We're out of the cellar!!!

Remember a couple of days ago when I talked about what a great opportunity the next 20 games were? Well, the Royals are 3-0 since then, out of the cellar and only 7 games out of first. Now we get the hated Cardinals with rumors that Poo Holes may be back for the weekend. Wouldn't be surprised if they're rushing him and he's completely ineffective...especially against Meche, Bannister and Davies. I can't stress enough how important it is that the Royals keep this momentum until the All Star break. With 17 games left, we need 12-5 to get back to .500...that's doable.

Are the Royals out of it?

No they aren't! I know we've got a nice little hot streak going, but it has a chance to turn into a nice LONG hot streak. We have 20 games left before the All Star break and 13 of them are against what I consider to be teams that are no better than our Royals (Rockies, Orioles, Mariners, and Cards w/o Pujols). The other 7 are against the D-Rays and ChiSox, two teams that have played over their heads so far this year. Win 12 of those (very doable) and we're still in this thing, just a couple of games below .500 at the break. Win 15 of them and we're back to .500 and Mr. Dayton Moore can start shopping. It all starts with the next 6 at home against the Rockies and Cards. We should win at least 4 of these...

I don't get to post here much any more

That's the curse of being a successful little league manager I guess...but I have to say it...BREAK OUT THE BROOMS! I hate St Louis...not just the Cardinals, not just their fans, but the whole stinkin city...If Budweiser does indeed sell out there will be absolutely zero redeeming qualities about that place. If the Cardinals get swept at home by the Royals it will only add to what has thus far been the greatest sports year of my life, let's recap:

Kansas Jayhawk BCS victory
Kansas Jayhawk basketball National Championship
Boston Celtics NBA Finals with "The Truth" Paul Pierce winning MVP

Add a Royals sweep of the Cards...wow...what a year 2008 has been...and we're only halfway done.

Yeah, I'm still here

and so are the Royals...but they really need to win the next two. Do that and they're 6.5 out with a trip to Yankees stadium next...remember, we still play the first place White Sox 17 more times this year...this is not over.

One other quick question...who is the Royals All Star this year...I'm sure you're initial reaction was "Greinke!"...but not so fast...it's not wrapped up by any means...

Zack Greinke- 5-3, 3.56, 56 Ks, 1 complete game
Brian Bannnister- 5-6, 4.60, 45 Ks, 1 complete game
Joakim Soria- 12 saves, 1.23 ERA, 26 Ks in 23.1 innings
Jose Guillen- 19 doubles, 7 HR, 38 RBI
Alex Gordon- 15 doubles, 5 HR, 26 RBI, .354 OBP

I think any of those guys could make it, but almost assuredly only one of them. Right now I'd rank Soria as the favorite, followed by Greinke and Guillen...with Gordon and Bannister as long shots that need to get ridiculously hot. Wouldn't it be nice if some one would get ridiculously hot?