In an effort to get every preview done by the season opener, you may notice that some of the team previews will be of the shorter variety. With some of the “extra information” not included, this should make for an easier read. Enjoy!
Key Additions: Coco Crisp, Juan Cruz, Kyle Farnsworth, Mike Jacobs, Willie Bloomquist
Key Subtractions: Leo Nunez
A look at the lineup:
CA – Miguel Olivo will be back as the team’s primary catcher and will bat near the bottom of the order. John Buck will see plenty of action off the bench and former Brave Brayan Pena adds depth.
1B – Mike Jacobs was acquired from the Marlins to add power to the first base position. Ross Gload, Billy Butler, and Ryan Shealy could also see time.
2B – Alberto Callaspo will get a majority of the work at second base and is likely to bat in the nine hole. Utilityman Willie Bloomquist and Mark Teahen will be the backups.
SS – Mike Aviles burst onto the scene in 2008 and will return as the everyday starter at shortstop this season. He is expected to hit second. Tony Pena adds depth.
3B – Alex Gordon has yet to live up to the hype of a top draft pick, but at the age of 25, could be primed for a breakout season. He will be the starter at the hot corner and will hit in the middle of the order. Bloomquist will back him up.
LF – David DeJesus will return as the starter in leftfield and will hit in the ever-so-important three spot of the order. Teahen and Gload are the reserves.
CF – Coco Crisp was brought in to play center and lead off. Shane Costa and DeJesus could also see some action in center.
RF – Jose Guillen returns as the right fielder and cleanup hitter. Teahen will back him up.
DH – Billy Butler didn’t live up to lofty expectations in his first full major league season in 2008, but he will be back as the designated hitter this year. He will hit in the middle of the order. Teahen and Gload will also see some work at DH.
A look at the pitching:
Starters – Gil Meche and Zach Greinke return as the team’s top two options on the hill. Brian Bannister, Kyle Davies, and Luke Hochevar are expected to round out the rotation. Sidney Ponson, Horacio Ramirez, and Brandon Duckworth could also get a look.
Relievers – Joakim Soria returns as the closer and is one of the game’s best, young 9th-inning options. Newcomers Kyle Farnsworth and Juan Cruz will be two of the top setup men. Ron Mahay, Doug Waechter, Joel Perlata, Robinson Tejada, Carlos Rosa, and Francquelis Osoria will battle it out for innings in relief.
Outlook:
There is not too much to be excited about if you’re a Royals fan. Although there are a few people projecting this team to be a surprise contender, there is not much to love. Mike Aviles, David DeJesus, Alex Gordon, and Billy Butler make for a respectable core of young hitters, but there is a pretty significant dropoff after that. Gil Meche and Zack Greinke are a respectable pitching duo, but they only make up 40-percent of the rotation. Joakim Soria is outstanding, but saves won’t come easy on a team that struggles for wins.
Prediction:
The Royals will bring up the rear in the AL Central at 73-89.
Recent Comments