Grading the 2013 Kansas City Royals

The 2013 season was an exciting one for Kansas City Royals fans. Despite falling just short of making the playoffs, the future looks bright with the core group of players expected to return and make improvements for the upcoming season. It’s been since 1985 since the Royals made it to the playoffs, but with a few key additions to the roster, next year could be the year. Let’s take a closer look at how each player performed this year and see where improvements can be made.

Catcher: Salvador Perez

Salvador Perez had a standout season and proved to be one of the best catchers in the game. He was a force on defense, with the second-best throw-out percentage among all American League catchers. Perez also had a solid offensive performance, hitting for average and coming through with some clutch hits late in the season to keep the Royals playoff hopes alive. He even earned his first All-Star selection, which is likely to be the first of many. The only reason Perez doesn’t receive an A is due to missing games due to a concussion and the loss of his grandmother. If Perez had been in the lineup for the games he missed, it’s possible the Royals could have made a deeper playoff run.

First Base: Eric Hosmer

Eric Hosmer struggled at the plate early in the season, but things changed when George Brett became the hitting coach. Brett filled Hosmer’s mind with knowledge and confidence, and he went on a tear at the plate. He finished the season with the highest batting average on the team and proved his worth at first base with his solid defense. Hosmer was a key player in the team’s success this year, and the Royals will be counting on him to continue his production next season.

Second Base: Emilio Bonifacio

Emilio Bonifacio provided value to the team with his speed on the bases, seeming to steal every time he got on. His defense was also solid, albeit with a few unforced errors. The Royals could use a power-hitting second baseman, but if they stick with Bonifacio, they should be okay. The team missed Chris Getz’s defense at second base, but his lack of offense hurt the team more than his defense helped. If the Royals had a healthy Miguel Tejada, who was a spark plug after the All-Star break before his injury and suspension, the team’s outlook would be even brighter for next season.

Shortstop: Alcides Escobar

Alcides Escobar had a mixed season, making some spectacular plays at shortstop with his range, but struggling at the plate. Escobar has a hack-first approach and rarely walks, making him an easy out more times than not. With his experience, you’d expect a more disciplined hitter, but that wasn’t the case this year. If Escobar doesn’t start working the count better next season, he’ll hurt the team more than help it.

Third Base: Mike Moustakas

Mike Moustakas was the biggest disappointment of the season. He struggled at the plate the first half of the year and was a liability in the lineup. Despite his struggles, Manager Ned Yost kept putting him in the lineup day after day, hoping he’d turn things around. Moustakas never adjusted his swing,icioui

and his batting average remained well below .200 for much of the season. It would have been more beneficial for Moustakas to go down to the minors and work on his swing and regain his confidence before being promoted again. The fact that he admitted to not watching video to fix his problems and relying on a “feel” method for improvement raises questions about his commitment to getting better. Moustakas has the potential to be a powerful locker room leader, but he needs to mature and come back next season ready to do whatever it takes to help the team win.

Left Field: Alex Gordon

Alex Gordon started the season on fire, leading the league in hitting the first month. However, he couldn’t shake his slump and hit below his abilities for the rest of the season. Part of this can be attributed to Manager Yost’s decision to keep playing him every day, even when it was clear he wasn’t swinging the bat well. Gordon’s defense is top-notch, but the Royals will be hoping for a more consistent offensive performance from him next season.

Center Field: Lorenzo Cain

Lorenzo Cain was a great defender in center field and started the season as a clutch player. However, he struggled at the plate for much of the rest of the season and was set back by a hamstring injury. Cain plays center field with confidence and flair, but he needs to boost his batting average and be more consistent next season. Jarrod Dyson proved to be a solid backup, with his speed being a valuable weapon on the bases.

Right Field: David Lough

David Lough was a surprise standout for the Royals this season. Despite being undersized and not highly touted, Lough made plays and helped the team win. He was one of the best hitters in clutch situations and would have had an even higher average if not for being platooned with Justin Maxwell and Jarrod Dyson. If Lough can accept his role as a pinch-hitter and play every fourth day, he could be a valuable weapon for the Royals next season.

Designated Hitter: Billy Butler

Billy Butler had a down year, struggling mightily at the plate. Butler is on the team for his hitting abilities, but he didn’t produce much this season. His effort running out ground balls was also lacking, and he led the American League in grounding into double plays. Unless Butler shows more effort and gets his groove back, he could become trade bait. Only time will tell.

Pitchers

Bullpen

The Royals’ pitching was a strength this season, leading the league in ERA. The starters and bullpen kept the team in every game, a stark contrast from previous seasons. The addition of James Shields has been a huge boost for the team, bringing confidence and a strong work ethic that has rubbed off on his teammates. Although Shields struggled at times, he still finished the season with a sub-3.20 ERA. The rest of the pitching staff had a solid season, with just occasional struggles. The Royals may lose Ervin Santana and Bruce Chen in the offseason, but with Danny Duffy and Yordano Ventura ready to play full-time in the big leagues, the pitching should be just as strong as last season, as long as everyone stays healthy. The bullpen, led by Greg Holland, should also be dominant