Kansas City Royals: Bring on ’15
By Paul York
Sep 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Kendrys Morales (21) hits a home run during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Morales has two home runs and four runs batted in. The Mariners defeated the Rangers 7-5. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“Billy Butler was replaced with an older Billy Butler.” (a.k.a Kendrys Morales)
Yes and no.
Yes, they replaced Billy Butler with a pure designated hitter. In my eyes, however, they cut bait on a player who has been on a steep decline at such a young age in favor of a slightly-older Kendrys Morales, who has proven to be a good hitter when healthy. That’s important.
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Butler, just 28 years old, has been healthy the past couple years, and still shows signs of diminished skills. Morales, however, when healthy, has always been solid. It’s a gamble, don’t get me wrong, but seems to be a well-calculated gamble.
In Butler’s 4,317 professional at-bats, he popped 127 home runs. Kendrys Morales has only logged 2,589 at-bats, and has hit 110 home runs. I firmly believe that we’re going to see a good/healthy Morales. I don’t think the Royals make this gamble unless they’re convinced of the same.
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