Kansas City Royals Recap: Ervin Santana Struggles; Offense Sputters; 12 Cut

It was a big day in camp for the Kansas City Royals and it really had little to do with the game with the Texas Rangers, in which the Royals fell 8-2. It was the big cut day as the Royals sent 12 players to minor league camps.

July 8, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; World pitcher

throws a pitch during the first inning of the 2012 All Star Futures Game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

On the Mound

The game itself was ugly for Kansas City. Royal starter got beat around pretty hard in his 4 innings of work. Santana surrendered 6 runs, 10 hits, a home run, and a walk, and he only struck out 2.  It was by far Santana’s worst outing as a Royal and while it is absolutely no time to panic, his high hit total would indicate he was wild in the strike zone. He needs to get the ball down to be effective. Louis Coleman and Luke Hochevar pitched scoreless innings while Tim Collins and Donnie Joseph each gave up a run.

At the Plate

The Royals weren’t any better offensively. They could only muster 7 hits, just one of which was an extra base hit. Brandon Wood doubled and drove in both runs but was sent to minor league camp after the game.

This and That

There were no surprises in the cuts made yesterday. Will Smith, Yordano Ventura, Everett Teaford, Nathan Adcock, Blaine Boyer, Michael Mariot, and Brian Sanches were the seven pitchers cut. Smith, Ventura, and Mariot all impressed while in camp, giving hope that the Royals can have good depth when injuries occur at the major league level, as is inevitable. Ventura’s performance this spring, including a WHIP of .94 over nearly 12 innings, should excite fans. Even though not much stock can be put on spring numbers, when a young flame thrower performs well against some MLB level competition, take some notice. He is definitely a guy to keep an eye on as the season progresses  The five position players sent out were Wood, Adam Moore, Willy Taveras, Christian Colon, and Anthony Seratelli. None of these moves were unexpected as only Colon is considered to be more than just organizational depth.

Up Next

The Royals take on the Colorado Rockies today and Jeremy Guthrie will take the bump against his mates from a year ago. Greg Holland and Aaron Crow are scheduled to work as well.

AL Central Notes

Detroit Tigers: The Tigers #2 starter Max Scherzer went 5 strong innings against the Nats on Monday, allowing 1 run on 5 hits and a walk. He struck out 4.

Cleveland Indians: Closer Chris Perez, out for a month with a shoulder injury, worked his second bullpen session yesterday and feels 100%. He is just trying to build up his arm strength and he could be ready by Opening Day. Daisuke Matsuzaka has accepted an assignment to AAA.

Chicago White Sox: Alex Rios hit a late two-run homer to help secure Puerto Rico’s place in the finals of the World Baseball Classic.

Minnesota Twins. Catcher Joe Mauer returned to the Twins from his stint with Team USA in the WBC in good health. Mauer went 2-3 yesterday with 2 singles. Well done, Mauer.