2008 Kansas City Royals season

March 2026 November 2013 Kansas City Royals 2008 Kansas City Royals Insignia (2002–2025).svg American League Central Kauffman Stadium Kansas City, Missouri 75–87 (75 87) 4th David Glass Dayton Moore Trey Hillman FSN Kansas City KCSP 610 AM The 2008 Kansas City Royals season was the 40th season for the franchise, and their 36th at Kauffman Stadium. The season began with the team searching for its 15th manager in franchise history. Trey Hillman, former minor league baseball and Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters (Nippon Professional Baseball) manager, was hired as the team's skipper on October 19, 2007.Kaegel, Dick. Royals introduce Hillman as new manager https://web.archive.org/web/20110519180546/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071022&content_id=2276225&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc May 19, 2011 MLB.com, October 22, 2007. The team looked to improve upon its record of 69–93 from 2007. The team's payroll for the 2008 season was initially estimated to be around $57 million,Associated Press. Cabrera homers in Tiger's debut but Royals prevail in 11 ESPN.com, March 31, 2008. and wound up at $58 million (24th in the major leagues). Dutton Bob Royals to Open 2010 Season With $70.1 million Payroll Kansas City Star April 4, 2010 http://www.kansascity.com/2010/04/04/1856456/royals-to-open-2010-season-with.html April 5, 2010 USA Today Salaries Database USA Today http://content.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/totalpayroll.aspx?year=2008 April 5, 2010 October 24, 2007 Despite another last-place finish in 2007, the Royals sought a breakout season in 2008.Kaegel, Dick. KC hopes for Winter Meeting encore https://web.archive.org/web/20071201172400/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071126&content_id=2308351&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc December 1, 2007 MLB.com, November 28, 2007. Renovations to Kauffman Stadium were ongoing throughout the 2008 season and it was completed in time for Opening Day in 2009. Following the team's 81st game, the mid-way point of the 2008 season, the Royals had a 37–44 record. The closest the team managed to crawl back to a .500 record after their 9–6 start to the season was within 6 games in mid-July. After compiling a 7–20 record in August, the Royals were eliminated from recording their first winning season since 2003. However, an 18–8 record in September let the Royals finish with a 75–87 record, their best since 2003. Offseason Coaching search I'm a hungry guy...I do not like to lose. I like to start from the ground up and build, and build in such a way that it's going to be maintained for many years to come. — Trey Hillman at his introductory press conference, October 22, 2007. 33% right Buddy Bell announced his resignation at the end of the 2007 season after serving 2 1 2 seasons with the Royals. Early candidates to assume the manager's position included Royals bench coach Billy Doran,Dutton, Bob. Finding a manager tops Royals' offseason checklist Kansas City Star, October 1, 2007. former Royals star Frank White, and Triple-A Omaha manager Mike Jirschele. Former Major League managers such as Joe Girardi, Jim Fregosi, Ken Macha, and Jimy Williams were also in consideration. Trey Hillman, who was considered a sleeper candidate, was chosen on October 19. Hillman was interviewed in 2007 by Texas, San Diego and Oakland. He was mentioned as a possible successor to Joe Torre with New York. Hillman had never played, coached or managed in Major League Baseball prior to his hiring by the Royals. Winter meetings thumb|right|200px|The new high-definition video board at Kauffman Stadium, installed in 2008. The stadium was under renovation while the season was still in progress. The Royals entered baseball's winter meetings in December 2007 with José Guillén and Andruw Jones atop their free-agent prospects list.Kaegel, Dick. Royals win one, lose one https://web.archive.org/web/20071208081816/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071206&content_id=2319508&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc December 8, 2007 MLB.com, December 6, 2007. Torii Hunter was also considered by Kansas City before signing with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Royals signed Guillén to a three-year, $36 million contract, while Jones signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The acquisition of Guillén was the Royals' only major move at the winter meetings. Just before the meetings, the Royals had ministered to another need by signing reliever Yasuhiko Yabuta to a two-year deal with an option for 2010.Kaegel, Dick. Yabuta signs two-year deal with Royals https://web.archive.org/web/20071201160302/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071128&content_id=2313319&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc December 1, 2007 MLB.com, November 28, 2007.Kaegel, Dick. Guillen deal spanned Winter Meetings https://web.archive.org/web/20071208085544/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071206&content_id=2320278&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc December 8, 2007 MLB.com, December 6, 2007. Yabuta, from the Nippon Professional Baseball league, was seen as the likely successor to David Riske in a right-handed setup role. Riske left the Royals for a three-year, $13 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.Kaegel, Dick. Riske departs with deal from Brewers https://web.archive.org/web/20071207071339/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071205&content_id=2318284&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc December 7, 2007 MLB.com, December 5, 2007. Hiroki Kuroda was on the Royals' radar, but several other teams were in pursuit as well,Kaegel, Dick. Royals join hunt for Kuroda https://web.archive.org/web/20071130133932/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071127&content_id=2312688&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc November 30, 2007 MLB.com, November 27, 2007. and the Dodgers signed him first. In the Rule 5 draft, the Royals picked up left-handed pitcher Ray Liotta from the Chicago White Sox. Roster moves Royals players eligible for arbitration left Kansas City avoided arbitration with all of its players for the 2008 season. 22em C John BuckKaegel, Dick. Three Royals exchange salary figures https://web.archive.org/web/20080120005202/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080118&content_id=2350983&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc January 20, 2008 MLB.com, January 18, 2008.Kaegel, Dick. Royals Winter Meeting checklist https://web.archive.org/web/20071204134941/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071126&content_id=2308795&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc December 4, 2007 MLB.com, November 28, 2007. 1B Ross Gload IF Estéban GermánKaegel, Dick. Royals sign utility player German https://web.archive.org/web/20080202120442/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080129&content_id=2359494&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc February 2, 2008 MLB.com, January 29, 2008. IF Jason Smith (released)Kaegel, Dick. Royals sign Duckworth, Smith https://web.archive.org/web/20071215122555/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071212&content_id=2324066&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc December 15, 2007 MLB.com, December 12, 2007.Kaegel, Dick. Royals cut ties with infielder Smith https://web.archive.org/web/20080108141452/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080104&content_id=2339856&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc January 8, 2008 MLB.com, January 4, 2008. OF Mark TeahenKaegel, Dick. Royals sign pitcher Zack Greinke and outfielder Mark Teahen to one-year deals https://web.archive.org/web/20080416073426/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20080207&content_id=2367716&vkey=pr_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc April 16, 2008 MLB.com, February 7, 2008. OF Emil Brown (released)Kaegel, Dick. Brown's days with Royals end https://web.archive.org/web/20071214082046/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071212&content_id=2323570&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc December 14, 2007 MLB.com, December 12, 2007. LHP Jorge de la Rosa RHP Zack Greinke LHP Jimmy Gobble RHP Brandon Duckworth RHP Román Colón RHP Luke HudsonKaegel, Dick. Royals, Hudson agree on contract https://web.archive.org/web/20080110024408/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080108&content_id=2341877&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc January 10, 2008 MLB.com, January 8, 2008. Royals activity in free agency left (x) = club option for 2008 (m) = mutual option for 2008 (y) = player option for 2008 Color Code Key ColorMeaningGreenPlayer will return to teamLight Green Player joins teamCrimson Player will not return to team (released, option not exercised, signed with new team, or retired etc.)White Player's status undetermined PlayerPosition2007 Team2008 TeamCommentsEmil BrownOFRoyalsAthleticsSigned 1 Year, $1.45MBrian BuchananOFHawksRoyalsSigned minor league contractFernando Cortez2BRoyalsWhite SoxSigned minor league contractZach DayRPTwinsElected Free agencyJosé GuillénOFMarinersRoyalsSigned a 3-year, $36 million dealJason LaRueCRoyalsCardinalsSigned 1 Year, $850KBrian LawrenceSPRoyalsElected Free AgencyColby LewisSPAthleticsCentral League (Japan)Claimed off waivers from Athletics, released, signed w/ Hiroshima CarpRon MahayRPBravesRoyalsSigned 2-years, $8MMike MarothSPRoyalsElected Free AgencyJoe NelsonRPRoyalsMarlinsSigned Minor League ContractHideo NomoSPDid Not PlayRoyalsSigned Minor league ContractMiguel OlivoCMarlinsRoyalsSigned 1-Year Contract w/ 2009 Mutual OptionOdalis PérezSPRoyalsNationalsRoyals declined option; signed minor league contractPaul PhillipsCRoyalsWhite SoxSpring training inviteeDavid RiskeRPRoyalsBrewersSigned 3-year, $13M contractReggie SandersOFRoyalsElected free agencyMike Sweeney1BRoyalsAthleticsSigned minor league contractJohn ThomsonSPRoyalsElected free agencyBrett TomkoSPPadresRoyalsSigned 1-Year, $3MChin-hui TsaoRPDodgersRoyalsSpring training inviteeYasuhiko YabutaRPMarinesRoyalsSigned 2-years, $6M deal with 2010 club option Trades December 15—Traded RHP Billy Buckner to the Arizona Diamondbacks for IF Alberto Callaspo.Kaegel, Dick. Royals acquire Callaspo from D-Backs https://web.archive.org/web/20071216064836/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071214&content_id=2326470&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc December 16, 2007 MLB.com, December 15, 2007. Return of the Powder Blues After a lengthy absence, the Royals' powder blue uniforms returned in 2008. The new powder blue jerseys were unveiled to season-ticket holders on December 6, 2007, at a private event in downtown Kansas City.Kaegel, Dick. Royals to bring back powder blues https://web.archive.org/web/20080629032831/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071207&content_id=2320779&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc June 29, 2008 MLB.com, December 6, 2007. Royals players John Buck, Mark Teahen, Alex Gordon, José Guillén and David DeJesus and manager Trey Hillman modeled the new power blue tops and white pants, which will be an alternate home jersey in 2008. The Royals previously wore powder-blue uniforms in away games from 1973 to 1991. The Royals debuted the jerseys on April 12 against the Minnesota Twins. The first 20,000 fans for the game received a replica powder blue No. 16 Billy Butler jersey.Kaegel, Dick. Powder blues popular in return https://web.archive.org/web/20080414022333/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080412&content_id=2521105&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc April 14, 2008 MLB.com, April 12, 2008. With that promotion, the game was a sellout. Manager Trey Hillman and seven players—Brian Bannister, Gil Meche, Joey Gathright, Tony Peña Jr., John Bale, Zack Greinke and Butler—helped hand out the free jerseys when the gates opened at 4 p.m. All 20,000 powder blue tops were handed out within 40 minutes after the gates opened. Regular season Suspensions Outfielder José Guillén was to be suspended for 15 days (12 games) for violation of Major League Baseball's Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Kansas City signed Guillén knowing that he might have been suspended.Kaegel, Dick. Royals slugger Guillen suspended https://web.archive.org/web/20071208085554/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071206&content_id=2320510&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc December 8, 2007 MLB.com, December 6, 2007. Guillén was cited in the Mitchell Report when it was released on December 13, 2007.Kaegel, Dick. Royals players cited by Mitchell https://web.archive.org/web/20071215122606/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071213&content_id=2325200&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc December 15, 2007 MLB.com, December 13, 2007. Guillén's suspension was put on hold for 10 days allowing him to play in the team's season and home openers.Associated Press. Gibbons, Guillén suspensions put on hold for 10 days ESPN.com, March 29, 2008. The suspension was eventually upheld and Guillén never received any punishment.Kaegel, Dick. MLB commutes Guillen's suspension https://web.archive.org/web/20080414022318/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080411&content_id=2515929&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc April 14, 2008 MLB.com, April 11, 2008. Miguel Olivo faced a five-game suspension for fighting at New York in the 2007 season while a member of the Florida Marlins,Kaegel, Dick. Royals await appeals decisions https://web.archive.org/web/20080325175715/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080323&content_id=2454204&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc March 25, 2008 MLB.com, March 23, 2008. but the suspension was reduced to four games after an appeal.Kaegel, Dick. Guillen will play on Opening Day https://web.archive.org/web/20080401165854/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080328&content_id=2463398&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc April 1, 2008 MLB.com, March 28, 2008. He was eligible to begin playing on April 5 against the Minnesota Twins. Monthly summaries March and April left|thumb|Brian Bannister was named AL co-Player of the Week after throwing a complete game on April 13. On March 31, the Detroit Tigers hosted the Royals on Opening Day. Kansas City listed only 24 players on their active roster, as Miguel Olivo began serving his four-game suspension.Kaegel, Dick. Royals make final roster decisions https://web.archive.org/web/20080402223814/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080329&content_id=2465293&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc April 2, 2008 MLB.com, March 29, 2008. The roster listed 11 pitchers, 7 infielders, 4 outfielders, and 2 catchers. Gil Meche made his second consecutive Opening Day start for the Royals,Kaegel, Dick. Meche eyeing repeat performance https://web.archive.org/web/20080402124749/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080325&content_id=2457494&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc April 2, 2008 MLB.com, March 28, 2008. lasting six innings. The Royals won the game 5–4 in 11 innings, and went on to sweep the Tigers in the three-game series outscoring them 13–5. Kansas City hosted the New York Yankees for their home-opening series at Kauffman Stadium and won two of three games. Their 6–2 start was the franchise's best since 2003.Associated Press. Bannister, Royals drop A-Rod, Yanks for best start since 2003 ESPN.com, April 8, 2008. The Royals hosted the Twins from April 11–13, where game-time temperatures reached as low as 29 F for the series.Associated Press. Liriano rocked by Royals in return as Bannister baffles Twins for win ESPN.com, April 14, 2008. After losing the first two games and not scoring any runs, the Royals won the last game by a score of 5–1. Kansas City debuted their new alternate powder blue home jerseys to a sold-out crowd on April 12, with a replica jersey giveaway promotion.Associated Press. Cold weather rubs off on Royals as scoreless inning streak hits 26 ESPN.com, April 12, 2008. Brian Bannister threw a complete game and allowed only three hits on April 13 in a 5–1 win. The following night, Zack Greinke threw a complete game as well.Kaegel, Dick. Greinke, homers lift KC past SeattleOctober 2024 medicmedic MLB.com, April 15, 2008. It was not until their 19th game of the season that the Royals fell under a .500 winning percentage in the middle of a seven-game losing streak after going 9–6 to start the season. When the streak was snapped they were 10–13. In 2007, the Royals lost their second game of the year and remained under .500 for the remainder of the season, finishing with a record of 69–93. May 150px|thumb|right|After only 19 games, Mike Avilés was hitting .352 with 3 home runs, a triple, 9 doubles, 16 runs scored, and 14 runs batted in. At the Royals' May 9 game against the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City-native David Cook threw out the ceremonial first pitch and sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in the seventh inning stretch. At the time, Cook was a finalist on American Idol, and he eventually won the competition.Associated Press. Hometown fans welcome back 'Idol' finalists MSNBC.com, May 9, 2008. Brian Bannister threw a two-hitter on May 11 in a 4–0 win over Baltimore for the Royals' first victory over the Orioles after losing 12 consecutive games to the franchise. Through 40 games, Joakim Soria had a 0.00 ERA and ten saves, and the Royals signed him to a three-year contract extension through the 2011 season.Kaegel, Dick. Royals give contract extension to Soria https://web.archive.org/web/20120301003142/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080517&content_id=2719179&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc March 1, 2012 MLB.com, May 17, 2008. In early May, Kansas City completed their second series sweep against Detroit, advancing to 6–0 over the Tigers on the season. Jon Lester of the Boston Red Sox threw a no-hitter against Kansas City on May 19.Kaegel, Dick. Royals victims of Lester's no-hitter https://web.archive.org/web/20080521084136/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080519&content_id=2731540&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc May 21, 2008 MLB.com, May 19, 2008. It was just the Royals' second game to register no hits against an opponent, and the first since May 15, 1973. The Royals endured a 12-game losing streak following the loss to Lester and the Red Sox, sending them 11 games under .500 and in last place of the American League Central. The Royals started their May 31 game against Cleveland with the fewest runs, sacrifice flies, RBIs and walks in the major leagues, but beat reigning Cy Young Award winner CC Sabathia 4–2 to end their losing streak.Associated Press. Davies, Royals stop Sabathia, Indians to end 'miserable' 12-game slump ESPN.com, May 31, 2008. The losing streak prompted José Guillén to criticize his team's performance with the media after a 9–8 loss to Minnesota:Kaegel, Dick. Guillén, Royals frustrated after defeat MLB.com, May 29, 2008. "We've got 25 people. We've got to play as a team, win as a team and lose as a team. We've got too many babies here. They don't know how to play the game and play the game right, the way it's supposed to be played...That's the problem here. Now I know why this organization has been losing for a while." The Royals' losing streak was the longest in the majors since Kansas City and Pittsburgh both had 13-game losing streaks in 2006. While going almost two weeks without a win, Kansas City had allowed three grand slams, lost a five-run lead in the ninth inning of one game and scored three or fewer runs in nine others. It was the Royals' fourth time losing 12 consecutive games in franchise history, and all of the streaks have occurred since 1997.Kaegel, Dick. Royals reach Lee, but slide continues https://web.archive.org/web/20080601113919/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080530&content_id=2803696&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc June 1, 2008 MLB.com, May 31, 2008. The losing caused Kansas City to make roster changes by sending the struggling Billy Butler to Triple-A affiliate Omaha. Mike Avilés was called up in exchange.Kaegel, Dick. Royals send Butler back to Triple-A https://web.archive.org/web/20080602015518/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080529&content_id=2794247&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc June 2, 2008 MLB.com, May 29, 2008. June thumb|left|José Guillén at bat against Rockies pitcher Jorge de la Rosa. Looking to rebound from their 12-game losing streak in May, the Royals started the month of June with 4 consecutive series wins over National League opponents. Kansas City completed its first ever series sweep of the Cardinals in St. Louis.Kaegel, Dick. Royals secure historic I-70 Series sweepOctober 2024 medicmedic MLB.com, June 19, 2008. In 12 years of Interleague play, the Cardinals still hold the I-70 Series lead, 26–22, but the Royals have done better in St. Louis, winning 11 of 21 games. On June 22, the Royals made an improbable comeback after trailing 6-0 and later 10–3 against the San Francisco Giants. The Royals scored 8 unanswered runs and won the game and Joakim Soria recorded his 20th save of the season in 21 tries.Kaegel, Dick. Royals rally for win vs. Giants https://web.archive.org/web/20080627160455/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080622&content_id=2981896&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc June 27, 2008 MLB.com, June 22, 2008. Following a sweep of the defending National League champion Colorado Rockies, the Royals boasted an MLB-best 12–3 record in Interleague play and won for the tenth time in 11 games.Kaegel, Dick. Royals run win streak to five in sweep https://web.archive.org/web/20080628092432/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080625&content_id=3002721&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc June 28, 2008 MLB.com, June 26, 2008. Following their 12-game skid ended in May, the Royals went 15–9, closed to within seven games of .500 and skipped out of last place of the American League Central. José Guillén made controversial remarks about Royals fans following booing in the June 25 game against the Rockies which prompted him to apologize days later to the Royals fanbase and team management.Kaegel, Dick. Guillén apologizes to fans https://web.archive.org/web/20080704223215/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080628&content_id=3024851&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc July 4, 2008 MLB.com, June 28, 2008. Fans booed Guillén in the eighth inning of the Royals' 4–2 win. He grounded to Colorado Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins and began a slow run toward first base. Atkins' throw was off target, forcing Todd Helton to leave the bag. If Guillén had been at full speed, he might have been safe.Kaegel, Dick. Guillén speaks out about fans boos https://web.archive.org/web/20080629020343/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080627&content_id=3015289&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc June 29, 2008 MLB.com, June 27, 2008. Guillén had been battling several injuries which had caused him to play easier in order to avoid the disabled list. After defeating the Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium, the Royals boasted a six-game winning-streak, the team's best since their 9–0 start in the 2003 season.Kaegel, Dick. Royals top Cards for sixth straight win https://web.archive.org/web/20080629020413/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080627&content_id=3015940&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc June 29, 2008 MLB.com, June 28, 2008. Billy Butler rejoined the team after Alberto Callaspo was involved in a drunk driving incident.Kaegel, Dick. Back from Minors, Butler rejoins Royals https://web.archive.org/web/20080701183856/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080628&content_id=3020851&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc July 1, 2008 MLB.com, June 28, 2008. At the Royals' home game against the Cardinals, the team inducted Art Stewart into the Royals Hall of Fame. Stewart became the first scout to be inducted into any of Major League Baseball's franchise hall of fames, and the Royals' 23rd overall inductee.Kaegel, Dick. Stewart gets into Royals Hall of Fame https://web.archive.org/web/20080702090101/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080628&content_id=3023696&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc July 2, 2008 MLB.com, June 28, 2008. In the final game of the month, the Royals defeated the Baltimore Orioles after Miguel Olivo, on a 0-2 pitch, hit a game-tying home run into the left-field seats in the bottom of the 9th inning. José Guillén batted in the Royals' game-winning run and Joakim Soria closed out the game for his 22nd save.Kaegel, Dick. Olivo's heroics push Royals to victory https://web.archive.org/web/20080704223225/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080630&content_id=3034581&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc July 4, 2008 MLB.com, July 1, 2008. The Royals finished out the month of June with a 16–11 record. July left|thumb|Joakim Soria was chosen as the Royals' lone representative in the 2008 MLB All-Star Game. He finished the season with 42 saves. Joakim Soria was selected to be the Royals' lone representative in the 2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game,Kaegel, Dick. Soria heading to All-Star Game https://web.archive.org/web/20080710114809/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080706&content_id=3076168&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc July 10, 2008 MLB.com, July 6, 2008. and José Guillén was named to the All-Star Final Vote ballot.Kaegel, Dick. Guillén trails slightly in Final Vote https://web.archive.org/web/20080711090603/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080707&content_id=3085877&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc July 11, 2008 MLB.com, July 7, 2008. Guillén was involved in a heated argument with pitching coach Bob McClure before the team's July 5 game against the Tampa Bay Rays, but was not penalized for his actions.Kaegel, Dick. Guillén, pitching coach get into spat https://web.archive.org/web/20080710104528/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080705&content_id=3072642&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc July 10, 2008 MLB.com, July 6, 2007. At the All-Star break, the Royals boasted a record of 43–53, an improvement compared to their 38–50 record from 2007 and 31–56 record in 2006. On July 21, the Royals suffered their worst defeat of the season, and the Tigers registered their first victory over Kansas City in 2008 with a score of 19–4.Kaegel, Dick. Royals subjected to Tigers' revenge https://web.archive.org/web/20080728063437/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080721&content_id=3168649&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc July 28, 2008 MLB.com, July 22, 2008. By the seventh inning, it was 9–0 in favor of Detroit. The Tigers' 10-run eighth inning mostly came against Jimmy Gobble, who was charged with all 10 runs. At one point in the inning, Gobble allowed six straight hits, the last being a home run by Gary Sheffield. His ERA spiraled from 7.99 to 11.31. Gobble faced 12 hitters in the inning before Hillman finally called for Leo Núñez to substitute. The Royals, behind 19–0, finally broke through with four runs in their half of the eighth. They had five straight hits, including Billy Butler's two-run single. Manager Trey Hillman said following the game: It was a nasty loss...Obviously lopsided—a laugher for them. Toward the end, at least we were playing with a little bit of pride, still battling and we got rid of the shutout. That was a positive. Hillman decided to enlist shortstop Tony Peña Jr. to pitch the ninth inning for the Royals. Peña, who lost his starting shortstop job to Mike Avilés, pitched a one-two-three inning and registered 90 mph on-plus on the radar gun. This was his first competitive pitching since high school in the Dominican Republic. Peña was the first position player pressed into pitching service by the Royals since July 17, 1998, when infielder Shane Halter took a turn in an 18–5 loss at Seattle. On July 29, ESPN Deportes reported that José Guillén expressed his wish to be traded due to a bad relationship with manager Trey Hillman.Relationship with Hillman in tatters, Guillén wants out of K.C. ESPN.com, July 29, 2008. When Guillén signed with Kansas City he knew the team wouldn't be a contender in 2008, but he was promised that moves would be made to build a winning team in 2009. Kansas City had not shown any interest in trading Guillén. The source said Guillén was ready to defer his salary for 2009 and 2010 if it were to help increase his value on the trading block. A "visibly upset" Guillén met with Hillman and denied the report.Kaegel, Dick. Guillén denies he wants out of KC https://web.archive.org/web/20110519183525/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080729&content_id=3219705&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc May 19, 2011 MLB.com, July 29, 2008. The trade deadline passed on July 31 and the Royals made no trades.Kaegel, Dick. Royals quiet on Thursday's trade front https://web.archive.org/web/20080805182018/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080731&content_id=3231421&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc August 5, 2008 MLB.com, July 31, 2008. August The Royals recorded a season-high 19 runs against the Chicago White Sox on August 2 in a 9–7 win.Dent, Mark. Offensive onslaught paces RoyalsOctober 2024 medicmedic MLB.com, August 2, 2008. The following day, Kansas City closed out the series against Chicago by winning 14–3.Kaegel, Dick. Royals rake early, tempers flare late https://web.archive.org/web/20080807015023/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080803&content_id=3246737&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc August 7, 2008 MLB.com, August 3, 2008. In two days, the Royals recorded 38 total hits for the first time in franchise history. The Royals finally fought back against the White Sox—who have dominated the Royals in years past—both literally and figuratively. Four players and both teams' managers were ejected from the game after confrontations over wild pitches. The Royals and White Sox played again in mid-August and on August 14 Kansas City allowed four consecutive home runs in the sixth inning to White Sox batters, tying the MLB record.Associated Press. Thome, Konerko, Ramirez, Uribe hit four straight homers in White Sox win ESPN.com, August 14, 2008. Joel Peralta gave up the first three and Robinson Tejeda allowed the last home run after a pitching change. José Guillén had to be restrained from a heckling fan during the fourth inning of a 2–1 loss to the Texas Rangers on August 26.Associated Press. Royals GM talks to Guillén about confrontation with fan ESPN.com, August 27, 2008. Royals third base coach Luis Silverio and others restrained Guillén, while security escorted to a new seat in Kauffman Stadium. Guillén met with Royals general manager Dayton Moore to discuss Guillén's public outburst, his fourth of the season. Royals manager Trey Hillman did not see the incident take place. "I was actually in the toilet, so I didn't see it", Hillman said. "Managers do have to use the restroom and I guess I picked a bad time to be in the restroom. I found out about it a half inning later. We talked about it briefly. There's no sense on commenting on it." Through 114 games, the Royals were just 7 games under .500, but winning only 7 out of 27 games in the month of August effectively assured Kansas City of another losing season. September Too bad this isn't our August...It's a step forward that we need to realize, take, use and finish up strong so we have some good momentum going into the offseason. — John Buck on the Royals' strong finish in September. 33% left Going into September, it seemed that the Royals' 7–20 record in August had doomed them to a last-place finish in the American League Central,Falkoff, Robert. Royals hope to climb ranks in Central https://web.archive.org/web/20110519183702/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080919&content_id=3509649&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc May 19, 2011 MLB.com, September 20, 2008. but the team's best September since the 1977 season helped erase the losing record in the previous month. The Royals took control of fourth place in the division with another three-game sweep of Detroit.Kaegel, Dick. Royals sweep behind BannisterOctober 2024 medicmedic MLB.com, September 25, 2008. The Royals tied their win total from the 2007 season (69) with a victory over the Seattle Mariners on September 18.Kaegel, Dick. Royals come out swinging in finaleOctober 2024 medicmedic MLB.com, September 18, 2008. The victory was the team's seventh consecutive victory. In their final series of the season, the Twins hosted the Royals.Kaegel, Dick. Royals getting a taste of pennant race https://web.archive.org/web/20110519184030/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080926&content_id=3554150&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc May 19, 2011 MLB.com, September 27, 2008. The Twins hold a ½ game lead in the American League Central over the White Sox, and the Royals won two of three games, leading to a one-game playoff between the Twins and White Sox. The Royals finished the season with a 75–87 record, their best since 2003 thanks to an 18–8 mark in September.Twins close out season with win, turn attention to ChiSox-Tigers makeup ESPN.com, September 28, 2008. Season standings Kansas City Royals Record vs. opponents KC Roster 2008 Kansas City Royals Roster Pitchers 49 John Bale 19 Brian Bannister 28 Kyle Davies 31 Brandon Duckworth 54 Jeff Fulchino 41 Jimmy Gobble 23 Zack Greinke 44 Luke Hochevar 52 Devon Lowery 45,32 Ron Mahay 55 Gil Meche 58 Neal Musser 11 Hideo Nomo 46 Leo Núñez 57 Joel Peralta 52 Horacio Ramírez 56 Ramón Ramírez 53 Carlos Rosa 48 Joakim Soria 51 Robinson Tejeda 25 Brett Tomko 40 Kip Wells 27 Yasuhiko Yabuta Catchers 14 John Buck 21 Miguel Olivo 12 Matt Tupman Infielders 30 Mike Avilés 16 Billy Butler 13 Alberto Callaspo  7 Ross Gload  4 Alex Gordon 15 Mark Grudzielanek 25 Kila Ka'aihue  1 Tony Peña Jr. 43 Ryan Shealy 26 Jason Smith Outfielders  9 David DeJesus  2 Joey Gathright  3 Estéban Germán 11 José Guillén 35 Mitch Maier 24 Mark Teahen Manager 22 Trey Hillman Coaches  8 Mike Barnett (hitting) 60 Bill Duplissea (bullpen catcher) 18 Rusty Kuntz (first base) 33 Bob McClure (pitching) 50 John Mizerock (bullpen)  6 Dave Owen (bench) 17 Luis Silverio (third base) Game log background:#27408B;color:#FFFFFF; 2008 Game Log y background:#27408B;color:#FFFFFF; March # Date Opponent Score Win Loss Save Attendance Record |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 1 || March 31 || @ Tigers || 5 – 4 (11) || Núñez (1–0) || Bautista (0–1) || Soria (1) || 44,934 || 1–0 |- y background:#27408B;color:#FFFFFF; April # Date Opponent Score Win Loss Save Attendance Record |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 2 || April 2 || @ Tigers || 4 – 0 ||Bannister (1–0) ||Rogers (0–1) || ||32,348 || 2–0 |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 3 || April 3 || @ Tigers || 4 – 1 ||Greinke (1–0) || Bonderman (0–1) || Soria (2) || 32,735 || 3–0 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 4 || April 4 || @ Twins || 4 – 3 || Baker (1–0) || Bale (0–1) || Nathan (2) || 21,847 || 3–1 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 5 || April 5 || @ Twins || 6 – 4 || Hernández (2–0) || Meche (0–1) || Nathan (3) || 21,262 || 3–2 |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 6 || April 6 || @ Twins || 3 – 1 || Tomko (1–0) || Bonser (0–2) || Soria (3) || 21,765 || 4–2 |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 7 || April 8 || Yankees || 5 – 2 || Bannister (2–0) || Hughes (0–1) || Soria (4) || 37,296 || 5–2 |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 8 || April 9 || Yankees || 4 – 0 || Greinke (2–0) || Farnsworth (0–1) || Gobble (1) || 19,007 || 6–2 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 9 || April 10 || Yankees || 6 – 1 || Pettitte (1-1) || Bale (0–2) || || 16,143 || 6–3 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 10 || April 11 || Twins || 5 – 0 || Hernández (3–0) || Meche (0–2) || || 16,691 || 6–4 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 11 || April 12 || Twins || 2 – 0 || Bonser (1–2) || Tomko (1-1) || Nathan (4) || 36,300 || 6–5 |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 12 || April 13 || Twins || 5 – 1 || Bannister (3–0) || Liriano (0–1) || || 13,886 || 7–5 |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 13 || April 14 || @ Mariners || 5 – 1 || Greinke (3–0) || Washburn (1–2) || || 16,751 || 8–5 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 14 || April 15 || @ Mariners || 11 – 6 || Batista (1–2) || Bale (0–3) || || 17,137 || 8–6 |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 15 || April 16 || @ Angels || 3 – 2 || Meche (1–2) || Weaver (1–3) || Soria (5) || 41,336 || 9–6 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 16 || April 17 || @ Angels || 5 – 3 || Garland (2-2) || Tomko (1–2) || Rodríguez (6) || 40,021 || 9–7 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 17 || April 18 || @ Athletics || 13 – 2 || Gaudin (1-1) || Bannister (3–1) || || 12,528 || 9–8 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 18 || April 19 || @ Athletics || 6 – 5 || Devine (2–0) || Peralta (0–1) || Street (5) || 20,390 || 9-9 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 19 || April 20 || @ Athletics || 7 – 1 || Eveland (2–1) || Hochevar (0–1) || || 18,645 || 9–10 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 20 || April 22 || Indians || 15 – 1 || Sabathia (1–3) || Meche (1–3) || || 16,165 || 9–11 |- bgcolor=#bbbbbb | N/A || April 23 || Indians ||colspan=6|Postponed (rain) Rescheduled for April 24 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 21 || rowspan="2" |April 24 || rowspan="2" |Indians(doubleheader) || 9 – 6 || Carmona (3–1) || Tomko (1–3) || Betancourt (1) || rowspan="2"|11,637 || 9–12 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 22 || 2 – 0 || Lee (4–0) || Bannister (3–2) || || 9–13 |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 23 || April 25 || Blue Jays || 8 – 4 || Núñez (2–0) || Burnett (2-2) || || 22,561 || 10–13 |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 24 || April 26 || Blue Jays || 2 – 1 || Hochevar (1-1) || Marcum (2-2) || Soria (6) || 24,078 || 11–13 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 25 || April 27 || Blue Jays || 5 – 2 || Litsch (3–1) || Meche (1–4) || Carlson (1) || 13,998 || 11–14 |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 26 || April 29 || @ Rangers || 9 – 5 || Mahay (1–0) || Jennings (0–5) || || 16,472 || 12–14 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 27 || April 30 || @ Rangers || 11 – 9 || Millwood (2-2) || Bannister (3–2) || || 17,705 || 12–15 |- y background:#27408B;color:#FFFFFF; May # Date Opponent Score Win Loss Save Attendance Record |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 28 || May 1 || @ Rangers || 2 – 1 || Ponson (1–0) || Greinke (3–1) || Wilson (6) || 14,563 || 12–16 |- bgcolor="#bbbbbb" | N/A || May 2 || @ Indians || colspan=6|Postponed (rain) Rescheduled for September 13 |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 29 || May 3 || @ Indians || 4 – 2 || Hochevar (2–1) || Sabathia (1–5) || Soria (7) || 27,272 || 13–16 |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 30 || May 4 || @ Indians || 2 – 0 || Meche (2–4) || Laffey (0–2) || Soria (8) || 27,836 || 14–16 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 31 || May 5 || Angels || 4 – 0 || Santana (6–0) || R. Ramírez (0–1) || || 12,157 || 14–17 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 32 || May 6 || Angels || 5 – 3 || Oliver (2–1) || Bannister (3–4) || Rodríguez (14) || 11,354 || 14–18 |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 33 || May 7 || Angels || 9 – 4 || Greinke (4–1) || Weaver (2–5) || || 11,084 || 15–18 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 34 || May 8 || Orioles || 4 – 1 || Cabrera (3–1) || Hochevar (2-2) || || 11,781 || 15–19 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 35 || May 9 || Orioles || 7 – 4 || Trachsel (2–4) || Meche (2–4) || Sherrill (12) || 21,873 || 15–20 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 36 || May 10 || Orioles || 6 – 5 || Olson (1–0) || Tomko (1–4) || Sherrill (13) || 15,808 || 15–21 |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 37 || May 11 || Orioles || 4 – 0 || Bannister (4-4) || Burres (3–4) || || 18,635 || 16–21 |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 38 || May 13 || Tigers || 3 – 2 || Núñez (3–0) || Cruceta (0–1) || Soria (9) || 11,703 || 17–21 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 39 || May 14 || Tigers || 2 – 0 || Hochevar (3–2) || Verlander (1–7) || Soria (10) || 14,053 || 18–21 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 40 || May 15 || Tigers || 8 – 4 || Meche (3–5) || Rogers (3–4) || || 34,734 || 19–21 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 41 || May 16 || @ Marlins || 7 – 6 || Tomko (2–4) || Miller (3-3) || Soria (11) || 14,825 || 20–21 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 42 || May 17 || @ Marlins || 7 – 3|| Kensing (3–0) || Bannister (4–5) || || 16,214 || 20–22 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 43 || May 18 || @ Marlins || 9 – 3 || Greinke (5–1) || Badenhop (1–3) || || 10,617 || 21–22 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 44 || May 19 || @ Red Sox || 7 – 0 || Lester (3–2) || Hochevar (3-3) || || 37,746 || 21–23 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 45 || May 20 || @ Red Sox || 2 – 1 || Masterson (1–0) || Meche (3–6) || Papelbon (13) || 37,486 || 21–24 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 46 || May 21 || @ Red Sox || 6 – 3 || Colón (1–0) || Tomko (2–5) || || 37,674 || 21–25 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 47 || May 22 || @ Red Sox || 11 – 8 || Matsuzaka (8–0) || Bannister (4–6) || Papelbon (14) || 37,613 || 21–26 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 48 || May 23 || @ Blue Jays || 7 – 1 || Halladay (5-5) || Greinke (5–2) || || 24,207 || 21–27 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 49 || May 24 || @ Blue Jays || 6 – 0 || Litsch (6–1) || Hochevar (3–4) || || 28,162 || 21–28 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 50 || May 25 || @ Blue Jays || 3 – 1 || McGowan (3–4) || Meche (3–7) || Ryan (11) || 29,315 || 21–29 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 51 || May 26 || @ Blue Jays || 7 – 2 || Marcum (5–3) || Tomko (2–6) || || 23,157 || 21–30 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 52 || May 27 || Twins || 4 – 3 (12) || Crain (2-2) || Núñez (3–1) || Guerrier (1) || 17,191 || 21–31 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 53 || May 28 || Twins || 9 – 8 (10) || Crain (3–2) || Peralta (0–2) || Nathan (14) || 13,621 || 21–32 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 54 || May 29 || Twins || 5 – 1 || Slowey (2–4) || Hochevar (3–5) || || 12,336 || 21–33 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 55 || May 30 || Indians || 5 – 4 || Lee (8–1) || Tomko (2–7) || Borowski (4) || 25,243 || 21–34 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 56 || May 31 || Indians || 4 – 2 || Davies (1–0) || Sabathia (3–7) || Soria (12) || 23,923 || 22–34 |- y background:#27408B;color:#FFFFFF; June # Date Opponent Score Win Loss Save Attendance Record |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 57 || June 1 || Indians || 6 – 1 || Bannister (5–6) || Byrd (2–5) || || 22,345 || 23–34 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 58 || June 3 || @ White Sox || 9 – 5 || Floyd (6–3) || Greinke (5–3) || || 21,727 || 23–35 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 59 || June 4 || @ White Sox || 6 – 4 (15) || Dotel (3–2) || Gobble (0–1) || || 23,515 || 23–36 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 60 || June 5 || @ White Sox || 6 – 2 || Contreras (6–3) || Meche (3–8) || || 25,104 || 23–37 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 61 || June 6 || @ Yankees || 2 – 1 || Davies (2–0) || Rasner (3-3) || Soria (13) || 52,187 || 24–37 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 62 || June 7 || @ Yankees || 12 – 11 || Rivera (2–1) || Soria (0–1)|| || 53,611 || 24–38 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 63 || June 8 || @ Yankees || 6 – 3 || Giese (1-1) || Greinke (5–4) || Rivera (16) || 54,213 || 24–39 |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 64 || June 9 || @ Yankees || 3 – 2 || Yabuta (1–0) || Rivera (2-2) || Soria (14) || 53,633 || 25–39 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 65 || June 10 || Rangers || 6 – 5 || Guardado (1-1) || Yabuta (1-1) || Wilson (12) || 14,741 || 25–40 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 66 || June 11 || Rangers || 11 – 5 || Padilla (8–3) || Gobble (0–2) || || 20,840 || 25–41 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 67 || June 12 || Rangers || 6 – 5 || Mahay (2–0) || Francisco (1–2) || Soria (15) || 15,515 || 26–41 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 68 || June 13 || @ Diamondbacks || 1 – 0 (10) || Buckner (1–0) || Yabuta (1–2) || || 33,323 || 26–42 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 69 || June 14 || @ Diamondbacks || 12 – 3 || Hochevar (4–5) || Johnson (4-4) || || 44,615 || 27–42 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 70 || June 15 || @ Diamondbacks || 8 – 3 || Meche (4–8) || Owings (6–5) || || 39,125 || 28–42 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 71 || June 17 || @ Cardinals || 2 – 1 || Davies (3–0) || Villone (1–2) || Soria (16) || 43,793 || 29–42 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 72 || June 18 || @ Cardinals || 3 – 2 || Bannister (6-6) || McClellan (0–2) || Soria (17) || 43,810 || 30–42 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 73 || June 19 || @ Cardinals || 4 – 1 || Greinke (6–4) || Thompson (1–2) || Soria (18) || 44,277 || 31–42 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 74 || June 20 || Giants || 9 – 4 || Cain (4–5) || Yabuta (1–3) || || 34,588 || 31–43 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 75 || June 21 || Giants || 5 – 3 || Meche (5–8) || Correia (1–5) || Soria (19) || 28,903 || 32–43 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 76 || June 22 || Giants || 11 – 10 || Mahay (3–0) || Hinshaw (1-1) || Soria (20) || 20,499 || 33–43 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 77 || June 23 || Rockies || 8 – 4 || Bannister (7–6) || Francis (3–7) || || 12,260 || 34–43 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 78 || June 24 || Rockies || 7 – 3 || Greinke (7–4) || de la Rosa (2–4) || || 19,169 || 35–43 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 79 || June 25 || Rockies || 4 – 2 || Hochevar (5-5) || Cook (10–5) || Soria (21) || 16,615 || 36–43 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 80 || June 27 || Cardinals || 7 – 2 || Meche (6–8) || Piñeiro (2–4) || || 36,360 || 37–43 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 81 || June 28 || Cardinals || 5 – 1 || Boggs (3–0) || Davies (3–1) || || 37,537 || 37–44 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 82 || June 29 || Cardinals || 9 – 6 || Pérez (2–0) || Bannister (7-7) || Franklin (11) || 31,803 || 37–45 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 83 || June 30 || @ Orioles || 6 – 5 (11) || Mahay (4–0) || Bradford (3-3) || Soria (22) || 15,289 || 38–45 |- y background:#27408B;color:#FFFFFF; July # Date Opponent Score Win Loss Save Attendance Record |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 84 || July 1 || @ Orioles || 7 – 5 || Liz (3–0) || Hochevar (5–6) || Sherrill (27) || 19,756 || 38–46 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 85 || July 2 || @ Orioles || 5 – 2 || Cabrera (6–4) || Meche (6–9) || || 17,909 || 38–47 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 86 || July 3 || @ Orioles || 10 – 7 || Peralta (1–2) || Loewen (0–2) || Soria (23) || 16,782 || 39–47 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 87 || July 4 || @ Rays || 11 – 2 || Jackson (5–6) || Bannister (7–8) || || 16,830 || 39–48 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 88 || July 5 || @ Rays || 3 – 0 || Sonnanstine (10–3) || Greinke (7–5) || Balfour (3) || 30,418 || 39–49 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 89 || July 6 || @ Rays || 9 – 2 || Shields (7–5) || Hochevar (6–5) || || 20,587 || 39–50 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 90 || July 7 || @ Rays || 7 – 4 || Soria (1-1) ||Wheeler (2–4) || || 16,293 || 40–50 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 91 || July 8 || White Sox || 8 – 7 (13) || Masset (1–0) || Tejeda (0–1) || || 13,614 || 40–51 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 92 || July 9 || White Sox || 7-6 || Russell (3–0) || Tejeda (0–2) || Dotel (1) || 16,502 || 40–52 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 93 || July 10 || White Sox || 4 – 1 || Mahay (5–0) || Buehrle (6–8) || Soria (24) || 14,547 || 41–52 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 94 || July 11 || Mariners || 3 – 1 || Hochevar (6–7) || Hernández (6-6) || Soria (25) || 25,345 || 42–52 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 95 || July 12 || Mariners || 5 – 4 || H. Ramírez (1–0) || Morrow (1–2) || || 23,792 || 43–52 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 96 || July 13 || Mariners || 4 – 3 || Green (2-2) || Soria (1–2) || Morrow (9) || 21,421 || 43–53 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 97 || July 18 || @ White Sox || 9 – 5 || Buehrle (7–8) || Greinke (7–6) || || 36,291 || 43–54 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 98 || July 19 || @ White Sox || 9 – 1 || Meche (7–9) || Floyd (10–6) || || 36,566 || 44–54 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 99 || July 20 || @ White Sox || 8 – 7 || R. Ramírez (1-1) || Thornton (4–2) || Soria (26) || 32,269 || 45–54 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 100 || July 21 || Tigers || 19 – 4 || Miner (4–3) || Hochevar (6–8) || || 14,137 || 45–55 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 101 || July 22 || Tigers || 7 – 1 || Rogers (8–6) || Davies (3–2) || || 22,074 || 45–56 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 102 || July 23 || Tigers || 7 – 1 || Galarraga (8–4) || Greinke (7-7) || || 16,594 || 45–57 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 103 || July 24 || Rays || 4 – 2 || Meche (8–9) || Garza (8–6) || Soria (27) || 25,900 || 46–57 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 104 || July 25 || Rays || 5 – 3 || Jackson (6–7) || Bannister (7–9) || Percival (21) || 31,535 || 46–58 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 105 || July 26 || Rays || 5 – 3 || Reyes (2-2) || H. Ramírez (1-1) || Percival (22) || 24,322 || 46–59 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 106 || July 27 || Rays || 6 – 1 || Davies (4–2) || Sonnanstine (10–6) || || 13,779 || 47–59 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 107 || July 28 || @ Athletics || 4 – 2 || Greinke (8–7) || Braden (2–1) || Soria (28) || 12,464 || 48–59 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 108 || July 29 || @ Athletics || 5 – 2 || Meche (9-9) || Smith (5–10) || Soria (29) || 12,182 || 49–59 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 109 || July 30 || @ Athletics || 4 – 3 (10) || R. Ramírez (2–1) || Street (2–4) || Soria (30) || 26,272 || 50–59 |- y background:#27408B;color:#FFFFFF; August # Date Opponent Score Win Loss Save Attendance Record |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 110 || August 1 || White Sox || 4 – 2 || Vázquez (8–9) || Hochevar (6–9) || Jenks (22) || 21,291 || 50–60 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 111 || August 2 || White Sox || 9 – 7 || Davies (5–2) || Buehrle (8–10) || Soria (31) || 21,866 || 51–60 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 112 || August 3 || White Sox || 14 – 3 || Greinke (9–7) || Richard (0–2) || || 15,268 || 52–60 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 113 || August 4 || Red Sox || 4 – 3 || Meche (10–9) || Buchholz (2–7) || Soria (32) || 24,378 || 53–60 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 114 || August 5 || Red Sox || 8 – 2 || Beckett (10–8) || Bannister (7–10) || || 22,069 || 53–61 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 115 || August 6 || Red Sox || 8 – 2 || Wakefield (7–8) || Hochevar (6–10) || || 24,294 || 53–62 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 116 || August 8 || Twins || 4 – 1 || Slowey (8-8) || Davies (5–3) || Nathan (31) || 33,653 || 53–63 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 117 || August 9 || Twins || 7 – 3 || Liriano (2–3) || Greinke (9–8) || || 27,960 || 53–64 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 118 || August 10 || Twins || 5 – 4 (12) || Tejeda (1–2) || Breslow (0–1) || || 27,960 || 54–64 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 119 || August 12 || @ White Sox || 9 – 0 || Vázquez (9–10) || Bannister (7–11) || || 31,099 || 54–65 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 120 || August 13 || @ White Sox || 4 – 0 || Buehrle (10-10) || Hochevar (6–11) || || 37,838 || 54–66 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 121 || August 14 || @ White Sox || 9 – 2 || Broadway (1–0) || Davies (5–4) || || 32,788 || 54–67 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 122 || August 15 || @ Yankees || 4 – 3 || Núñez (4–1) || Rivera (4–5) || Soria (33) || 53,067 || 55–67 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 123 || August 16 || @ Yankees || 3 – 2 (13) || Robertson (3–0) || Fulchino (0–1) || || 54,180 || 55–68 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 124 || August 17 || @ Yankees || 15 – 6 || Mussina (16–7) || Bannister (7–12) || || 54,114 || 55–69 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 125 || August 19 || @ Indians || 9 – 4 || Reyes (2–1) || Hochevar (6–12) || || 18,946 || 55–70 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 126 || August 20 || @ Indians || 8 – 5 || Rincón (3-3) || Soria (1–3) || Lewis (4) || 23,920 || 55–71 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 127 || August 21 || @ Indians || 10 – 3 || Lee (18–2) || Greinke (9-9) || || 21,391 || 55–72 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 128 || August 22 || Tigers || 4 – 3 || Verlander (10–13) || Bannister (7–13) || Rodney (6) || 18,361 || 55–73 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 129 || August 23 || Tigers || 4 – 0 || Miner (7–4) || Davies (5-5) || || 27,346 || 55–74 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 130 || August 24 || Tigers || 7 – 3 || Duckworth (1–0) || Rogers (9–11) || || 16,663 || 56–74 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 131 || August 25 || Rangers || 9 – 4 || Feldman (5-5) || Meche (10-10) || || 12,399 || 56–75 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 132 || August 26 || Rangers || 2 – 1 || Millwood (8–7) || R. Ramírez (2-2) || || 17,004 || 56–76 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 133 || August 27 || Rangers || 3 – 2 || Harrison (6–3) || Bannister (7–14) || Francisco (1) || 12,662 || 56–77 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 134 || August 29 || @ Tigers || 6 – 3 || Miner (8–4) || Davies (5–6) || || 40,206 || 56–78 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 135 || August 30 || @ Tigers || 13 – 3 || Duckworth (2–0) || Rogers (9–12) || || 40,623 || 57–78 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 136 || August 31 || @ Tigers || 4 – 2 || Glover (2–3) || Wells (0–1) || Rodney (7) || 39,782 || 57–79 |- y background:#27408B;color:#FFFFFF; September # Date Opponent Score Win Loss Save Attendance Record |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 137 || September 2 || Athletics || 5 – 2 || Greinke (10–9) || Gonzalez (1–3) || Soria (34) || 11,143 || 58–79 |- bgcolor="bbbbbb" | N/A || September 3 || Athletics ||colspan=6|Postponed (rain) Rescheduled for September 4 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 138 || rowspan="2" |September 4 || rowspan="2" | Athletics(doubleheader) || 5 – 4 (10) || Soria (2–3) || Devine (4–1) || || rowspan="2"| 12,791 || 59–79 |-bgcolor="bbffbb" | 139 || 9 – 6 || Davies (6-6) || Meyer (0–4) || R. Ramírez (1) || 60–79 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 140 || September 5 || Indians || 9 – 3 || Mujica (2–1) || Duckworth (2–1) || || 21,107 || 60–80 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 141 || September 6 || Indians || 3 – 1 || Meche (11–10) || Jackson (0–2) || Soria (35) || 18,795 || 61–80 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 142 || September 7 || Indians || 3 – 1 || Lee (21–2) || Greinke (10-10) || Lewis (8) || 15,023 || 61–81 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 143 || September 9 || @ Twins || 7 – 2 || Blackburn (10–8) || Bannister (7–15) || || 17,015 || 61–82 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 144 || September 10 || @ Twins || 7 – 1 || Slowey (12–9) || Davies (6–7) || || 20,421 || 61–83 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 145 || September 11 || @ Twins || 3 – 2 (10) || R. Ramírez (3–2) || Guerrier (6–8) || Soria (36) || 20,138 || 62–83 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 146 || September 12 || @ Indians || 12 – 5 || Lee (22–2) || Meche (11-11) || || 32,843 || 62–84 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 147 || rowspan="2" |September 13 || rowspan="2" | @ Indians(doubleheader) || 8 – 3 || Greinke (11–10) || Carmona (8–7) || || rowspan="2"| 25,783 || 63–84 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 148 || 8 – 4 || Tejeda (2-2) || Bullington (0–1) || Soria (37) || 64–84 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 149 || September 14 || @ Indians || 13 – 3 || Bannister (8–15) || Mujica (2-2) || || 29,530 || 65–84 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 150 || September 15 || Mariners || 3 – 0 || Davies (7-7) || Silva (4–15) || Soria (38) || 10,307 || 66–84 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 151 || September 16 || Mariners || 6 – 3 || Duckworth (3–1) || Morrow (2–4) || Soria (39) || 19,135 || 67–84 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 152 || September 17 || Mariners || 5 – 2 || Meche (12–11) || Corcoran (5–2) || Soria (40) || 13,382 || 68–84 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 153 || September 18 || Mariners || 12 – 0 || Greinke (12–10) || Feierabend (1–4) || || 14,144 || 69–84 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 154 || September 19 || White Sox || 9 – 4 || Buehrle (14–11) || Bannister (8–14) || || 26,049 || 69–85 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 155 || September 20 || White Sox || 5 – 2 || Davies (8–7) || Floyd (16–8) || Soria (40) || 23,754 || 70–85 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 156 || September 21 || White Sox || 3 – 0 || Danks (11–8) || Duckworth (3–2) || Jenks (29) || 16,920 || 70–86 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 157 || September 22 || Tigers || 6 – 2 || Meche (13–11) || Miner (8–5) || || 36,428 || 71–86 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 158 || September 23 || Tigers || 5 – 0 || Greinke (13–10) || García (1-1) || || 35,121 || 72–86 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 159 || September 24 || Tigers || 10 – 4 || Bannister (9–16) || Robertson (7–11) || || 35,899 || 73–86 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 160 || September 26 || @ Twins || 8 – 1 || Davies (9–7) || Liriano (6–4) || || 30,674 || 74–86 |- bgcolor="bbffbb" | 161 || September 27 || @ Twins || 4 – 2 || Meche (14–11) || Guerrier (6–9) || Soria (42) || 38,072 || 75–86 |- bgcolor="ffbbbb" | 162 || September 28 || @ Twins || 6 – 0 || Baker (11–5) || Duckworth (3-3) || || 42,942 || 75–87 |- Player stats Batting Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; AVG = Batting average; SB = Stolen bases Player G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI AVG SBJosé Guillén Guillen, Jose 153 598 66 158 42 1 20 97 .264 2Mark Teahen 149 572 66 146 31 4 15 59 .255 4David DeJesus 135 518 70 159 25 7 12 73 .307 11Alex Gordon 134 493 72 128 35 1 16 59 .260 9Billy Butler Billy Butler (baseball) 124 443 44 122 22 0 11 55 .275 0Ross Gload 122 388 46 106 18 1 3 37 .273 3John Buck John Buck (baseball) 109 370 48 83 23 1 9 48 .224 0Joey Gathright 105 279 41 71 3 1 0 22 .254 21Mike Avilés 102 419 68 136 27 4 10 51 .325 8Tony Peña Jr. 95 225 22 38 4 1 1 14 .169 3Esteban Germán 89 216 30 53 14 3 0 22 .245 7Mark Grudzielanek 86 331 36 99 24 0 3 24 .299 2Miguel Olivo 84 306 29 78 22 0 15 41 .255 7Alberto Callaspo 74 213 21 65 8 3 0 16 .305 2Mitch Maier 34 91 9 26 1 1 0 9 .286 0Jason Smith Jason Smith (baseball) 22 28 6 6 2 0 0 1 .214 0Ryan Shealy 20 73 12 22 1 0 7 20 .301 0Kila Ka'aihue 12 21 4 6 0 0 1 1 .286 0Ron Mahay 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0Ramón Ramírez Ramón Ramírez (Dominican pitcher) Ramirez, Ramon 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0Joakim Soria 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0Yasuhiko Yabuta 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0Zack Greinke 3 7 0 2 1 0 0 0 .286 0Jimmy Gobble 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0Jeff Fulchino 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0Brian Bannister 2 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 .250 0Carlos Rosa 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0Leo Núñez Nunez, Leo 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0Brett Tomko 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0Gil Meche 1 4 1 1 0 0 0 1 .250 0Kyle Davies Kyle Davies (baseball) 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0Matt Tupman 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1.000 0Luke Hochevar 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 Team totals 162 5608 691 1507 303 28 120 650 .269 79 Pitching Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; K = Strikeouts Player W L ERA G GS SV IP R ER BB KGil Meche 14 11 3.98 34 34 0 210.1 98 93 73 183Zack Greinke 13 10 3.47 32 32 0 202.1 87 78 56 183Kyle Davies Kyle Davies (baseball) 7 7 4.06 21 21 0 113.0 57 51 43 71Brian Bannister 9 16 5.76 32 32 0 182.2 127 117 58 113Luke Hochevar 6 12 5.51 22 22 0 129.0 84 79 47 72Ron Mahay 5 0 3.48 57 0 0 64.2 27 25 29 49Leo Núñez Nunez, Leo 4 1 2.98 45 0 0 48.1 19 16 15 26Brandon Duckworth 3 3 4.50 7 7 0 38.0 20 19 19 20Ramón Ramírez Ramón Ramírez (Dominican pitcher) Ramirez, Ramon 3 2 2.64 71 0 1 71.2 23 21 31 70Joakim Soria 2 3 1.60 63 0 42 67.1 13 12 19 66Robinson Tejeda 2 2 3.20 25 1 0 39.1 17 14 19 41Brett Tomko 2 7 6.97 16 10 0 60.2 49 47 13 40Horacio Ramírez Ramirez, Horacio 1 1 2.59 15 0 0 24.1 9 7 1 11Yasuhiko Yabuta 1 3 4.78 31 0 0 37.2 21 20 17 25Joel Peralta 1 2 5.98 40 0 0 52.2 37 35 14 38Devon Lowery 0 0 10.38 5 0 0 4.1 5 5 2 6Neal Musser 0 0 0.00 1 0 0 1.0 0 0 1 0Josh Newman Josh Newman (baseball) 0 0 7.71 4 0 0 7.0 9 6 6 2Carlos Rosa 0 0 2.70 2 0 0 3.1 1 1 0 3Tony Peña Jr. 0 0 0.00 1 0 0 1.0 0 0 0 1John Bale John Bale (baseball) 0 3 4.39 13 3 0 26.2 13 13 6 14Hideo Nomo 0 0 18.69 3 0 0 4.1 9 9 4 3Kip Wells 0 1 8.71 10 0 0 10.1 10 10 11 9Jimmy Gobble 0 2 8.81 39 0 1 31.2 31 31 23 27Jeff Fulchino 0 1 9.00 12 0 0 14.0 15 14 8 12 Team totals 75 87 4.50 162 162 44 1445.2 781 723 515 1085 Awards and honors Player of the Week April 7–13: Brian Bannister, shared with Raúl Ibañez (Seattle Mariners).Ghiroli, Brittany. Honors for Bannister, Ibanez MLB.com, April 14, 2008. May 12–18: José Guillén.Ghiroli, Brittany. Sizzling Guillen wins AL weekly honors MLB.com, May 19, 2008. July 28 – August 3: Mike Avilés, shared with Xavier Nady (New York Yankees).Nystrom Thor August 4, 2008 Newcomers Nady, Aviles split AL honor http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080804&content_id=3251951&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090306115151/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080804&content_id=3251951&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb 2009-03-06 2025-08-09 MLB>com en Farm system Minor League Baseball AAA Omaha Royals Pacific Coast League Mike Jirschele AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals Texas League Brian Poldberg A Wilmington Blue Rocks Carolina League Darryl Kennedy A Burlington Bees Midwest League Brian Rupp Rookie Burlington Royals Appalachian League Tony Tijerina Rookie AZL Royals Arizona League Julio Bruno Rookie Idaho Falls Chukars Pioneer League Jim Gabella LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: Burlington (Midwest) References 30em External links 2008 Kansas City Royals at Baseball Reference 53em Category:Kansas City Royals seasons Kansas City Royals season Kansas