Quite honestly, i didn't like it. Thought he dwelled on some spots that didn't need it

Nice, thanks.

Who's starting the game thread today?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Royals&amp;src=hash">#Royals</a> have designated INF Pedro Ciriaco for assignment and selected the contract of RHP Aaron Brooks. <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshVernier">@JoshVernier</a> on the air at 11:30</p>&mdash; 610 Sports Radio- KC (@610SportsKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/610SportsKC/statuses/452464933838397440">April 5, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Whose turn is it? Lewdog's?

Interesting. I don't know a damn thing about Aaron Brooks though.

I believe so. Hopefully he remembers.

With Ciriaco DFA'd, I guess that means we believe Infante is a serviceable SS in a pinch?

I'm kind of surprised it is Brooks and not Michael Mariot, who has been working out of the pen and seemed like the next guy up.

Appears the six-man bullpen experiment is over.

We'll see if Ciriaco clears waivers. What will Nedley do without a second pinch runner who can rip off a bag?

They skipped Ventura in the rotation? wtf Ned?

I get it that he promised this start to Guthrie. The home opener... blah blah.

So instead of completely skipping... just move the kid back to the next game... he should be starting today... but instead... the kid gets completely scratched an entire turn in the rotation....

The only thing that could make sense to me is that he's gonna be the guy pegged in the rotation to get skipped on a regular basis simply to ensure he doesn't tire over the course of the year... if that's the case, then why not just come out and say it? Is this Ned's way of thinking he's smarter than everyone else? It just makes him seem dumb to the observer... hence the reason to explain instead of saying "this is the way i want it" and turning your back.

he had to stretch the end out for the flyover. I'm sure he probably would have preferred to not do that.

One of two things is happening:

1) The Royals are trying to control Ventura's innings because they want him to be available for September and beyond. Skipping this start allows them to do that.

2) Ned is being an idiot, loyal guy as usual and giving crucial early starts to his "vets" because he knows what they will give him.

I strongly suspect it is item two.

Because, after all, you can't pinch hit for Moustakas in that crucial spot yesterday because you can't "get in his dome" this early.

Or maybe they're just delaying it to build suspense for Ventura's first start!.... Or not...


And WTF is up with Moustakas? I'm expecting the "He sucks" responses, but seriously, how does he have such an amazing spring and can't do crap when the real thing starts? Is it something mechanical (I know they've been messing with his swing), or is it as simple as he's just not a very good player? I'd usually say it's way too early for this kinda thing, but after last year, I don't think it is.

It works out actually. Have Chen start today against Danks, then Shields match up with Sale tomorrow.