The Kansas City Royals head into the 2016 season as the defending World Series champions for the first time in decades, but they're still not getting the credit they so richly deserve. However, the Royals' confidence is still extremely high as they sort through some pressing questions before the start of their title defense.
With that being said, here's our list of the 3 Biggest Spring Training Questions For The Royals.
3. Jarrod Dyson In Right?
A speedster who changes/disrupts games by simply getting on base, Dyson would be a building-block talent for the Royals if he could hit lefties. Dyson has averaged over 30 steals a year as a depth option, and Kansas City is intrigued by the prospect of 50-60 swipes with Dyson as a regular in right.
But, if he can't starting hitting southpaws at a .240-.250 rate, he'll be in a straight platoon with Paulo Orlando until further notice.
2. Omar Infante Or Christian Colon?
Infante still has $17.75 million left on his current deal, so he's going to get every opportunity in Spring Training to prove that his awful offensive year in 2015 was a blip on the radar screen. As for Christian Colon, his bat will be his best weapon in a classic offense vs. defense position battle with the more glove-centric Infante.
This battle is too close to call, but Infante's got the overall body of work to back him up so we'll give a slight nod in his direction -- that is, if we can never speak of his .552 OPS from last year again.
1. Who'll Round Out The Rotation?
Four pitchers will compete for the #4 and #5 spots in the starting rotation -- LHP Danny Duffy and RHPs Kris Medlen, Chris Young and Dillon Gee. Kansas City is hoping that Duffy will run away with the #4 role, giving them their sole lefty starter. From there, it's anyone's guess.
Kris Medlen's boom/bust potential the second year after Tommy John surgery makes him a question mark. Chris Young is the emotional favorite, but he's equally as valuable as a bullpen/spot start specialist. Gee's solid 2013 campaign with the New York Mets (3.62 ERA, 199 innings) remains his calling card, but was it a one-year flash or a sign of things to come?
Our money is on Duffy and Young, but we've gambled and lost before...
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