2011 Kansas City Royals Predictions
The Kansas City Royals dominated the American League from 1976 to 1985, winning six division titles, two AL Pennants and a World Series. Unfortunately, Kansas City hasn’t done much since. The Royals haven’t had a winning season since 2003, finishing no better than fourth while winning no more than 75 games each of the last seven years. MLB odds makers have listed the Royals at +10000 to win the 2011 World Series.
Pitching: The pitching staff takes a major hit in 2011 after trading former Cy Young winner Zack Greinke to the Milwaukee Brewers. Kansas City has plenty of noteworthy pitching prospects in its farm system, and a few could see some starts this season, but none of them are ready to be major contributors just yet.
The Royals are hoping for a breakout season from Luke Hochevar, who was the first overall pick in 2006. The 6-foot-5 righty is coming off a season in which he went 6-6 with an ERA of 4.81 in 18 games. The Royals are also hoping for big things from Vin Mazzaro, who went 6-8 with a 4.27 ERA for the Oakland Athletics in 2010.
Kyle Davies and Sean O’Sullivan are solid candidates to land two other rotation spots. Davies had a 5.34 ERA last season, but he can bring that number down considerably by showing more command of the strike zone. O’Sullivan may have to hold off a couple of Kansas City’s prospects this spring, but the Royals were encouraged by the way he finished out last season.
Prospects Danny Duffy and Everett Teaford both figure to have a shot at landing the last slot in the rotation.
While the starting pitching staff is still a work in progress, the bullpen is in good hands with closer Joakim Soria and setup men Robinson Tejada and Gil Meche (assuming his shoulder doesn’t allow him to return to the rotation). Soria registered 43 saves in 46 chances last season. Now that’s flat out getting it done.
Lineup: First baseman Billy Butler headlines the Kansas City infield. He hit .318 with 15 home runs and 78 RBIs despite a lack of protection in the lineup. He could move to DH at some point this season if projected Gold Glover Eric Hosmer proves ready to take over. Until then, Kila Ka’aihue figures to get the majority of the DH whacks.
Second baseman Chris Getz, shortstop Alcides Escobar and third baseman Mike Aviles join Butler on the infield dirt. Of the three, Aviles has the best bat.
Melky Cabrera, Alex Gordon and Jeff Francoeur are projected to be the Opening Day outfielders. None of these three hit better than .255 in 2010. The pressure is on for Gordon, who was once thought to be the future face of the franchise after garnering player of the year honors in both college and the minor leagues.
Kansas City has some nice catching prospects in the minors, but it loos like Brayan Pena will get most of the reps for now until Jason Kendall is recovered from shoulder surgery.
Prediction – 4th Place AL Central: Kansas City has assembled some of the best talent in the league in its minor league system, which is reason for optimism down the road. This year, however, the Royals appear poised for another season of 90-plus losses. The Royals are listed at +8000 to win the AL Central.