Is this the year for the Royals?

[CRTsports.com]

Larry Bigbie's Rise from the Abyss!!

05/10/2012

It was just a few weeks ago that Larry Bigbie was hours away from ending his career with the Royals. With a .098 average who could blame the Royals for letting the 34 year old center fielder go.

"If I was in the front office, I would have cut myself." laughed Bigbie. "I had no idea what I was doing wrong when the season started but I am glad that I have figured it out and the Royals have stuck with me."

Since May 3rd when he had that sub 100 average, he has hit an amazing .500 and is one of the hottest hitters in the league. In the past seven games he has had two three-hit games and one four-hit game.

"Its just been remarkable seeing Larry come around so fast. Larry is the ultimate pro but with an average around .100, we came to think it was over for him." said Antonio DeLeon.

But what a difference just a few days make. Included in that seven game streak and .500 average are two game-winning hits against the Baltimore Orioles and six RBI's. He also had a six game hitting streak going until last nights 0-4 performance but its still great seeing him being a productive player again.

And with his recent surge in production he has cemented Santiago Rao's place on the bench. Rao will start occasionally when Larry needs a rest but other than that, he will mainly be used as a pinch runner in late game situations. Let's go Royals!!

[CRTsports.com]

Royals Lose Biddle for One Week!!

05/13/2009

When Shin-Soo Choo of the Orioles(21-13) flied out to right field to end last nights game against the Royals(22-11), everyone thought that was the end of the action for the night. Little did they know, Rocky Biddle was on the mound in pain after the pitch to Choo.

Biddle shouldn't even of been in the game but with closer Porfirio Camara used in the last two games, Biddle was forced to come in and close the game for the Royals.

"When I first saw him grab his arm, I thought it was a serious injury. I thought he might have torn something or dislocated his shoulder. But thankfully it was not anything too serious." said GM Chris Torres

After the game, Biddle was diagnosed with dead arm syndrome and will likely miss about a week of playing time. The 35 year old who is in his last year of his contract is currently 1-0 in 10 games with a 1.42 ERA.

The Royals will definitely miss his presence the next week but they should do just fine. "Its up to the guys to get a big lead every game and for us to not have to bring in our late game pitchers." laughed Manager Antonio DeLeon.

Whether that works out or not we will see. But the Royals have dealt with worse injuries so they should be just fine! Lets go Royals!!

[CRTsports.com]

A Look Around the NABL!!

05/15/2012

With the Royals having an off day today and no baseball news to report, we figured we would give the fans a look around the NABL. Today we will take a look at the milestone watch and the odds of them happening!

BATTING

3000 Hits - With four players within striking distance of 2500 hits, there is only one player that is near the sacred 3000 hit total. That would be Alex Rodriguez of the Baltimore Orioles. The third baseman currently has 2894 hits and is on pace for another 115 this year. So all signs are pointing towards him hitting the 3000 hit plateau here in 2012.

700 Home Runs - Once again Alex Rodriguez tops this list. Some say Rodriguez will go down as the greatest player the NABL has ever seen. In 36 games this year he already has 10 home runs which has raised his career total to 689 long balls. So with only needing 11 more, the main question is to whether he will get them by the All-Star Break or not. Odds are he will.

300 Home Runs - There are currently six active players nearing the 300 home run mark with Adam Dunn of the Los Angeles Dodgers leading the way. The 32 year old currently sits at 293 long balls. After that we have Mark Teixeira(32 yo) with 287, Preston Wilson(37 yo) with 285, Carlos Beltran(35 yo) with 279, Alfonso Soriano(36 yo) with 279 and Austin Kearns who is the youngest at 31 years old with 273 home runs. The odds are that half of these guys will hit the 300 mark with Dunn, Teixeira and Kearns being the most likely of the group.

PITCHING

300 Wins - Many of the analysts out there say this number will be never be crossed again but there is one guy out there that has a chance. That would be the 40 year old Pedro Martinez of the Boston Red Sox. Martinez currently sits at 287 wins but with only nine wins in the last three seasons, the odds are against him getting another thirteen this year and next. In 2012 he is currently 1-5 with an 8.16 ERA so it might just be a dream but its out there if he can muster a few more games in that legendary arm.

4000 Strikeouts - This is another record that Martinez is after but unlikely to get. It should be noted that 34 year old Kerry Wood of the Reds is currently at 2973 K's so he might be able to cross this barrier one day. But in this current day and age, Pedro currently sits at 3910 punch outs and is just one good season away from the elusive 4000 strike outs. The odds are against the 40 year old but only time will tell!

We hope you enjoyed this look around the NABL today! The Royals(23-12) will start a six game home stand tomorrow against the Devil Rays(14-20) and Tigers(17-16) so we look forward to seeing you at the ballpark this week! Lets go Royals!!

[CRTsports.com]

Peter Friel Joins the Record Books!

05/21/2012

Well we think he joined the record books after tonight's game. In what was less than a spectacular win for the Royals(28-13) over the Detroit Tigers(18-22), Friel went crazy at the plate. Too bad Antonio DeLeon didn't notice it or the announcers when it happened. It was finally realized after the game during the press conference with Friel.

Friel very quietly went 4-5 tonight and hit for the cycle. The first person to do so since Rudolph Shaeffer of our Royals accomplished the feat on August 26th of last year. And since the start of the 2009 season, he is the ninth player to hit for the cycle and second Royals player to do so.

"I have no idea how we missed his feat tonight. I knew he was having a good game but I guess with our pitching staff allowing the Tigers to score in nearly every inning, I was preoccupied with that." said DeLeon after the game.

In his five appearances to the plate, Friel struck out in the first, hit a two-run home run in the second, tripled in the 4th, doubled in the 6th and singled in the 8th. For the day he also had 2 RBI's and scored three times.

And to add insult to injury the ball he singled with in the 8th inning was not saved. While the media and organization where apologizing for the error, Friel was not worried, "I could careless about the recognition for hitting for the cycle. I just know my name will be in the record book right next to Rudolph and its great to have two Royals hit for the cycle in a row."

Tonights .800 performance lifts his average to .247 in 39 games with two home runs and 10 RBI's. Lets go Royals!!

NABL Cycles Since 2009

[CRTsports.com]

Hey everybody!

Hopefully some of you all remember this dynasty. I am looking forward to starting it up again but unfortunately, I will have to restart in 2012. I had to wipe my hard drive down a few weeks ago and with it, went my 2012 season.

I had all of my final seasons on my external hard drive but dont believe, I have a copy of my 2012 season on there also. So once I get my license back up and running, I will more than likely start over with a fresh 2012 season and continue from there. See you soon!!

[LFC1892]

Looking forward to it CRT.

[CRTsports.com]

Originally Posted by LFC1892

Looking forward to it CRT.

I went to install the game again with my license and it says I have already licensed the allowed amount. I will be emailing them today to see if they can release one of the downloads but if not, I will just be waiting till 11 comes out to start this back up.

[CRTsports.com]

...

[CRTsports.com]

...

[CRTsports.com]

...

[CRTsports.com]

...

[loyalroyal]

I'm a huge Royals fan. I just finished reading your entire dynasty and I must say it was great. It has inspired me to start one of my own. Great, great writeup CRT.

[CRTsports.com]

Originally Posted by loyalroyal

I'm a huge Royals fan. I just finished reading your entire dynasty and I must say it was great. It has inspired me to start one of my own. Great, great writeup CRT.

Thanks a lot!! I just wish I didn't have to start the 2012 season over again!

[CRTsports.com]

...

[CRTsports.com]

...

[CRTsports.com]

As I have stated above, I had to reload Windows on my PC and I had thought I had lost my dynasty files. Little did I know, when you reload Windows, it saves your previous files.

So after a few months of thinking I had lost this, I found it a few weeks ago! I feel like such an idiot since I had already started the year over since that file was on my external hard drive. So I went ahead and deleted my posts from the redo on this season.

Now on my trip home last week, I was able to play the game quite a bit and I am currently 38-19 in the 2012 season. So I will be updating this again after getting enthused about finding my current season and not having to redo everything!

[CRTsports.com]

Rao Traded to the Braves
06/12/2012

A sad but necessary transaction took place today in the Royals Organization. Santiago Rao, the Royals 2007 Rookie of the Year and one-time All Star Selection, was sent to the Braves in exchange for two prospects.

Rao, who's career started off so promising for the Royals just could not stay healthy. And his performance and skill level suffered because of it. The one time Gold Glove Winner was basically demoted to the last man on the bench and was eventually demoted to Triple A a few days ago before the trade.

"This is not a trade that I wanted to do, being that Rao was my first ever draft pick, but its a business and we felt it was time to go our separate ways." said GM Chris Torres at last nights press conference. "Santiago still saw himself as an everyday player but the numbers don't lie. His fifteen or so injuries in the past four seasons, finally took its tole."

"Santiago is a guy that I dreamed about building around when I first took him seven years ago in the draft, but it just didn't work out. We wish him the best of luck in Atlanta and hope that he can resurrect his career in the National League." Torres added.

Rao's take on things was just a bit different. "I know I can contribute on this team still but Torres had it out for me and told Antonio not to play me. I know I have not been the healthiest over the past few years but I have never quit trying for this organization. But its pretty apparent that they quit on me first. But whatever, what's done is done and I am looking forward to playing in Atlanta and starting over. I am only 25 years old and have at least another 10-12 years into me. Good bye KC, hello Atlanta."

Rao's Career Numbers in Kansas City

In return for Rao the Royals picked up 28 year-old starting pitcher, Todd Pound and 20 year-old right fielder, Chano Perez. Getting Perez in the deal was crucial for the Royals.

Perez is a player that the Royals have been scouting now for over three years. He is still about two years away from making any noise in the majors, but just getting him in the Royals Organization was huge.

Along with Perez, came Todd Pound. He is a bit older for a Triple A pitcher but has had a tremendous year so far and will give the Royals some immediate depth at Triple A and an arm that they can call up at any time. In 2011 he went 2-1 with a 4.32 ERA for the Braves in five appearances, two which were starts.

So while the Royals say goodbye to one former top prospect, they welcome the addition of two prospects that can help them out today and in the future. So while this trade did not make the Royals better today, it will only make them stronger in the upcoming years! Let's go Royals!!

[CRTsports.com]

Royals Strand 29 Runners in Win over the Phillies!
07/12/2012

Usually when the two best records meet in inter-league play, there are fireworks to be seen. But instead we saw a bunch of duds and upset fans at the end of the game.

Somehow the Royals managed to strand 29 men on base but came away with a 3-2 victory over the Phillies. Along with the 29 men left of base, the Royals managed a team record 13 walks in the game.

It was almost like watching a Double A game out there. The Phillies starting pitcher, Nick Bourgeois contributed the most with nine walks over five innings pitched.

Manager Antonio DeLeon had this to say after the game, "This was just sickening. We consistently got men in scoring position but my guys just forgot how to hit. We could have easily scored 15 runs tonight if it wasn't for our incompetence at the plate. Hawksworth pitched an absolute gem of a game but all he gets is a no decision. Anyone have any shots ready?"

Even though the Royals managed to win the third game of the series to not be swept, it almost feels like they lost because of how poorly they played. The win does improve the Royals to 39-20 and they currently hold a seven game lead over the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central.

"Let's just have a beer and forget all about this game." said Melvin Colmenares at last nights press conference. And we can safely assume all the Royal faithful have the same thing in their mind after watching this game.

[CRTsports.com]

2012 Amateur Draft Complete!!
06/15/2012

While the press was all over the Number 1 pick of Luke Thackery for the Washington Nationals, the Royals brass was celebrating their selections and considering their 2012 Draft a success.

With the 28th pick in the Draft the Royals selected Benjamin "Golden" Fleury. The 22 year-old closer out of Canada will have the entire Royals Nation following his progress since the Royals have not had a bonafide closer in about three years.

"Being able to select Ben that late in the first round was awesome." said GM Torres. "We were 50/50 on him being there that late but it worked out in our favor. The guy is incredibly smart and a hard worker. But when you go to an Ivy League School what else do you expect."

The 6'6" 200lb closer will more than likely start out at AA and hopefully make it to the big leagues by the start of the 2014 season at the latest.

"I am elated to be selected by the Royals," Fleury said when reached on his cell phone. "Mr. Torres has certainly turned that franchise around and I can't wait to contribute to the team. But thankfully I can get some rest now because I now know where I am headed. It certainly has been a tough few days at my house."

Along with Fleury, rounding out the Royals top five selections in the draft are as follows:

18-year-old MR Kenny Byrd: Byrd comes to the Royals out of California. He has a huge arm and will more than likely be used as a setup man when he makes to the big leagues. He had scholarship offers to about every school on the West Coast but decided to take his game to the pro level.

23-year-old CF Ken Walker: A bit older for a third round draft pick but with the Royals lacking a true CF prospect near the ML level, he will get a lot of attention fast. On the upside he has tremendous speed so even if his bat does not come around, he will have an opportunity to make the club as a role player than can come off the bench and pinch run for the Royals.

22-year-old CL Jorge Martinez: A closer in college but will be moved to middle relief in the minors. With the draft being so arm heavy this year, Martinez slipped a bit because of his age and sometimes lack of focus when not pitching. Just think Matt Bush. He has tremendous size at 6'6" 215lb so the sky is the limit for this guy if he can just focus.

17-year-old 1B Ricardo Urbina: Of all the Royals picks, this pick earned the most boos from the fans. He had been demanding late first/early second round money as late as last night even when it was clear that he would not be taken that early. It even cost him a few rounds because of his outrageous money demand. Being only 17-years old, he is the typical me first player. All signs point to him not signing with the Royals but it was a chance pick late in the fifth round.

Overall the Royals drafted fourteen pitchers, three catchers, three outfielder and five infielders. The biggest surprise was the Royals not selecting one starting pitcher in the draft. There are few guys who might be able to start, but no one right out of the gate.

Torres explained it this way, "If you look at our organizational chart there was absolutely no depth for quality reliever prospects. We really needed to load up on them this year and if you look at our currect ML roster, we are doing just fine with our starting rotation. One year won't hurt that much."

Let's just hope that he is being truthful! Now on the ML level the Royals are currently at 42-20 after sweeping a two game series against the Cincinnati Reds. They are off tomorrow but then start at ten game road trip with stops in Atlanta, Florida and then Detroit for a four game set. Let's go Royals!!

[toxicavenger74]

Originally Posted by CRTsports.com

Royals Strand 29 Runners in Win over the Phillies!

07/12/2012

Usually when the two best records meet in inter-league play, there are fireworks to be seen. But instead we saw a bunch of duds and upset fans at the end of the game.

Somehow the Royals managed to strand 29 men on base but came away with a 3-2 victory over the Phillies. Along with the 29 men left of base, the Royals managed a team record 13 walks in the game.

It was almost like watching a Double A game out there. The Phillies starting pitcher, Nick Bourgeois contributed the most with nine walks over five innings pitched.

Manager Antonio DeLeon had this to say after the game, "This was just sickening. We consistently got men in scoring position but my guys just forgot how to hit. We could have easily scored 15 runs tonight if it wasn't for our incompetence at the plate. Hawksworth pitched an absolute gem of a game but all he gets is a no decision. Anyone have any shots ready?"

Even though the Royals managed to win the third game of the series to not be swept, it almost feels like they lost because of how poorly they played. The win does improve the Royals to 39-20 and they currently hold a seven game lead over the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central.

"Let's just have a beer and forget all about this game." said Melvin Colmenares at last nights press conference. And we can safely assume all the Royal faithful have the same thing in their mind after watching this game.

Stranding 29 runners is not as bad as it sounds in OOTP land. I believe the way OOTP logic works is for example if the first three batters reach base and then the 4th batter gets an out without driving in a run, then 3 runners would be stranded, if the 5th batter gets an out without driving in a run then it would be another 3 runners stranded or 6 in total, then if the 6th batter gets an out without driving in a run that would be 9 runners stranded when in reality it was the same 3 runners stranded 3 times.

Wierd I know.