KC Royals: 5 Reasons KC WILL Make The 2016 Playoffs

5. The Royals Are Once Again Forcing The Action On The Basepaths

Sunday night in Boston, Lorenzo Cain scored from first on a single. While he pulled that same trick twice in the 2015 playoffs, we’ve rarely seen it this season. Raul Mondesi Jr. also scored a run by beating out a fielder’s choice at home plate. His speed played a big role in that Cheslor Cuthbert‘s tapper only dribbled about a dozen feet from home plate.

Then on Monday night, the KC Royals stole two bases in the first inning and got caught stealing once. That’s three steal attempts in the opening frame.

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In short, the Kansas City Royals are once again forcing the action with aggressive base-running after looking passive for much of the season.

The numbers do show a significant increase. The KC Royals stole 14 bases in July. Although that total was 11th in MLB, it was a far cry from Milwaukee’s 38 thefts in the same month. In August, the Royals have swiped 20 bases, with two more games to play in the month.

Of course, running the bases is about more than stolen bases. Going from first to third, taking the extra base, and pushing runs across the plate are just as important as steals. In August, the KC Royals have ramped up every aspect of their running game.

Part of the reason is inserting Raul Mondesi Jr. at second base in favor of Whit Merrifield. Though not exactly slow himself, Merrifield simply doesn’t possess Mondesi’s raw speed. Also, Mondesi’s weak bat and outstanding bunting skills have led him to put down the ball far more often than Merrifield.

Not All About Mondesi

However, it’s not just about Mondesi. Lorenzo Cain’s return to full-time duty has also helped. Outstanding pitching has also played a role. The Kansas City Royals’ outstanding 2.56 team ERA in August has allowed them to play from ahead most games. As a result, the Royals have unleashed their running because giving away a free out isn’t such a disaster as when you’re facing a large deficit.

Note that KC Royals pitchers posted a horrendous 5.27 ERA in July. The freedom to attack has brought back Royals Baseball in August.

Next: Reason No. 4