Post by #1 Jays Fan on Mar 21, 2008 20:18:48 GMT -5
Last season: 69-93, 5th in A.L. Central
Manager: Trey Hillman, first major league season
New faces: IF Alberto Callaspo (ARI), OF Jose Guillen (SEA), RHP Brian Lawrence (NYM), LHP Ron Mahay (ATL), C Miguel Olivo (FLA), RHP Brett Tomko (SD), RHP Chin-Hui Tsao (LAD), RHP Yasuhiko Yabuta (JAPAN)
Left town: OF Emil Brown (OAK), RHP Billy Buckner (ARI), C Jason LaRue (STL), LHP Odalis Perez (WSH), C Paul Phillips (CWS), RHP David Riske (MIL), OF Reggie Sanders (free agent), DH Mike Sweeney (OAK)
Overview: The rebuilding of this once-proud franchise continues under GM Dayton Moore, whose makeover project in his second full season with the Royals. Trey Hillman takes over as manager of a team that has finished last in the Central four-straight seasons. His resume includes the last five years in Japan. They are hoping that he's a long-term solution after employing 11 different managers since they last made the playoffs in 1985. What really needs to happen for the Royals to improve is allowing their prospects to develop without massive expectations being placed on them. Last season, Alex Gordon arrived to much fanfare and then struggled to find his way. The fact that the Royals were two games over .500 over their last 100 games is reason for optimism in the 'Show Me' state.
Stat to ponder: If the Royals are to take the next step and try to extricate themselves from the basement of the Central, it's imperative that they break from gate better. Over the last four seasons, they have won just 32 of their first 124 games to start the season. Top prospect: RHP Luke Hochevar: The first overall pick from 2006 got a taste of the majors last September and didn't disappoint with a 2.13 ERA in four appearances. It must be decided if he's better served winning at triple-A is better than losing with Kansas City.
Hitting
2007 AVG: .261 (22nd), RUNS/GAME: 4.36 (27th), HR: 102 (30th)
Offence was basically non-existent in 2007. They hit a major league-low 102 HR last season, they fewest they had hit as a team in 15 years. With that in mind, they went after several free agents and came away with Jose Guillen, fresh off a 23 HR, 99 RBI campaign with the Mariners. Unfortunately, they'll be without Guillen for the first 15 days of the season after violating baseball's drug policy. Look for the Royals to reflect new manager Hillman's Japanese philosophy of bunting, stealing and hitting & running. When you hit as poorly as they did last year, a change in style is a must. Gordon started slow last season (.173 AVG on June 4th) but hit .284 with 12 HR and 52 RBI over his final 99 games once he relaxed and realized hit didn't have to hit a home run every time he came to the plate.
Pitching
2007 ERA: 4.48 (16th), OPP AVG: .277 (25th)
The Royals have some young arms on the horizon behind ace Gil Meche, who signed a five year, $55 million deal prior to last season. He lived up to his part of the bargain, posting a 3.67 ERA and not allowing more than three runs in any of his last 10 starts. Sure, his 9-13 record doesn't look worth $11 million a season but keep in mind that the Royals scored just 12 total runs in his 13 losses. After Meche, the rest of the rotation is in their mid to late 20's and haven't reached their prime. Blue chipper Zack Greinke finally put his off-field problems behind him and has finally harnessed his vast potential. Joakim Soria was plucked out of the Rule V bin last winter and turned into an above-average closer.
Statsman's non-binding prediction: Fifth, but a chance to reel in the rebuilding Twins. If their kids can play like the scouts think, this will be a fun team to watch.
Manager: Trey Hillman, first major league season
New faces: IF Alberto Callaspo (ARI), OF Jose Guillen (SEA), RHP Brian Lawrence (NYM), LHP Ron Mahay (ATL), C Miguel Olivo (FLA), RHP Brett Tomko (SD), RHP Chin-Hui Tsao (LAD), RHP Yasuhiko Yabuta (JAPAN)
Left town: OF Emil Brown (OAK), RHP Billy Buckner (ARI), C Jason LaRue (STL), LHP Odalis Perez (WSH), C Paul Phillips (CWS), RHP David Riske (MIL), OF Reggie Sanders (free agent), DH Mike Sweeney (OAK)
Overview: The rebuilding of this once-proud franchise continues under GM Dayton Moore, whose makeover project in his second full season with the Royals. Trey Hillman takes over as manager of a team that has finished last in the Central four-straight seasons. His resume includes the last five years in Japan. They are hoping that he's a long-term solution after employing 11 different managers since they last made the playoffs in 1985. What really needs to happen for the Royals to improve is allowing their prospects to develop without massive expectations being placed on them. Last season, Alex Gordon arrived to much fanfare and then struggled to find his way. The fact that the Royals were two games over .500 over their last 100 games is reason for optimism in the 'Show Me' state.
Stat to ponder: If the Royals are to take the next step and try to extricate themselves from the basement of the Central, it's imperative that they break from gate better. Over the last four seasons, they have won just 32 of their first 124 games to start the season. Top prospect: RHP Luke Hochevar: The first overall pick from 2006 got a taste of the majors last September and didn't disappoint with a 2.13 ERA in four appearances. It must be decided if he's better served winning at triple-A is better than losing with Kansas City.
Hitting
2007 AVG: .261 (22nd), RUNS/GAME: 4.36 (27th), HR: 102 (30th)
Offence was basically non-existent in 2007. They hit a major league-low 102 HR last season, they fewest they had hit as a team in 15 years. With that in mind, they went after several free agents and came away with Jose Guillen, fresh off a 23 HR, 99 RBI campaign with the Mariners. Unfortunately, they'll be without Guillen for the first 15 days of the season after violating baseball's drug policy. Look for the Royals to reflect new manager Hillman's Japanese philosophy of bunting, stealing and hitting & running. When you hit as poorly as they did last year, a change in style is a must. Gordon started slow last season (.173 AVG on June 4th) but hit .284 with 12 HR and 52 RBI over his final 99 games once he relaxed and realized hit didn't have to hit a home run every time he came to the plate.
Pitching
2007 ERA: 4.48 (16th), OPP AVG: .277 (25th)
The Royals have some young arms on the horizon behind ace Gil Meche, who signed a five year, $55 million deal prior to last season. He lived up to his part of the bargain, posting a 3.67 ERA and not allowing more than three runs in any of his last 10 starts. Sure, his 9-13 record doesn't look worth $11 million a season but keep in mind that the Royals scored just 12 total runs in his 13 losses. After Meche, the rest of the rotation is in their mid to late 20's and haven't reached their prime. Blue chipper Zack Greinke finally put his off-field problems behind him and has finally harnessed his vast potential. Joakim Soria was plucked out of the Rule V bin last winter and turned into an above-average closer.
Statsman's non-binding prediction: Fifth, but a chance to reel in the rebuilding Twins. If their kids can play like the scouts think, this will be a fun team to watch.
