KC Royals: Projecting The 2016 Starting Lineup
By Scott Dillon
The Fifth Hitter
Ned Yost has made this piece very easy to write with his non-meddling tendencies. As mentioned previously, that’s not a bad thing. Don’t fix what isn’t broken!
When Butler left in 2014, there was a lot of mixed emotions about his departure.
Kendrys Morales was a revelation for the Royals. The Royals designated hitter hit 15 home runs and 28 doubles while grounding into 26 double plays in 2015. Oh wait…Those were Billy Butler’s numbers with the A’s.
When Butler left in 2014, there was a lot of mixed emotions about his departure. It proved to be a great move by Dayton Moore and the Royals as their real designated hitter played much better.
Morales was given a shot at redemption after a freak accident nearly ended his career. After breaking his leg on a walk-off celebration he was never quite the same player.
In 2015, Morales clubbed 22 home runs and 41 doubles. He also drove in over 100 runs and batter .290 on the season. He didn’t have a big role in the World Series, but did put the proverbial ‘nail in the coffin’ against the Astros.
Royals’ opening day fifth hitter: Kendrys Morales
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