Five Predictions for the Kansas City Royals After the All-Star Break

Correspondent Written on June 17, 2009

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KANSAS CITY - MAY 14: A general view of the field taken during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Baltimore Orioles on May 14, 2009 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The Royals are about to hit the All-Star break, so I wanted compile a list of predictions for the second part of the season and what we might see from the Royals.

This may seem a little crazy at times while you read it, but I'll try to keep this realistic and not get to astronomical. I'm going to be a little gutsy though and give no guarantees.

Trey Hillman Gets Fired

KANSAS CITY, MO - MAY 05: Manager Trey Hillman #22 of the Kansas City Royals argues with home plate umpire Jerry Crawford in the fifth inning during action against the Chicago White Sox on May 5, 2009 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo

Trey Hillman will get the boot sometime after the All Star break after questionable calls to the bullpen, and a lack of good leadership that a manager should have.

The Royals get on a few skids like they did in the month of May and Hillman will be looking for a new job.

Frank White Gets Hired As The New Manager

16 Apr 2000: Frank White #20 of the Kansas City Royals gives a pat on the back to Carlos Febles #3 during the game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Royals 8-4. Mandatory Credit: David Leeds /Alls

Frank White seems like the perfect candidate to take over, and I believe the Royals will make him their first choice to replace Hillman.

When the Royals were looking for a new manager last year before they hired Trey Hillman, many believed Frank White would become the new manager, but came in a close second.

I know i would like to see Frank move from the announcer's booth back into the dugout.

Alberto Callaspo and Billy Butler Hit Consistently

KANSAS CITY, MO - JUNE 14: Alberto Callaspo #13 of the Kansas City Royals in action during the game against the Cincinnati Reds on June 14, 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Alberto Callaspo about midway through the season has already eclipsed most of his career highs in hitting. I'm not sure what he did during the off season, but it seems to be working.

He has proven to be the most consistent hitter on the team and will keep that up after the All Star break.

Billy Butler is starting to find his groove it seems finally, and I expect to see some nice production during the second half of the season. He has the potential to be a great power hitter, and I for one still have faith in him doing that this season.

Royals End the Season with a Winning Record

CHICAGO - APRIL 09: (L-R) Mike Jacobs #17, David DeJesus #9, Coco Crisp #2 and Mike Aviles #30 of the Kansas City Roayls celebrate after their 2-1 win against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on April 9, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by

I know this is not much of a bold prediction and somewhat contradicts my whole firing prediction. I think however that the Royals will have a good end to the season, and finish strong.

I'm not bold enough to say that the Royals will take the AL Central, but they should have their first season above .500 since 2003.

Zack Greinke Wins the Cy Young Award

ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 09: Pitcher Zack Greinke #23 of the Kansas City Royals throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on May 9, 2009 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Angels won 1-0. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

If Zack can keep up his nasty pitching, gets a little help from the bullpen and his batters, he has a golden opportunity to win the Cy Young. It's been 15 years since David Cone got the Cy Young Award, and I would say Kansas City's about due for another.

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