I think it really pumps everybody up. Royals rookie pitcher Tony Cogan took the hill in relief with a lot of needed support. At Yankee stadium you had 50,000 going the other way, so it was a big difference. Cogan had his major league debut last April 2, versus the Yankees, allowing two hits and one earned run. Manager Tony Muser's team went 16-27 during spring training but said the two seasons are not comparable.
Guys go down to spring training and get a nice place to live, enjoy the sunshine and work.
The reality is the bell is going to ring and the lights go on, and we haven't quite answered the bell yet. Six of the team's first nine games were versus the World Champion Yankees, but Sweeny said that is no excuse. We're capable of playing with anyone in the league, but right now we don't look like we're capable of playing against a little league team. We're a great team, we have plenty of time and plenty of good players in this locker room. We're going to be fine.