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Series Preview: Seattle Mariners @ Kansas City Royals

Tiny by Matthew on in Series Previews Comment 470 comments

Seattle: 36-56
Royals: 41-52

GAMES

Game 1: Felix Hernandez vs Luke Hochevar
Game 1: Jarrod Washburn* vs Gil Meche
Game 3: Carlos Silva vs Kyle Davies

Hochevar has certainly been overshadowed by his draft class mates and for a pitcher soon to be 25 he needs to step up his performance shortly or else he might be a cautionary tale that while holding out a year might net you a better draft slot, it doesn't do much for your development. Then again, we're also talking about just one case.

Gil Meche went to Kansas City and immediately cut down his walks by a significant amount in 2007. That number has since rebounded and the new found groundballs have also regressed, moving Meche's tRA from 4.29 in 2007 up to 4.89 this season.

Middling stuff, pretty much zero control. Dime a dozen righty if it weren't for the high line drive rate which makes him barely a rotation candidate.

Star-divide

Likely Starters:
C John Buck/Miguel Olivo
1 Ross Gload*
2 Mark Grudzielanek
3 Alex Gordon*
S Tony Pena/Mike Aviles
L David DeJesus*/Jose Guillen
C Joey Gathright*
R Mark Teahen*
D Billy Butler

Tony Pena is still getting starts, hopefully because of good defense, because he's holding steady at an OPS+ of 1. Yeah, 1. The rest of the lineup isn't as bad, naturally, but it's not pretty either. Miguel Olivo has somehow resurrected a season based entirely on power because he still rivals Yuni in terms of plate discipline.

CONTEXT

Richie Sexson is gone, but it's not like we have anyone at all better to take his spot at first base and over the past 20 or so games, he was actually a decent hitter, albeit with almost no power. Then again, this team just had Miguel Cairo, Willie Bloomquist and Jose Vidro in the same starting lineup.

The team is spending nearly $120 million dollars on payroll.

Not nearly enough people have been fired.

THIS SERIES BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Free State Oatmeal Stout
Free State Brewing. Lawrence, KS

Outside of Kansas City (which might actually be in Missouri, I honestly have no idea), this beer was the high point of my trek across Kansas. That's not actually saying much because there's nothing in Kansas. Still, this doesn't reflect on this brew which has a good malty taste and a creamy palate.

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I think

thhat Kansas city is in both, but the majority of it is in Missouri. Or maybe their are two Kansas Cities, but the nationally known one is in Missouri. Somone google it.

by LantermanC on Jul 11, 2008 8:55 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That would have caused a border war.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Never been past Denver

but I’m inclined to agree.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wait what?

You’ve never been to St. Louis?

by LantermanC on Jul 11, 2008 9:07 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

No.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:07 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

We should find out if Jeff has been to Ottawa.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

In what way?

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:11 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess any sport is different in which you don't necessarily have a home team to support.

But I don’t know Jeff’s history (I’m not Robert) and perhaps he rejected a home team when he chose the Sens.

by NOLAmarinergirl on Jul 11, 2008 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well... different like this...

I can see myself being a Lakers, Suns, or Mavs fan. But I could never see myself being a fan of anyone else except the Mariners. Though you have two teams… which team has priority? Hypothetical situation, Mariners and the Cards meet in the WS, who do you root for?

by LantermanC on Jul 11, 2008 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love where this is going.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm tired of being the only one who goes insane.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, no.

I remember the Braves series. They seem to be your most hated team. And you kept talking about wanting to punch Chipper Jones.

by LantermanC on Jul 11, 2008 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Let me put it this way

M’s – Cards 2002, no one to root for, both teams needs wins. Fun for the novelty factor but arrrrrrghh.

M’s – Cards 2004, fuck the Mariners.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:17 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

To get back

This does come out of having no team to support. There was no Seattle baseball in the 60-70s (save one year of the Pilots) until the Mariners came along. Most family members rooted for St. Louis in the same way that many people root for the Cubs or Braves… except for one uncle that roots for Anaheim.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not missing much.

The only things you can do are tour the arch and visit the Brewery.

by LantermanC on Jul 11, 2008 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:10 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

agreed

nice, but unspectacular.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Budweiser is gross

why would I waste my time there?

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:11 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not sure.

But when I lived their, everyone’s like ‘yeah, you got to visit the brewery! You get free beer! ? You can drink it on the tour!”

by LantermanC on Jul 11, 2008 9:12 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just in case anyone calls me out on it.

Yes, I’m aware I use ‘their’ wrong. I think I’ve done it 5 times today actually.

by LantermanC on Jul 11, 2008 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It does suck, I got pulled over going 73 on a 65 highway.

Who does that?
Also, Eastern Colorado is the exact same as the rest of Kansas apparently.

by LantermanC on Jul 11, 2008 9:08 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, and I can't remeember if it's in western Missouri

or middle/eastern Kansas, but their is a stop on the highway, where there are a like 10 billboards for porno. It’s bizarre. I wonder if a bunch of truckers stop their or something. Also in the midst of all these billboards is a ‘Jesus doesn’t like pornography’ billboard.

by LantermanC on Jul 11, 2008 9:11 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Please, please, please don't take this the wrong way.

I’m not trying to be a dick, but you’ve done this several times in this thread.

“I wonder if a bunch of truckers stop their or something.”

Their = possessive
There = refers to a place

by BrianL on Jul 11, 2008 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know I did. I mentioned that I did.

Their/There is the new Your/You’re.

by LantermanC on Jul 11, 2008 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Also, I find it amusing that you went so far out of your way

to not offend…
And I get you and SeattleBruin confused, not sure why.

by LantermanC on Jul 11, 2008 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I-44 in central Missouri has this fo sho.

65 South to Branson is the most annoying stretch of billboard advertising ever though.

by hcoguy on Jul 11, 2008 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Washington.

):<

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

Also, I'm always down for some online Grand Theft Auto IV or Rock Band. Gamertag: Phildopip

by Phildopip on Jul 11, 2008 9:14 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Isn't everyone here at work?

That’s what we get paid to do. Post on LL.

by LantermanC on Jul 11, 2008 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Isn't this how most of us spend our time at work?

Pulling up LL on a secondary monitor that’s positioned just right so your boss can’t see it?

by BrianL on Jul 11, 2008 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

...

Do you have me on camera or something?

by Matthew on Jul 11, 2008 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I want beef barely soup.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

At first it was the former

but I’m slowly leaning toward the latter

by ningwers on Jul 11, 2008 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Muffins are the devil's baked goods.

They seem so delicious and healthy, but instead they’re delicious and terrible for you.

by Matthew on Jul 11, 2008 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You can problem make them healthy.

Just make them out of bran and carrots or some sort of fibery stuff, put little to no butter in it. I don’t know, maybe mix a little wheat grass, and voila, one healthy but bad tasting muffin ready to go.

by LantermanC on Jul 11, 2008 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

But making the muffin healthy renders the muffin bad

which takes away the whole point of the muffin.

by Jeff on Jul 11, 2008 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Matthew's Journal Entry, 7/11/08 7:30 AM

I had a bowl of Raisin Bran and toast for breakfast. On my way out the door, I found a penny on the ground.

Today is going to be a wonderful day.

by BrianL on Jul 11, 2008 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pennies are worthless.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Seriously.

And like I get up by 730. pffft.

by Matthew on Jul 11, 2008 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Matthew's Journal Entry, 7/11/08 9:30 AM

I know I had breakfast, but I feel like a blueberry muffin. They’re ever so delicious, but I know they’re bad for you. I really should watch what I eat.

I think I deserve one, though.

by BrianL on Jul 11, 2008 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It got a laugh

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed. what a boring state to drive through.

I actually got pulled over there doing 84 on a 70. Cop asked why I was speeding. I told him (figuring there was no way out of the ticket anyways) I was trying to get to Colorado as fast as I safely could.

He let me go.

by Matthew on Jul 11, 2008 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nice. The cop let me go too.

One of my goofy ass friends (skinny as hell) was shirtless in the backseat, and the cop was female, and afterward, he claimed we didn’t get a ticket because he was shirtless.
I don’t know why you get pulled over if you don’t get a ticket. 84 is not dangerous when you’re on a long stretch of road surrounded by nothing.

by LantermanC on Jul 11, 2008 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I got pulled over there for 77 in a 70.

He let me go, but first he brought out the drug-sniffing dog. That was a new experience for me. I thought the dog was going to tear my face off.

by patsfan on Jul 11, 2008 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

There are two.

They are separated by the river/border. KC Missouri is a lot bigger.

by gpsn on Jul 11, 2008 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

How long until

Wlad--> LF, Ibanez—-> DH

yeesh

What a dull ball squadron.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 8:59 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I wish we still had Greg Norton.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think

if we still had him, Richie wouldn’t have been cut. The idea of cutting your starting 1b when there are no decent alternatives is what really turned on the Mariners.

by LantermanC on Jul 11, 2008 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Richie would have been cut regardless

because he sucks and the fans hate him.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Vidro

but I was the only one

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:07 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why, JI, why?
Despite having the 3rd best OPS in the National League the Cardinals have scored just the 7th most runs - middle of the pack - and they’ve gotten the 3rd most at bats. I’d love to throw down some research right here about consistent hitters but I don’t have any, which makes my following claim specious in it’s subjectivity. It seems like the Cardinals consist of one great bat (Pujols), 3 streaky sluggers (Glaus, Ankiel, Ludwick), a bunch of complimentary and useful offensive players, and then some absolute offensive zeros (Izturis, Ryan, Kennedy). It turns into a feast or famine situation when the sluggers stop slugging.

God bless you Matthew, and have a merry Christmas.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:05 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I tried.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I actually really like the city of Kansas City.

It’s the only place I like in that area.

St. Louis was meh.

by Matthew on Jul 11, 2008 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes yes yes

but boo

because I’m suppose to hate the Royals.

I dunno this is what happens when you a fan by proxy.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Unless you're vegetarian.

I think living in the midwest is part of what made me a veg though.

by JuliaHope on Jul 11, 2008 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wait, what?

I didn’t notice any good food. Except for perhaps all the sweet potato concoctions.

by LantermanC on Jul 11, 2008 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

At least they took out the Astroturf.

If Russ Davi doesn’t break his leg we still have David Ortiz.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fucking Jeff Manto

"Holy Shit, It's Steve Perry lead singer of Journey". "ha, FORMER Lead Singer."

by RafaelCarmona22 on Jul 11, 2008 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I still hate Russ Davis

Defense that awful really sticks with you.

by OlSalty on Jul 11, 2008 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Anyone see Teahen's

inside the park? That was pretty awesome. He’s got more wheels than I thought.

by LantermanC on Jul 11, 2008 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I miss that.

I think it was the first jpeg I ever made for LL.

by Matthew on Jul 11, 2008 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

> Washburn, Batista, Silva

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs


A dumber man might take this as an invitation to talk about himself.

I know better now.

by Jeff on Jul 11, 2008 9:15 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

But talking about one's self

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's a fort

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's your fault.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought all boxes were forts.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Turn it upside down.

That way there is less of a floor.

by Jeff on Jul 11, 2008 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Funny

but a mere shadow of the glory of Jeff’s real jersey

by ningwers on Jul 11, 2008 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fortunately I do not understand hockey.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I also sniffed it

It smells like fabric and pen

by Jeff on Jul 11, 2008 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

And awesome?

Did it smell like awesome?

by ningwers on Jul 11, 2008 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It was better for me

Just the way I like it

by Jeff on Jul 11, 2008 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The lesson to be learned is

only use TWSS once the mods have lost interest in the thread.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not good at multi tasking

which I why I could never play the drums.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wanted to be Matt Cameron. >:(

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I want to be Taylor Hawkins.

Saw the foo fighters last night – meh, but damn Taylor Hawkins is a good drummer.

Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.

by pdb on Jul 11, 2008 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Travis Barker (Blink-182)

is a surprisingly good drummer. I fucking hate Blink, but I have to respect that guy.

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

Also, I'm always down for some online Grand Theft Auto IV or Rock Band. Gamertag: Phildopip

by Phildopip on Jul 11, 2008 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Keith Moon would strongly disagree.

And then he’d probably throw up on you, but that’s beside the point.

Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.

by pdb on Jul 11, 2008 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Keith Moon is wildly overrated.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not so much

He and Bonham pretty much defined an entire decade’s worth of rock and roll sounds.

Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.

by pdb on Jul 11, 2008 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah I know

I’m the biggest Who fan I know. But there were very basic things that a drummer should be able to do but he couldn’t.

He’s still great though.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is why I love him so much

because at times he completely forgoes the fundamentals, and yet he still sounds more awesome than almost any rock drummer ever.

Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.

by pdb on Jul 11, 2008 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I prefer this to technical proficiency.

I’m far more interested in creativity.

by acblue on Jul 11, 2008 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, but some do both

And I’m not slagging on Moon, I think he’s far more musical than he is usually given credit. Listen to Sea and Sand, there’s a lot of subtlety on that drum track—it’s just gorgeous. Or give Dr. Jimmy a spin, it’s almost as if he were playing with a big band (considering the synth strings, piano, several guitars, bass, multiple Entwistle brass overdubs),his drumming on that track is brilliant and often forgotten.

Having said that, he’s no Matt Cameron.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dale Crover is my favorite drummer.

Followed closely by Coady WIllis, the Melvins other drummer. Then Grohl.

by acblue on Jul 11, 2008 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Grohl is a favorite too

but he doesn’t do much besides hit hard and sing good backing vocals .

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, I disagree.

Some of the fills he pulls out of his ass (especially on In Utero) are absolutely ridiculous.

by acblue on Jul 11, 2008 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Coady Willis ist rad

I’d throw in Brian Chippendale (preaching to the choir here, I know), Chris Hrasky, Jeremiah Green, Damon Che, Chris Weingarten.

What gets you about Crover? Wouldn’t have thought of that one…

by marc w on Jul 11, 2008 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Crover is insane.

His drum sound is absolutely out of this world, and his ability to completely alter tempos in the middle of a song and pick up right where he left off coming into a bridge or chorus is phenomenal. He’s really really great in an unconventional way, but great nonetheless. And the way he and Coady play off of each other on the last Melvins album was absolutely batshit.

by acblue on Jul 11, 2008 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Mevlins are playing

in Portland soon. I don’t think they ever stop touring.

by Jed MC on Jul 11, 2008 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just to record, pretty much.

If you haven’t seen them since they absorbed Big Business, you should definitely check them out. They’re absolutely stunning live.

by acblue on Jul 11, 2008 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is exactly what makes Neal Peart great.

I don’t like Rush, but Neal Peart is a fucking talented drummer.

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

Also, I'm always down for some online Grand Theft Auto IV or Rock Band. Gamertag: Phildopip

by Phildopip on Jul 11, 2008 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I went to a concert just for the drum solo.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS.

Am I fired?

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

Also, I'm always down for some online Grand Theft Auto IV or Rock Band. Gamertag: Phildopip

by Phildopip on Jul 11, 2008 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would have to agree

and Rush is pretty much the antithesis of everything I like about music. But he is a very good drummer.

Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.

by pdb on Jul 11, 2008 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

ehh

I’m not a huge Rush fan, but I do like them.

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was at a Rush show last month

and some guy behind me asked me to SIT DOWN during Neil’s solo.

I almost lost my shit. But then I realised that by doing so I’d miss even more of Neil’s solo.

I like using semi-colons; they make me feel smart.

by Llewdor on Jul 11, 2008 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not saying he's the best.

Just that he is unexpectedly good considering the shit band he plays in.

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

Also, I'm always down for some online Grand Theft Auto IV or Rock Band. Gamertag: Phildopip

by Phildopip on Jul 11, 2008 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah

See what JI started by dropping the periods?

by JI on Jul 11, 2008 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs