As baseball projections and preseason banter begins to take shape with spring training rapidly approaching, fans will begin to get a good idea of what to expect from the Royals in 2011. The commonly held opinion is that 2011 likely poses as an ugly season with the first wave of prospects coming ashore at season’s end.
The Associated Press (Canadian edition) weighed in recently with their take on all American League teams. For the Royals, they acknowledge the future looks bright, but this season is going to be a frustrating one:
Heralded prospects such as third baseman Mike Moustakas and first baseman Eric Hosmer will be in camp and get more fan and media attention than any veteran. But this season shapes up as yet another year of transition. Spring job No. 1 will be rebuilding a rotation drained of Zack Greinke (traded) and Gil Meche (retired). A good bet to start on opening day is Luke Hochevar, former overall No. 1 draft pick who’s never been better than mediocre. Former Yankee Melky Cabrera is likely to take over in center field.