Owner(s) David Glass Manager(s) Buddy Bell Local radio WHB 810AM
KCXM 97.3FM | General manager(s) Dayton Moore Local television KMCI
RSTN | |
The Kansas City Royals' 2007 season began with the team attempting to win the Central Division of the American League - a task not achieved since the division was formed in 1994.
Contents
In trying to improve on their 62–100 record in the 2006 season, the team avoided a fourth straight 100-loss season. Buddy Bell returned for his second and final full season as manager, while Dayton Moore began his first season as the team's general manager.
Anticipation surrounded the Royals' newfound approach to once again become a playoff contender with rebuilding the roster. Roster moves generated much interest in the Kansas City area, including the big-budget signing of starting pitcher Gil Meche, and the arrival of young, new talent—such as rookie third baseman Alex Gordon and designated hitter Billy Butler. The team's payroll for the 2007 season was increased to $67 million (22nd in the major leagues).
Free agency and roster moves
The biggest free-agent pickups for the Royals in 2007 included RHP Gil Meche—who was signed to a 5-year, $55 million deal—and RHP Octavio Dotel, who quickly became trade bait to the Atlanta Braves.
April
The Royals began the season with expectations of improvement from their fans, and the team never ceased to impress in their home opener against the Boston Red Sox. The Royals defeated the Red Sox 7–1 in front of the sold-out home crowd. The magic did not last, however—Kansas City was just 3–7 through the first ten games of the season, and 8–18 by the end of April.
May
The Royals hit minor spots of winning when the team won 8 of 10 games from May 13 to 23, but finished the month of May on a seven-game losing streak with series sweeps by the Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles. Kansas City went 11–17 in May and finished the month with an overall record of 19–35.
June
In the 2007 MLB draft held on June 7, the Royals selected shortstop Mike Moustakas at No. 2 overall. The team went 15–12 in June, their first winning month since July 2003. Pitcher Brian Bannister won the American League Rookie of the Month Award.
July
Gil Meche was the only Royal selected to represent the team at the 2007 Major League Baseball All-Star Game in San Francisco. At the All-Star break, the Royals had a record of 38–50 and the lowest team ERA in 13 years. On July 31, the Royals traded pitcher Octavio Dotel to the Atlanta Braves for pitcher Kyle Davies. The Royals went 13–12 in July, giving the team its first consecutive winning months since June and July 2003. Billy Butler won the Rookie of the Month Award.
August
On August 1, manager Buddy Bell announced his intention to resign following the 2007 season before a game against the Minnesota Twins. Also, about an hour before the first pitch, the Interstate 35W bridge over the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis collapsed with a death toll of at 13. Before the game, a moment of silence was held for the victims of the collapse. The team rescheduled their August 2 game against the Twins to the afternoon of August 31 for a double-header. Brian Bannister won his second Rookie of the Month Award for the season. The Royals went 13–15 in August, completing a three-month stretch in which the team compiled a record of 41–39.
September
On September 12, the Royals defeated the Minnesota Twins 6–3 to win their 63rd game, guaranteeing that they would not lose 100 games in 2007. The victory ended the team's string of three consecutive seasons of 100 losses of more from 2004–2006. While the Royals struggled with a 9–19 record in September, their overall record of 69–93 was the team's best finish since 2003.
Pitching
Stats as of September 26
Pitching
Stats as of September 26
Awards and honors
2007 Major League Baseball All-Star Game