Here's an observation for you. The Royals needed one thing last year. Pitching. If they had it, there's no telling what the AL Central might have looked like.

What's the one thing they have this year? Pitching. Like, loads of it. So where is the offense? Their offense wasn't one of the best, but it was young and figured to be trending upwards towards being really darn good. Yeahhh about that. It's still kind of in the middle, not quite what it was last year. So essentially, this is a balanced out Kansas City Royals team. But really, they are at the same level they were last year in terms of production. It's just where that production comes from.

ROYALS - 3 | INDIANS - 4

W: Cody Allen (2-0)

L: Kelvin Herrera (3-5)

S: Vinnie Pestano (2)

[BOXSCORE]

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The Indians took the series with a 6-3 win over the Royals, and head to the weekend in sole possession of second place in the A.L. Central.  In today’s B-List, Buff talks about Justin Masterson’s good fortune, Mark Reynolds’ fine glovework, Mike Brantley’s surprising power surge, Brian Shaw’s proper use, and the fact that the Royals really simply lack players who can actually HIT.  Which is a funny thing to say about a team that outhit yours 12-to-7.  He has made better points.

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You know starting pitchers are funny funny beings. Following them is very much a fluid situation, especially with the Indians and the way this year's rotation has gone.

This weekend we saw Scott Kazmir go out and pitch well against Minnesota. There were some doubts creeping in about Kazmir and if he was really going to be able to get the job done consistently as a member of the rotation.

Yesterday, Cookie Carrasco went out to face the Twins coming off an excellent start against the Royals. His outing made you think that he was getting it and that he could really slot in and be an impact piece.

Oh how things change from start to start, in either case. I guess if the Indians can get 90 manageable starts from their starters, they'll be in good shape. It doesn't matter how they get them or who they get them from.

TWINS - 5 | INDIANS - 3

W: Pedro Hernandez (3-1)

L: Carlos Carrasco (0-3)

S: Glen Perkins (19)

[BOXSCORE]

That isn't to say Carlos Carrasco was awful and needs removed from the rotation after his start against the Twins, but the ups and downs are certainly going to be interesting to live with. I think this is who he is. He's got incredible talent, someone who can throw a 95 fastball and then snap back an 80 mph changeup for a strike, but also someone who has issues coming up with that third strike.

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The Indians dropped the opener to Kansas City, falling behind the Royals into third place in the A.L. Central, and falling back under .500 in the process.  In today’s B-List, Buff congratulates the alien that inhabited Carlos Carrasco’s body, laments Jason Kipnis’ tough day at the plate, wonders if Mike Aviles was actually worse, wonders whether Brian Shaw was the best choice, likes all of Matt Albers’ pitches but one, and takes cheap shots at Jason Giambi’s speed, Rich Hill’s fielding, and John McDonald’s existence.

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