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Knowing the competition: Kansas City Royals

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Hosmer had a .302 batting average in 2013, the highest of his career. (Photo courtesy of Fansided.com)

Threat Level: 7
The Royals are that team that you think can be good almost every year, but they never manage to crack .500. Well, last year they did and although they did not make the playoffs, it was a step in the right direction. The lineup on this team has a lot of potential and can carry this team for the foreseeable future. However, past James Shields, their rotation isn’t much to sneeze at. They threw money at Jason Vargas, who is only an average arm, but if prospect Yordano Ventura can fulfill his potential, then perhaps this team could be a real playoff contender.

 

Major Acquisition: Omar Infante
Infante signed a 4 year/$30 million contract over the offseason. He may not be a huge signing, but he will provide some maturity to a young Royals lineup with a lot of potential.

 

Projected Lineup

1. Norichika Aoki RF
2. Omar Infante 2B
3. Eric Hosmer 1B
4. Billy Butler DH
5. Alex Gordon LF
6. Salvador Perez C
7. Mike Moustakas 3B
8. Lorenzo Cain CF
9. Alcides Escobar SS

 

Projected Starting Rotation

1. James Shields RHP
2. Jason Vargas LHP
3. Yordano Ventura RHP
4. Jeremy Guthrie RHP
5. Bruce Chen LHP

 

Closer

Greg Holland RHP

 

Yankee Killer: Eric Hosmer
I’ll be honest, no player with significant playing time has great numbers against the Yankees. Hosmer has the highest average at .286 and has driven in 11 runs in 20 games. Hosmer does enjoy hitting at Yankee Stadium though, where he hits at a .375 clip in 10 games spanning the last three seasons.

 

Royal Killer: Jacoby Ellsbury
Ellsbury’s .385 average against the Royals is the highest he has against any team in the American league. To go along with that average are 4 homers, 19 RBIs, and 34 RS in 35 career games. Not to mention, he has swiped 19 bases in those 35 games. Ellsbury’s element of speed cannot be understated.

 

When They Play The Yankees:

IN NY: 9/5-9/7.

IN KC: 6/6-6/9.