If
you look at the current MLB standings, there are a number of
surprising divisional leaders. However, perhaps the most surprising
right now is none other than the Kansas City Royals. They have really
taken off in recent weeks, and they are currently just slightly
behind of the Detroit Tigers. With a lot of the season still left,
can this team actually keep things up?
When
you look at the team statistics, Kansas City is not really dominating
in any one category. The only major category the team is in the top
10 in is batting average. They have a solid group of hitters
headlined by Alcides Escobar, Alex Gordon and Salvador Perez.
Fittingly, those three are all solid options for the defense as well.
On
the pitching side of things, they might not be super impressive, but
the staff is getting things done. James Shields is technically the
ace, but Jeremy Guthrie, Jason Vargas and youngster Yordano Ventura
have all pitched well in the rotation in 2014. People in fantasy baseball
like the promise of Ventura, and he balances things with three
veterans being mainstays in the rotation as well. Danny Duffy looks
to be settling into that #5 slot.
The
bullpen they have right now is what is allowing them to close out
games. Wade Davis and Greg Holland are just two guys putting up great
numbers on the mound. Their ERAs are under 1.30 right now, and
they are both young enough to be around for a while.
The
Royals might not be World Series contenders or anything like that
just yet, but they are showing the Detroit Tigers that they can
compete. Look for them to be a playoff contender the rest of the
season with a well-rounded squad.
Guest post by Franklin Canton
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