Kansas City Royals: What Can Go Right In 2014
By Joel Wagler
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Yordano Ventura (30) Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
DANNY DUFFY AND YORDANO VENTURA
At some point, a starting pitcher developed within the Royals’ system has to enjoy success on the major league level. Since Kevin Appier more than 20 years go, only one Royals starting pitcher has been successful for Kansas City – Zack Greinke (maybe Jose Rosado briefly). The law of averages would say the Royals are due.
They have two legitimate candidates this season. Both Danny Duffy and Yordano Ventura have displayed similar skills in the minors. They each have electric stuff but struggle a bit with control and stamina. If they can both develop into the number 2 type starters the Royals need, sooner rather than later, it would be a big help.
The Royals recently signed Bruce Chen, and they may have promised him a rotation spot. If this is true, and I can hardly believe it is, then shame on Dayton Moore. Including Chen in the rotation, at the expense of either Duffy or Ventura, just doesn’t seem like the smart thing to do. Chen should be used out of the bullpen from the start, and as a fill in if any of the other starters get hurt.
If Duffy and Ventura can earn their spots in the rotation and realize their potential, the Royals should be in pretty good shape.