Royals fans came into the 2014 season with more hope than they’ve had in a long time. That hope didn’t just come due to blind faith though, it came because of many positives from 2013. The 2013 season, however, left many unanswered questions for 2014. Through one week all of those questions can’t be completely answered of course, but we have been given some hints for what the future will look like.
One of the big questions was whether or not Mike Moustakas and the rest of the Royals would be able to produce at the plate. After a great spring training, Moustakas really struggled with a 0 for 21 start at the plate before finally getting a hit in a clutch way in the 9th inning against Tampa Bay. Moustakas hasn’t produced yet, but he does look much more confident at the plate compared to last year. I would give Moose some more time before making a final decision on him; it’s early.
For the rest of the team, there hasn’t been much success at the plate so far either. Three series into the season the Royals are averaging just 3.375 runs per game and have had three games with one run or less. Not only that but the power hasn’t shown up either. Kansas City tied their own record of games (7) without a homerun to start off the season. Eventually Alex Gordon broke the streak with a homer just over the right-center field wall. It will be extremely difficult for the Royals to make the playoffs if the bats don’t start producing some more power.
Another key question was whether the starting pitching would be able to replicate the successes of last season. James Shields continued to prove that he is an ace by pitching 13 innings, giving up only four runs in two games. Jason Vargas also showed that he was worth big money by pitching 15 innings and giving up only two runs in two games.
The back end of the rotation has impressed as well. Rookie, Yordano Ventura missed his first start due to a rainout but when he did get to pitch, he showed signs that he may be a star in the very near future. Ventura pitched six shutout innings with six strikeouts in his debut at Kauffman Stadium.
The veteran Royals stepped up too. Bruce Chen pitched six innings in his first outing only giving up 1 run and Jeremy Guthrie pitched 12 innings in two starts, getting the win in both games. Even after losing Ervin Santana to free agency it appears that the Royals rotation may be even better than last season.
Many questions are yet to be answered for this Royals team. Eight games into the season, KC is 4-4 with three of those losses being by one run. So far the starting pitching has been phenomenal and the defense has been solid; the bats are still a big question and the bullpen has appeared to not be as reliable as advertised.
The Royals are off to a good start though and are in good shape at the moment. With two series against Minnesota and one against Houston, the Royals have to expect to come away above .500. The hope is still alive; playoff bound.