Losing to KC Is Unacceptable; Happy 40th Marty Brodeur

From 1976 to 1985, 10 seasons, the Kansas City Royals reached the postseason 7 times, won 6 American League Western Division titles (they're now in the Central Division), took 2 Pennants (1980 and 1985) and won the 1985 World Series.

They haven't made the postseason since, and have had just 1 winning season since 1993.

Losing 2 out of 3 to them, even in Kansas City, is unacceptable.

Even if you don't have Mariano Rivera available.

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Yesterday's game was very frustrating. The Yankees didn't get a baserunner until the 4th inning or a hit until the 5th. Aside from Russell Martin's home run in the 7th (his 5th of the season), the Yankees didn't score. Off Felipe Paulino (1-0). No, I'd never heard of him before this series, either. Yet another Yankee loss to an unfamiliar pitcher.

Hiroki Kuroda (2-4) allowed 3 runs (2 earned) in under 5 innings, and Joe Girardi may have pulled him too soon. Cody Eppley allowed the Royals to put the game out of reach in the 6th. The only encouraging thing about this game was that Freddy Garcia pitched 2 scoreless innings out of the bullpen.

Royals 5, Yankees 1. Awful game.

Losing 2 out of 3 to K.C. is unacceptable.

I've been using that word "unacceptable" a lot lately. And not just in connection with baseball. With life in general.

The series concludes this afternoon, with Phil Hughes pitching for his job (and more) against Luke Hochevar.

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The Red Bulls beat the Los Angeles Galaxy, 1-0 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California last night. Joel Lindpere scored his 1st goal of the season, and the defense, led by goalkeeper Ryan Meara, made it stand up.

However, that may have said more about the Gals' falling apart since last season's MLS title than about the Red Bulls, still playing without the injured Thierry Henry and Jan Gunnar Solli and the suspended Rafa Marquez.

Devils in Game 4 tonight against the Flyers, leading 2 games to 1. Happy 40th Birthday to the great Martin Brodeur. Now you know why I've got a hockey picture instead of a baseball picture when baseball is my top story.