Kansas City Royals: Five Things To Look Forward to in 2009

Here are five things to watch for if the Royals are to succeed in 2009.


1. The Mexicutioner

For the first time in a long time, the Royals have a dominant closer. In Joakim Soria, the Royals have found themselves a diamond in the rough, who is on his way to becoming one of the most dominant closers in baseball. Armed with a wide variety of pitches and great control, Soria has made his living deceiving hitters. If the Royals can get the ball to Soria with a lead, they will win lots of games in 2009.


2. Zack Greinke

Expectations are high this season for Greinke. No one really knew what to expect from him last season in the starting rotation, but luckily for the Royals, he flourished. Greinke showed phenomenal stuff and, at times, was absolutely dominant. His 13-10 record and 3.47 ERA in 2008 does not come close to underscoring just how much potential he has.

If Greinke can improve against left-handed hitters in 2009 (.287 BAA in '08), there is a chance he could put together a dynamite season for the Royals. He is that good.


3. Mike Aviles

Where in the world did this guy come from? In 2008, Aviles put up huge numbers for the Royals, hitting .325 with 10 HR and 27 doubles in just 419 at-bats. The question remains: Can Aviles do it again? If Aviles is for real, the Royals truly have found themselves their shortstop for the next decade. Only time will tell if Aviles is an aberration or not.


4. Kyle Farnsworth and Juan Cruz

If the Royals are going to shock the world in 2009, it will likely be largely because of these two gentlemen. Both Farnsworth and Cruz were brought in to serve as the bridge to Soria, a role of little glamour and high importance. These two have the potential to dominate hitters with their power stuff, which should be very exciting for Royals fans.


5. Jose Guillen's Temper

Seems like a lovely fellow...don't make him angry, Royals fans!