Buckner's Back?

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Is this the same Buckner that let the ball roll under his legs in the '86 World Series?" No, it's not. But believe it or not, the Kansas City Royals have a pitcher named Billy Buckner. The 24-year old made his debut in August, and finished the 2007 season 1-2 with a 5.29 ERA and 17 strikeouts in seven games (five starts).

According to MLB.com, this first-year pitcher is currently residing in Clermont Florida. He was selected by the Devil Rays in the 2003 amateur draft, but he chose not to sign. Instead, he went and played baseball at the University of South Carolina and went to the 2004 College World Series. He went 7-2 and posted a 3.32 ERA, with 105 strikeouts (compared to only 23 walks).

Seems like he might be worth a look in 2008. But I personally am waiting for a ball to go under his legs, and the TV broadcaster to yell "IT GETS BY BUCKNER! HERE COMES KNIGHT...", but I guess I'll just keep dreaming!
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2007 Season in Review:

Here is round two of our 2007 in Review feature. In this edition, we will look at some of the amazing feats and accomplishments reached in 2007.

• New York Mets outfielder Moises Alou owned the season's longest hit streak in the Major Leagues - a hit streak of 30 games! Alou's streak is the longest in Mets club history. It is also the longest streak of any player over the age of 40. Quite impressive.
  

• In 1988, pitcher Orel Hershiser recorded 59 consecutive innings without giving up a run! Many believe we will never see that streak be contested. That is until Brandon Webb of the Arizona Diamondbacks came along and put together 42 innings straight without giving up a run. The 2006 Cy Young award winner's streak began on July 20 and ended against the Brewers on August 23!
  

• Keeping with the D'Backs, rookie pitcher Micah Owings looked more like an All-Star slugger in 2007. During his August 18 start against the Braves, Owings went 4-5 with two homeruns and SIX RBIs! A little over a month later, in a start against the Pirates, Owings went 4-4 with three doubles and three RBIs. According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, Owings is the first pitcher since Whitey Ford in 1953 to have two 4-hit games in one season.
  

• On August 21, the Angels beat up on the Yankees 18-9. Left fielder Garret Anderson was largely instrumental in that victory. Not only did he smack two home runs, he drove in 10 runs! According to MLB.com, those 10 RBIs are an Angels franchise record!

By the way, I highly recommend everyone to check out Jayson Stark's 2007 Season in Review. He is a very talented writer in my opinion, and this piece is full of interesting facts and information.