Straight off another 100 loss season, the Allard Baird-less Royals look to avoid the dubious distinction for a 5th time in 6 seasons. If you want their lineup, their starting rotation, look elsewhere.
Let's Be Honest:
This is the Royals we're talking about. The team that last year lost 100 games and saw its star pitcher nearly leave the game entirely following an emotional breakdown.
Now, 55 million dollars, one overweight pitcher and a poor GM later, are the Royals ready to compete? Not quite. First, the division is, in the words of many a sorority sister, "ridic". Maybe the best in baseball, the AL Central has some big guns. Yet, many in Royal Nation, if such a thing actually exists, believe this could be the year the team competes. In fact, new GM Dayton Moore has gone so far as to confirm that previous statement. Seems like a lot from a man inheriting a team that hasn't had a 30 HR season since 2000 (Jermaine Dye).
Yet, all this being said, this isn't that bad of a team. I'd say, these aren't your father's Royals, but, frankly, if they were, they'd be good. Take a look up and down this lineup, and you'll be pleasantly surprised. The rotation, not great, but same as the lineup, surprising. That's all from the soap box.
What Can We Expect?:
Less than 100 losses? I guess that's about all.
First Player To Have Another Zack Greinke-esque Breakdown:
Angel Berroa, after he realizes that the untimely Rookie of the Year curse isn't a curse, but rather an indicator of a lucky year for a man that couldn't cut it in Wichita.
What Your Most Likely To Hear Shouted At A Royals' Loss:
Bring Back Burgos! That is, of course, after the Royals management realizes that Octavio Dotel hasn't been good for years and isn't going to suddenly turn it on.
Bold Statement(s):
The Royals are a 70-75 win team.
John Buck will not be with the team by September. Well, he shouldn't be at least.
Luke Hudson will win 15 games. By August. 2008.
No comments:
Post a Comment