So, I was highly optimistic about my small-market team, as a life-long Kansas City Royals fan. I bought in that this year would be contending window, like Greg Amsinger of MLB Network--who had predicted 101 wins, and 30 HR for the two young budding superstars.
A slow start for Carter Jensen and Jac Caglianone, the closer (MLB leader from last year) gave up a grand slam walk-off in the first game of the season and hasn't pitched since, the loss of Cole Ragans (a pre-season Cy Young pick by many) and All-Star from last year Kris Bubic both knocked out of the starting rotation, and the entire starting infield being injured significant time, the set-up men have been horrific--I'm talking Historically bad--after being thought to be pretty damn competent...well, 2 weeks ago had them 24 games under .500.
They just reeled off 9 in a row, and 11 of the last 13. An average bullpen would have had them in contention this year, even with being a virtual hospital ward. But that's small market--big ones have injuries but they can go out and buy competent replacements. For this recent run, some guys off the scrap heap are performing way better than the guys they started the season with.
Cags and Jensen are getting it, and are something to see. Both hit 3rd deck bombs yesterday. I am looking forward to the next 4-5 years while they are under their rookie deals, combined with Bobby Witt, Jr.--if the other parts are MLB average, 2014-15 can sure happen again. Would sure help to find a bullpen like those HDH days.
