May 16, 2012

Royals win in extra innings

The Kansas City Royals gave their new manager Trey Hillman his first win in the States, a 5-4, 11 inning win over the Detroit Tigers.

Trailing 3-0, the Royals chipped away in the 6th on a two run homer to right by Alex Gordon.  In the 7th, the Royals chased Jason Verlander and got to the bullpen as John Buck and Mark Grudzielanek singled in runs to give the Royals a 4-3 lead.

Brett Tomko came on in relief and gave up a home run to Carlos Guillen in the bottom of the 8th and it stayed tied at 4-4 until Tony Pena Jr. singled in an RBI single in the top of the 11th.

Joakim Soria picked up the save.  Leo Nunez got the win with two scoreless innings of work.  Starter Gil Meche got roughed up and struggled with going six innings and giving up three runs on eight hits and four walks, but kept his team in the game.

Jose Guillen had a quiet night at the plate going 0 for 5 with two strikeouts, but he did throw out Magglio Ordonez at home and fired another throw from right on a fly out to keep catcher Pudge Rodrigquez at third.

Barton accomplishes his goal of making the Cardinals

I met Brian Barton in January as he toured on the Cardinals Caravan.  He told me that he had one objective coming into Spring Training…make the 25 man roster.  That’s exactly what he did.  Listen to what Barton has to say as he talked with me prior to opening day.

Barton was a Rule 5 draft pick which meant the Cardinals would give a good look at him, because if he didn’t make the big league team, they would have to let him go.  However, the Cardinals needed a speedy outfielder and Barton delivered this spring hitting over .350.

 

Download/listen to Brian Barton

Sex offender from Georgia wants anonymity in Missouri

A registered sex offender who served time in prison in Georgia does not want to sign up in Missouri. The individual, who now lives in southwest Missouir, has filed a lawsuit in southwest Missouri’s Webster County against the sheriff, the county prosecutor, and the superintendent of the State Highway Patrol. He says he was convicted before Missouri’s registry law was passed and therefore should not have to abide by the law.

The man is not identified in the lawsuit. He served three years in prison in the 1990s for two counts of child molestation.

Former KC Royal linked to drug operation

Former Kansas City Royals catcher Benito Santiago has been linked to a big cocaine operation that was headquartered in Kansas City’s prestigious Country Club Plaza. Police say a car used by a drug dealer is owned by Santiago.

The man who was using the car, Jacques Lavigne, has pleaded guilty to running a cocaine operation that catered to the white-collar crowd at the Plaza. Lavigne has admitted importing as much as 154 pounds of cocaine to Kansas City.

2008 baseball predictions

It’s finally here, the start of the 2008 baseball season.  Yes, Boston and Oakland played in Japan last week, but the Cardinals and Royals get started today.  As we get ready for another season, I’ve got my predictions for the upcoming year.

Royals, 5th place finish, 79-83
Cardinals, 4th place finish, 83-79

Royals MVP, Gil Meche–will pick up 15 wins on a much improved starting rotation.

Biggest Royals disappointment, Jose Guillen–will finish with fewer than 20 home runs this season.

Cardinals MVP, Troy Glaus–3B will stay healthy and hit 25+ home runs

Biggest Cardinals disappointment, Mark Mulder and Matt Clement–both pitchers will struggle after unsuccessful comeback attempts from surgery.

Division winners

AL East–Yankees

AL Central–Tigers

AL West–Angels

AL Wildcard–Indians

NL East–Mets

NL Central–Cubs

NL West–Dodgers

NL Wildcard–Braves

World Series, Tigers over the Cubs 4-1