Miguel Olivo batted cleanup for only the second time in his career. Mark Teahen batted second and he could never remember hitting there in the past. He didn't this year or last season.
Mark Grudzielanek, who had batted only second this season, was shifted to the fifth spot. Tony Pena Jr. and his .167 average went to the bench, while Alberto Callaspo, who was hitting .318 in 17 games, started at shortstop.
Manager Trey Hillman shook up his batting order again Friday night, but to no avail in a 7-4 loss to the Orioles. It was the 24th time in 35 games that the Royals have scored four or fewer runs.
The new lineup did not work as the Royals stranded nine runners and went 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Callaspo went 0-for-3, dropping his average to .298. Olivo went 0-for-5 with a strikeout and grounding into a double play.
"We're lacking a consistency of run production," Hillman said. "I've changed a lot of slots. I'm just going to change it up (lineup) and see where it sits. We've got to do something. I'm going to keep massaging it and keep changing it until hopefully we can get some consistency."
Grudzielanek collected two singles and walked, but did not drive in a run.
"Gruddy gives us pretty good at-bats," Hillman said. "I'm going to put him in a situation where he might be able to drive some guys in. He's all for that. He doesn't have to hit No. 2 and wants to do whatever we think might be best for the club. That's a good situation to be in when guys aren't grumbling with trying to do different things to try to get more production."
ORIOLES 7, ROYALS 4: Gil Meche walked Nick Markakis intentionally in the fifth to face Aubrey Huff with the score tied at 2-2. Huff then proceeded to hit a three-run homer. Meche was lifted after 98 pitches and five innings, allowing five runs on six hits, including two home runs, and two walks, while striking out two. Alex Gordon hit a two-run homer in the first and singled in another run in the seventh.
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I know I'm high or somthing but what would stop the Royals (besides the obvious) from throwing the bank at C.C. Sabathia.. bring this guy in make him an offer he just can't turn down and sign the man up.... It shores up the most important position on the baseball field not to mention our young pitchers could use the l
Inspired by Lazer's post about worst loss of the season I created this thread. I want to know the worst PLAYS in your Royals fan history from players hitting teammates with throws to sliding into a abse but coming up short we have lots of material as Royals fans.
I know, we are always talking about who is going to be traded this offseason, but I'm really getting curious as to his move back to third base. If you really thought he was going to be in the outfield for you for years to come, wouldn't you leave him out there? We have plenty of guys who can play 3B (Smith, German, Aviles, Callaspo).
