Kansas City Looks to Build on LCS Run

Kansas City Looks to Build on LCS Run

Last season the Kansas City Bashers were not picked as a preseason favorite to even make the playoffs never mind the Edgar Martinez League Championship Series.  However a string of mid-season moves pulled off by General Manager Ryan Hughes bolstered the offense while stabilizing the bullpen, enabling the Bashers to make a deep playoff run.  Gearing up for the 2012 season the Front Office decided that it could not stay content with the status of the team.  Gone are key contributors Nate Schierholtz, Dan Uggla, Daric Barton,Vernon Wells,  and Jon Rauch.  In are Ian Kinsler, Alex Gordon,Ryan Madson, Brian Wilson,  and David Freese Here is a position by position breakdown of your Kansas City Bashers.

C

Alex Avila – Alex has been a part-time player during his tenure with the Bashers but management believes that this is the season that he puts it all together at the plate.  At only 25 the Bashers have their starting backstop for the foreseeable future.

1B

Brett Wallace/Carlos Lee – Wallace was acquired from Reno last season and while expectations have not yet been reached it is hoped that he provides a long term answer at 1B.  Lee is not a “sexy” name at 1B but his bat has plenty of pop especially vs. Lefties.

2B

Ian Kinsler – After a very long negotiation, Kinsler was obtained from Napa before the start of spring training.  He did come at a high cost as potential superstar Brandon Belt, 2B Gordon Beckham, and last season’s ace Clay Buchholz were all involved in the deal that brought him over.  Expectations are high for this all-star.

3B

 David Freese/Scott Rolen – Neither of these players were part of the 2011 opening day roster.  Rolen was added mid-season, as an upgrade to Juan Uribe, and though happy with his performance he is in his twilight.  So when the opportunity to acquire David Freese for post-season hero Dan Uggla it was a chance that had to be taken.  Look for Freese to receive a majority of the AB’s at 3B this season.

SS

 Ian Desmond/Dee Gordon – In limited duty last season Desmond hit an astonishing .348.  There are worries that he cannot maintain this over the course of an entire season.  Gordon has his critics but being the best SS available in this draft it was decided that he was the best player to pick.  He is expected to get regular playing time ant the Bashers look forward to the development of both Desmond and Gordon as the season progresses.

LF

Ryan Braun – Not much needs to be said about MVP candidate Braun.  His improved defense has moved him from the DH role to LF.  Big things are expected from him this season and many seasons to come.  Despite reports to the contrary we have found no connection between Braun and Victor Conte, former BALCO CEO.

CF

Brett Gardner – Gardner is the prototypical leadoff hitter.  Great speed, high on-base percentage and a fantastic glove.  Gardner has been heard saying he hopes to double his stolen base total of 53 in 2012.

RF

Alex Gordon – Every draft has that hidden gem that has been passed over by every club multiple times.  Gordon was that gem in last season’s draft going in the 6^th round.  After a season in the minors this former top 5 pick is looking to establish himself as a force in Right Field.

DH

Vlad Guerrero/Hideki Matsui – 3 years ago this would have been one of the most feared DH duos in baseball.  Now with both players battling father time it will be a serviceable platoon while providing a good bat off of the bench.

SP

James Shields/Gio Gonzalez/Derek Holland/Aaron Harang/Bartolo Colon – Shields and Gonzalez look to provide a potent 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation.  Last season Shields posted a 5.44 era in the TBA but after pitching in the Venezuelan Winter League it is expected that he will lower his era by at least 2 runs this year.  Gonzalez is the lone holdover from the initial Kansas City roster and the team has been very happy with his progress and more improvement is expected.  Derek Holland is a promising young arm who will be essential to a deep playoff.  Harang and Colon are both new additions to this season’s roster but expectations are high.

RP

Ryan Madson/Brian Wilson/Wilton Lopez/Huston Street/Mike Dunn – The bullpen received a complete overhaul this offseason.  The Bashers look to rely heavily on Madson and Wilson this season, with the hope that by the end of the season the rest of the Edgar Martinez League will Fear the Beard.

Many “experts” panned this group of yahoo’s before the Kinsler trade was consummated and the 100 win season predicted by certain publications may be a little high.  But expectations are to win 88-90 games and a return to the playoffs in 2012.