I need your thoughts on this one. I had recent phone calls on my birthday today from my friends saying the royals can be a better team this year than last year. If they be a better baseball team they may go on to the world series if lucky win the world series.
2007-12-27 15:31:45 · 11 answers · asked by weather export 19 3 in Sports ➔ Baseball
Yeah, they will be a better team. World Series, though, thats asking a little much. If they finish the year with a .500 record, that'll be a vast improvement. They've got a lot of young guys on the team that are going to be really good. Gordon and Butler both got adjusted to major league pitching last year and really started hitting well the last couple months. They've got solid veteran leadership from Grudz and an underrated middle infield with him and Pena, Jr. They've got a few more pieces they need to add to be a real contender - more depth in the rotation and a power hitting 1st baseman (or anybody with a lot of power for that matter) are immediate concerns that I see. Anyways, yes they'll be an improved team.
GO ROYALS!!!
2007-12-27 16:32:27 · answer #1 · answered by DoReidos 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
OK, they're not going to win the World Series in 2008 or even make the playoffs but they will be much better than last year and possibly the best Royal team in the last 10 years.
I also think that if they keep this team together and don't suffer major health issues, they could build towards wild card contention or a Central crown in a few years.
They're building a solid top of a starting rotation with Gil Meche, Brian Bannister and Zack Grienke. They are all young and showing signs of being good to great. Meche and Bannister also eat innings and don't walk anybody.
Their bullpen is an issue. They're either young, unproven or not very good. Who knows how Yabuta will be? Is Soria a real closer? Will Gobble hold up again and can he pitch the 8th? Mahay will be solid but is that enough? Does a bullpen need three lefties? All questions that will be answered this season.
Their offense has potential. They have a catching duo (Buck and Olivo) which will produce runs at a good rate.
The infield is in flux but has great potential. 3B Alex Gordon can flat out rake. SS Pena needs to raise his average. Second and first base are just being filled. Blue chip prospect Mike Moustakas might eventually move Gordon to first but that would be good and it could give the Royals very good offense at the corners.
As for the outfield, I think that Jose Guillen's presence in the lineup will be a positive, as long as he keeps his head on straight. He'll give you 20-30 HR, 80-100 RBI no problem. Gathright will push DeJesus in center and that's good for both of them. Don't be surprised if Joey G. plays multiple outfield positions this year. Teahan in left needs to refine his approach at the plate. Sure, he can hit .290 but he strikes out too much and doesn't walk enough.
I think that the wild card for the offense is Billy Butler. Not only will his performance have a great impact on the lineup as a whole but where does he play? Left? First? DH? It should be interesting.
What's most exciting for them is their new manager. He was a highly respected manager in the Yankee system for a decade and did very well in Japan (Go Ham Fighters!!!!). He deserved a shot and he could make an impact on this team as soon as this year.
Overall, the Royals are worth watching this year. The offense seems ready to take the next step forward. The starting rotation, if guys behind the top two step up, could be surprisingly good. The bullpen has some veteran presence and that could go a long way. I wouldn't make playoff plans for them if I were you but it'll be a fun year for you. Kansas City is a great baseball town and they deserve a good team.
2007-12-27 16:33:03 · answer #2 · answered by lupin_1375 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good news, bad news for you there, buddy.
First question you had. Will the Royals be a better team this year than last year. Judging soley by the stats, the players, and the possiible new fan support (usually a new or updated stadium generates a decent return of revenue, but nothing beats overall success), The Royals are going to put up some decent numbers.
Problem is, with a division with Cleveland (probably the second best team in the American League behind Boston), Detroit (with all their new "toys"), Chicago (last year HAD to be just a bad season for them... they should be doing MUCH better than they did), and Minnesota (well, untlil Santana officially goes), there is a VERY VERY VERY small chance of them even coming close to a Wild Card berth.
Don't forget, the AL is the perenial big market league, with huge payroll teams with tons of power hitters (Boston, New York, Detroit, etc.), teams with genius GMs who made incredible deals and have incredible minor league depth (Cleveland, and Oakland a few seasons ago).
Don't get me wrong, Kansas City will be a very exciting team to watch. If they were in the NL West, then they'd have a VERY good shot at it, but since they are stuck in the (arguably) best division in all of sports (biased opinion, I know, I basically hate all sports except baseball and hockey).
2007-12-27 15:47:23 · answer #3 · answered by SrA KStrickRHM 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. over this off season they have shown little to no progress with picking up free agents and tryign to make some trades. KC will get destroyed by the improved tigers and the indians. There is little to no chance the royals will do better then last year at 69-93. They wont make the playoffs, they have a way to tuff division.
2007-12-27 15:48:14 · answer #4 · answered by cracka 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It would be super to see them come back from double A status. I'm no fan, but I hate to see any team exist as fodder for the teams with huge payrolls. If they do, and if Minnesota still has Santana, it's just possible that the toughest division in baseball could be a 5 team race.
2007-12-27 18:19:04 · answer #5 · answered by Sarrafzedehkhoee 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they have a chance to be third in the division with a close to 500 record with some key FA pick ups like guillen and olivo they should be pretty good i'd say they stay with everyone till the All Star Break and break down Detroit will win over 100 games and win the division though indians somewhere in the 80 win range
2007-12-27 16:04:10 · answer #6 · answered by Jeff 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Royals will be a better team, but nowhere near making it to the WS, let alone the playoffs...
2007-12-27 15:35:56 · answer #7 · answered by pickemgenius 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not the World Series
But with Kenny Williams not doing ANYTHING for the White Sox, fourth place or higher will be a lock.
2007-12-28 02:59:54 · answer #8 · answered by White Sox 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definitely better. Hillman is a new coach . they seem to be signing some players and rookies should look better with experience. but wont make playoffs.
2007-12-27 17:28:44 · answer #9 · answered by Ed B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
maybe, but they won't be near being in the WS.
2007-12-27 16:53:58 · answer #10 · answered by Nicky b 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋