How improved is KC this year?

Question

I realize they have some work to do to become contenders, but I am rooting for them to finish as least 4th place. Nothing would please me more than to see the whinny sux finish DEAD LAST!

I am not saying they will make the playoffs---I know that is still a few years away. But with their new GM they are making moves in the right direction. Could they beat the whinny sux for last place? And how sweet would that be?

Answer 1

Here in KC we’re optimistic about 2007 but we’re not expecting anything unrealistic either. I’m looking for about a 20 game improvement over last year, 82-80. Last year we had 31 blown saves, just stop and think about that for a minute, that’s unbelievable. We also had by far the worst team ERA in the game at 5.65. We believe that we’ve ridded ourselves of the “cancers” that were the major causes of those two extremely big problems. On the upside, the second half of last season our offense was 3rd in all of baseball. We finished last season strong and at the least that showed our character. So, if we can stay healthy and our pitching comes around we will definitely be an improved team, how much improved we’ll just have to wait and see.

I just wanted to respond to all the nay sayers who constantly criticize the Royals signing of Gil Meche. Signing Gil Meche to a 55 million dollar deal put an end to the “we can’t compete in an unfair market” attitude that was played out behind the scenes at Kaufmann Stadium. Signing a 28 year old just entering his prime as opposed to a 36 year old just leaving it, changed the mind set of KC from “hoping to compete” to “planning to win”. More than anything else, Dayton Moore put the Royals back in the game. Barry Zito and Jason Schmidt wouldn’t even return the Royals calls this year, next year the big name guys might at least listen to the voice mail. The year after that, they probably return the call. That will happen even if Gil Meche never posts an ERA under 4.00. Meche’s contract, in my opinion, is not a big of a deal as people are making it out to be. Keep in mind that Mike Sweeney’s 11 million a year contract is done after this season. Basically, the future the Royals does not count on Meche becoming a star. Fifty-five million dollars is a lot of money, especially to a small market team, but the Royals did not go “all in” to sign Meche. Keep that in mind this season, when Meche will more than likely be solid, not spectacular. Maybe you have to be a fan of a small market team to fully understand.

Answer 2

The team is greatly improved and things are definitely looking up. They are spending a lot of money this offseason to improve a club that has been the laughingstock of the American League for way too long.

The team has already spent to acquire Gil Meche, Octavio Dotel, David Riske, Jason LaRue, Ken Ray, Joakim Soria, Brandon Duckworth and Zach Day.

In addition they made some smart trades to bring in Brian Bannister and Ross Gload. The core of the team is comprised of young talent and a few hold-on veterans. Look at an offense that could include budding stars: Ryan Shealy, Mark Teahen, Alex Gordon, Billy Butler, David DeJesus and Joey Gathright. This can be combined with veterans like Reggie Sanders, Mike Sweeney and Mark Grudzielanek to make a formidible lineup.

Then look at the rotation that conceivably consists of Meche, Perez, Bannister, Day and Elarton. A solid bullpen with guys like Riske, Gobble and Dotel behind the starters and you're talking about a solid ballclub.

It's not that the team isn't moving in the right direction, especially since Dayton Moore took over as GM, but it takes time. You can't expect every team to dump "Yankees Money" out there every season, but these moves defnitely show that the team is thinking for the future. Moore knows the Royals aren't going to compete in the super-tough AL Central any time soon, but he is setting the foundation for a good competitive team a few years down the road.

Trust me, I'm a Twins fan. It just takes time...and patience, but as far as 2007 goes. I think they are simply going to be an improved last place team and that'll be about the end of it. They don't have what it takes to make the playoffs in the American League, not yet.

Answer 3

In no particular order.... a million) employed Romeo Crenell as protecting coordinator 2) employed Charlie Weis as offensive coordinator 3) incredibly greater play by using Matt Cassell 4) finally have a respectable offensive line 5) that they had a solid draft 6) precise protecting draft alternatives from the previous few years are finally enjoying to their finished ability (D.Johnson, T.Hali, G.Dorsey, ect. 7) Jamal Charles is the actual deal 8) Carl Peterson now no longer has something to do with the gang (greatest reason)

Answer 4

I'm a Yankees fan but live in Kansas so I get plenty of news around here on the Royals. I think they will be solid. I don't expect them contending for the AL Central title or even the Wild Card this season but Dayton Moore has them headed in the right direction.

Answer 5

I see that there has been an attempt made, but not enough yet to catapult them into the playoffs.

However, with the lousy off season that the White Sox have had, the Royals may be poised to overtake their AL Central rival. The pitching, I forsee, to be a shambles for the Sox

Answer 6

Well, im not sure how well or bad they will do. But if you really look at the stats, KC Royals really give a pounding to the teams in the AL Central (Twins, Tigers, Sox, Indians) Why? I don't know, but they really put a beating.

So I say that they would come finishing fourth, but rearely.

Answer 7

GP I don't see them doing it. I mean they gave Gil Meche 55 Million dollars that speaks volumes of what they are going to do. I would have said that if they signed say Lilly for that amount they were at least on their way. Meche 55 Million? Chicago could be in the midst of it depending how their pitching is. Their starters are getting real old real quick. Who knows how old Contreras is? The Tigers should be battling it out with the Twinkies. I'm really hoping that you guys take it so we can play again in the first round.

Answer 8

It's good for MLB that they won't pocket so much $ this year. Their spending will pay off slightly. Hope they don't beat up your Tigs too much.

Answer 9

rotflmao about the part about the whitesox anyway the royals stink dude they just totally suck i see them finishing in last place again dude they didn't do much to help themselves either so how have you been georgie

Answer 10

About 0.5 Percent.....They got NOONE except a overpriced young veteran.