Game of the Week: April 26: KC @ DET

[Commissioner Erick]

Kansas City Royals (14-7) @ Detroit Tigers (10-12)


KC: Vincente Corado (2-1, 2.78)
DET: ?? (?-?, ?.??)


The Royals are playing great baseball, winning their last six games to take charge in the AL Central. Cleveland has also won six in a row so Kansas City hasn’t separated, but they’re showing their they’re on the shortlist for elite AL teams. Their winning streak has been chiefly at the Detroit Tigers’ expense, taking the first three games of the series. Detroit has handled Jorge Vargas in the series, holding him to 0-6, albeit with four walks. However, former Tiger Roderick Dalton has destroyed Kansas City, going 9-11 with three walks in the series. Another big game could get Kansas City the sweep.

The Tigers use a pure-bullpen strategy, but the team is only ninth in runs against as Alex Torres, Matt Vinson, and Antonio Zamora have struggled. Surprisingly, Detroit has been better offensively. Previously inert powerwise, the club is third in homers in the early going as five players have at least four homers. Only one player had more than 14 homers last year, so Detroit’s on pace to have far more power depth this year.


Questions for the GMs:


For Daniel Kent, Roger Airhart has a small finger blister. Will he be placed on the IL or pitch through it?

Tyler Schnieder looks like he’s hanging in defensively, but his offense hasn’t delivered yet. What have you thought about acquiring him after the first month?

Johnny Bachman has been your starting Second Baseman this year. How do you feel that move is working out?

For Daid Boyer, your bullpen-only approach has fared a little worse than other teams that have tried that approach. Do you have any theories?

Your team is hitting for a lot more power this year compared to last. How much of a point of emphasis was it for you to get more pop in your lineup?

Geoff Migliore is due off the IL, while Cory Ferguson is dealing with a hamstring strain. Will there be any roster moves ahead of today’s contest?


TRIVIA: Who has pitched the most career innings for the US National team in WBC play?

[Commissioner Erick]

Royals 10 - Tigers 0


WP: V. Corado (3-1)
LP: E. Sereno (0-1)


Kansas City Royals pitcher Vincente Corado was in fine form, leading his team past the Detroit Tigers, 10-0. Kansas City is now 15-7.

Corado allowed no runs on 2 hits over 7 innings for the Royals. He walked 1 and struck out 11.

"This team keeps racking up the wins," said Royals manager Daniel Kent.


Questions for the GMs:


For Daniel Kent, your club dominated the game, and the series, polishing off a four game sweep with a 31-9 run differential. Do you feel your club needs to improve anywhere or is this club on top of its game?

How big was it to see Tyler Schneider go 3-5, and make a nice play in the field when John Lacy tried to dump a fly ball into short right field?

This was Corado's third straight outing going 7 shutout innings. Do you think he's a favorite for the Cy Young Award?

For David Boyer, you've gone with an all bullpen approach, but Kansas City carved it up this weekend. Any thoughts on changing the strategy at all?

Eddie Sereno was good for you last year, and you called him up to open todays game. Why did he begin the year in the minors?

John Lacy went 1-4 for you, and is only batting .234. Do you have buyers remorse in trading for him?


TRIVIA: Four pitchers have pitched for the University of Arizona and have at least 38 career wins and an ERA of 4.01 or less. Who are those four pitchers?

[Commissioner Erick]

TRIVIA 1: Jay correctly guessed Marcus Stroman

[Commissioner Erick]

TRIVIA 2: Daniel correctly guessed Rhino Murrin and Vincente Corado. Zigmo correctly guessed Pat French