Games » Toronto Blue Jays
Jul3The big inning
Lee Judge
The Kansas City Star
The big inning must be important, they started the Bible with it … you know, “In the big inning.” I once read that in the majority of all ball games, the winning team will score more runs in one inning than the losing team does in nine. I don’t know if it’s true in the majority of all ball games, but it sure was in this one.
Game notes
Third inning: Once again, Jason Borgeois shows why he was called up for this stretch of games: He hits lefties well. Jeff Francoeur starts the inning with a single to left, Salvador Perez follows with another single and Bourgeois triples to drive in two runs.
Alex Gordon follows with what is known as “professional” hitter’s plate appearance, sending a sacrifice fly ball to center field and scoring Bourgeois.
In the bottom of the inning, Perez shows — once again — why he’s special. Toronto’s Rajai Davis attempts to steal second on a breaking ball. That’s good for the runner — breaking pitches take more time to get to the plate — and bad for a catcher for the same reason.
Perez goes to one knee as he catches the pitch and throws Davis out from there. On average, major-league catchers take 2.0 seconds to deliver the ball to second on a stolen base. Salvador can do it in 1.8 seconds, and that means a pitcher can take an extra 0.2 seconds to deliver the ball to home plate and know Perez will take care of the rest.
Fourth inning: Perez blocks a pitch to keep a Toronto runner from scoring from third base, and Eric Hosmer makes a short-hop pick to keep the ball on the infield and prevent another runner from scoring from second base, but the inning still comes apart at the seams.
Royals starter Vinnie Mazzaro got ground ball after ground ball — which is probably at least part of why manager Ned Yost didn’t pull him sooner. Mazzaro was doing his job. Fans will focus on the results (Mazzaro was giving up hits), managers will focus on the effort (Mazzaro was getting ground balls). Mazzaro wasn’t pitching as badly as the results indicated until he hung a slider in Adam Lind’s “nitro zone” that resulted in a three-run home run and all the runs the Blue Jays would need to win the game.
(Mazzaro was optioned out after the game. He wasn’t scheduled to pitch again before the All-Star break, so this allows the Royals to add another fresh arm to the roster.)
A couple more things
The Blue Jays bunted for a couple of hits. This is difficult because synthetic turf is fast, and the ball doesn’t slow down. For the same reason, infielders tend to play deeper — which makes bunting profitable. Watch for this positioning to affect the next two games.
Jeff Francoeur airmailed a throw home. Frenchy overthrew the catcher, and Mazzaro corralled the ball. Outfield throws are supposed to be made on one hop. When you see a throw go over the target on the fly, you’ve seen a mistake.
In the eighth inning, Jarrod Dyson doubled and then stole third. There was no throw, and the third baseman didn’t cover the bag. I’ve seen this scored as “defensive indifference” even though the game was still close enough that the Blue Jays probably were not indifferent to Dyson being on third base.
If so, why didn’t the third baseman cover the bag? Probably because the pitch was a fastball away to Eric Hosmer. The Royals first baseman is not reluctant to hit to the opposite field, so the Jays probably did not want their third baseman opening up a hole on the left side of the infield by covering the bag.
A history review
Anyone can say anything they want to on the Internet (pretty much), and if someone doesn’t take the time to correct misinformation, a third party might believe what he has read. That leads me to Bob Dutton’s recent article in The Star that reviewed how Kansas City was awarded the 2012 All-Star Game. A few pertinent facts from Dutton’s story:
• On March 22, 2006, baseball commissioner Bud Selig pledged that if Jackson County voters approved an upcoming $425 million funding referendum to upgrade Kauffman and Arrowhead stadiums, Kansas City would play host to an All-Star Game between 2010 and 2014.
• Voters approved that measure, but turned down another proposal — which the Chiefs wanted — to build a rolling roof for the two stadiums by generating $170 million through user fees.
• The Jackson County referendum proposed a three-eighths-cent sales tax to pay for the renovations. This money did not go to Royals owner David Glass to be used on payroll — as has been suggested by commenters on this site. The money went to renovate the ballpark, which is publicly owned.
• The measure also required both the Royals and Chiefs to sign leases to remain tenants through 2031.
So the deal was, “Upgrade the stadiums, keep the teams.” After the proposal passed, Selig began to weasel on his pledge to award an All-Star Game to Kansas City, saying on March 20, 2010, “I like your chances, and just stay tuned. How’s that?”
Selig, pressed at least in part by the media, announced on June 16, 2010, that the 2012 All-Star Game was coming to Kansas City.
As for claims that Glass pledged to spend more on the Royals payroll and didn’t follow through, in 2007 the team payroll surpassed $60 million for the first time. Starting pitcher Gil Meche was signed to a $55 million contract, and reliever Octavio Dotel signed for $5 million. (Hey, Glass spent money. Nobody said he spent it wisely.)
My impression — from comments both on and off the record — is that things improved quite a bit after general manager Dayton Moore’s arrival. Positions that had gone unfilled in the organization were filled, and offers to drafted players increased. The talent pipeline in the minor leagues began to fill, and we’re now seeing the results.
I’ve also been told that the Glass family originally tried to run things on the cheap, and when that didn’t work, began to spend more money. Alex Gordon, Alcides Escobar and Salvador Perez have all recently signed long-term contracts. In the past, the Royals developed these kinds of players for other teams.
As I’ve pointed out many times, I don’t particularly like to get into these issues. I prefer to talk about baseball games and keep my focus on the field. There are plenty of other websites that deal with these concerns, but I don’t like this site being used to spread misinformation, either.
The Royals certainly aren’t a perfect organization, but I believe things are getting better.
Bourgeois
Mazzaro
Moustakas
Curtis Ruder
10 months, 3 weeks agoThe six running inning is basically a blur in my memory now, but I agree with the assessment; it is not as if Mazzaro was getting belted all over the yard. It was a tough play, but we all expect Escobar to make the out on his namesake, and that would have completely changed the inning and the game.
I agree with you that the Royals are getting better as an organization. And I am happy about that. They are no longer an embarrassment.
At the same time, they aren’t good enough. Six years into the DMGM experience, and we have yet to be within 4 games of first place in a poor division after June 1. Six years in, and we have not been higher than fourth place in a bad five team division. Six years in, our starting rotation remains as big a mess as when Moore arrived. Six years in, and we might, if we are lucky, be an average team rather than an abomination.
May 14, May 1, May 31, May 24, and April 23 are the last times the team has been within five games of the division lead in the last five seasons.
I am not advocating firing the guy; it is important to admit that things are better than they were six years ago. But that is more a testament to the position the franchise was in six years ago than it is an endorsement of the fact that we still can only aspire to mediocrity.
Larry Tindle
10 months, 3 weeks agoI am impressed at how well Perez moves for such a large catcher. Think his height helps him get over the ball so it hits his chest protector and goes straight down. That throw to second was a work of art.
Jim Fetterolf
10 months, 3 weeks agoLooked to me like Vin Mazzaro was doing his job and the hanger to Lind was the only real mistake. Luis Mendoza had a game like that a month or so ago, dinked to death by seeing eye grounders. It does happen. Maz got optioned after the game, probably will bring up Nate Adcock for long relief, maybe send Bourgeois down as the lefties are ending and bring either Doug Davis or Will Smith up to take Jon Sanchez’ Sunday start and give him some extra rest. Both have been pitching well in Omaha.
Probably of greatest concern tonight, and most nights, was the offense. Three runs just is not enough and Jason Bourgeois and Yuni Betancourt shouldn’t be the guys having to make the runs.
Michael Cost
10 months, 3 weeks agoMazz just really seems to be a long reliever. I don’t think he can consistently put up 5+ innings and less than 4 runs.
Joel Kallem
10 months, 3 weeks agoThe throw by Salvy was an all-time gem. Davis had a walking lead and is a known base stealer. For Salvy to gun him down was unbelievable. The fact that it came from his knees elevated it beyond that. Not many teams are going to run on the Royals after seeing that.
Gaines Arnold
10 months, 3 weeks agoIt seems to me that people are not putting giving Escobar enough credit for losing the game. Twice in the fourth he could have made an out and failed. The first time it was an amazing catch (as usual) but a bad multi-hop throw. I don’t reallyblame him for that one. The second chance he missed on, he drew Hosmer off the bag for what should have been the last out. He also could have thrown to second, but for some reason on both throws he threw the long ball rather than try the short one. I a curious Lee if you have any insight into that. How does a shortstop decide whether to throw to first or second. I would suppose it has to do with how good a jump the runner got going to second, but it seems the default is always first and Escobar did not even look to the (seemingly) easy out at second. After his gaffes, the Jays scored 4 of their runs. That is why I say that Escobar cost the Royals the game and not Mazzaro.
Joel Kallem
10 months, 3 weeks agoGaines, on the first play the TV replay clearly showed that the runner on first was already sliding into second when the throw was made and thus not an option. No clear replay on second, so your point might be valid.
Lee Judge
10 months, 3 weeks agoThat 4th inning was filled with moments that made you think Mazzaro was out of it, but then the ground ball would be too far to the left or right, too hard or too soft.
In innings like last night’s 4th, Ned told me fans will come down to the dugout, lean around the corner and scream, “Take him out!” (They immediately get to meet a security guard afterwards.)
But managers will look at how the ball is being hit as well as whether they were hits. Three screaming line drives for outs is cause for concern, a bunch of bloops and bleeders for hits may not be—or at least not as much concern.
As for Dayton Moore: yeah, I think this organization was pretty messed up when he arrived. I’ve been told the Royals were making embarrassingly low offers to draft picks and trying to get by without filling some jobs in the system.
No wonder it’s taken a while, but we are starting to see improvements on the field. As Curtis points out, their record hasn’t been a lot better, but for the first time in a long time you can see the pieces starting to come together.
Larry, after donning the gear and trying to block pitches I’m more impressed with Perez than ever. I was willing to get hit by mid-seventy pitches and they were bouncing off me in all directions.
Sal takes 98 in the chest and it drops at his feet. Every pitcher asked seems to love throwing to the guy.
Lee Judge
10 months, 3 weeks agoJoel: Be aware that if the Royals pitchers take too much time delivering the ball to the plate, Sal won’t be able to stop the runners. His 1.8 pop time helps the pitchers, but they still need to get him the ball fast enough (probably 1.5 at worst) for him to have a chance.
There are times the Royals pitchers may not be doing enough to cut down the running game (going over and slide stepping), but it’s a fine line: pay too much attention to a runner, hang a breaking pitch and the ball’s in the seats.
Lee Judge
10 months, 3 weeks agoGaines: I was about to say the same thing Joel said. Runners on first get a better jump than a runner at the plate. They both have to cover 90 feet, but the runner at first has a lead and doesn’t have to finish a swing and drop a bat before taking off.
So when Esky had to go sideways or leave his feet to field the ball, he knows he’s taking too long to get the runner at second.
They say infielders have to have a clock in their head that tells them what to do with the ball. Esky’s clock was telling him to get the out at first, the runners were too close to second.
Lee Judge
10 months, 3 weeks agoBTW: The comments this morning are just the kind I enjoy: questions and observations about the game just played.
It doesn’t mean that there isn’t a place for arguments about OBP and run-expectancy, but there aren’t many forums for discussing specific plays and decisions made on the field.
When we understand what happened in the past, we have a better understanding of what might happen in the future and a deeper appreciation of the game we all love.
As regular readers know, Tim Bogar, friend and Boston Red Sox bench coach, has been instrumental in the direction of this web site. Bogie has encouraged me to “think small” and break down plays and moments on the field that aren’t normally examined.
I enjoy doing that and enjoy talking about it. Thanks for participating.
Larry Tindle
10 months, 3 weeks agoHappy 4th of July everyone. Have fun and be safe.
Don Aubry
10 months, 3 weeks agoThe Royals can also be happy that they have Salvy instead of A.J Pierzynski. I couldn’t help but notice contrast between Billy Butler’s comments about not being chosen for the HR Derby and Pierzynski’s comments about being left off the All-Star team. Billy said that he would have loved to take part in his home ballpark, but the guys chosen deserved to be there. AJ responded to Washington’s comment that it hurt to leave him off the team with a comment to the effect that it must not have bothered him that much or he would have picked him. I know that players nowadays receive some training in dealing with the media, but at least Billy was paying attention.
Jim Fetterolf
10 months, 3 weeks agoOne thing on the “default” throw to 1st, for an SS moving to his right he can snag the ball and throw without setting his feet. A throw to 2nd requires a turn just to see the target and the “clock” in a player’s head might be telling him that even taking a look at 2nd will probably cost him the guy at 1st.
Thayne Griffin
10 months, 3 weeks agoIf Esky makes the second play which he should have (even though it looked as if the ump was in the way), we get out of the inning up 3-1..completely different ball game obviously.
I think we also overlooked a great play by Billy Butler last night - on a grounder to 3B with runners on 1b and 2b 1 out, Lawrie tried to tag him to start the double play, but Billy stopped and Lawrie only got the one out. This didn’t result in a hit with 2 outs, but it was a great play and heads-up baserunning.
Bats seemed to die after that inning as well..and then the big inning.
Also noticed that Lawrie seems to play a LONG way off the line typically. Lee, is this strategic or do the Jays think he has better range than most 3b?
Glad we all had tickets to Perez’s gun show last night. That throw was world class.
Lee Judge
10 months, 3 weeks agoThayne, no way to know about Lawrie’s positioning without talking to someone with the Jays, but I’m guessing his positioning is based on how Toronto is pitching Kansas City and where they expect the ball to be put in play.
KC Guy
10 months, 3 weeks agoThe thing on Escobar’s (non) plays at 2nd is that on both balls hit to his right, he didn’t have time to actually turn and look at 2nd to see if there was a play there, since his back is to the base & runner. If he looks at 2nd, he’s probably already lost the ability to make the play at 1st. So, if he’s thinking 2nd, he’s going to just turn and fire over there anyway. The clock in his head that Lee mentioned was telling him that fielding a ball, with his momentum going away from the base, already ruled out a play at 2nd, where the runner starts leading off of 1st base, and is already moving towards 2nd as the pitch is thrown. The batter starts 90 feet from 1st, and has to get his momentum moving after swinging the bat. The thing Escobar’s probably the most disappointed about is that his 2nd throw pulled Hosmer off of the base — both times I thought he made the right decision on where to throw to, though..
Jim Wilson
10 months, 3 weeks agoDead on, KC Guy.
Lee Judge
10 months, 3 weeks agoIf you haven’t heard it elsewhere, Mitch Maier was designated for assignment.
Chuck Smith
10 months, 3 weeks agoLooking forward to Mendoza pitching tonight. Felt like he was pressing at the start of the year. June he posted 3.07 ERA, 18 SO and only 7 walks. Hopefully that kinda work continues.
Chuck Smith
10 months, 3 weeks agoWow! I hate to loose Maier, I doubt he makes it through waviers. I’m thinking Cain’s return after the All Star break and now Borgeois (for PH against Lefties) and/or Dyson is going to be kept in his place.
Hopefully, everthing works out in Maier’s best interests. May Mitch stay a Royal, but if not Good Luck wherever you go.
Don Aubry
10 months, 3 weeks agoEverything I’ve read about Maier showed that he has been a true professional in his approach to the game. As a professional, he likely recognizes this part of the game too. You feel for the guy leaving behind a group of friends and an organization, but you also realize that he has had a chance to live something that most people who have played baseball have only dreamed about.
Don Aubry
10 months, 3 weeks agoIt looks like the related transactions were the recall of Nathan Adcock and Louis Coleman from the Omaha bullpen.
Thayne Griffin
10 months, 3 weeks agoSad to see a classy guy like Mitch (likely) leave. I thought this move had been coming earlier in the year, but it’s still hard to see a guy like that go.
Darral VanGoethem
10 months, 3 weeks agoMaier will probably make it through waivers and then be sent to AAA. Sucks to see. A real pro. Accepted his role and didn’t bitch about it.
Jim Fetterolf
10 months, 3 weeks agoMitch might get picked up by an NL club, three OF spots and LH PH might get more opportunities over there. Best of luck to Mitch and thanks.
Lee Judge
10 months, 3 weeks agoI see these guys live a great life—when things are going well. But when things are going bad—tough to lose your job and be asked to move on the same day.