That's the Culprit

The Royals are batting well with fifth best team average of .290. They aren't yet last in the league in home runs (Jose Guillen is even off to a good start with four homers). The OPS numbers are good at .787.

They have committed 5 errors, which puts them in the middle of the pack defensively (though I can't imagine there is a team that has had more ill-timed errors). The starting pitchers are also middle of the pack with a 4.29 ERA.

So why are Royals fans already despondent about the team's season once again? Could be the bullpen and their 7.96 ERA. This group has blown leads in four of the Royals five losses. And they have mostly done it in explosive fashion not seen here since the days of Todd "Gas Can" Wellemeyer.

But I fully expect the bullpen to get it together. They'll improve some and have some good stretches. The problem will be that when they do, the bats will go quiet, or the starters will suck, or the team will boot the ball all over the field. After all, it takes a true team effort to be as bad as the Royals are every year.