Kansas City Royals: What Can Go Wrong In 2014

Kansas City Royals third basemen Mike Moustakas (8) Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

MIKE MOUSTAKAS AND ALCIDES ESCOBAR

There is a very real fear that the Mike Moustakas and the Alcides Escobar we all witnessed in 2013 are just what those players are – decent to terrific defenders who can’t really hit a lick.

The Royals can probably live with Escobar being a well below average hitter (worst every day player in the majors last year), but it would be devastating to the Royals and their front office if Mike Moustakas is nothing more than a .230 hitter with mediocre power.

At this point, the Royals (and their fans) should be adjusting their expectations for Moustakas and Escobar going forward. 2012 was most certainly an anomaly for the shortstop. If he can just get his average up to around .250, and he can continue to play fantastic defense, steal bases, and bunt on occasion, the Royals will probably be happy.

If Mike Moustakas is nothing more than a .250 hitter who can hit 15 home runs, then the Royals take a hit on the field, as well as a dent to their already questionable developmental track record. If Moustakas can turned it around to the point where he can hit .260, and knock out 22-25 long balls, the Royals would take that at this point.

The Royals cannot afford to have either of these players hit as poorly as they did last year. Surely, they cannot be that bad. It will be tough to challenge for a divisional title with the left side of the infield providing nothing but negatives at the plate.