Kansas City Royals Top Five Shortstops
By David Hill
Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
2. Alcides Escobar (2011-present, 8.5 WAR)
Alcides Escobar has already carved a place for himself in the hearts of Kansas City Royals fans everywhere. His highlight reel plays, his constant ability to make the spectacular seem routine have made Escobar a fan favorite.
That defense has been truly special since he arrived in Kansas City. As a key part of the Royals dedication to speed and defense, Escobar has consistently been among the league leaders in virtually every defensive category, even leading the American League in putouts and assists in 2011. Yet, somehow, Escobar has yet to receive a Gold Glove award. Perhaps 2015 is the year that he finally gets recognized as the best defensive shortstop in the American League.
On offense, Alcides Escobar has had his ups and downs. After a rough 2013 season that saw Escobar produce a .234/.259/.300 batting line, he rebounded to post a solid .285/.317/.377 batting line with 31 stolen bases. Overall, Escobar has a career .266/.299/.352 batting line with 114 stolen bases and 105 doubles. Hopefully, that 2014 season will be more of the norm for Escobar going forward.
Currently penciled in as the Kansas City Royals leadoff hitter for the 2015 season, the Royals are counting on Alcides Escobar to be a major part of their success. If he replicates last year, those hopes could come to fruition.
Next: The little shortstop that could