(Over the next 30 days, BERNing on Sports will be previewing every team in the Majors, yes, even the Royals. We finally got to them. Yippy! Only one a day, every day, so try not to get too hooked)
Keeping It Real
Honestly, I can't express how much I love this team. I've loved the Royals since I was a young boy. Well, that's not exactly true. Maybe since my freshman year in college. But still, the infatuation is real. Last year was the first time in 5 years that the team didn't finish in dead last. They still weren't over .500 (something they've done only once---amazingly---since the strike), but I'm not giving up hope. The top two in the rotation are good (Zack Greinke and Gil Meche), the 9th inning with Joakim Soria is locked down, and the lineup will never wow you but shouldn't be laughed at. There seems to be a consistent thread of solid hitters, whether it's the Disgruntled One, Mr. I've Been A Permament DH Since I Was A Rookie, the Quietest Case of Assault You've Never Heard Of (yes, it's true), Coo-Coo for Co-Co Puffs, or Mr. They've Tried Me At Every Position But Nothing Will Stick Because They Keep Acquiring Better Players Than Me. OK, so maybe that last nickname is a bit long, but it makes the point. Anyway, the guys in this lineup aren't to be feared, but are fairly solid, 1-9. That makes for a much tougher out than the Royals would provide opposition in previous years. Remember one thing, these ain't your slightly older brother's Royals.
Unless You Are David DeJesus, I'll Bet You Didn't Know This
Or, if you're Trey Hillman. If you aren't either of those two, I can't imagine how you'd know that the Royals are planning on batting David DeJesus (Talk about you're clear cut steroid user. Jeez, could it be any more obvious?) in the number 3 spot. DeJesus, who's taken nearly 83% of his approaching 2500 hacks from the leadoff spot will be given a chance to drive in runs. The Royals logic (who knew they'd even had any?) is that he's their best hitter. While he suddenly won't start belting home runs, his ability to hit with runners on (career .317 BA) should translate into run production. I have to say, I happen to agree with the move. I've thought for a long time the Indians should do the same with Grady Sizemore, an even more traditional three hitter.
The Zack Greinke Sanity Meter
A few years back, we were decidedly in the red. In 2006, he looked like he'd gone off the deep end, Joaquin Phoenix-style. Then, after a prolonged sabbatical he returned, in 2007, seemingly not fully ready. Recently, we've seen him pitch quite well in 2008, and now, I'd have to say with confidence that the meter's has to be decidedly in the green. He re-upped with KC, finished 3 games over .500 and had a top-10 ERA in the American League. There was a time when rumors persisted that Greinke had a zillion pitches and could throw any of them at anywhere from 50 or so mph to near 95 mph. I'm pretty sure he's taken the bugs bunny curve ball out of his arsenal, but he doesn't seem to have suffered much from it.
Sidney Ponson Offered Another Chance To Prove How Bad He Really Is
I understand that each team needs a certain amount of starters. I understand the value of having someone throw a bunch of innings for you. But, when you're a team annually out of contention somewhere in the middle of April every year, why waste time with a veteran that has no upside, whatsoever. At least a guy like Livan Hernandez has a track record of winning (though precariously) and throwing a lot of innings. Sidney Ponson (his judge beating issues aside) hasn't thrown 200 innings since 2004, and hasn't won more games than he's lost or had a sub-4 ERA since 2003. Never has he ever been "good", just passable. He doesn't strike people out, he's not young, he gives up a lot of hits, there's been no sign that he's a great clubhouse leader, he's had attitude problems, he sweats a lot. Need I go further? Why is this guy still in the major leagues? Sorry, I had to get that off my chest.
Bold Predictions
The Royals will win upwards of 80 games this year, and while they won't make the playoffs, they'll be in that curious, "if they go on an insane run, maybe they could do it" position for most of the season.
Zack Greinke will win at least 15 games (not that bold considering he won 13 last year, but I wanted it marked down). I'm in love with him, in a strictly platonic fashion.
David DeJesus will drive in at least 85 runs, and Coco Crisp will steal at least 30 bases.
This will be a good year for the Royals. Strike that. I should say, it won't be a bad year for the Royals. Let's keep it under control.
Up Next...Thursday, A's.
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