Kansas City Royals: A Look Back at Preseason Predictions

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields (33) . Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Starting Pitchers (Preseason): James Shields, Jason Vargas, Yordano Ventura, Jeremy Guthrie and Bruce Chen
Starting Pitchers (Postseason): Shields, Vargas, Ventura, Guthrie and Danny Duffy

Preseason Grade: C+

When I looked at this rotation back in April, I was a little concerned. While I expected solid play from Shields, I wasn’t sure what to expect from anyone else. Vargas didn’t look to be as good as Ervin Santana was in 2013, Guthrie would have to work hard to match his production, and Ventura was just a rookie.

But these guys got it done. Vargas proved to be a great free agent addition. Ventura was one of the best rookie pitchers in the league. Duffy had the best ERA of the five starters, and Guthrie did what the team needed him to do.

Duffy had the best ERA of the five starters

While it is very unlikely that Shields returns in 2015, this rotation is set up to succeed without him. While very young, Ventura proved in the postseason that he has what it takes to be an ace. And with Shields’ large contract gone, the Royals can afford to go after a pitcher like Brandon McCarthy or even ex-Royal Ervin Santana.

Overall, you couldn’t have asked for much more out of this rotation this season. Except for maybe one more postseason win. I’m not bitter or anything though.

Postseason Grade: B+