KC Royals: 1985 vs 2015, Who Is The Real Champion?

3 of 5

May 19, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4), center fielder Lorenzo Cain (6) and right fielder Paulo Orlando (16) celebrate in the outfield after the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

On to the two remaining outfield spots, with the score tied between the two teams. Left field proves as an advantage for the reigning baseball champions, with Alex Gordon. Gordon is flat out a better player than Lonnie Smith was. Smith was known for his speed, but with little power to speak off and a less than stellar glove. While Gordon has done his job to become part of KC Royals baseball lore with his bat, and his glove. Point 2015.

In right field, Darryl Motley is up against Alex Rios. Motley did split time with Pat Sheridan but due to the iconic game 7 homer from Motley, he gets the nod as the 1985 right fielder. Rios is not the player he once was, although he put together a .255 batting average out of the nine hole. However, it seems that famous home run by Motley is too much for the aging Rios to overcome. Point 1985.

It is the American League, so the designated hitter needs to be taken into account when deciding which team is better. In 1985 that was Hal McRae, and in 2015 it was Kendrys Morales. Over a career, McRae was a great hitter, but by 1985 he was in the decline of his career—though he still managed 14 homers and 70 RBIs with a .259/.349/.450 slash line.

Morales has had an up and down career. He was a budding superstar in Anaheim, until he injured his ankle celebrating a walkoff grand slam in 2010. His career never was the same, but still the KC Royals signed him. And Morales delivered a 22 homer, 106 RBI, and Silver Slugger Award winning season. With that, point 2015.

The 2015 Kansas City Royals have a 1 point advantage right now, 5-4, but there are still a few things to consider. For one, starting pitching.

Next: Starting Pitching And Bullpen

Home/KC Royals All-Time Lists