Around the Horn in KC

Ned Yost media session: May 17

mlblogsroyals1 — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:54:09 +0000

Manager Ned Yost spoke about having a day game directly after a long night game like last night first when he met with the media this morning. Yost said he does not mind having a day game after a night game like this, especially after the one they had last night. He added it is good to get going out here early because you do not want to sit around all day waiting on a night game, dwelling on what happened the night before. In the Royals’ case, the 15 inning heartbreaker suffered last night. Yost said he prefers day games over night games in general and especially on getaway days. Although this is not necessarily a getaway day for Kansas City as they stay home for the weekend, but it is for Baltimore and he said it is good for both clubs either way.

Eric Hosmer was the next topic brought up in Yost’s meeting with the media. He said Hos has been really grinding through his slump and trying to stay positive, but he will relax a little bit and clear his mind with his off days today and tomorrow. He went on to say normally in these cases you just get into the cage and hammer it out, but he has been doing that, but the results are not showing in the game. Yost said basically he just is not hitting in a lot of luck right now and lining out or hitting the ball hard right at people. It will be a good chance to clear his head for a couple days and be ready to go on Saturday. Yost said it is more of a mental break for him and they do not really even want him in the cage during it. They just want him to relax and clear his head then get back after it Saturday. He said when you are struggling you are obviously not going to get back to a high average quickly, instead you just have to take it one day at a time and a lot of times simply let the game come to you instead of always trying to go out and get it and press. Yost said he has confidence Hosmer will make the adjustments and break out of his slump. He said that Hos has all the natural abilities and talent, but sometimes he is just trying to hard when a lot of times you just need to play the game. He said going through tough times provides experience and Hosmer will grow from this and be just fine.

Ned Yost media session: May 16

mlblogsroyals1 — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:21:22 +0000

Ned Yost met with the media this afternoon and a hot topic of discussion was Eric Hosmer. A question was asked about Hosmer’s solid defense at first base and Yost immediately mentioned his offense as well, “Hosmer is swinging the bat very well and he’s not getting much to show for it. This kid has probably got 17, 18 lineouts which is the difference between hitting .170 and .450. He is very unlucky right now.” Hosmer found two holes last night against Texas for a single and a double, so hopefully his luck is turning for the good. Yost discussed how Hosmer has an advanced maturity for his age and he has not let this rough patch freak him out. “He has done a really good job controlling his emotions and not losing his confidence in his abilities,” said Yost.

Jarrod Dyson is starting to understand what his tools are and use them to the best of his ability and he is doing a great job with it in the leadoff spot getting on base and scoring runs. “There is a huge difference in his approach and the way he is playing the game now compared to any time he came up last year,” said Yost.

The Royals played very well in Chicago, but they lost the first game 5-0. Yost said, “I don’t know why we haven’t played good after an off-day or rainout.” After that loss they came back the next day and won 5-0 and then played a great game on Sunday. Everybody felt good going into Texas knowing they were gaining some momentum and that carried over into a two-game sweep over the Rangers.

Myers and Odorizzi promoted to Omaha

mlblogsroyals1 — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:53:34 +0000

The Royals today announced that the organization has promoted outfielder Wil Myers and right-handed pitcher Jake Odorizzi from Northwest Arkansas (AA) to Omaha (AAA). Both players will join the Storm Chasers when they return to action tomorrow to host Tacoma at Werner Park.

Myers, 21, has dominated the Texas League from the outset, departing the league as its leader in hitting (.343), slugging (.731), OPS (1.146), tied for the top spot in total bases (98), ranking tied for second in home runs (13) and third in RBI (37). He has homered six times in his last 10 games. Myers was Kansas City’s third round pick in the 2009 First Year Player Draft and got his first taste of big league spring training as a non-roster invitee earlier this year.

Odorizzi, 22, leaves Northwest Arkansas with a 4-2 record and 3.32 ERA in seven starts. He is second in the Texas League in strikeouts (47) and fourth in WHIP (0.97). He has been most impressive over his last four starts, going 3-1 with a 1.98 ERA, allowing six earned runs in 27.1 innings for a 1.98 ERA while fanning 33. Odorizzi has limited opposing hitters to a collective .191 batting average through his first seven assignments. He was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers on December 19, 2010, along with Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar and Jeremy Jeffress in exchange for Zack Greinke and Yuniesky Betancourt. Odorizzi was the 32nd overall pick of the Brewers in the 2008 First Year Player Draft and he also had a taste of big league spring training this year as a non-roster invitee.

Royals Uniform History: 5

mlblogsroyals1 — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:51:36 +0000

Hall of Famer George Brett is celebrating a birthday – the third baseman was born in West Virginia on this day in 1953. Brett’s number is one of four retired by the Royals, including Jackie Robinson’s 42. Today, we take a look at the history of number 5:

The first person to wear number 5 was Owen “Red” Friend (pictured at right), a coach under manager Joe Gordon on the inaugural 1969 Royals. Number 5 stayed in the coaching fraternity at the start of 1970 with Dan Carnevale, a member of Charlie Metro’s staff. Coach George Strickland was added to the staff when his former Cleveland teammate, Bob Lemon, replaced Metro as manager on June 9. Strickland wore 5 for part of 1970. (According to Baseball-Reference.com, Strickland’s final three numbers as a player were, fittingly: 2, 3 and 4.)

Strickland continued to wear “cinco” in 1971, though outfielder Ted Savage became the first player to don the number during a short 19-game stint with the club.

In 1972, the Royals had an All-Star wearing number 5 for the first time as Richie Scheinblum (left) represented the club in Atlanta. Scheinblum was traded to Cincinnati in the offseason as part of a four-player trade that brought Hal McRae to Kansas City (we’ll save the history of number 11 for another day). The number became available, so Tom Poquette wore 5 for a short time in 1973. Scheinblum wore the number again after being reacquired from California in 1974.

As for Brett, he debuted on August 2, 1973 wearing number 25. He would wear 25 for the remainder of 1973 and through 1974. In 1975, Brett switched to number 5, and the rest is history.

One additional note…veteran George Scott played part of 1979 with the Royals (he began the year with Boston and went on to finish the season with the Yankees). Scott was acquired from Boston on June 13, 1979 for the aforementioned Tom Poquette. The Royals and Red Sox were in the middle of a three-game set at Royals Stadium, so the players simply went to the other clubhouse. Scott, a former Gold Glove winner and All-Star, had donned number 5 for most of his Major League career. The number was Brett’s in Kansas City, so Scott became the only player (to date) in franchise history to wear…0.

Homestand Highlights: May 16-20

mlblogsroyals1 — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:25:09 +0000

Kansas City Royals fans will get their first glimpse of Interleague Play when the club returns to Kauffman Stadium for a five-game homestand, May 16-20. The Royals open the homestand with a short two-game series against the Baltimore Orioles, current leaders of the American League East, before opening Interleague Play with a three-game weekend set against the reigning National League West champion Arizona Diamondbacks.

The homestand features a number of great giveaways and promotions, including an All-Star Garden Gnome giveaway and special events such as School Day at The K and Bark at the Park. Fans can also enjoy a Fireworks Friday and Buck Night on Friday, May 18.

Wednesday, May 16 – Baltimore Orioles vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.

INK Student Night – Rivals Outfield Box or Hy-Vee Infield tickets are available for all Wednesday home games for high school and college students with valid ID at the Kauffman Stadium Box Office for just $7. Seating is subject to availability. All Student Nights include a $7 hot dog and beverage special at the Boulevard Grill in the Outfield Experience.
INK Local Music Showcase – Catch a free pregame concert on us. Every Wednesday INK Student Night also features live local music prior to the game in the Outfield Experience. Oriole Post will be performing prior to the Orioles-Royals game. For details, visit www.royals.com/studentnight.
· Spring Play Pack for $25 – Purchase a Spring Play Pack and receive two Field Plaza tickets with $5 in loaded value per ticket for concessions and merchandise. The package also includes two Play Passes for access to free unlimited games in the Outfield Experience to use day of game – over an $80 value – all for just $25! www.royals.com/playpack.

· Youth Night – Hy-Vee Infield tickets are just $7 for youth 14 and under with an adult ticket. www.royals.com/fanvalue.

Thursday, May 17 – Baltimore Orioles vs. Royals, 1:10 p.m.

· School Day at The K presented by Fox 4 – The Royals and FOX 4 WDAF-TV welcome students to the largest education field trip in Kansas City. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. with the presentation scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. For tickets, call (816) 504-4040, option 4, or visit www.royals.com/schoolday.

Friday, May 18 – Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.

· Fireworks Friday – A spectacular fireworks show after every Friday home game, presented by Hy-Vee and Pepsi.

· Buck Night – Hot dogs, small Pepsi products and peanuts are just $1 each all night long. www.royals.com/fanvalue.

· Royal Blue Balloting Day – The Royals host a Royal Blue Balloting Day in conjunction with the “Crown a Royal” campaign. Fans are encouraged to vote for a chance to win great prizes, including the opportunity to represent all Royals fans as the first fan to enter MLB All-Star FanFest on Friday, July 6. The first 200 fans to complete at least 100 ballots on Friday receive an All-Star balloting sticker and royal blue Mardi Gras beads. Visit the official All-Star Balloting Station located at Gate E. www.royals.com/vote.

· Raytown Night – The Royals partner with the Raytown Area Chamber of Commerce for an exclusive offer for Raytown family and friends. To join the Royals and the Raytown community at the ballpark, purchase tickets by calling (816) 504-4167.

Saturday, May 19 – Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Royals, 6:15 p.m.

· Meet Gordon at Rally House – Outfielder Alex Gordon will meet fans and sign autographs from 11 a.m. to noon at the Rally House: Independence Superstore, located in from of Independence Cancer at 18701 E. 39th St. in Independence, Mo.

· All-Star Garden Gnome – Celebrate spring and the upcoming MLB All-Star Game with a festive All-Star Garden Gnome. The gnome will be available to the first 10,000 fans courtesy of Pepsi.

· 610 Saturday – Enjoy great activities and music from Synematix DVJ’s prior to the game in the Outfield Experience. www.royals.com/610saturdays.

· Royal Blue Balloting Day – Fans are encouraged to vote as part of the “Crown a Royal” campaign. The first 200 fans to complete at least 100 ballots receive an All-Star balloting sticker and royal blue Mardi Gras beads. www.royals.com/vote.

Sunday, May 20 – Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Royals, 1:10 p.m.

· Bark at the Park – The Royals host the fourth annual Bark at the Park presented by Bayer K9 Advantix II during the homestand finale. Reserve your seats – all tickets to sit with your canine must be purchased in advance – by visiting www.royals.com/bark. Each ticket package includes a canine bag dispenser courtesy of Bayer K9 Advantix and a donation to Wayside Waifs. Prior to the game, fans can visit a number of vendors and activities set up in the Outfield Experience beginning at 11:30 a.m. For more information and to purchase a package, visit www.royals.com/bark.

· Family FunDay Sunday – Each Sunday home game features face painters, caricature and balloon artists and live family-friendly entertainment in the Outfield Experience courtesy of Radio Disney. All-Day Play Passes for unlimited activities in the Outfield Experience are available for just $10. New for 2012 is the Family FunDay Sunday 4-Packs that include four Hy-Vee Infield tickets, $10 in loaded value per ticket to use for concessions and merchandise, and four All-Day Play Passes for just $80! www.royals.com/sunday.

· Fun Run presented by Sprint – All fans can run the bases after the game (conditions permitting).

· Spring Play Pack for $25 – Pack includes two tickets with $5 in loaded value per ticket and two Play Passes for unlimited games in the Outfield Experience for just $25! www.royals.com/playpack.

Fans may purchase tickets online at royals.com, by calling 1-800-6ROYALS, at area Hy-Vee stores or at the Kauffman Stadium Box Office.

Royals on FSKC: Dish Network channel numbers through May 20

mlblogsroyals1 — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:06:35 +0000

Friday, May 11: 441

Saturday, May 12: 443

Sunday, May 13: 441

Monday, May 14: 445

Tuesday, May 15: 441

Wednesday, May 16: 443

Thursday, May 17: 442

Friday, May 18: 443

Saturday, May 19: on FOX Saturday Baseball (WDAF)

Sunday, May 20: 443

Ned Yost media session: May 9

mlblogsroyals1 — Wed, 09 May 2012 23:15:22 +0000

The newest roster move placing left hander Jonathan Sanchez on the 15-day Disabled List due to biceps tendinitis and recalling Johnny Giavotella from Omaha was first up for discussion when Manager Ned Yost met with members of the media this afternoon. Yost said Sanchez has been battling the biceps tendinitis and it has become progressively worse this season therefore they decided to just deal with it now and get it out of the way. Biceps tendinitis affects your command and velocity on the fastball and Yost said the Royals need him to be the pitcher they know he is so they want to get it straightened out now.

With the roster move of bringing Giavotella up from Omaha, Yost said it was a good day to give Eric Hosmer a break where, with the off-day tomorrow, he can have two days and just miss one game. Looking at the lineup yesterday Yost said they had to make a decision on whether to DH Chris Getz or Mitch Maier, but they decided Giavotella would be able to fill that role tonight. He gives the Royals another right handed bat against a very tough lefty, Jon Lester. Giavotella has been hitting the ball very well down at Triple-A (.483 in 8 games in May) so Yost said it helps give the Royals a better opportunity to win tonight. Yost also said there is a chance to see Giavotella play some second base with a few lefties coming up on the road trip, but that is also not for sure.

It is unknown to this point what will happen with Sanchez, but he will not be pitching in what would be his next scheduled start and Yost said the Royals will not need to worry about a pitcher until Tuesday at Texas because of tomorrow’s off day. Danny Duffy will pitch Sunday in Chicago and Bruce Chen will go next Monday in Texas. Yost said they are hoping to have Greg Holland back by then which will help, but they are taking everything one game at a time. Holland threw 19 pitches and gave up one hit yesterday in his rehab outing with Double-A Northwest Arkansas. He felt good after and feels good today as well and will make another appearance tomorrow then they will reevaluate him to see if he needs another one or is ready to be back with the Major League club.

Butler’s homer propels Royals to win

mlblogsroyals1 — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:02:19 +0000

Billy Butler delivered a no-doubter – a three-run home run in the eighth that lifted Kansas City to a 6-4 win over Boston on Tuesday night. Jonathan Broxton worked a 1-2-3 ninth for the save. Let’s take a look at the photos:

Ned Yost Media Session: May 8

mlblogsroyals1 — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:50:45 +0000

The roster move that optioned Tommy Hottovy back to Omaha and recalled Vin Mazzaro was the main topic of discussion this afternoon when manager Ned Yost met with the media. Yost said they need some extra length in the bullpen after the Royals have expended their two long guys over the past couple days. Yost said he has confidence that Danny Duffy will give them a strong start and throw a good game this evening against Boston. However, you never know if something unforeseen were to happen, like an injury, and they would have to turn to the bullpen early then they would have some protection with Mazzaro out there. He went on to say Hottovy did a very nice job when he was up here and having three lefties in the pen was a nice luxury, but a long guy for protection for the Royals is needed right now.

Yost said the Royals have no plan on using Mazzaro as a starter here, even though he was in the starting rotation with Omaha. He said he is taking it one day at a time and Mazzaro is here to be the Royals’ protection tonight. Yost also added having three long-relievers in the bullpen is not something you really want to have as a manager, but for now it is needed and they are working daily to get the starting kinks worked out.

Ned Yost media session: May 7

mlblogsroyals1 — Mon, 07 May 2012 22:38:45 +0000

Luke Hochevar was the first topic the media brought up today when meeting with Manager Ned Yost. He said, “There is no problem, we are just trying to get to the root of why big innings seem to be happening to him.” They discussed yesterday and it could be something as simple as Hoch is in a slump. Yost gave the example that there were times yesterday where he was not duplicating his mechanics on pitches which is very important and said pitchers have to have consistency when delivering your pitches. He then went on to say the ball Robinson Cano hit yesterday was a good pitch from Hoch, but you are going to have that with big league hitters. Yost said, “He does not think it is in his mind set and he thinks he is just in a rut and he will turn it around. He will continue to work and make sure his mechanics are where they need to be and he will get out of it.”

Yost said, “A pitcher’s slump is comparable to a hitter. When they are on they are locked in on every pitch and putting a good swing on balls.” It is all about consistency, Yost added. He said, “We know when Hoch is right and he is not right, right now but he will get there.” He also added they have not lost any faith in him and his role will be the same. Yost went on to say they will not be bailing on him after two bad starts, just like they would not bail on someone like Eric Hosmer, just because he is not hitting for a high average at the moment. The smart thing to do is to stick with them and keep the confidence in them because it is just a matter of time before they get out of that rut. Yost then added, “Hoch is a very important part of the pitching staff and they will not be changing anything with him and he will get back to where he has been.” He then expressed the confidence that he believes Hoch will come out in his next start and have a good one and be back on his stuff.