As of last night, the Kansas City Royals are eliminated from playoff contention. Most would see this as a complete negative; however, Royals fans should see this season as a success. For the first time in a decade, the Royals had a winning season and competed for a playoff spot for the whole year.

Kansas City came into the season with higher expectations than they had had for a very long time. With Big Game, James Shields leading the rotation, this team had very solid pitching and a lot of young talent. Most fans said that the Royals should compete for a playoff spot, which is exactly what they did.

As the season went on, expectations continued to rise. Royals fans wanted the playoffs and many thought that was the capability of this team. The KC pitching staff showed that they were elite and could compete with anyone. Because the young bats struggled, the Royals did not break their 27-year playoff drought.

The drought continued to 28, but this team improved. With most of the phenomenal pitching staff returning and the young players gaining a year of experience, the 2014 Royals team will be a huge threat in the AL Central.

The past month gave Royals all stars Billy Butler and Alex Gordon, who have been with the club for the long haul, a chance to experience what a playoff atmosphere was like. This playoff race was our “playoffs” for this young Royals squad. It was a winning team fighting with other winning teams for a spot to move on. Experience was gained and this team now knows how to win.

The Royals will be a very good ball club next season. Just because we missed the playoffs this fall, doesn’t mean it didn’t help this squad. Next October is Kansas City’s time and this Royals team will break the treacherous playoff drought.