:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6490281/20120414_tjg_sa7_507.jpg)
After a 12-game losing streak, the Kansas City Royals have found some life in recent series wins against the Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins. As they hope to continue their good fortune against the Detroit Tigers, one Royals hitter in particular is still hoping to get things moving in 2012: their best hitter Eric Hosmer.
On the season so far, Hosmer has taken a major step back from his rookie season. Through 20 games, his line of .188/.274/.388 is very discouraging. Even though he has five home runs, an impressive surge that shows how well he can drive the ball, things just aren't falling for him overall.
"It's frustrating," Hosmer said, "because I want to do my part and contribute, but I feel I'm having some good at-bats. I'm hitting the ball hard. It just stinks when there's nothing to show for it."
Others see it too and believe he will soon break out. After all, even as a team, the Royals are learning just how streaky baseball can become -- for the good and the bad. "He's having good at-bats," hitting coach Kevin Seitzer said. "I'm working so hard to keep his head from getting frustrated. I told him, ‘Dude, you are so close to getting smoking hot, and I can't wait to watch it.' He said, ‘I can't wait, either.' "
Hosmer is a unique talent in the game, and many believe he will become the next great first baseman in recent Major League history. He's been hailed by every talent scout in the business and the Royals have rightly made him the face of the franchise early in his career. Now he just has to turn things around and there's still plenty of time early in his second season. The power is there but the rest of his game is sorely lacking. They'll need the help he can bring against the Tigers.
For more on the Kansas City Royals, check out Royals Review. For more on the Tigers, check out Bless You Boys.