Preview Monday

Using 2007 Stats
*= would have led the Royals in that category in 2007
Category Bonds Thomas Royals
HR 28* 26* 18 (Buck)
RBI 66* 95* 62 (Brown)
BB 132* 81* 64 (DeJesus)
Runs 75 63 101 (DeJesus)*
BA .276 .277 .302 (Grudzielanek)*
OBP .480* .377* .353 (Teahen)
SLG .565* .480* .411 (Gordon)
OPS 1.045* .857* .763 (Teahen)

Bonds would have led six of the eight major offensive categories last season in only 340 at-bats. He would have finish third in runs scored (Teahen, 78).

Bonds OPS+ = 170
Thomas OPS+ = 125
Royals OPS+ Leader = Mark Teahen – 98 (Billy Butler had a 105 OPS+, but did not have enough Abs)
Team OPS+ = 85

Bonds RC = 99
Thomas = 99
Royals RC Leader = DeJesus (84)

Proposed Royals Lineup with either Bonds or Thomas:
DeJesus (or Gathright) – Both would be productive leadoff men.
Grudzielanek – Would switch places with Teahen if we signed Thomas.
Bonds or Thomas
Butler – Would finally have less pressure to be the only run producer on the team.
Guillen – Historically, Guillen struggles in April.
Gordon – This is a good spot for him at this point in his career.
Teahen – Less pressure to hit home runs will mean more production from Teahen.
Collaspo – Needs to be starting over Pena at this point.
Buck – This is where Buck would bat on any other team in the bigs.

***

Springfield KC vs. Clemens’ Roid Needles

Player of the Week: Pat Burrell (Ride ‘em while he’s hot Kyle)
Underachiever of the Week: Miguel Cabrera (What a terrible keeper choice…)
Projected Score: 303.5 - 274

Prediction

Casey, I’m having trouble figuring out what I think about your team. So, until I figure it out, I’ll just assume you’ll win. I also say that because I don’t like Kyle right now and I want you to beat him.

Hancock’s Halos vs. Rolorado Cockies

Player of the Week: Javier Vazuez
Underachiever of the Week: C.C. Sabathia and Justin Verlander
Projected Score: 417 – 196.5

Prediction

Another bad week for Sabathia and Verlander and Andrew notches another embarrassing loss.

Blue Springs Inoculators vs. Springfield Rasmus’

Player of the Week: Gil Meche
Underachiever of the Week: The entire Inoculators team.
Projected Score: 328.5 - 0

Prediction

I have a terrible feeling about this week if you haven’t noticed.

Krunk Smurfs vs. Boom Goes the Dynamite

Player of the Week: Stephen Drew
Underachiever of the Week: Alex Rodriguez
Projected Score: 276 - 239

Prediction

I just want Jason to lose.

The Zou vs. Polk County Phantom Menaces

Player of the Week: Troy Tulowitzki
Underachiever of the Week: Howie Kendrick (‘cause he’s on the DL)
Projected Score: 356 - 321

Prediction

Erik, I noticed you don’t have a second baseman. How would you like to trade for Placido Polanco? You know you want to.