Kansas City Royals: What Can Go Right In 2014
By Joel Wagler
Kansas City Royals first basemen Eric Hosmer (35) Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
THE MEAT OF THE LINE UP
The Royals desperately need three things to happen in conjunction. They need Eric Hosmer to take the next step forward offensively and become a hitting star in the American League. Realize that with that success, comes the guarantee that he will be gone from Kansas City after the 2016 season. The Royals will not be able to afford him.
Regardless, the Royals need a true hitting star and Hosmer is their best bet. He needs to maintain an average of around .300, and he needs to boost his home run total tot he 25-30 range, with well over 100 RBI.
The Royals need Billy Butler to return to the form he displayed in 2012 when he hit .313 with 29 home runs, and 107 RBI. Those are batting numbers of a true middle of the order hitter, and and would help the Royals offense be a force in which to be reckoned.
Lastly, Alex Gordon needs to look like he did in 2011 at the plate. That season, he hit .303, with 23 home runs, 87 RBI, and a .376 OBP.
If these things can somehow all come together, plus if Aoki and Infante can set the table, the Royals would have a very potent batting order that could rival just about anyone in the American League. It is not out of the realm of possibilities but the stars would have to be aligned just right.