2011 Kansas City Royals season
Encyclopedia
The Kansas City Royals
' season of 2011
was the 43rd for the Royals franchise. It was the fifth full season with Dayton Moore
as General Manager. The team was managed by Ned Yost
in his first full season with the Royals.
for the right-handed, starting pitcher Vin Mazzaro
from the Oakland Athletics
and minor league pitcher Justin Marks. Mazzaro was 10-17 with a 4.72 ERA in 41 career Major League appearances, including 35 starts, for the Athletics in 2009 and 2010.
began the year with a 4-1 record and 3.59 ERA in seven starts for the Royals. Chen was placed on the 15-day Disabled List on May 11 (retroactive to May 6), with a strain, and right-handed pitcher Vin Mazzaro
was recalled from the Omaha Storm Chasers. Mazzaro's first start was on May 11 versus the New York Yankees. Mazzaro's stay with the Royals was a short-lived one. Following his second appearance on May 16, in which he allowed 14 earned runs in 2⅓ innings of relief, a team record for runs given up by one pitcher in a game, and the worst performance of a pitcher in the Major Leagues since the first half of the 20th century,– Mazzaro was optioned to Omaha, and left-hand relief pitcher Everett Teaford
was called up to replace him. Mazzaro pitched 6⅓ innings with a 22.74 ERA in his two appearances.
. It was their first Opening Day
meeting since 1975
when the Angels hosted the Royals. Luke Hochevar
, who was the first-round draft pick of the Royals in 2006, was chosen to pitch in his first Opening Day start. He gave up four runs, including two sole home runs, in 5⅔ innings for the loss. The opposing starter Jered Weaver
pitched 6⅓ scoreless innings to earn his first win of the season with Fernando Rodney
closing the game in the ninth inning for his first save as the Angels defeated the Royals, 4-2. The attendance for the game was 40,055, (currently) the highest of any home game during the season. This game also saw the major league debut of three Royals rookie pitchers: Aaron Crow
, Tim Collins
, and Nathan Adcock
.
After two games versus the Chicago White Sox
, the Royals finished their home opening series with a 4-2 record and ½ game lead in their division. It was the best home opening series since 2004
when they also began the season at home by winning 4 out of 6 games. This season's series was notable because three of their wins came on their final at-bat, and the last three games each extended into extra innings.
Although the team was successful during the first half of April–occupying first place on eight of those days while winning 10 of 14 games–the latter half of the month saw the team lose nine games as they fell 4½ games behind the division-leading Cleveland Indians
. During a six-game losing streak while on the road, Royals pitchers gave up 17 home run
s and had an ERA
of 7.88. It included three games at Cleveland where the Indians were in the midst of a 14-home-game winning streak. With a 14-13 record, it was only the third time in 22 years that the Royals ended the month with more wins than losses; the last time was in 2009
.
The team's worst loss came at home on May 16 in a 19-1 rout by the Cleveland Indians. After giving up three walks to load the bases in the first inning, starting pitcher Kyle Davies left the game with an injury. Nathan Adcock replaced him and allowed two of the base runners to score–giving Davies his sixth loss of the season. Vin Mazzaro
, who had been scheduled to start the next day, entered the game in the third inning and gave up 14 earned runs on 11 hits in just 2⅓ innings. Three of the ten runs scored in the fourth inning came on a 3-run homerun by Michael Brantley
. The 18-run deficit matched the worst margin of defeat in the team's history which has occurred twice before–the most recent being the previous season on July 26 when the Minnesota Twins
also won 19-1.
Because of the Twins' plague of injuries, the Royals came out fourth place. During a stretch of games from September 11th to September 17th, the Royals won seven straight, giving them their longest winning record since the 2006 season. However, the Royals were no-hit to the fifth/sixth inning twice in a row (the first, a perfect game). During the last week of the season, Billy Butler, Alex Gordon and Louis Coleman were all struck by the flu, giving Jarrod Dyson and Lorenzo Cain a chance in the big leagues.
Stats through September 29, 2011
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
' season of 2011
2011 Major League Baseball season
The 2011 Major League Baseball season began on Thursday, March 31, and ended on Wednesday, September 28. This marked the first time a season began on a Thursday since , and the first time a regular season ended on a Wednesday since...
was the 43rd for the Royals franchise. It was the fifth full season with Dayton Moore
Dayton Moore
Dayton Moore is the general manager of the Kansas City Royals. He succeeded Allard Baird.-Childhood and education:Born February 17th, 1967, in Wichita, Kansas, Moore grew up a Royals fan. He claims to have watched the 1985 World Series in Kansas City from I-70...
as General Manager. The team was managed by Ned Yost
Ned Yost
Edgar Frederick "Ned" Yost III is a former Major League Baseball catcher and current manager of the Kansas City Royals. He is the former manager of the Milwaukee Brewers.-Playing career:...
in his first full season with the Royals.
Offseason
On November 10, 2010, the Royals traded outfielder David DeJesusDavid DeJesus
David Christopher DeJesus is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball.-Career:DeJesus was raised in Manalapan Township, New Jersey, and played high school baseball at Manalapan High School. He was drafted out of high school by the New York Mets in...
for the right-handed, starting pitcher Vin Mazzaro
Vin Mazzaro
Vincent Michael "Vin" Mazzaro is a baseball pitcher in the Kansas City Royals organization.-Early years:...
from the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
and minor league pitcher Justin Marks. Mazzaro was 10-17 with a 4.72 ERA in 41 career Major League appearances, including 35 starts, for the Athletics in 2009 and 2010.
Pitching
Bruce ChenBruce Chen
Bruce Kastulo Chen is a Panamanian professional baseball pitcher for the Kansas City Royals.-Background:...
began the year with a 4-1 record and 3.59 ERA in seven starts for the Royals. Chen was placed on the 15-day Disabled List on May 11 (retroactive to May 6), with a strain, and right-handed pitcher Vin Mazzaro
Vin Mazzaro
Vincent Michael "Vin" Mazzaro is a baseball pitcher in the Kansas City Royals organization.-Early years:...
was recalled from the Omaha Storm Chasers. Mazzaro's first start was on May 11 versus the New York Yankees. Mazzaro's stay with the Royals was a short-lived one. Following his second appearance on May 16, in which he allowed 14 earned runs in 2⅓ innings of relief, a team record for runs given up by one pitcher in a game, and the worst performance of a pitcher in the Major Leagues since the first half of the 20th century,– Mazzaro was optioned to Omaha, and left-hand relief pitcher Everett Teaford
Everett Teaford
Everett James Teaford is a baseball pitcher currently with the Kansas City Royals.Prior to playing professionally, Teaford attended Centennial High School in Roswell, Georgia, USA and then Georgia Southern University...
was called up to replace him. Mazzaro pitched 6⅓ innings with a 22.74 ERA in his two appearances.
Regular season
The Royals opened the season at home on Thursday, March 31, in a four-game weekend series versus the Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
. It was their first Opening Day
Opening Day
Opening Day is the day on which professional baseball leagues begin their regular season. For Major League Baseball and most of the minor leagues, this day falls during the first week of April. For baseball fans, Opening Day serves as a symbol of rebirth; writer Thomas Boswell once penned a book...
meeting since 1975
1975 Kansas City Royals season
The 1975 Kansas City Royals season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Royals finishing second in the American League West with a record of 91 wins and 71 losses.- Notable transactions :...
when the Angels hosted the Royals. Luke Hochevar
Luke Hochevar
Luke Anthony Hochevar is an American professional baseball starting pitcher for the Kansas City Royals organization of Major League Baseball. He is an alumnus of the University of Tennessee.He throws and bats right-handed.-High school:...
, who was the first-round draft pick of the Royals in 2006, was chosen to pitch in his first Opening Day start. He gave up four runs, including two sole home runs, in 5⅔ innings for the loss. The opposing starter Jered Weaver
Jered Weaver
Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...
pitched 6⅓ scoreless innings to earn his first win of the season with Fernando Rodney
Fernando Rodney
Fernando Rodney is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Rodney throws a fastball in the mid to upper-90 miles per hour and a changeup in the low 80s.-Minor leagues:...
closing the game in the ninth inning for his first save as the Angels defeated the Royals, 4-2. The attendance for the game was 40,055, (currently) the highest of any home game during the season. This game also saw the major league debut of three Royals rookie pitchers: Aaron Crow
Aaron Crow
Aaron J. Crow is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball.-Early life:...
, Tim Collins
Tim Collins (baseball)
Timothy "Tim" Collins is an American-born professional baseball player currently playing for the Kansas City Royals.-Amateur career:...
, and Nathan Adcock
Nathan Adcock (baseball)
Nathan Masler Adcock is a baseball pitcher for the Kansas City Royals.Before playing professionally, Adcock attended North Hardin High School...
.
After two games versus the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
, the Royals finished their home opening series with a 4-2 record and ½ game lead in their division. It was the best home opening series since 2004
2004 Kansas City Royals season
The Kansas City Royals season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Royals finishing 5th in the American League Central with a record of 58 wins and 104 losses. It was one of the most disappointing seasons in Royals' history. The team had been picked by many sporting magazines to win...
when they also began the season at home by winning 4 out of 6 games. This season's series was notable because three of their wins came on their final at-bat, and the last three games each extended into extra innings.
Although the team was successful during the first half of April–occupying first place on eight of those days while winning 10 of 14 games–the latter half of the month saw the team lose nine games as they fell 4½ games behind the division-leading Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
. During a six-game losing streak while on the road, Royals pitchers gave up 17 home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s and had an ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
of 7.88. It included three games at Cleveland where the Indians were in the midst of a 14-home-game winning streak. With a 14-13 record, it was only the third time in 22 years that the Royals ended the month with more wins than losses; the last time was in 2009
2009 Kansas City Royals season
The Kansas City Royals' 2009 season began on April 7 with a game against the Chicago White Sox at U. S. Cellular Field, which Chicago won. On April 10, the Royals hosted the New York Yankees in the first game at the newly renovated Kauffman Stadium for the Royals' home opener. Interleague opponents...
.
The team's worst loss came at home on May 16 in a 19-1 rout by the Cleveland Indians. After giving up three walks to load the bases in the first inning, starting pitcher Kyle Davies left the game with an injury. Nathan Adcock replaced him and allowed two of the base runners to score–giving Davies his sixth loss of the season. Vin Mazzaro
Vin Mazzaro
Vincent Michael "Vin" Mazzaro is a baseball pitcher in the Kansas City Royals organization.-Early years:...
, who had been scheduled to start the next day, entered the game in the third inning and gave up 14 earned runs on 11 hits in just 2⅓ innings. Three of the ten runs scored in the fourth inning came on a 3-run homerun by Michael Brantley
Michael Brantley
Michael Charles Brantley, Jr. is a Major League Baseball outfielder who plays for the Cleveland Indians. He is the son of former MLB player and coach Mickey Brantley....
. The 18-run deficit matched the worst margin of defeat in the team's history which has occurred twice before–the most recent being the previous season on July 26 when the Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
also won 19-1.
Because of the Twins' plague of injuries, the Royals came out fourth place. During a stretch of games from September 11th to September 17th, the Royals won seven straight, giving them their longest winning record since the 2006 season. However, the Royals were no-hit to the fifth/sixth inning twice in a row (the first, a perfect game). During the last week of the season, Billy Butler, Alex Gordon and Louis Coleman were all struck by the flu, giving Jarrod Dyson and Lorenzo Cain a chance in the big leagues.
Record vs. opponents
| American League East American League East The American League Eastern Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions . This division was created before the start of the 1969 season along with the Western Division... |
| American League Central American League Central The American League Central Division is one of six divisions in Major League Baseball. This division was formed in the realignment in 1994, and its teams are all located in the Midwestern United States... |
| American League West American League West The American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the... |
| Team | Record |
|---|---|
| Baltimore Orioles Baltimore Orioles The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league... |
4–5 |
| Boston Red Sox Boston Red Sox The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"... |
2–2 |
| Chicago White Sox Chicago White Sox The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans... |
6–5 |
| Cleveland Indians Cleveland Indians The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona... |
4–8 |
| Detroit Tigers Detroit Tigers The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant... |
4–8 |
| Los Angeles Angels | 7–3 |
| Minnesota Twins Minnesota Twins The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the... |
5–8 |
| New York Yankees New York Yankees The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division... |
3–3 |
| Oakland Athletics Oakland Athletics The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum.... |
1–5 |
| Seattle Mariners Seattle Mariners The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July... |
3–1 |
| Tampa Bay Rays Tampa Bay Rays The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field... |
2–5 |
| Texas Rangers Texas Rangers (baseball) The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have... |
3–5 |
| Toronto Blue Jays Toronto Blue Jays The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League .... |
2–2 |
| Interleague play Interleague play Interleague play is the term used to describe regular season Major League Baseball games played between teams in different leagues, introduced in . Before the 1997 season, teams in the American League and National League did not meet during the regular season... |
5–13 |
Game Log
| Legend | ||
|---|---|---|
| Royals Win | Royals Loss | Game Postponed |
| 2011 Game Log | |
|---|---|
Roster
| 2011 Kansas City Royals | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers | Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders |
Manager Coaches (bullpen) (bench) (pitching) (third base) (hitting) (first base) |
||||||
Batting
Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; AVG = Batting average; SB = Stolen bases| Player | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | AVG | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melky Cabrera Melky Cabrera Melky Astacio Cabrera is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the San Francisco Giants.-Minors:Cabrera was signed by the New York Yankees on November 13, 2001, at age 17... |
155 | 658 | 102 | 201 | 44 | 5 | 18 | 87 | .305 | 20 |
| Alex Gordon Alex Gordon Alex Jonathan Gordon is a Major League Baseball Outfielder for the Kansas City Royals.-Early years:... |
151 | 611 | 101 | 185 | 45 | 4 | 23 | 87 | .303 | 17 |
| Alcides Escobar Alcides Escobar Alcides Escobar is a Major League Baseball shortstop for the Kansas City Royals. He was considered the best-fielding infielder in the Brewers' organization and was previously one of the top prospects in the organization... |
158 | 548 | 69 | 139 | 21 | 8 | 4 | 46 | .254 | 26 |
| Jeff Francoeur Jeff Francoeur Jeffrey Braden Francoeur , nicknamed "Frenchy", is a Major League Baseball right fielder who now plays for the Kansas City Royals. Francoeur is known for a strong throwing arm.-Minor league career:... |
153 | 601 | 77 | 171 | 47 | 4 | 20 | 87 | .285 | 22 |
| Billy Butler Billy Butler (baseball) Billy Ray Butler is a Major League Baseball Designated Hitter for the Kansas City Royals. He has also played first base, left field and right field... |
159 | 597 | 74 | 174 | 44 | 0 | 19 | 95 | .291 | 2 |
| Mike Avilés Mike Aviles Michael Anthony Avilés [ah-ve-les' ] is a Puerto Rican professional baseball infielder with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.-Education and college career:Avilés was born in New York City, to a Puerto Rican family... |
53 | 185 | 14 | 41 | 11 | 3 | 5 | 31 | .222 | 10 |
| Kila Ka'aihue Kila Ka'aihue Micah Kilakila Kaaihue is a minor league baseball player, currently in the Oakland Athletics organization.-Career:Kaaihue went to Iolani High School in Honolulu, Hawaii... |
23 | 82 | 6 | 16 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 6 | .195 | 0 |
| Wilson Betemit Wilson Betemit Wilson Betemit is a Dominican professional baseball infielder. He is 6'2" and weighs 220 pounds... |
57 | 203 | 29 | 57 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 27 | .281 | 3 |
| Chris Getz Chris Getz Christopher Ryan Getz is a Major League Baseball second baseman for the Kansas City Royals. Getz bats left-handed and throws right-handed.-Early life:... |
118 | 380 | 50 | 97 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 26 | .255 | 21 |
| Matt Treanor Matt Treanor Matthew Aaron Treanor is an American professional baseball catcher who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball... |
65 | 186 | 24 | 42 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 21 | .226 | 2 |
| Brayan Peña Brayan Peña Brayan Eduardo Peña is a catcher for the Kansas City Royals.-Early years:Peña was a member of the Cuban National 18 and under team as a youth. He graduated from Espa Julio Trigo Junior College in Costa Rica... |
72 | 222 | 17 | 55 | 11 | 0 | 3 | 24 | .248 | 0 |
| Mitch Maier Mitch Maier Mitchell William Maier is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Kansas City Royals.Maier attended the University of Toledo. In the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft, he was a first round selection. He was selected 30th overall by the Kansas City Royals.Maier began his professional career in ... |
44 | 95 | 19 | 22 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 7 | .232 | 1 |
| Jarrod Dyson Jarrod Dyson Jarrod Martel Dyson is a major league baseball outfielder for the Kansas City Royals.Prior to playing professionally, he attended McComb High School. He later attended Southwest Mississippi Community College.... |
26 | 44 | 8 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | .205 | 14 |
| Eric Hosmer Eric Hosmer Eric John Hosmer is an American professional baseball first baseman with the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball.-Early life:... |
128 | 523 | 66 | 153 | 27 | 3 | 19 | 78 | .293 | 11 |
| Mike Moustakas Mike Moustakas Michael Christopher Moustakas is an American professional baseball third baseman for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball. He was drafted second overall in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft.... |
89 | 338 | 26 | 89 | 18 | 1 | 5 | 30 | .263 | 2 |
| Yamaico Navarro Yamaico Navarro Yamaico Navarro Pérez is a Dominican professional baseball infielder for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball.... |
6 | 23 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | .304 | 0 |
| Manny Piña | 4 | 14 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .214 | 0 |
| Johnny Giavotella Johnny Giavotella Johnny A. Giavotella is a Major League Baseball second baseman for the Kansas City Royals.Giavotella was called up to the majors for the first time on August 5, 2011. On August 7, 2011, Giavotella hit his first major league career home run off Max Scherzer.-External links:... |
46 | 178 | 20 | 44 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 21 | .247 | 5 |
| Salvador Pérez Salvador Pérez Salvador Pérez Diaz is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Kansas City Royals.Pérez was called up to the majors for the first time on August 10, 2011. On August 29, Salvador Pérez hit his first major league home run against Max Scherzer of the Tigers. In that game, Pérez was a triple away from... |
39 | 148 | 20 | 49 | 8 | 2 | 3 | 21 | .331 | 0 |
| Lorenzo Cain Lorenzo Cain Lorenzo Lamar Cain is an outfielder for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball.-Minor leagues:... |
6 | 22 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .273 | 0 |
Stats through September 29, 2011