40 for the Mexicutioner

Joakim Soria, affectionately known 'round these parts as the Mexicutioner, earned his 40th save of the season last night, becoming only the third Royal to reach that mark. With ten games left to play, it's not entirely impossible for him to tie or break the all-time number at 45. Then again, that would mean that the Royals will need to go at least 5-5 in the final two weeks, so there's definitely no guarantee that will happen.

Currently, there are only two pitchers with more saves than Soria this season: Francisco Rodriguez (58, which broke the single season saves record), and Jose Valverde (42). What amazes me are the big names he's ahead of: Jonathan Papelbon (38), Joe Nathan (36), Mariano Rivera (36), B.J. Ryan (30), and Trevor Hoffman (28, and the all-time saves leader with 552 saves in his career).

We were at the game on Monday night and witnessed Soria's 38th "Mexicution." The Royals were hosting the Seattle Mariners, so not much motivation around town to go out to the ballpark, so, as you'll see, the crowd was a little sparse. The video doesn't do it justice, but it is electric when the eighth inning ends and Soria jogs in from the bullpen. Usually the Hotdog race in between innings gets the biggest crowd response. Soria's entrance, however, has overtaken Relish, Ketchup, and even Mustard. When he's introduced there's a feeling of invincibility that has been rare in Kansas City. And that's a welcome change. Here's to the next 40, Jack.