2009 Record: 65-97 .401
Run differential: -156
Spring training of 2009 was filled with optimism for Kansas City fans, as it appeared the AL Central was moving backwards which would allow the Royals to catch up. Expected improvements from young players and GM Dayton Moore’s penchant for building a bullpen seemed to back up this theory. Unfortunately the Royals were downright awful and narrowly avoided 100 losses. In the winter Moore traded one of his most effective relievers in 2008 for likely non-tender Mike Jacobs and his career .318 OBP. Not only did Jacobs fail to hit, but his defense at first base was so bad Billy Butler became the full time starter while Jacobs DH’d . Compounding this trade was the fact that the acquisition of Jacobs blocked one of the better prospects in the system, Kila Ka’ahue. If this wasn’t bad enough, Moore traded for the worst starting infielders in the majors in August (SS Yuniesky Betancourt) and allowed Trey Hillman to find regular at- bats for Willie Bloomquist and his .655 OPS. Fan outrage called Moore out for his ineptitude leading to a tirade about trusting the process that may never die. Injuries to Alex Gordon, Mike Aviles, and Coco Crisp also played a part in driving this team to the cellar.
2010 seems to arrive with tempered expectations.
Fans know the offense will have its bumps and bruises but hope Alex Gordon can finally capitalize on his potential. Billy Butler was great last year and the team hopes some of those AL leading doubles will turn into home runs. Mike Aviles should be healthy and Mike Jacobs was thanked for his time and non-tendered. The real star here is Zack Greinke, last year’s AL Cy Young winner. Greinke was incredible and although last year’s numbers may not be replicated, Kansas City knows they have a real star. With a minor league system that continues to improve especially on the pitching front, Royals fans hope that the losing years are drawing to a close. Unfortunately, Dayton Moore still doesn’t seem to grasp the importance of on-base percentage. You can draft as well as any team in the league, but until the front office realizes what skills need to be added to the major league lineup, the team will have a hard time competing.
Fans know the offense will have its bumps and bruises but hope Alex Gordon can finally capitalize on his potential. Billy Butler was great last year and the team hopes some of those AL leading doubles will turn into home runs. Mike Aviles should be healthy and Mike Jacobs was thanked for his time and non-tendered. The real star here is Zack Greinke, last year’s AL Cy Young winner. Greinke was incredible and although last year’s numbers may not be replicated, Kansas City knows they have a real star. With a minor league system that continues to improve especially on the pitching front, Royals fans hope that the losing years are drawing to a close. Unfortunately, Dayton Moore still doesn’t seem to grasp the importance of on-base percentage. You can draft as well as any team in the league, but until the front office realizes what skills need to be added to the major league lineup, the team will have a hard time competing.
Likely opening day roster:
Pos. | Name | My two cents | ||
C | Jason Kendall | The Royals welcome his .305 SLG with open arms | ||
C | Bryan Pena | 4C player deserves ABs | ||
1b | Billy Butler | Hit 51 doubles as a 23 yr old | ||
2b | Alberto Callapso | Fans want Aviles but Callaspo is the better player | ||
3b | Alex Gordon | He’ll never be George Brett but could be a top 5 AL 3Bman | ||
SS | Yuniesky Betancourt | Makes Bloomquist look like an All-Star; .269 OBP in ‘09 | ||
LF | Scott Podsednik | Minor league contract but he’ll make the team. This is the Royals. | ||
CF | David DeJesus | Royals second best hitter may be traded this summer | ||
RF | Rick Ankiel | Make or break year for this guy. I’m rooting for him. | ||
DH | Jose Guillen | Counting down the days until it’s over | ||
IF | Mike Aviles | If healthy will be a nice bench player | ||
IF | Chris Getz | It’s unlikely he’ll ever hit much but plays good D | ||
UT | Josh Fields | He’ll either hit 24 HR or spend half the year in Omaha | ||
SP | Zack Greinke | Funny how great season quieted ridiculous trade rumors | ||
SP | Gil Meche | If he’s healthy I expect a season more like ’08 than ‘09 | ||
SP | Luke Hochevar | Will never live up to #1 pick billing but is a decent back end option | ||
SP | Brian Bannister | Gotta love a guy who understands FIP | ||
SP | Kyle Davies | Personally, I think he stinks | ||
Cl | Joakim Soria | Best nickname in sports: The Mexicutioner | ||
SU | Juan Cruz | I like the guy but you never know what you’re gonna get | ||
RP | Kyle Farnsworth | See above except I don’t like this guy. | ||
RP | Carlos Rosa | $1.7 M | Acquired in trade w/ Phi 11/7/07 | |
RP | Dusty Hughes | $.449M | Should start in the pen before moving to rotation | |
RP | Robinson Tejeda | $.425M | Pretty effective as a reliever | |
RP | Anthony Lerew | $.414M | Moore’s token Brave castoff. This one might actually pay off. | |
Say hello to: Chris Getz, Josh Fields, Jason Kendall, Scott Podsednik, Rick Ankiel, Brian Anderson, Noel Arguelles
Wave goodbye: Mark Teahen, Mike Jacobs, Miguel Olivo, Coco Crisp, John Buck, Josh Anderson, Tony Pena Jr, Sidney Ponson, Jamey Wright, John Bale, Dough Waechter, Tug Hulett, Yasuihiko Yabuta
Rookies: Carlos Rosa, Dusty Hughes
Potential breakout: Alex Gordon – I’m calling it!
Welcome to Earth: How can an already awful player collapse? I’ll pick Jose Guillen since I feel the end is near.
Likely to rebound: Alberto Callapso, Rick Ankiel
Top 3 players: Greinke, Butler, Soria
Prediction: 70-92, 5th place AL Central
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