Interactive Baseball League

[ljshorty89]

March 31, 2008
The Kansas City Star
Page D1

Spring returns. The smell of hot dogs and fresh cut grass will once again exude from Kauffman Stadium as the Kansas City Royals hope to put an end to the string of losing seasons that has befallen the team. Over the off season, wealthy businessman Jerry Abramowitz, owner of Yellow Pencil Corp., bought the majority ownership in our own hometown team, and has made drastic changes. In Abramowitz' opinion, the team's main concern was that the players were too apathetic and didn't mind losing as long as they made their salaries. So, Abramowitz immediately fired both General Manager Dayton Moore, and more shockingly newly hired Manager Trey Hillman. Even more interestingly, Abramowitz replaced them with a move that more resembles a joke column than a Major League Baseball team. Yesterday, Kansas City Royals Fan Club Founder LJ Mills was named both General Manager and Manager.


As if that wasn't enough confusion within the organization, Mills promptly traded away the high paid players including Brett Tomko, Gil Meche, Jose Guillen, and others for a group of 8 high risk prospects from 3 different teams...and more importantly, for salary cap space. Since then, without a roster that would be able to take the field for opening day, Mills has convinced the commissioner's office to waive the age minimum, and has signed 11 highly touted High School Prospects. These ballplayers, all between the ages of 16 and 18 will have the hopes and dreams of an entire city on their backs. Fortunately for them, the last 18 years or so have gotten most fans used to disappointment. Turn to page D4 for a Full Page Preview of the new Royals Roster

[ljshorty89]

March 31, 2008
The Kansas City Star
Page D4

Ian O'Connor

Kansas City Royals- Opening Day 2008

The Lineup:
1- Rachel Bonner (CF)
2- Louis Milman (2B)
3- Leo Palmer (LF)
4- Corey Shipplett (1B)
5- Kyle Bonn (C)
6- Curtis Carson (RF)
7- Brett Zimmerman (3B)
8- Chris Henkel (SS)
9- Alex Gordon or Billy Butler (DH)

The Pitching Staff:
Starter 1- Brett Witrick (R)
Starter 2- Dave Ryan (R)
Starter 3- Brian Bannister (R)
Starter 4- Zach Greinke (R)
Starter 5- Luke Hochevar (R)

Closer- Matt "CrazyEights" (R)
__________________________________________________ _______________
Bottom line, this team is too young. Not a single starting position player over the age of 24. Not a single Starting Pitcher older than 27. This season could get ugly fast. Admittedly, every player has incredible raw talent, but I'm not sure if they will be able to gel in time to salvage a decent season. The key for this team is to utilize the speed that exists in the lineup from top to bottom, and to play fundamentally sound baseball. With some luck, they could be a .350 ball club.

Catchers: Bonn is good, but it remains to be seen if he can take the pounding of a long season. John Buck is a good backup. Grade: B

Infield: Milman, Zimmerman, and Henkel all have great gloves, strong arms, and decent contact bats. Shipplett is the home run hitter. Very little in the form of backups. Grade: C+

Outfield: Bonner, Carson, and Palmer were all highly touted out of high school, but each had injury concerns. Lets see how they hold up. Butler, Dejesus, and Teahen to back up. That's great depth. Grade: A-

Pitching: Not a single lefty on the team. No true ace. Unproven talent in CrazyEights and Yabuta could lead to late game meltdowns. This is the team's weak point. Grade: D

Team Grade: B-

[ljshorty89]

Beat Report with Mark Johnson

Yesterday, I sat down with team captain and second baseman Lou Milman to talk about his thoughts on the upcoming campaign:

MJ: Hi, Lou. Thanks for your time. What kind of results do you believe this team can have this year?

LM: Well, I know we're inexperienced, but I think that people are going to underestimate us. We're going to play hard, we're going to hustle, and I honestly believe we can compete for a Wild Card...if not a Division Title.

MJ: You think that this is a playoff team this year? What about not having a single Left Handed Starter?

LM: With these guys, it doesn't matter. I have played with or against all of these guys in High School, and they are immensely talented. I look forward to joining forces and dominating the American League.

MJ: Strong words. Any messages you'd like to put out there?

LM: Yeah. Watch out. The Kansas City Royals are the team to beat in the AL Central.

MJ: Thank you for your time, Lou, and have a great season.

LM: Thanks Mark. Any time.

[ljshorty89]

There's my preseason preview. I know it's a little off, but it IS 2 in the morning. I gotta be up at 6am, so I'll play Opening Day tomorrow. Let me know what you guys think, and if you have any recommendations.

[Dry1313]

Earlier in the day, ESPN reporter Rachel Nichols sat down with Dave Ryan:
RN: So Dave, word on the street is that you feel you're the true ace of the staff.
DR: That may be true...
RN: What do you mean by that?
DR: That this "first come, first serve" mentality is bullshit.
RN: Harsh words. So are you upset with Lou or just generally disenfranchised with the team?
DR: Well obviously it's no pleasure to play on any team with multiple "bonns" or to ever share a field with Cory Shiplett, but everyone has to make sacrifices.
RN: Word around the league is that your sacrifice is losing.
DR: Are you hitting on me Rachel? I just want to kiss you.
RN: Back to you...Suzy Kolber and Joe Namath.

[Kingdom]

dave ryan wouldn't even be the ace of baltimore's staff

[Kingdom]

We should trade Jose Guillen or Mark Teahen for lefty pitching.

[bwitty24]

make sure this Shipplet guy doesnt have a career ending injury by tearing his rotator cuff...



lookin good lou

[ljshorty89]

Thanks. I don't have injuries turned off, but lets just say I won't allow anything too serious. At least the first game will be up tonight. Possibly a couple games, which would be fun. Get ready for your opening day start, Witty!

[bwitty24]

Let's Go Baby!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bon Bon]

Bonner will lead the league in steals.

[ljshorty89]

This team is a speed machine. I can personally guarantee that every one of you (except Shipplett) will have 30 SB by the end of the year.

[bwitty24]

Bonner will lead the league in locker room changes and accessory requests

[NYgiantsfan5689]

Bonner will lead the league in locker room changes and accessory requests

[Bon Bon]

Either Bonner or Zimmerman

Hey at least we don't have the expense for protective cups.