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KC Royals: It’s Time for Ned Yost to Choose a New Leadoff Man

By Jackson Stone

Mar 18, 2017; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) reacts during an at bat during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) reacts during an at bat during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Whit Merrifield

KC Royals
Jul 10, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals second basemen Whit Merrifield (15) runs to second base after hitting a double against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

The newly called up fan favorite had a more than productive first game with a home run, single, and two walks. Besides for a slump late last year, Merrifield has shown to be a fairly productive hitter with a career .283 batting average. With decent speed and plate discipline, Whit could potentially be the leadoff man the Royals have desperately been trying to find. Whit has constantly shown up when needed and get can get a base hit when called upon. The most important quality a leadoff man can have is getting on base, and Whit has proven he can do that.

Verdict

KC Royals
Apr 19, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas (8) connects for a one run single in the fourth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

"KC Royals: Players That Have Worn 42"

Now I’m not sure a change will ever come, but the best new leadoff man in my opinion would be Mike Moustakas. Only moving up one spot in the lineup wouldn’t change too much to the batting order. But it could be exactly what the team needs to get some extra chances with RISP. Moustakas has become one of the better hitters on the team, and with the ability to hit for power, after one pitch the KC Royals could have a lead.

So far, Gordon hasn’t done his job as a leadoff hitter and the Royals need to think about switching it up. Maybe Mike Moustakas can be the fresh start this team needs to wake up the offense.

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