My Dream Conference

I need to preface today’s post.  I am not claiming any inside information.  I do not have any secret, unnamed sources.  I am not trying to start or encourage any rumors.  The following is just a combination of my own wild speculation and wishing thinking.  I just decided to combine interesting ideas I’ve heard or read about with my own private musings.

As the Big XII continues to slowly crumble into an eventual pile of dust, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I would like to see happen over the next few months.  What schools would I like to see aligned with my hometown Jayhawks?  Most, if not all of these ideas, are going to be impossible.  They will never happen.  I understand all of this but it is a fun exercise.

The first thing that needs to happen is the current ten schools need to resolve their issues.  Some are real; some are childish.  It doesn’t matter.  These schools have a great geographical center with many long time rivals and they need each, whether they know it or not.  The teams causing the most problems are probably going to be worse off wherever they may go.  The quicker these programs realize this, the quicker some sort of stability can be gained back. 

Secondly, once a stable and trusting relationship can be re-established among the members, they need to convince Notre Dame to join the Big XII.  I know this is a lost cause but it could actually make sense for the Irish to step off their pedestal before it topples.  With the present setup of the conference, the Irish can keep their NBC revenues in the Big XII when that would never happen in any other BCS conference. 

Next, convince Arkansas that their most natural rivals already play in the Big XII and not the SEC.  I cannot imagine Dallas Cowboys owner and Hog alumnus, Jerry Jones, wouldn’t be thrilled for the possible renewal of the Longhorn/Razorback rivalry.  Bring in Arkansas and now there are 12 teams in the Big XII.  Is this where they should stop?  I don’t think so.  If these twelve teams make up one conference, suddenly the power would shift back to the Big XII.

The conference should ride the momentum of adding a couple of big boys to get ahead of the curve and expand to 16.  I’ve heard that the Big XII also owns the naming rights of Big XIIII and Big XVI.  I don’t know if this is true but it certainly would be logical to me to try to fill out one of those lofty names.

There are so many schools out there but I tried to think about what schools I would like to see in my conference and that would add TVs for the all important television contracts.  I think Pittsburg would be a nice fit.  It would open up a strong recruiting center and bring in a lot of viewers.  The Panthers have strong football and basketball programs and would be a great place in which to travel.  If Pittsburg leaves, maybe Louisville could be swayed to follow.  The Big XII would certainly be an upgrade for both programs in football and the conference is suddenly looking very appealing from a basketball point of view as well.  The football side of things is really looking up and I think the conference could now add a school more known for its roundball prowess.  Surely Memphis would leap at the chance the upgrade their league quickly. 

Now if these schools would join the conference, Arkansas would be added to the old South division and Notre Dame, Pittsburg, Louisville, and Memphis to the old North.  The South still needs another school.  The geographically logical choice would be TCU.  Or maybe Houston instead.  To me, these schools would be last resorts.  The conference already has the state of Texas nailed down.  I would like to add BYU.  Like Notre Dame, they need a football conference.  They have historically solid football and basketball programs and I think it would be beneficial to the league overall.

As a basketball fan, this lay out really excites me.  What a powerhouse basketball conference this would be.  Every single game would be a battle.  And it wouldn’t be too shabby on the gridiron either.  The Big XII (Big XVI?) would suddenly wield a big stick nationally in the top two team sports.  It would be the best basketball league by far and potentially the second best football conference.  Think of the revenues that could be generated with the new markets.  From a fan’s viewpoint, who wouldn’t be excited?

It is all a pipe dream, of course.  Texas and Texas A&M do not look like they can mend fences.  OU suddenly thinks it is too good for everyone else.  Of course, I am not convinced the Pac-12 wants to expand.  From everything I’ve read, all of the schools are happy with present alignment.  I’m not even sure the SEC is very enamored with A&M.  The Big East (which would itself dissolve if my scenario ever played out) and the ACC do not make sense for anyone geographically.  The Big Ten doesn’t appear eager to add anyone other than maybe Notre Dame.  There may not be anywhere for the discontents to go.

This is an extremely fun topic to discuss and argue about and to speculate about.  Ultimately, we the fans, just have to wait it out and let the situation resolve itself.  Hopefully, it will be sooner (no pun intended) rather than later.

I recently passed the 1000 viewer mark on my sports blog site.  I want to thank all of the people who read my ramblings and have supported me in this endeavor over the past several months.  Thank you all very much.

Please check out my tv and movie review blog at jawsrecliner.blogspot.com and get updates for both blogs @jawsrecliner.

2012 Looks Bright for the Royals

For the first time in years, I am not looking forward to the end of the season as a Kansas City Royals fan.  I am having a blast watching this young team grow and gain experience. I don’t seem to be the only one, either.

The 2011 baseball season has not even ended yet and the Kansas City Royals look like they are ready to leap right into the 2012 season without pause.  The Royals’ youth movement is in full swing, with no starting offensive player older than 27.  Four rookies man the infield, gaining valuable experience for the future.  The outfield is loaded with 27 year olds with several seasons of experience between them and have all had turn around seasons in 2011.  The Royals, at least offensively, appear eager to just skip past the off season and to get the next season going right way.

The pitching, of course, is not so anxious to jump into 2012.  The bullpen is as young as the offense.  Rookies have played key roles all year.  Joakim Soria, at 27 years old, is the old man in the pen, and he has had an up and down season, fighting his control most of the year.  The young cannons have had their issues as well, mainly with throwing strikes consistently.  At times, though, all of the youngsters have looked dominating and it is not hard to look at 2011 as year for growth and experience with the guys.  The future looks bright with these home grown arms.

The rotation, though, is ready for the winter break.  While some strides have been made, none of the pitchers featured in the 2011 rotation can be considered a number 1 or number 2 starter.  Luke Hochevar, Danny Duffy, and Felipe Paulino all have shown flashes here and there but have lacked consistency.  None look able to hold their won against the aces around the league.  Bruce Chen and Jeff Francis have done everything the Royals have asked but they cannot be in the rotation in 2012 if the Royals hope to take the next competitive step forward.  While the offense and bullpen seem poised for that next giant step forward, the rotation is holding them back.

General Manager Dayton Moore has to find away to bring an ace into the fold.  The free agent pool is very shallow and it would be extremely difficult, maybe impossible, to convince any of the worthy hurlers to come to Kansas City.  The starting pitching prospects down on the farm have proven unready for the big time, so that leaves a trade or two necessary to fix the problem.  Without breaking down the foundation he has built, Moore is going to have to figure out a way to swing a couple of deals to bring top notch pitching to Kansas City.  Moore has somewhat limited options.  Melky Cabrera could be a trading piece, although he has fit in nicely with the team with his play and age.  Joakim Soria could possibly be moved.  Greg Holland looks like he could close out games but Soria’s value is probably on the low side after his sub par season. 

That leaves the farm system.  Even though the Royals have plundered the top of the system, the talent is still considered deep.  Could Moore, would Moore, part with some of that talent if it meant he could bring a talented, top of the rotation arm to the team?  At this point, he needs to.  The Royals have shown great improvement and to make the playoffs, they have to win their division.  They have been competitive within the AL Central all year.  They are only a couple of good starting pitchers away from being a major force in the division.  If Moore has the opportunity, look for him to pull the trigger on a couple of big deals this winter.

2012 could be the brightest season in Kansas City in decades.  The future is bright with shining young talent.  They are so close.  Let’s hope this off season is as exciting as the youngsters on this team are and the Royals can finally make that leap to the next level.  Hopefully, they can make the fans excited in September for years to come on accomplishments, not promise.

(Note - it was just two months ago I wrote a post about how I was worried about 2012.  While I still have those worries about the starting rotation, the offense and bullpen have me very excited and more optimistic about 2012.)

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2011 Kansas City Chiefs Preview

Anyone who is hoping the Kansas City Chiefs repeat as AFC West champions are probably going to be disappointed.  I think it is just as likely the Chiefs finish closer to fourth in the division then to first.

As a fan, I was sorely disappointed in the Chiefs during the feeding frenzy that was this year’s free agent period.  With plenty of holes and salary cap room, it would have made sense for the Chiefs to make a big splash in free agency.  It just didn’t happen.  I really thought the Chiefs were about 3, maybe 4, good players away from really competing not only for the division but for the AFC title as well.  Pioli pretty much sat on his wallet and let impact player after impact player sign elsewhere, including a couple from Kansas City’s roster a year ago.  The holes and lack of depth in a couple key areas still exist and with the much tougher schedule in 2011, I can’t see a replication of the 2010 season.

The four biggest signings were DT Kevin Gregg, WR Steve Breaston, FB Le’Ron McLain, and LB Brandon Siler.  None of these guys are what could called top notch guys.  Gregg is aging with beat up knees.  He probably is a very slight upgrade from Ron Edwards but a slight downgrade from the flexible Sean Smith.  Regardless, the Chiefs are replacing two guys with one.  Steve Breaston was probably the best signing, mainly because the Chiefs are so thin with legitimate wide receiver talent.  Even so, Breaston is still a long way from star status.  Special teamer Brandon Siler was supposed to fortify a weak line backing core but is lost for the year with an injury.  FB McLain is a decent signing and can hopefully help out in short yardage situations, both blocking and running the ball.  All other signings were either projects or back of the roster filler.

The Chiefs are still woefully weak and thin on the offensive and defensive lines.  I’m afraid protecting Cassel and pressuring opposing signal callers are going to be big issues again in 2011.  Games are won and lost in the trenches with the big boys and I don’t see Kansas City improving at all in these key areas.

The Chiefs’ thoughts, I’m sure, are that this is still a very young team and natural improvement will make this team better.  In certain areas, this is probably true.  The defensive backfield is probably this team’s biggest strength.  They are young and eager and there has been natural growth in the past two years.  I think the line backers may be better than a year ago.  I’m not convinced the Chiefs are better in any other area.

Some rookies could step forward to make an impact and that would drastically improve this team.  OL Rodney Hudson should get plenty of snaps and offers some interior depth along the line.  Allen Bailey looks to have talent and may figure in the D-line rotation.  As the season progresses, LB Justin Houston may offer a boost.  Finally, if he shows some maturation, WR Jon Baldwin could help out a very weak position.  All of these players play at positions that are in need of help.   If the Chiefs have any chance at marked improvement, these four players must contribute in a positive manner.

At quarterback, I’m still not convinced Matt Cassel is the man.  He holds the ball too long and he tends to throw high, although he did this less and less as the season progressed a year ago.  He is very tough but doesn’t have the strongest arm in the world and he needs to increase his accuracy.  He does a good job managing the game and makes few terrible decisions on the field.  Still, he needs time to throw and I don’t think he will have much time behind this line.  The running game is in fine shape with Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones.  I also like Le’Ron McLain.  He not only adds blocking but can bulldoze his way between the tackles.  I just find it hard to imagine Cassel can equal his 27 TD/7 Int numbers from a year ago.  Charles’ 1467 rushing yards and 6.4 yards per carry will be very difficult, if not impossible, to match or surpass.  If the offense isn’t better, it is going to be a long season.  I’m just not sure the defense is good enough to pick up the slack.

Kansas City benefited from a last place schedule in 2010 but have a difficultl first place schedule in 2011.  The last eight games will be especially brutal.  The second half starts with Denver at home, then at New England, Pittsburg, at Chicago, at NY Jets, Green Bay, Oakland, and at Denver.  The three easiest games, on paper, just happen to be against the Chiefs’ most hated rivals, Oakland and Denver.  Without major improvement in numerous areas, Kansas City will be lucky to finish with 4-6 victories.

I hate to be so negative because football season is much more fun when the Chiefs are winning games.  I fear a long and frustrating season is ahead.  I place the blame on Pioli’s lack of action in signing free agents.  If I am wrong, and I most certainly hope I am, then I will be quick to praise Pioli for knowing what he is doing.  I don’t see any crow in my diet anytime soon.

For film and TV reviews, go to jawsrecliner.bogspot.com and get twitter updates @jawsrecliner for both blogs.  Thanks for reading.

Expectations for the 2011 Jayhawks

Other than the given variable of talent, two things really separate the big boys of the Big XII conference and the little guys.  To me, those things are overall speed and depth.  Schools like OU and Texas always seem to be playing so much faster than some of the other schools.  On top of awesome team speed, these schools seem to have five star players three deep at every position.  It is easy to overcome injuries or poor performances when another eager, talented, highly recruited player is waiting in the wings for his chance to shine.

Schools like KU are always trying to catch up to the speed of OU and Texas.  It is a tough row to hoe because speed does not necessarily translate directly into football talent.  One can assume that top ranked players with plus speed are going to have an opportunity to play at Texas, OU, and A&M.  I can’t help but think that KU, ISU, and even KSU and Baylor are getting the leftovers.  The bottom schools are getting the guys listed as athletes as opposed to by position.  This tells me these guys may be fast or athletically gifted but I am not sure if they are good football players.

Turner Gill, as does every coach overseeing every bottom dwelling team in every BCS conference, has been stressing the need to increase team speed.  I can’t disagree with that approach.  Last season, the Jayhawks seem to be running in slow motion at times.  They needed to improve speed and quickness at nearly every position.  By all the accounts I have read, KU has significantly increased their overall team speed.  Now, we will have to wait and see if these faster players can actually play football.  On the plus side, speed can’t be taught but football can be.  That’s why we have coaches.

As far as team depth, it looks like the Jayhawks will have good depth at only two positions – running back and linebacker.  I am hoping I am wrong about this but it is my impression of this team.  Regretfully, that is not enough depth to compete week in and week out in the Big XII.

Expectations for KU are not high.  Most publications and internet sites have them listed dead last.  Most of the college football pundits on the television and sports radio have them listed last.  It will be very difficult, but not impossible, to disappoint. 

With the new scheduling format of playing all conference schools, teams like the Jayhawks and Cyclones lose a non-conference cupcake and have to play all of the (formerly) south teams.  It is a very difficult task for schools trying to improve their position.  KU opens the season against McNeese St., a team that went 6-5 a year ago.  That should be a win but we all remember North Dakota State.  Then KU faces Northern Illinois.  Not a name school by any means but certainly not a pushover.  NIU went 10-3 in the MAC, with 2 of their losses coming to BCS schools.  Now, a lower level BCS schools should still beat a MAC team, especially at home, but NIU is not a cupcake,  The last non-conference match-up is at Georgia Tech and you can bet they want to avenge last year’s massive upset at Memorial Stadium.  KU will have to play well to win 2 of these games.  Does anyone see the Jayhawks beating 4 of the nine Big XII teams because I just can’t.  That is what it will take to make it to a bowl.  Everyone will be better off just to forget that pipe dream right now.

The Jayhawks will certainly be a better overall team than last season’s squad but I doubt it will show in their record.  I think anything more than 3 wins should be celebrated as a massive improvement.  If KU won more than three games, I would be thrilled.  I just want to see improvement in the overall play from game to game.  I want the Jayhawks to at least be in every game.  I don’t want to see any blowouts by halftime.  I would consider that progress.  I just don’t think KU has the depth to compete for a full game against the big boys every week. 

My biggest fears are with the offensive and defensive lines.  I just don’t think the Jayhawks have the size, speed, or depth on either side of the ball to control the line of scrimmage in order to compete in the Big XII.  I am also totally unimpressed with Jordan Webb at quarterback.  With little protection in front of him, I haven’t seen the accuracy or arm strength that he needs to be a top half signal caller in this league.  He can only hand off to James Sims and company so many times.

On the defensive side of the ledger, the linebacking core looks to have some speed and depth and the defensive backs are experienced.  I don’t know how KU is going to get enough consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.  I am hoping the Jayhawks are faster from sideline to sideline and can pursue with success but in the pass happy Big XII, if they can’t pressure the quarterback, it will be a long season fro the Jayhawks. 

I am not without hope.  Every year, there is one team that surprises.  Maybe in 2011 it will be KU.  Maybe coach Turner and staff and coach these guys up and get them to believe enough to overcome the deficiencies.  Possible but not likely.  I hope KU can hang in some games and steal a couple of wins.  From all accounts, KU is going to try to run a lot and shorten the games as much as possible.  With the lack of pass protection I anticipate, that is probably a good game plan, if not the most exciting one.

Here is my prediction for the final standings in the Big XII conference:

1) OU

2) A&M

3) OSU

4) Texas

5) MU

6) Tech

7) Baylor

8) KSU

9) ISU

10) KU

I think it is possible for Texas to have a sub par season and maybe MU moving up a spot or two.  Positions 2-7 could very fluid as there doesn’t seem to be a ton of difference between these squads.  I would love to see the Jayhawks be the surprise team but I won’t hold my breath.

Catch up on my tv and film blog at jawsrecliner.blogspot.com and get twitter updates @jawsrecliner.

NFL Preseason - Why Bother?

I know the answer to the question I pose in the title – money.  Money is the only reason anyone bothers with the seemingly endless NFL preseason.  Teams can charge full price for the crappiest examples of football possible.  I can’t imagine more than two are necessary but teams would lose the gate and concession receipts for one home game and one away game.  Money.

As a fan, I tell myself each year not to get drawn in.  I’m so anxious to see some football that I ignore that inner voice every year.  I get comfortable in my favorite recliner, put my feet up, and grab my remote.  Every year, after about five minutes, I’ve had enough and I berate myself for falling for it again.  That teams and networks can promote this ugly version of a great product is beyond me.  That anyone can watch more than a few minutes of it amazes me.  That anyone really cares about these games bewilders me.  I think you are getting the point.  The games are awful.

The league in general seems to approach the games, in normal, non-lockout years, in the same manner.  Game one – maybe the starters play for a series, maybe not.  Game two – the starters will get two to three series, just to find some rhythm (whatever).  Game three – the starters may play the first half, or at least close to it.  Game four – no starters and few second stringers are going to get more than a few snaps.  This last game is for those pretenders who will never get a chance when it counts.  We certainly don’t want anyone important to get it.

Because of the accelerated schedule due to the lockout this season, some teams have expanded the playing time for some of their regulars but it is not significant enough to make anyone care.  Some teams seem to be worse than others.  The Kansas City Chiefs never seem to put much effort into any preseason game and it has been even worse in the Pioli era.  I tend to watch the Royals and turn over to the Chiefs during commercials.  Even a couple minutes at a time can be painful.  Many teams, like the Chiefs, don’t like to show any part of their playbook.  Defenses don’t attack and offenses are just plain vanilla.  It makes for very boring football and that doesn’t even count having to watch a bunch of guys I will never hear from again run around the field, futilely trying to make an impression against the other team’s no-namers.

It’s all about money.  After the Chiefs’ preseason opener against Tampa Bay, in which KC lost 25-0 (and it wasn’t that even that interesting), I heard a season ticket holder blast the Chiefs the next day on talk radio.  He pays $118 a ticket for 4 tickets to see the Chiefs and he has to buy the preseason game at the same price in the season ticket package.  He was railing against the fact coach Todd Haley had mentioned the game was meaningless and didn’t count.  While this is true - the games don’t mean a thing – the team and the league shouldn’t charge full price for these exhibition games.  I could not have agreed with the caller more.  They don’t count.  They are meaningless.  If I’m at home, I can turn the channel.  Why charge full price for these preseason games on the season ticket package?  Simply answered – because they can.

Despite the fact they league just ended a PR nightmarish lockout, despite the fact the teams, players, and league make millions of dollars in an economy where people struggle to find jobs, despite the possibility there may be more games blacked out in 2011 than any previous year – despite all this, teams feel the need to line their coffers with just a bit more of their fans’ hard earned money by charging them full price for a shoddy product.  Businesses do not charge the same price for generic products as they do for name products.  Why does the NFL?  Because they can.

It is so unnecessary.  The teams don’t need to pound their season ticket holders.  They could sell their exhibition games at a discount.  They could reduce the number of worthless, painful to watch preseason games from 4 to 2.  They choose not to.  And I am not a proponent of an 18-game schedule either.  Just shrink the preseason a couple of games.  Start camp later or the season earlier.  How about starting the season a week earlier and give every team 2 off weeks? 

With the new CBA in place, nothing new will take place.  We as fans are just stuck with boring, worthless, football for a full month.  What a waste of time.  I am ready for some football but preseason just doesn’t cut it.  Settle in.  We still have two more weeks to go. 

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Is The Big XII Doomed?

A little over a year ago, the Big XII conference started down the path of eventual destruction with two schools abandoning the league.  Colorado defected to the Pac-12 and Nebraska left for the Big Ten, leaving the other ten schools scrambling for positions.  Each school started to look out for themselves, exploring avenues with other conferences in case an impasse could not be reached. 

Finally, a wary accord was reached.  Texas, the monetary behemoth that seemed to control the destinies of several schools, decided to stay put, with the understanding they could launch a Texas network and not to have share the proceeds.  The other schools, several with little choice at the time, agreed to the deal, even if most had to feel trepidation over the future.

What emerged was a compact league of ten schools.  It was agreed that in football and basketball, the north/south split would be eliminated.  All schools would play each other once in football and twice in basketball.  As a sports fan, this was a very appealing plan.  As a fan of the Kansas Jayhawks, I knew the school was going to struggle finding a foothold in football, but the round ball schedule was going to be fun.  KU would lose 4 games against historically weak competition in the Buffaloes and Cornhuskers and also 2  pre-conference cupcakes.  They would gain 6 games against the tough, rough-and-tumble south teams.  A conference that already enjoyed a top tiered RPI ranking would certainly vault permanently to the head of the class.  Things looked to be settling down and fans began to speculate on what two teams might be added eventually to get the conference back to full compliment.  It was fun to discuss this with friends or listen to the talking heads mull over the possibilities on the ever entertaining sports talk radio stations. 

The Big XII survived the 2010-2011 school year and said good bye to the exiting schools.  On the surface, things looked to be settling down.  Underneath the surface though, some schools weren’t as happy as was believed, namely Texas A&M.  Things came to a boiling point, it seems, when Texas announced some of the plans for their network.  A key point of contention was the Longhorn Network plan to televise high school games.  A&M rightfully complained that it would give the Longhorns an even bigger recruiting advantage.  I can’t say I disagree and neither did anyone else in the Big XII.  It has since been announced those plans have been put on hold.  That Texas even considered that idea to be above board shows their arrogance.

Texas A&M decided to be proactive.  They made it known they wanted out of the Big XII.  Their Board of Regents is obviously tired of playing second fiddle to the Longhorn juggernaut.  Discussion and speculation quickly escalated about A&M joining the SEC and possibly taking Oklahoma with them.  The SEC decided this weekend to not extend an invitation to the Aggies or anyone else, at this time. They did not, however, close the door on the possibility of future expansion and that maybe invitations could still be tendered in the future.

The foundation of the Big XII seems to be built on shaky ground.  If more teams jump ship, it won’t be a good thing for a lot of schools.  At this point, is it possible for the conference to be salvaged?  Somehow, I don’t believe it can be.  Talk persists of 4 super conferences eventually evolving from the rubble of the Big XII.  Will all 10 teams be able to find homes in the super conferences?  Again, I doubt it. 

Since a big portion of this issue stems from football generated revenue, four or five teams could be left out.  Baylor has long been a football doormat.  They look to be more competitive recently but just how attractive are they.  Kansas is a perennial basketball powerhouse and I would hope this would be enough to garner an invitation but for the most part, the Jayhawks are a pigskin wasteland.  Kansas State has turned itself around from one of the worst football programs ever to a respectable program over the last 20 years and has improved their round ball status recently as well.  Missouri has courted the Big Ten, and possibly the SEC as well.  Their rejuvenated football program may make them an attractive school to either of those conferences.  Iowa State may be in the worst position of any of the schools as they excel in neither football nor basketball.  Texas Tech has had some recent success in football but is located in a very tough place.  Since it is so isolated, I am not sure where they would fit.  I sincerely doubt Oklahoma will have any trouble landing anywhere and Oklahoma State is well rounded enough to find a good spot as well.  Texas is the interesting school because they obviously want to be the big fish in whatever pond they end up in.  I doubt though, that many conferences would capitulate to their demands any better than Nebraska did.  It would not surprise me if, in the course of the fallout, the Longhorns don’t end up an independent ala Notre Dame in at least football.

As a Kansas fan, I am obviously most worried about what happens to the Jayhawks, and to a certain extent, their chief rivals, Kansas State and Missouri.  At this point, the schools need to look out for themselves first but I would hope some loyalty still exists to these long time rivals.  It would be a natural geographical fit for KU, KSU, MU, and ISU to look toward the Big Ten.  I just don’t know how attractive each of those schools would be to that conference.  Since a lot of this is revenue driven, Missouri would bring in the most television sets.  KU and KSU would split the already small state of Kansas pie and the Cyclones would overlap with Iowa, already in the Big Ten.  I have not been a big fan of the Big Ten, mainly because I think that conference plays a boring, brutal style of basketball but at this point I would want KU to pursue entry to the Big Ten if administrators truly think the Big XII is doomed.  I would hope KU would try to bring KSU, MU, and ISU with them if possible but I wouldn’t want them to miss out because of the other schools.

I am in no way assuming KU is a more attractive option for the Big Ten than those other 3 schools, or the Oklahoma institutions, or even the Texas schools.  The reason I am discussing KU and the other 3 north schools is that is where my loyalty lies and I do feel geographically they are a good fit for the Big Ten.  The KU basketball program is the only national powerhouse program in either football or basketball among those four schools.  Missouri has worked their way into the national spotlight in football on a consistent basis over the past few years and K-State has had its share of success over the past 20 too.  I have pointed out this seems to be football inspired so KU and ISU could be the ones left out.  I just hold hope that the Jayhawk basketball program would gain them consideration despite their football shortcomings. 

I truly think the Big XII conference has little time left in its present form.  I like the strong ten school make up that is presently in place and I am not sure those schools are even aware of how strong they could be as a conference.  It all comes back to Texas and the Longhorns’ apparent need to be top dog.  That is just not the way it should be done.  I just don’t want KU to be left out in the cold.  I would prefer the Big Ten over the Pac-12, simply because I would hate all of those 9pm start times for basketball.  Both are better than the alternative options.  The next several months are going to be interesting, especially if Texas A&M bolts as it looks like they most certainly will.  I worry about Kansas and its chief rivals and where they might land.  Everything is speculation at this point but I can’t help wonder if these aren’t the waning days of the Big XII.

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Royals' Youth Is Served Now

A week ago, I was quite vocal about my displeasure with the fact Chris Getz was still playing everyday while Johnny Giavotella and his red hot bat languished in AAA.  Since then, that situation has right itself, finally.  While I still wonder why Gio wasn’t called up about two weeks earlier, I will let that go.  Now, I would like to focus on the present and the future.

With Giavotella taking over at second, the Royals now sport what has to be one of the youngest starting infields of all time.  Kansas City’s four infielders average less than 23 years old.  This is incredible.  And they all have a chance to be good.  Eric Hosmer looks like the real deal, both at the plate and with the glove.  Mike Moustakas seems to be slightly better than I expected in the field and has struggled mightily with the bat.  I have every confidence hitting coach Kevin Seitzer will get Moose though this tough stretch.  It worries me a bit that Moose has shown no power thus far but hopefully he can enjoy some success over the next two months so he can enter 2012 with a little confidence.  I still don’t really care what Alcides Escobar hits.  While he has made some massive improvements over the past two months at the plate, his glove is what excites me to no end.  He seems to make a spectacular play every day – and he makes the routine, well, routine.  Now we have Johnny Giavotella.  After getting to watch him for just a few games, I really like his efficient, quick bat and his glove and range look adequate.  His work in the field won’t be any worse than Getz and it looks to me Gio has even more grittiness than Getz.  He won’t steal as many bases but I can live with that.

Behind the plate, Matt Treanor is hurt and the Royals are getting a brief look at 24-year old Manny Pina.  Pina looks to be a servable back-up, much like Bryan Pena (29).  Both are merely holding a place for 21-year old Salvador Perez, recently promoted to AAA.  Salvador may be the catching version of Alcides Escobar – phenomenal with the glove and a work in progress at the plate.

Come Thursday when Melky Cabrera celebrates his birthday, the Royals’ starting outfield will all be 27.  I have no issues with that at all.  All three will be 27 and each has extensive major league experience.  If Alex Gordon, Melky, and Jeff Francoeur are the starting outfielders next season, I won’t be mad in the least.  Gordon is finally having his long anticipated breakout year.  Frenchy is not only having a good year stat-wise but he is having an improved year with his peripherals.  He has a chance to set career bests in walk rate, batting eye, and his lowest ground ball rate.  He has already doubled his career stolen base totals and should soon top his career walk season best.  These are marks of improvement.  Melky is enjoying a nice breakout season himself, putting up his best power stats.  Plus, these guys lead the world with 40 outfield assists.  Fourth outfielder Mitch Maier is 29 and does a fine job in his role.  Who knows what will happen with all these guys but the Royals do have a couple of guys knocking at the door in AAA in Lorenzo Cain and David Lough.

Kansas City’s designated hitter is 25-year old Billy Butler, who finally seems to be getting the fact that there is little value in a light hitting DH.  He has picked up his power and hopefully he can sustain that level.  While Butler can flat out hit, he needs to hit more doubles and homers to reach his potential and to be a mainstay in the line-up.

If you are paying attention, you will realize that outside of the DL’s Matt Treanor, no Royal position player in over 30 years old.  I’m just getting started.

No pitcher in the bullpen, none of the eight, are older than 27.  Five of them are 25 or younger.  And there are more bullpen arms developing rapidly in the minors.  The bullpen went from a disaster area over the last couple of years (not including Soria in that statement) to a major strength of this team, Soria included.  They are young and sometimes get themselves in trouble with losing focus and walking too many, but these are problems that should improve with age. 

Now the problem area – the rotation.  Luke Hochevar and Felipe Paulino are both only 27.  Paulino has been a godsend to this team.  Eating innings and keeping the team in the game every time out.  He has had his fair share of bad luck with a 34% hit rate but he looks to have solved his command issues.  Hochevar may (or may not) have turned a corner as he has looked better of late.  We have seen this before and he has not maintained it.  Kansas City needs this to be real.  Desperately.  Twenty-two year old Danny Duffy is raw but I hope the experience he is gaining in 2011 will serve him positively next season.  He has moments where he looks absolutely terrific but he really lets his pitch counts get away from him.  He needs to be more consistent in his efficiency.  That leaves Kyle Davies, Bruce Chen, and Jeff Francis.  I doubt whether any of these guys are in town next year.  Please, please, please let Davies be gone.  Chen and Francis have been serviceable but they are what they are.  The problem is I don’t have a clue who will fill these rotation slots in 2012.  I don’t think the Royals have a clue either.  The vaunted stable of arms in the minors seemed to have collectively taken a big step backwards this season.  Other than Duffy, no one has pitched well enough to called up to The Show.  That scares the heck out of me.  As much potential as this team shows at the plate and in the pen, there is a gigantic void where a rotation should be.  It is going to be a behemoth task for Dayton Moore to figure this out and I am doubtful he can do it. 

As positive as it looks at times for this franchise, the lack of a rotation is going to be a thorn.  With no regulars (unless you count Treanor) over 27 years old, and with no bullpen arm over 27, the present and the future is brighter than it has been for a very long time around this organization.  Even now, with one of the worst records in baseball, the Royals are a very competitive team.  They have a chance to win every night, unless Kyle Davies is on the mound.  They scrap and fight from inning one to inning nine.  I love that.  I can only hope Moore figures something out or some of the prospects regain the ground lost in 2011 and the Royals can put together a good rotation for 2012.  The Royals cannot seriously compete for an AL Central title until the starting rotation is fixed.

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