KC Royals: Five Key Offensive Players For 2015 Season
By Joel Wagler
Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar (2) celebrates with teammates Mike Moustakas (8) and Eric Hosmer (left) – Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
The KC Royals are the defending American League champions. It has been 29 long seasons since that statement could be proudly uttered. Now, for the first time in a very long time, expectations for the Kansas City Royals are realistically high.
Just because the Royals got amazingly hot at the exact right time last autumn, it does not mean they can be satisfied with that incredibly fortuitous accomplishment, as David Lesky of Pine Tar Press pointed out.
The KC Royals left the tying run on third base in Game Seven of the 2015 World Series. They were that close. For some, Alex Gordon being stranded at third is still haunting. For some of us, it was a fantastic ride that just fell a bit short.
The KC Royals left the tying run on third base in Game Seven of the 2015 World Series. They were that close.
The goal for 2015 is to not fall short. Despite the fact the Royals are the first team to rank last in the majors in home runs and walks, and still make it to the World Series, the Royals could be better this season, especially on offense.
New players could be better than departed players. Young players could finally step up, and become the stars they were projected to be. Others could just play at a level already attained. One fact remains, the Royals can afford few, if any, players to regress in 2015.
"Despite the fact the Royals are the first team to rank last in the majors in home runs and walks and still make it to the World Series, the Royals could be better this season, especially on offense."
There must be improvement. It is unlikely the rotation will be as good, even though Edinson Volquez was relatively close in performance to James Shields last season. As much as we hope it will be, can the bullpen be as good? The arms are there but 2014 will be a tough act to follow.
The Royals must see some drastic improvement of offense. Let’s take a look at five players that will be incredibly important to the success, or failure, of the offense in 2015.
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