Covering the Corner - Royals 9, Indians 0/Indians 10, Royals 3Cleveland Baseball: A team that's accomplished some things.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52871/Covering_The_Corner_Favicon-ICO..png2013-04-29T07:05:03-04:00http://www.coveringthecorner.com/rss/stream/40454532013-04-29T07:05:03-04:002013-04-29T07:05:03-04:00Game 21/22 Recap: Same day, different worlds
<figure>
<img alt="Mike Aviles" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/76Jovd3xhyrKlC3vCDY4RK4GWok=/0x147:3186x2271/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12391841/167734092.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike Aviles | Ed Zurga</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Indians and Royals played two games yesterday, and they couldn't have turned out more differently.</p> <p align="center"><i>April 28, 2013</i></p>
<p align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_04_28_clemlb_kcamlb_1&mode=box">Royals 9, Indians 0</a><i> </i>• <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_04_28_clemlb_kcamlb_2&mode=box">Indians 10, Royals 3</a></p>
<p align="center"><i>Chapters 21-22:Same day, different worlds<br></i></p>
<p align="left">I had planned to somehow connect these two games in one recap, finding a common thread somewhere. You know, construct a narrative out of two games by the same teams on the same day. But I've racked my brain and I can't really find one, unless the narrative is that baseball games are like snowflakes, each one completely different. Baseball is unlike every other team sport in that one of the most important players on the field - the pitcher - is changed every day for another one. You wouldn't only play your All-Star point guard once every three games, nor would you only play your All-Pro quarterback every other game. That's what makes baseball's regular season so fascinating to follow; rather than being 162 games of the same players playing, it's 162 games played by different combinations of the same players. The pitching limitations inherent in the baseball season also make it great, something that's not readily apparent until you step back from each of those individual games, seeing the bigger picture.</p>
<p align="left">Although a team with a great pitcher or even a great couple of pitchers may not get a chance at a short series because the rest of their 40-man roster is garbage. The playoff structures enacted in recent years have de-emphasized this to some extent, but you could also look the six divisions as a miniature of what used to be the pre-1969 pennant chases; because each team in the AL Central is playing each other 19 times, it's impossible to use even just your top five pitchers in a game; sometimes you have contests with your sixth, seventh, or eighth pitchers. And that's where the depth of a roster kicks in; whether due to injury or scheduling quirks, that pitcher you'd never thought would be important suddenly is.</p>
<p align="left">Where am I going with this? Well, the Indians were destroyed by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a> in the first game in a contest of front-line pitchers. <span>Jeremy Guthrie</span>, whom the Royals signed to a multi-year contract this winter, shut down the Indians, while <span>Justin Masterson</span>, who is the Indians' best pitcher, struggled. But the outcome was completely different when the two clubs engaged in a battle of reserve pitchers. When the season started, <span>Corey Kluber</span> was perhaps the eighth pitcher on the depth chart, while <span>Will Smith</span>, who had started 16 games for the Royals the season before, had been reduced to a similar importance on the Kansas City roster because of all the outside acquisitions. You could say that Game 1 was the better measuring stick of the two clubs, since Will Smith will not likely get many starts this season, but if one of the Royals' starters misses any time, Will Smith every fifth day might be possible.</p>
<p align="left">Justin Masterson wasn't awful in the first game, even though his final line score looks awful. He should have been pulled much sooner than he was, but Terry Francona was worried about how the second game would turn out, so Masterson was sent out to pitch the seventh, and then left in several batters longer in that seventh inning than normal. But the overall game turned out awful; LGFT Jeremy Guthrie continued his incredible career resurgence, blanking the Indians over 6.2 innings, and by the time <span>Matt Albers</span> and <span>Scott Barnes</span> mopped up the Royals had rather thoroughly embarrassed the Indians. Teeth were gnashing all over Ohio bewailing the awfulness of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Then came the battle of reserves. Well, sort of; Corey Kluber spent most of April either pitching for Columbus or serving as a longman in the bullpen, but because of <span>Brett Myers</span>' injury, he's now in the rotation for the foreseeable future. Yes, the eighth or ninth starter on the Opening Day depth chart is now one of the top five starters just a month into the season. Kluber had pitched extensively with the Indians down the stretch last year during and after the July-August meltdown, and although the results weren't that good, he showed the potential to have some success at the major-league level. He was missing bats (7.7 SO/9) and keeping the walks down (2.6 BB/9); he just needed to be a little more finer with his command.</p>
<p align="left">Last night Kluber reached his potential, at least for one game. He was aggressive in the strike zone, utilizing his low-mid-90s fastball high in the strike zone with occasional forays into offspeed pitches. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.brooksbaseball.net/pfxVB/pfx.php?month=4&day=28&year=2013&game=gid_2013_04_28_clemlb_kcamlb_2%2F&pitchSel=446372&prevGame=gid_2013_04_28_clemlb_kcamlb_2%2F&prevDate=428">Brooks Baseball</a> says that of his 97 pitches, 85 were fastballs of some sort, though they were not thrown in the same plane or with the same movement. Corey got some swings and misses high in the strike zone with the different versions of his fastball, but more importantly, got lots of weak contact from them.</p>
<table border="2" cellpadding="5"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="10"><center><b><font color="blue">Pitch Statistics as coded by PITCH INFO</font></b></center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pitch Type</td>
<td>Avg Speed</td>
<td>Max Speed</td>
<td>Avg H-Break</td>
<td>Avg V-Break</td>
<td>Count</td>
<td>Strikes / %</td>
<td>Whiffs / %</td>
<td>SNIPs / %</td>
<td>Linear Weights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FA (Fastball)</td>
<td>92.42</td>
<td>94.12</td>
<td>-4.56</td>
<td>11.74</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>5 / 83.33%</td>
<td>1 / 16.67%</td>
<td>5 / 83.33%</td>
<td>-0.2168</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SI (Sinker)</td>
<td>92.93</td>
<td>94.44</td>
<td>-8.91</td>
<td>8.50</td>
<td>48</td>
<td>34 / 70.83%</td>
<td>3 / 6.25%</td>
<td>17 / 54.84%</td>
<td>1.2799</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CH (Changeup)</td>
<td>84.11</td>
<td>85.38</td>
<td>-7.74</td>
<td>4.72</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>5 / 71.43%</td>
<td>1 / 14.29%</td>
<td>3 / 60.00%</td>
<td>-0.6003</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SL (Slider)</td>
<td>81.20</td>
<td>81.64</td>
<td>9.28</td>
<td>-0.85</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>4 / 100.00%</td>
<td>0 / 0.00%</td>
<td>3 / 100.00%</td>
<td>-0.3496</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FC (Cutter)</td>
<td>88.85</td>
<td>91.15</td>
<td>1.94</td>
<td>5.28</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>16 / 51.61%</td>
<td>5 / 16.13%</td>
<td>14 / 48.28%</td>
<td>-1.2024</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="10">
<i>Pitch classifications provided by PITCH INFO.</i><br><br> SNIPs are "Strikes Not In Play" and do not include any balls in play.<br><br><b>Velocities are assumed from 55ft (rather than the gameday standard of 50ft) for increased realism.<br> These 55ft numbers are directly comparable with our player cards.</b>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p align="left"> </p>
<p align="left"> </p>
<p align="left">Meanwhile the offense that was moribund in the afternoon came to life against Smith, with a little help from the Kansas City defense. A <span>Mike Moustakas</span> error opened the door for the Indians to score two runs in the first inning. Former Royal Mike Aviles struck the biggest blow in the third inning with his two-out, three-run homer. Smith was pulled after four innings, and the Indians then worked on <span>Bruce Chen</span>, another 2012 Kansas City starter, scoring two runs off him. And with Kluber being efficient and effective, the game turned into a rout.</p>
<p align="left">So which of these two games represent the 2013 Indians? Both. At certain points this season the Indians have shown themselves capable of blowing out a team, but those games have been few and far between. Those routs have inflated their overall offensive numbers to the point where someone who hadn't watched the team on a day-to-day basis would think them a fine offensive club. They do need more boring five-run games, though.</p>
<p align="left">Meanwhile Corey Kluber with this game should get an opportunity to pitch several more games, and perhaps in a couple weeks he'll be seen as one of the first five rather than just a depth option.</p>
<p align="left"> </p>
https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2013/4/29/4281336/mlb-recaps-kansas-city-royals-and-cleveland-indians-trade-blowouts-inRyan2013-04-28T23:17:34-04:002013-04-28T23:17:34-04:00Final Score: Cleveland Klubers Monarchists 10-3
<figure>
<img alt="Corey Kluber, as not seen in the Cleveland market. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GMZGLHA65FdPfp2R8HiEyZzQTY8=/0x0:3176x2117/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12384713/167732505.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Corey Kluber, as not seen in the Cleveland market. | Ed Zurga</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Corey Kluber baffles the Royals, and the Cleveland offense has its once-weekly breakout. </p> <p>It seems like the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> have one of these every so often, just when we are all despairing about the team. Now I expect another week's worth of low-scoring games until we all get frustrated again.</p>
<ul>
<li>Corey Kluber's outing was amazing on several levels. First, by any objective measure he had an outstanding start, going seven innings, striking out six, and not walking a batter. He was aggressive in the strike zone, and finished his night having thrown 97 pitches, 65 of them for strikes. Secondly, he did this despite not starting a game in two weeks. <br>
</li>
<li>The offense finally put some hits together, with some help from the Kansas City fielders. They scored twice in the first inning after <span>Mike Moustakas</span> botched a probable double play ball. Then Mike Aviles hit a three-run homer in the third, and the Indians were off and running. <br>
</li>
<li>Because of Kluber's seven innings of solid work, the bullpen came out of the doubleheader in decent shape; in fact, <span>Vinnie Pestano</span> and Chris Perez came into a blowout just to get some work in. <br>
</li>
<li>If the Indians win tomorrow, they will have finished this road trip 5-4. </li>
</ul>
<p><iframe src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2013-04-28&team=Royals&dh=2" style="border:1px solid black;" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" width="450"></iframe><br><span style="font-size:9pt;">Source: <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2013-04-28&team=Royals&dh=2&season=2013">FanGraphs</a></span> <br id="1367205244596"></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><b>Roll Call (38 Commenters)<br></b></p>
<p align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2013/4/28/4280150/mlb-game-thread-cleveland-indians-kansas-city-royals-april-28-2013">Game Thread (440 Comments)</a></p>
<table border="1">
<thead><tr>
<th style="width: 20px;" align="center">#</th> <th align="center">Commenter</th> <th align="center"># Comments</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center">1</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/tgriffith1992">tgriffith1992</a></td>
<td align="center">70</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">2</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/johnf34">johnf34</a></td>
<td align="center">54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">3</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Danieldelamaiz">Danieldelamaiz</a></td>
<td align="center">50</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">4</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/gte619n">gte619n</a></td>
<td align="center">47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">5</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/tr1betime">tr1betime</a></td>
<td align="center">35</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">6</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ryan">Ryan</a></td>
<td align="center">20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">7</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/V-Mart%20Shopper">V-Mart Shopper</a></td>
<td align="center">15</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">8</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LosIndios">LosIndios</a></td>
<td align="center">14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">9</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/cleveland%20teamer">cleveland teamer</a></td>
<td align="center">13</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">10</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jayme">jayme</a></td>
<td align="center">12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">11</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/OPace">OPace</a></td>
<td align="center">11</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">12</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/hans">hans</a></td>
<td align="center">10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">13</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/westbrook">westbrook</a></td>
<td align="center">10</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">14</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/27ftBaja">27ftBaja</a></td>
<td align="center">9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">15</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/no1ever">no1ever</a></td>
<td align="center">9</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">16</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ahowie">ahowie</a></td>
<td align="center">7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">17</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/walter.white">walter.white</a></td>
<td align="center">6</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">18</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Lukehart80">Lukehart80</a></td>
<td align="center">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">19</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/valhallas_own28">valhallas_own28</a></td>
<td align="center">6</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">20</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JulioBernazard">JulioBernazard</a></td>
<td align="center">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">21</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Mr.%20Bad%20Example">Mr. Bad Example</a></td>
<td align="center">3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">22</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/mauichuck">mauichuck</a></td>
<td align="center">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">23</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/mtg8">mtg8</a></td>
<td align="center">3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">24</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/weareallkipnisses">weareallkipnisses</a></td>
<td align="center">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">25</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/brookjacoby">brookjacoby</a></td>
<td align="center">2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">26</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AmbienTribe8">AmbienTribe8</a></td>
<td align="center">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">27</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Zaza%20Braggins">Zaza Braggins</a></td>
<td align="center">2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">28</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Matt%20Y.">Matt Y.</a></td>
<td align="center">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">29</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BuenosAires_Dawg">BuenosAires_Dawg</a></td>
<td align="center">1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">30</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/The%20Lame%20Ranger">The Lame Ranger</a></td>
<td align="center">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">31</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Joel%20D">Joel D</a></td>
<td align="center">1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">32</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Terrapin13">Terrapin13</a></td>
<td align="center">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">33</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/silverbackAXP">silverbackAXP</a></td>
<td align="center">1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">34</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/woodsmeister">woodsmeister</a></td>
<td align="center">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">35</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Heavysoviet">Heavysoviet</a></td>
<td align="center">1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">36</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/PyroKinesis">PyroKinesis</a></td>
<td align="center">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">37</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Turkmenbashi">Turkmenbashi</a></td>
<td align="center">1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td align="center">38</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/troyflowers">troyflowers</a></td>
<td align="center">1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2013/4/28/4280798/mlb-final-scores-cleveland-indians-kansas-city-10-3-corey-kluberRyan2013-04-28T19:45:07-04:002013-04-28T19:45:07-04:00Game Thread: Indians @ Royals, APR 28 (Game 2)
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0UZ01rmpdDePmFBZS11bMAhc6w8=/4x0:3997x2662/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12376027/20130428_lbm_sa7_224.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The second time's the charm?</p> <p><br><br></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget current_series clearfix"> <h3>Current Series</h3> <div class="pane-body"> <h4>Royals lead the series 2-0</h4> <table class="zebra"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-first">Fri 04/26</td> <td> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>Postponed</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-first">Sat 04/27</td> <td> WP: <span>Ervin Santana</span> (3 - 1) <br> SV: <span>Greg Holland</span> <br> LP: <span>Scott Kazmir</span> (0 - 1) <br> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>2 - 3 loss</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-first">Sun 04/28</td> <td> WP: <span>Jeremy Guthrie</span> (3 - 0) <br> LP: <span>Justin Masterson</span> (4 - 2) <br> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>0 - 9 loss</span></td> </tr> <tr style="background: none;"><td style="background: none;" colspan="3"><div class="pane sports_data_widget next_game clearfix"><div class="pane-body"> <p class="game-title"><a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_219558546"><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_219558546_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/community_logos/426/letsgotribe_m.gif" alt="Letsgotribe_m"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/">Let's Go Tribe</a></span></span></span> <br> <span class="blog_link">@ <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_176754265"><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_176754265_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/community_logos/434/royalsreview_m.gif" alt="Royalsreview_m"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals Review</a></span></span></span> </span></p> <p class="game-info"><span>Sunday, Apr 28, 2013, 8:10 PM EDT</span><br> Kauffman Stadium</p> <p class="pitchers"><span>Corey Kluber</span> vs <span>Will Smith</span></p> <div class="coverage"><div class="entry"> <h5><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2013/4/28/4278196/cleveland-indians-sunday-news-and-notes">Cleveland Indians Sunday News and Notes: </a></h5> <p class="byline"><span class="author">posted by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ryan">Ryan</a></span> <span class="time">about 9 hours ago</span></p> <p class="byline">13 comments | 0 recs</p> </div></div> <p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p> </div></div></td></tr> <tr> <td class="td-first">Mon 04/29</td> <td> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>8:10 PM EDT</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p> </p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph2"><strong>Pre-Game Reading:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2013/4/26/4269532/cleveland-indians-series-preview-kansas-city-royals-april-26-29">LGT Series Preview</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/2013/4/28/4277696/doubleheader-preview-cleveland-vs-kansas-city">Royals Review Game Preview</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Latest News: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The Indians <a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2013/4/28/4279778/mlb-final-score-kansas-city-royals-9-cleveland-indians-0">laid an egg this afternoon</a>. If you're just learning this now, then consider yourself lucky. </li>
<li>Tonight's game will be on over-the-air TV because it conflicts with the ESPN Sunday Night Baseball game. Jim Rosnehaus tweeted that the game (KC feed) available on indians.com.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p>Tonight's Indians vs Royals Doubleheader Game 2 is an Indians Radio Network and <a href="http://t.co/6LPepHATdM" title="http://Indians.com">Indians.com</a> exclusive.No over the air TV.</p>— Jim Rosenhaus (@IndiansRadio) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiansRadio/status/328640698771451904">April 28, 2013</a> </blockquote>
<p><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Tonight's Lineups:</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<table class="sbn-data-table" border="1"><tbody> <tr class="ui-state-even ui-state-odd"> <td align="center"><strong>Cleveland</strong></td> <td align="center"><strong>Kansas City</strong></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd ui-state-even"> <td align="center">CF Michael Brantley<br> </td> <td align="center">LF Alex Gordon<br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even ui-state-odd"> <td align="center">SS Asdrubal Cabrera<br> </td> <td align="center">SS Alcides Escobar<br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd ui-state-even"> <td align="center">1B <span>Nick Swisher</span><br> </td> <td align="center">DH Billy Butler</td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even ui-state-odd"> <td align="center">3BMark Reynolds<br> </td> <td align="center">1B <span>Eric Hosmer</span><br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd ui-state-even"> <td align="center">DH Carlos Santana<br> </td> <td align="center">CF Lorenzo Cain<br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even ui-state-odd"> <td align="center">2B <span>Mike Aviles</span><br> </td> <td align="center">3B <span>Mike Moustakas</span><br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd ui-state-even"> <td align="center">RF Ryan Raburn<br> </td> <td align="center">RF Jeff Francoeur<br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even ui-state-odd"> <td align="center">C <span>Yan Gomes</span><br> </td> <td align="center">C George Kotteras<br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd ui-state-even"> <td align="center">CF Drew Stubbs<br> </td> <td align="center">2B <span>Chris Getz</span> </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2013/4/28/4280150/mlb-game-thread-cleveland-indians-kansas-city-royals-april-28-2013Ryan2013-04-28T17:28:30-04:002013-04-28T17:28:30-04:00Final Score: Royals 9, Indians 0
<figure>
<img alt="Justin Masterson. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fY3EQpHJe5K9dPAHr57PKKqX1sM=/0x165:2771x2012/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12371159/167725677.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Justin Masterson. | Ed Zurga</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Ugliness abounds in game one. </p> <p>Well, I'll try my best to make this [redacted] game look interesting.</p>
<ul>
<li> <span>Justin Masterson</span> did strike out nine <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a>, so it's not like he was awful. And Francona should have pulled him after he walked <span>Billy Butler</span>, but perhaps Terry was trying to squeeze another inning out of Masterson with a game tonight and another one on Monday. Masterson should be the least of our worries right now, other than the fact that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> just lost a Masterson start 9-0.</li>
<li>The Indians continued to not string hits together. <span>Jeremy Guthrie</span> allowed six hits and three walks, and that usually results in at least a couple runs. <span>Carlos Santana</span> just missed hitting a home run in the second inning, and that was as close as the Indians would get to actually scoring a run. <br>
</li>
<li>One piece of good news is that <span>Asdrubal Cabrera</span> seems to coming out of his slump; he went 3-for-4 today and again had very good at-bats throughout the game. <br>
</li>
<li>I hope Carlos Santana gets the start at first tonight, because I don't know if can watch more <span>Ryan Raburn</span> at-bats. <br>
</li>
<li>During the game Brick tweeted this: <br>
</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p>@<a href="https://twitter.com/letsgotribe">letsgotribe</a> it will either be a really good or a really bad day to have a second game.</p>
— Scott Bricker (@BrickRun) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrickRun/status/328605963785494529">April 28, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>My response:</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p>@<a href="https://twitter.com/brickrun">brickrun</a> Normally I'd say "it can't get any worse" but I better not.</p>
— Let's Go Tribe (@LetsGoTribe) <a href="https://twitter.com/LetsGoTribe/status/328611104316071937">April 28, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2013-04-28&team=Royals&dh=1" style="border:1px solid black;" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" width="450"></iframe><br><span style="font-size:9pt;">Source: <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2013-04-28&team=Royals&dh=1&season=2013">FanGraphs</a></span></p>
<p><b>Roll Call (34 Commenters)<br></b></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2013/4/28/4279052/mlb-game-thread-cleveland-indians-kansas-city-royals-april-28-2013">Game Thread (252 Comments)</a></p>
<table border="1">
<thead><tr>
<th style="width: 20px;">#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/troyflowers">troyflowers</a></td>
<td>32</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Danieldelamaiz">Danieldelamaiz</a></td>
<td>29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/johnf34">johnf34</a></td>
<td>22</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ryan">Ryan</a></td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/tgriffith1992">tgriffith1992</a></td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/westbrook">westbrook</a></td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Gradyforpresident">Gradyforpresident</a></td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/walter.white">walter.white</a></td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/tr1betime">tr1betime</a></td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/woodsmeister">woodsmeister</a></td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/emily522">emily522</a></td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>12</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LosIndios">LosIndios</a></td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Chief%20Wahoo">Chief Wahoo</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>14</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Lukehart80">Lukehart80</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jay">Jay</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>16</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JulioBernazard">JulioBernazard</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/gte619n">gte619n</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>18</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Joel%20D">Joel D</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/weareallkipnisses">weareallkipnisses</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>20</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/hans">hans</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/VA%20tribe%20fan">VA tribe fan</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>22</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ahowie">ahowie</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/talonk">talonk</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>24</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/no1ever">no1ever</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/cleveland%20teamer">cleveland teamer</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>26</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/profdlp">profdlp</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/CLEinAZ">CLEinAZ</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>28</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/27ftBaja">27ftBaja</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ferociouswalrus">ferociouswalrus</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>30</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/OPace">OPace</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/PyroKinesis">PyroKinesis</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>32</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Mr.%20Bad%20Example">Mr. Bad Example</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>33</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/supermarioelia">supermarioelia</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>34</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ethorn">ethorn</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Any suggestions for topics tonight if game two turns south?</p>
https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2013/4/28/4279778/mlb-final-score-kansas-city-royals-9-cleveland-indians-0Ryan2013-04-28T13:30:12-04:002013-04-28T13:30:12-04:00Game Thread: Indians @ Royals, APR 28 (Game 1)
<figure>
<img alt="Jason Kipnis. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RLO2iltQ7YhDrdZpP-YD9T47sNE=/0x25:4000x2692/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12359577/167677918.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Kipnis. | Jamie Squire</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>LET'S GO TRIBE</p> <p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget current_series clearfix"> <h3>Current Series</h3> <div class="pane-body"> <h4>Royals lead the series 1-0</h4> <table class="zebra"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-first">Fri 04/26</td> <td> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>Postponed</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-first">Sat 04/27</td> <td> WP: <span>Ervin Santana</span> (3 - 1) <br> SV: <span>Greg Holland</span> <br> LP: <span>Scott Kazmir</span> (0 - 1) <br> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>2 - 3 loss</span></td> </tr> <tr style="background: none;"><td style="background: none;" colspan="3"><div class="pane sports_data_widget next_game clearfix"><div class="pane-body"> <p class="game-title"><a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_1252930666"><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_1252930666_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/community_logos/426/letsgotribe_m.gif" alt="Letsgotribe_m"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/">Let's Go Tribe</a></span></span></span> <br> <span class="blog_link">@ <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_1192850123"><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_1192850123_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/community_logos/434/royalsreview_m.gif" alt="Royalsreview_m"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals Review</a></span></span></span> </span></p> <p class="game-info"><span>Sunday, Apr 28, 2013, 2:10 PM EDT</span><br> Kauffman Stadium</p> <p class="pitchers"><span>Justin Masterson</span> vs <span>Jeremy Guthrie</span></p> <p class="pitchers"><strong>TV: FSKC-HD (KC)/STO-HD (CLE)/MLB.TV (FREE)</strong></p> <p class="pitchers"><strong>RADIO: KCSP (KC)/WNUA (ES - CHW)/WTAM (CLE)/MLB Audio</strong></p> <p class="weather"> Sunny. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 70.</p> <div class="coverage"> <div class="entry"> <h5><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2013/4/28/4278794/cleveland-indians-transactions-scott-barnes-called-up-for-dh-marson">Cleveland Indians Transactions: Scott Barnes called up for DH, Marson placed on DL, Gomes recalled</a></h5> <p class="byline"><span class="author">posted by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ryan">Ryan</a></span> <span class="time">about 1 hour ago</span></p> <p class="byline">0 comments | 0 recs</p> </div> <div class="entry"> <h5><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2013/4/28/4278384/three-positives-to-take-from-royals-3-indians-2">Three Positives to take from Royals 3, Indians 2</a></h5> <p class="byline"><span class="author">posted by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ferociouswalrus">ferociouswalrus</a></span> <span class="time">about 3 hours ago</span></p> <p class="byline">0 comments | 0 recs</p> </div> <div class="entry"> <h5><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2013/4/28/4278196/cleveland-indians-sunday-news-and-notes">Cleveland Indians Sunday News and Notes: </a></h5> <p class="byline"><span class="author">posted by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ryan">Ryan</a></span> <span class="time">about 3 hours ago</span></p> <p class="byline">8 comments | 0 recs</p> </div> </div> <p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p> </div></div></td></tr> <tr> <td class="td-first">Sun 04/28</td> <td> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>8:10 PM EDT</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-first">Mon 04/29</td> <td> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>8:10 PM EDT</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p><br><strong>Pre-Game Reading:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2013/4/26/4269532/cleveland-indians-series-preview-kansas-city-royals-april-26-29">LGT Series Preview</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/2013/4/28/4277696/doubleheader-preview-cleveland-vs-kansas-city">Royals Review Game Preview</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Latest News:</strong></p>
<ul> <li>The Indians <a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2013/4/28/4278794/cleveland-indians-transactions-scott-barnes-called-up-for-dh-marson" target="_blank">have called up</a> <span>Scott Barnes</span> for today's games.</li> <li>In addition, <span>Lou Marson</span> is on the DL again, with <span>Yan Gomes</span> up from Columbus to take his place. </li> <li> <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130427&content_id=45934124&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb" target="_blank">MLB.TV is free today</a>, so if you live outside the Cleveland (or Kansas City) market, you'll be able to view today's game live online. </li> </ul>
<p><strong>Latest 25-man/40-man roster:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2545815/Apr_28_2013.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2545815/Apr_28_2013_medium.jpg" alt="Apr_28_2013_medium"></a></p>
<p><strong>Today's Lineups</strong></p>
<table class="sbn-data-table" border="1"><tbody> <tr class="ui-state-even ui-state-odd"> <td align="center"><strong>Cleveland</strong></td> <td align="center"><strong>Kansas City</strong></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd ui-state-even"> <td align="center">CF Michael Brantley<br> </td> <td align="center">LF Alex Gordon<br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even ui-state-odd"> <td align="center">2B <span>Jason Kipnis</span><br> </td> <td align="center">SS Alcides Escobar<br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd ui-state-even"> <td align="center">SS Asdrubal Cabrera<br> </td> <td align="center">DH Billy Butler</td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even ui-state-odd"> <td align="center">RF Nick Swisher</td> <td align="center">1B <span>Eric Hosmer</span><br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd ui-state-even"> <td align="center">1B <span>Mark Reynolds</span><br> </td> <td align="center">C <span>Salvador Perez</span><br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even ui-state-odd"> <td align="center">C <span>Carlos Santana</span><br> </td> <td align="center">3B <span>Mike Moustakas</span><br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd ui-state-even"> <td align="center">RF Ryan Raburn<br> </td> <td align="center">RF Jeff Francoeur<br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even ui-state-odd"> <td align="center">3B <span>Lonnie Chisenhall</span><br> </td> <td align="center">CF Jarrod Dyson<br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd ui-state-even"> <td align="center">CF Drew Stubbs<br> </td> <td align="center">2B Chris Getz<span> </span> </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2013/4/28/4279052/mlb-game-thread-cleveland-indians-kansas-city-royals-april-28-2013Ryan