It might not seem like it, but Royals have gained on wild-card field
KANSAS CITY, Mo. --Five observations on the current state of the Royals.
CATCHING RAYS AND A'S
Sure, it's frustrating that the Royals have won 16 of 19 and are 18-5 since the All-Star break and yet have gained only a half-game on the division-leading Tigers.
But they have made significant gains on the wild-card front. They have passed the Yankees in the chase for the second wild-card spot. And they have picked up four games on the Indians in the last week or so and, in fact, are one game ahead of the Tribe in the loss column.
The Royals also have gained four games on Oakland, which is now tied with Tampa Bay for the lead in the two wild-card spots.
The point being, the Royals' hot streak has made a difference. The feeling here is they will blow by the Indians for good very soon, and then will set their sights on the Orioles and either the A's or Rays.
This is doable.
Let the Rangers, winners of seven straight and just as hot as the Royals and Tigers are, run away with the West. Root for the A's, Rays and O's to collapse.
Heck, catch both the A's and the Rays and host a playoff game at Kauffman Stadium.
VALUE OF HOLLAND
It always makes me laugh when some fans or bloggers attempt to diminish the role of the closer.
Think
of where the Royals would be without Greg Holland now. And imagine how
devastating a blown save would have been at any time during the Royals'
recent surge. We all remember what happened the last time Holland blew a
game -- it launched May's misery.
Indians fans can relate.
Their closer, Chris Perez, blew a save to open the all-important Tigers
series earlier this week. The crushing loss had its usual hangover --
the Indians went on to drop all four to the Tigers, then two more to the
Angels, before finally snapping a six-game slide yesterday.
CARROLL SHOULD HELP
General manager Dayton Moore scrambled to find help after learning that Miguel Tejada would be placed on the disabled list with a strained calf muscle, and he came up with veteran utility infielder Jamey Carroll from the Twins.
Under the circumstances, Carroll likely was the best player available, considering that Carroll had to clear waivers so the trade (for a player to be named later and/or cash) could be made.
At 39, Carroll obviously won't make a huge splash. And he has been overmatched by right-handers this season (.203/.258/.230). But he does bring a .326 average and .370 on-base percentage against left-handers to the Royals.
Manager Ned Yost already has hinted he likely will platoon Carroll with Chris Getz at second base once Getz returns from the disabled list (eligible today). Expect Irving Falu, called up Sunday from Omaha, to be returned to make space for Carroll on the 25-man roster.
SLUMPING ELLIOTT
What could make things even more interesting in terms of upcoming roster moves is the pending return of Getz. Carroll can play some shortstop, which has been Elliott Johnson's main value as a backup infielder.
And Johnson is mired in a 1-for-47 slump. The Royals will need to make space, obviously, for Getz, and Johnson does not have any options.
Hmmmm.
LIKING LINEUP
With Sal Perez back in the lineup and with Yost committing to Eric Hosmer in the No. 2 spot in the order, the Royals' lineup looks much more formidable these days, especially against right-handers. David Lough, Hosmer, Billy Butler, Alex Gordon, Perez and Mike Moustakas make for a pretty decent one through six when facing righties.
And Justin Maxwell's power can be sprinkled into that order at any time, as well as Jarrod Dyson's speed.
You can follow Jeffrey Flanagan on Twitter @jflanagankc or email him at jeffreyflanagan6@gmail.com.
