Ending our preview of the American League Central's upcoming season are the Kansas City Royals.One thing not lacking in the KC organization is optimism and club owner David Glass is full of it, hoping to put the club's recent 100-loss seasons behind him. The mighty sweep of the unbeatable, ALC-leading Detroit Tigers last year that swiped their division championship away on the last day of the season, gave the team something to hold on to and build from.
A few big off season moves have been made to strengthen the offense and defense. The outfield is absolutely stacked with Emil Brown in right field, David DeJesus in center and a world of possibilities in left. Shane Costa is expected to have a shot at an outfield position (at least at backup), competing with Joey Gathright or Mitch Maier.
DeJesus, being the left-handed hitting treasure that he is, will bring some power to the top of the line-up. Veteran Reggie Sanders, at 39-years-old, played rather poorly in only 88 games before a season-ending knee surgery on Aug. 31, making his future in left field uncertain. Gathright was obtained last June to add some much-needed speed and thievery to the lineup, hitting .262 and stealing 10 bags in 79 games with the club.
A tough double-play combo up the middle will return in Angel Berroa at short stop, and second baseman Mark Grudzielanek.
With Mark Teahan recovering from shoulder surgery this off season, Royals fans are wondering where Alex Gordon could end up - covering third base or possibly in the crowded outfield? Esteban German possibly has a spot at third as well, with Ryan Shealy holding down first. Shealy will be backed up by new addition Ross Gload and designated hitter Mike Sweeney. German and Justin Huber will round out the DH spot.
John Buck has control of the plate with a little help from Jason LaRue and Paul Phillips.
Gil Meche, who signed a five-year contract with the club in December, will headline the five-man rotation, along with Odalis Perez, Luke Hudson, Jorge De La Rosa and possibly Zach Grienke, Scott Elarton, or Brian Bannister.
Octavio Dotel will remain in the closer spot with the bullpen consisting mostly of returnees like right-hander Todd Wellemeyer, Leo Nunez, Joel Peralta and Ken Ray, who returns to KC after spending last season with the Atlanta Braves. Lefty Jimmy Gobble will be back with a few new, young arms.
Look for the Royals to bring more competition in 2007 - you might be surprised.
2 comments:
"club owner David Glass is full of it"
Boy, is he ever! As a Kansas City man since the George Brett days, I have to say this is a sad shadow of the organization I grew up with. I hope and pray every year that Glass will get serious about bringing in players, and every year he lets me down. I'm crossing my fingers!
Heh. I was hoping someone would catch that innocent shot at Mr. Glass.
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