Batting Order: The Royals have deep and balanced batting order. Matt Carpenter may enter the season under the radar, but he could put up extremely impressive numbers in the 2-slot. Alex Gordon and Alex Rodriguez provide a lightning and thunder combination that could produce bountifully for KC. They were extremely fortunate with Billy Butler, as a typo on his card declares him a catcher, allowing the Royals to insert him and Mark Quinn in the line-up. Melky Cabrera is a deadly 9 hitter who could hit himself up in the order. Sneaky good overall.
Rotation: Very similar to the Indians rotation, but with more control. David Cone returns to KC via free agency to be a solid fourth starter. Zach Grienke should rack up the Ks, but they'll need him to get wins against fellow aces Verlander, Sale, and Lee if the Royals are going to be successful. Rosado and Chen can provide solid starts.
Bullpen: Not a particularly impressive bullpen, but it should remain fresh throughout the year thanks to four arms and an IP 2 pitcher. Herrera is the stud of the bunch and could take the closer role away from Tim Collins.
Overall: Kansas City has built their team very similarly to Tampa Bay. Speed at the top and bottom on the batting order, slugger at the four spot, a high on-base doubles machine in the third spot, and no punting a position. Furthermore, they both rely on an ace plus three tier 3s for a rotation. Although KC doesn't have TB's bullpen, they could be the surprise contender of the AL, maybe even challenging Detroit and Cleveland for the divisional crown!
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