No lamenting the past, present or future today - although it should be noted that I had a dream last night where I threw a styrofoam cup of Diet Coke in Dayton Moore's general direction during a press conference - just a series of quick updates from around the Royals' organizaiton.

• The big news, of course, was Zack Grienke's record setting 15 strikeout performance last night.  Zack was routinely touching 97 mph with his fastball last night and was still throwing 96 mph in the 8th inning.  I encourage you to check out Greinke's pitching data over at Brooks Baseball, paying particular attention to the 'All Game Pitch Data' chart near the bottom.   You will note that after the first inning, Zack threw above 95 mph and below 75 mph in every single inning.   Yeah, the kid's pretty good.
• Don't look now, but David DeJesus is on his way back to his usual numbers.   After going two for four last night, David's line sits at .274/.346/.432/.778, which is approaching the same numbers we always see out of him.   In 2007, DeJesus was rated as 2.7 wins above replacement level.   In 2008 he was, once again, 2.7 wins above replacement level.  His current 2009 WAR?  You guessed it:  2.7.
• Last night in Omaha, Lenny DiNardo pitched 8.1 shutout innings as he combined with Carlos Rosa to shutout Oklahoma City.  That is noteworthy about the effort was DiNardo's ability to overcome FOUR Omaha errors - two by Alex Gordon.  The Royals won 1-0 on a J.R. House second inning homer, by the way.
• In Advanced A ball action, Derrick Robinson had a triple and a home run for Wilmington.   Robinson has shown virtually no improvement at the plate during his time in the organization, but it is interesting that after hitting no homers in 2008 and none in the first four months of 2009, Robinson now has five in the month of August.   Improvement or mirage?  Time will tell.
• Also for Wilmington, Danny Duffy notched his ninth win of the year by allowing two runs over six innings and lowering his ERA to 3.21.   If Aaron Crow does not sign until sometime next spring, who gets to the majors first?  Crow or Duffy?
• One other Blue Rock note.   Eric Hosmer is still sitting out, awaiting the delivery of new prespection glasses.   ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
• Trey Hillman actually thought Josh Anderson was seasoned enough to get a start in centerfield last night.   Meanwhile, Mitch Maier continues to hit, with two more  last night.  The question for 2010 is not whether Anderson can play (he can't) but can Maier play?  
• On a personal note, this writer is off to the great Northwest to witness two Seattle/Kansas City games at Safeco Field.   So, Friday's column will be fresh off a Kyle Davies' start.   How far would you fly to watch Kyle Davies pitch?  I bet I have you beat.   Luckily on Saturday, we'll get Gil Meche.

Comments

kcghost

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Greinke was simply dealing last night. On ESPN's "That's Nasty" segment last night did they show the pitcher who struck out 15 guys in 8 innings, or the did they show the Yankee pitcher who gave up 7 ER's in 4 IP's?? It's not called the Eastern Shore Programming Network for nothing. When they did the Royals-Tribe game they did show all of Greinke's K's though.

How bad must Ryan Freel be to get cut so the Royals can acquire Josh Anderson? I am no Maier fan but he is much better than Anderson.

Wednesday 26 August 2009, 04:00

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Minda Haas

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As the Royals blogosphere's biggest Lenny DiNardo apologist, I would like to point out that - if my math is correct - DiNardo's Game Score from last night was actually higher than Greinke's.

Obviously, I'm not saying DiNardo is or ever has been a better pitcher than Greinke. I just want to fully appreciate how good he also pitched last night.

Wednesday 26 August 2009, 04:41

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cmkeller

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What a sad, sad waste of Diet Coke that would be. I can give all unwanted Diet Cokes a good home.

Wednesday 26 August 2009, 05:55

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Marc

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I'm also flying to Seattle to watch the boys in blue this weekend. I'm going to be going to the Sat game with some buddies so look for a group of 5 in blue.

Good the see the team finally give Zack some run support for a W last night. Too bad he'd be the hands down Cy Young winner if he played for a team that was worth a damn.

Wednesday 26 August 2009, 06:04

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fb0252

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to a competent front office/manager, i.e. a manager or Gm with ability to recognize talent, would the Maier question have been a 2010 question or a 2009 question?

Wednesday 26 August 2009, 06:34

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Scott Z

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How many wins do you suppose Zack would have if he played for the Yankees or the Red Sox?

I wonder if he's kicking himself for signing that contract.

Wednesday 26 August 2009, 07:03

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Big Lee

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Does DiNardo's skill set prevent using him in the bullpen? KC really needs a lefty who can be productive, even if he's not a LOOGY. DiNardo certainly should get a call up after the O-Royals season ends, even if it's just to pitch long relief. He has had many strong outings for a sad Omaha team.

Wednesday 26 August 2009, 15:10

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