The St. Louis Cardinals began their World Series title defense in impressive fashion, going 14-8 in April and leading the NL Central division by three games over the Cincinnati Reds. But then the season quickly took a turn for the worse as several key players got hurt and the Cardinals lost the division lead.

However, the Cardinals looked a lot more like the team of April this week than the depleted roster that struggled to keep up through much of May and June.

Sure, they are just 3-2 in their last five games heading into play Sunday, but the team has played much more solid games devoid of the mental lapses and poor fundamental play that plagued the team for more than a month.

Lance Lynn started last week’s series against Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers unimpressively. He gave up five runs in five innings, but since then the Cardinals pitching staff has been dynamite. Jake Westbrook threw a complete-game shutout Wednesday, and Kyle Lohse certainly pitched well enough to win Thursday afternoon’s game the Cardinals lost 2-1 in 10 innings.

But the real wake-up call came when the team showed up Friday at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City to begin a beatdown of their cross-state rival, the Royals. The Cardinals plastered 10 runs on the board in the first two innings of Friday’s game started by Joe Kelly. They went on to win 11-4 and then pounded out eight more runs Saturday to help Adam Wainwright get the 8-2 win.

Perhaps how the Cardinals won those games is more impressive than the fact that they won them. The offense jumped out to early leads in both games and put the Royals in a position where they had to try and make a comeback if they were going to win.

That’s what the Cardinals did so well at the beginning of the season. Fans who were late to their seats would miss most of the scoring because the Cardinals often had a multiple-run lead before the stadium lights would begin to take effect.

Not coincidently, the Cardinals recent performances happened the same weekend as centerfielder Jon Jay and utility man Matt Carpenter returns from the disabled list. Both players returned to the lineup for Friday’s game.

Now let’s not oversell those two players return as the saviors to the season. Injuries have certainly played a major role in the Cardinals’ struggles this year, but there have also been defensive lapses and bullpen problems that have nothing to do with injuries.

Still, the return of Jay and Carpenter are a boost to the club and should be the beginning of a stretch of better baseball.

Plus, the Cardinals will begin a series Monday in Miami to face the Marlins, who are in the middle of a rough stretch where they’ve lost nine of their last 10 games. The Cardinals started the season in Miami with a 4-1 behind a masterful performance by Lohse and maintained that momentum for the rest of the month.

Westbrook is scheduled to start Monday’s game, but his complete game last week in Detroit might have been the spark for a similar run into the second half of the season.

ROYALS ANNOUNCE 2012 PROMOTIONS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Retro Batting Practice Jersey, Frenchy Quarter Thursday & 2nd Annual Celebrity Classic Game Highlight Promotions Lineup

KANSAS CITY, MO (January 19, 2012) – It’s “Our Time” this season at the ballpark as the Royals unveil an exciting 2012 promotions and special events lineup.  The schedule features great giveaways, the return of fan favorites and the introduction of special offers, which allow fans to experience all the ballpark’s offerings at exceptional values.

Highlights from the 2012 lineup of events, as well as details on some of the club’s new ticket offerings, are listed below.  In addition, the complete special events schedule is attached and can also be found at www.royals.com/promotions.  Please note all dates and times are subject to change.

EXCITING PROMOTIONS

Jackie Robinson Jersey Tee: Every year on April 15, Major League Baseball celebrates the legacy of Jackie Robinson’s first Major League game. On Sunday, April 15, the first 10,000 fans will receive a Jackie Robinson Jersey T-Shirt sporting the number 42 on the back.

Royals Retro Batting Practice Jersey:  Fans can gear up for the 2012 season in style by bringing back the retro 1980s look. On Saturday, April 21, the first 20,000 fans will receive a Royals Retro Batting Practice Jersey, presented by FOX Sports Kansas City.

Alex Gordon Rawlings Gold Glove Award Replica: For the 2012 season, fans will be able to celebrate Alex Gordon’s first Rawlings Gold Glove win.  On Thursday, May 3 when the Royals take on the Yankees, the first 10,000 fans will receive an Alex Gordon Rawlings Gold Glove Replica Award presented by Hy-Vee.

Frenchy Quarter Thursdays:  In 2012, the Royals announce a new fan section, The Frenchy Quarter.  Every Thursday for the 2012 season, fans will be able to purchase a $21 ticket that includes a Frenchy Quarter T-Shirt, a drink coupon and a seat in Jeff Francoeur’s cheering section in the right Outfield Box. This is a $35 value!

Salute to the Negro Leagues Day:  Come celebrate with the Royals as we pay tribute to the Negro Leagues on Saturday, July 21 when the Royals take on the Twins.  On the field, both teams will don Negro League uniforms from the Kansas City Monarchs and St. Paul Colored Gophers, presented by Sprint.  Also, the first 20,000 fans will receive a Buck O’Neil bobblehead presented by Hy-Vee.

Celebrity Classic Game: Be a part of the celebrity experience again in 2012 when our hometown celebrities, Paul Rudd, Rob Riggle and Jason Sudeikis will host the 2nd Annual Big Slick Celebrity Classic Game on Friday, June 22 prior to the start of the I-70 series against the Cardinals.  Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with your favorite celebrity.

RETURNING FAVORITES

Buck Nights: Buck Nights are back and better than ever!  For six select Friday dates throughout the season, fans can purchase hot dogs, small Pepsi products and peanuts for just $1 each.   The fan-favorite is scheduled for April 20, May 18, July 13, August 17, September 14 and September 21.

Hy-Vee/Pepsi Fireworks Fridays: Stay in your seats for a spectacular fireworks show following all Friday night home games presented by Hy-Vee and Pepsi.

T-Shirt Tuesdays:  T-Shirt Tuesdays return in 2012!  This season’s series will include five unique designs on May 8, June 12, June 26, July 31 and August 14.

Family FunDay Sundays: Join in on all of the fun on Sundays in 2012.  Every Sunday home game will feature special family entertainment and activities in the Outfield Experience. Also, kids can run the bases after the game during the Sprint Fun Run.  For details, visit royals.com/Sundays.

KidsFest: On Sunday, August 5, the Royals celebrate young baseball fans with a special event dedicated to kids!  With pregame activities, entertainment and a lot of fun in the Outfield Experience, kids will rule the day.   The first 5,000 kids 14 and under will also receive a Royals Sport Necklace, looks like the one the players wear!

Girls Night Out: Back by popular demand, ladies will receive the Royal treatment again in 2012.  The event benefits the American Heart Association and is slated for Friday, June 1.  In addition to all of the great activities and food, the first 10,000 females through the gates will receive a ladies Sun Hat.

Student Nights: Rivals Outfield Box or Hy-Vee Infield tickets are available for all Wednesday home games for high school and college students with valid ID at the Stadium Box Office for just $7.  Seating is subject to availability.  Making its return in 2012 is Local Music Showcase. Every Student Night will feature live local music pregame in the Outfield Experience.

610 Saturdays: The Royals will once again team up with Entercom Radio to bring live music and great activities to Saturday pregame festivities.  Events will take place in the Outfield Experience.

Sprint Fun Run: All fans can run the bases after every Sunday home game (conditions permitting).

Sonic Slam Seats: Back in 2012, if a Royals player hits a home run that lands in the Sonic Slam Seats located in left-center field, ALL fans win a free medium Sonic Slush by redeeming their ticket stub at participating Sonic locations by midnight the following day!  Fans sitting in the Sonic Slam Seats will also win a $5 My Sonic Card.

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO SAVE

Royals eSavers: Subscribers to the Royals Report – the club’s free email newsletter – will receive exclusive ticket offers throughout the season.  In addition, subscribers will receive the latest information regarding breaking news, promotions and more.  Fans can register for the newsletter at royals.com/register.

Sluggerrr’s Blue Crew Kids Club Presented by U.S. Toy: Membership includes a Royals white batting practice jersey, Royals jersey style backpack with MP3 player pocket, special edition reusable water bottle, VIP access to the Sprint Fun Run, two Royals game ticket vouchers, three complimentary vouchers to any of the Outfield Experience games, one free child’s admission to a stadium tour, exclusive Blue Crew events at the stadium and special offers from Royals partners all for just $20.  Available for youth 14 and under. For details, visit royals.com/bluecrew.

SEASON TICKET PACKAGES AND SINGLE-GAME TICKETS

Fans can take advantage of all the great promotions and special events planned for 2012 by becoming a Royals Season Ticket Holder. Starting at just $75 per seat, Royals Season Ticket plans are available to fit every budget. Fans can guarantee Opening Day tickets with any Full Season, Half Season or 21-game season ticket plan and enjoy all the benefits of becoming a Season Ticket Holder including reserved parking, first priority to purchase additional tickets for all 2012 home games and an easy, accessible way to manage your season ticket account online. Purchase a Full Season or Half Season plan and be among the first to have the opportunity to secure tickets for the MLB 2012 All-Star events to be played at Kauffman Stadium. All season ticket packages are available online at royals.com or by calling (816) 504-4040, option 2.

Single-game tickets for all 2012 regular season home games, including a limited number of Opening Day tickets, go on sale Saturday, March 3 at 10 a.m. (CST). Tickets will be available online at royals.com, by phone at 1-800-6ROYALS, at metro area Hy-Vee stores and at the Kauffman Stadium Box Office. Opening Day tickets will not be available for purchase at Hy-Vee locations.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS INTRODUCE BRUCE CHEN JOKE OF THE DAY PROMOTION
Club Invites Fans to Submit Jokes for CrownVision Feature

KANSAS CITY, MO (January 12, 2012) – The Kansas City Royals, in conjunction with pitcher and funnyman Bruce Chen, have announced details of a new “Joke of the Day” promotion for the 2012 season. Fans are encouraged to submit their favorite funny line for an opportunity to have it delivered by Chen on the CrownVision video board during a 2012 Royals home game. To be considered, fans may submit their joke in 300 characters or less at www.royals.com/jokes by Friday, February 10.

Royals fans can guarantee Opening Day tickets with any Full Season, Half Season or 21-Game Season Ticket plan in addition to the opportunity to purchase 2012 MLB All-Star Game ticket strips. Royals season ticket holders also receive reserved parking, the priority to purchase additional tickets for all 2012 home games, access to special events and more!

“Same old Royals.” “Another pointless September.” “Time to trade off our stars.” Those are the statements that you’ll hear from casual Royals fans every fall. Pessimism is normally at an all-time high, everyone is more focused on football, and nobody cares about making it out to Kauffman for a “meaningless” baseball game.

Things have been different this time around.

The hope and optimism surrounding “The K” during the current homestand hasn’t been higher since 2003 (the Royals last winning season). Fans are finally believing that the Royals are close to being a legitimate contender.

Right now, the Royals are 20 games under .500, 22.5 games back in the division, and way past being eliminated from playoff contention. It’s hard to see any fanbase in professional sports rallying behind a team with those numbers, but Royals fans did it during the past week. Kauffman Stadium attendance from last week (September 13^th-18^th) averaged out to 24,621 people per game. Last season during the same time period, attendance was at 16,952 people per game. The 2010 Royals had about the same record as the 2011 Royals (2010: 61-91, 2011:67-87) and both teams were eliminated from the playoffs right around the start of September.

The difference this year is that the players are still having a ton of fun on the diamond, which makes going to games much more exciting. The players on the Royals’ current roster genuinely love playing the game. Not only do they love playing the game, but they love winning, and they love winning together. They are a group of kids who really like each other and want to bring a winning team to Kansas City.

Does anyone think that Jose Guillen really liked playing for the Royals? How about Mike Jacobs? Ross Gload?

Doubtful.

And has any Royals team since 2003 been this excited about winning games in September?

Doubtful.

Has any Royals team had as much camaraderie and chemistry as this team besides in the ‘70’s or ‘80’s?

Highly doubtful.

Everyone on the roster is excited to be playing for this team in Kansas City. There’s no doubt that they are disappointed about how this season went, but you can sense that they are all anxious for 2012 to be here. The excitement on the field has brought excitement to the seats inside Kauffman Stadium. Expect the excitement to multiply in 2012.