The Kansas City Royals have slowed down after a blistering start to the season, leaving the reigning World Series champions searching for answers as they head into May. Almost exactly one months into the season, what has been the biggest and best surprise for the Royals? And on the other end, what has been the most disappointing thing about K.C. in 2016?
Biggest Surprise: Ian Kennedy
The longtime NL West hurler has been a revelation for the Royals, refinding the form that made him a 21-game winner with the Arizona Diamondbacks back in 2011. In five starts so far this season, Kennedy has registered four quality starts, boasting a 2.61 ERA and averaging almost a strikeout per inning.
With Kris Medlen and Chris Young both struggling, Kennedy's success has been an essential part of Kansas City's success. It's unlikely that the 31-year-old can keep up his current pace, but even leveling out to become a dependable middle-of-the-rotation guy would make his five-year, $70 million deal worthwhile.
Biggest Disappointment: Royals Offense
What's happened to the Royals offense? With the exception of Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas, the team's lineup has fallen asleep at the wheel. The team's lack of power has been exposed in the first month, ranking bottom-10 in combined OPS (.687) and bottom-five in HR (21) and RBI (82).
The past week has been especially concerning. Before Tuesday's 7-6 win over the Washington Nationals, the Royals had been shut out in in three of four games. If they want to contend for the AL Central crown, middle-of-the-order run producers like Alex Gordon (.207 BA) and Kendrys Morales (.208 BA) are going to have to gain some separation between themselves and the Mendoza line.
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