The Royals Bolster Up the AL Central Race

The Royals Bolster Up the AL Central Race

 

 

For the last few years the Detroit Tigers have walked into the playoffs in the AL Central without much competition. That began to change last year as the Indians secured a wild card spot and the Royals hung in for a wild card spot for most of the season. This season that changes even more as both Cleveland and Kansas City improved enough to have their sights set on the division crown. 

The Royals added top of the order stability with the additions of Norichika Aoki and Omar Infante. These moves will allow Alex Gordon to bat in much more advantageous spot in the order and shift everyone else in the lineup to where they are more suited. When George Brett spent time last year as hitting coach he was able to get through to Eric Hosmer and something clicked inside the head of the young first baseman because he turned it on at that point and showed the flashes of brilliance that everyone expects from him. The other young cornerstone Mike Moustakas wasn’t so lucky. He’s coming off a horrible season, but all indications this spring are that he is poised for a much better year. If Hosmer continues where he left off and Moustakas does show that improvement, this team could easily win the division. Add to this mix the always consistent and underrated Billy Butler and Gold Glove winner Salvador Perez and Kansas City could have one of the deepest and most versatile lineups in baseball.

On the pitching side of things the loss of Ervin Santana will hurt somewhat but there’s veterans in place who know what it takes to pitch in the majors, and will keep the rotation spots warm for prospects Kyle Zimmer and Yordano Ventura. Big Game James Shields will continue to be an innings eating bulldog anchoring the staff and giving them one of the best frontline starters in the game. In the bullpen Kansas City is stacked as well. The best closer in baseball not named Craig Kimbrel, Greg Holland, will most likely lead the AL in saves and cement his name with Kimbrel as the top guys at the position.

I’ve already stated that I feel Cleveland will be a playoff team in the AL Central, and I also feel this Kansas City team will make a run, which leaves Detroit out in the cold. All good things must come to an end and this is the year I feel Detroit falls back into the pack. Kansas City here they come.

We will be back tomorrow with a look at the bright future of the Chicago Cubs. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @changingspeeds for all our coverage of the national pastime.