KC Royals: Just How Bad Were the April Slumps?

Apr 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar (2) gets a single during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar (2) gets a single during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 21, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals players Alex Gordon (4), Kendrys Morales (25), Jarrod Dyson (1) and Danny Duffy (41) celebrate after beating the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals players Alex Gordon (4), Kendrys Morales (25), Jarrod Dyson (1) and Danny Duffy (41) celebrate after beating the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

Looking Ahead

So what do we make of it all? First off, it’s critical to remember how small of a sample we’re looking at. Twenty-three games. Less than 15% of one season.

This is minuscule. Untimely, yes. But minuscule. Thankfully it’s come at a time when the starting pitching has exceeded expectations, the stellar defense has met its (increasingly lofty) expectations, and besides some minor Soria-ish concerns, the bullpen has still been lock-down.

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All in all, we’ve got a ways to go. Morales will be just fine. For Cain, it looks like it might just be a timing issue. There’s reason to be a little concerned about Gordon, but if I trust anyone to have the motivation to figure out what’s wrong and fix it, it’s him. And Esky…well, let’s just say maybe these stats aren’t that dissimilar to the norm for him. Regardless, we’re not even a fifth done with the regular season – relax, don’t panic, and embrace the summer months and bouncebacks ahead.