Chicago White Sox vs. Kansas City Royals: 5 Questions
Apr 22, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Jeremy Guthrie (11) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago White Sox are coming off a series win against the Cleveland Indians, giving them an overall record of 6-8, as they are set to play a four-game series at home against the Kansas City Royals at U.S. Cellular Field.
To start the 2015 season the White Sox lost three straight to the Royals by a combined score of 21-7, being held to one run in two games, and five runs in their second loss of the season.
Even with the way the White Sox lost the first time around against the reigning American League champions, they have a better chance to win at least one of the upcoming four games with Chris Sale on the mound Thursday. The first time they squared off Sale was on the disabled list with a foot injury.
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The Royals enter this series tied with the Detroit Tigers for first in the AL Central with an 11-4 record. Their previous series was against the Minnesota Twins, a series the Royals went 2-1 against Minnesota, saw KC lose the third game of the series by a 3-0 score.
Before the series Southside Showdown asked Kings of Kauffman staff writer Mike Vamosi his thoughts on the upcoming series. You can follow Vamosi on Twitter by clicking here.
Next: Accessing the Royals
Apr 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain (6) singles against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
What is your assessment of the Kansas City Royals’ season thus far entering this series with the Chicago White Sox?
It has been better than expected for sure, facing the White Sox and Los Angeles Angels the first week and coming out 6-0 was surprising, and being 11-4 is really stunning honestly.
The offense has been better than expected and has really been the only difference from last year in the regular season, but a nice carry over from the postseason.
Who has been the standout player for the team thus far? Who has been the most disappointing player to date?
No doubt it’s been Lorenzo Cain, the ALCS MVP offense has continued. Known for his glove he’s hitting the ball then stealing bases when he gets on.
Honestly, it’s hard to say who’s disappointing on this team with how they’ve started so far but since you asked I’ll say Jeremy Guthrie and Jason Vargas. The fourth and fifth starters have been the troublesome spots early on.
Next: Biggest Surprise of the Royals?
Apr 11, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas (8) celebrates with catcher Salvador Perez (13) after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Angels in the fourth inning during the game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
What do you believe the biggest surprise has been for the Royals to start this season?
Offense, no doubt the team struggled to score runs last season until October arrived. Mike Moustakas hitting as the number two hitter in Ned Yost‘s lineup has only helped other parts as has free agent pick-up Kendrys Morales.
With the recent showdown with the Oakland Athletics with players and managers being ejected, along with suspensions, do you believe the Royals are playing with a different attitude than they were last season?
Nope, I think that there are a couple of AL teams that reside in northern and southern California that are sick of Kansas City beating them a lot recently. Winning has only given this team more confidence which seems to rub some the wrong way it appears.
Series Prediction?
While KC will miss Jeff Samardzija this series they’ll open by seeing Chris Sale who’ll oppose Yordano Ventura. My feeling is that the Royals will split the series against their South Side foes.
Next: White Sox blank Indians, 6-0