Royals fans have to be encouraged from how well the team has hit so far
in spring ball. Third baseman Mike Moustakas currently has a .545 batting
average, while first baseman Eric Hosmer is hitting .391. Kansas City needs
both Moustakas and Hosmer to take the next step this season if the team is
going to compete for the postseason, and both are producing so far. Alex Gordon
may also be in-line for another good season, as he has hit .471 through
exhibition play.
A battle for the fifth starter spot is still taking place between Luke
Hochevar and Bruce Chen, and it appears that the Royals are now considering
trading the pitcher that doesn’t make the starting rotation (as long as the
team’s other starters remain healthy). Both Chen and Hochevar will earn $4.5
million this season, and with the Royals’ payroll at a franchise-record $79
million at the moment, it would make sense to trade whichever pitcher will not
be starting.
Several scouts were in attendance for the team’s victory over the A’s
to watch both Chen and Hochevar pitch. Chen allowed one run on two hits with
zero walks, while Hochevar pitched three scoreless innings with three hits and
one walk. Chen has led the team in victories over the past three years, but
many feel that Hochevar is the current favorite to win the rotation spot.
Kansas City’s undefeated record in spring ball will be put to the test
this afternoon, when the team plays the Arizona Diamondbacks. The game will
begin at 1:10 p.m.
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