Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Royals Fans, Who Are We?
The recent comment by KC Royals General Manager Dayton Moore stating "We know who we are", left a lot of us Fans scratching our heads. What did he mean by that comment? Royals Fans may now be at the bottom of the mountain looking up, but we have every intention of looking down from the peak again. We understand that there is still much work to be done just to become competitive. All of the promise of the highly touted top minor league system is little consolation when we continue to toss in the towel before the All-Star Break every season. Even if the Royals spend big money to land a couple of high priced free agents (Ervin Santana: $13M for one), it will take much more improvement to contend for the Central Division Crown.
Is that what Dayton was really saying? We know who we are, and that is not a very good ball club (right now). We can give away a ton of Mr. Glass' money to sign these fine free agent pitchers while we remain fairly certain that by mid-season these rent-a-stars will become trade bait on a losing club- likely picked up cheap by a contending team to "get them over the hump". Maybe. Are the Royals really only a Triple A Plus team? Not quite a major league talent level team? At this point, maybe so. Are we developing young players like Moustakas and Hosmer just for them to leave for their big paydays as when Damon, Beltran, and Zack flew the coup? Again, maybe. But let's hope not this time.
What do Royals fans really want the most? Loyal players with a deep dedication to keep scrapping and giving 100% on every play of the game. Players who play the game the right way- gritty hardball- we got to watch Brett do that for 20 years, so we know what it looks like. We want players who say they want to stay with the Royals and really mean it. That is why Alex Gordon shot to the top of our popularity list by signing up to a deal that worked well for both sides. It is safe to say Royals Fans would like to see Alex a Royal for life. The same goes for Billy Butler, Alcides, and Salvy. It is also too well understood that hoping for the same in the cases of Moose and Hoz is probably wishful thinking. Their image is much more like that of other home grown talent that was seeking great riches. I mean, why does a guy need $100M? To start a small city? Whatever may be the case, it comes across to the average fan like me as pure greed- and a disloyalty to the Fan Base- ticket buying working folks who put them in that position- just to leave us at the alter.
Which brings us back to the question, as a Royals franchise, who are we? And what do we really want. A World Series win of course. There are many paths to reach that goal. The number one priority should be to sign and keep players who want to be a KC Royal- hopefully for life. This may mean they might not be ridiculously wealthy, but certainly very rich. Where do we find these types of players? In the draft. And fortunately, we have several in the "pipeline". Starling and Zimmer appearing to be two fine examples. Clearly, neither are ready to contribute at The K yet, but their presence in the system is encouraging nonetheless. They are key pieces to the big "puzzle". At this point, I'm not sure either Moose or Hoz can be counted on as long term key pieces. Until that changes they might be considered expendable- for the right price. As is Cain. For that reason many Fans are drudgingly mentally preparing for that eventuality.
We have Jake Odorizzi and other promising pitching talent on the horizon. The addition of Santana is very expensive but fits nicely with the overall program plan going forward. Since Ervin is in the final year of his contract, it is likely that he will be very focused on positioning himself for another big payday. One which is not likely to come from the Royals. A 17 to 18 win season by him seems quite reasonable. That would generate a lot of fan interest and fill a lot of seats on Sunday afternoons. Maybe after learning what a great baseball city KC is, he may want to sign a Gordon-like contract, along with Moose and Hoz- that would be nice. Yes, we know who we are- the best Fans in this great game.
It is going to be an interesting off-season and I am not quite ready to predict a .500 finish, yet. But there is still time to solidify the lineup into a quite competitive and steadily improving, fun to watch Hardball Club. Go Royals!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Dayton Deserves Credit
Did Dayton do the right thing in pulling the trigger on the Grienke deal?
While you may argue about the pros and cons of the players involved, the needs of the clubs, the wave of talent supposedly riding to the rescue (how many times have we heard that?), and so forth; the fact remains Zack put Dayton's back slap up against the wall.
It has now become the very predictable tactic used our so-called "Superstar" athletes (and their "Agents"), which they inevitably pull on the franchise that made them what have become. Spoiled, rich brats. No loyalty, no respect; nay, not even a little kindness toward the organization or its fans that put these talented athletes upon their high pedestals. And don't come back to town thinking you'll get a hero's welcome.
I got so sick of hearing Tony Gonzalez complain that the Chiefs weren't quite up to his standards and wouldn't be able to do for him the things he expected they should- build a powerhouse team upon whose shoulders he could ride to a Super Bowl victory. Nothing else would suffice. Must have big ring. Need championship for legacy and massive ego. Just forget all those fans sitting out in the cold pulling for him to score another TD, shatter the records, following him in interviews, feeling proud to have a pro like that on our sideline. Then, in a fell swoop, just like the Zack attack, it all fell apart. Must have ring. Need championship. Sorry to anyone I may disappoint- but I don't really care. And oh, by the way, I'll make so much more money going somewhere (anyway) else. Really, how much money does one superstar need? So now they can assure that four generations of their offspring will be mega-wealthy? Is that enough?
For another perspective, let's skip right 250 miles to the Gateway City, where a Ft. Osage graduate named Albert is pulling this same tactic on those ultra-loyal Cardinal fans (I'm one of those too). It's gut wrenching to know how bad the Cards organization needs Albert's array of skills to compete with the best clubs. He is fun to watch. Such a sweet swing. Soft hands on defense. Extremely agile for such a big player. Yes. He's the real deal. We hear his "market value" is at least $30 million per. Everyone knows the Cards don't have that kind of cash unless they can win only with Albert. Trying maybe to assure ten generations of his offspring will be super-wealthy? This does not compute. This is nothing more than simple greed- in previous times considered a vice. But now quite in vogue. Money grubbers delight. What ever figure the agents demand, some GM will pay on the "open market".
While I truly enjoyed having Tony, and Zack on our teams, after they started their whining, I wanted them gone- at any price (Hey, I've bought a lot of tickets along the way). Anyone that has ever played in a team sport knows that a lot of intangibles go in to the mix of having a winning club. Complainers, whiners, quitter- they've got to go. Yes, you'd prefer they were your rock solid leaders. But when they switch to the dark side, it's time to go.
I was relieved when I heard the news that Zack was a Brewer. Getting four prospects is nice, but no matter what, he had to go. If the only player we got that becomes a reliable starter and RBI hitter is Cain, he did great in my book. If we, as fans, won't allow Dayton to maintain his principles and self-respect in dealing with these unreasonable spoiled brat tactics, then he may not want to work for us anyhow- it works both ways. So, Bravo Mr. Moore. I applaud your courage and skill in pulling off such a good deal under such difficult circumstances.
The lesson here? It is better to have above average, hungry players than "Superstars", at least in the smaller market cities like KC and St L. We'll be OK. It would have been great if Zack had stuck around to play for us in a World Series- we'll get there if we give Dayton enough time. Zack has ten more good years to pitch. No patience. No loyalty. No dedication to the Royal Blue. OK, so hit the road. I sat behind home plate in his rookie season and was awed by his control and mastery of his different pitches. I knew he was special. He melted down. And we all got through that, then voila!, he 's a superstar. Oh no. Time to go. Need a ring. Got the greed disease. Agents whispering in his ear I'll make you filthy rich. So now he's gone and the Royals fans will not miss a beat. After suffering for so long, this time, we really feel like we are on the rise, as are the Chiefs. It's a good time to be a KC sports fans.
Now we can sit back and watch the drama unfold on the east side of the state as the Cards try to convince their superstar to stay. Will he? Won't he? As much as I'd like to see another I-70 World Series, I am reaching a point where I am ready to see him go to Boston, or the Yanks, maybe the Angels. The latest rumor has him going to the Nationals. Now, that is a great move toward a Championship. Or, is it simply toward mind-boggling wealth? Watching the Falcons and Tony go down in flames was as expected. He left us to play for the Falcons under the guise they have a better chance to get him a ring before he quits? Come on, Man! It's the money, that's the bottom line. Don't play us for fools. These guys already have way more money than they'll ever need- unless they gamble like a drunken sailor in Vegas (think Rodman).
Every GM of every major sports franchise that creates a superstar player will face the same dilemma that Dayton just dealt with. Do we have any more superstars in the pipeline? Gee. I kind of hope not. I would be quite satisfied with a bunch of gritty, hustling ballplayers that give it all they've got every time they hit the field. Too many superstars don't feel like they need to do that. Some have even been suspected of quitting on their team as a "so trade me" message to the front office. Pathetic. If Gordon had panned out as predicted he would probably be on his way out or gone too. Maybe he bleeds Royal Blue like George did. We can only hope. Last I knew George ain't hurtin' for dough but got a lot less than Zack. Sad state of affairs. I'm not picking only on our favorite pros.This is happening all over. But something has got to give. There are a lot of disenchanted fans out there. Disgusted by the greed and huge egos. Please. Just play ball. I don't really even want to know how much they make. Sayanora Zack. Don't let the door hit you on the way out. But pitch well just the same, make us proud.
And Thanks Dayton Moore. You did the right thing.
While you may argue about the pros and cons of the players involved, the needs of the clubs, the wave of talent supposedly riding to the rescue (how many times have we heard that?), and so forth; the fact remains Zack put Dayton's back slap up against the wall.
It has now become the very predictable tactic used our so-called "Superstar" athletes (and their "Agents"), which they inevitably pull on the franchise that made them what have become. Spoiled, rich brats. No loyalty, no respect; nay, not even a little kindness toward the organization or its fans that put these talented athletes upon their high pedestals. And don't come back to town thinking you'll get a hero's welcome.
I got so sick of hearing Tony Gonzalez complain that the Chiefs weren't quite up to his standards and wouldn't be able to do for him the things he expected they should- build a powerhouse team upon whose shoulders he could ride to a Super Bowl victory. Nothing else would suffice. Must have big ring. Need championship for legacy and massive ego. Just forget all those fans sitting out in the cold pulling for him to score another TD, shatter the records, following him in interviews, feeling proud to have a pro like that on our sideline. Then, in a fell swoop, just like the Zack attack, it all fell apart. Must have ring. Need championship. Sorry to anyone I may disappoint- but I don't really care. And oh, by the way, I'll make so much more money going somewhere (anyway) else. Really, how much money does one superstar need? So now they can assure that four generations of their offspring will be mega-wealthy? Is that enough?
For another perspective, let's skip right 250 miles to the Gateway City, where a Ft. Osage graduate named Albert is pulling this same tactic on those ultra-loyal Cardinal fans (I'm one of those too). It's gut wrenching to know how bad the Cards organization needs Albert's array of skills to compete with the best clubs. He is fun to watch. Such a sweet swing. Soft hands on defense. Extremely agile for such a big player. Yes. He's the real deal. We hear his "market value" is at least $30 million per. Everyone knows the Cards don't have that kind of cash unless they can win only with Albert. Trying maybe to assure ten generations of his offspring will be super-wealthy? This does not compute. This is nothing more than simple greed- in previous times considered a vice. But now quite in vogue. Money grubbers delight. What ever figure the agents demand, some GM will pay on the "open market".
While I truly enjoyed having Tony, and Zack on our teams, after they started their whining, I wanted them gone- at any price (Hey, I've bought a lot of tickets along the way). Anyone that has ever played in a team sport knows that a lot of intangibles go in to the mix of having a winning club. Complainers, whiners, quitter- they've got to go. Yes, you'd prefer they were your rock solid leaders. But when they switch to the dark side, it's time to go.
I was relieved when I heard the news that Zack was a Brewer. Getting four prospects is nice, but no matter what, he had to go. If the only player we got that becomes a reliable starter and RBI hitter is Cain, he did great in my book. If we, as fans, won't allow Dayton to maintain his principles and self-respect in dealing with these unreasonable spoiled brat tactics, then he may not want to work for us anyhow- it works both ways. So, Bravo Mr. Moore. I applaud your courage and skill in pulling off such a good deal under such difficult circumstances.
The lesson here? It is better to have above average, hungry players than "Superstars", at least in the smaller market cities like KC and St L. We'll be OK. It would have been great if Zack had stuck around to play for us in a World Series- we'll get there if we give Dayton enough time. Zack has ten more good years to pitch. No patience. No loyalty. No dedication to the Royal Blue. OK, so hit the road. I sat behind home plate in his rookie season and was awed by his control and mastery of his different pitches. I knew he was special. He melted down. And we all got through that, then voila!, he 's a superstar. Oh no. Time to go. Need a ring. Got the greed disease. Agents whispering in his ear I'll make you filthy rich. So now he's gone and the Royals fans will not miss a beat. After suffering for so long, this time, we really feel like we are on the rise, as are the Chiefs. It's a good time to be a KC sports fans.
Now we can sit back and watch the drama unfold on the east side of the state as the Cards try to convince their superstar to stay. Will he? Won't he? As much as I'd like to see another I-70 World Series, I am reaching a point where I am ready to see him go to Boston, or the Yanks, maybe the Angels. The latest rumor has him going to the Nationals. Now, that is a great move toward a Championship. Or, is it simply toward mind-boggling wealth? Watching the Falcons and Tony go down in flames was as expected. He left us to play for the Falcons under the guise they have a better chance to get him a ring before he quits? Come on, Man! It's the money, that's the bottom line. Don't play us for fools. These guys already have way more money than they'll ever need- unless they gamble like a drunken sailor in Vegas (think Rodman).
Every GM of every major sports franchise that creates a superstar player will face the same dilemma that Dayton just dealt with. Do we have any more superstars in the pipeline? Gee. I kind of hope not. I would be quite satisfied with a bunch of gritty, hustling ballplayers that give it all they've got every time they hit the field. Too many superstars don't feel like they need to do that. Some have even been suspected of quitting on their team as a "so trade me" message to the front office. Pathetic. If Gordon had panned out as predicted he would probably be on his way out or gone too. Maybe he bleeds Royal Blue like George did. We can only hope. Last I knew George ain't hurtin' for dough but got a lot less than Zack. Sad state of affairs. I'm not picking only on our favorite pros.This is happening all over. But something has got to give. There are a lot of disenchanted fans out there. Disgusted by the greed and huge egos. Please. Just play ball. I don't really even want to know how much they make. Sayanora Zack. Don't let the door hit you on the way out. But pitch well just the same, make us proud.
And Thanks Dayton Moore. You did the right thing.
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