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Kansas City Royals have officially fizzled out.
After getting off to a decent start to the season, the losses are occurring more frequently and just like that they are five games below .500. They've lost five of their last seven games over the past week.
Still, Kansas City is just four games off the pace in the division. But if the Royals are to pick up the pieces, they've got some work to do.
For one, they haven't been able to get the job done at home. They're 7-12 record at Kauffman Stadium is the worst home mark in the majors. The Royals have three games remaining in their season-long 10-game homestand. But they'd have to sweep the Tigers this week just to finish off the homestand at 5-5.
"I can't give you any specific explanation other than the fact we know we need more offensive production," manager Trey Hillman said of his team's home struggles. "It's a bottom line business; you've got to produce."
As a team, Kansas City is hitting a respectable .285 over the homestand. However, they are stranding runners on base fairly regularly. And that, according to Hillman, is an indication guys are pressing too much at the plate.
It would certainly also help matters if the team had some heavy hitters in the lineup. Kansas City's 19 home runs on the season rank dead last in the majors, as only second-year third baseman Alex Gordon (five homers, 19 RBI) has provided any pop.
On Sunday, the Royals managed to avoid a four-game sweep at the hands of the Orioles, thanks to Brian Bannister's eight-inning gem. He did not allow a run, and gave up only two hits to improve to 4-4 on the season.
But Bannister cannot pitch every day. A big part of the problem, according to the coaching staff, has been the team's lack of discipline at the plate. Guys are not being patient enough, and that shows in the team's walk total, which ranks at the bottom of the majors.
"We're in a really, obviously, a disappointing and frustrating stretch," said Hillman on the team's Web site, stating the obvious.
ONE AREA THAT HASN'T BEEN A PROBLEM
The starting rotation, while it hasn't been dominant, is keeping the team in a position to win games.
In all but three of the last 10 games, the starters have held the opposition to four runs or fewer. Hillman, for one, really likes his rotation.
"I'm really comfortable with the five guys and their accountability and their ability to go out and win ballgames," Hillman told the Kansas City Star.
Gil Meche, who has been around the block a few times, said he hasn't been on a staff that has communicated with each other as often as this group. Luke Hochevar credits Meche for helping him develop his curveball.
Zack Greinke has no doubt been the horse, as he has gone seven innings four times this season. He is 4-1 with a 1.80 ERA.
WHO'S HOT
Jose Guillen has eight hits in his last 14 at-bats, including three doubles.
WHO'S NOT
Mark Teahen is just 3-for-his-last-18.
A LOOK AHEAD
Greinke gets the nod tonight when the Tigers come to kick off the last leg of Kansas City's homestand. He will face off against Nate Robertson (1-4, 6.64). On Wednesday, it will be Luke Hochevar (2-2, 4.94) against Justin Verlander (1-6, 6.43). And on Thursday, veterans Meche (2-5, 6.31) and Kenny Rogers (3-3, 5.82) will square off.
The Royals then head to Florida to play a weekend series against the Marlins.
