The Kansas City Royals were the sexy pick to win the AL Central last year, but things didn’t work out as planned and they ended up 3rd in the division with an 86-76 record. The good news is that it is a new year and they are closing the gap on the Detroit Tigers. Vegas Odds have the Royals at +500 to win the AL Central, +2500 to win the AL Pennant and +5000 to win the World Series.
The Royals finished 18th in the league in runs scored (648), 28th in homers and 9th in batting average. The main corps of the offense, which includes Eric Hosmer (17 HRs, .302 BA), Billy Butler (15 HRs, 82 RBIs) and Alex Gordon (20 HRs, 81 RBIs) returns and they should put up better numbers than they did last year. The Royals improved the top of their lineup with the additions of Norichika Aoki (20 steals, .286 BA) and Omar Infante (10 HRs, .318 BA). The bottom of the lineup also has some pop with Mike Moustakas and Salvador Perez. The offense is not spectacular, but it is very solid and should top last year’s numbers, especially in the homerun department.
Offense is solid, but the pitching will give them their best shot at a playoff spot as this rotation looks very good, at least on paper. James shield is the number 1 starter, after going 13-9 with a 3.15 ERA last year and we know that he is capable of more than that. Jason Vargas was picked up in the off-season after going 9-8 with a 4.02 ERA for the Angels a year ago and he also is capable of more than that. Bruce Chen has a very solid 9-4 year with a 3.27 ERA and, but he has been roughed up a bit in the spring. Still he is a very solid #3 guy. Jeremy Guthrie has his best year as a pro last year, going 15-12 with a 4.04 ERA and will look to lower that ERA some this year. The 5th spot is still up for grabs, but it could go to Yordano Ventura (100 MPH fastball) or Danny Duffy. The rotation is solid, but the bullpen will once again be very good, after being the strength of the team last year. Greg Holland is back at closer, after recording a franchise record 47 saves last year. Luke Hochevar and had a great year in the pen, while Wade Davis (2-1, 0.90 ERA) and Louis Coleman (3-0, 0.61 ERA) were nearly unhittable last year. This will be a very tough team to come back on.
Outlook: They are not quite there, but they are closing the gap on the Tigers. The Royals do need some more power in their lineup, but other than that they hit well for average and will score some runs this year. The Starting staff will be very good this year, while the bullpen may be the best in the league. This is the best Royals team in many years and will battle all season long for a wildcard berth, but they are just not ready to overtake the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central.
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