Records and Rough Outings: It’s KC v the Land

Back when we played mostly the Central Division, I was living in Chicago and used to catch a lot of games. That was when the White Sox were crap and the Guards were under Mike Hargrove (and later Charlie Manuel). Tickets were hella cheap and I’d go after work to a 5pm game, be home by 10pm, and roll out the next day the same way. Ladies Nights on weekdays were a winner for my poor pocketbook.

Since the Guards played Chicago so much, I kind of knew all their names. Same with the Twins and the Royals. I consider the true ‘rival’ of the AL central to actually be the Royals and not the Twins, just because of how hard played those games were. Also apparently the Twins fans really hate the Guards and their slap-hitting-goblin ball ways, so you kinda have to ignore them to annoy them more.

Truth? I only really hate the Yankees.

Seeing the Royals is always a fun day, regardless. Salvador Perez is one of the greatest players in baseball and I simply love watching him play. It’s like watching Miguel Cabrera. You hardly even really minded when Miggy pummelled your pitcher because he was so good to watch. José is one of those kinds of players. You can’t be mad, you just admire them.

Series Overview

José has made history! He is now the sole, undisputed, owner of the record for most games played in a Cleveland uniform.

While José didn’t get a ton of home runs, he for sure started to warm up his bat in the last game of the series.

Game Results

Remember, the number in parentheses is the game number total. So 1 (11) means the first game of the series, and 11th overall.

Game 1 (11)

• Damn it, just as Arias started getting hot, he hurt his leg. It was hamstring tightness and he went for an MRI which is never good.
• Solo shots from Kwan and Rocchio were our only run.
• Honestly it was a pretty lackluster performance from us.
• But hey, José set a record!

Game 2 (12) – Won

• The game was played early because it’s hella cold in the Land (below freezing on Tuesday night!) and it was still so cold everyone had long sleeves. Meanwhile I went out for a bike ride in the Pacific Northwest.
• Arias is officially on the 10-day Injured List, but with a hamstring it’s likely to be longer.
• Juan Brito was called up and went 2 for 4. Its nice to see him.
• Gavin “Big Rig” Williams struck out 8 and walked 5, but only gave up one hit and one run from it. If he can get those walks down, the Rig could be the Big Ace.
• Rocchio got the walk off single for the winning run, and when interviewed talked about Brito.
• José and Hoskins are still a little sluggish at the plate, but their fielding is making up for it so far. I can’t wait for either of them to get hot.
• Cade Smith looked a lot better. Hammy noted his slider seems to be working for him. For a closer, that secondary pitch is important.
• First game with a walkoff win!

Game 3 (13)

• Another day game, but this was planned. And this game 100% makes up for the disaster of Game One of this series
• José drilled the Royals’ staring pitcher, who subsequently walked Fry and gave up a bases clearing double to DeLauter, resulting in an early removal from the game.
• Hoskins got another RBI double, so that was a solid start to the game for us!
• Hammy said he talked to Arias and his hamstring is really bad, 8 weeks minimum
• Our offence woke up and put on a damn show, complete with Martinez hitting a Grand Slam. How good was it? The Royals got a position player to pitch.
• First game of the season with double digit runs.