Comments on: Memories of 2008

By: jim fetterolf

jim fetterolf — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 03:14:27 +0000

“There is no one on the 2011 staff that projects as an ace or even a true number one.”

True, and we didn’t have one last year, or our number two, but did save $25 million when those we hoped to fill those slots left. 2011 has two 11 game winners and some possibilities, and while ‘ace’ is sort of a magic bullet idea, solid 2-5 slots is better than a mail-it-in #1, a hurt #2, a half-season #3, and Kyle Davies and Brian Bannister. Personally, I think Duffy looks like a potential ace, looks a lot like a young Zack. Monty and JaKKKKe also have possibilities, so I’ll trust the system awhile longer. Not like Verlander fell off the wagon a fully developed ace.

By: Adrian

Adrian — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:55:08 +0000

Not to mention Miguel Cabrera being Miguel Cabrera, and the breakout of Avila. Verlander isn’t everything the Tigers have.

By: Adrian

Adrian — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:52:57 +0000

@Mike, totally agree. Sure, Verlander has been great, but don’t discount what the other starters on the Tigers have done. They might very well have the best AL starting rotation in the playoffs.

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:38:08 +0000

I wish it was as easy as an ace, and it would be great to have Verlander, BUT, other than Brad Penny, is there a pitcher on the Tigers you wouldn’t trade Hoch for? I think I’d rather have Max, Rick or Doug as our opening day starter in 2012 over Luke. That’s not speaking ill of Luke, especially after his 2nd half…I just think you’re taking a lot away from their rotation when you say they’re 13 games up due to having an ace.

By: airgoesit

airgoesit — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:10:13 +0000

Even with hindsight, the only thing the 2008 team had was solid starting pitching (in theory) and a couple potential bats (Butler and Gordon) and bunch of “scrappers.” The only thing the 2011 version DOESN’T have is starting pitching.
Unfortunately that probably makes it a wash. See Tigers, Detroit, for how valuable an ace is.

By: DanL

DanL — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:43:00 +0000

Part of success is the environment that is created – the youthful Royals all experienced winning championships in the minors and seem to be bringing that attitude to the ‘veterens’ on this club – and guys like Frenchy and Soria seem to love the role of leading the talented kids.

If you look at the year-to-year progression of Greinke and Hoch, you can see that at this point in Greinke’s career, his stats popped. So, maybe Hoch will do the same and be a reasonable #1 without too much laughter.

As for will the Royals be better next year, that is largely determined by how well they stack up against the divisional opponents – Tigers and Indians will probably be tougher next year than the White Sox and Twins – so I’m not predicting an increase in wins to match the improvement in the stats that I expect in both hitting and pitching. I will predict they will be an enjoyable team to watch like most of this year has been (small victory for a longtime Royals fan).

By: scott h

scott h — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:31:52 +0000

I think the team now is FAR better off than the one in ’08. Butler is a proven hitter now. Gordon has gotten it or he would have took a tail spin by now. melky/cain are better than Crisp. Frenchy is better than Guillen. The infield is definitely better also. Gio is along way from alberto hitting wise but atleast he’s a better fielder. (lol) The only thing we would need to be better than .500 next year is a top of the line starter and those are hard to come by, I think the Royals are better served to wait out Their farm system I think Odorzzi is the real deal and could be up in the majors by next years end and dont forget about the adjustments that Mendoza made didn’t he just win some kind of award for being a great pitcher ? I think the future looks bright if the royals can keep it all together and avoid the injury bug next year.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:10:28 +0000

2009 was mostly bad manager. Hillman was an idiot, but I’m still not sure if Yost is any better. They say a manager can’t lose more than a couple of games for a good team. I’m just not sure that Yost can keep the team from losing. The 2012 team will be younger, more aggressive, and just all around better than the 2009 team. Although it would be nice to have a Greinke for next year. Maybe they get Shields. Maybe Monty figures it out again. Maybe Hoch is even better than he has been in the 2nd half.