Kansas City Royals All Time 25 Man Roster

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

This past season will go down in the annuls of Kansas City Royals history as one of the best ever. The Royals won 95 games, the third highest total in franchise history. After falling agonizingly short last season, the Royals proved their heart and tenaciousness all postseason, using a multitude of improbable comebacks to win their second World Series title.

The Royals currently appear to be on the precipice of their second Golden Age, but are currently at a crossroads. With quite a few openings on the roster due to free agency, how Dayton Moore will fill those openings will go a long way to determining whether or not this new era of prosperity will continue over the next few seasons.

However, today, we are not looking ahead tothe Royals future. Instead, we are looking back over the past 46 years of Kansas City Royals history, as we look at what the all time Royals 25 man roster would look like. The Royals may not have had the star power of some other teams, but there has been quite a lot of talent to come through Kauffman Stadium over the years.

For the purposes of this exercise, there will be the eight starting spots on the diamond and a five man bench, consisting of two outfielders, two infielders and a reserve catcher. The pitching staff will be comprised of a five man rotation and a seven man bullpen. As for the designated hitter, well, any of the bench players could fill that role admirably.

And so, let us take a look back through the Royals past and present, as we put together the all time 25 man roster for the Kansas City Royals. As always, let us know if there is anyone that you felt should have made the roster.

Next: The only time he would get a day off

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Backup catcher – Salvador Perez

One could easily make the case that Salvador Perez should be the starting catcher for the all time Kansas City Royals team. After all, he has started virtually every other game for the Royals in the past three seasons as the concept of an off day for Perez is beyond comprehension. If we revisit this idea for the Royals 50th anniversary, chances are that he will have seized control of the spot.

For now, however, Perez would have to be content as the backup. And what a backup catcher he would be! His burgeoning power has increased in each of his major league seasons, as Perez set a career high with 21 home runs this past season. While his plate discipline may leave a lot to be desired, as Perez has been able to offset that with a strong ability to make contact.

Defensively, there are few catchers in Perez’ class. His ability to get to pitches in the dirt, smothering those wayward fastballs or short curves, is simply extraordinary given his size. The howitzer attached to his right shoulder has been enough to virtually shut down the opposition’s running game, as few dare to test the power and strength of his arm.

Salvador Perez is arguably the best catcher in the American League, if not all of baseball. However, right now, he would be the backup on the all time Kansas City Royals 25 man roster.

Next: A true utility infielder

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Middle Infielder/Utility Player – Jose Offerman

Quick trivia question: Who is the all time Kansas City Royals leader in batting average (.306) and on base percentage (.385) with a minimum of 1500 at bats? Chances are, most people would guess George Brett. Instead, the answer happens to be Jose Offerman.

Offerman, who played at first, second and short for the Royals before settling in at second base in his final two seasons, was truly an undervalued player in Kansas City. Perhaps this was due to his arrival coming as the trust began the process of dismantling the team in an effort to turn a profit, but his defensive versatility certainly made him an attractive player.

Add his his solid bat control and ability to work the count, and Offerman was perhaps better than we recall. During his three years in Kansas City, Offerman posted a .306/.385/.419 batting line, hitting 84 doubles and 27 triples while stealing 78 bases. He certainly thrived by driving the ball into the gaps at Kauffman Stadium, using his speed to cause havoc on the basepaths.

Jose Offerman was the type of player that would have fit perfectly with the current Kansas City Royals. As it is, his solid offensive production, and defensive versatility, make him the perfect fit as a utility infielder for the Royals.

Next: Likely the designated hitter

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

First Base/Designated Hitter – Billy Butler

Billy Butler’s tenure with the Kansas City Royals was one of extremes. At first, Butler seemed quite overrated, as it was expected that the stocky first baseman/designated hitter would develop into a solid power hitter. Those expectations reached a fever pitch after the 2012 season, when Butler hit 29 home runs. Then, when he failed to produce at that level, fans seemed to sour on Butler, as he became the poster child for the Royals offensive struggles.

Yet, both the high expectations and the following vitriol towards Butler ignore the type of player he was for the Royals. Essentially, he was a hefty Mark Grace, someone who had excellent doubles power and an ability to make contact. No, he never quite hit for the power that was expected of him, but Butler produced a solid .295/.359/.449 batting line in Kansas City, hitting 276 doubles in his eight seasons.

Defensively, Butler was not the greatest first baseman, but he continued to work on his craft even after the arrival of Eric Hosmer. That preparation served him well when Hosmer was injured during the 2014 season, and Butler took over. While he may not have been the same defensive player as Hosmer, he was roughly league average in his 37 games at first, a stark improvement over the player he had been.

Chances are, Billy Butler would see a good deal of time as the Kansas City Royals designated hitter in this lineup. However, if he was needed to play first base due to injury, Butler would certainly hold his own.

Next: Give the man his Gold Glove!

Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Outfielder – Lorenzo Cain

Lorenzo Cain is only just begun to scratch the surface of what he can be as a baseball player. A raw player with a good deal of tools when he was acquired by the Kansas City Royals, Cain has begun to put everything together to become one of the best all around players in the game today.

Defensively, Cain seems to cover more ground than virtually anyone in the outfield. His not being nominated for a Gold Glove last season could be explained by splitting time between center and right, but Cain not being nominated this season was a travesty. Even if Kevin Kiermaier cleared deserved the award, Cain at least deserved to be a finalist n center.

Offensively, Cain has begun to turn into the perfect player for the Royals. His power has begun to manifest with his 16 home runs last season, but he is also hits the ball into the gaps with authority. His contact rates have increased dramatically, as Cain has gone from a 23.0% strikeout rate in 2012 to a 16.2% rate this past year. Add in his excellent speed, where Cain stole 28 bases in 34 attempts.

It speaks volumes to the players that the Kansas City Royals have had patrolling the outfield in their history that Lorenzo Cain would be a reserve outfielder. However, on the all time 25 man roster, he would be quite the defensive replacement and a solid option off the bench if needed.

Next: Better than we may have realized

Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Outfielder – Johnny Damon

Johnny Damon may have had one of the better careers that does not receive a lot of attention. He is one of eleven players to have over 2500 hits, 500 doubles, 100 triples and 200 home runs. The other ten happen to be in the Hall of Fame. Yet, for those accomplishments, Damon’s career was rather underappreciated.

Damon had just started to tap into his abilities when he was traded from the Kansas City Royals. In 2000, he led the American League with 46 stolen bases and 136 runs scored, but was sent to Oakland due to concerns about his rising salary. Overall, Damon finished his tenure in Kansas City with a .292/.351/.438 batting line, hitting 65 home runs and 156 doubles while stealing 156 bases.

Defensively, Damon was not exactly the best center fielder. He was considered to have cost his teams 28 runs during his career with his play in center, but he was above average in his limited time in right and left. Damon also had years where he saved ten runs in center (1997) and 14 runs in left (1999). He may not have been stellar defensively, but Damon was not entirely useless in the field either.

Johnny Damon saw his career truly get on track when he left the Kansas City Royals, but he was still a solid player for them in his own right. That production, and ability to play all three outfield spots, would certainly earn him a place as a reserve outfielder.

Now, on to the starting lineup.

Next: The man behind the plate

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Starting Catcher – Darrell Porter

While Salvador Perez would likely be the defensive stalwart on any team he was a part of, that is especially evident when the starting catcher is almost entirely geared towards offense. In this case, Perez would likely see plenty of opportunity to play in late game situations with Darrell Porter as the starting catcher for the Kansas City Royals all time team.

Even though Porter was a poor defensive catcher, he was quite the hitter. In his four seasons with the Royals, Porter posted a .271/.375/.435 batting line with 61 home runs and 85 doubles. The confines of Kauffman Stadium appeared to perfectly suit Porter, as he never approached that peak again, finishing with a career .247/.354/.409 batting line.

What the Royals had with Porter was the perfect compliment to their speed based lineup. With he and George Brett in place, the Royals were able to wreck havoc on the basepaths en route to becoming a juggernaut in the late 1970’s. Porter also, unfortunately, had a lifelong battle with cocaine, costing him part of the 1980 season and eventually playing a part in his death due to a heart attack at the age of 52.

Darrell Porter had an excellent four year run as the Kansas City Royals starting catcher. Even though he is likely to be overtaken by Perez in the somewhat near future, for now, Porter would remain as the starting catcher on the All Time Royals lineup.

Next: An All Time Royals great

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

First Base – Mike Sweeney

Mike Sweeney actually may not have been the best first baseman in Kansas City Royals history, as that honor belongs to John Mayberry. This does not change the fact that Sweeney is among the best players in Royals history, and a player worthy of this spot in the lineup.

Sweeney was an excellent all around player before his back issues began to take their toll. A .299/.369/.492 hitter with 197 home runs and 297 doubles in Kansas City, Sweeney ranks in the top five all time in Royals history in home runs, doubles, RBI, walks and OPS. He made five All-Star Games in six years, not because the Royals needed a token representative, but due to his own merit.

Originally a catcher, Sweeney spent his first three seasons behind the plate before converting to first base. Despite having only four games of minor league experience at first, Sweeney developed into an adequate defensive player. He may never have conjured up images of Eric Hosmer, but Sweeney certainly did not embarrass himself at first.

Mike Sweeney was a solid all around player for the Kansas City Royals, and could arguably be considered the second best hitter in team history. His production and ability to drive the ball would look pretty good in the middle of the Royals all time lineup.

Next: A true defensive wizard

Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Second Base – Frank White

In the history of baseball, there are few second basemen that could be considered in the same class as Frank White. A truly special player defensively, the Kansas City Royals second baseman won eight Gold Gloves in his career, the second most for a second baseman in the American League. That mark is only matched by Bill Mazeroski, and surpassed only by Ryne Sandberg and Roberto Alomar.

White not only won the awards, but he had the statistics to back up the honors he received. He is second all time in defensive runs saved, credited with saving 126 runs during his career. White also ranks among the best in almost every defensive statistic at second, as he could arguably be considered the greatest defensive second baseman in the history of the AL.

Yet, White was far more than just an excellent glove. He was also a solid hitter, producing a career .255/.293/.383 batting line, hitting 160 home runs and 407 doubles while stealing 178 bases. White may not have drawn many walks, with only 412 in his 18 year major league career, but his ability to put the bat on the ball, speed and stellar defense would fit in quite well with the modern incarnation of the Royals.

As the second best player in Kansas City Royals history, Frank White is truly a legendary figure. His stellar defense, along with his solid power and speed, would be a great fit in this lineup.

Next: Standing tall among the greats

Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Shortstop – Freddie Patek

It would be easy to overlook Freddie Patek. At 5’5″ and 148 pounds during his playing days, Patek looked more like a kid in junior high than a major league shortstop. Yet, that is exactly what Patek was, one of the pieces acquired to begin the foundation for the Kansas City Royals Golden Age in the mid 1970’s through the mid 1980’s.

Given his size, it is understandable that Patek had minimal power. In his 14 year career, Patek hit 41 home runs, with a single season high of six set in 1971. He was, however, great at hitting the ball into the gaps and using his speed, allowing him to hit 182 doubles and 41 triples while stealing 336 bases during his time in Kansas City.

Defensively, Patek had a solid glove. Despite typically being among the league leaders in errors, Patek still managed to save 19 runs during his time with the Royals. Patek also rated among the leaders in range factor at short, and from 1971 through 1974, lead the American League in double plays at the position.

These days, Freddie Patek may have never gotten a look as a legitimate baseball player. As small as he was, few teams would consider him worth their time. Perhaps it is fitting that Patek is the Kansas City Royals starting shortstop.

Next: Still the face of the franchise

Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Third Base – George Brett

It is virtually impossible to look at the all time leaders in Kansas City Royals history on the hitting side of the ledger and not find George Brett’s name. Not only was Brett the single greatest hitter in Royals history, he was one of the true all time greats of the game, a player whose career was so respected that he is tied with Ty Cobb for the fourth highest percentage of votes received for the Hall of Fame.

Brett’s career was certainly impressive. He won a batting title in three different decades, the only player in major league history to do so. Brett made 13 All-Star Games, won an MVP award and a Gold Glove. He flirted with the magical .400 mark during the 1980 season, staying above that line until September 4th. Overall in his career, Brett had 3154 hits while compiling a .305/.369/.487 batting line to go along with 317 home runs and 201 stolen bases.

On the diamond, there was not much that Brett could not do. The true Face of the Franchise, and the keystone figure on the Royals Mount Rushmore, Brett was the heart and soul of those Royals teams, a fiery leader who would literally fight those standing in his way.

A player who is still synonymous with the Kansas City Royals, even though he retired over twenty years ago, George Brett was certainly an easy choice at third base. Even with some of the solid players who appeared there over the years, there never really was much in the way of competition for his role.

Next: Will he stay or will he go?

Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Left Field – Alex Gordon

Few players embodied the spirit of their team quite like Alex Gordon had over the past two seasons. He had gone from a failed prospect who was on his last chance to the best defensive left fielder in baseball. Along the way, Gordon became an all around hitter, and a key piece for the Kansas City Royals lineup.

When looking at Gordon’s career, there are truly two different parts. His first four years were a struggle, but since he came into his own during the 2011 season, Gordon has been a key piece for the Royals lineup. In these past five seasons, he produced a .281/.359/.450 batting line, hitting 84 home runs and stealing 52 bases. His swing seems perfectly suited for Kauffman Stadium, as Gordon has also swatted 175 doubles during that time.

Defensively, Gordon is without peer. He won four consecutive Gold Glove awards from 2011 through 2014, including the Platinum Glove last season. There are few players left who are either foolish or brave enough to test Gordon’s arm in left, and his reputation has been enough to keep almost certain doubles to a mere single.

Alex Gordon has been a leader on the Kansas City Royals during their most recent run of success. Even if his future in Kansas City is in doubt, he is still easily the best left fielder in team history, worthy of his spot on the all time 25 man roster.

Next: The original Lorenzo Cain

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Center Field – Amos Otis

For those who saw the original Golden Age of the Kansas City Royals, Lorenzo Cain may seem to be a throwback to that era. A player who had combined power and speed with excellent defense during his prime, Otis was a forgotten star in an era when the Royals dominated the landscape of baseball.

Stolen from the New York Mets for the remains of Joe Foy, Otis enjoyed 14 stellar seasons in Kansas City. During his time with the Royals, Otis produced a .280/.347/.433 batting line, hitting 193 home runs and 365 doubles while stealing 340 bases. A five time All-Star, Otis lead the American League in doubles twice, hitting 36 in 1970 and 40 in 1976. In 1971, he lead the league with 52 stolen bases.

Defensively, Otis may have been overshadowed by his fellow outfielder, Willie Wilson. Yet, that did not stop Otis from earning some recognition for his stellar performance with the glove, as he earned three Gold Glove awards of his own. Otis is also had a strong arm, ranking 19th all time in assists as a center fielder and 12th in double plays. A strong defensive outfielder whose prowess with the withstands the test of time, Otis would fit perfectly with today’s incarnation of the Royals.

Amos Otis was a very underrated outfielder during his playing days. Despite that, he was the best center fielder in Kansas City Royals history, and a player worthy of this spot in the lineup.

Next: A position change for a legend

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Right Field – Willie Wilson

Willie Wilson was predominately a center fielder or left fielder for the Kansas City Royals, playing only 31 games in right over his career. However, given that the Royals history of right fielders is not exactly stellar, and Wilson could be considered the second best outfielder in Royals history, a spot in the lineup needs to be found.

Right field likely would not be a challenge for Wilson. A stellar defensive player in his own right, Wilson ranks tenth all time in range factor per nine innings for outfielders, and is 15th all time aong outfielders with 108 runs saved over his career. Wilson may not have the prototypical arm for a right fielder, but he did lead the American League in outfield assists with 14 in 1981.

Wilson was not a power threat, hitting only 40 home runs in his 15 years in Kansas City. However, Wilson was a great catalyst atop the Royals lineups, swiping 612 bases while producing a .289/.329/.382 batting line. That speed helped Wilson hit 241 doubles and 133 triples in his time with the Royals, as he led the American League in triples five times during the 1980’s.

A special player to set the table, Willie Wilson would likely lead off this all time Kansas City Royals lineup. With his blazing speed and solid defense, the transition to right likely would not be that much of a problem.

Now, on to the pitching staff.

Next: The staff ace

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Starting Pitcher – Bret Saberhagen

When looking at the all time ranks for the Kansas City Royals on the pitching side of the ledger, there are a couple of names who appear quite frequently. One of these pitchers, Bret Saberhagen, has his place in the history of the Royals carved into stone.

It is easy to remember Saberhagen for his exploits during the 1985 World Series, particularly his shutout of the St. Louis Cardinals during Game Seven of the 1985 World Series. Saberhagen’s career was far more than that year however, as he truly dominated during those odd numbered years. He made two All-Star Games, one of which came during a down season in 1990, and won two Cy Young awards during his time with the Royals.

Overall, Saberhagen produced a 110-78 record with a 3.21 ERA and a 1.134 WHiP. He may not have been much of a strikeout pitcher, with 1093 strikeouts in 1660.1 innings, but that was mitigated by his excellent control. During his time with the Royals, Saberhagen walked only 1.8 batters per nine innings, displaying the stellar command that came to be a hallmark for his career.

In an era of hard throwing pitchers who rack up strikeouts, Bret Saberhagen would not be the prototypical ace. However, it is hard to argue against his production. Saberhagen is the perfect pitcher to front the Kansas City Royals all time starting rotation.

Next: His trade helped win a World Series

Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Starting Pitcher – Zack Greinke

Zack Greinke’s tenure with the Kansas City Royals will be remembered for three different reasons. First, he almost left the game due to his battles with depression and anxiety after suffering a mental breakdown during a bullpen session in Spring Training. Then came his masterful 2009 season, when Greinke went 16-8 with a 2.16 ERA and a 1.073 WHiP, striking out 205 batters en route to winning the Cy Young award on a team that managed 65 wins all year. Finally, there was his trade, where Greinke wanted to be a part of a winning team.

While that trade with the Brewers helped bring in two keys to the Royals success in Lorenzo Cain and Alcides Escobar, Greinke should be remembered for more than that. He was a pitcher who could dominate at times, the one pitching prospect from that time that put everything together and hit his potential.

Even though Greinke truly became an ace after leaving Kansas City, one could see the potential. His overall 60-69 record and 3.82 ERA may not seem impressive, but his final four seasons with the Royals show a vastly different pitcher. Playing on teams that could barely generate offense, Greinke posted a 46-39 record with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.210 WHiP, striking out 712 batters against 198 walks in 773.2 innings of work. That was the Greinke that the Royals had been hoping for.

Zack Greinke had begun to show that ace stature towards the end of his time with the Kansas City Royals. Yet, despite his trade to Milwaukee, he deserves a place upon the all time 25 man roster, slotting in behind Saberhagen in the rotation.

Next: Arguably the best pitcher in Royals history

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Starting Pitcher – Dennis Leonard

From 1975 through 1981, there were few pitchers in the American League who were the equal of Dennis Leonard. A true workhorse who led the American League in games started three times and pitched over 250 innings four times, it was not a coincidence that his career truly began when the Kansas City Royals were beginning their ascension in the American League West.

Overall, Leonard posted a 144-106 record with a 3.70 ERA and a 1.262 WHiP. However, the seven years of Leonard’s prime made up the majority of his statistics, as Leonard had a 120-80 record with a 3.50 ERA and a 1.228 WHiP, striking out 1111 batters in 1776.2 innings of work. His overuse during those seven years likely contributed to his rapid decline and subsequent injury woes during the next four years.

Even through his career was cut short, and truly encapsulated during that run from 1975 through 1981, Leonard is still etched into the Royals record books. He is the team leader in complete games and shutouts, and ranks in the top five in wins, innings pitched, strikeouts and games started.

A sidearmer who had a tremendous ability to churn through innings, Dennis Leonard was an excellent starter for the Kansas City Royals in his prime. He is another pitcher that, had he stayed healthy, one has to wonder what his career would have looked like.

Next: An underappreciated pitcher

Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Starting Pitcher – Larry Gura

Larry Gura was the type of pitcher that likely would not get much of a chance in the current era of baseball. A fly ball pitcher who used the spacious confines of Kauffman Stadium to his advantage, Gura struck out 3.5 batters per nine innings in his major league career. Despite those limitations, whether he was in the rotation or serving as a long reliever, Gura was truly a valuable asset for the Kansas City Royals.

During his time with the Royals, Gura was able to get enough batters to hit weak fly balls to be one of the top starters in team history. He produced a 111-78 record with a 3.72 ERA and a 1.253 WHiP. Despite his fly ball tendencies, Gura only allowed 166 home runs in his 1701.1 innings of work. His strikeout rate, never a strong suit, was even more pedestrian during his tenure in Kansas City, as he struck out only 633 batters, yet that did not damage his effectiveness.

Using the Royals defense and spacious outfield, Gura managed to put himself into the Royals record books. He is in the top five in wins (111), innings (1701.1), complete games (61) and shutouts (14). For a pitcher who personified the ideal of a crafty lefty, Gura performed far better than one may have expected.

Larry Gura may not have had overwhelming stuff or have been a truly dominant pitcher. He was, however, a key part of the Kansas City Royals, and would fit perfectly at the back of the rotation.

And now, on to the strength of the Royals, the bullpen.

Next: The Mighty Q

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Reliever – Dan Quisenberry

These days, the idea of a pitcher like Dan Quisenberry as a closer would seem completely bizarre. A submariner who once said that he did not need to worry about losing his fastball since he did not have one, Quisenberry relied on getting the opposition to hit the ball into the ground instead of the generating strikeouts. As arguably the best reliever in baseball in the early to mid 1980’s, Quisenberry did his job for the Kansas City Royals.

If Quisenberry was to even receive a chance in the majors in this day and age, it would likely have been as a righty specialist. If so, his abilities would have been lost, as he notched 238 saves while posting a 2.55 ERA and a 1.150 WHiP. Despite striking out only 321 batters, Quisenberry walked only 139 batters, and 58 of those walks were intentional.

A perennial candidate for the Cy Young award, Quisenberry finished in the top three in balloting from 1982 through 1985. He won five Relief Pitcher of the Year awards, and even finished third in the 1984 MVP vote. He was, quite simply, the premier closer during the first half of the 1980’s.

Dan Quisenberry may not get a second look these days, but he could be considered the greatest closer in Kansas City Royals history. That ability to generate ground balls and frustrate the opposition certainly worked well, and earns him a place on the Royals all time 25 man roster.

Next: The all time saves leader

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Relief Pitcher – Jeff Montgomery

The Kansas City Royals built their dynasty in the mid 1970’s through the mid 1980’s on a series of excellent trades and intelligent drafting. Their acquisition of Jeff Montgomery, who was acquired for the highly thought of Van Snider, was another such move, even if it did not result in a return to the postseason.

Montgomery, who had struggled with the Cincinnati Reds, became the heir to Dan Quisenberry in the closer role. A three time All-Star, Montgomery continued the tradition of excellent closers in Kansas City. While a vastly different pitcher than his predecessor, Montgomery was able to lead to quite the smooth transition.

Along the way, he became the Kansas City Royals all time leader with 304 saves while posting a 3.20 ERA and a 1.233 WHiP. In his 849.1 innings with the Royals, Montgomery struck out 720 batters while issuing 287 walks. He led the American League with 45 saves in 1993 as he earned his only Relief Pitcher of the Year award.

These days, Jeff Montgomery may be known as a postgame announcers on the Royals broadcasts, but it was not all that long ago where he was closing out games in Kauffman Stadium. His consistency and excellence are certainly worth a place in the all time Royals bullpen.

Next: A great Rule V find

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Relief Pitcher – Joakim Soria

Plucked from the San Diego Padres system in the 2006 Rule V Draft, the Kansas City Royals had an immediate sense of what type of pitcher Joakim Soria could be. Less than a week after his selection, Soria pitched the third perfect game in the history of the Mexican Pacific League.

Despite his dominance as a starter that winter, Soria’s future with the Royals was in the bullpen. There, he continued that dominance he flashed during that offseason, stepping in and becoming a key contributor to the relief corps as a rookie. He finished with 17 saves in 2007, and seized control of the closer role by the end of the year.

Before injuries cut his time in Kansas City short, Soria had established himself as one of the best closers in Royals history. In his five seasons with the team, he notched 160 saves with a 2.40 ERA and a 1.043 WHiP, striking out 341 batters in 315.1 innings of work. A two time All-Star, Soria was one of the few bright spots on a series of mediocre Royals squads.

Currently a free agent, Joakim Soria may end up coming back to the Royals. Even though it would likely be in a setup role this time, Soria, if the price is right, could come back to the site of his initial success, which is certainly fitting given his place in the all time Royals bullpen.

Next: Summon the Dutchman!

Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Relief Pitcher – Greg Holland

It speaks volumes to Greg Holland’s toughness and ability that he was able to perform as well as he did last season, considering he was pitching with a torn elbow ligament since August 2014. The fact that he was able to turn in a performance that was better than league average, while managing to record 32 saves, was truly impressive.

A two time All-Star, Holland had been one of the most dominant closers in baseball prior to his injury. In the pantheon of top relievers, he was right there with Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman as a tier above any other. Even with that injury, Holland was still a solid closer, and a better option than what quite a few teams had in the back of their bullpen.

A free agent, Holland is likely to be lost for all of next season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. While his future with the Royals is in doubt, he has already made his mark upon the record books. Overall, Holland notched 145 saves while recording a 2.42 ERA and a 1.123 WHiP, striking out 430 batters in 319.2 innings.

Hopefully, Greg Holland will be able to recover and once again be that dominant reliever he had been in the past. It is just a question of where his career will continue.

Next: A cutter throwing cyborg

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Relief Pitcher – Wade Davis

Wade Davis has been a member of the Kansas City Royals bullpen for just over two seasons. Yet, in that brief span of time, he has proven to be one of the more dominant pitchers in baseball today.

After flaming out as a starting pitcher, Davis has become a force in the Royals bullpen. Initially staking his claim as the primary eighth inning option after Luke Hochevar was lost for the year in 2014, Davis ended up as a co-closer of sorts following Greg Holland’s injury woes last year.

In the past two seasons, Davis has put up numbers that more closely resemble a video game than reality. He has a 17-3 record with 20 saves, but his most impressive numbers come from his ability to limit baserunners and runs. Over 139.1 innings, Davis has a 0.97 ERA and a 0.818 WHiP, striking out 187 batters against 43 walks. That dominance has extended to the postseason, where he has allowed only one earned run on 14 hits, striking out 38 batters against five walks in 25 innings.

Every so often, a failed starter transitions to the bullpen and becomes a truly dominant reliever. That happened with Wade Davis, and the Kansas City Royals could not be happier.

Next: The forgotten man in the bullpen

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Relief Pitcher – Kelvin Herrera

For the most part, those who pitch in middle relief or in the seventh inning toil in relative anonymity. That is particularly likely when a team has a dominant closer and a setup man who is the equal, if not better, than the closer in question.

Such has been the case for Kelvin Herrera. The Kansas City Royals seventh inning man has been a force in the bullpen, but given his place in the hierarchy, the only time he has been recognized was when he fired a fastball behind the head of Brett Lawrie. This is truly unfortunate, as Herrera is far more than that one incident.

During his time with the Royals, Herrera has performed at a level that would make him a likely closer on almost any other team. He has posted a 2.60 ERA, striking out 274 batters with only 94 walks in 284.1 innings of work. Herrera finally earned some recognition for his performance last season, as he made the All-Star team for the first time in his career.

Relief pitchers are starting to garner recognition for their performance, but there are still quite a few that toil in obscurity. Kelvin Herrera is beginning to be noticed outside of Kansas City for his contributions to the Royals.

Next: Where it all began

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Relief Pitcher – Doug Bird

The Kansas City Royals tradition of solid, if not excellent, closers had to begin somewhere. As it turns out, the seeds for the Royals ability to generate superlative closers may have begun with a pitcher who has been relegated to relative obscurity these days in Doug Bird.

Bird not only served as a closer for the Royals, but he also made the occasional spot start and was put in the rotation for the majority of the 1976 season. This ability to slide between different roles without missing a beat made him a truly valuable commodity during his time in Kansas City.

Overall, Bird’s numbers may not seem overly impressive. He posted a 49-36 record with 58 saves, posting a 3.56 ERA and a 1.245 WHiP. Another in what became a long line of control artists, Bird struck out 464 batters while issuing only 188 walks in 714.1 innings of work. Bird also, perhaps somewhat surprisingly, ranks fourth all time amongst Royals relievers with a 9.1 WAR.

A pitcher that could fill any role he was required to, Doug Bird was a solid pitcher for the Kansas City Royals. He certainly deserves to be recognized for his production and his place in team history.

Next: Those who fell just short

Photo Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

In putting together such a roster, there are going to be those players who were just on the outside looking in. One could easily make a case for Paul Splittorff or Tom Gordon to join the pitching staff. Carlos Beltran, Jermaine Dye, John Mayberry and Joe Randa, among others, could easily be included in the lineup. Unfortunately, there just is not enough room for everyone.

In a way, this roster almost mirrors what the Kansas City Royals are today. The defense is superb, particularly in the outfield and in the middle of the infield. The bullpen is excellent, with a mixture of hard throwing relievers and those who rely upon control to get outs. The rotation may be the weakest link, but with Saberhagen, Greinke and Appier at the top, they should be solid enough to keep the game close.

Offensively, while there may not be a lot of power, that contact and speed game is in full effect. Virtually everyone in the lineup, with the exceptions of Porter and Sweeney, has more than adequate speed, allowing that pressure based offense to come through here as well.

Next: Kansas City Royals Winter League Check In

So, what do you think of the Royals all time 25 man roster? Who do you think should have made the cut, and who should be taken off? Let us know in the comments!