For the better part of 25 years, the Kansas City Royals have been the laughingstock of baseball. Unable to keep key players while making trades that have gotten them little in return. Sadly, they have become a farm team for bigger payroll teams, while becoming a last chance for many players. In comes the White Sox, and if just go payroll alone, should be wiping the floor with these guys. Up and down the Sox lineup are All-Stars. Names that have produced so many baseball memories. Up and down the Royals lineup are players that will be a memory in a few years. At least the Sox hope.

Matt Treanor, Melky Cabrera, and Jeff Franceour. Except Treanor, these are guys that have seen success elsewhere, but have fallen on hard times. Doesn’t matter, this trio of Royals have owned the Sox. In two games, these guys have a nice .300 batting average. Thankfully, Mark Buehrle shut two of these guys down on Monday, barely, or the Sox would be back to where they were before the All-Star break. 1 up, 2 down, 2 up, 5 down.

Jake Peavy had no answer for Treanor, who is known more for his wife, Misty May, than his big league career. Treanor’s had 2 hits for only the fifth time this season. The Royals have some studs: Hosmer, Butler, Gordon & Moustakas, so to be beaten by a guy that is playing for his 4th team in the last 3 years, is embarrassing.

In Tuesday’s game, Cabrera’s line drive home run off Chris Sale, put the game out of reach for the Sox. They lost that one, 4-2.

I have to give credit, where credit’s due. Kansas City lefty Danny Duffy got off to a shaky start, but recovered to look like the future star the Royals think he’ll be. He throws a wicked curve ball.

Juan Pierre’s resurgence continues. The leadoff man, on an 11 game hitting streak, is getting the offense started early in games, just like he needs to do.

Brent Morel was back in the lineup, Adam Dunn was out of it, and Tyler Flowers got his first start of the year. I wish the Sox didn’t yo yo their line up every day, but I guess it’s what they have to do when one their guys is hitting .158

Did you see the throw that Flowers made to 2nd base? Eric Hosmer had a huge jump, but Flowers still almost got him. If that becomes common place in the future, the Sox will be very happy. Flowers has a cannon.

If you would have told me that through 92 games, Alex Rios would have 23 RBI, I would have laughed in your face. don’t even get me started on Dunn.

How good is Beckham getting at 2nd? That play he made on Tuesday, ranging far to his left, sliding and getting the runner, was another of the many amazing plays that guy makes on a daily basis.

I read a story on Yahoo that named the most grumpy people in baseball. The Sox have 3 on that list: Ozzie Guillen, Rios, and A.J. Pierzynski. Could that attitude, if true, be part of the Sox problem? I have been in that clubhouse for 8 years, and I can’t say that I have seem grumpiness, but I have seen a lot of intensity. Intensity to one, translates to grumpiness to another.

70 games left and the Sox are still having trouble mounting much offense. I would be very surprised if they stood pat at the trade deadline.

John Danks gets back on the bump tomorrow. He had won 3 straight until hurting a side muscle against the Nationals on June 25th. He’ll be opposed by Bruce Chen, a guy the Sox had no answer for 13 days ago. I wouldn’t assume Dunn will be in the lineup, but I can’t predict the Sox lineup from day to day.

Do I sound peeved? I am.

Go Sox!