Harry Hostetter's Blog

Major league debut of Leo Nunez tonight in the 8th inning. He strikes out his first two batters and gets his third batter on a foul popup. A very impressive first outing for the 21 year old pitcher the Royals obtained from the Pirates this off season for the 43 year old Benito Santiago, who was released on Sunday. The interesting thing about Nunez, who was recalled from the Wichita AA club, is where he started this year, High Desert A club. Now it isn't that uncommon to make moves like this, but his stats in High Desert are odd for moving to Wichita. From the Royals web site "Nunez opened the year with Class-A High Desert, recording an 8.31 ERA in eight games." You promote a pitcher with an 8.31 to AA? He did pitch well in Wichita, 3 games 5 innings 1.80 ERA, but is he ahead of Steve Stemle, 9 games 12 innings 0.00 ERA? Pena says, "He's a young kid that can throw strikes." When has Tony had time to check him out? I think that this another questionable move for the Royals this year.

May 9, 2005 8 wins and 24 losses. Let's try to pick when they will hit double digit wins. I will guess May 14th.