Will KC Royals Win The AL Central in 2016
By Scott Dillon
Kansas City Royals
The Royals have some key departures in players like Ben Zobrist and Johnny Cueto. They’ve also lost Alex Rios and Ryan Madson. They’ve filled some of those holes already with Ian Kennedy and Joakim Soria, but will likely look to fill the other spots internally.
The great news is the Royals retained their core group of players. Moustakas had a breakout year in 2015 and looks to build on that success. Lorenzo Cain finished third in the MVP race, but as Jonny Gomes pointed out, an MVP does not a World Champion make.
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They Royals need a more effective year out of their starters if they’re going to look to repeat as division winners. Ian Kennedy may play a big role in that, if in no other way but eating up innings.
There is a lot of promising talent for the rotation with Volquez coming off one of his best seasons, and Ventura having a strong second half. If Kris Medlen can return to 2013 form and Kyle Zimmer can make the jump to the majors with ease, the Royals may be in great shape as far as the rotation is concerned.
There is also a lot of pitching depth in terms of starters or relievers. The Royals have several dominate pitchers in the pen as well as some guys that could fill in spot starts or offer long relief. Players like Dillon Gee, John Lannan, and Chris Young could all be considered ‘swing men’ and jump from the rotation to the bullpen with ease.
If the Royals can avoid the injury bug and get continued solid play out of Eric Hosmer, Cain, Gordon, Moustakas, Alcides Escobar, and Salvador Perez, they have a great shot at winning the division. Not only do all of these players keep the line moving on offense, they play a hard-nosed style of defense and don’t allow runs at all costs. If a ball is in the air, there’s a Royal doing everything humanly possible to make the out.
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They also have a winning attitude and playoff experience on their side. The pressure shouldn’t get to them. If anything, pressure might make them play better.
The other key for the Royals will be to continue their dominance out of the bullpen. If they can maintain leads late into a game, their strength has been sealing the deal. To continue their success, this above all else, cannot change.
It’s not going to be easy to accomplish, but anything that’s worth something usually isn’t.
Next: Protect The Crown