Kansas City’s lineup has a lot of the pop teams are looking for nowadays, with young slugging first baseman Eric Hosmer leading the way. This kid has every chance to be an absolute beast, Joey Votto-level player; he recorded a 118 OPS+ in his 128-game rookie campaign with 19 homers and 27 doubles. This whole Royals team seems to have that doubles thing down: they are the first team in major league history to have three outfielders who recorded 40 doubles last year. Though center fielder Melky Cabrera is gone, two outstanding arms lurk in the corners in Jeff Francoeur and Alex Gordon, who are dangerous both to opposing pitchers and baserunners trying to take extra bases. The offense is going to carry the Royals as far as they will go this year, as the rotation isn’t anything special. (more…)