KC Royals: How They Can Still Win The Division

With all of the recent talk about the upcoming fire sale at the deadline, I decided KC Royals fans needed some positive news for the fellow optimists. If there are even any left.

I will start this by saying, yes, the KC Royals are actually terrible right now. It’s not fun to watch. They haven’t scored more than two runs in a game since April 15. They scored an incredible amount of three runs that night. I can still remember the miracle of a game that was.

After the KC Royals 12-1 loss against the Chicago White Sox last night, a lot of fans were hopping off this season’s train. If you just search “Royals” in the twitter search bar, 99% of the comments will be negative. Which, would seem right for a team that sits at 7-12 and is currently last in the majors in runs scored. Only two players are hitting over .250, only two. Say that to yourself.

To me, this means the team can only move up. Maybe some positive encouragement is exactly what is needed for the team to believe in themselves. They are going through a slump, that has been noted time and time again. However, I don’t think the solution is just typing out how the team is on pace to be one of the worst offenses ever. I’m going to tell you it won’t happen, and better yet, we will start winning.

The Royals might struggle on offense all season, but they won’t struggle like this. I am with 100% certainty able to say that Eric Hosmer, Alcides Escobar, Alex Gordon, and Brandon Moss won’t all be under .200 by the end of May. Yes, very risky prediction. These players will actually start getting hits soon (I hope). Here is what needs to happen for the Royals to be successful, and then I will talk about my optimistic predictions for the rest of the season that include the Royals winning the Central. You have to believe Royals fans.

Eric Hosmer, Alex Gordon, and Alcides Escobar Have to Improve

All three players are currently below the Mendoza Line and all three pivotal to the two World Series runs, so it only makes sense that all three need to improve their offensive numbers if this team is serious about making a run.

Eric Hosmer is batting .192 and he is way too good of a hitter for that number to stick around. Hosmer will get out of his slump because his past shows he is a streaky hitter and this is mostly likely a phase he is trying to get out of.

Gordon on the other hand struggled last season, but that could be combated because of his wrist injury. Still, this season he hasn’t had any injury and his average has dipped to .178. Which accounted for him losing the leadoff spot. Gordo needs to figure things out fast or he could be facing some serious problems by the end of the year.

While Escobar’s defense is still above average, his bat has faltered and is costing the Royals dearly. Mondesi showed he couldn’t handle the big leagues just yet, so until then, Escobar has to play at a high level or you can add shortstop to the problem positions. Hosmer has been getting most of the media attention, but all three players need to play better or the team won’t see much success.

How the Royals Will Win the Division

The KC Royals won’t be this bad for the rest of the season because they are too talented. Proof to back that up? In 2015 Lorenzo Cain hit .307, Hoz hit .297, Moose hit .284 and Gordon hit .271. All of the players have it in their arsenal to play to their potential.

Almost everyone on the team is on a slump right now, and when they are able to break through the Royals are in position to win. The pitching is still throwing at a high level and if it continues when the bats finally wake up, the KC Royals will get out of this.

From what I have seen from the team, that is one of their only weaknesses. The bullpen has calmed down after a rough start and is starting to pitch better. The starters are giving the KC Royals a chance to win most games even though they only score one or two runs. Once the offense wakes up I believe this team will be dangerous again.

The only trick to that is to make sure it doesn’t happen to late. If it does, the Royals could be in a position of selling their players before the deadline. Which would effectively be calling it quits on the season and potentially the near future. However, I don’t think that will happen. Here is what I see happening (hope will happen) for the rest of the season.

Hosmer will finish the season with the KC Royals, and finish hitting .281 with 18 homers and 79 RBI’s. Gordon will end up hitting .253 with 13 long balls and 56 RBI’s. Moss will end up with 22 homers and 65 RBI’s with an even .250 average. All of this put together, even with the rough start, would help the Royals play plus .500 ball.

Prediction

You heard it here first, even through this miserable slump and horrid offense….The KC Royals will comeback and win the American League Central with a record of 93-69. The divisional race will consist of the Indians and Tigers and will not be easy to win. Yet, the Royals have the experience and magic to win it all like have done in recent years. The runs in 2014 and 2015 were no fluke, this team still has the core to be another World Series contender.

While everyone is talking about the struggles they are going through, let people know they are only 3.5 games out of first place. If everything goes according to plan, the KC Royals could be tied for first place by late Friday night. Or at least, lets hope so.

KC Royals: Week 2 Minor League Breakdown

When you read the next negative article about the KC Royals, remember this one. There are 143 games left. 143 to make up ground. 143 to improve their offense. 143 that will impact the future of Hosmer, Escobar, and Moustakas forever. 143 to catch up a measly 3.5 games. The journey can be conquered, but it may need help from Billy’s BBQ Sauce or another Rally Mantis. Something needs to happen at least, anything to help this team reclaim their crown.

Next: Future Manager Candidates