I know that is early in the season. Heck the season hasn’t even started yet, and everyone is talking about the “what-if’s.” There is a buzz in the air at spring training. Who will emerge as the next Rockies from last year, or the Tigers a couple years before that, or the Marlins when they won it all. Could it be the Royals year? Many scouts are talking about the pitching staff, along with the youth on this team. Here is a list of the pitchers that, according to the scouts at spring training, will most likely win 15 games +: Bannister, Greinke, and Tomko. That’s right Tomko. An off season signing that left some (including myself) scratching their heads. Not at the signing, but at the money. With a high 4 — low 5 ERA, hopefully he will pan out. The relief pitching also has the ability to have a great year. With the likes of Joakim Soria waiting to make his stamp in the majors, the bullpen may be one of the best in the American League
The youth has a big impact on the success or failure of the season. With a player like Sweeney now playing elsewhere, it will be interesting to see who will emerge from the pile, and lead this team, on and off the feild. Players like Mark Teahen, Alex Gordon, or Billy Butler could all have outstanding years, and are all candidates to be the future of this franchise. It is there for the taking, are the Royals ready to be “that team” this year?