Kansas City Royals 2010 Baseball Predictions: Not much went right for the Royals last season, and, for that matter, not much has gone right for the franchise for the better part of the past 20 years. The team returned to the AL Central cellar after a brief 2008 respite, finishing with a 65-97 record. Kansas City brass is hopeful that a few off-season maneuvers and some better luck in the injury department keep the team in the mix for the Central crown. 2010 Baseball Predictions at SPORTSBETTING.com are not sure, though, as the Royals are presently listed at +1800 odds to win the division.
Kansas City struggled offensively in 2009 ranking 23rd in the league in runs (686), 26th in on-base percentage (.318), and
23rd in RBI (657). While the Royals do not figure to be an offensive powerhouse this season, the team's numbers should improve with the additions of Rick Ankiel and Scott Podsenik. Other capable bats that were with the team last season include Billy Butler, who had 21 home runs and 93 RBI last year, Alberto Callaspo, Davis DeJesus, and Jose Guillen.
Kansas City also traded third baseman Mark Teahen to the White Sox for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman/outfielder Josh Fields. Getz should replace Callaspo, who had 17 errors in 2009, at second base, immediately improving the club's defense. The Royals had the third most errors in the majors last year with 116 and their .981 fielding percentage ranked 28th in the league.
Kansas City's pitching staff, outside of Zack Greinke's Cy Young award winning campaign, was a disaster last season. Injuries to starters Gil Meche and Brian Bannister coupled with poor performance on the part of Kyle Davies and Luke Hochevar limited the overall effectiveness of the rotation, often leading to an overworked bullpen. The relief staff's numbers reflected such as it ranked 29th in ERA (5.02) and WHIP (1.55).
Meche and Bannister are both healthy now, and they should make a nice two and three compliment to Greinke's one if they remain that way. Hochevar and Davies are still question marks, though; both have shown flashes of quality mixed in with an abundance of wretchedness.
The bullpen has some good arms and one of the games best closers in Joakim Soria; however, they will need the starting rotation to work deeper into games on a consistent basis if they are to remain effective over the course of the season.
2010 Baseball Predictions: Fourth Place AL Central. Starting rotation has some bright spots, but there are still too many questions. Offense should be better than a year ago, but the upside, as the team is currently constructed, is middle of the pack.
SPORTSBETTING.com Kansas City Royals 2010 Baseball Predictions:
Odds to win 2010 World Series +8000
Odds to win 2010 American League Pennant +5000
Odds to win AL Central Division +1800
MLB Regular Season Wins: Over 71.5 (-115), Under 71.5 (-115)
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