Post by manny27 on Dec 10, 2007 2:26:28 GMT -5
Kansas City, MO
The Royals will enter the season with few changes to the lineup. Newcomer Gregg Zaun, " They signed me, and noone else, really. They added a pitcher or two, but primarily the team is the same. I'm glad to be here, and provide some veteran leadership. This is a pretty young team, with a rising pitching staff. I'm looking forward to it." Zaun was signed as the Royals management did not resign Ramon Castro. Castro has a nice bat, with power, but his defense and inability to handle pitching is suspect. With Zaun and youngster Juan Brito, the Royals feel secure behind the plate. They did re-sign Desi Relaford, who was pretty solid playing 3rd and SS, until the callup of infielder phenom Ray Olmedo. Relaford will likely get plenty of at bats again, in what should be another productive KC lineup:
1) S D. Relaford 3B
2) S R. Olmedo SS
3) L R. Ibanez LF
4) S C. Beltran CF
5) L E. Hinske DH
6) S S. Spiezio 1B
7) L D. DeJesus RF
8) R C. Febles 2B
9) R J. Brito C
David DeJesus will get his chance to play alot this season, which will relagate Brandon Berger, Rontrez Johnson and Eric Hinske into DH/OF platoon situations. "We took a step back last year. We didnt like how our pitching performed and we had some off years by key players. We're going into this season with more depth in all areas. I think we can get back into the playoff picture once again." said manager Tony Pena, who has been instrumental in the development of what is quickly becoming an excellent pitching staff. The Royals signed castoff Byung Yung Kim and solid middle man Mike Dejean to secure better innings out of the pen. With an improving Ryan Bukvich at the closer spot, the Royals bullpen is vastly improved.
The rotation is sound with Kevin Millwood, Runelvys Hernandez and Shawn Chacon topping the staff. Affeldt and Nunez, will round out the starting staff. A host of pitchers can come in and provide innings should someone struggle. The Royals still have Darrell May, Mark Hendrickson, Chris Reitsma and Miguel Ascencio under contract.
Overall the Royals will continue to develop their youth and stay young, but if the Royals can land a top notch pitcher, its rumored that they would make that move. We'll see!
The Royals will enter the season with few changes to the lineup. Newcomer Gregg Zaun, " They signed me, and noone else, really. They added a pitcher or two, but primarily the team is the same. I'm glad to be here, and provide some veteran leadership. This is a pretty young team, with a rising pitching staff. I'm looking forward to it." Zaun was signed as the Royals management did not resign Ramon Castro. Castro has a nice bat, with power, but his defense and inability to handle pitching is suspect. With Zaun and youngster Juan Brito, the Royals feel secure behind the plate. They did re-sign Desi Relaford, who was pretty solid playing 3rd and SS, until the callup of infielder phenom Ray Olmedo. Relaford will likely get plenty of at bats again, in what should be another productive KC lineup:
1) S D. Relaford 3B
2) S R. Olmedo SS
3) L R. Ibanez LF
4) S C. Beltran CF
5) L E. Hinske DH
6) S S. Spiezio 1B
7) L D. DeJesus RF
8) R C. Febles 2B
9) R J. Brito C
David DeJesus will get his chance to play alot this season, which will relagate Brandon Berger, Rontrez Johnson and Eric Hinske into DH/OF platoon situations. "We took a step back last year. We didnt like how our pitching performed and we had some off years by key players. We're going into this season with more depth in all areas. I think we can get back into the playoff picture once again." said manager Tony Pena, who has been instrumental in the development of what is quickly becoming an excellent pitching staff. The Royals signed castoff Byung Yung Kim and solid middle man Mike Dejean to secure better innings out of the pen. With an improving Ryan Bukvich at the closer spot, the Royals bullpen is vastly improved.
The rotation is sound with Kevin Millwood, Runelvys Hernandez and Shawn Chacon topping the staff. Affeldt and Nunez, will round out the starting staff. A host of pitchers can come in and provide innings should someone struggle. The Royals still have Darrell May, Mark Hendrickson, Chris Reitsma and Miguel Ascencio under contract.
Overall the Royals will continue to develop their youth and stay young, but if the Royals can land a top notch pitcher, its rumored that they would make that move. We'll see!