Kings of Kauffman Royals Wish List

So far for the holidays, Kevin Scobee has aired his grievance and Ryan Wood wrote a letter to Santa.

I have a couple of other wish lists to share from a couple of our writers here:

Alan Barrington:

• Alcides Escobar stays healthy and keeps Yuniesky Betancourt on the bench.
• Eric Hosmer avoids the sophomore jinx.
• Hoping that Frank White left the TV booth so he can return to Second Base.
• Let’s play some games in October.

Our newest writer, Paul Thompson (more on him in a formal announcement in the coming days):

• Mike Montgomery earns a spot on the opening day roster. I don’t care if it’s in the rotation or the bullpen, but I would love to see Monty force his way onto the team this spring.
• The Royals place more than one All-Star on the American League team this season. It hasn’t happened since 2003, but what better time than at the friendly confines of Kauffman Stadium?
• Mike Moustakas shows us more September (.960 OPS) than July (.421 OPS) going forward. If Moustakas reaches his maximum potential, it would be fun to watch he and Eric Hosmer co-lead this youth movement next year.
• Jonathan Sanchez throws a no-hitter. Hey, it isn’t unprecedented.
• Eric Hosmer and Alex Gordon both sign contract extensions. In the spirit of giving, why not reward the team’s most bankable players?
•  The Royals are within five games of the AL Central lead at the start of September. I know this may seem like an arbitrary request, but I literally have no memories of the Royals competing in a pennant race. I don’t ask for much, but even far-flung contention sounds good to me.
• And also, while I’m throwing out wishes, I’ve always wanted a Royal to participate in the Home Run Derby. If this happens in 2012, it will prove beyond doubt that Santa Claus is real.

That’s a sizable list and Paul was willing to concede that he was being a little greedy, but I think all of those would be fantastic events.

Mike Vamosi:

• The Royals get multiple All-Stars and either Soria or someone else wearing a KC jersey wins MVP at the K.
• Alex “A1” Gordon to stay healthy the entire season and not get an ASG snub.
• Three starters get to double figures in wins.
• Soria remembers he’s Soria and gets 40+ saves.
• Mission 2012 is accomplished.
• The organization is continued to be used properly (step-by-step A, Double A and Triple A development).
• Mike Montgomery contributes to the rotation as a second half weapon like a Matt Moore of Tampa Bay.
• Kauffman Stadium attendance bump! The team will be good so go see them Kansas City!
• Eric Hosmer breaks Steve Balboni‘s club record for home runs.

As for myself, I would love the following:

• The Alex Gordon extension – I think it’d be a big win for the Royals front office in an offseason where their fan satisfaction level has fallen pretty low.
• A hot start to 2012 – At the conclusion of 2011, attendance was going up with the crop of rookies on the field. That has hardly ever happened. This city is starving for a winner and a quick jump in April would be a great way to get some excitement that could carry though the year.
• Danny Duffy steps it up – Maybe I’m seeing things with powder-blue colored glasses, but I really think Duffy can still be something really special on the mound.
• Wil Myers rakes – After a disappointing season in Double A, Myers had a solid AFL season. Some out there have questioned his status as a top prospect in baseball. I want him to put those naysayers to rest.
• If the Royals do trade Joakim Soria, get a good deal out of it.

Those are just a few wishes, and many of them see quite obtainable.

What are your wishes for 2012?

All of the staff at Kings of Kauffman would like to thank all of our readers for their viewership throughout the season and into the offseason. We wish you all the best this holiday season – Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!