Okay after avoiding the issue the past two years I think I am at a position to at least compete (maybe not for playoffs but at least for out of the cellar).
Key Additions:
SP Kyle Lohse= Signed in hopes that he could provide some stability to the middle of the rotation without costing an arm and a leg.
1b Ben Brossard= Signed to be an RBI guy in the middle of the lineup.
MR Alan Embree and Jorge Julio hopefully provide some relief in one of the worst pens in the league last year.
Your 2009 Kansas City Royals (as of now):
Lineup vs LHP
2b Richard Lewis R
SS Trevor Plouffe S
LF Billy Butler R
DH Ben Brossard L
CF Mitch Maier L
RF Pedro Feliz R
3b Mark Teahan L
1b Ryan Shealy S (stronger vs LHP)
Ca Adam Donachie R
Lineup vs LHP
2b Richard Lewis R
SS Trevor Plouffe S
LF Billy Butler R
1b Ben Brossard L
CF Mitch Maier L
RF Pedro Feliz R
3b Mark Teahan L
Ca Adam Donachie R
DH Tony Pena, Jr S
Bench:
Scott Spiezio S= Utility Guy.
Ryan Shealy S/R= Platoon 1b power of the bench.
Joey Gaithright L= Better believe I'm going to try to take full advantage of his speed off the bench late in games.
Yung-Chi Chen R= Good glove 2b. Better bat than Blanco and Falu right now.
One spot is being held for a catcher.
Rotation: If anyone from 2-5 matures and pitches well, this could be a very solid overall unit.
Rotation
1 Fransisco Liriano Left
2 Brian Bannister Right
3 Kyle Lohse Right
4 Zach Greinke Right
5 Colby Lewis Right
Bullpen: Still a work in progress but as of now.
Closer
Chad Orvella
Setup
Jorge Julio
Roman Colon
Middle Relief
Jason Hammel
Alan Embree
Billy J. Buckner
On the Horion:
RHP Luke Hochevar= Needs to do some quick developing to get a shot at the majors in the rotation. Buckner is getting his chance because he's further developed.
OF Chris Lubanski= Needs to show better judgment at the plate, the log jam gives me the ability to wait a bit longer on him
RHP Robbie Wooley= Needs to show he can consistantly find the plate.
Goals:
A) Not finish last in the division.
B) Not have a top 10 pick in the draft next year.
C) Be top 20 in pitching ERA and Offense Runs.
D) Continue building.
Thoughts/Opinions?