Greinke on, Graffanino out

That's the start we've been waiting for from Zack Greinke. He pitched like the Zack that's been hyped as he went 7 IP and allowed only 4 hits and 1 walk with 4 Ks to hold the Indians in check. Emil Brown smoked a 2-run homer and Teahen and DeJesus had RBI to go along with their 2-hit nights. Sweeney was among the 0-fers for KC as he inches back toward the .300 mark. Burgos and MacDougal pitched well in relief. A good night for KC when all was said and done.

One of the more productive Royals also said farewell tonight as Baird traded Tony Graffanino to the Red Sox for AAA OF Chip Ambres, who was hitting .294/.401/.495 at Pawtucket with 10 HRs, 47 BB and 64 Ks along with a 19/24 mark on SBs. He's set to join the major league club in Cleveland. Also acquired was LHP Juan Cedeno, who was 2-6 with a 5.49 ERA at High-A Wilmington, the former Royals affiliate. Cedeno has 71 Ks and 37 BB in 80 IP. He's on the way to AA Wichita. I like this trade, even though Graffanino was getting it done. Ambres, 25, has been a highly touted prospect who seemed to be putting it together at Pawtucket and Cedeno is only 21. Decent pickups for a 33-year-old utility guy. It's interesting that Ambres is coming to KC. I wonder is this prefaces a Terrence Long deal???

Of course, the stopper takes the mound tomorrow as Jose Lima vies against C.C. Sabathia. I say let's focus on now and not think about tomorrow's game until it's here. That's usually best when Lima pitches.