Is it time for a Raul Ibanez pep talk yet?
Royals Rumblings - News for September 11, 2015
Tony Blengino of ESPN writes that the durability of the starting nine has been a big reason for the Royals' success this year.
Late last year, I did an article over at Fangraphs about this topic. Going back to the beginning of the DH era, I looked for AL clubs whose nine regulars all accumulated 500 plate appearances. Of the 119 AL playoff teams in that time frame, exactly six accomplished that feat: the 2014 Royals, 2007 Red Sox, 2003 Red Sox, 1996 Rangers, 1982 Angels and 1975 Athletics.