Keep on the sunny side

Batting average isn't the best baseball statistic in the world, but it's kind of nice to see these averages: Aviles (.319) and Dejesus (.307). And Callaspo's hitting .313.

Meanwhile, the Royals aren't totally without power. They still need a legitimate HR hitter, in addition to continued power development by young players, but Guillen has 20 HR, Gordon and Teahen have 15, Dejesus and Olivo have 12, Butler has 10, and Buck has 9. It's a start.

OK. The HR totals are still pitiful. But it looks like the days of Emil Brown being the biggest offensive threat in the lineup are over.

Greinke has an ERA of 3.59. He's given up less hits than innings pitched. And he has 179 strikeouts. Meche is at 4.05, less hits than innings pitched, and 176 strikeouts. R. Ramirez is at 2.67, less hits than innings pitched, and he averages 1 strikeout per inning. And you know all about Soria.

The long losing streaks are killers; they remind you how truly depressing it is to be a Royals fan. But, this year, we've also so seen some good stretches. And, if you look at it from a distance, this team is not just a little better than previous Royals teams. It's quite a bit better.

P.S. We will probably change our mind about the level of improvement as soon as tomorrow.