Royals Recap: Davis, Mendoza Get Blasted

Okay Dayton Moore. Last night’s 9-2 dismantling of the Kansas City Royals (45-51) by the Baltimore Orioles (57-43) should make it crystal clear that Wade Davisis not a starting pitcher. Can this ill fated experiment be over? We all know you needed him to be at least good as a starter for your December trade to be worth it but that is not the case. Move on.

Jul 22, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Wade Davis (22) reacts to being relieved in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

On the Mound

Two of Wade Davis‘ 4 runs were unearned due an inexplicable whiff at third by Mike Moustakas on a grounder in the first. That does not excuse his awfulness otherwise. In just 2.2 innings, he gave up 7 hits and 3 walks. He did strike out 3, if you are looking for the bright spots.

Luis Mendoza was hardly better. In 3.1 innings, Mendoza was pushed around for 5 runs on 7 hits and a walk.

To make sure everyone understands, the Royals gave up 9 runs on 14 hits and 4 walks in the first 6 innings.

Three relievers worked an inning each at the end, holding the Orioles scoreless on 4 hits.

At the Plate

Really, the offense was just as putrid – 2 runs on 5 hits – against a very average major league pitcher. This seems to be the Royals method of operation – because the offense is NO Good!

David Lough at least showed life, going 2-4, plus he accounted for both runs with a run scored and a RBI. Even then, one of his hits was a bunt single.

This and That

Wade Davis‘ BABIP is an astronomical .389 and his WHIP is 1.808.  His WHIP is by far the worst among the 95 major league pitchers who qualify. Barry Zito is 94th with a 1.65 WHIP. Joe Blanton has the second worst BABIP at .351, nearly 40 points better! Luck plays a huge role in BABIP but it is also an indication that batters are making pretty good contact on a regular basis. For those of us who watch every night, that is not a surprise with Wade Davis.

By default, it is David Lough. It is Lough’s 7th POG, which times him for 4th most on the team.

• James Shields – 8
• Alex Gordon – 11
  
• Wade Davis – 4
• Lorenzo Cain – 7
• Luis Mendoza – 3
• Billy Butler – 7
• Ervin Santana – 7
• Miguel Tejada – 5
  
• Jeremy Guthrie -4
• Eric Hosmer – 9
  
• Chris Getz
• Mike Moustakas – 4
  
• Aaron Crow
• Jarrod Dyson – 3
  
• David Lough – 7
• Alcides Escobar – 4
• J.C. Gutierrez
• Jeff Francoeur
• Bruce Chen
• Salvador Perez – 4
• Will Smith
• George Kottaras
• Louis Coleman
• Bruce Chen

The Orioles

It was a great night for Baltimore. Seven hitters had 2 or more hits. J.J. Hardy had the only home run out of the 18 hits. He went 3-5 with 2 runs and 3 RBI. Chris Davis added a 2-4 performance, also with 2 runs, and 3 knocked in.

Scott Feldman gave the Orioles 8 strong innings, surrendering just the 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks.

Up Next

Bruce Chen (3-0, 2.04 ERA) will put his undefeated record on the line against Jason Hammel (7-6, 5.24 ERA) at 7:10.

AL Central Notes

Detroit Tigers (54-44): Max Scherzer got back on the winning track with an 8-inning, 2 runs, 4 hit outing against the White Sox. He is now 14-1. Victor Martinez had 4 hits and Torii Hunter hit his 8th home run on the season in the 7-3 win.

Cleveland Indians (52-47): The Indians dropped a close pitchers’ duel to Seattle 2-1 Monday. Ubaldo Jimenez took the loss. Nick Swisher produced the only run with a first inning home run. The Mariners, behind Aaron Harang, held Cleveland to just 5 hits.

Minnesota Twins (42-54): Sam Deduno continues to impress as he won his 6th game, 4-3, over the Angels. He gave up 2 runs on 4 hits, with 5 walks, in 7 innings. Clete Thomas went 2-4 with a dinger, 2 runs, and 2 RBI. Joe Mauer had 3 hits on the evening.

Chicago White Sox (39-57): Ace Chris Sale took the loss to the Tigers, despite striking out 11 in 8 innings. He allowed 4 runs (2 unearned) on 7 hits and 3 walks. Conor Gillaspie and Dayan Viciedo each homered for the Sox.