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MLB: Power Ranking All 30 Major League Starting Rotations

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Feb 19, 2014; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) chats with the pitchers including Doug Fister (58) (in blue) in spring training action at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2014; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) chats with the pitchers including Doug Fister (58) (in blue) in spring training action at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 11, 2015; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Yordano Ventura (30) throws in the first inning during a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2015; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Yordano Ventura (30) throws in the first inning during a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

AL Central. Kansas City Royals. 14. player. 7. <p><strong>Projected Starting Rotation:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RHP Yordano Ventura (14-10, 3.20 ERA, 31 G, 30 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Danny Duffy (9-12, 2.53 ERA, 31 G, 25 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Edinson Volquez (13-7, 3.04 ERA, 32 G, 31 GS with Pittsburgh in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Jason Vargas (11-10, 3.71 ERA, 30 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Jeremy Guthrie (13-11, 4.13 ERA, 32 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>. 4th

James Shields has moved on, but following an often sparkling rookie campaign, 23-year old flamethrower Yordano Ventura is well prepared to make the first Opening Day start of his young career. After a rough start to the spring (eight earned runs in his first seven innings), Ventura tossed seven no-hit innings against Seattle March 27 in his next-to-last Spring Training start.

Following Ventura in the rotation for the defending American League champs will be lefty Danny Duffy, who spent the first month of last season in the bullpen before putting together a breakout performance through the summer.

Following the 26-year old Duffy will be the veteran trio of Edinson Volquez, Jason Vargas and Jeremy Guthrie. Volquez signed a two-year deal with the Royals following his best season since he was an All-Star in 2008.

Veteran right-hander Chris Young will be an option to spot start. Former Atlanta ace Kris Medlen will begin his Royals career on the 60-day DL as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery and may not be ready until the second half of the season.

Next: 13. Pittsburgh Pirates

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