Feb 23 2009
Kansas City Royals - Fantasy Baseball Preview
Even though the Royals enter the 2009 major league baseball season as huge underdogs to win just 70 games, their fantasy baseball future is actually quite bright. Joakim Soria at just age 25 has already established himself as a premiere closer in the league, while fellow 25 year olds Zack Greinke, Alex Gordon, and Luke Hochevar will be trying to close in on fantasy baseball stardom in 2009. Oh and by the way, the list doesn’t stop there either, as 2008 breakout player Mike Aviles will be returning to start at shortstop, and 23 year old Billy Butler will be looking for a breakout year this season as well.
Top 10 Kansas City Royals - 2009 Fantasy Baseball Rankings
#1 - Joakim Soria - RP
At just age 25, Soria is the best fantasy baseball player on the Royals team to begin the 2009 season. Soria is worthy of a top 5 overall relief pitcher ranking, and even though his saves total may be somewhat limited on a Royals team that will find it hard pressed to win just 70 games in 2009, Soria’s outstanding ERA and WHIP numbers are a great asset on any fantasy baseball team.
2009 Projections: 35 saves, 60 strikeouts, 2.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP
#2 - Zack Greinke - SP
With two very solid seasons in a row for Greinke in 2007 and 2008, an even better Greinke could show up for the Royals and fantasy baseball teams for the 2009 season. Greinke will enter the 2009 season as a top 40 overall fantasy baseball starting pitcher, however he has more than enough potential to become a top 20 overall starting pitcher by the end of the 2009 season.
2009 Projections: 15 wins, 200 strikeouts, 3.30 ERA, 1.25 WHIP
#3 - Mike Aviles - SS/2B
After coming out of nowhere to surprise fantasy baseball teams in 2008, Aviles will enter the 2009 season as the starting shortstop in Kansas City, as well as earning himself a top 15 overall fantasy baseball shortstop ranking. And assuming Aviles isn’t a one year wonder, a top 10 overall fantasy baseball shortstop ranking may be appropriate in some leagues.
2009 Projections: 90 runs scored, 15 homeruns, 15 stolen bases, 80 rbi, .300 batting average
Other Notables:
#4 - Alex Gordon - 3B
#5 - Coco Crisp - OF
#6 - Billy Butler - 1B/DH
#7 - Jose Guillen - OF
#8 - Mike Jacobs - 1B
#9 - David DeJesus - OF
#10 - Alberto Callaspo - 2B
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Los Angeles Angels up NEXT
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