Post by RoyalsGM on Feb 8, 2013 18:18:54 GMT -5
Kansas City, MO
There is a lot of chatter in the world of baseball regarding the quick rise of the Kansas City Royals. The Royals have been at the top or near the top of the AL Central all season. One of the reasons for that is the veteran workhorse, Kevin Appier. Appier, 29, signed a 4 year 40 million dollar extension in the off-season to remain with the Royals and help take them to the post-season. At times this year, Appier has been brilliant, but on the same coin, he has struggled at times. The right hander has won 9 of his 14 starts, but the stat mongers would look at his "metrics" and say he's been more lucky than good. Entering in June, Appier had a 4.45 ERA, with a low strikeout total, higher walk rate and a quality start % of 42.9.
No doubt that the improved Kansas City lineup has benefited Appier, but there is no doubt that if the Royals really plan to remain in the playoff hunt, they will need a better second half from Appier. He was recently placed on the 15 day DL with a torn bicep muscle, but the club reports that it is not a significant tear and Appier will return by the All Star break.
Kansas City General Manager Peter Dell'Olio feels confident that the team will remain competitive, without their veteran right hander. "We went into the off-season with a plan to add several arms to our bullpen and rotation. There is always a cost associated with those acquisitions, but we're happy with our club and our chances to compete for a division title, and make the post-season. Kevin is obviously an important piece of that equation and our team doctors are very positive about Kevin's ability to recover from this injury and get back on the field."
The Royals are rumored to be looking to add a veteran hitter and pitcher, but there are no firm reports on what clubs might be involved.
There is a lot of chatter in the world of baseball regarding the quick rise of the Kansas City Royals. The Royals have been at the top or near the top of the AL Central all season. One of the reasons for that is the veteran workhorse, Kevin Appier. Appier, 29, signed a 4 year 40 million dollar extension in the off-season to remain with the Royals and help take them to the post-season. At times this year, Appier has been brilliant, but on the same coin, he has struggled at times. The right hander has won 9 of his 14 starts, but the stat mongers would look at his "metrics" and say he's been more lucky than good. Entering in June, Appier had a 4.45 ERA, with a low strikeout total, higher walk rate and a quality start % of 42.9.
No doubt that the improved Kansas City lineup has benefited Appier, but there is no doubt that if the Royals really plan to remain in the playoff hunt, they will need a better second half from Appier. He was recently placed on the 15 day DL with a torn bicep muscle, but the club reports that it is not a significant tear and Appier will return by the All Star break.
Kansas City General Manager Peter Dell'Olio feels confident that the team will remain competitive, without their veteran right hander. "We went into the off-season with a plan to add several arms to our bullpen and rotation. There is always a cost associated with those acquisitions, but we're happy with our club and our chances to compete for a division title, and make the post-season. Kevin is obviously an important piece of that equation and our team doctors are very positive about Kevin's ability to recover from this injury and get back on the field."
The Royals are rumored to be looking to add a veteran hitter and pitcher, but there are no firm reports on what clubs might be involved.
