Five Reasons Why the Royals Will Win the Central

Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

2. Bullpen depth

Even if one takes away the 21 innings that the Tigers bullpen has pitched in the last two days, that is still a relief corps in shambles. Joe Nathan, who was signed to a two year deal to solve the Tigers problems at closer, has imploded, posting a 5.23 ERA and a 1.558 WHiP. The aforementioned Soria, who was brought in to solidify the bullpen, has not performed to expectations, posting a 10.13 ERA before getting injured. As a team, the Tigers bullpen has posted an ERA of 4.45.

Compare that struggling bullpen to the Royals. Greg Holland, Wade Davis and Kelvin Herrera give the Royals perhaps the most formidable back end of a bullpen in baseball. These three flamethrowers have made it a virtual certainty that if the Royals are leading after six innings, there will be another tally in the wins column.

That does not even include the rest of the bullpen. Jason Frasor, who the Royals acquired prior to the deadline, has not given up a run in his nine appearances. Francisley Bueno and Scott Downs have pitched well since the All-Star Break, posting ERAs of 2.35 and 2.70 respectively. Even with how well they have pitched, none of those three relievers have pitched over 7.2 innings in the second half.

A strong bullpen is considered vital to make a run at the postseason. The Royals certainly have an advantage over the Tigers there.