Bannister gives Royals hope

Brian Bannister gave the Royals their only win against the Inidians this series.

Thursday's loss to the Indians move the Royals' record to 8 wins and 7 losses.

The last time these teams met the Royals took the series, winning two of three games. April 13th Zack Greinke beat the Indians. April 14th Kyle Davies beat them as well. On the 15th of April Sidney Ponson was beaten by the Indians.

This time around the Indians won two of three. On April 21st Ponson pitched and the Royals lost. April 22nd Bannister pitched and the Royals won. Gil Meche pitched the last game of the series on the 23rd and the Royals took a tough loss.

Sidney Ponson pitched once during each series, both times the Royals lost. Ponson pitched in the last game of the previous series and he pitched in the first game of the most recent series.

Brian Bannister was called up from Triple-A Omaha before his start on Wednesday. Bannister pitched in place of Horacio Ramirez. Ramirez has struggled this season: pitching 7.1 innings, posting an earned run average of 8.59, and given up seven earned runs including two home runs.

Bannister's start on the 22nd consisted of: 6 innings pitched, 2 walks, 1 strikeout, and 2 hits given up.

In 2007 Bannister had a solid rookie season. He racked up 12 wins, 9 losses and posted an earned run average of 3.87. 2008 was a struggle for Bannister; he totaled 9 wins, 15 losses and finished the year with an earned run average of5.76.

During this year's spring training Bannister continued to struggle. He pitched 12.2 innings, did not win a game and lost two. Bannister gave up 12 earned runs and posted a 8.53 ERA.

This year the Royals have been struggling with their fourth and fifth rotation spots. The top three: Meche, Greinke, and Davies have been nearly lights out while Ponson and Horacio Ramirez, the fourth and fifth starters in the rotation have not done well.

Ramirez was moved to the bullpen and Bannister started in the fifth rotation spot Thursday. The question now is whether Bannister can solidify himself in that rotation spot. If able to, the Royals will be given a great gift. Kansas City needs to have pitchers in the fourth and fifth spots that give them a chance to win day in and day out.