Sadly, this guy may be the team's #3 starter by May...The Royals are sick of being pitied for their small-market status, you hear me? So, they've decided to play with the big boys. Last year, they signed a few serviceable veterans, which turned a 105-loss team into a 100-loss team, thus earning their third straight 100-loss season. But this time, new GM Dayton Moore promised something different. Given that the Royals play in the toughest division in baseball, the only way to compete was to look long-term. Moore, who practiced at the knee of John Scheurholz in Atlanta, promised to rebuild the team through minor league development, just as the 1990's Braves did. So how did he follow up on that promise? By giving a 5-year, $55 million contract to Gil Meche, an underachieving starter with no 200-inning seasons, a lifetime 4.65 ERA, and a history of rotator cuff problems.
(If you just heard a sound, that was a Royals fan throwing a random object against their wall).
Yes, the Royals are showing the kind of wisdom that sunk them into permanent AL Central cellar-dweller status. So is there hope in Kansas City this year? Well, if you look hard enough, I guess so, but if I look hard enough, I may be able to convince myself that Kathy Bates looks like Scarlett Johanssen. Here's what you need to know about the 2007 Royals:
Biggest reason for hope - A great influx of youth is coming, with Alex Gordon, Billy Butler, and Luke Hochevar prepared to make contributions soon. Of course, this being the Royals, they'll give them a few good years and then bolt in free agency, especially since the team has tied up 20% of its payroll in Gil Meche.
Biggest potential nightmare for Royals fans- Reliving the same nightmare from last season before that, and the season before... Oh, that and the fact that their "big 3" are Meche, Odalis Perez, and Luke Hudson.
Player to watch - Alex Gordon, third baseman. Two years ago, he was the third baseman at the University of Nebraska. Last year, in his first full minor league season, all he did was win Baseball America's Minor League Player of the Year. No, he's expected to get the starting third baseman's job in KC, and just for good measure he's getting tutored by George Brett. So, you know Alex, no pressure. Actually, since you play for Kansas City, there actually may be no pressure.
Why do we still have to watch this player? Reggie Sanders is now with his eighth team and has been a quality outfielder for 16 seasons. He's played in four World Series and is known to be a valuable contributor and all-around good guy. So why is he playing for a 100-loss team? Why would the Royals potentially block the path of a young outfielder with Gramps Sanders? Your guess is as good as mine. Oh no, the answer just came to me - these are the Royals.
Telling statistic - This is manager Buddy Bell's third managerial job and ninth season as a manager. In his career, he has one winning record (a stellar 82-80 with the 2002 Rockies) and has a lifetime winning percentage of .416. I guess the next question should be how he must have gotten those compromising photos of Bud Selig?
Interesting fact signifying nothing - Former prospect extraordinaire Zach Greinke missed most of last season with what was eventually diagnosed as social anxiety disorder. However, he has resumed pitching because given that he's a Royal, the doctors no longer fear that he will have to pitch in front of large crowds.
Projected record & finish - 59-103, 5th place, AL Central.
Prediction that won’t come true but should - Gil Meche uses $55 million contract to buy the Royals, and immediately trades himself to cut payroll.
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