Kansas City Royals: Crushing Fantasy Expectations

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Edinson Volquez (36) – Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Edinson Volquez

It seemed like everyone was calling for Volquez’ regression this year, with his 3.04 ERA in 2014 backed by a low BABIP and stellar Pittsburgh defense. So far (pretty much) so good though.

With at least five strikeouts in each of his starts, a sub-1.00 WHIP, and a clan of good hitters behind him, the wins should follow.

We can be sure of two things – one, that the immense Spring Training trouble Volquez had in commanding his off-speed pitches is in the past (along with his pre-April ERA which hovered around the double digit mark); and two, that when he does have his command, he borders on un-hittable.

The problem has been consistency, and not just game to game, but inning to inning. On Sunday, Volquez put together five stellar innings before losing it in the sixth, yielding five runs (albeit four unearned) in the Royals’ loss to the White Sox.

With at least five strikeouts in each of his starts, a sub-1.00 WHIP, and a clan of good hitters behind him, the wins should follow. For a guy who was largely undrafted in standard ESPN leagues, Volquez is now owned on close to 90% of teams and has earned must-start status against almost every opponent’s lineup.

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