As currently constructed, the Kansas City Royals have three truly gaping holes – the starting rotation, shortstop and the designated hitter spots.
By the end of the year, the combination of Kennedy, Volquez, Ventura and Duffy should be able to be at least mediocre, which is much better than they have been thus far. The biggest question mark is that fifth starter spot. Based on the early returns, Chris Young, Kris Medlen and Dillon Gee do not provide much in the way of confidence. Getting another middle of the rotation starter, which would help soldify the back end of the rotation, could make a big difference.
Kendrys Morales has also disappointed this year. A year after posting a stellar .290/.362/.485 batting line with 22 home runs and 106 RBI while winning the SIlver Slugger award, the Royals designated hitter has been abysmal. He has, however, been heating up lately, posting a .356/.442/.556 batting line with five extra base hits in his last 13 games heading into last night. There is hope that Morales can turn his season around and produce at the level the Royals need if they are going to remain in contention.
Shortstop may be the biggest concern. Alcides Escobar is essentially in the lineup for his stellar defense, but his offense has been atrocious. His .252/.276/.311 batting line has been worth an OPS+ of 56, less than the OPS+ of 60 that Omar Infante produced before being released. Escobar also has not been the same defensively, costing the Royals five runs a year after saving nine. How much longer can they keep him in the lineup?
Now that we have identified the weaknesses, what can the Royals do to change their fortunes?
Next: Is there a solution?