Major League Predictions
The prediction machine doesn’t take injury proneness into account and the Royals are once again predicted to win 100+ games and to win the AL Central. The White Sox will give them a good run though as they are predicted to win 97 games. Both teams will be trying to match the mighty Houston Astros for the number one seed as Houston is predicted to win 113 games.
Estanislau is predicted to hit 39 HRs with 99 RBI to be among the top hitters in the league although surprisingly there is no place for Bobby Nickelberry and his recently realised additional 10 points of power. On the pitching front, both Ben Lane and Greg Moehring are expected to be among the leaders with Lane predicted to eclipse 200 innings with 240 Ks, a result all Royals fans would be delighted to see him realise.
The National League is equally predictable with the Dodgers predicted to be the only 100-win team, with no other NL team predicted to win even 90 games, the Marlins and Reds predicted to win the East and Central respectively.
Opening Day Lineup
It is a familiar set of names for the Royals on the hitting side, albeit sprinkled with some new faces.
Edgar Mir will open the season at 2B for the 10th year in a row as part of an infield that against RHP will match last year’s opening line up. In the outfield, Chris Kern earns the LF spot to start the season with Chris Morrow’s left handed bat starting as DH.
Opening Day Roster Transactions
Monday, March 28th , 2044
Optioned C Greg Cloward to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 3B Luis Aguilar to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 2B Derek Coulston to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 3B Chris Ambrose to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RF Ernesto Pimentel to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Optioned CF Chris Goldberg to Triple A Omaha.
Opening Day Pitching Battery
The starting rotation is as predicted entering Spring Training with the biggest question being about their ability to stay fit.
In the bullpen, new acquisition Luis Danys Rhodes goes straight into a stopper role alongside veteran Dan Nichols with Joe Manley ready to close out games when needed. The biggest surprise is that Nate Avis, after his lost season last year, doesn’t earn a place in the bullpen but there is no doubt that he will have his chances over the course of the season.
Jimmy Cappello is out of options and so, by adding in some cash, the Royals acquire a AAA level SP in a good exchange.
Opening Day Roster Transactions
Monday, March 28th , 2044
Optioned RP Edgar Gallegos to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Juan Armas to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP David Dettori to Triple A Omaha.
Assigned RP Julio Bonilla from Spring Training camp to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Zyhir Scollan to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Davon Lamptey to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Julio Pesina to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Nate Avis to Triple A Omaha.
Traded 25-year old RHP Jimmy Cappello and $5,000,000 in cash to the Washington Nationals, getting 23-year old minor league LHP Mike Gaytan in return.