out publicly. To my knowledge, I know I've never done anything and I love Jason Grimsley and I want to support him through this."
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Burgos Blows Keppel's Masterful Performance
The original "Master of Disaster," Apollo Creed, has nothing on the 2006 Kansas City Royals. Creed destroyed his opponents—thus earning the title. The Royals destroy themselves. After a masterful performance by Bobby Keppel for 8.0 innings, Burgos threw it all away when he allowed a single to the first guy he faced, then he hit Kevin Mench two hitters later, and after a sacrifice fly by Ian Kinsler, he gave up a game-tying single to the number nine hitter, Rod Barajas.
Burgos was horrible. No other word will do.
Elmer Dessens wasn't much better in relief of Burgos. Gary Matthews was the first hitter he faced and Matthews doubled in two runs to make it 4-2 Rangers. For a team that is supposed to have such a good bullpen, they blow a lot of games.
But on to the feel-good story of the night—Bobby Keppel, who was unbelievably good tonight. He was good because he threw strikes. Several guys hit balls hard against him, but he seemed quite content to let his defense do their job. And do their job they did. Berroa made a great play covering second base in the sixth inning on a 1-6-3 double play ball when Keppel made a high throw to the second base bag. Berroa stayed on the bag and turned the double play. Mientkiewicz made a great play to stay on the first base bag on another occasion when Teahen air-mailed a throw. Reggie Sanders made a good catch against a ball that Teixeira hit a ton to right field—driving Sanders up against the wall.
By my count, Keppel only went to ball three four times during the game—and during one stretch, from the fourth to the eighth inning, he never went to ball three. The guy simply threw strikes and he reaped the benefits—going eight shutout innings before being yanked in the ninth after giving up a hit to Blalock to lead off the inning. Bell heard plenty of boo-birds for his decision, but in his defense, under normal circumstances, removing Keppel would be the right thing to do. But this team is anything but normal—and therefore, probably not subject to conventional baseball wisdom.
Royals lose 4-2.
Burgos was horrible. No other word will do.
Elmer Dessens wasn't much better in relief of Burgos. Gary Matthews was the first hitter he faced and Matthews doubled in two runs to make it 4-2 Rangers. For a team that is supposed to have such a good bullpen, they blow a lot of games.
But on to the feel-good story of the night—Bobby Keppel, who was unbelievably good tonight. He was good because he threw strikes. Several guys hit balls hard against him, but he seemed quite content to let his defense do their job. And do their job they did. Berroa made a great play covering second base in the sixth inning on a 1-6-3 double play ball when Keppel made a high throw to the second base bag. Berroa stayed on the bag and turned the double play. Mientkiewicz made a great play to stay on the first base bag on another occasion when Teahen air-mailed a throw. Reggie Sanders made a good catch against a ball that Teixeira hit a ton to right field—driving Sanders up against the wall.
By my count, Keppel only went to ball three four times during the game—and during one stretch, from the fourth to the eighth inning, he never went to ball three. The guy simply threw strikes and he reaped the benefits—going eight shutout innings before being yanked in the ninth after giving up a hit to Blalock to lead off the inning. Bell heard plenty of boo-birds for his decision, but in his defense, under normal circumstances, removing Keppel would be the right thing to do. But this team is anything but normal—and therefore, probably not subject to conventional baseball wisdom.
Royals lose 4-2.
Millwood Out-duels Elarton
If you want to see the difference between a $12 million a year pitcher versus a $4 million a year pitcher—the game last night at KauffmanStadium was the place to be. Kevin Millwood pitched seven strong innings, only giving up two earned runs and walking one. The Royals manufactured a run against him in the second and Mark Teahen hit a solo home run in the fourth. Besides that, Millwood minimized the damage and the Rangers won 6-2.
Elarton faced a good hitting team and they did what they arepaid to do. Here was Elarton's line: 8 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1K, in 5.0 IP. He didn't pitch as bad as his line looks, but did throw way too many pitches (96) for only going five innings. Bautista didn't look sharp in relief. He gave up two earned runs in three innings. Affeldt pitched a scoreless ninth.
Seeing Mark Teahen turn on a ball was nice. He seems more relaxed at the plate after ripping Triple-A pitching to shreds. Bell had him hitting eighth in the order last night, probably to help ease Mark back into the majors. But, a third baseman hitting eighth just can't happen for long. We need more production from the position than the eight spot will allow. Hopefully Teahen has things turned around.
As I told you yesterday, Sweeney was in good spirits yesterday. He hugged guys, chatted, and sounded optimistic about his return and about the direction the Royals areheaded. And his presence in the clubhouse seemed to lift everybody's spirit. Of course, we went out and lost the game, but with a new GM coming, and with the addition of Hochevar yesterday, I got the sense that people in the organization are hopeful for the first time in a long time.
I interviewed Bobby Keppel yesterday before the game and I may post it here in the next couple of weeks. Keppel (0-1, 2.70) gets the start tonight against John Koronka (4-3, 4.87).
Elarton faced a good hitting team and they did what they arepaid to do. Here was Elarton's line: 8 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1K, in 5.0 IP. He didn't pitch as bad as his line looks, but did throw way too many pitches (96) for only going five innings. Bautista didn't look sharp in relief. He gave up two earned runs in three innings. Affeldt pitched a scoreless ninth.
Seeing Mark Teahen turn on a ball was nice. He seems more relaxed at the plate after ripping Triple-A pitching to shreds. Bell had him hitting eighth in the order last night, probably to help ease Mark back into the majors. But, a third baseman hitting eighth just can't happen for long. We need more production from the position than the eight spot will allow. Hopefully Teahen has things turned around.
As I told you yesterday, Sweeney was in good spirits yesterday. He hugged guys, chatted, and sounded optimistic about his return and about the direction the Royals areheaded. And his presence in the clubhouse seemed to lift everybody's spirit. Of course, we went out and lost the game, but with a new GM coming, and with the addition of Hochevar yesterday, I got the sense that people in the organization are hopeful for the first time in a long time.
I interviewed Bobby Keppel yesterday before the game and I may post it here in the next couple of weeks. Keppel (0-1, 2.70) gets the start tonight against John Koronka (4-3, 4.87).
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Sweeney Speaks
I was in the Royals clubhouse this afternoon when a jovial Mike Sweeney spoke about Luke Hochevar, Dayton Moore, and his health…here's what he said:
On Hochevar: "Well, I've had a lot of time to read and look on the computer at the potential number one picks and I think we've chosen a winner. Up until a few hours ago everyone thought it was going to be the kid from Houston or North Carolina. But Hochevar is hopefully going to be here really soon in Kansas City and hopefully with the addition of him and getting Zack Greinke back will really help our team a lot."
On Moore: "I've heard wonderful things about him as a man. He reminds me a lot of Allard. His characteristics and what he's made of and the type of person he is—they say he's a born leader with a passion to win and really just a desire to bring this organization to where it used to be in the 80's. Hopefully with these new toys—these are his new little fun things to play with, the Zack Greinkes and the David DeJesuses and now our first pick—you know, hopefully he'll mold these guys into the stars they were born to be and hopefully I'm around here to be a part of it."
On Change: "Change is good at times, but never at the expense of a friend. And Allard Baird is our friend. Even though he's no longer our GM, he's still part of this family. We just hope that we can win, because if we win in the next few years, then I believe that Allard would still feel like he's a part of it. Quite frankly, Allard deserves that."
On Baird: "I've spoken with Allard and what we talked about really stays between us. The blessing for Allard is, he's with his family and I'm happy for that. He deserves that. He's truly been married to the organization for the last seven, eights years and hasn't really spent much time with his wife. So, I think Allard deserves that.
On his health: "I'm doing well. Every day is getting better and better. I can't wait to be back on the field with my boys. I'm hurting still physically, but emotionally it hurts a little bit more. Watching the guys on TV—I'm proud to be the captain of this team and I know that being on the sidelines on the DL is not what I'm supposed to be doing. I just need to get back on the field with these guys. I'm sure I miss them a lot more than they miss me."
On Hochevar: "Well, I've had a lot of time to read and look on the computer at the potential number one picks and I think we've chosen a winner. Up until a few hours ago everyone thought it was going to be the kid from Houston or North Carolina. But Hochevar is hopefully going to be here really soon in Kansas City and hopefully with the addition of him and getting Zack Greinke back will really help our team a lot."
On Moore: "I've heard wonderful things about him as a man. He reminds me a lot of Allard. His characteristics and what he's made of and the type of person he is—they say he's a born leader with a passion to win and really just a desire to bring this organization to where it used to be in the 80's. Hopefully with these new toys—these are his new little fun things to play with, the Zack Greinkes and the David DeJesuses and now our first pick—you know, hopefully he'll mold these guys into the stars they were born to be and hopefully I'm around here to be a part of it."
On Change: "Change is good at times, but never at the expense of a friend. And Allard Baird is our friend. Even though he's no longer our GM, he's still part of this family. We just hope that we can win, because if we win in the next few years, then I believe that Allard would still feel like he's a part of it. Quite frankly, Allard deserves that."
On Baird: "I've spoken with Allard and what we talked about really stays between us. The blessing for Allard is, he's with his family and I'm happy for that. He deserves that. He's truly been married to the organization for the last seven, eights years and hasn't really spent much time with his wife. So, I think Allard deserves that.
On his health: "I'm doing well. Every day is getting better and better. I can't wait to be back on the field with my boys. I'm hurting still physically, but emotionally it hurts a little bit more. Watching the guys on TV—I'm proud to be the captain of this team and I know that being on the sidelines on the DL is not what I'm supposed to be doing. I just need to get back on the field with these guys. I'm sure I miss them a lot more than they miss me."
The Hochevar Teleconference
Here's the transcript of the Luke Hochevar Teleconference with the media this afternoon:
Opening Statement: "It's definitely a humbling honor to go to a great organization and to go first overall is definitely humbling. I'm ecstatic and I'm ready to put my head down and work my butt off for the Kansas City Royals."
On last year's negotiations with the LA Dodgers: "I learned a great deal of lessons through all of that. I learned about the people I can trust, which is definitely Scott Boras. The negotiations last year with the Dodgers, the scouting director felt that I wasn't worthy to be paid with the top college pitchers of last year's draft. And I learned that a scouting director can make an organization. I'm going to bust my tail to make (the Royals) extremely happy and to do my best to help the team out and help the organization. God had a plan in this and his master plan definitely worked. It was tough through it but you go through and when it all comes down to it, God has a plan and it definitely worked a miracle in my case."
On his demands from last season to this year: "That's in Scott Boras's hands, and mine as well. We want to be treated fairly. The Royals are a great organization and they are willing to get it done. We're excited to proceed and move forward with this."
On getting a deal done quickly: "That is the plan—to get going. I'm fresh. I'm game-ready right now from pitching down in Fort Worth. I have 22 innings under my belt and I'm continuing to throw bullpens here. Whatever their plan is for me, I will be prepared for it. I have to keep my nose in the day in, day out grind and do things I need to do to get better. When the time comes I will head out and start pitching my tail off for them.
"It should be a pretty quick negotiation. It sounds like the Royals are ready to get it done and get me out playing. Like I said earlier, I'm game-ready. I'm up to a 100-pitch pitch count. Now that I'm done throwing in Fort Worth, I am back in Knoxville throwing bullpens and keeping my arm in that game-ready shape and staying in that shape mentally as well. As soon as they get me out, I'll be ready to go for them.
"Whenever they are ready, we're ready."
On the Royals new GM Dayton Moore: "I have followed the story. I have not met him, but all I have heard of him is great things. It sounds like he's the guy who is going to step into this organization and make some good changes and really get it going for them. I am just extremely humbled to be in this situation and extremely excited to take forth what the Lord has in store for me."
On the timing of his draft day: "I got up and got a good workout in. It was a workout that drug out a little longer than usual having the draft on my mind. I ended up getting a good work out in, work always comes first. After the workout I did a lot of praying and did some conversing with God. It was a busy morning but it turned out to be great."
On his intense preparation and workouts: "That's where I get my confidence. That's where I live. I love seeing improvement and I love taking my briefcase and going to work. I take more pride in that than anything, it's my bread-and-butter and I enjoy doing it. I love seeing the improvements from the physically, to the mental, to learning the game, all aspects of it. I just eat it up and I really love it. It's really not work for me when you enjoy it that much. I put in good hours and in return I have the opportunity to go to a great organization like the Kansas City Royals."
On what playing in the Independent League taught him: "It really opened my eyes to how lucky really I am. Playing with guys that are scrapping to play the game that they love and to see how hard those guys work in the Independent League. To be given this opportunity is extremely humbling. I just thank God for giving me this opportunity to be drafted by a great organization like the Royals. I am beside myself right now to tell you the truth.
"It was really good for me to be in the 5-man rotation going from the 7-day rotation in college. We simulated that a lot in my off season training I went from a 7-day rotation down to a 6-day and then to a 5-day rotation, to get in that rotation shape. Going to Fort Worth was a great experience. Those hitters, they're older, they're experienced, and they're a lot smarter. I learned a great deal playing there due to the change of game and the discipline of hitters—they control the strike zone a lot better. The speed of the game overall, I believe it has helped me a significant amount. Just learning the game at the next level, pitch selections, count selections, stuff like that has been very helpful for me. Due to the physical part of the 5-day rotation I had to tweak my workouts, my lifting, my running to really get comfortable. My arm is extremely resilient and I bounce back pretty quick for that 5-day rotation, but it is more about how I wanted to feel on game day. Changing my lifts and workouts to feel how I really wanted to feel. I am just extremely grateful to the Fort Worth Cats for the opportunity to play and keep getting better."
On how the Independent League helped him off the field: "It is the game and that is about it. There are not many perks except going to the yard—the travel, the bus rides, the locker rooms. I was extremely lucky at Fort Worth, we had great facilities, good locker room, great people in the front office. My experience was very, very good. It opened my eyes to guys loving the game and how much I loved the game, how much I missed it when I wasn't able to play while going through negotiations with the Dodgers. I wouldn't change it for anything."
On what was learned last year that will help in this year's talks: "Scott Boras probably knows the situation better than anybody and I trust him a lot. The negotiations with the Dodgers were with a scouting director that didn't think I was worthy of a contract that the other top pitchers in the draft had received. I have all the respect for the organization but that's how it turned out. I could advise younger players not to believe the young, inexperienced agents who make salesmen pitches to try to get players, just to get clients. The way that Scott handles things is extremely professional. He is by far the best in the business. The Scott Boras Group is surrounded by ex-players and very good attorneys. I feel extremely comfortable that he knows the situation better than anybody else and knows when it is time to get me out and get me going."
On a possible ballpark figure: "Those discussions will be between Scott and the Royals. They took me with the understanding of getting me out quick and getting me going. The business side, Scott and the Royals will take care of that. They work well together. I am just excited to be a part of the organization and I am ready to bust my tail for them and work as hard as I can for them."
On his knowledge of the Royals and his fit with: "The opportunity that I have to work my tail off and help the club means a lot to me. I take great pride in that—helping the club. I know that they will get it together and the new general manager and things will be good. With the great history of the Royals, they are a solid club. They have good prospects in the minor leagues. I have played with Alex Gordon with Team USA and I know him pretty well and we're pretty good friends. They are doing good things right now. I am just in the mode to go out and make them proud that they took me with their first selection."
On his future with the Independent League: "I am done with the Independent League. I am in Knoxville, Tennessee working out and throwing bullpens to stay in shape and be ready to go whenever they say it is time to be ready to go."
Opening Statement: "It's definitely a humbling honor to go to a great organization and to go first overall is definitely humbling. I'm ecstatic and I'm ready to put my head down and work my butt off for the Kansas City Royals."
On last year's negotiations with the LA Dodgers: "I learned a great deal of lessons through all of that. I learned about the people I can trust, which is definitely Scott Boras. The negotiations last year with the Dodgers, the scouting director felt that I wasn't worthy to be paid with the top college pitchers of last year's draft. And I learned that a scouting director can make an organization. I'm going to bust my tail to make (the Royals) extremely happy and to do my best to help the team out and help the organization. God had a plan in this and his master plan definitely worked. It was tough through it but you go through and when it all comes down to it, God has a plan and it definitely worked a miracle in my case."
On his demands from last season to this year: "That's in Scott Boras's hands, and mine as well. We want to be treated fairly. The Royals are a great organization and they are willing to get it done. We're excited to proceed and move forward with this."
On getting a deal done quickly: "That is the plan—to get going. I'm fresh. I'm game-ready right now from pitching down in Fort Worth. I have 22 innings under my belt and I'm continuing to throw bullpens here. Whatever their plan is for me, I will be prepared for it. I have to keep my nose in the day in, day out grind and do things I need to do to get better. When the time comes I will head out and start pitching my tail off for them.
"It should be a pretty quick negotiation. It sounds like the Royals are ready to get it done and get me out playing. Like I said earlier, I'm game-ready. I'm up to a 100-pitch pitch count. Now that I'm done throwing in Fort Worth, I am back in Knoxville throwing bullpens and keeping my arm in that game-ready shape and staying in that shape mentally as well. As soon as they get me out, I'll be ready to go for them.
"Whenever they are ready, we're ready."
On the Royals new GM Dayton Moore: "I have followed the story. I have not met him, but all I have heard of him is great things. It sounds like he's the guy who is going to step into this organization and make some good changes and really get it going for them. I am just extremely humbled to be in this situation and extremely excited to take forth what the Lord has in store for me."
On the timing of his draft day: "I got up and got a good workout in. It was a workout that drug out a little longer than usual having the draft on my mind. I ended up getting a good work out in, work always comes first. After the workout I did a lot of praying and did some conversing with God. It was a busy morning but it turned out to be great."
On his intense preparation and workouts: "That's where I get my confidence. That's where I live. I love seeing improvement and I love taking my briefcase and going to work. I take more pride in that than anything, it's my bread-and-butter and I enjoy doing it. I love seeing the improvements from the physically, to the mental, to learning the game, all aspects of it. I just eat it up and I really love it. It's really not work for me when you enjoy it that much. I put in good hours and in return I have the opportunity to go to a great organization like the Kansas City Royals."
On what playing in the Independent League taught him: "It really opened my eyes to how lucky really I am. Playing with guys that are scrapping to play the game that they love and to see how hard those guys work in the Independent League. To be given this opportunity is extremely humbling. I just thank God for giving me this opportunity to be drafted by a great organization like the Royals. I am beside myself right now to tell you the truth.
"It was really good for me to be in the 5-man rotation going from the 7-day rotation in college. We simulated that a lot in my off season training I went from a 7-day rotation down to a 6-day and then to a 5-day rotation, to get in that rotation shape. Going to Fort Worth was a great experience. Those hitters, they're older, they're experienced, and they're a lot smarter. I learned a great deal playing there due to the change of game and the discipline of hitters—they control the strike zone a lot better. The speed of the game overall, I believe it has helped me a significant amount. Just learning the game at the next level, pitch selections, count selections, stuff like that has been very helpful for me. Due to the physical part of the 5-day rotation I had to tweak my workouts, my lifting, my running to really get comfortable. My arm is extremely resilient and I bounce back pretty quick for that 5-day rotation, but it is more about how I wanted to feel on game day. Changing my lifts and workouts to feel how I really wanted to feel. I am just extremely grateful to the Fort Worth Cats for the opportunity to play and keep getting better."
On how the Independent League helped him off the field: "It is the game and that is about it. There are not many perks except going to the yard—the travel, the bus rides, the locker rooms. I was extremely lucky at Fort Worth, we had great facilities, good locker room, great people in the front office. My experience was very, very good. It opened my eyes to guys loving the game and how much I loved the game, how much I missed it when I wasn't able to play while going through negotiations with the Dodgers. I wouldn't change it for anything."
On what was learned last year that will help in this year's talks: "Scott Boras probably knows the situation better than anybody and I trust him a lot. The negotiations with the Dodgers were with a scouting director that didn't think I was worthy of a contract that the other top pitchers in the draft had received. I have all the respect for the organization but that's how it turned out. I could advise younger players not to believe the young, inexperienced agents who make salesmen pitches to try to get players, just to get clients. The way that Scott handles things is extremely professional. He is by far the best in the business. The Scott Boras Group is surrounded by ex-players and very good attorneys. I feel extremely comfortable that he knows the situation better than anybody else and knows when it is time to get me out and get me going."
On a possible ballpark figure: "Those discussions will be between Scott and the Royals. They took me with the understanding of getting me out quick and getting me going. The business side, Scott and the Royals will take care of that. They work well together. I am just excited to be a part of the organization and I am ready to bust my tail for them and work as hard as I can for them."
On his knowledge of the Royals and his fit with: "The opportunity that I have to work my tail off and help the club means a lot to me. I take great pride in that—helping the club. I know that they will get it together and the new general manager and things will be good. With the great history of the Royals, they are a solid club. They have good prospects in the minor leagues. I have played with Alex Gordon with Team USA and I know him pretty well and we're pretty good friends. They are doing good things right now. I am just in the mode to go out and make them proud that they took me with their first selection."
On his future with the Independent League: "I am done with the Independent League. I am in Knoxville, Tennessee working out and throwing bullpens to stay in shape and be ready to go whenever they say it is time to be ready to go."
Hochevar Goes Number One
As expected, the Royals made 6' 5", 205-pound Luke Hochevar (pronounced HO-chay-vur) the first pick in the 2006 draft today. The Royals have never had the first pick in the draft before. Let's hope they made the right decision with Hochevar. As the day progressed, more information surfaced about why Hochevar might be a good choice. The main one seemed to be that Andrew Miller would have demanded a higher signing bonus. Secondly, Hochevar hasn't logged nearly as many innings as Miller this season, so he could get plugged right into the Royals system.
Some of the other players that the Royals were interested in slipped down in the first round. Brad Lincoln went number four to the Pirates. Andrew Miller went number six to the Tigers. Robert Stubbs went number eight to the Reds. And Tim Lincecum went number ten to the Giants.
Hochevar had a stellar three-year career at Tennessee. He was 25-10 with a 3.05 ERA in 51 career appearances—which included 33 starts (6 of which were complete games). He had 287 career strikeouts which ranks second in UT history.
Bobby Keppel, a new addition to the Royals starting rotation, was asked in the Royals clubhouse if he had any words of wisdom for Hochevar. Here was his response: "Just to come in and trust his stuff. That's what I'm doing right now. He's, from what I've heard, a phenomenal pitcher with an amazing fastball—good sink on it. I'd say come in and use that and be aggressive."
Keppel was also asked if he believed that Hochevar was helped by playing independent ball. Here's what he said: "Definitely. It's similar to rookie ball. I don't think he lost a year by sitting out last year. He was able to pitch in independent ball—get onto a five man rotation. I think he's going to come in, already pitching against wooden bats, which is a whole different game that college, so I think he'll do fine."
Keppel went on to say this about how quickly he'd like to see Hochevar in KC: "I'd say, 'Get into the system as soon as you can.' That's what I did. I signed shortly after. But if he can in and help us out—we need pitching right now obviously—and it would be good to have a quality arm like that."
Some of the other players that the Royals were interested in slipped down in the first round. Brad Lincoln went number four to the Pirates. Andrew Miller went number six to the Tigers. Robert Stubbs went number eight to the Reds. And Tim Lincecum went number ten to the Giants.
Hochevar had a stellar three-year career at Tennessee. He was 25-10 with a 3.05 ERA in 51 career appearances—which included 33 starts (6 of which were complete games). He had 287 career strikeouts which ranks second in UT history.
Bobby Keppel, a new addition to the Royals starting rotation, was asked in the Royals clubhouse if he had any words of wisdom for Hochevar. Here was his response: "Just to come in and trust his stuff. That's what I'm doing right now. He's, from what I've heard, a phenomenal pitcher with an amazing fastball—good sink on it. I'd say come in and use that and be aggressive."
Keppel was also asked if he believed that Hochevar was helped by playing independent ball. Here's what he said: "Definitely. It's similar to rookie ball. I don't think he lost a year by sitting out last year. He was able to pitch in independent ball—get onto a five man rotation. I think he's going to come in, already pitching against wooden bats, which is a whole different game that college, so I think he'll do fine."
Keppel went on to say this about how quickly he'd like to see Hochevar in KC: "I'd say, 'Get into the system as soon as you can.' That's what I did. I signed shortly after. But if he can in and help us out—we need pitching right now obviously—and it would be good to have a quality arm like that."
Hochevar to be First Pick
We'll know at noon today who the first pick of the draft is, but according to an article running in the Star this morning, the Royals plan to pick Luke Hochevar, former pitcher from Tennessee, and current client of Scott Boras. You've already heard the story about Hochevar—he was drafted by the Dodgers last year, but the two camps couldn't reach a contract agreement, so Hochevar reentered the draft this year. He's currently pitching for the Fort Worth Cats (in an independent league) where he has a 1-1 record with a 2.38 ERA in four starts.
Wood Solid in Royals Loss
Mike Wood didn't win the game last night, but he put the Royals in a position to win. He gave up 2 ER in 5.1 IP—with zero walks. Not bad for a guy who wasn't chosen to be one of our five starters as we broke camp a couple of month ago. And considering what has happened to our rotation since then, well, Wood looks to be secure in the rotation for a while.
"I'll give him a couple of more starts—yeah," Bell said after the game. "We were planning on that anyway, but tonight solidified it because of the way he pitched."
Unfortunately, the Royals couldn't get their bats going—something that couldn't be said for former Royal Raul Ibanez who was 3-for-3 with 2 RBI in Seattle's 4-1 win.
Tonight the Royals send Scott Elarton (1-6, 4.94) against Kevin Millwood (6-3, 4.85). I'm heading to the stadium shortly, and hopefully I'll be able to bring you an interview or two from one of the players.
Berroa Walk Watch (the quest for double digits): 3 walks in 52 games.
"I'll give him a couple of more starts—yeah," Bell said after the game. "We were planning on that anyway, but tonight solidified it because of the way he pitched."
Unfortunately, the Royals couldn't get their bats going—something that couldn't be said for former Royal Raul Ibanez who was 3-for-3 with 2 RBI in Seattle's 4-1 win.
Tonight the Royals send Scott Elarton (1-6, 4.94) against Kevin Millwood (6-3, 4.85). I'm heading to the stadium shortly, and hopefully I'll be able to bring you an interview or two from one of the players.
Berroa Walk Watch (the quest for double digits): 3 walks in 52 games.
Monday, June 05, 2006
On Assignment
I'll be covering the Royals for a national magazine during the Texas series this week and I'll attempt to bring you a few player interviews. In the past, I've posted interviews with Justin Huisman, Bob Schaefer, and even Allard Baird. At the very least, I'll be writing and posting about what I see as I gather information for the articles I'm writing for the magazine I'm working for. So, check back often in the coming week.
Royals Mulling Draft Options
Joe Posnanski has a great article in the Star today about the Royals' options regarding the draft tomorrow. Everybody expects them to pick Andrew Miller—a tall, slender lefty, who throws a 96 mph fastball and a wicked slider. But the Royals are also considering Brad Lincoln from Houston who is known to be a consistent performer and "more polished." And they are still thinking about Luke Hochevar, the Scott Boras client—that's all you need to know about Hochevar.
According to Ryan Lefebvre's pre-game interview yesterday with Derek Ladnier, the Royals Senior Director of Scouting, the Royals are also considering Tim Lincecum out of Washington. According to Ladnier, Lincecum throws 98 mph, but he's struggling with his command a little right now. The Baseball America website lists Lincecum as having the best fastball in the entire draft as well as having the best command in college, and it proclaims him to be the "closest to majors."
The wildcard in the draft for the Royals, who have the first pick, is Drew Stubbs, an outfielder from Texas. Here's what the UT website says about Stubbs: "a five-tool player who can not only hit for both power and average, but also possesses tremendous speed and a plus outfield throwing arm…expected to be UT’s starting center fielder for a third straight year in 2006." Baseball America's website lists Stubbs as the best college athlete, the second fastest college baserunner, the third best college arm, and the best college defensive player.
We'll find out what happens tomorrow.
According to Ryan Lefebvre's pre-game interview yesterday with Derek Ladnier, the Royals Senior Director of Scouting, the Royals are also considering Tim Lincecum out of Washington. According to Ladnier, Lincecum throws 98 mph, but he's struggling with his command a little right now. The Baseball America website lists Lincecum as having the best fastball in the entire draft as well as having the best command in college, and it proclaims him to be the "closest to majors."
The wildcard in the draft for the Royals, who have the first pick, is Drew Stubbs, an outfielder from Texas. Here's what the UT website says about Stubbs: "a five-tool player who can not only hit for both power and average, but also possesses tremendous speed and a plus outfield throwing arm…expected to be UT’s starting center fielder for a third straight year in 2006." Baseball America's website lists Stubbs as the best college athlete, the second fastest college baserunner, the third best college arm, and the best college defensive player.
We'll find out what happens tomorrow.
Royals Going for Split in Seattle
The Royals got off to a slow start in Seattle, dropping the first two games of the series 4-0 and 12-1. Seth Etherton was awful in his second start for the Royals (in the 12-0 loss) and we were down 7-0 after the third inning as a result.
The Royals bounced back yesterday and picked up a 9-4 in Seattle and put themselves in a position to get a series split tonight and to go 5-5 on the road trip. If it happens, you've got to feel pretty good considering how atrocious we've been on the road this season.
Mark Redman didn't exactly pitch well yesterday, but well enough to put us in a position to win. He gave up 4 ER in 5.2 IP. And he walked three guys. But he left the game with the Royals leading 9-4. Redman was helped by a two-run home run by John Buck, a solo shot by Emil Brown, and three RBIs by Reggie Sanders. In fact, everybody in the lineup had at least one hit and five guys (DeJesus, Grudzielanek, Sanders, Brown, and Teahen) had two hits.
Elmer Dessens was outstanding in relief, going the final 3.1 innings without giving up any hits or runs. He picked up a save for his efforts and he saw his ERA drop to 4.02. Dessens effort will surely help an already weary bullpen. The Royals won't get another day off until June 19.
The Royals send Mike Wood (3-0, 5.12) to the mound tonight against Gil Meche (4-4, 4.87).
Berroa Walk Watch (the quest for double digits): Angel Berroa shocked the world by picking up another walk this series and now has 3 in 51 games.
The Royals bounced back yesterday and picked up a 9-4 in Seattle and put themselves in a position to get a series split tonight and to go 5-5 on the road trip. If it happens, you've got to feel pretty good considering how atrocious we've been on the road this season.
Mark Redman didn't exactly pitch well yesterday, but well enough to put us in a position to win. He gave up 4 ER in 5.2 IP. And he walked three guys. But he left the game with the Royals leading 9-4. Redman was helped by a two-run home run by John Buck, a solo shot by Emil Brown, and three RBIs by Reggie Sanders. In fact, everybody in the lineup had at least one hit and five guys (DeJesus, Grudzielanek, Sanders, Brown, and Teahen) had two hits.
Elmer Dessens was outstanding in relief, going the final 3.1 innings without giving up any hits or runs. He picked up a save for his efforts and he saw his ERA drop to 4.02. Dessens effort will surely help an already weary bullpen. The Royals won't get another day off until June 19.
The Royals send Mike Wood (3-0, 5.12) to the mound tonight against Gil Meche (4-4, 4.87).
Berroa Walk Watch (the quest for double digits): Angel Berroa shocked the world by picking up another walk this series and now has 3 in 51 games.
Odds n' Ends
How about Greinke throwing five innings in Wichita the other night and only giving up one run? His mechanics were reportedly "the best he's ever had." His fastball was clocked at 94 mph. And his curve ball broke a ton. All of which is highly encouraging. Let's hope that he can keep it going.
Mark Teahen hit his way back into the major leagues. He hit .387, with 2 HR, and 14 RBI in 23 games from Omaha. Hopefully the confidence he gained there will translate into higher output at the major league level. Unfortunately, Teahen's return to Kansas City led to Andres Blanco's return to Omaha. I liked having somebody to push Berroa a little for playing time. Hopefully we'll see Blanco again soon.
Denny Bautista has already been moved to the bullpen after seven unsuccessful starts. He was 0-2 with a 5.63 ERA. The real issue was his control. He walked 16 batters in 32 innings. He also hit four guys. As much as I understand where the Royals are coming from in the decision to move Bautista to the pen, I disagree with them. If we believe that Bautista is part of the future, then you have to allow him time to grow into the role of a starter. He's only has 19 career starts. He needs more time.
Mark Teahen hit his way back into the major leagues. He hit .387, with 2 HR, and 14 RBI in 23 games from Omaha. Hopefully the confidence he gained there will translate into higher output at the major league level. Unfortunately, Teahen's return to Kansas City led to Andres Blanco's return to Omaha. I liked having somebody to push Berroa a little for playing time. Hopefully we'll see Blanco again soon.
Denny Bautista has already been moved to the bullpen after seven unsuccessful starts. He was 0-2 with a 5.63 ERA. The real issue was his control. He walked 16 batters in 32 innings. He also hit four guys. As much as I understand where the Royals are coming from in the decision to move Bautista to the pen, I disagree with them. If we believe that Bautista is part of the future, then you have to allow him time to grow into the role of a starter. He's only has 19 career starts. He needs more time.
Friday, June 02, 2006
RR Poll #2
Here are the final results of Royal Reflections Poll #2. The question was: "What Should the Royals do with Alex Gordon?"
50.0% (9 votes): Leave him in Double-A all season
33.3% (6 votes): Bring him up to KC in September
11.1% (2 votes): Bring him up to KC after the break
5.6% (1 vote): Bring him up to KC now
A new poll will be up shortly.
Greinke Returns
All eyes will be on Wichita tonight as Zack Greinke makes his first start of the season. Frank White says that Greinke will be on a 65-70 pitch limit. And it sounds like he'll be there for more than one start. According to this article, he can only be in Wichita for 20 days. The Wranglers aren't going to make Greinke available to the media today. I'm sure the Royals want him totally focused on baseball and they don't want him to have to answer the same question(s) about his health or mental state over and over again. RR wishes Greinke well in his start tonight.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
