MLB Power Rankings: Royals Looking Good, Despite Record

The Kansas City Royals were looked at by some evaluators as a sleeper pick before the season started. The team had managed to amass an impressive assortment of under-the-radar young bats and arms and had a realistic shot at being competitive. Then they opened the season by going 3-13. But they're still looking impressive, even while losing.

The latest MLB Power Rankings from Sports Illustrated have been released. The come in at No. 9 out of the 30 MLB teams. Here's what SI has to say:

Kansas City Royals
WAR Winning Percentage: .552; Current Winning Percentage: .286; WAR Wins: 12; Current Wins: 6

The Royals rank 22nd in the majors in runs, but their wRC+ is tied for ninth best in the game, and drives a large part of the difference between their expected record and their actual record. If they keep hitting like they have, runs will come their way at a much higher rate. Their 3-13 start will likely keep their record unimpressive for a good chunk of the season, but their offense led them to finish 3-3 over the last week, and they've shown the underlying skills of a team that can win games on a regular basis.

If the Royals don't manage to turn those impressive losses into wins, they'll drop down in the rankings in a hurry by the end of May.

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