| Scott Miller's Take |
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The refrain I heard most often in touring camps this spring, at least in AL camps, went something like this: "... and Kansas City is going to be a lot better than people think." If I had $1 for every time I heard that, I'd be typing this on a Caribbean beach right now. The Royals have the beginnings of something under GM Dayton Moore and new manager Trey Hillman. Now, the trick is to keep the train on the tracks.Video Outlook
Strengths
There are some young players who can play here. Third baseman Alex Gordon was everybody's choice to finish high in the AL Rookie of the Year balloting last year, and he got off to a miserable start. Though his final numbers weren't great, that was only because of the early hole he dug for himself: From late June on, the kid found himself. I don't know if Billy Butler will cut it defensively at first, but I do know he will hit his way into this lineup for a long time -- either at first or as designated hitter. Now, as long as crazy Jose Guillen, who will begin the season serving a 15-day suspension because of allegedly purchasing steroids and human growth hormone, doesn't mess it all up ...
Weaknesses
There's still not enough pitching to compete with the loaded Detroits and Clevelands in the division. Brian Bannister was a find last year and Zack Greinke is back on track, but the fourth and fifth starting slots likely will be a revolving door. With Angel Berroa having flamed out a year ago, the Royals at least have someone who can play shortstop in Tony Pena, but he doesn't hit much.
Difference Maker
Gil Meche. The butt of every wanna-be comedian's joke last year after signing that $55 million deal, Meche stepped up and showed the Royals actually knew what they were doing by going 9-13 with a 3.67 ERA. He threw 216 innings over 34 starts, shouldering a much-needed load while the Royals tried to develop some of their younger pitchers. Given the price of starting pitching today, credit Moore with a prescient move. And credit Meche for ignoring the jokes and becoming a leader.
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| Top Prospects |
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Luke Hochevar, SP (R) |
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'06 No. 1 overall needs time, disappointed in first full season.
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| 2. |
Michael Moustakas, 3B |
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'07 No. 2 overall pick drafted as SS, probably moving to 3B.
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| 3. |
Justin Huber, 1B |
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Always looked good in the minors, not a complete afterthought.
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| 4. |
Chris Lubanski, OF |
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Numbers haven't matched the hype, but he could find it in '08.
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| 5. |
Julio Pimentel, SP (R) |
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Posted good ERA last season, but not much of a strikeout artist.
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Complete AL Central prospects |
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Miguel Olivo will likely be a backup catcher but will get the nod against lefties, hitting .295 vs. LHP last season. (Getty Images)
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Community
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John66215 is calling all Royals fans and poses this hypothetical question: It's the World Series, bottom of the 9th, bases are loaded and down by 2, who do you want up? Alex Gordon or Billy Butler. Vote Now
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Give us your thoughts!
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| Team Info |
2007 record: 69-93 (5th in AL Central)
Manager: Trey Hillman, 1st
Stadium: Kauffman Stadium (38,030; grass)
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| Lineup |
| No. | Player | Comment |
| 1. | D. DeJesus, CF | Needs to boost his 2007 average (.260) to be effective as leadoff |
| 2. | M. Teahen, LF | After two seasons at third he moved to RF, now he's moving to LF |
| 3. | B. Butler, DH | Made his debut in May and played 92 G, batting .292 with 8 HR and 52 RBI |
| 4. | J. Guillen, RF | Signed mega-deal to help an offense that ranked last in HR last year |
| 5. | A. Gordon, 3B | Strong spring brings promise after struggling his rookie season |
| 6. | R. Gload, 1B | Could platoon with with R. Shealy |
| 7. | J. Buck, C | Led the club in HR (18) last season |
| 8. | M. Grudzielanek, 2B | Finished '07 with a .302 (in 116 games) despite two knee surgeries |
| 9. | T. Pena Jr., SS | His 1st major league triple was on opening day, followed by his 2nd later that game |
| Pitching |
| Rotation | Comment |
| 1. |
G. Meche (R) |
Set career highs in game starts (34), IP (216) and ERA (3.67) |
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B. Bannister (R) |
Led the club in wins (12) last season as a rookie |
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Z. Greinke (R) |
2003 Minor League Player of the Year hasn't lived up to expectations |
| 4. |
J. Bale (L) |
Pitched 40.0 innings as a reliever last season |
| 5. |
B. Tomko (R) |
The 10-year veteran flopped with the Dodgers last season |
| Closer |
Comment |
| J. Soria (R) |
Rule 5 pick from SD; logged 17 saves as a rookie last season |
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