With the offseason going according to plan, it looks as though 2014 could be the year the Royals take the next step forward. And this one my friends, will be a leap!
The addition of a certified lead-off man in Aoki, will provide the opportunity for Alex Gordon to relinquish that lead off role, giving him more RBI opportunities.
Eric Hosmer looks to be the guy Kansas City hoped for, ending the season strong with a .302 BA, as well as a Gold Glove (#1 and counting). With the opportunity to pick up where he left off, the "Wizard of Hos" could be the cornerstone for this organization, as it looks to atop their division for the first time since 1985.
The pick up of Omar Infante seems to me to be one of the best fitting pieces to the KC puzzle yet. In the Royals long search for stability at 2nd base, Infante is a guy who will give you a consistent .300 effort, with a solid glove up the middle. He could be a possible fit for the bottom of the lineup, not only to give better opportunities in mid game decisions, but the ability for the top of the lineup to see better pitching as well.
Perhaps the most underrated of these young guns, could be the All-Star catcher, Salvador Perez. Offering a young comparison to the crosstown rival's Yadier Molina, Sal's off to a great start batting above .400 for the spring, and looks to pick up right where he left off.
This club is a young and hungry, which we have seen in recent years, has been a lethal combination. With the roster shaping up as it is, look for these guys to be in the conversation. When we talk about October, The central division is a tough place to be these days, but this just might be the team with the "stuff" to do it. Detroit... LOOK OUT!
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