evolution

the season isn’t over quite yet, but i didn’t know if i’d have time to do the last royals report next week, so here it is. the royals have 5 games left to play, and are at 82-75, so they are guaranteed to finish with a winning season. this is impressive, cconsidering the royals lost a hundred games last season. yes, they did blow an 8-game lead in the division, which is disappointing, but one cannot ask for too much all at once.

with the twins’ victory over cleveland and the royals’ loss to the tigers and also the white sox loss to the yankees, the minnesota twins are the division champs and will go to the playoffs. the royals were exciting to follow all year and sure gave everyone a run for their money. in the end, the royals’ inexperience proved to be too much.

things are looking up though - manager tony pena’s system works, and the royals have a nucleus of great young players, including CF carlos beltran, whose contract is up and is sure to receive offers from many teams, but who is talking about himself and the royals in the future tense, so that’s good news. the royals need pitching - hopefully some of the acquisitions the royals made this season will stick around with the club next year.

my postseason awards:

• player of the year: beltran. .306, 24 HR, 39 stolen bases, and a number of highlight-reel caliber plays in centerfield.
• rookie of the year: SS angel berroa. hitting .292 with 17 HR, and rock-solid defensively at short.
• pitcher of the year: jose lima. rescued from the minors, he went 8-2 and brought loads of energy to the team mid-season.