The 2008 Kansas City Royals

[rspencer86]

OK guys, I know there are at least a few Royals fans on OS, so let's get some discussion going! Here are some points of discussion to get things going:

• What is your season outlook for Zack Greinke now that he appears to be back in the starting rotation?

• Where is Soria more valuable: in the closer's role or in the starting rotation?

• Will Mark Teahen rebound from the less-than-stellar offensive season he had in 2007?

• Just how glad are you to see someone other than Buddy Bell managing this team?

• Will Billy Butler hit over 25 home runs this season? 35?

• Does Jose Guillen improve this team in any significant way?

Let's hear it!

[rspencer86]

After 17 years in the Royals organization, Mike Sweeney has officially moved on to Oakland.

Royals say good-bye to Sweeney

It's too bad Mike became so injury prone. I'll always remember that 2000 season when he went .333/29/144. Such a great guy and he did great work in the community, but it was time for him to go. No real room on this roster, especially with the way Butler hit the ball last season.

[cma1093]

Quote: Originally Posted by rspencer86

OK guys, I know there are at least a few Royals fans on OS, so let's get some discussion going! Here are some points of discussion to get things going: • What is your season outlook for Zack Greinke now that he appears to be back in the starting rotation? • Where is Soria more valuable: in the closer's role or in the starting rotation? • Will Mark Teahen rebound from the less-than-stellar offensive season he had in 2007? • Just how glad are you to see someone other than Buddy Bell managing this team? • Will Billy Butler hit over 25 home runs this season? 35? • Does Jose Guillen improve this team in any significant way? Let's hear it!

1. He pitched very well coming out of relief and seems to have his stuff back from a few years ago. He'll be the third winningest pitcher on the staff with about 9-10 W's. Meche will have around 15 and Bannister 13-14. I know Meche had a bad stats year, but if he had had atleast one more run in all of his loses/no decisions, he'd have won 10 more games.

2. Right now in the pen. If Tomko and Nomo do anything well (which is doubtful) he isn't needed. But Yabuta seems to be the heirapperant for the closing role, so look for Soria to get a decent number of starts. Afterall, he did throw a perfect game in the Mexican league so we know he has the stamina.

3. Yes. With out a doubt. He was coming off shoulder surgery last season and switched to the outfield which took less focus off his offense. He has the stuff. Royals hitting coaches have noted his improvement quite a bit on local tv/radio.

4.Yes. Buddy was a great guy. But the players really didn't like his style. He was very old school and he didn't mesh with anyone. Hillman had so much success in Japan. He took a laughing stock team and turned them into League champions. Hillman's style is unlike any of these players have seen. He treats none of them like super stars of like minor leaguers. Everyone is treated the same and is supposed to act like they are a normal person who is working, not like a T.O. or a Chad Johnson.

5. Not yet. Maybe 20 with a lot of extra base hits. He will own the Royals record for homeruns which is 39 by Dean Palmer if my memory is correct. Butler has SOOOO much potential. In fact this entire team is chock full of it. We can only hope the management will let them develop without forcing them into the Majors too quickly. This Royals team will be back to their 70's-80's greatness in this decade, especially with Dayton Moore as our manager.

6. Yes but not enough. The Royals are a bat and a good starting pitcher away from contending. Guillen has the stuff, but has a suspension and some attitude issues. If he has the years HR and RBI wise like he has had in the past, this team could take 3rd in the division.

Overall, I think the Royals can get about 80 wins. The team loves Trey Hillman, and has a new aura about them. Billy Butler is entering his second season and should fit nicely at 1st or DH. The same can be said for Alex Gordon. He can play either corner and should play better offense in his sophomore attempt. The pitching staff is actually decent. If we had held on to David Riske, we'd have a bullpen in the top 5 in the Majors. Starting is not as strong, but with Soria, Meche, Greinke, and Bannister all potentially starting, it could be good soon.

[rspencer86]

Quote: Originally Posted by cma1093

Overall, I think the Royals can get about 80 wins. The team loves Trey Hillman, and has a new aura about them. Billy Butler is entering his second season and should fit nicely at 1st or DH. The same can be said for Alex Gordon. He can play either corner and should play better offense in his sophomore attempt. The pitching staff is actually decent. If we had held on to David Riske, we'd have a bullpen in the top 5 in the Majors. Starting is not as strong, but with Soria, Meche, Greinke, and Bannister all potentially starting, it could be good soon.

Thanks for joining the discussion! Hope to see you (and others) post in here throughout the season.

80 wins would be a nice achievement for this team. Hillman is a breath of fresh air, he seems like an interesting and likable guy. I can't wait to see what Gordon and Butler do in their second season.

[cma1093]

Quote: Originally Posted by rspencer86

Thanks for joining the discussion! Hope to see you (and others) post in here throughout the season. 80 wins would be a nice achievement for this team. Hillman is a breath of fresh air, he seems like an interesting and likable guy. I can't wait to see what Gordon and Butler do in their second season.

Gordon just had too much pressure and too high of expectations placed on him, thats why Butler performed so well. No one knew what to expect from him so he could do what he needed to do and stay focused.

[Dislimb]

If the Royals win 80 games this year, I will wait until the first bad snowfall of the year and make a six foot pile of snow and jump into said pile from my roof and post the video on YouTube.

[rspencer86]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dislimb

If the Royals win 80 games this year, I will wait until the first bad snowfall of the year and make a six foot pile of snow and jump into said pile from my roof and post the video on YouTube.

I'm going to hold you to that. Not that you should be too worried...

So is anyone here fortunate enough to have tickets for Opening Day against the Yankees? I would LOVE to go to that game. Opening Day is always awesome, plus you throw the Yankees and some sweet stadium renovations in the mix.

[rspencer86]

The Royals website has a webcam where you can follow the progress of the renovations out at Kauffman. I was checking it out earlier today and saw them testing out the new crown scoreboard in center. Looks pretty sweet!

[snepp]

It may not mean much, but I won't be surprised when the Royals finish 3rd in the division (albeit likely with less than 80 wins).

[rspencer86]

Quote: Originally Posted by snepp

It may not mean much, but I won't be surprised when the Royals finish 3rd in the division (albeit likely with less than 80 wins).

That would be a really positive step, just to get out of that all-too-familiar cellar. How do you see the central ending up 1-5?