Last Year: They were one
worse than the Tigers this year, and while they have a decent shot at being
better than the Tigers, it doesn't really matter. They will simply
hope that their "future" will come sooner. Future, meaning the
pitchers that have been battered and bruised over the last couple of years.Infield:
Mike Sweeney has put up excellent numbers over the last couple seasons, and
this year figures to be the same. He hits for average and power, and
even can steal 10-15 bases. Carlos Febles plays second, and is not
much of a threat with the bat. Neifi Perez is the shortstop, and his
numbers will not be Coors'ed anymore. Therefore, he will probably hit
.240. Joe Randa is still at 3rd, and while a solid hitter, his
potential is gone. The venerable Brent Mayne sits behind the dish, but
doesn't do much hacking.
Outfield: Carlos Beltran had a terrific year last season, stealing
31 bases to go with 24 HR, 101 RBI, and a .306 BA. He is capable of
matching those numbers this year as well. The speedy Chuck Knoblauch
is in LF, but while he has the speed still, he is having Tom Goodwin-like
troubles of getting on base. Michael Tucker is in right field, so look
for 15 HR and a .270 BA from him.
Bench: DH'ing is Raul Ibaņez, who after moving over from
Seattle is getting more playing time. He has solid potential.
Luis Alicea and Donnie Sadler also see playing time. Mark Quinn's fast
start last year was wiped out with a poor attitude and work ethic. Dee
Brown could be back sometime.
Starting 5: When Jeff Suppan's your ace, you're in trouble.
He managed a 4.37 ERA, but was 10-14 last year. Dan Reichert suffered
through a rollercoaster season, but ended up with terrible numbers (5.23
ERA). Paul Byrd has always had a little bit of talent, but he's been a
journeyman for a reason. He could end up being a surprise on this
team, and 12-15 wins and an ERA of around 4.00 is possible. Chad
Durbin has gotten a few starts, but has also gotten bombed as well.
Kris George could see some starts, but they will be few and far between.
Bullpen: Roberto Hernandez closes, and is by no means as solid as
he used to be. Of course, it doesn't help when you're on the Royals.
He battled injuries and slumps en route to 28 saves in 34 chances last
season. Jason Grimsley (3.02) is the top setup man, and one of the
better ones in the AL. When he's on, his sinker is unhittable.
Cory Bailey (3.48) also gets lots of work, as he and Grimsley had the best
ERA's on the Royals last year. Blake Stein and Mac Suzuki will also
get the long relief outings. Bryan Souse will get some pitching in as
well.
Conclusion: Some parts of this lineup are good (Sweeney and
Beltran). Others could be solid (Knoblauch, Randa, and Tucker).
The rest sucks. The pitching... sucks. The starting pitchers are
simply atrocious, and while the bullpen has several good arms, they're not
good enough as a unit.
