Kansas City Royals: Three reasons for optimism in 2020
By Gage Stagner
Number 1 – Dayton Moore knows what he’s doing
There aren’t many active General Managers with a World Series title attached to their name. Dayton Moore is on that short list and there’s a reason for it. There’s also a reason Kansas City had 30 years between World Series appearances; Small market MLB teams have virtually zero chance at a pennant if the farm system doesn’t produce.
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Back in 2011, Kansas City brought up a farm system that would bring the city a championship, something almost unheard of. Moore knows what pay roll he works with and he’s been there before. He’s rebuilding the right way, even if the team lost over 100 games that season.
It’s just incredibly hard to sustain any sort of competency as a franchise when much of the team was due for a new contract at once. For the record, Moore made the correct decision when he signed Perez and let Hosmer, Cain, and for the most part, Moustakas, walk. There needs to be trust in him and this season should show why he’s one of the best GM’s in baseball.
As stated before, the Kansas City Royals’ lineup has the potential to be pretty decent, especially if Ryan O’Hearn and Nicky Lopez can take a step forward. Depending on where the team is at the deadline, there could be moves to be made, whether that means buying or selling.
Most likely, it will be selling guys like Ian Kennedy and possibly Danny Duffy. The player to watch most this season will be utility-man Whit Merrifield. He’s been a contender’s dream at the deadline the past two years, but Moore has stood firm on his status, though this July could change his mind if he’s blown away by an offer.
Next. Royals All-Decade Team for 2010s. dark
Either way, the team has the potential to be closer to .500 this season, which is definitely a reason to feel optimistic. It should be fascinating to watch Matheny manage a team filled with guys who could step into their own as players combined with Moore’s decision to keep or move some guys to look further towards the future.