Kansas City Royals Rise One Spot in FSMLB Power Rankings

With the Kansas City Royals in the midst of their twenty consecutive games against the American League Central, last week was a crucial time. They had three games against the Cleveland Indians before facing off against the Detroit Tigers. While the Royals had won the American League Championship last season, the Tigers won the Central and had the Royals number, going 13-6 against them. A strong showing against Detroit would help the Royals to be taken seriously during this early juncture.

More from KC Royals News

• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Day 3 update
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Day 2 update
• Winter Meetings: Any blockbusters for the KC Royals?
• Grading the 2022 KC Royals: The versatile Nate Eaton
• KC Royals: Club appears ready to hire pitching assistant

The Royals did their part last week, taking two of three from the Indians before splitting their series with the Tigers. Yes, there was a bit of disappointment, given that the Royals had taken the first two games before Detroit salvaged the split. However, the Royals, despite being behind in those games, rallied to make them interesting and to have a chance at pulling out the victory. That same fire and determination remained, despite the score.

After that solid week, the Kansas City Royals have moved up one spot in the FanSided MLB Power Rankings, moving from fifth to fourth. In fact, given that the Royals have the best run differential in baseball, one could easily make a case that the Royals could be ranked higher.

Depending on how they perform this week, a rise up the standings is certainly possible. The Royals are currently in the midst of a three game set against Cleveland, and face the Tigers once again this weekend. Should the Royals manage to go 4-2 over the next six games, and take two of three from Detroit, it would certainly speak to a rise up the standings.

Of course, such a move up the standings may depend on the pitching staff. The struggles of Jason Vargas and Jeremy Guthrie have been impossible to ignore, but Yordano Ventura has not yet looked like the ace the Royals need him to be. While getting Greg Holland back will help, the Royals still have to be slightly concerned about the state of their pitching staff. It is a very different situation than what we are used to.

As it stands, the Kansas City Royals solid showing last week, including their ability to play with the Tigers, moved them up one spot in the rankings. Should the Royals be able to stymie the Tigers this weekend, a swap of positions is certainly possible.

Next: Starting Rotation May be Royals Achilles Heel