Wade Davis posted by Royals Fan

Born September 7, 1985, Wade Davis plays MLB for Kansas City Royals as their pitcher. He is the second cousin of Jody Davis, who is a former MLB player. Davis started his professional baseball career when he was drafted in 2004 by Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the third amateur entry draft. In 2006, Davis pitched for Southwest Michigan Devil Rays, which is Single-A affiliate of Tampa Bay Rays. While playing minor league, his fastball was in the range of 93 to 94 mph, and he sported a great spike curveball. Since then, Davis has managed to include in his pitcher skills, a changeup, a slider, and a two-seam fastball.

In September 2009, Davis made his MLB debut, playing against Detroit Tigers. He pitched for seven innings, allowing a single run and getting nine strikeouts. In July 2010, Davis earned many titles. He got Rookie Pitcher of the Month for AL, with a record of 4-0 and ERA of 3.03 in five starts. Davis was also named All-Rookie Team of Baseball America's starting pitcher and Most Outstanding Rookie by Baseball Writers Association of America. In 2012, he had a good season, when he was out of the Tamp Ray's bullpen.

By end 2012, Tampa Bay Rays traded Davis to the Kansas City Royals, and he was in their rotation, compiling a record of 6-10 by end August. He ended up in the bullpen in September 2013 and remained there for almost a year. In September 2014, Davis made his 104th strikeout when he struck out Yan Gomes. This broke the record of Kansas City Royals for most strikeouts carried out by a relief pitcher. The previous record was 103 strikeouts, shared by two pitchers, Greg Holland in 2013, and Jim York in 1971. Ending 2014 season, Davis had a record of 45-35, and 564 strikeouts.

Prospects of MLB Baseball Betting on Kansas City Royals posted by Royals Fan

Due to the unpredictability of sports in general and of course the MLB, placing a bet for the first time can seem like a mammoth task. It has now become easier to do your homework and work out where to place your hard-earned cash though. The internet is the tool we have to thank for this, with articles such as this and whole sites that are dedicated to giving tips on how to win big.There are other advantages that have come aboutin the online era, mainly advantages that stem from the ease of placing bets online.

Betting has become increasingly convenient and secure in the past few years with the advent of these online casinos and betting websites. Previously one had to depend on bookies or go to land-based casinos to stake a bet or play gambling games. Now you can bet or play a casino game anytime 24/7, as long as you are online. Attitudes have also been changing towards sports wagering, and many people are now inclined to bet on their favorite teams of MLB baseball, as they know there is a very good chance of winning good money. Secondly, with online sports books, you can place bets, just before the start of the game, without leaving your home. 

Not only can you place sports bets in the comfort of your own home, but you can also play your favourite casino games, too, by placing bets at places like  River Belle. These online casinos also provide many options for payments and withdrawals, which gives much better flexibility in betting. You also have a variety of games to play like blackjack and slots along with all the sports betting options ranging from spread bets, scoring options, parlay bets and many more. There is a huge amount of data available on various websites about the prospects of various teams, so that you can take an informed decision on placing the best bets. 

Sox Nip KC on Rios HR, 3-2 posted by Richard Kagan

Alex Rios hit his 24th HR of the season and helped Chicago slide by the Kansas City Royals, 3-2  in Kansas City tonight.  The win enables The White Sox to maintain their 3 game lead over Detriot with 15 games to play.  The White Sox have had trouble with the Royals all season long.  It is their first win on the road vs. Royals in a while and it came after they were recently swept in a 3 game series.

But the Sox are playing better now and it comes at the right time as the pennant race heats up.  Getting a win over the Royals always is difficult for the Sox wo have gone 12-24 versus KC and the Tigers.  But Rios and Gordon Beckham provided HR's after Alejandro De Aza lead off the game with his 8th HR of the season.  Gavin Floyd pitched seven strong innngs of 5 hit ball to earn his tenth win of the season.

The Sox BP of Thornton and Addison Reed closed out the Royals in their half of the 9th inning.  It was Rios whose HR was the difference maker.  His 7th inning blast  came a game after his slide into 2nd base caused Detroit''s shortstop to throw wildly to first, enabling two key runs to score in the game versus the Tigers in their last regular season matchup.

Betancourt Returns to Royals posted by Jeff Ponder

The Royals were in dire need of a utility infielder.  They did not have to look far to find one.

Yuniesky Betancourt and the Royals agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with incentives.  If Betancourt can become a full-time player, he could be paid $2.5 million next season.

Betancourt, 29, spent the 2009 and 2010 seasons with the Royals.  In that time, he batted .253 with 20 home runs and 105 RBIs in 222 games played.  Betancourt spent that time as a shortstop and has only seen nine games at second base in his seven-year career.

Alcides Escobar is slated to be the Royals’ starting shortstop in 2012, as manager Ned Yost reportedly plans to play him 150-plus games in the position.  Johnny Giavotella and Chris Getz will be battling for the second base position in training camp.  According to Royals General Manager Dayton Moore, Betancourt has a better opportunity to overtake the starting role at second base, despite his inexperience at the position.

"He will require a lot of repetition [at second base] during Spring Training,” Moore said in a conference call Tuesday.  “But he has been a middle infielder his whole career. The skill set is one where we feel comfortable allowing him to play multiple positions on the interior of the diamond."

White Sox Finally at .500 posted by Richard Kagan

The Chicago White Sox gained respectability today when they defeated The Kansas City Royals 6-2, behind a hot John Danks, and a three-run blast by Brent Lillibridge.  Danks is now 5-9 for the year, after starting 0-8.  He's on his game at the right time.  As for the Sox, it has 42 games to get in the thick of the AL Central pennant race.  The Sox trail Detroit by 4 games and Cleveland by 2 1/2.  The Sox will have to up their game to catch the Tigers, who look pretty good in this weak Division. 

The Sox need contributions for everyone, especially Alex Rios and Adam Dunn.  If Dunn can find his stroke, the Sox will score runs.  Rios needs to get on and steal a few bases. He needs to meet the ball in the zone and make some contact.  Even a few sacrifice flies should help.  Paul Konerko is likely to have another hot streak.  Let's hope that is sooner rather than later and his hits count.  Someone on this club is due for a Grand Slam.  That is the kind of hit that can pick up a team, and the Sox now need all the help it can get.

Another Triple Crown candidate storms to the top posted by David

Albert Pujols and Joey Votto have been battling each other all year, but Carlos Gonzalez has leap-frogged the front-runners in the Triple Crown race.  Gonzalez leads the National League in hitting (.337), is tied with Votto for the league lead with 100 Runs Batted In, and with 32 home runs is just five back of Pujols, two behind Adam Dunn, and tied with Votto and Mark Reynolds.  While he may have the best shot at the Triple Crown, I suspect Gonzalez’s home-road splits (.387/.435/.783 at Coors Field, .288/.310/.450 on the road) will keep the voters from naming him the NL MVP.

How 'bout that?

How about Joakim Soria?  The Mexicutioner has very quietly put together an outstanding season in Kansas City – a 1.71 ERA, 37 saves, and 63 strikeouts compared to just 14 walks.  The Royals’ closer allowed zero runs in the entire month of August (12 innings, 12 strikeouts, eight hits, and two walks) and has continued his scoreless streak through the first week of September.  Though Mariano Rivera is having one of his finest seasons at the age of 40, Soria has been the best closer in baseball this year.

How about Nelson Cruz?  Three trips to the Disabled List have kept him from putting together an MVP-caliber season, but the guy can flat out hit the ball, and despite his size (6’2”, 240), Cruz can run pretty well too – he’s racked up 15 stolen bases to go with his .313 batting average, 17 home runs, and .567 slugging percentage.  If anybody likes playing at Rangers ballpark, it’s Cruz, whose line at home is a robust .359/.414/.660 – a sure way to become a hometown favorite.

Who's on first at the Midsummer Classic? posted by David

With All-Star rosters set to be announced this weekend, I’m hoping that fans made good decisions in for whom to cast their final ballots.  While voting began not long after spring training ended, the true All-Stars have revealed themselves over the entire first half of the season.

The race that I care most about is the one for American League first basemen, where the Royals’ Billy Butler deserves serious consideration but has tough competition.  There are three first basemen who have clearly earned a spot on the AL squad: Justin Morneau, Miguel Cabrera, and Kevin Youkilis.  Mark Teixeira (.232/.345/.408), however, belongs at home.  Butler (.322 batting average, .377 On-Base Percentage, 42 Runs Batted In) should be left off the roster only if Joe Girardi chooses to carry only three first basemen AND Kansas City is represented by outfielder David Dejesus (.331 average, .398 OBP, 35 RBIs).

How ‘bout that?

How about Josh Hamilton?  After hitting just .265 in April and .294 in May and combining for nine home runs and 27 RBIs in the first two months of the season, Hamilton caught fire in June.  His numbers for the month included a .454 average, nine homers, 31 Runs Batted In, and an absurd slugging percentage of .815 – not to mention the 23-game hitting streak he carried into July.  If he continues to hit this well, Hamilton has a real chance at winning the first Triple Crown since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967.

How about Adrian Beltre?  Coming off five disappointing years in Seattle, Beltre’s .349 batting average entering Friday was second in the majors only to Robinson Cano’s .353, and his 53 RBIs had him tied for seventh in the American League.  In 2009, Beltre drove in 44 runs ALL YEAR.  (He spent some time on the Disabled List but played in 111 of his team’s games.)  In roughly half a season (76 games) in 2010, he has 12 home run runs; last year he hit just eight.  Beltre’s signing is looking like the best of the offseason.

Junior hangs 'em up posted by David

Though it was overshadowed by Armando Galarraga’s nearly perfect game, Ken Griffey Jr. announced his retirement on Wednesday, marking the end of a historic career.  Griffey’s various injuries over the last 10 years prevented him from breaking the all-time home run record, but The Kid will still go down as one of the very best of his era.  He was a 13-time All-Star (including 11 in a row) and totaled 2,781 career hits, 630 homers (good for 5th all-time) and 1836 Runs Batted In.  He won 7 Silver Sluggers and an MVP Award, and his 10 Gold Gloves tie him for third-most among outfielders; he won them in consecutive years.  Known for his sweet swing, tremendous defense in center field, and contagious smile, Griffey will take his place in Cooperstown before we know it.

How ‘bout that?

How about Justin Morneau?  The Twins’ first baseman is hitting .369 – over 100 points higher than he hit in 2009.  In addition to his improved batting average, Morneau’s slugging percentage of .674 is second in the majors to Miguel Cabrera’s .684.  Though his power numbers are better away from home (10 out of 12 home runs on the road), Morneau has fared well at Target Field, compiling a line of .378/.517/.567 in Minnesota’s brand-new open-air stadium.  Along with teammate Joe Mauer, Morneau is a major reason the Twins lead the AL Central by two and a half games over the Tigers.

How about Robinson Cano?  The Yankees’ second baseman is leading the big leagues with a .373 batting average, has 43 RBIs (third in the majors) and 30 extra-base hits (tied for fifth in the bigs), and is slugging an outstanding .632 (also third in MLB).  With Mark Teixeira struggling at the plate with a .220 batting average and A-Rod off to a slower start than usual, Cano has been the heart of the Yankee lineup, helping the Bronx Bombers lead the majors with a .288 average.  (The next-closest is Kansas City at .276.)

Dontrelle Willis Is Ready To Again Thrive In The Major Leagues posted by Colin Linneweber

Dontrelle Willis and the Detroit Tigers defeated the Royals 7-3 Thursday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. 

Willis, who made his first start since last June when he was placed on the disabled list due to social anxiety, pitched six innings and surrendered only two earned runs. 

Willis’ solid outing is tremendously encouraging for the Tigers who have seen the “D-Train” struggle mightily ever since they acquired him in December 2007 from the Florida Marlins. 

The two-time All-Star selection and 2003 National League Rookie of the Year Award winner is viewed by many onlookers as a spent oddball who will never recapture the brilliance he once displayed on the hill. 

Fortunately, Willis has apparently not listened to his  critics and he seems destined to be a vital cog in the Tigers rotation this season. 

Prior to his appearance in the “Paris of the Plains,” the Oakland native insisted that he is physically and mentally prepared to again thrive in the major leagues. 

“I’m just excited to play. I’m not a complex dude,” said Willis, 28, a southpaw who led the National League with 22 wins in 2005. “I feel great. I had a great start and I’m anxious to go out and start.” 

Willis has amassed a career record of 69-60 with a 4.02 ERA. 

At his pinnacle, Willis was an electric pitcher who dazzled fans with his skills, unorthodox delivery and infectious personality. 

At his nadir, Willis was an erratic lefty who battled command and mental issues. 

Offerman a disgrace to the game posted by David

I generally prefer beginning my blog with news that is positive or at least neutral, but I cannot think of a more worthy story than that of former Major Leaguer Jose Offerman, who was banned from the Dominican Winter League for life after attacking an umpire earlier this month.  The incident, sadly, is not the first time Offerman has embarrassed the game of baseball.  While playing in the Atlantic Independent League in August 2007, he charged the mound – bat in hand – after being hit by a pitch, and proceeded to break one of the pitcher’s fingers.  The catcher, trying to protect his pitcher, was hit in the back of the head and received a severe concussion that ended his career.  Now, two and a half years later, Offerman is still making the game look bad.  His behavior, without question, is Bad for Ball.

How ‘bout that?

How about Grant Desme?  The 23-year-old outfielder announced his retirement from baseball last week in order to pursue the priesthood.  Desme was the second-round pick of the Athletics in the 2007 draft, and last year was the only minor leaguer – at any level – to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases.  (He swiped 40.)  After being promoted to High-A, he hit .304/.398/.656 with 20 homers in just 227 at-bats.  He was then named MVP of the 2009 Arizona Fall League.  Desme would have had to put in more time in the minors, but his numbers certainly suggest he could have made it to the Big Leagues eventually if he didn’t feel the need to answer another calling.

Cueto feels slighted Royals didn't invite him to White House (The Associated Press)

NEW YORK (AP) -- Johnny Cueto feels slighted the Kansas City Royals didn't invite him to come along when they were honored at the White House. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports

Indians-Orioles preview (The Associated Press)

Injuries and illness have crippled the Baltimore Orioles in recent days, and life will not get much easier when they face the American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians on Friday night at Camden Yards. The Indians send out right-hander Trevor Bauer (7-3, 3.36 ERA) against rookie right-hander Dylan Bundy (2-2, 3.70), making just his second start. Cleveland last played on Wednesday and Tyler Naquin belted two homers and finished with six RBIs as the Indians hit five homers in an 11-4 victory over the defending World Series champion Kansas City Royals. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports

Watch live: Indians face Royals in MLB Free Game of the Day (Big League Stew)

Behind LeBron James, Mike Napoli might just be the most popular athlete in Cleveland at the moment. On an Indians team that’s built a six-and-a-half game lead in the AL Central after Tuesday night’s win over the Kansas City Royals, Napoli has become an unlikely phenomenon. Napoli celebrates one of his many homers this season. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports

Mike Napoli has brought heart, homers and a party to Cleveland (Big League Stew)

Behind LeBron James, Mike Napoli might just be the most popular athlete in Cleveland at the moment. On an Indians team that’s built a six-and-a-half game lead in the AL Central after Tuesday night’s win over the Kansas City Royals, Napoli has become an unlikely phenomenon. The rallying call of this year’s surprising Indians bunch is Party at Napoli’s. It’s a fan sign that turned into a T-shirt that’s turned a charitable effort. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports

Jonny Gomes gets 'worst news' of his baseball career (Big League Stew)

Jonny Gomes, part of the 2015 World Series-winning Kansas City Royals (who you might remember from his enthusiastic World Series parade speech), recently received some bad news. According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Gomes has not been invited to the White House with other members of the 2015 World Series champion Royals. As you might expect, the Royals couldn’t just bring everyone who wanted to attend, or even everyone who contributed to their World Series victory. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports