Kansas City Royals Top Five Starting Pitchers

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5. Paul Splittorff (1970-1984, 34.9 WAR)

Paul Splittorff never made an All-Star team. He only received votes in one year for the Cy Young award, during the 1978 season. He won 20 games once, incidentally becoming the first Royals pitcher to do so, and was generally average as a pitcher. However, between his playing career and his time as a broadcaster for the Kansas City Royals, Splittorff spent over 40 years with the franchise.

While his overall numbers may not seem impressive, as Splittorff produced a 166-143 record with a 3.81 ERA and a 1.340 WHiP, his mark on the Royals is indelible. Splittorff is the all time Kansas City Royals franchise leader in wins, innings pitched (2554.2) and games started. He was the second player selected initially by the Royals to make his appearance on the field.

Paul Splittorff was not exactly an overpowering pitcher. He struck out only 3.7 batters per nine innings, and in his fifteen year career, only struck out more than four batters per nine five times in a full season. However, he was able to pitch effectively using excellent control and an uncanny ability to induce grounders.

Splittorff may not have been the most overpowering pitcher in Kansas City Royals history, but that does not diminish his effectiveness. His place on this list is certainly well deserved.

Next: A workhorse during the Golden Era