Perhaps I am being gullible...duped. It wouldn't be the first time. Here we are, 6 days before baseball season officially begins and I have fallen into the trap that is "Spring Optimism". See, I am one who largely ignores Spring Training. I may watch a pitch here or there and certainly follow the random transactions (Kyle Loshe signing with the Brewers, for example). But I largely ignore the scores and the standings. See, I've been burned before.
In 1999, the Royals were the Kings of Spring, leaving camp with a Major League best 22-9 mark. That season was a disaster. Not only did we finish 64-97, it was right in the middle of the Tony Muser era and led to the ousting of GM Herk Robinson. Now, don't get me wrong. Herk was not a good General Manager. He was completely unable to transition us from the George Brett/Ewing Kaufman era and let's face it, being the guy to succeed John Schuerholz is just asking for trouble. But all this led us into the abyss that was Allard Baird - quite possibly the most inept executive in baseball history this side of Frank and Stanley Robison.
So fast forward to 2013 and here we are with the best Spring Training Record in our beloved franchise's history. We have outscored our opponents by 65 runs! Our pitching has been outstanding! Our hitters are...well, hitting. Brandon Wood looks like he might finally live up to those lofty expectations! Wil who? I'm starting to believe! This could be our year! In fact, I am officially predicting we take the Central Division. Forget "hoping to compete for a Wild Card"... I want the Central! We are dominating!
See? I've done it again. Too bad it's only March.
Thanks for reading.
Jeff
In 1999, the Royals were the Kings of Spring, leaving camp with a Major League best 22-9 mark. That season was a disaster. Not only did we finish 64-97, it was right in the middle of the Tony Muser era and led to the ousting of GM Herk Robinson. Now, don't get me wrong. Herk was not a good General Manager. He was completely unable to transition us from the George Brett/Ewing Kaufman era and let's face it, being the guy to succeed John Schuerholz is just asking for trouble. But all this led us into the abyss that was Allard Baird - quite possibly the most inept executive in baseball history this side of Frank and Stanley Robison.
So fast forward to 2013 and here we are with the best Spring Training Record in our beloved franchise's history. We have outscored our opponents by 65 runs! Our pitching has been outstanding! Our hitters are...well, hitting. Brandon Wood looks like he might finally live up to those lofty expectations! Wil who? I'm starting to believe! This could be our year! In fact, I am officially predicting we take the Central Division. Forget "hoping to compete for a Wild Card"... I want the Central! We are dominating!
See? I've done it again. Too bad it's only March.
Thanks for reading.
Jeff
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