KC Royals: Projecting The 2016 Starting Lineup

Clean-Up Hitter

Ned Yost isn’t likely to change up anything at this spot in the order or the next spot in the order for that matter.

Eric Hosmer is the perfect clean-up hitter. No, he isn’t going to mash 35 to 40 home runs but he is going to do what he does best. He is going to hit when there are runners on base and drive in runs.

Eric Hosmer had two hits during the playoffs in 2015 when there were no runners on. When there was a runner on base, Hosmer hit .333 with 17 RBIs.

With a good hitter in front of him and a good hitter behind him, he is going to see good pitches to hit.

Hosmer is going to hit better than .067 during the 2016 season when there aren’t runners on base, I hope, but he’s proven to be a commodity when there are runners in scoring position. When that runner is Lorenzo Cain, scoring position is first base.

Eric Hosmer probably wouldn’t hit in the fourth spot for many other teams. The Royals don’t employ a strategy that requires he hits home runs. They need Eric Hosmer to “keep the line moving”.

With a good hitter in front of him and a good hitter behind him, he is going to see good pitches to hit. When he gets his arms extended he has home run power.

I think this is going to be a breakout year for Hosmer. I think he makes the jump from good to elite in 2016. That’s a lot to ask from the guy that just won a World Series, but he has all the tools to be a superstar.

Royals’ opening day Clean-Up hitter: Eric Hosmer

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