Eulogy for the 2010 Kansas City Royals

I know that it's only May, and I haven't been paying much attention to the 2010 baseball season, since the NHL playoffs are still going to much delight, even though my Canucks were eliminated a few days ago. Yesterday, though, there was a break in the NHL playoffs, as there was no game scheduled. So, baseball had a day to take some spotlight, and surprise, the Kansas City Royals make news not for losing, as that's been rather common lately, but for firing manager Trey Hillman. Even before the turn of events yesterday, the writing was on the wall, for both Hillman and the Royals. This is not about Hillman, however, instead, this is about yet another lost season for the Royals.

Where to begin? The offense hasn't been great, especially when ace pitcher Zack Grienke is on the mound. Grienke certainly deserves better than just one win by this point in the season. Errors in the field such as the failure to notice that a runner didn't tag up after a catch and bullpen troubles had a lot to do with this being yet another lost season. Free agent signings that didn't pan out also have something to do with it, as does the failure of developing talent on the minor leagues on a consistent basis, although the latter is being rectified a good deal.

This kind of eulogy is getting old, and given that the Chiefs aren't likely going to be competitive this coming season and the Wizards are pretty much persona non grata, it looks like yet another long year for the Kansas City sports fan. Thank fuck for the NHL playoffs and an intriguing underdog story, no matter who comes out of the Eastern Conference.