2014 Opening Day: A Look At The Kansas City Royals Roster

Kansas City Royals RP

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Bullpen: Aaron Crow, Tim Collins, Wade Davis, Kelvin Herrera, Louis Coleman, Francisley Bueno, Danny Duffy and Greg Holland

Grade: A-

Last season, this bullpen was elite. Holland finished 3rd in saves last season, and the bullpen finished 1st overall in both strikeouts per inning and strikeout-to-walk ratio, according to ESPN.com.

One key to this season’s bullpen success is Wade Davis. Davis only allowed one earned run in his 7 relief appearances last season, and is finally in the place where he belongs. Danny Duffy was recovering from Tommy John’s surgery last season, but is healthy now.  And of course, Greg “The Flying Dutchman” Holland is back to bring havoc in the 9th inning.

There is a chance the newly acquired left hander, Patrick Schuster may make the roster in front of Francisley Bueno.

This grade would be an A or possibly an A+ if Luke Hochever was healthy. Hochevar suffered an elbow injury in early March that will require Tommy John’s surgery. However, the Royals bullpen should still remain in the Top 3 among all MLB teams.