MLB Preview Day 13, Kansas City Royals

Billy Butler has quietly emerged as one of the best hitters in baseball and the face of the Royals franchise

2010 Record- 67-95, 5th place AL Central
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Billy Butler, .318 (6th AL), Jose Guillen/Yuniesky Betancourt, 16 HR (t-48th AL), Billy Butler/Yuniesky Betancourt, 78 RBI (t-27th AL), Zack Greinke, 10 Wins (t-32nd AL), Zack Greinke, 4.17 ERA (28th AL), Zack Greinke, 181 K (12th AL)

Key Additions- Joaquin Arias (2B), Melky Cabrera (OF), Lorenzo Cain (OF), Brett Carroll (OF), Alcides Escobar (SS), Jeff Francoeur (OF), Vin Mazzaro (RHP), Jeff Francis (LHP), Pedro Feliz (3B)

Key Losses- Brian Bannister (RHP), Yuniesky Betancourt (SS), Bruce Chen (LHP), David DeJesus (OF), Josh Fields (3B), Zack Greinke (RHP)

2011 Projected Record- 65-75 wins, 5th place AL Central
Manager- Ned Yost (2nd Year, 55-72)
Best Player- Billy Butler
Best Pitcher- Jeff Francis
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Mike Aviles
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Mike Moustakas

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Mike Aviles, 3B- .285/13 HR/45 RBI
Alex Gordon, LF- .270/15 HR/70 RBI
Billy Butler, DH- .320/25 HR/80 RBI
Kila Ka'aihue, 1B- .250/20 HR/65 RBI
Jeff Francoeur, RF- .265/18 HR/60 RBI
Melky Cabrera, CF- .270/8 HR/35 RBI

Jason Kendall, C- .230/1 HR/30 RBI
Alcides Escobar, SS- .260/5 HR/45 RBI
Chris Getz, 2B- .255/3 HR/35 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Jeff Francis- 8-12/4.45 ERA/100 K
Luke Hochevar- 10-13/4.55 ERA/140 K
Kyle Davies- 6-12/4.90 ERA/110 K
Vin Mazzaro- 9-13/4.65 ERA/105 K

Bruce Chen- 6-8/5.10 ERA/95 K
Joakim Soria- 1.90 ERA/28 Saves

Team Outlook- A team that is waiting for all the youngsters to be major league ready, as they boast the best farm system in the majors.  However, the team at the major league level is no reflection of that farm system.  This should be a very good team in a couple of years, as they are allowing their prospects develop in the minors by signing veterans, as opposed to forcing the young guys dive into the deep end when they're far from major league ready like they were doing 5 years ago.  As for prospects we will see, theres a good chance we will see Moustakas, Hosmer, and possibly Montgomery by the season's end.  The Royals will struggle this year, but have alot of upside and promise for upcoming seasons.