Royals game threads, at times, are the single most entertaining threads on CP, especially when the ****ing circus rolls into town.

I'm so fearful that Betancourt will see far too much field this season and force me to go '09 on his ass.

Who sucked dick? I listened a few times but couldn't understand.

Kind of slurred NooNeffeeffbbeermePerzezzz.

Where do I get me some jersey shirts of these young guns we got!?

I wanna move to Arizona just so I can see them at spring training every year.

Yost speculating early on top of lineup

Giavotella could bat No. 2; manager likes Gordon at leadoff


By Dick Kaegel / MLB.com | 02/19/12 7:00 PM EST


SURPRISE, Ariz. -- It's very early, but Royals manager Ned Yost did some musing about the top of his lineup on Sunday, confirming that second baseman Johnny Giavotella is his first choice to bat in the second slot.

"He fits the spot because he has the ability to take pitches, he drives the ball the other way and he's a guy that can hit," Yost said. "This kid has hit everywhere. And if it works out, he's the best candidate for it."

Giavotella first has to win the second-base job over Chris Getz. Melky Cabrera, traded to San Francisco, was the Royals' No. 2 batter last season.

Yost still sees left fielder Alex Gordon as the likely leadoff batter, a spot he filled 89 times last season.

"We'll see what develops," Yost said. "I like Gordy leading off. I like somebody with some pop in his bat coming up when the lineup comes back around. He was our best on-base guy last year, and he can do a lot of things -- drive the ball out of the park, drive the gaps, .300 hitter, takes his walks, works the pitcher. He does everything you want a leadoff guy to do."

Based on that, and another article where Yost said Giavotella would have to "really struggle" to lose his spot, it sounds like the Royals are going to give him a lot of leeway.

I love you, Ned.

2012 Aggregate Bonus Pools

The Royals bonus pool for the draft has been limited to $6,101,500 for their first 10 picks. Last year they spent $11,405,000 (3rd-highest in baseball). They can go up to 4.9% higher if they are willing to pay a 75% tax on the overage (so they could spend about $6,400,475 on their first 10 picks if they are willing to write a check to MLB for about $225,000), but they can't go over that without losing a draft pick in 2013.

Bonuses for Picks made in rounds 11 through 40 are limited to $100,000 each.

ROFL

Godspeed, Johnny.

And now we have to be legit players in FA and aggressive in keeping our own. Nut up or shut up, Glass.

from the internet or a store

this right here. if an effort isn't made by this front office, this team will never win until glass is assassinated.

For some reason I was laughing my ass off when I read "Gordy." But I'm glad Alex/Gio are expected to be the 1/2. I imagine Hosmer's still at 3 & Butler's 4? Pretty solid (and really young, which is awesome) top 4.

Yep. I'm more worried about keeping our own than bringing in big FAs, though, as I'm sure most people are.

FYP. Someone assassinates Glass, another one pops up to "run" the team...

I need baseball.

I spent quite a bit of time in RFGA myself back in the day. My roommate and I never got there early enough to get the front row seats, but I always remember the same characters there every game. Santa Claus, the guy we called Can-Head (he had a ball cap with a Budweiser can sticking out the front) were two of the most memorable. I also remember some of the chants they had, one for whenever the opposing batter struck out. They had another one when Jim Eisenreich was playing RF.

Who likes Ike?
I like Ike
Who likes Ike?
I like Ike.
Who likes (insert name of opposing RFer)?
NOOOOOOOBODY!

Good times, man.

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/...moustakas1.jpg
EDIT: Tredadda, Do you want the picture bigger? Like 140x140?
HERE you go Tredadda...
Two more requests to fill out... Anyone else want any? ShoGun, I'm sorry couldn't find any of the old Stock pics... They are all on Google. Type in Hosmer Royals or something like that... You'll find some good stocks.

Did you find one with Escobar in the air fielding?

Preist31Kc... I think? LOL here you go!
http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/...ishosmer22.jpg

and Escobar in the air fielding? eh not yet.

Can I get a Buddy Biancalana sitting at the end of the bench in the dugout alone eating sunflower seeds?

Hopefully you don't get revised sig requests in August.

(e.g. "hey, give me Ned Yost yelling while getting his ass thrown out by the umpire, and also one from the game last week where Cain was looking up in the sky while the ball bounced behind him. Both of them with the phrase, 'Not Yet' ")

ha ha ha! you're out, AL!!!!!ROFL

LMAO

OK Simplicity if you can't fulfill my Biancalana dream how about Tim Belcher adjusting his cup behind the mound with the words "some time."

VonneMarie, HERE you go!

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/...kimSoria12.jpg

OUR TIME!

I wouldn't mind one with Ken Harvey as a fat cartoon panda with the words "No can take buffet."

If you get one of Ken Harvey it has to be him falling over the Tarp with a RIP sign.

Yep thats me lol....And thanks man, looks awesome!

AL, you can take my name out of the thread starter. When I started the repository a few years ago, I took that quote from you from the previous years repository.

I did a quick search and this is as close to in the air as I could find of him in a Royals uniform

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images...jpg?1313345250

This one would be awesome, but the uniform sucks.

http://i.usatoday.net/sports/gallery...horizontal.jpg

Adding a couple more

http://ahairoffsquare.files.wordpres...r2011topps.jpg

http://i.usatoday.net/sports/gallery...g-vertical.jpg

I'd like to request two signatures. I'm going to put them next to each other. I want this Escobar pic

http://www.wday.com/media/full/jpg/2...7067005a7c.jpg

And this Hosmer pic

http://a.espncdn.com/media/motion/20...asy_hosmer.jpg

I'd like just the Our Time slogan in simple font (none of that squiggly stuff, I'm not a fan) and maybe some cool effects like you've done, just make them look cool.

If I can't have them both as a sig due to how the pic layouts one being horizontal and the other vertical, I'll take the Escobar one as a Avatar and get rid of Jessica for the season.

I don't think my Biancalana or Belcher sigs are being taken seriously. Which is good. I'm all sig'd up.

Simplicity is 15 years old anyway... he has homework to do instead of catering to every whim of a bunch of adult baseball fans.

Signature or Avatar: Avatar

Player: Salvador Perez

Batting or In the field: Throwing someone out

Any additional quotes(OUR TIME will be on by default):

Thanks, looks great! Will add it tonight when I get home. :)

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Surpri...izona&t=h&z=18

Check this aerial shot from Arizona. I think is cool that the Surprise complex has one field with the dimensions of The K and one field with the dimensions of Rangers Ballpark. Royals should be able to play in Arlington like it their second home. Not really, but cool imagery.

Giavotella batting 2nd?

RU-ROH....

With the Royals starting Spring Training this week, and with all the spring training optimism and warm fuzzies, I thought it would be a good time to exorcise the demons and review the past 43 years of Royals Baseball.

I have compiled what I believe to be the absolute worst of the worst, the pits, the absolute stink of Royals Baseball in the last 43 years. This is my choice for worst starting 25 roster.

Criteria for choice: Includes bloated paychecks for pitiful production, first round draft choices with no return on investment, awful trades, attitude problems, clubhouse cancers, felony convictions, and consistent, long term failure.

Let us fumigate the place, and cast off these evil goblins from our collective conscience. Behold, and hold your nose:

All Time Worst Royals Team, 25 man roster:

IF Starters:
1B: Mike Jacobs, 1B, 2009. Traded from Marlins for Leo Nunez. Hit .228 with 19 HR and 132 Ks.

2B: Terry Shumpert, 1990-1994, .220 ave, 50 walks, 150 Ks. Teamed with David Howard to make arguably the worst keystone combination ever.

SS: Neifi Pérez, SS, 2001-02 : Traded for Jermaine Dye. 2002 hit 236, refused to enter a late-season game at the request of manager Tony Pena.

3B: Craig Paquette, 1996-97: .248 BA, 33 BB, 158 Ks. Awful defensively.

C: Ed Hearn, 1987-88. Traded for David Cone. Played in 13 games.

OF Starters:
Jerry Martin, 1982-83 1983 busted for coke, went to prison for 90 days.

Juan González, 2004 (Juan Gone), Free Agent, Played in 33 games, $4 million contract.

José Guillén, 2008-2010 .256 hitter, $36 million. Clubhouse cancer.

DH:
Calvin Pickering, 2004-05 .228, 8 HR, 56Ks.

Starting Rotation:
Jim Pittsley, 1995, 1997-99: First round pick 1992, career 7-12 with a 6.02 ERA
Scott Elarton, 2006 Opening day pitcher 2006. 56-60, with a 5.31 ERA
Kyle Davies, 2007-2011 Career 43-65 5.59 ERA Highest career ERA vs total starts in MLB history.
Sidney Ponson, 2009 Royals record 1-7 with a 7.36 ERA
Eduardo Villacis, 2004 Career 0-1, 13.50 ERA (one start vs Yankees)

Middle Relief:
Dan Reichert, 1999-2002 First round pick 1997, career 21-25 with a 5.55 ERA
Mac Suzuki, 1999-2001 Career 5-15, with a 7.82 ERA.
Jeff Austin, 2001–02: First round pick 1998, Career 2-3 with a 6.75 ERA
Vin Mazzaro, 2011 Gave up 14 runs in 2 1/3rd innings vs Cleveland.
Albie Lopez, 2003 "The Pez Dispenser." KC Record 4-2 12.71 ERA. Gave up 32 runs in 22 innings pitched.
Yasuhiko Yabuta, 2008-09 Royals signed for $6 million, pitched 2 years, 3-4 record, 7.14 ERA.

Closer:
Mark Davis, P, 1990–92 Former Cy Young winner, signed for $13 million, in 1990 was 0-2 with a 7.24 ERA and four blown saves in nine opportunities.

Bench:
Hal Morris, 1B, OF, DH, 1998: 516 plate appearances, Hit .309 with 40 RBI.
Tony Peña, Jr., SS, 2007-2009. 3 years in KC hit .228 with 18 walks and 140 Ks. Such a weak hitter (3 HRs in 3 years) tried his hand at relief pitching.
Cliff Pastornicky, 3B, 1983 10 games, hit .125.
Mike Difelice, C, 2003 Hit .254 with 25 RBIs

Footnote: Hal Morris is chosen for the most pop with the least tangible results. How do you hit over .300 in 500 plate appearances and generate 40 RBI???

Your thoughts?

Some of those names bring back awful memories. Thanks

You forgot managers

I was going to ask about Morris, then I saw your note.

It might also be interesting to include the guys called up from AA for a single start and then never seen again (during Baird's tenure).

Dammit. That Escobar is what I have been looking for. Put Escobar on a curvature in the space between his legs and you got it

Oooh...take your pick:
Bob Boone for being an arrogant, hard headed prick.
Tony Pena for quitting on his team in mid season, then joining the Yankees coaching staff.
Tony Muser for his last place finishes.
Trey Hillman for destroying Gil Meche.

Any of these guys would qualify.

Although old school manager Charlie Metro from the early days may have been the absolute worst.

Good ones.:deevee:

I agree with most of this except Jose Guillen. Although overall he was terrible for the Royals he's 10x the skill of pretty much every one of the rest of these players.

There were a lot of bad outfielders. Guys who were washed up when they got here, bad on defense, mediocre, etc. Names like Chuck Knoblach, Gregg Jeffries, Reggie Sanders, Bip Roberts, Emil Brown, Rondell White, on and on and on and on.

Guillen was a terrible right fielder. Think about how deadly Francouer is now throwing guys out all over the place. Guillen couldn't even get to half the balls Francouer gets to. Major major outfield upgrade. And Guillen was a pain in the ass in the clubhouse. His team mates hated him. Plus he was roided up.

Let's think of some of the recent Royals greats: Jeff King, Ken Harvey, Mike Sweeney, Jermaine Dye, Ken Harvey, Rulnextyxasdz Hernadez (RIP), Joe Randa, Ken Harvey, and Coco Crisp.

Man, Ken Harvey was great.

Suckin on my big ol Chili Davis

I did not choose Ken Harvey as DH, but he was my second choice. He actually made the All Star team one year as the lone Royal on the team. He struck out looking in his one plate appearance. Mike Sweeney was the greatest thief in the history of the team. Once he got big bucks, his residency on the DL was all-world. Run-Elvis ate his way out of baseball. Coco Crisp stays crunchy in milk. Other bad players (but not the worst) were Chico "where's my pants?" Lind, Dave McCarty -Royals have a long laundry list of crappy first basemen after Wally Joyner- other players like Pat Borders, Kevin McReynolds, Jose Awfulman, etc etc etc etc.

http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/...with_criticism

Don't forget about "It's not a snack, its EMIL Playmaker Brown".

Never hated a Royals player with all my soul like Emil.

What's wrong with Dye & Randa? Other than being a part of some terrible teams....

Kevin McReynolds belongs on any list of worst Royals.

A. He averaged about 109 games, 12 hrs, 40 rbis and about .246 ba and B. he came back in the Saberhagen trade, which is the second worst trade in Royals history imo.

It's hard to tell if his post was serious. King, Dye, and Randa were some of the better players on their teams.

Yeah, I get that the rest of those guys were either terrible or had some ridiculous, embarrassing story surrounding them, but I don't remember anything that bad about Randa or Dye. Other than the fact that we got mother****ing Nefi Perez from Dye (I'm still pissed about that), but that's not Dye's fault.....

Good God, there's some bad memories in these last few posts.

Jeff King had a good season with the Royals and just up and quit to run a ranch

Runelvys Hernandez is in Japan I think. Lima time is the one that has passed on to the Mike Sweeney's hernia in the sky.

I loved Dye & Randa. and all those others named, too.* I was just keeping the old Ken Harvey magic alive.**


* I do think, however, that it shows how weak we've been in terms of raw talent, though.

** Not a fan of Ken Harvey.

My fault. Lima, rest in peace.

Morris may or may not belong on the list, but don't use RBIs as a justification for adding him. This is a terrible metric because it's dependent upon other players.

I didn't look at his OBP, but, given the average, I'd say it's going to be pretty decent. Thus, low RBIs are more a product of bad luck and/or shitty teammates.

He did have that goofy stance though where he would kind of tip toe in the batters box before swinging.

How about Escobar jumping over Jessica? :D

The worst Royals ever?
If bad pitching was a video game Albie Lopez would be the final boss.

Darrell May
Kyle Davies
Blake Stien
Yabuta.
Mitch Williams
Storm davis
Mark Davis

Rueben Gotay
Yuni Betencourt
Mendy Lopez
Shane Costa
Joey Gathright
Neffi Perez
Keith Miller
Bob Boone
Doug Mienkevich

Jose Offerman has the highest career batting average in team history.

Keith Miller is my least favorite Royal ever. I would root for him to K with runners on to avoid hitting into a DP.

I'll play. Worst Royals in my 3 decades of fandom:

C - Chad Kreuter (was awful as a starter in KC)
1B - Ross Gload (He's a grinder)
2B - Keith Miller (at least Lind was a GG defender)
SS - Kurt Stillwell (because they could have had Barry Larkin instead)
3B - Dean Palmer

LF - Chuck Knoblach
CF - Tom Goodwin (tough one. He was OK, but KC has had a pretty good run of CFs during my lifetime)
RF - Michael Tucker (don't care that we got Dye for him. Hated him).

DH - Calvin Pickering
UTIL - David Howard

SP - Hiram Davis (the anti-ice)
SP - Dan Reichert
SP - Blake Stein
SP - Miguel Asenscio
SP - Kyle Snyder

CP - Ambiorix Burgos (by far the worst closer they've had in my lifetime. Montgomery/Soria account for about half my fandom by themselves
RP - Albie Lopez
RP - Mark Davis

Your whole post should have started and ended with Roberto Hernandez and Doug Henry.

Kevin McReynolds is and will always be my least favorite Royal. The guy had a moment of averageness as a corner outfielder in the NL, came to KC in one of the worst trades in the history of the Royals organization (giving up Sabe), then proceeded to not give a flip about baseball for his 2 years here. I was sitting in Left field corner in a game where he went up for a ball against the wall... he jumped up and intentionally avoided hitting the wall, giving a half-hearted effort. jogged over to the ball and casually tossed it back into the infield while the player motored around to third for a triple. The thing that irked me and the entire stadium more than anything was that after having tossed it back in, he bent over and was fixing his socks before the ball had even made it to the cut-off man. Didn't watch the play, he flat out didn't give a shit. The entire left field stands boo'ed him the rest of the game every time he jogged around after base hits and fly balls... One of the biggest POS's I can ever remember having watched play a professional sport. If I remember correctly, the opposing pitcher was even cheered when he struck McReynolds out. That could be my own revisionist history though...

I wouldnt say Dean Palmer was bad he had a good run with us and my all time least fav royal was Jason Grimsley ugh that name makes me cringe

This thread has taken a turn for the bizarre. Grimsley was our best pitcher for a couple of years.

Bizarre? Not on chiefs planet. That would never happen. :)

Jose Awfulman could hit. He hit .306 in 3 seasons with KC: 96-97-98. Over that time in three years he had 14 HRs and 152 RBI. Not much production. He was a terrible fielder. He was a shortstop with LA until his fielding made them dump him. Came to KC as a second baseman, was 2nd in the AL in errors at his position in 1998. He made about $5 mill with KC over three years, then went to Boston as a Free Agent for about $6 mill a year. Boston kept him around for a couple years, then got rid of him. During his three years Royals finished 3rd, last and last.

We actually moved him to 1B. He was a great defensive first baseman...who hit 4 HRs a year.

Better than Doug McAlphabet.

I couldn't stand the ****er

i can't remember how many poor pitching performances came from albie (b)lopez. that guy defineatly stood around sucking on a big ol chili dog.

I only have one autograph from a player who wore a Royals uniform. I got his signature on a baseball during 1994 spring training (in Florida). He was a Royal in the twilight of his career. Any guesses?

same with good ol chris george

Just to prove how disconnected from the KC sports nation I am...I had no idea Bruce Chen was raised in Panama and speaks with a distinct Spanish accent.

debates post.....is phobia watching?

I would guess either Wally Joiner or Vince Coleman.

Yes, I cheated and looked up our '94 roster.

Nope

Here's a hint: He homered on first major league at bat.

Gary Gaetti?