The moment I’ve waited all winter for is finally here. Pitchers and catchers report to the Kansas City Royals’ spring training facility in Surprise, Ariz., today. That means no talking about anything related to football for the next two months (ESPN, I'm talking to you!).
Spring training. The time of eternal optimism for baseball purists and long-suffering Royals fans like me. As I’ve said for the past decade or so, this is going to be our year … well, at least until reality sets in when the season starts in early April.
Chances are it’s going to be a mediocre season at best for the Royals. Sure, Zack Greinke is coming off of last year’s incredible Cy Young season, but I worry that being the official ace of the pitching staff will be too much for his somewhat fragile emotional state. We need Gil Meche to earn his paycheck this year, and for Luke Hochevar to finally have that breakout season that’s he’s supposedly been on the verge of for the past couple of years. The bullpen is going to be shaky at best (provided Joakim Soria stays healthy). I still think we need to sign or trade for another solid starter and a top setup guy.
The offense and defensive picture looks better, as does the team’s depth, but the fact that we have about 137 second and third basemen and outfielders vying for playing time may hurt the team’s chemistry. The other question will be this: Can Trey Hillman finally learn to leave the batting order alone long enough to achieve consistent offensive production?
Okay, that’s enough optimistic pessimism about my favorite team. I really do hope the Royals are better this year, but I find that if I don’t set my hopes too high, I won’t be (as) disappointed.
And speaking of not wanting to be disappointed, the Shocker men’s basketball team had better beat Evansville at Koch Arena tomorrow night, and make it look like they’re doing it with one hand tied behind their backs.
I echo those feelings about being excited for spring training, I love baseball. While I'm not a Royals fan, most of my friends are. I know Royals fans haven't been too pleased with Kyle Farnsworth but I read last week he was going to get a shot at a spot in the starting rotation. Do you think he'd work better as a starter than he has as a reliever?
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know I'm not the only one who is ready for some baseball, Chase! Yeah, the Royals are my boys through thick and thin. And to answer your question: I think Farnsworth would work best not on the team at all given last year's performance. I don't think he's got the endurance or control to be a starter, and I think that first he needs to prove he can still be a good reliever. I would, however, like to see Robinson Tejada get a shot as the No. 5 starter ahead of Davies or Hochever--whoever is performing worse. Tejada could be really good, as demonstrated at the end of last year. Who's your team?
ReplyDeleteLooks like I'll have to admit it, I'm a Yankees fan. When I was little, I had an uncle that rooted for the Yankees and the Cubs, so when I was old enough to enjoy baseball, I backed the Yankees. And that was back in the early to mid 90's when the Yankees weren't doing so hot.
ReplyDeleteThen I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on baseball teams :) I can root for the Cubs, though. Regardless, baseball is here, and I for one am ready!
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