Major League Predictions
The Royals are predicted to take a big step back in 2045 although still predicted to be too strong for the AL Central with a 90-win season predicted. The Astros dynasty is scheduled to continue with a 112-win season 20 games better than any other team in the AL.
No Royals make the top players lists either giving plenty of fuel to the roster to prove the doubters wrong.
The Dodgers are also predicted to take a step backwards but still win their division with the Nationals expected to deliver the best record in the NL, 22 games back from the Astros.
Opening Day Lineup
The Royals will open with 14 hitters in the 27 for the first time in several seasons as only Edgar Noriega and Chris Kern won’t start at against either LHP or RHP. The main changes will see Luis Aceves take over 1B moving Gilberto Matos to the DH role while Edgar Mir will sit against LHP for Arturo Oramas, and Jorge Conujo will start in CF everyday.
Opening Day Roster Transactions
Thursday, March 30th , 2045
Optioned C Nelson Canjura to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 3B Andres Morales to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Optioned 3B Juan Colunga to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 3B Luis Aguilar to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned SS Juan Montelongo to Rookie League Kansas City (ACL).
Optioned SS Jonathan Mumby to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned CF Sergio Rulz to Triple A Omaha.
Opening Day Pitching Battery
The Royals pitching will go as well as their starting rotation can stay healthy with the same opening rotation as in 2044. In the bullpen, it is a very familiar line up with only David Aguilar (2038 MiL FA) breaking into the lineup. However, there are a wealth of options heading down to AAA to start the season.
Opening Day Roster Transactions
Thursday, March 30th , 2045
Demoted RP Tim Bixler to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Optioned RP Cheng Hsien Baker to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Mike Gaytan to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Tim Hoffman to Triple A Omaha.
Demoted RP C.J. Binkle to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Steve Mitchell to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Julio Pesina to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Jeremy Stockhoff to Triple A Omaha.
Demoted RP Albert Regalado to Triple A Omaha.