Rotation
Mar 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Jason Vargas (51) throws in the first inning during a spring training baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Yordano Ventura
Jason Vargas
Edinson Volquez
Danny Duffy
Jeremy Guthrie
As big of a display the Royals speed put on in the postseason, the efforts of Yordano Ventura were even more impressive. The rookie flamethrower won 14 games during the regular season and had a 1.46 ERA in two World Series starts. With Shields no longer a Royal, he now gets the responsibility of being this team’s ace.
Edinson Volquez signed a two-year $20 million deal to replace Shields. Volquez had a surprising year with Pittsburgh going 13-7 with a 3.04 ERA. It was the first time since 2008 in which he won at least 13 games with an ERA below 4.00.
Jason Vargas, Danny Duffy and Jeremy Guthrie round out the rotation. Vargas and Guthrie both had winning record and but are two guys who allow a ton of hits and don’t miss many bats.
Duffy had an exceptional year (2.53 ERA in 149.1 innings) but fell victim to a lack of run support on a regular basis.
Next: Royals: How will their bullpen play in '15?