Major League Predictions
The Royals are predicted to bear the Braves 14-in-a-row record by recording the best record in baseball, another 100+ win season with a comfortable 20+ game winning margin. The AL East looks to be competitive, if mediocre, while the Mariners and the Rangers are the class of the West, albeit on a par with the Guardians and the White Sox. There are no Royals at the top of the hitting or pitching lists, although former Royal Greg Moehring is expected to have another elite season.
In the National League, the Braves are predicted to have the only other 100-win season in the Majors (and only other 900+ run team), cruising to the East division. The Cubs and the Diamondbacks are predicted to comfortably win the Central and West respectively. The Wild Cards seem to be where the excitement will come, with a raft of mid-80 win teams fighting for those three spots.
Opening Day Lineup
As expected there are some changes for the Royals after an offseason of change. Arturo Ruano will back up Nelson Saiz at Catcher while the departure of Luis Aceves after he declined the QO means Bernalldino Igrejas will be an elite glove at 1B. The rest of the infield is as expected with Branson Huot and David de Anda taking on the infield back up roles, with Chad Hart earning a starting spot in the DH position against LHP. It is Steve Katzin who misses out, he will start in Omaha looking to force Stewart’s hand during the season.
In the outfield, there are less surprises with Domingo Carrillo earning the spot vacated by Ken Crome although it was a close decision with Esmarly Roseberry impressing and likely to earn some playing time this year.
Opening Day Roster Transactions
Monday, March 28th , 2050
Optioned C Chris Early to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 1B Jorge Rico to High-A Quad Cities.
Optioned 1B Juan Soriano to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 2B Steve Katzin to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned CF Rodolfo Lara to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Optioned CF David Rojo to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Optioned LF Esmarly Roseberry to Triple A Omaha.
Opening Day Pitching Battery
The top of the starting rotation is boosted by the arrival of Braden Montalbano, giving an incredible 1-2 punch with T.J. Nooks. Former Cy Young winner Ben Lane will be the third starter, followed by Rob Cope and Benton Geldart. The final spot was a surprise with AAA Outstanding Pitcher Award winner Danny Mueller taking the final spot. Dusty Glick starts on the IR, where he will spend most of the season.
The AAA starting rotation should be very strong with 2046 2nd Round pick Joe Teichner, 2045 4th Round Jeff Mole, Dusty Bartosik, and Jorge Zagal all being close to major league ready.
There is less movement in the bullpen with only Joe Mays (traded) missing from the end of season player evaluation. Eric Bustamente earns the chance to replace Mays in a middle relief role.
Opening Day Roster Transactions
Monday, March 28th , 2050
Assigned RP Ferlon Goins from Spring Training camp to Triple A Omaha.
Assigned RP Joe Teichner from Spring Training camp to Triple A Omaha.
Assigned RP Jared Baynes from Spring Training camp to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Tim Parsons to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Dusty Bartosik to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Jeff Mole to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Jorge Zagal to Triple A Omaha.