Results tagged ‘ All-Star Game ’
Royals announce All-Star Game balloting promotion
The Royals announced today an All-Star Game voting campaign in conjunction with in-stadium balloting for the 2010 All-Star Game hosted by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Tuesday, July 13. As part of the promotion, the Royals are hosting six Royal Blue Balloting Days at Kauffman Stadium during the upcoming homestand, encouraging fans to vote for Royals players by submitting Firestone All-Star ballots for an opportunity to receive an exclusive All-Star T-shirt and authentic game-used items.
During Royal Blue Balloting Days, the first 100 fans to turn in 100 completed ballots at the All-Star voting booth in the Outfield Experience on each game date will receive a 2010 All-Star T-shirt (pictured) and be entered in to a daily raffle for a Royals prize.
Royal Blue Balloting Days are scheduled on the following dates.
Tuesday, June 1 vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – 7:10 p.m.
Wednesday, June 2 vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – 7:10 p.m.
Thursday, June 3 vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – 1:10 p.m.
Friday, June 4 vs. Detroit Tigers – 7:10 p.m.
Saturday, June 5 vs. Detroit Tigers – 6:10 p.m.
Sunday, June 6 vs. Detroit Tigers – 1:10 p.m.
In addition to the in-stadium promotion, Royals fans can also cast their votes up to 25 times with the 2010 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot sponsored by Sprint. Online voters are eligible for exclusive Royals ticket discounts and will be entered into a sweepstakes drawing for a Kauffman Stadium All-Star Suite for 20 guests during a 2010 regular season home game and a jersey signed by the 2010 Royals All-Star representative.
In-stadium balloting will be held during every Royals home game through Sunday, June 6. Online voting is open until Thursday, July 1.
For more information on the Royal Blue Balloting Days or on the 2010 All-Star Game, fans can visit www.royals.com/vote.
All-Star updates on Twitter
The All-Star Break is here…keep up with Zack, Trey and other All-Star happenings on Twitter:
Bumps 'n' Bruises
We’ve played 115 at this point and the season’s injuries are starting to add up a little.
The Royals woes have been nothing compared to some teams, who’s pitching staffs have been shredded to bits like the Cardinals, the Orioles or the Yankees. And the K.C. position players have been relatively healthy with only two players actually going on the Disabled List this season. But these are the dog days, so let’s go Around the Horn…
First
The latest development was Ron Mahay. Mahay is day-to-day with plantar fasciitis, a bruise to tissue that supports the arch of the foot, on his left foot. The bruise causes pain in the arch and heel on each step as the tissue transmits weight across the bottom of the foot.
David DeJesus, who had a sprained ankle and sore back, is back in the lineup tonight after missing five games. He, as well as Mark Teahen and Jose Guillen, have been fighting back stiffness and other bumps. With the month of August rolling along, it’s not surprising the wear of playing everyday is getting to players.
The most recent serious injury was to Mark Grudzielanek, who was placed on the D.L. last Saturday after a collision with Ross Gload while chasing down a pop-up. Earlier this week, the team found that he has a torn deltoid ligament on the left side of his right ankle. Grudzielanek should be out four to six weeks, which might cost him the rest of the season.
Some good news on the injury front though, two players are in Triple-A Omaha on rehab assignments. Jimmy Gobble pitched earlier this week and throws again on Monday. Joey Gathright joined the O-Royals today and is most likely a lock to play until he’s ready to re-join the big club.
Also on the D.L. is John Bale, who will miss his 100th game tonight. Bale had a rehab assignment which he completed but he is still having some problems and is being re-evaluated.
Second
Billy Butler is back at DH tonight. But not because he played poorly at first
base over the last few days. In fact, manager Trey Hillman said Butler’s play was outstanding. He commented on Butler’s good glove work and a few plays where he showed good footwork moving around the bag as well.
Hillman said he wants to field the best offensive and defensive lineup he can. With Jose Guillen able to play the field tonight, that puts Ross Gload at first and Butler at DH.
Short
The Royals have a chance to even their record out to .500 on trifecta days (like 08/08/08). They won last year on 07/07/07 but lost the two previous years on 06/06/06 and 05/05/05 (they didn’t play on 04/04/04)…If you haven’t noticed, the Hall of Fame building in left field is taking shape with two stories of steelwork completed now…From Trey Hillman’s press conference: Opposing managers have commented that the 2008 Royals are fulfilling some of Hillman’s wishes, they are more fundamentally sound…Also from Trey: As an organizational stance, players who can play multiple positions like Mike Aviles, Esteban German and Ross Gload have a high value and are great options to have on the bench…On the Farm: Lefty Danny Duffy and Juan Abreu combined to throw a no-hitter last night for Single-A Burlington (IA).
Third
It was just brought to Around the Horn’s attention today, but the Royals had another All-Star in New York. Danielle Menzel was honored as the 2007 Designated 
Driver of the Year. Menzel frequents Kauffman Stadium and signs up for each game’s Good Sport drawing. By signing up each game, she unknowingly entered herself into the Responsibility has its Rewards drawing. She was selected to be the Royals DD of the Year. She won an all expenses paid trip to New York for the 2008 All-Star game.
Around the Horn might smell a Touch ‘em All interview, who knows. But regardless, huge congratulations to Danielle. Hope you had a great time in the Big Apple!
One final All-Star note today. Your 2008 Royals All-Star currently has a vote going on. The Royals are letting you pick his nickname. The choices are El Lobo (The Wolf), El Castigador (The Punisher), The Mexicutioner and The Terminator. Around the Horn isn’t ready to support one of the candidates just yet. We need to hear the debate and weigh the options. So it’s all up to you.
Tonight’s lineup:
Aviles SS
Teahen RF
DeJesus CF
Guillen LF
Butler DH
Gordon 3B
Olivo C
Gload 1B
German 2B
Davies P
Today’s Official Game Notes.
The Second Season
Whether you count the All-Star break as the halfway point or you’re technical about it and measure the year in 81 game halves, the season is past its halfway point.
The Royals have 96 games in the bag. Tonight is 97 and the start of a short three game trip to Chicago. Trey Hillman said it yesterday when he noted that we have a tough stretch ahead.
To look a little further at what’s to come and where we’ve been, let’s go Around the Horn…
First
General Manager Dayton Moore and manager Trey Hillman addressed the media yesterday before the team’s workout at Kauffman. The biggest thing they stressed is more consistency from the bats and the arms. To get started off right, Zack Greinke will get the ball tonight. Greinke earned the No. 1 slot with consistent pitching. They want him pitching to both divisional foes, throwing tonight in Chicago and again on Wednesday in the last game of the series against Detroit.
He’s been nasty to hitters, striking out 104 so far this season and becoming the first K.C. pitcher to record 100+ punch outs before the All-Star break since 1997. Greinke also holds a .188 batting average against when there are men in scoring position, which is second in the A.L.
Trey said that pitching coach Bob McClure and the starters worked throughout the All-Star break at the Stadium. Trey cited a reason for the streaks the team has rattled off – both good and bad – has been because of the pitching, specifically the starting rotation which holds a 31-39 record. Last season the starters were 28-39 through 96 games.
Consistency is the motto and there is improvement. The biggest difference between 2007 and 2008, however is that seven pitchers have started games this year. 13 pitchers started at least one game last season.
Second
The state of the position players was also addressed by General Manager Dayton Moore. He said the organization is looking for Billy Butler to continue to improve, Alex Gordon to become more consistent and Mark Teahen to build upon the improvements he’s shown over the last month. Moore also mentioned David DeJesus and acknowledged the outfielder’s continuing success.
DeJesus is among the elite in the game right now. He entered the break with a .460 batting average with men in scoring position, which leads the Majors and is 41 points higher than Rangers’ All-Star Ian Kinsler who is second. In fact DeJesus’ mark is the eighth best entering the All-Star break since 1974 when RISP became a stat. Among those higher than DeJesus at the Midsummer Classic, Tony Gwyn’s .500 in 1997, Barry Bonds’ .500 in 1990 and Rod Carew’s .467 in 1975. Needless to say, DeJesus established a Royals record, topping Mike Sweeney’s .438 in 2000 and Hal McRae’s .427 in 1982.
It should be noted that John Buck is 10th in the Majors with a .361 RISP average, the highest catcher in the Majors.
And as we wrap position players, Jose Guillen has to be mentioned. He’s had an outstanding season at the plate. So far: he’s tied a single game RBI record with seven in June 7, eclipsed last year’s RBI season high with 65 this year (tied for fourth in the A.L.), belted 13 homers (seven of which have given the Royals the lead) and he’s ranked in several other offensive categories.
As a team, the Royals have four players at 10 or more home runs with another sitting on nine. In 2007, only two players hit 10 or more and four hit 10 or more in 2006.
Short
Dayton Moore mentioned that the team is always looking to improve itself through trades or signings but does not want to compromise the current core of young players for a few months of service time or even a year of service unless the team felt it absolutely necessary…The team hired Sports Psychologist Andrew Jacobs, who was introduced to the team before yesterday’s workout…Leo Nunez was moved to Double-A Northwest Arkansas for rehab, because of Triple-A Omaha’s All-Star break. He pitched two innings of relief last night, recording a pair of strikeouts.
Third
The Royals return home for seven games on Monday. Plenty of promotions are in the works for the home stand including Frank White powder blue T-shirts Dan Quisenberry bobbleheads an Emerson Drive concert and the return of Girl’s Night Out.
Tonight marks the first of 28 straight games against opponents with winning records, 16 of which are at Kauffman. The combined record for the seven teams is 368-297 for a .553 winning percentage.
Hope you didn’t miss the All-Star game coverage here from our man Swanee who was in New York on Monday and Tuesday for the festivities and in the dugout during the game.
Extra Innnings
The Royals are working on a number of things for Military Appreciation Day, which is August 2. Around the Horn would like to request some help from our faithful here at mlblogs.com. If you have pictures of loved ones overseas wearing Royals gear, you can send them to blog@royals.com and we might be able to use them for a presentation during that day’s events. If not, Around the Horn is also working on a special post for that day and may post some of these photos right here. Please include the name of the person, hometown, where they are stationed and what branch they are in.
Thanks for your help.
Tonight’s Lineup:
DeJesus 8
Aviles 6
Teahen 9
Butler DH
Grud 4
Gordon 5
Gload 3
Buck 2
German 7
Here’s today’s Official Game Notes.
Swanee's Trip to the All-Star Game Concludes
After fighting a dead phone, a late night and an early flight, Royals Vice President of Communications and Broadcasting Mike Swanson (Swanee) is back in Kansas City. And we’ll get to the pics he sent earlier today as soon as we can.
We hope you have all recovered from the late night. The game ended at 1:37 a.m. when Minnesota’s Justin Morneau was called safe at home in the bottom of the 15th. Around the Horn took yesterday off… to recover. Hopefully you had the chance to as well.
Swanee didn’t. He had to catch a flight back early yesterday morning. He wasn’t even able to catch up and think about sending Around the Horn his photos until today, when his phone was fully charged. Unfortunately, it died right before the game started or shortly there after. Swanee’s phone was useless well before he got back to his hotel in midtown Manhattan around 3 a.m.
But lucky for us, he had a seat worth remembering. He was in charge of providing players for FOX and ESPN Radio to interview.
He snapped this from his spot on the bench. You can see Baltimore’s George Sherrill (52), Yankee captain Derek Jeter (2), Boston captain Jason Varitek (with the beard behind Sherrill) and All-Star Game MVP J.D. Drew (on the stairs between Jeter and Varitek) and Home Run Derby champ Morneau is standing with his back to Varitek (he’s the only other standing in the dugout who’s face is fully visible).
Around the Horn isn’t sure, and Swanee didn’t say, but we’re pretty sure the knees, hands and hat in the foreground belong to Texas’ Michael Young (who provided the game winning RBI with his sac fly).
49 Hall of Famers scattered across the field as a part of the opening ceremonies. One famous Royal stood at third, standing next to Wade Boggs. You may have seen George Brett telling the AL All-Stars before the game not to try to be heroes but to be winners.
Of course, the home team is closest to first, so Swanee snapped this pic from the dugout.
Royals’ All Star- Joakim Soria stood along the first base line for the introductions. Soria was between the Angels’ Joe Saunders and Detroit’s Carlos Guillen.
Another sight Royals fans might be familiar with from the All-Star game, Yankee Stadium had a B2 Stealth Bomber flyover.
Swanee informed Around the Horn that it was the same crews that fly out of Whiteman Air Force Base near Knob Noster, Mo. It’s the same stealth crew that often fly over Kauffman Stadium on Opening Day and that flew over Bank One Ballpark in Arizona during Game 7 of the 2001 World Series, another game Swanee was at.
The B2 flyover was during the National Anthem, which was sung by Sheryl Crow.
Swanee’s spot in the dugout didn’t allow him to get very close and his camera phone could only zoom so far.
He did get a lot closer to a few other stars though, including Kenny Chesney (pictured at right). He said Kenny was in a conversation and Swanee ddin’t want to bother him, but he wanted to give us an idea of who turned out for the big game in the Big Apple.
With all the talk about saying goodbye to one of baseball’s great stadiums, Swanee thought it would be appropriate to include a picture of Babe Ruth’s plaque in Monument Park.
It was afterall the final All-Star game in the House that Ruth built.
Like we’ve said at the end of each post, Swanee, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy All-Star schedule to provide us with a chance to see some of the inner workings of how this whole thing went down. We know you’re still resting and recovering for the second half of the season. So enjoy.
Royals Director of Community Relations Ben Aken was also in New York for the game, as we mentioned. Ben snapped this photo of our All-Star Insider. That’s Swanee (on the right) with Minnesota Twins Director of Baseball Communications Mike Herman hanging out in the Yankees/American League dugout after the Red Carpet Show and before the pre-game festivities started.
Both Ben, Swanee and of course Joakim, thank you so much for representing the Royals with class, pride and style in the Big Apple. All three of you already have Around the Horn’s All-Star vote to go to St. Louis next year.
All-Star Festivities
The Royals have three representatives at the All-Star game this week. Joakim Soria is the only player, but Director of Community Relations Ben Aken is helping Major League Baseball’s efforts to promote the game throughout New York. Hopefully we can get an update and maybe some photos from him as the week goes by.
The Royals other All-Star, Vice President of Communications and Broadcasting Mike Swanson (Swanee) has already been plenty busy. But he’s taking pictures with his phone (he apologizes for the quality) and keeping tabs on Soria for all of us back here in Kansas City.
This morning, the All-Stars had a 50-minute “assembly-line” media session. Swanee said the players were just lined up in a conference room and media made stops at each table.
Soria was conducting interviews with everybody who came by and in as many languages as he could speak (Around the Horn is pretty sure that’s just two, English and his native tongue Spanish).
One note about his heritage, Soria is the only Mexican player on either All-Star roster. In fact there are only 15 Mexican players who have played in the Majors this season and just 103 to ever play in the Majors. In comparison, the Dominican Republic has fielded 115 players in 2008.
Soria is the most dominant Mexican pitcher of all-time (only pitchers with at least 10 appearances were considered). His current 2.09 ERA in 112 innings edges Cy Acosta, who held a 2.66 ERA over 186 innings from 1972-75. And his batting average against is a full 40 points lower than Jose Cecena who established a .213 average against in 22 games in 1988 (Acosta holds a .216 batting average against).
Swanee told Around the Horn that Soria was stationed between two popular stops, Carlos Quentin of the White Sox and the Yankees Mariano Rivera (he’s the cause of the glare from the lights in the picture). Quentin is currently second in the American League in home runs (22) and RBI (70).
While Rivera, one of three players representing the host team, is considered one of the greatest closers of all-time. He’s putting together another solid season this year, sixth in the A.L. in saves with 23 which happens to be one spot and two saves behind Soria who’s 5th and tied a Royals pre-All-Star break record with 25 saves.
Home Run Derby Tonight
Swanee also reports that he’s in charge of the American League Home Run Derby players. He sent Around the Horn a photo from their press conference. Representing the league with the DH, will be four non-DH’s. Swanee should have an easy time with a pair of divisional opponents, Minnesota’s Justin Morneau and Clevland’s Grady Sizemore, in the mix. The A.L. will also send the Ranger’s Josh Hamilton, Tampa Bay’s Evan Longoria to the plate. The National League will have Houston’s Lance Berkman, the Brewers’ Ryan Braun, the Marlin’s Dan Uggla and Philadelphia’s Chase Utley vying for the title.
Swanee’s American League guys are featured in the photo, going from left to right Hamilton (in red), Longoria, Morneau and Sizemore. Angel’s slugger Vladimir Guerrero hit 17 homers last year in San Francisco to win it all. Around the Horn doesn’t have a favorite, but is just pulling for the American League to keep the title. The Derby starts at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN. For more coverage, go here.
Around the Horn hopes to deliver more All-Star coverage throughout the week, keeping in touch with our inside man in New York. Swanee, thanks for the photos.
Final Game before the All-Star break
Couple notes:
David DeJesus delivered with a walk-off game winner last night. DeJesus hit the first pitch he saw from Brandon Morrow 371 feet into the Royals’ bullpen. Joey Gathright scored and then the Royals mobbed DeJesus.
It was the Royals first walk-off since April 19, 2005 when Alberto Castillo hit one against Cleveland. And for DeJesus it was his 10th homer of the year, a new career high. His previous high was nine in 2005.
Not to be overshadowed, Mark Grudzielanek connected for hits number 1,999 and 2,000 in his first two at-bats last night. Around the Horn covered his milestone some already and for you stat geeks, expect a full break down later this week with regular season play at a halt.
The Royals will be presenting Joakim Soria with an All-Star jersey. But Soria isn’t the only Royal who will be in New York. Director of Community Relations Ben Aken has already been in the Big Apple for a couple of days. He’s working with Major League Baseball’s community relations staff and was the only team representative chosen to work the game.
Vice President of Communications and Broadcasting Mike Swanson hopped a plane today to head to New York. He’ll be working in the press box and helping with the Media Relations staff to support the huge media contingent covering the game. So congratulations go out to both Aken and Swanson.
Today’s Lineup:
DeJesus CF
Aviles SS
Teahen RF
Guillen LF
Grudzielanek 2B
Gordon 3B
Butler DH
Gload 1B
Buck C
Davies P
Here’s today’s Official Game Notes.
Vote Jose
Just under 24 hours are left in the Monster 2008 All-Star Game Final Vote (polls close at 4 p.m. CT tomorrow) and we’re in full campaign mode.
You may have noticed a temporary new look to the team Web site and the ad in today’s Kansas City Star.
Folks, it is crunch time and Jose needs your help. Around the Horn can only vote so many times. Joakim Soria is in. But it’s going to be a lonely plane ride to and from New York if he goes it alone.
Jose deserves this. Kansas City deserves this. Let’s get him into the game and, let’s go Around the Horn…
First
Ok. It’s campaign speech time. And since Jose Guillen is getting ready for tonight’s game, Around the Horn will take over.
Dear People of Kansas City, the American League and the World. Jose is an excellent candidate for the 32nd roster spot on the A.L. All-Star Squad. He’s currently third in the League in RBI. The two men in front of Jose and the one behind him on the list are all All-Stars already. His 64 total RBI has already passed the Royals season high from 2007 and he’s on pace for one of the top RBI seasons in Royals history.
Guillen is third in the A.L. with 28 doubles. The Royals team high for doubles in 2007 was 36. The man is a masher. He is the epitome of the word slugger for the Royals. He allows the players around him in the lineup to see better pitches, a positive impact that can’t be tracked by stats.
Yes, Jose Guillen is a star. He can be an All-Star. Now it’s up to you, the fan, to put him in that game. The slogan shouldn’t be “No way, Jose.” Think “Yes way, Jose.” Put him in the game. You have the power.
Thank Thank you for your time.
Ahem. Now that Around the Horn is off its soap box, there are two ways for you to put Jose into his first All-Star game: online now at MLB.com, or on-the-go from your cell phone. You also can text the word “VOTE” to 36197 to have the All-Star Final Vote candidates sent to your phone. To vote for a specific player, simply reply with your choice. In Canada, fans should text the word “VOTE” to 88555. Standard rate text messaging rates apply — please check with your mobile carrier for details.
P.S. Guillen is still up for the June Clutch Performer of the Month presented by Pepsi.
Second
The 2,000 hit watch is on at Kauffman Stadium. Mark Grudzielanek should provide a little history this week. With just five hits left, he would become the 18th active player with 2,000 and the 251st in the history of the game. The last player to reach the 2,000-hit mark in a Royals uniform was another second baseman, Frank White, who reached the mark in 1990.
The current Royals second baseman is in tonight’s lineup in the five-hole after resting the previous two games, though he pinch-hit last night. 
Grudzielanek is having a heck of a season. He is a career .290 hitter. And the 15-year veteran has been a steady force at second base since he signed in 2006. His calling card as a Royal has been his glove, earning his first Rawlings Gold Glove in year in Kansas City.
However, this year, Grudzielanek has stepped it up even more with his bat. He boasts the 3rd best home batting average in the American League, hitting .367 and his .312 overall batting average is in the top 10 in the A.L.. He leads the League with a .397 batting average against lefties.
If you’re curious, the Sox have lefty Mark Buehrle on the hill tomorrow and Seattle throws another lefty, Jarrod Washburn on Saturday. And for the even more curious13,096 players have gotten at least one hit in the Majors.
Short
Mike Aviles and Esteban German had four-hit games, tying career highs for both (two times for Aviles and three for German)…Notes from Trey Hillman’s pre-game press conference: Hillman applauded David DeJesus’ pair of “outstanding“ catches in the outfield last night, noting the fact that the surface was still soggy and each catch came playing a different position…Two Minor League notes: Omaha’s Jason Smith will be one of six Triple-A hitters to take part in the 2008 Papa John’s All-Star Home Run Derby on July 14 in Louisville…And: Jake Kuebler, Alex Gordon’s cousin, hit his first professional home run today for the Surprise Royals. The Royals selected Kuebler out of Lincoln (Neb.) Southeast High in the 17th round of the 2008 June Free Agent Draft…Around the Horn usually focuses on the Royals, but some congratulations goes out to the White Sox Jim Thome who walked for the 1,508th time in his career last night, passing Mike Schimdt and moving into a tie with Lou Gehrig for 15th all-time.
Third
Tonight is Ink College Night. Discounted tickets are available with a student ID. And this weekend, everyone can get discounted tickets while helping out a good cause. The “Hats off Weekend” kicks off with cowboy hats sponsored by AT&T and donations will go to the Red Cross. Saturday, it wouldn’t be Christmas in July without Santa hats sponsored by MLB 2K8 and proceeds going to the Salvation Army. During both of these nights Infield View Level tickets will be on sale for $12 and $5 will go to the night’s organization to help with the severe weather relief efforts going on in the Midwest.
Finally Sunday, is the New. Blue. Tradition. golf visor. All giveaways are limited, so make sure we see you out at the K.
Extra Innnings
The Royals are working on a number of things for Military Appreciation Day, which is August 2. Around the Horn would like to request some help from our faithful here at mlblogs.com. If you have pictures of loved ones overseas wearing Royals gear, you can send them to blog@royals.com and we might be able to use them for a presentation during that day’s events. If not, Around the Horn is also working on a special post for that day and may post some of these photos right here. Please include the name of the person, hometown, where they are stationed and what branch they are in.
Thanks for your help.
Tonight’s Lineup:
DeJesus CF
Aviles SS
Gordon 3B
Guillen LF
Grudzielanek 2B
Gload 1B
Butler DH
Teahen RF
Buck C
Bannister P
Here’s today’s Official Game Notes.
Bringing the Rain
After 10 innings and two homers, the Royals secured the series finale in Tampa. They left the Rays only to find themselves staring down the White Sox, another first place team, back in Kansas City.
John Buck and Mike Aviles provided a little pop to seal the win late yesterday as the Royals return home after 3-5 trip. Tonight starts a six-game homestand at Kauffman, as we welcome the White Sox to town for the first time this season. The Mariners will also make their first visit this weekend before the team takes a break and Joakim Soria leaves for New York (Jose Guillen can join him, if you help).
It poured for a little while today, flooding both bullpens and making the field nice and soggy. But the grounds crew is still working on it and we expect to play baseball. To break down the week that was and will be, let’s go Around the Horn…
First
Happy birthday John Buck. Buck should turn 28 everyday, with his three-run game winner in the 10th yesterday. Mike Aviles added some insurance directly after Buck and the Royals captured a three-run victory.
Buck also got to hang out with some of our troops before the game. The U.S. Military All-Stars were invited by the Rays to take batting practice at Tropicana Stadium. When the Boys in Blue saw them, they started chatting and some, like Buck and manager Trey Hillman became the Boys in Camo.
The USMAS shagged balls during the Royals batting practice and took several pictures with the team.
The USMAS with some of the Royals.
First Base Coach Rusty Kuntz chatting with some of the USMAS team.
Jose Guillen and Third Base Coach Luis Silverio.
Second
If you haven’t yet, you should Vote for Jose. And Mike. And Jose again.
Joakim Soria is the Royals All-Star representative. But with Major League Baseball’s Final Vote, you can help Jose Guillen make his first All-Star appearance while representing Kansas City in the Big Apple.
Each league has five candidates up for the 32nd spot on the All-Star squad and fans have until Thursday afternoon to vote. There are two ways for fans to vote in the 2008 All-Star Game Final Vote — online now at MLB.com, or on-the-go from their cell phones. Fans also can text the word “VOTE” to 36197 to have the All-Star Final Vote candidates sent to your phone. To vote for a specific player, simply reply with your choice. In Canada, fans should text the word “VOTE” to 88555. Standard rate text messaging rates apply — please check with your mobile carrier for details.
Guillen is also up for the June Clutch Performer of the Month presented by Pepsi. Mike Aviles is also up for the June MLB Rookie of the Month presented by Gillette.
Short
Mark Grudzielanek is five hits shy of 2,000 which he should be able to accomplish this week, although he’s not in the lineup tonight. He has a .371 home batting average (3rd best in the American League) and has a .313 overall batting average (which is in the top 10 in the A.L.)…Mike Aviles broke out of a slump to go 3-for-5 yesterday, with his fourth homer of the season and 11th multi-hit game in only 30 career games…Notes from Trey Hillman’s pre-game press conference: Yesterday’s dramatic win takes some of the sting out of the road trip, after splitting with Baltimore and running into a the Rays who boast baseball’s best record…On Joakim Soria: He was excited about his All-Star recognition and applauded by his teammates; Hillman said he’s done some miraculous things in his short career and deserves the honor…Also of note: Mark Grudzielanek is still a little sore and his body needs another day so he will sit tonight which might prove to be an even better move depending on the field conditions after today’s downpour.
Third
Remember this weekend is the “Hats off Weekend” with a hat giveaway each game. Also the Royals will be donating part of the ticket sales to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
Friday night is the Royals cowboy hat giveaway sponsored by at&t and donations will go to the Red Cross. Saturday, it wouldn’t be Christmas in July without Santa hats sponsored by MLB 2K8 and ticket proceeds going to the Salvation Army. During both of these nights, Infield View Level tickets will be on sale for $12 with $5 going to that night’s selected organization to help with the severe weather relief efforts going on in the Midwest.
Finally Sunday is the “New. Blue. Tradition.” Royals visor. All giveaways are limited, so make sure we see you out at the K early.
Today’s Lineup:
DeJesus CF
Aviles SS
Gordon 3B
Guillen LF
Teahen RF
Butler DH
Gload 1B
Olivo C
German 2B
Davies P
Here’s today’s Official Game Notes.
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