I think Hosmer is a lock to put up significant numbers this season. There is no doubt he is a "can't-miss" player, and while he certainly was a "miss" last year, it sometimes takes players of this superstar-like caliber a little while longer to officially get going. There is no doubt in my mind that he will get going this year and start posting those .300/25/110 lines that everyone expected out of him. He's settled in now as a big-leaguer and won't be pressing as much. Perfect spot for him to break out, as long as he's not over-thinking his status anymore.
As for their pitching, it's a unique situation. How long exactly is Jeremy Guthrie's leash? He was surprisingly performing very well in the second half of last year (A surprised unders MACHINE, remember. It's as if Vegas wasn't even paying attention to his considerably-long run of excellent pitching), but now that he's finally locked up a big contract, does that change his sense of urgency and have him regress to the medicore pitcher he was for so long? What about Luke Hochevar? I've always stuck up for him as a top prospect that will eventually start producing what they've invested into him... but it's been years now and he hasn't turned the corner yet over the long haul. This could be his last chance, and maybe that affects him mentally. Ervin Santana is another unique individual they have on their staff. Which Santana will show up?
And are they going ahead with Wade Davis as a starter? Always liked his potential in that role, despite Tampa Bay never giving him a legitimate opportunity in the rotation. But if either of these guys falters, you have to love their depth. I was the first person back on the Luis Mendoza bandwagon back in '07, and even when he was getting rocked back then before his demotion to being a mop-up reliever, I was probably the only one that stayed on the bandwagon, and for the most part, he's pitched outstanding for the past year and a half in his role at the bottom of the rotation; he certainly deserves to stay there. And the same could be said for Bruce Chen, who has mostly been more than serviceable.
Love their bullpen, especially Kelvin Herrera, who was a big sleeper of mine going into last year and he ended up being one of the best relievers in the American League. They really do have a star-studded bullpen. Their lineup can be impactful. But it comes down to their starting pitching; at least they have one workhorse in James Shields. And I believe they can make do with everything else they have in that department.
Another sleeper of mine to look out for, if he gets called up at some point in their outfield: Bubba Starling. Remember that name. Guy will be a stud, without question.
As for their pitching, it's a unique situation. How long exactly is Jeremy Guthrie's leash? He was surprisingly performing very well in the second half of last year (A surprised unders MACHINE, remember. It's as if Vegas wasn't even paying attention to his considerably-long run of excellent pitching), but now that he's finally locked up a big contract, does that change his sense of urgency and have him regress to the medicore pitcher he was for so long? What about Luke Hochevar? I've always stuck up for him as a top prospect that will eventually start producing what they've invested into him... but it's been years now and he hasn't turned the corner yet over the long haul. This could be his last chance, and maybe that affects him mentally. Ervin Santana is another unique individual they have on their staff. Which Santana will show up?
And are they going ahead with Wade Davis as a starter? Always liked his potential in that role, despite Tampa Bay never giving him a legitimate opportunity in the rotation. But if either of these guys falters, you have to love their depth. I was the first person back on the Luis Mendoza bandwagon back in '07, and even when he was getting rocked back then before his demotion to being a mop-up reliever, I was probably the only one that stayed on the bandwagon, and for the most part, he's pitched outstanding for the past year and a half in his role at the bottom of the rotation; he certainly deserves to stay there. And the same could be said for Bruce Chen, who has mostly been more than serviceable.
Love their bullpen, especially Kelvin Herrera, who was a big sleeper of mine going into last year and he ended up being one of the best relievers in the American League. They really do have a star-studded bullpen. Their lineup can be impactful. But it comes down to their starting pitching; at least they have one workhorse in James Shields. And I believe they can make do with everything else they have in that department.
Another sleeper of mine to look out for, if he gets called up at some point in their outfield: Bubba Starling. Remember that name. Guy will be a stud, without question.
I know baseball is a little different because the prospects start in the minors, but still. Bubba Starling is hardly sleeper material, he was the Royals first round pick (#5? overall). You draft those guys to be difference makers. He has the potential to be pretty special but I would be floored if he made the show this year. He's going to have his hands full in AA if that's where he goes.
True. I say "sleeper" because unfortunately, being in Kansas City, the general public really hasn't heard of him. But other than that, you're absolutely right. On the contrary, there are countless high-end draft picks who completely flop at the Major League level. Not only will Starling not be one of those such players at all, I see him ultimately becoming a superstar. Maybe not this year but certainly one or two years down the road.
