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by **Captain Jack Sparrow** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 1:59 pm

QUOTE TO NOTE
"It's a winnable division, but it's winnable for all five teams." -- Indians general manager Mark Shapiro.

Shapiro is smoking something. The Royals don't stand a chance. After that I agree with him, this division is tough to call this year.

by **CadensDad** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 2:09 pm

I think the Royals might have a chance, If Butler/Gordon produces big in the middle of the lineup. And if they can get some good starts from the pitcher they might stand a chance

by **Neato Torpedo** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 2:16 pm

Well, he can't say "It's winnable for everyone...oh yeah, except the Royals. They suck ass" in an interview. But still, the Royals are a sleeper and have a legit chance at winning the division, albeit the smallest of the five. Bannister could recapture his '07 form. Hochevar could take a big step and be solid. The Royals would be thrilled to have a repeat of '08 in Davies. Callaspo, Gordon, and Butler are all breakout candidates. Jacobs could hit 35-40 HR and bounce back to an AVG in the .260s like the previous two years. Their OF is solid with DeJesus, Crisp, and Guillen, and they have a super sub in Teahen. They have a serious competitor for the title of best closer in baseball.

It's a long shot but not out of the question.

by **kab21** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 2:24 pm

It's possible if the royals can get reasonable production from the bottom of their starting rotation. If they get a 5.50 ERA from their #3, #4, and #5 guys they won't be able to finish above .500. But it will be interesting to see what happens when the royals arms (good, but not dominant arms) start making it to the majors in the next 2-3 yrs potentially with Hosmer and Mous. there might be good things happening in KC in the future.

by **Captain Jack Sparrow** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 5:13 pm

when those pitchers finally come up, they'll be shopping all their other talent ala Beltran/Damon. It's just hard to see it all coming together for the Royals all at once.

Of course, that's what I thought about Tampa Bay too...