Game of the Week: March 30: CHW @ KC

[Commissioner Erick]

Chicago White Sox (0-0) @ Kansas City Royals (0-0)


CHW: Carlos Martinez (0-0)
KC: Jacob deGrom (0-0)

[Commissioner Erick]

White Sox 7 - Royals 3


WP: C. Martinez (1-0)
LP: J. deGrom (0-1)
SV: J. Sherfy (1)


Fans brought energy and enthusiasm to the Kansas City Royals home opener. Jacob deGrom started for the home team against Carlos Martinez for the Chicago White Sox. The Royals were unable to reward the home crowd with a win. The final score was 7-3, Chicago. Brendan McKay was named player of the game. Carlos Martinez picked up the win with 6 innings of work. He allowed 1 earned run on 8 hits, while walking 2 and striking out 2. On the season, he is now 1-0. Jimmie Sherfy finished the game for Chicago and earned his 1st save.

The result might have been different for Chicago, had it not been for Tim Anderson. The center fielder produced a 2-run single in the top of the fifth inning to put the White Sox ahead, 7-3. For the game, Anderson had 1 double and 1 single in 3 at-bats.

Anderson called the win "a collective effort."



Questions for the GM's:


For Mike Ball, Trea Turner had two hits and a steal, but he also committed an error. On the whole, how did he look to you opening day?

Cal Raleigh didn't have a great year last year, and he went 1-4 with three strikeouts to begin 2023. How comfortable are you with Raleigh behind the plate?

Raymelis Rosa had a pretty good rookie year for you, and was electric last night. What role will he have on your team?

I brought up Turner a little earlier, but you're also rolling Tim Anderson out in Center Field. Are you concerned for your club's defense at all?

You've been worried about your club's bullpen in prior years, but with Rosa looking strong, and all-time top-tier relievers in Dan Jennings and Jimmie Sherfy getting the job done in the bullpen, do you feel more comfortable with late leads this season?

Do you feel that you're the best team in the American League?

For Daniel Kent, trade candidate Joe McCarthy had two doubles and a sacrifice fly. Does this do anything to affect your desire to move him?

You rolled out a defensive-oriented lineup with Andrelton Simmons at Shorstop. How do you think your defense fared today?

Grant Burton made his debut, with a hit, a walk, and using his legs to force an error. How did he look in his debut?

You shilled out $4 million for Mark Melancon this offseason. What did you think of his debut?

Miguel Gomez doesn't get a lot of notoriety, but he quietly had a really good year last year with 19 home runs, decent defense, and 3.7 WAR. How does it feel to see him get off to a good start?

Your club got some hits off Carlos Martinez, but couldn't get the one big hit to get a crooked number on the board. How disappointed are you in your run-producers that they couldn't come through?




TRIVIA 1: Jimmie Sherfy is second in the PBA in saves All-Time. Who is First? 

TRIVIA 2: Andrelton Simmons is second All-Time in Zone Rating as a Shortstop. Who is First?

[Mike RedSox]

For Mike Ball, Trea Turner had two hits and a steal, but he also committed an error. On the whole, how did he look to you opening day?

I'm happy, he should be a fine replacement for Dansby Swanson.

Cal Raleigh didn't have a great year last year, and he went 1-4 with three strikeouts to begin 2023. How comfortable are you with Raleigh behind the plate?

I'm fine with him, we're not asking a lot offensively.

Raymelis Rosa had a pretty good rookie year for you, and was electric last night. What role will he have on your team?

High leverage, late innings reliever.

I brought up Turner a little earlier, but you're also rolling Tim Anderson out in Center Field. Are you concerned for your club's defense at all?

I'm 100% concerned about our defense up the middle and Tim is on a short leash.

You've been worried about your club's bullpen in prior years, but with Rosa looking strong, and all-time top-tier relievers in Dan Jennings and Jimmie Sherfy getting the job done in the bullpen, do you feel more comfortable with late leads this season?

I think, on paper, this is one of the best bullpens we've rolled out.

Do you feel that you're the best team in the American League?

In the whole entire league?  Not right now.  We probably still need to make a move or two.

[Commissioner Erick]

TRIVIA 1: Aroldis Chapman

TRIVIA 2: Francisco Lindor