Is it going to be another 29 years? That is the question on the mind of Kansas City Royals fans after a lackluster Hot Stove League performance in which the team lost such key contributors as starting right hander James Shields, designated hitter Billy Butler, outfielder Nori Aoki, and relief pitcher Aaron Crow. There was not much in the way of return to inspire confidence.
The magic of last year’s Cinderella run for the ages, in which Kansas City ended up in the World Series, has now turned into the stark reality of a new season in which the Royals are being tabbed as a middle of the pack team. To go from a team that went the full distance in the World Series, with the tying run on third base in the bottom of the ninth, to a 75 win range team, would be an insult to long suffering Royals fans. Yet there is legitimate fear of that happening.
Missed Opportunity?
Kansas City took to the Royals like few fan bases in any sport and the good will gained after 29 years of no playoffs could quickly dissipate. The lack of news out of the Royals camp is a stark reminder of most of owner David Glass’ years as the head of the franchise in which the Royals floundered as one of the worst teams in the game and were constantly cutting payroll.
Long Shots and Gambles?
Kansas City did not necessarily operate on the cheap during the offseason as the Royals invested $50 million on new imports such as right hand starting pitcher Edinson Volquez, right fielder Alex Rios, designated hitter Kendry Morales, right hand starting pitcher Kris Medlen, and relief pitcher Ryan Madson. Rios and Morales are considered to be in decline while Medlen and Madson are injury risks.
Which one will KC Get?
Kansas City spent big money for players that are not at all sure things. The new Royals have records of mixed results.
A good example is Volquez, who appears to be a solid pickup as he was 13-7 at Pittsburgh last year with a 3.04 earned run average. He started 32 games for the Bucs last year with 192 innings of work. If he can post similar numbers this year he’ll serve as an adequate replacement to Shields. But in 2013, Volquez was bombed for a 5.71 ERA with the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Morales has a similar feel. In 2013 with the Seattle Mariners, Morales hit .277 with 23 home runs and 80 runs batted in. But last year he was plagued with injuries and hit only .218 with eight home runs in just 98 games.
Rios was also strong in 2013 with a .278 average for the Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers with 18 home runs and 81 runs batted in to go with 42 stolen bases. But last year, Rios hit only four home runs for the Rangers and stole just 17 bases. He is also 34 years of age. Rios is a problematic risk. Perhaps he has one really good season left in him but that sharp decline raises plenty of questions.
Filling the Void
The loss of Shields is immeasurable. He is a bona fide stopper and number one starter that adds the element of leadership and cache to a pitching staff. Now either Danny Duffy or Vordano Ventura will have to step in and fill the top void.
Luke Hochevar returns to the fold after missing last season with Tommy John surgery. Hochevar will serve in a bullpen that was downright dominant for the Royals last year.
In Defense of Kansas City
Pitching and defense are still the key to playoff success and Kansas City is not lacking in those areas. With catcher Salvador Perez, shortstop Alcides Escobar, first baseman Eric Hosmer, center fielder Lorenzo Cain, and left fielder Alex Gordon , the Royals have a defense that has consistently made up for their lack of offensive production.
The Key
Eric Hosmer blossomed into the player he was long touted to becoming down the stretch run and in the playoffs last year. Both at the plate and in the clubhouse he emerged as the key to the Royals. Hosmer must deliver a career year for the Royals to stay in contention. It’s all on Hosmer. We say he delivers and Kansas City exceeds expectations.
