KC Royals News: Players Battle For Position
By Scott Dillon
Today’s KC Royals News focuses on the positional battles that will take place when Spring Training begins.
The KC Royals have the majority of their World Series winning team remaining next year. They’ll have seven of the nine spots in their lineup filled by players that made a big impact last year.
The rotation will also look slightly different. The Royals lost Johnny Cueto but added Ian Kennedy. While some may think that’s a downgrade, Cueto wasn’t exactly spectacular for the Royals in most of his starts.
The Royals appear to be in pretty good shape because of their returning players. They’re also in good shape because of the depth they carry with them into camp.
Second base is likely up for grabs. Omar Infante played less than inspiring baseball last year. His defense remained above average but he often forgot to bring his bat to the stadium.
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Christian Colon brought his every day. Even the days he didn’t play he was taking hacks in the batting cage to stay prepared. He delivered a big hit when it mattered. While that at-bat isn’t enough to earn him a starting spot, it’s not a bad start.
Right field has an abundance of candidates. Jarrod Dyson and Paulo Orlando likely lead the way in a platoon role, but there are several minor league options as well.
Jose Martinez and Brett Eibner raked at Triple ‘A’ last season. Reymond Fuentes and Bubba Starling bring defense and speed with them. Travis Snider may be in the mix also. It’s anyone’s guess at this point as to who will be playing right field when the Royals face off against the Mets.
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The fourth and fifth spots in the rotation are also in question. Kris Medlen, Chris Young, Danny Duffy, and Dillon Gee are all viable options to fill those holes. Kyle Zimmer could impress enough in Spring Training to earn a spot in the rotation also.
The Royals will also likely be looking to establish their seventh, eighth, and ninth inning pitchers. They have an embarrassment of riches with Joakim Soria, Luke Hochevar, Kelvin Herrera, and Wade Davis in the bullpen. Any of them could close for a different team.
What does the rest of FanSided.com have to say about KC Royals news?
Why Dillon Gee Will Make The Rotation [Phillip Irwin: KC Kingdom]
Royals Positional Battles To Watch [David Hill: Kings of Kauffman]
"Should the Royals go with a seven man bullpen, one final spot would be open after the battle for the starting rotation is figured out. Should Duffy be the odd man out, the Royals would have that second lefty reliever they may need. Otherwise, options like Brian Flynn and Scott Alexander could get a longer look. The young starters, like Zimmer and Almonte, may also be candidates for that final bullpen spot."
Omar Infante Or Christian Colon [Phillip Irwin]
Reymond Fuentes Battling Health Issues [David Hill: Kings of Kauffman]
See what the rest of the internet is saying about the KC Royals:
Royals To Host Two World Series Ceremonies To Open Season vs. Mets [SI Wire]
Panthers cite Royals as inspiration, then things get awkward [Max Rieper: Royals Review]
The KC Royals have some questions to answer in Arizona. Luckily, the Royals will have ten of their Spring Training games televised. Fans will be able to watch all of these competitions unfold as Spring Training goes on.
No matter what the Royals choose to do, they should put together another competitive season. With most of the core returning and a confidence that any deficit can be overcome, they should have no doubt they can win the division in 2016.
Next: What Music Should Play When The Royals Bat?
What do you think KC Royals’ fans? Which positional battles are you most looking forward to? What surprises await the players in Surprise, AZ? Let me know in the comments’ section below.