Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ 2011 KC Royals Outlook

I have not been following the Kansas City Royals very closely so I decided to take a look at their roster. It somewhat impressive (for a team that is that bad). They have acquired Jeff Francoeur and Melky Cabrera in the outfield which will be added to Alex Gordon who is already in left field. Also, Lorenzo Cain, who hit over .300 with the Brewers, will be getting some time in center field. Their infield looks solid with Jason Kendall, Billy Butler, and Kila Ka'aihue. They also have several prospects that could break into the majors later in the season and make an impact.

But...then I see a void when it comes to pitching. No one in their starting rotation has been very good. Maybe with the absence of Greinke, one of the other starters can step up and become a star.

Overall it looks like they might at least be exciting to watch with all that offense and no pitching. There should be a lot runs scored. I think...dare I say...they could have a winning record. What are your thoughts on the 2011 Royals?

I don't exactly see Kendall as a "solid" player, and while they have made some upgrades, that team wasn't very difficult to improve upon to begin with. The only upsides I see for that team are Cain, Butler, Hochevar, and Moustakas. That's it. Winning record? I don't see it happening.

Oz

winning record.. no!

youthful.. yes!

They also outbid the Mets to sign Jeff Francis, who finished in the top 10 for the NL Cy Young Award in 2009. A solid pickup!

3-1 after the first series!! I'm pumped just to see them with a winning record (even if it is 4 games into the season).

the sad thing is they sent the youth all back to the minors

They have the best system in the minors. 5-6 legit studs. They can be competitive in 2-3 years in a very weak AL Central.

I agree..very excited they are leading the division as of tonight..but it will be very short lived. Their starting rotation is very lacking...and most of the youth they have coming will be in position players. They are going to have to address the pitching. I also am not a fan of Kila. It seems they are basically thrusting the job on him. I haven't seem him earn it....and this is a bad sign...the Omaha Royals...are now the Omaha Storm Chasers....even they didn't want to be associated with the Royal name. But I will say the same thing I have the last few years...they will again be one of the best minor league teams out there!

And yes....I hope I am COMPLETELY wrong...

always a fan really dont follow them much though anymore,usa today friday had a great fact a rod makes 32 million alone while whole royals team makes 36 million.love them to do well with that payroll alone

I don't know how Kila did in spring training, but he was with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals in 2009, I believe, and I watched him play a few times. He has good power, not great. He was a .350+ hitter in our AA club, but I think he will level out at around .280-.290 in the majors. I don't see why Billy Butler isn't at 1st. He is one of the team's leaders and they have him at DH. Maybe he isn't a great fielder?? I'm not sure. Sadly I'm unable to get the Royals games on TV even though they are geographically the closest team to where I live.

leading the division 2 days straight!!

There was an SI article a few weeks ago about how their farm system is unparalleled. Should be exciting to watch, especially as a fan! They could be the next Tampa Bay Rays, a team that comes out of nowhere and contends in a few years.

4-1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another thriller in 12 innings!