Hope for the Royals will most likely rest at third base.  Alex Gordon, the second overall pick in the 2005 draft, tore through the minor leagues like a bat out of hell.  In a rare move, Buddy Bell is moving slugging third baseman Mark Teahen to left field in order to accommodate the incredibly talented Gordon, a favorite to win Rookie of the Year.  According to Bell, Teahen’s transition will be smooth, and gives the outfield depth in case veteran rightfielder Reggie Sanders gets hurt. Sanders’ best years are definitely behind him so don’t expect him to play every day.  The bottom of KC’s lineup is not much to speak of, as catcher Jason LaRue and shortstop Angel Berroa will only give you defense (not Berroa), if that. 

In the rotation is where new GM Dayton Moore spent serious money.  He brought in Gil Meche to hopefully “mesh” with the other four starters.  Moore shelled out a five-year $55 million for the league-average performance Meche produced with the Mariners a year ago.  Expect Meche to be the “ace,” if that term even applies to this team. 

Behind Meche is Odalis Perez. The southpaw was dealt to the Royals right around the trade deadline last season and only managed to strikeout 89 batters in 32 games all year.  Starting pitching is an obvious problem for this team, as it is for a lot of the cellar dwellers found in the AL.  With two league-average (at best) starters up front, changes are needed.  Be on the lookout for Luke Hudson, a right hander who should pitch behind Perez.  If he doesn’t give up many home runs and can keep his ERA down, and the defense doesn’t fall apart behind him, look for a winning ’07. (But don’t quote me on that.) 

The two spots at the end of the rotation are still undecided.  There’s a number one pick in that mix though, with Luke Hochevar looking to make a name for himself in camp.  Righty Brian Bannister was picked up from the Mets in the offseason; look for him to compete for a spot as well. 

Handling closing duties in Kansas City is Octavio Dotel.  Dotel’s injuries are well-documented but if he can be the guy that dominated setting up for Billy Wagner in Houston a few years ago, 20 saves should be a breeze.

The biggest thing to worry about for a KC fan is to not see 100 losses, again.  Every division has a team like this.  A team that’s been stuck in the basement the past 20 years (nine if your from Tampa) and is building their farm team. The Royals aren’t going to take home any titles this season, but improvement to 75 or so wins would be a welcome change.

2006: 62-100 (5th in AL Central)