A Fan’s Take: Reviewing the Kansas City Royals Hitting in Spring Training

As we cross the halfway point of spring training, one thing is becoming crystal clear. The Kansas City Royals lineup can hit the cover off the ball.

Of the nine players expected to be in the starting lineup once the regular season gets underway, six are hitting above a .300 AVG.

Four players are looking especially sharp down in Arizona. The franchise's future superstars, Alex Gordon and Eric Hosmer are both hitting over .350 and have a combined 4 HR, 7 2B and 24 RBIs in 70 AB. Billy Butler, who came into spring training in the best physical condition of his career, has also been tearing it up. Butler has 13 H and 6 RBIs in just 30 AB.

As the homeward stretch of spring training starts, the team's biggest positive surprise has been the plate performance of Lorenzo Cain. The young centerfielder is hitting an eye popping .517 AVG with 15 H, of which 6 are doubles. 2012 will mark the first season in which Cain will be an everyday starter in the big leagues.

On the low end, both Mike Moustakas and Jeff Francoeur have been struggling out of the gates. Both players are coming off successful seasons in 2011 and their power will be desperately needed for the Royals to contend for a playoff spot.

Here is a position by position look at the starting lineup of the Kansas City Royals with two weeks to go before Opening Day:

Outfield

Alex Gordon - LF: In 34 AB a .353 AVG, 12 H, 4 2B, 2 HR, 9 RBIs

Lorenzo Cain - CF: In 29 AB a .517 AVG, 15 H, 6 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBIs

Jeff Francoeur - RF: In 32 AB a .219 AVG, 7 H, 3 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBIs

Infield

Eric Hosmer - 1B: In 36 AB a .361 AVG, 13 H, 3 2B, 2 HR, 15 RBIs

Johnny Giavotella - 2B: In 33 AB a .242 AVG, 8 H, 3 2B, 0 HR, 4 RBIs

Mike Moustakas - 3B: In 27 AB a .185 AVG, 5 H, 0 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBIs

Alcides Escobar - SS: In 26 AB a .346 AVG, 9 H, 2 3B, 0 HR, 6 RBIs

Catcher, DH

Brayan Pena - C: In 23 AB a .304 AVG, 7 H, 3 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBIs

Billy Butler - DH: In 30 AB a .433 AVG, 13 H, 3 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBIs

Alex Wibholm is an Iowa native and fan of the Kansas City Royals and AL Central Division. Alex attends several KC games every year.

Sources:

http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/

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