Kansas City Royals: Your Fantasy Baseball Band-Aid?

Evan Longoria, Josh Hamilton, Chase Utley, Rafael Furcal. There have been a number of ailing fantasy baseball stars. What looked like an offense that only featured Billy Butler as a fantasy option, has produced several players with hot starts.

Wilson Betemit leads the team with a .379 batting average. The third baseman has scored eight runs, drove in five more and swiped two bases. He’s not Evan Longoria, but he has been productive.

Alex Gordon and Josh Hamilton were both early draft picks. Until this year the comparison ended there. Gordon though is hitting .346 with ten runs, one HR and seven RBI. Obviously he can’t carry your fantasy team like Hamilton, but he can help soften the blow and fill your outfield void. Jeff Francoeur (.292-8-1-8-2) and Melky Cabrera (.286-7-1-6-1) are also decent outfield options.

Chris Getz won’t confuse anyone for Chase Utley, but the second baseman is hitting .342 with six runs, five RBI and two stolen bases. You’re not going to get any pop from him (two career HRs), but he should help you in the stolen base category.

Alcides Escobar is struggling (.229 batting average), but the shortstop has the speed to give you some of the stolen bases you’re missing with Rafael Furcal out. Escobar has five runs, five RBI and two stolen bases.

These aren’t George Brett’s Royals, but they are scoring some runs. They are also winning. They are currently tied for the fourth best record in the American League and the seventh best in all of baseball. It may not last into the summer, but I can’t think of any fans more deserving of their early success.

Click here for options that can help you in the stolen base category.