But now the circumstances have changed; the Royals have faced injury, ineffectiveness, and an insufferable losing streak. They are toeing that “disappointed” line in a dangerous way.

As we move into June, the players listed below have only a few more weeks to prove that they deserve to be the Royals single, obligatory All-Star selection. I’ve now come to the realization that it would take a run of epic proportions to catapult a second Royal onto the American League roster*. But we’ll see over these next weeks if any of these players (or the team as a whole) can take the league by storm.

*anti-jinx alert. Come on boys.

OFFICIAL ROYALS ALL-STAR POWER RANKINGS, Vol. 3

Billy Butler has displayed excellent power in 2012. Joy R. Absalon-US PRESSWIRE

1.Billy Butler – Season: .289/.352/.521 with 11 home runs, 11 doubles, and 35 RBI. Last Week: .217/.308/.478 with 2 home runs.

Butler takes the top spot this week mostly by default, after a week in which most of his competition stalled. But Butler’s .478 slugging percentage does incite optimism. As Mike Moustakas encountered a mini-slump, Butler has emerged as the lineup’s best hitter.

The main reason that Butler has elevated to the top spot is an obvious one: He’s been the best hitter on the team. Butler has also put in his dues by being the team’s best hitter over the past several seasons. He’s one of the longest tenured Royals, which means that, for better or worse, Butler is practically synonymous with Kansas City baseball. As long as he is producing at his current clip, I’m not sure it matters what position he plays.  While the designated hitter position continues to boast a wealth of worthy All- Star candidates, it remains plausible that Butler would be an enticing bat to stash in the American League line-up for a pinch-hitting opportunity.

2. Mike Moustakas – Season: .272/.335/.485 with 8 HR, 12 doubles, and 24 RBI. Last Week: .227/.346/.409 with  5 RBI, 4 walks.

Moustakas has spent the better part of the past two weeks in a certifiable free fall. On May 27th, his slash numbers had fallen down to .264/.320/.465 from his season-high of .313/.370/.545 on May 7th. It looked like the Royals third baseman may have reverted to his  form of those dark days immediately following his call-up in 2011.

Mike Moustakas slips from the top spot in the rankings for the first time. Joy R. Absalon-US PRESSWIRE

But Moustakas has recorded hits in each of the past three games, including a 4 RBI game on Tuesday in which he hit his 8th home run of the season. So the potential crisis may have been averted.

The bad news for Moustakas is that Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera has been raking in recent weeks, and has raised his OPS to a robust .882. Mark  Trumbo of the Angels presents another potential dilemma now that he has been moved to third base. Although Trumbo is not on the All-Star ballot as a third baseman, he is certainly in line for a coach’s pick with his 1.029 OPS.

Moustakas’ drop in rank is more of a product of what’s happening around him than of a short slump. A strong week (or a Butler slump) could bring him back to the top of these rankings.

3. Tim Collins – Season: 2.42 ERA in 26 IP, 38 strikeouts, 7 walks, 18 hits. Last Week: 4.1 IP, 2 hits, o ER, 0 walks, 6 strikeouts.

Now here’ s a guy who has done nothing to diminish his chances of representing the Royals at Kauffman Stadium this summer. Collins has been electric this season, and last week was no different.

Tim Tim Collins has reached new heights this season. Anthony Gruppuso-US PRESSWIRE

In fact, Collins has not given up a run since May 7th. In that time, he has pitch 9.2 innings, allowed 4 hits, walked 3, and struck out 16 batters. He’s been the best reliever on the team, and it hasn’t been particularly close. Before you mention Jonathan Broxton, keep in mind that in his 19.2 innings of work, he’s struck out only 12 batters while allowing 18 hits.

Collins, for his part, has struck out 26 more batters in just 6.1 more innings of work. The cherry on top of this argument, if it’s necessary, is that Collins has allowed the same number of hits and walks as Broxton despite those 6.1 extra innings.

Am I getting too excited about two months worth of dominant relieving from Collins? Maybe.

But keep this in mind: through this season’s first two months, Collins has a K/9 ratio of 13.2. Retired 7-time All-Star closer Billy Wagner, who at the (listed) height of just 5 feet, 10 inches is a popular comp for Collins, recorded a career K/9 ratio of 11.9.

Obviously, it’s unfair to compare an entire career of one player to two months from another player. But Collins has the potential to turn that comp into a legitimate one.

Just some food for thought.

4. Alcides Escobar – Season: .303/.344/.404 with 13 doubles and 8 stolen bases. Last Week: .292/.346/.292 with 4 runs.

Escobar has jumped a level offensively this season, but it might not be enough to make him an All-Star. David Richard-US PRESSWIRE

Despite maintaining a relatively high batting average throughout the season, Escobar has had difficulty hitting for power. Last week was a perfect example of that trend, as Escobar hit .292, but did so without the benefit of an extra base hit. As such, he finished the week with an identical .292 slugging percentage.

All that being said, Escobar has still put together a fantastic season. And of course, his defense certainly helps erase any offensive deficiencies he may possess. But defense is not easily quantifiable in terms of All-Star worthiness, especially since Escobar doesn’t (yet) own an entire shelf of Gold Gloves, as does direct competitor Derek Jeter.

Unless he can put together a ridiculous offensive stretch, Escobar will likely be overlooked at the shortstop position.

5. Felipe Paulino – Season: 2.03 ERA in 31 innings, 34 strikeouts, 12 walks. Last Week: 5.2 IP, 5 hits, 3 ER, 5 walks, 5 strikeouts.

Paulino struggled a bit with command in his last start, although he pulled himself together for long enough to put up a reasonably effective outing. He dropped a spot this week, however, because he showed his first chinks in the armor by walking five batters.

Felipe Paulino is probably a longshot to make the All-Star game. Joy R. Absalon-US PRESSWIRE

The walks are an area of concern, although I can excuse them if the trend doesn’t continue into Friday’s planned start against the historically lowly A’s offense. Seriously, go look at their lineup on Friday, I’ll wait*.

*If you are one of those who believe that Jeff Francouer was overpaid by Dayton Moore last season, just be thankful that the Royals don’t owe Coco Crisp and his .440 OPS $14 million over the next two seasons. 

I’m of the opinion that the walks were a result of Paulino’s awareness that he didn’t have his best stuff that night. If he felt that his stuff was hittable, I can at least understand the control issues. Who wants to voluntarily serve up meatballs?

He’s essentially become the ace of the Royals pitching staff, and as such carries with him the expectation of recording a quality start every time out. He couldn’t afford a quick hook. I expect him to get back on track Friday and continue to pitch effectively leading into the All-Star break.

HONORABLE MENTION: Jonathan Broxton (3 saves in past week), Jeff Francouer (1.306 OPS last week!!!), Bruce Chen (just pulled career win percentage over .500)

Negative? Sure. But what has been lost in the rainbows and butterflies over Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas so far in spring training is that we still have a full season of nonsense and losing to put up with before we get to the good stuff. Or at least, what we hope is the good stuff.

Some of that nonsense is already in full-gear as it was announced last week that Jason Kendall feels great, is ahead of schedule, and just may in fact start Opening Day. Oh joy.

Never mind the lunacy of Kendall even being allowed to put on a big-league uniform anymore, the fact that the Royals continue to portray Kendall as the linchpin for success, is completely maddening. We get it, we’re supposed to believe that somewhere in the course of nine innings a night, amidst a sure 0-4 with four, sixteen-hoppers to short, Kendall provides that little something extra that’s sure to push the Royals to victory. Or at least teach them what “winning” is all about, as if “winning” comes hand-in-hand with being really, really bad at baseball.

No what’s going to be more worse this year than the JK=Awesome love affair Moore and Co. have with the tattooed man – if only because we know it’s going to happen – will be something far more annoying: Alcides Escobar’s defense. (more…)

Then over the weekend he went from interesting September callup to the early favorite for starting centerfielder.

Wait, what?
(more…)

I’ve been anti Harry Potter from day one.  I’ve never read any of the books so my feelings are largely unjustified, but as a fan of the fantasy genre and the proud recipient of an English/Creative Writing degree the hype surrounding the books has caused me to bristle with frustration and anger.  There are so many truly great fantasy writers out there that are far more deserving of the hype than that which is heaped upon J.K. Rowling.  Three of my personal favorites are Terry Brooks, R.A. Salvatore, and Robert Jordan.  All three have published many bestsellers, but I never recall the release of any of their works being met with long lines and hysteria in book stores at the stroke of midnight, but I digress.

There was a Sunday afternoon awhile back, probably over a year ago, that I was waiting for the boys to wake up from their naps so we could head to a family gathering.  I had nothing to do really and was terribly unmotivated, so I was flipping channels.  I happened across Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and due to the lack of viable alternative options I started watching.  I made it about halfway through the movie when the kids woke up and we had to depart.  I never saw the second half of the movie, and despite not being a fan or finding it all that interesting it bothered me that I never saw the end.

That all changed last night after I successfully got the boys tucked into bed upon the conclusion of another “boys night” since my wife was working the evening shift again.  In case you are wondering, boys night did not go as smoothly as Wednesday’s edition.  There was no Christmas in March for me this time.  Zachary was very cooperative and in a very good mood, but our oldest Justin was a roller coaster of emotions due to a cold and general lack of sleep.  Anyway, with the house quiet, I sat down on the couch to write and watch some college basketball.  None of the games piqued my interest and none of them looked like they were going to be very close, so I started flipping channels.

Then on the ABC Family channel, I saw Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.  Drawn like a moth to a flame, I grabbed a pillow and a blanket and settled in.  That my friends is why I did not publish a second or third article last night as I had planned.  It’s all Harry Potter’s fault, but at least I know how the movie ends.

Only problem is that now I feel compelled to watch the next five movies in the series.  ABC Family is showing the next four between today and tomorrow, and yes I have set the DVR to record each and every one of them … Damn you Harry Potter.

~~~~~

Now let’s move on to our weekly stroll around the MLB sites of the FanSided.com Sports Network.  A day late is better than never!  Before we get into the links, I want to mention a few new members to our MLB team here at FanSided.

Brett Miller has joined on as a contributing blogger to provide content for our Seattle Mariners site, SoDo Mojo.

Rayhawk Review, our Tampa Bay Rays site, is now led by Justin Klein.  Current staffer Dustin Staggers is staying on board as a contributor.

Andrew Carless is our new lead blogger on our Colorado Rockies site Rox Pile.

Birds Watcher: No posts this week, but we will have a new lead writer providing content for the site within the week!

Blog Red Machine: Meet the Reds Newest Addition

BoSox Injection: Beckett Struggles in Loss to Pirates

Call to the Pen update:  We’ve got our seven columnists ready to go and a schedule planned out.  Site should be launched by the end of next week!

Chicken Friars: Projecting Kevin Correia

Cubbies Crib: Put the Brakes on it – Cubs and Toyota Could soon be Partners

Deep Left Field: Indians Fantasy Primer – Pitchers (Read at Your Own Risk)

Frisco Fastball: Some Spring Updates

Halo Hangout: Rangers Decide to Stand By Their Man

Jays Journal: Sean Ochinko Gets a Look at 3B

Kings of Kauffman: You are here, but I wanted to take a moment to thank the people who have expressed interest in helping me provide content for this site.  In the next week or so I will be officially welcoming a new contributor so stay tuned.

Lasorda’s Lair: Dodgers Top 10 Prospect Report – 8. Trayvon Robinson

Marlin Maniac: Who is Clay Hensley?

Motor City Bengals: Miner Elbow Issues

Nolan Writin’:  Ron Washington tested positive for cocaine during the middle of last season

Rayhawk Review:  It’s About Time Pena

Redbird Rants:  Cards News and Notes – Pujols-Howard Trade Reaction

Reviewing the Brew is still in need of a lead,  email us if you are interested in covering the Milwaukee Brewers.

Rising Apple:  Looks Like Fernando Martinez is Ticketed for Triple A

Rox Pile:  Beer, Brothels and Baseball … and Huston Street may miss season

Rum Bunter:  Pirates Potential Milestones in 2010

SoDo Mojo: Suspicions Confirmed

Southside Showdown is our new Chicago White Sox site.  We have a lead writer lined up for the site and content should be coming soon.

Swingin’ A’s:  A’s Preview – Coco Crisp

That Balls Outta Here:  Philadelphia Sports Fans – 40+ Years of Being Total A-Holes

Teddy Never Wins is still in need of a lead, email us if you are interested in covering the Washington Nationals.

Tomahawk Take: No posts this week.

Twinkie Talk: Twins Sign Span

Venom Strikes:  Call it a Case of March Madness

Yanks Go Yard:  Jeter hurts hand, is fine

(Wally Fish is the lead blogger for Kings of Kauffman and FanSided’s MLB Director.  Subscribe to his RSS feed and add him on Twitter to follow him daily.)

The Kansas City Royals are 23-24 and 4 games back of the AL Central leading Detroit Tigers.  They are 4-6 in their last 10, 15-12 at home, and 8-12 on the road.

Team Rankings:

The Pitching Matchups:
5/29 LHP-Clayton Richard (1-0, 3.55) vs. RHP-Brian Bannister (4-1, 2.79)
5/30 LHP-Mark Buehrle (6-1, 2.59) vs. RHP-Gil Meche (2-5, 4.55)
5/31 LHP-John Danks (4-3, 4.59) vs. RHP-Zack Greinke (8-1, 0.84)

You’d think playing the White Sox would be the cure for what ails Kansas City since the Royals rank better that the Sox in all but 3 of the above categories.  Even more promising, the White Sox starting 3 LHP may work to Kansas City’s advantage.  The Royals are hitting .265/.330/.395 against lefties and .249/.326/.414 against righties.

Game 1 should be a good matchup between Richard and Bannister.  As a starter Richard has a 2.76 ERA and 1.347 WHIP compared to his 4.32 ERA and 1.680 WHIP as a reliever.  Statistically Richard, as a starter, is the White Sox LH version of Brian Bannister who has a 2.79 ERA and 1.286 WHIP.

Game 2 would be an excellent matchup if we knew the real story behind Meche’s recent struggles.  Since we don’t know which Meche will show up to pitch, the advantage is definitely in the favor of Buehrle and the White Sox.  Buehrle will take the mound in Saturday’s game looking to improve upon his career 19-8 record and 3.48 ERA against the Royals.

Game 3 goes to Zack Greinke.  If he’s not pitching against Bob Gibson, Sandy Koufax or Pedro Martinez in their primes, I’m not betting against him in any of his starts.

Konerko, Dye, and Thome are turning in their typical seasons and all 3 are slugging better than .500 on the season.  They are the only 3 starters to have an OPS+ above 100 in 2009.  Carlos Quentin is close to average with an OPS+ of 98, but he is hitting just .229 on the season and has yet to recapture his stroke that had him a lock for AL MVP before his wrist injury last season.  By contrast, not a single Royals player has a .500+ SLG.  Beyond their big 3, there is very little in the White Sox lineup to scare a pitcher.  Alexei Ramirez is a nice player but is struggling in his sophomore campaign hitting .240/.293/.333.  AJ Pierzynski is a solid offensive catcher but has thrown out only 2 of 35 attempted base stealers.  Only one player on their bench, Lance Nix, has an OPS+ over 100.

For the Royals, only Billy Butler (.280), Mitch Maier (.364) and Miguel Olivo (.286) are hitting over .280 during the last 7 days.  DeJesus (.259) and Guillen (.250) are the only other 2 Royals to have a batting average over .222 in that same time frame.  Alberto Callaspo (.306) is the only Royals player hitting over .300 on the season, but he has hit only .148 in the last week.

David DeJesus is starting to heat up and should be inserted permanently atop the Royals lineup.  For his career, DJ is a .295/.336/.437 when he hits atop the lineup and a .248/.324/.371 hitter when batting 2nd.  Those numbers aren’t based off a small sample size either.  He has 2,310 PA hitting leadoff and 318 PA hitting 2nd.  Coco Crisp’s career numbers are just the opposite.  In 1,421 PA in the leadoff slot, Crisp is a .259/.316/.371 hitter.  In 666 PA batting 2nd he is a .303/.353/.460 hitter.  If the Royals want to improve their offense, this is a good place to start making changes.  Even without the career numbers, Crisp is hitting .125 in the last 7 days compared to .259 for DeJesus so the move can be justified either way.  All the statistical evidence points to this change being necessary but Hillman refuses to make it.  That or he just doesn’t get it.  Trey is many things, but he isn’t an idiot so I have to assume it is his pride that is preventing this switch from actually occurring.  Soren Petro, on 810 WHB, has been banging this drum for a while now, but it is now time someone within the organization steps in and forces Trey Hillman to make the change.

Billy Butler is holding his own (.286/.298/.429) as the number 3 hitter in the lineup and he would be far more effective if he had more runners on base when he comes to the plate.  Butler has 14 doubles on the year and his well on his way to improving on his career best of 23 doubles in 2007.  He’s only 23 and as he develops in the majors, those doubles will start turning into home runs.  The power is coming and all the signs point to Billy Butler being the offensive force that he was projected to be years ago.  We may have another year or so to wait, but the power is coming and when it does Steve Balboni’s sorry franchise record of 36 HR will finally be erased from the record book.  I am constantly amazed at the number of fans who call in saying Billy Butler should be traded or that he will never been anything more than a singles hitter.

I’m not doing so well on my series preview predictions, but I am very confident that this series will be the one that gets the Royals heading back in the right direction.  They will take 2 out of 3 against the White Sox, with the chances of a series sweep around 50%.  They don’t have the power hitters that the Sox have, but the Royals are the better team across the board.  With a 3 game series in Tampa Bay looming, the Royals need to win this series in the worst way.  If Trey wakes up and swaps DJ and Coco in the lineup, the offensive improvement will be immediate and significant and could very well lead to a long winning streak.