Looks like DAYTON MOORE has this franchise moving in the right direction ! Once again tonight a quality start from 23 year old #1 draft pick Luke Hochevar. Luke pitched an eight inning gem and of course JOKIM SORIA closed it by striking out two of three in the ninth. The first one was a called strike 62 mph "curve ball " This after ZACK GREINKE (22) pitched a seven inning gem last night. Zach struck out ten and walked none while giving up only three hits. The only real blemish was a "wind -aided " home run. I truly believe Zach will some day pitch a no hitter.. if he does you heard it here first !!

The bats are also coming around led by the "volatile" JOSE GUILLEN. Jose has caught fire of late and has taken on a leadership role in the dug out. He is actually publicly supporting management and trying to hold players accountable for the one thing they can always contro l- "100 % effort".

Here is the lineup:

1. DAVID DEJESUS CF- Poor man's Johnny Damon

2. MARK GRUD 2B- hell I can't spell it, you know ho I am talking about. Getting better with agae. Does need occassional off day due to previous bnagging injuries.

3. ALEX GORDON 3B- Next coming of GEORGE BRETT-

Ok .. Kevin Seitzer ?? lol

4. JOSE GUILLEN LF- Career year. Worth the 36M over 3 years !

5. MIGUEL OLIVIO DH- Good power and would hit better if giving more at bats.

6. MIKE ALLIVES SS- I think that's his name AVILLES SS- Hitting .350 since recall replaces Tony Pena - .152

7. MARK TEAHAN RF- Luxury to bat this guy 6th. Future star.

8. BILLY BUTLER 1B- Pure hitter recently demoted due to prolonged slump. Hitting .382 in Omaha. Only 21 years old.

9. JOHN BUCK C- Future major league manager. Key to success of pitching staff. ANything he gives you with the bat is a plus. Occasional Power.

SP- ZACH GREINKE- This guy will throw a no hitter some day.

CLOSER- JOKIM SORIA- 20-21 saves !! AVerages 1.5 k per inning.

I predict 79 wins this year and a wild card birth on 2009. GO ROYALS !

Did Brandon show enough in the NCAA tournament to guarantee a first round selection ? I say YES !! Particularly on the defensive end as he shut down CBR in the 2nd half on Monday.

Rush has an NBA body to go along with an NBA mid range jumper. He also shows good explosiveness when he does take the ball to the rim. I think he will make a better pro than college player. What do you think ??

Congrats to King Carl Peterson for putting the franchise tag on Jared (2dui's) Allen. What does Jared expect ?? After two dui's in six months does he really expect a long term deal ?? I suggest he take the 8 million and play hard this year, keep his nose out of trouble, and come back in 2009. He will still only be 27 and in his prime. I hate to say this but if Jared was black..... he probably would have not gotten his suspension lowered from 4 games to 2. Which means he would not have led the NFL in sacks and been in position to get a fat contract. So be glad you are white, shut your trap, and play for 8 mil.

Congrats to the KC Royals for avoiding another 100 loss season. It appears Dayton Moore has this franchise moving in the right direction. Hopefully they can keep their "core" group of young players- Alex Gordon, Brian Bannister, Tony Pena JR, Mark Teahan, Billy Butler, Zach Greinke, and John Buck together for a long time. If they can add a power bat to this young group they will have a great season next year.

The one missing ingrediant is a MANAGER. Buddy Bell saw the writing on the wall and secured himself an office postion by announcing his resignation early. Can the Royals get a REAL manager ? They haven't had an experienced manager in over a decade. The list of candidates are Terry Pendleton, Jamie Quirk, and Frank White. Personally I would love to see Frank White get the job. He's a legend in KC and he coached many of these young players in AA Wichita.

GO ROYALS !!

Has anyone noticed that Carl Peterson ( GM/ President ) of the Chief's is playing a starring role in Hard Knocks on HBO ?? I understand he has total editing rights ??

If I recall the original Hard Knocks was the Baltimore Ravens. The main stars were the coach ( Brian Billick sp ?) and Ray Lewis. The second Hard Knocks was the Cowboys. I don't remember much from this one, although it wasn't nearly as good as the Ravens.

Neither of the two prior shows even mentioned the GM. That's the problem in KC.. Carl has to be the star in all drafts, trades, negotiations, etc...

Maybe after he leaves the Chief's can return to GLORY>