Kansas City Royals Long Layoff may be Beneficial

Typically, the last thing that a hot team would want would be a long layoff. Right now, after sweeping their way through the playoffs, that is what the Kansas City Royals are facing – a five game layoff before the World Series starts at Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday night. Yet, that layoff may not be as problematic as one would think.

While four of the last five teams to have a layoff of five days won the World Series, the Royals have other possible benefits for the time off. First, James Shields will get a few extra days off, potentially allowing him to get the rest he needs before the World Series. Over the past five seasons, Shields has pitched 1161.1 innings, putting quite a bit of mileage on his arm. Even if it is only another five days, getting that extra rest may help Shields be more effective for the first game of the World Series.

Then there is the potential benefit to the bullpen. Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland all pitched in every game of the American League Championship series. Davis and Holland, in fact, have pitched in every game this postseason for the Royals. While they have had time off between sweeping the Angels and their series with the Orioles, the extra time before the World Series should help all three pitchers be as strong as possible heading into the series.

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The layoff should also help Salvador Perez get a bit healthier. The Royals durable backstop has been battered over the past two series, getting hit in the head by both Josh Hamilton and again in Game Three of the ALCS. Perez, who played in 150 games this season, including 146 behind the plate, has struggled with the bat this postseason, hitting only .118/.143/.118 in his 34 playoff at bats, striking out eight times. Perhaps a few days off will help get Perez out of his slump, and feeling better psychically.

Then there is the fact that the Royals opponents, the San Francisco Giants, will also be facing a longer layoff of their own. While the Giants will have four games off going into the World Series, they would also see any theoretical momentum that had been built go by the wayside.

Having the next few days off may be a benefit for the Kansas City Royals. Now, as they head to the World Series, the Royals can get rested and heal up before taking on the Giants for the title.