September 10, 2008 #7247 Kila Kaaihue# was out of the Royals lineup on Wednesday, Ross Gload started, though the Royals continue to look for ways to get the youngster into the lineup, according to the Kansas City Star. “I’ll continue to look for opportunities for him to play,” manager Trey Hillman said. “I appreciate what (the fans) want to see. I want to see it as well. But as I said early on, (his playing time) is probably going to be in shorter spurts that it will be for Ryan Shealy.”
Our View:So much for the youngster getting a shot. Kaaihue has started just one of eight games since being called up as he continues to waste away on the bench after hitting .314-37-100 in the minors. It doesn't seem to make any sense to leave that type of bat on the bench in favor of the weak hitting Gload.
September 4, 2008 #7247 Kila Kaaihue# and recently recalled Ryan Shealy will split time at first base for the month of September, this according to the Kansas City Star. “I’m going to try to keep Shealy and KK both going there,” manager Trey Hillman said. “Basically, it will be a platoon unless there is something unforeseen with an injury.”
Our View:Ross Gload is the big loser here as he will be shifted to a backup role in the outfield. Since he is hitting .272-3-35 this season in in 371 AB, he has no one to blame but himself for the demotion, and beyond that it's the right move as the Royals need to see what they have in Kaaihue and Shealy.
September 1, 2008 #7247 Kila Kaaihue# has been called up to the majors after dominating minor league pitching this year, according to the Kansas City Star.
Our View:Kaaihue hit .314-38-100 in 124 games, this after averaging just 13 home runs and 61 RBI in each of his first six professional seasons. The 24 year old Kaaihue will battle with Ryan Shealey for spare at-bats down the stretch.
May 9, 2008 Kila Kaaihue went 2-for-4 with his 10th home run of the season for Double-A NW Arkansas on Thursday.
Our View:Kaaihue’s tools don’t jump off the page, but he has the skills to be a player for a stats-minded team. The 24-year-old is hitting .263-10-29 with an outstanding 23/13 BB/K ratio this season, resulting in a .408 OBP. He could be looking at a promotion to Triple-A soon.
