Lacking run production

The Royals cannot rely on their pitching forever.

The Royals have given up the least amount of runs in the American League so far this year. What's the problem? The Royals have scored the second fewest runs in the American League. The team that has scored less, the Oakland Athletics, are in last place in the American League Western division with a record of 5-9.

And still the Royals remain tied for first place in the Central division. The pitching staff for the Royals has an earned run average of 3.37. That being third best in Major League Baseball behind Seattle's and Pittsburgh's pitching staffs. The Royals have recorded 3 shutouts as well. The only teams, on paper, pitching better than the Royals this year are Seattle's and Pittsburgh's.

The only teams, on paper, hitting better than the Royals are, mostly every other team. The club as a whole is batting .248.

With Gil Meche, Zack Greinke, and Kyle Davies at the front of the pitching rotation the Royals batters are becoming complacent. This complacency is evident when one of the Royals' bottom two pitchers take the mound.

Seven of the Royals' eight victories have come when either Meche, Greinke, or Davies has started. The eighth victory, acquired Wednesday, was won by recently called up Brian Bannister (from Triple-A Omaha) who threw six scoreless innings. Bannister was followed by two scoreless innings from Jamey Wright. Joakim Soria came in for the save and the Royals won 2-0.

Tonight Zack Greinke looks to extend his scoreless streak past 20 innings. Dating back to last year Greinke has a streak of 34 scoreless innings.

Each of Greinke's three outings have been won by only two runs. One of his wins was a complete game shutout.

The Royals cannot expect or depend on Greinke being perfect. He will eventually give up a run(s) and when he does the Royals hitters need to give him the run support he needs.

This is the first time Greinke and the Royals have faced the Tigers this year. In his career against the Tigers Greinke is 8-4 with a 3.19 ERA in 17 appearances, 14 of them starts.

Greinke has good numbers against Detroit and has been lights out this year. But how long can it last? Hitters such as Miguel Cabrera and Brandon Inge batting .431 and .315 respectively will not go down without a fight. Cabrera has hit four home runs this year and Inge six, so far.

It only takes one swing of the bat.

The same goes for the Royals hitters.