[情報] Sporting News 2009 Royals preview

看板Royals作者Belladonaa時間15年前 (2009/03/09 13:49)推噓3(3推 0噓 0→)

留言3則, 3人參與討論串1/1

Kansas City Royals preview you're looking for a surprise team, look no further. Kansas City has a good mix of youngsters and veterans, a lights-out closer and improved depth. Plus, their 18-8 record last September was the best in baseball -- and good enough to keep them out of last place in the A.L. Central. In a division that's up for grabs, Kansas City will be in the race. THREE QUESTIONS 1. How will the logjam at first base shake out? There are five players -- Mike Jacobs, Billy Butler, Ryan Shealy, Ross Gload and Kila Ka'aihue -- in the mix, with the runner-up likely to serve as the DH. Jacobs was one of the team's big offseason acquisitions, and he hit more homers (32) in 2008 than any Royals player (Jose Guillen's 20 led K.C.). However, Jacobs also had a miserable .299 on-base percentage, hit only .218 against lefthanders and flashed a questionable glove. Butler should handle the DH duties, Gload is better served as an infield/outfield reserve and Shealy has yet to fulfill his potential (spending all but 20 games in the minors last season). Ka'aihue hit 37 homers with 100 RBIs between Class AA and AAA in 2008 but appears ticketed for Class AAA come April. 2. Is the rotation good enough? Meche led the team with 14 wins in 2008 and has an impressive 3.82 ERA in 68 starts with K.C. the past two seasons. No. 2 starter Zack Greinke, 25, enjoyed a breakout 2008 campaign, going 13-10 with a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts. His reward was a four-year, $38 million extension -- and raised expectations. Entering 2008, Kyle Davies had a career 6.37 ERA in parts of four seasons with the Braves and Royals. However, he went 9-7 with a 4.06 ERA and will be the team's third starter. After Davies, things get murky. Brian Bannister went from 12 wins as a rookie in '07 to 16 losses and in '08. Luke Hochevar (6-12, 5.52 ERA), rounds out the top-heavy starting five. If Bannister or Hochevar doesn't deliver, the Royals will turn to Horacio Ramirez (and they've been down that rocky road before). 3. Where will Mark Teahen be on opening day? In his defense, Teahen has been asked to learn to play defense all over the diamond. He arrived in the majors in 2005 as a third baseman, but because prized prospect Alex Gordon was the franchise's future at the hot corner, Teahen was moved to the outfield full-time in 2007. In 2008, he played all three outfield positions, third base, first base and DH. This spring, the team wanted to get him a look at second base. In his first Cactus League game at second, Teahen made two errors. And now he is with Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. Barring a trade -- his upside and versatility make him valuable -- Teahen will begin the season on the Royals' bench. PROJECTED LINEUP 1. CF Coco Crisp. Improves team speed, outfield defense. 2. SS Mike Aviles. Hit over .300 in all four full months with team. 3. LF David DeJesus. Had 10 HRs, 51 RBIs before break; 2 HRs, 22 RBIs after. 4. RF Jose Guillen. If healthy, good for 20 HRs, about 100 RBIs. 5. 1B Mike Jacobs. Had 119 Ks but only 36 walks last season. 6. DH Billy Butler. Hit .284 with 10 HRs, 37 RBIs after being recalled in late June. 7. 3B Alex Gordon. Started strong, slumped at midseason, injured late. 8. C Miguel Olivo. Will share the position with John Buck. 9. 2B Alberto Callaspo. Hit .305 in 2008 but off-field issues have haunted him. PROJECTED ROTATION 1. RHP Gil Meche. Had a career high 183 Ks last season. 2. RHP Zack Greinke. Ace-in-progress coming off first 200-inning season in majors. 3. RHP Kyle Davies. Was 4-1 with 2.27 ERA in five September starts. 4. RHP Brian Bannister. Allowed 215 hits in just 182 2/3 innings. 5. RHP Luke Hochevar. Went 1-7 with 6.93 ERA after June. PROJECTED CLOSER RHP Joakim Soria. Finished third in majors with 42 saves (in 45 chances). GRADES Offense: B. In 2008, the Royals finished 25th in the majors in runs scored, 27th in homers, 21st in stolen bases and 26th in on-base percentage. With Crisp's speed and Jacobs' power, the Royals will plate more runs, but OBP remains an issue. Much depends on the young bats staying productive all season. Pitching: C. Despite losing the top two setup men (Leo Nunez, Ramon Ramirez) from last season, the bullpen remains a strength, especially after the signing of Juan Cruz. The rotation has a ton of potential, but is overly dependent on unproven arms. The in-season addition of a veteran starter would be huge. Bench: B. Assuming he doesn't win the starting second base job, Teahen will provide depth in the infield and outfield, and he has some pop. Gload also is versatile and useful as a pinch hitter, and Bloomquist has a solid bat. Buck forms a solid catching tandem with Olivo. Manager: C. In his first season as a major league manager, Trey Hillman led Kansas City to 75 wins -- its highest win total in five seasons. He'll have more power, a true leadoff man and more overall talent this year. Demanding and a bit unconventional, Hillman won over his players last season. He and his team will continue to improve. Sporting News prediction: The Royals will increase their win total for the fourth consecutive season and will stay in the race most of the season. The Twins and Indians are better overall teams, but if Kansas City's rotation surprises, anything is possible. Still, a third-place finish would be yet another important step for this franchise. -- ※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 118.160.70.128