Well, it's still early. Really, really early. But the Royals are 6-3, and they've taken two series from two of baseball's biggest payrolls (Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees). So, I would like to revisit how the five keys that I mentioned in an earlier post have contributed to the KC's solid start.
1. Which Zack Greinke will the Royals get?
Again, let me say how early it is. It's probably too early to even write a column like this. But, I am anyway, and Zack Greinke has been superb. In 15 innings against the Yankees and the Tigers, Greinke has given up one earned run. That calculates to a 0.60 ERA. And the one run was a Brandon Inge home run, so Greinke hasn't been in much trouble so far. This could be huge for the Royals. If Greinke can continue to pitch well, the Royals' pitching staff, along with Gil Meche and Brian Bannister, could be for real.
2. Can Alex Gordon and Billy Butler progress?
The answer to this question through the first two weeks of the season has been simple: Um...YES! Billy Butler is hitting everything. In 32 at-bats, he has 13 hits (.407 average). He hasn't hit any home runs yet but he already has four doubles, and he has provided a spark in the middle of the Royals lineup. Butler's progress has been even more important since Jose Guillen has struggled early. Butler, a 21-year-old, looks like a seasoned veteran at the plate right now.
Gordon has also showed tremendous progression, especially compared to how he started the 2007 season. He leads the Royals in runs, total bases, home runs and RBIs. Unfortunately he also leads the team with eight strikeouts. Regardless of the last statistic, Gordon is showing tremendous improvement at the plate, and it looks like he and Butler will be mainstays in the middle of the Royals' lineup for years.
Was Jose Guillen a smart sign?
Again, it's really, really early. Having said that, Guillen is struggling at the dish. In 33 at-bats, he has a miserable five hits (four singles, one double) and only two walks. Now, let me make some excuses for him. Manager Trey Hillman gave some of the Royals' veterans (including Guillen) the option to get a later start at spring training. When Guillen did show up, he caught the flu bug that went around the team's clubhouse. So he didn't get much work in spring training. Also, he still has a potential suspension looming over his head since he was named in the Mitchell Report. This could possibly be affecting his offense also. Defensively, Guillen's arm is as advertised. He has to have one of the three best outfield arms in the league. At this point, Guillen doesn't look like a great sign, but I think that he will only improve in the weeks to come.
Which Mark Teahen will the Royals get?
Teahen, like Butler and Gordon, is one of the Royals' young players that has started off well. He's hitting .286 (mostly in the three spot) with one home run, one triple and three doubles. His base running is as good as ever, and he looks comfortable in left field. If Teahen, Butler and Gordon continue to hit like they are in the 3, 5, and 6 holes, and Jose Guillen comes around in the 4 spot, then the Royals offense could be very respectable.
How will Trey Hillman transition?
I have to admit. I'm already a Trey Hillman fan. The Royals aren't going to get the big three-run home run often, and Hillman knows it. Offensively he attacks the opposition and manufactures runs by hitting and running, stealing bases and bunting. So far, the Royals have stolen 10 bases in nine games, six of those coming from Joey Gathright.
Hillman also seems to work well with the core of young talent that the Royals have. I have watched eight of the team's nine games, and I've yet to see Hillman raise his voice at a player. Instead, I have seen him pull a player off to the side, put his arm around him, talk privately to him for a bit, and pat him on the back when he's done. The Royals look good so far, and Hillman should get plenty of credit for the team's solid start.
