How concerned are you about the Royals?
The 1998 New York Yankees won 114 games, then rolled over the Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians and San Diego Padres on the way to a World Series championship.
They also had a four-game losing streak and three-game skids.
The 1984 Detroit Tigers started the season with a 35-5 record, but suffered a four-game losing streak three times. They still cruised to a World Series title.
In other words, you’ll be hard pressed to find a baseball team that doesn’t go through unsuccessful periods.
The Royals have lost three straight and have a 12-9 record. They are three games behind the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central.
There has been a fair amount of angst among Royals fans, but how deep does it run? I asked Royals fans their thoughts on Twitter, and the responses were broken down into roughly three categories.
There are fans who are very concerned.
@pgrathoff not hitting, still using a rally-killer as lead off, best pitchers just got rocked, intensity not there...need we say more?
— Bobby Cave (@BobbyCave) April 28, 2016
@pgrathoff oh, and the sox are crushing it while we're flaming out...
— Bobby Cave (@BobbyCave) April 28, 2016
@pgrathoff Gordon striking out is concerning, I mean, he had 3 today and they didnt even play
— Royals Panic Button (@Cerner4Royals) April 28, 2016
The lineup outside of Moose and Hosmer is awful https://t.co/8NK6ED7brG
— Trevor Lininger (@TLKU1993) April 28, 2016
Then there are some fans who have a few doubts about the team, but are not in freak-out mode.
I'm not concerned. But I'm on alert with a few certain players. https://t.co/4qAqjEhsI3
— Aaron Potter (@AaronEPotter) April 28, 2016
There's probably a few guys on the team getting those worries than the entire team at this time https://t.co/eCiKIzVRoD
— Brandon H. (@BHIndepMO) April 28, 2016
@pgrathoff Yes, if the Chiefs got blown out in Week 1 would there be some concern? White Sox hot start helps the minor concern.
— Andrew Brandt (@ABrandt42) April 28, 2016
@pgrathoff my biggest issue is Escobar in leadoff spot. it's time to move him to 9th & give Dyson a shot because he is swinging the bat well
— Dave (@KCDave116) April 28, 2016
@pgrathoff I think "annoyed at the sweep, at Escobar, and at Soria" more than concerned. More hits with RISP would solve a lot.
— Mike Engel (@michaelengel) April 28, 2016
Others have complete confidence that the Royals will be fine as the season plays out.
No, the season just started... https://t.co/ToBNumzo0v
— Manute Troll (@C_Penn_) April 28, 2016
@royalsreview @pgrathoff 1/2 the fan base expects them to win every game.12-9 is a crap record when you could be 21-0. Relax royals Twitter
— Louie Petit (@LFPthree) April 28, 2016
@pgrathoff not concerned at all. It's April and these guys know what it takes.
— Brian Kamp (@B_Kamp) April 28, 2016
So what do you think? Vote in the poll and if you feel like leaving a question, please do so:
Pete Grathoff: 816-234-4330, @pgrathoff