KC Royals: Final Roster For Opening Day
By John Viril
Oct 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; KC Royals fans hold up a sign before game seven of the 2014 World Series against the San Francisco Giants at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
The KC Royals set their 25-man roster for Opening Day against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium on Monday.
Going into the final week of spring training, only two spots remained up for grabs. Former Phillies closer Ryan Madson beat out lefty Brian Flynn as the seventh bullpen arm. Paulo Orlando won the fifth outfielder spot over Moises Sierra.
Ryan Madson is not really a surprise given that he had an opt-out clause on May 1. Brian Flynn also had minor league options remaining. Meanwhile, making the KC Royals has been a long journey for Brazilian-born Paulo Orlando. Orlando is 29-years-old and has been with the organization since the team acquired him from the White Sox in 2008.
Paulo Orlando is the only Kansas City Royal who will make his major-league debut on Monday.
You can see the entire 25-man roster by clicking here.
Starting Pitchers:
Relief Pitchers:
Infielders:
Outfielders:
Designated Hitter:
Catchers:
Seven out of the 25 players on the roster did not play for the KC Royals last season. The rest of the club contributed to the franchise’s first World Series appearance since 1985. The players making their KC Royals debut are: Kendrys Morales, Alex Rios, Ryan Madson, Chris Young, Franklin Morales, and Orlando.
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Yordano Ventura takes over as staff ace from the departed James Shields, who signed with San Diego as a free-agent over the winter. Ventura comes into the game after signing a brand new 5-year, $22 million contract extension.
Other players looking to take a step forward are the maturing corner infielders Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas. Hosmer is looking to become a true middle-of-the-order bat, while Moustakas is simply trying to show that he belongs in the major leagues. Whether the two former top prospects can succeed will go a long way toward determining if the KC Royals can successfully defend their 2014 American League pennant.
Meanwhile, over-30 free agents Alex Rios and Kendrys Morales hope they can add some thump to the lineup. Rios replaces Nori Aoki in right field. Morales takes over at designated hitter for Billy Butler (who signed a 3-year, $30 million deal with Oakland this winter).
In the rotation, Edinson Volquez needs to prove last season was not a fluke after a career-year in Pittsburgh. In 2014, Volquez went 13-7 with a 3.04 ERA in 192.2 innings pitched.
While many analysts think the KC Royals will fall to earth after their crazy World Series run, this roster could be a better team. If Kendrys Morales and Alex Rios can bounce back, or Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas finally realize their power potential, the Royals lineup will have their first real power hitter since Billy Butler in 2012.
Game on!
Next: Evaluating KC Royals Opening Day Opponent Chicago White Sox
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