June 09, 2005
Royals Ringing in Wins
Is there reason to be hopeful in Kansas City? The Royals offense is showing signs of life under Buddy Bell, and KC won its sixth game in eight tries under the new manager last night.
| Royals 2005 | Through May 30 | Under Bell |
| Runs Per Game | 4.1 | 4.6 |
| Batting Average | .246 | .295 |
| On-Base Average | .304 | .345 |
| Slugging Percentage | .387 | .451 |
It's interesting that a 50 point increase in batting average leads to only a 40 point increase in OBA. Are the Royals making more contact? They're striking out a little less under Bell, about 1 less per 100 AB. My guess is that they are being more aggressive at the plate, probably swinging at pitches earlier in the count. So far, it's working for them.
The trend actually began when Pena quit on the Royals on May 11.
At that time, the Royals slash numbers were terrible:
.238/.292/.386
And they were averaging only 3.68 R/G.
I'd say any improvement is due to the fact Pena is no longer around.