Kansas City Royals: Projecting 2017 Opening Day Lineup
By Scott Dillon
Batting Fifth: Brandon Moss
The Royals added not one but two mashers to the roster this offseason, and it makes sense that the one with the most home run hitting experience would slot in to Kendrys Morales’ spot in the lineup.
While his slash line of .223/.303/.525 doesn’t look all that pretty, the 25 home runs against right-handers is certainly appealing.
Keeping someone like Brandon Moss behind Eric Hosmer should offer Hosmer the same kind of protection he received last season and keep more pitches in the zone.
Now, I should note, that I do expect Ned Yost to meddle this year. He’s going to have to. He doesn’t have the luxury of a swith-hitting designated hitter and Brandon Moss struggles against left-handed pitching.
While his slash line of .223/.303/.525 doesn’t look all that pretty, the 25 home runs against right-handers is certainly appealing.
I do expect Cheslor Cuthbert may slot in at designated hitter when a southpaw is on the mound. Cuthbert slashed .320/.352/.467 against left-handers last year and showed some flashes of power. They’ll also need to keep him on the roster as he’s out of minor league options.
The Royals open up against the Twins this season and unless something drastic happens, Ervin Santana figures to be the opening day starter. The right-handed match up should see Moss in the lineup on opening day.