We began the season by interviewing the Kansas City Star's Sam Mellinger (the intro to which contained a quote that shall never again be uttered, one that Zappatista rightfully called me out on immediately, so with the Tigers and Royals facing each other for the final time this season, it seemed timely to bring things full circle.
On rather short notice, Sam agreed to swap questions and answers via e-mail. (You can read my answers to his questions at Ball Star.) Thanks again to him for giving BYB the time. Topics include preseason predictions, surprises and disappointments, and a certain thrilling victory that I'm sure will be part of Mellinger family lore for decades to come. We'll make you laugh, we'll make you cry, and maybe - just maybe - we'll make you think a little bit, too.
Bless You Boys: Okay, let's start off with some humble pie. You saw this thing with the Tigers coming, while I had my Tiger-striped blinders on. The inconsistency of Jeremy Bonderman, the failing health of Kenny Rogers, the utter suckitude of Dontrelle Willis. You told me so. But seriously, you still thought they'd finish ahead of the Royals, right?
Sam Mellinger: Definitely. And you're also kind to ignore the fact that I thought the Indians would win the division. There are a million things to love about baseball, and your website is probably the wrong forum to write this, but one of them is that the second-highest payroll in baseball can be out of it by June.
Also, you know, it could be worse. You could be a Mariners fan.
BYB: Which Royal was the biggest surprise for you this season, either on the pleasant or disappointing side?
SM: I have to pick just one? Mike Aviles has been the biggest pleasant surprise, and I'm not sure this can be argued. He was the player of the year at Class AAA Omaha last year, but that's only because the club was releasing Craig Brazell (who led all of the minors in homers) and didn't want to give it to him.
Aviles was picked out of a D3 school in the seventh round, only because the then incredibly-cheap Royals could sign him for $1,000. He was promoted to the big leagues only because he was raking in Omaha, and also because Tony Pena Jr., Alberto Callaspo, and Esteban German all failed at shortstop and the Royals had no other options. Trey Hillman has tried to go revisionist and take some credit for Aviles' success, but the truth is Hillman called him "an extra body" when Aviles was promoted, and then after Aviles went hitless in his debut, Hillman dismissed him in his postgame comments and sat him on the bench for another week before each of the other "shortstops" proved again they couldn't do it.
I'm probably being unfair to Hillman here, because he was in good company in not thinking Aviles could play an adequate shortstop (defensive metrics actually say he's been one of the best in MLB) and hit .319 with a 111 OPS+. Also, Kila Ka'aihue is a name you might keep in the back of your mind. He was close to being out of baseball before putting up an absolutely absurd statline in the minor leagues this year (look it up if you want, he was the Texas League POY) and OPS-ing his way into the club's future plans.
For disappointing, it'd be easy to point to Pena, who accomplished the improbable task of having Royals fans wonder if they were better off with Angel Berroa. You could also tab Hillman, who has, by many accounts, lost the clubhouse and made lots and lots of strategic errors, both big picture and small. Also, Brian Bannister has been almost exactly as bad as the statheads said he'd be, and neither Alex Gordon or Billy Butler made nearly as much progress as the organization hoped.
BYB: It sure sounds like Jeff Francoeur is on his way to Kansas City during the off-season? What do you make of that move?
SM: It could happen, but I think it'd be jumping the gun to say it WILL happen. It makes sense for a number of reasons, starting with the fact that Dayton Moore came from Atlanta and ever since his arrival here the Royals have taken on an undeniable Braves tint, from front office hires to trades and the way the minor league system is run. I know Dayton thinks the world of Francoeur, even after what's shaping up as a disastrous season for him. He'd be in good company in Kansas City as a guy who doesn't take walks, and the Royals could definitely use an outfielder with some pop, so it's certainly possible. Like all things, I suppose, it would depend on what the Royals had to give up, especially since their minor league system is still pretty thin at the top.
BYB: Is there a deal you definitely see the Royals making during the winter, or did I already answer that with my previous question?
SM: They need a middle infielder. Absolutely need one, and, continuing with the former Braves theme, Rafael Furcal is a name that always seems to pop up. If it's a SS, Aviles moves to 2B, where he's probably a better fit. They also will be looking for a catcher, a corner outfielder with power, and another starting pitcher. It's a long list, and Dayton's promised big changes, so it should be an interesting offseason.
BYB: You've seen that new giant HD screen in Kauffman Stadium with your own eyes. (Its magnificence exposes Comerica Park's scoreboard for the inferiority it is.) Tell me, Sam, if you stare at it long enough, can you actually see into the future?
SM: I actually played Wii home run derby on that board, and it was everything I thought it would be. There was a bit of a delay, but nothing you can't get used to. It was supposed to be something for our website, but the player I had who agreed to it, well, it was just bad timing.
BYB: Finally, on a personal note, how has winning the Hot Dog Derby last month changed your life? Do the players in the Royals' clubhouse treat you with more respect? Do you have to pay for a meal in Kansas City anymore? Is Jeff Passan regularly washing your car?
SM: Hold on a second. I gotta yell at Passan real quick. I can't believe he forgot to take the yellow Skittles out of this bowl before bringing it down.
(long pause, angry yelling in the background)
OK, where was I? Oh, yeah, the hot dog race. You know, I really am just a humble guy, thankful to the good Lord (or the Royals' entertainment folks, whichever is more appropriate) for allowing me the opportunity to dress as a giant mixed meat product and embarass myself in front of thousands.
There's actually a little controversy here. Midway through the race, my shoes "fell off," and that's when I made my move. Passan finished about a dozen bun-lengths behind, so my KC Star colleague David Boyce finished second and is protesting, but with the home schedule over, I think they'll just have to be sore losers for eternity.
By the way, you wouldn't believe how bad the insides of those hot dog suits stink. Well, maybe you would. But they do NOT get them dry cleaned regularly.
by Ian Casselberry
on Sep 24, 2008 1:10 PM EDT
in News
