Fansided

MLB: 5 teams playing way over their heads

By Robby Sabo

May 21, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Houston Astros right fielder George Springer (4) hits a single in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
May 21, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Houston Astros right fielder George Springer (4) hits a single in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 19, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Yordano Ventura (30) delivers a pitch in the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Yordano Ventura (30) delivers a pitch in the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas City Royals

Like previously mentioned, something has to give in the AL Central.

The Tigers, Twins and Kansas City Royals all can’t continue this high-level of success, can they?

Although the Royals are a legitimate playoff team, they’re playing a bit over their heads at this moment.

At 26-14, the reigning AL Pennant winners are flirting with the best record in baseball. From the end of last season’s heartbreak to now their attitude has remained stubborn. One that usually warrants success.

The one that sees a feisty bunch of underdogs who believe the entire world is against them, fighting everybody along the way.

Despite that terrific mantra, and Yordano Ventura plunking everybody along the way, Kansas City’s starting rotation will cause a dent in their 2015 season at some point.

Ventura is the ace of the staff. Is he ready? His 4.56 ERA and 3-3 record suggests he’s not.

Behind him comes Edinson Volquez, Jason Vargas, Jeremy Guthrie and Danny Duffy. These guys are hardly household names.

Up to this point, Volquez has been stellar with a .196 batting average against. This is a guy, however, who pitched to a 5.71 ERA in 32 starts two-seasons ago.

Nevertheless, the bullpen is once again nasty. Greg Holland and Wade Davis have combined for 14 saves in 15 opportunities. They both have a sub-1.00 ERA.

The lineup, who many believed would fail them coming into the season, has provided pop to go along with an already existing abundance of speed. First baseman Eric Hosmer has been more than adequate with a .321 batting average, seven home runs and 30 runs batted in.

With a MLB-leading 603 total bases, the Royals lineup can arguably be called the best in the game.

The Royals will need this silliness from the pen and the lineup to offset a suspect rotation, if they have designs on staying on top of baseball. If it doesn’t continue, then they’ll have to settle for Wild Card contention.

Or, they’ll just need Volquez to continue his hot start and Ventura to come into his own so they can possess a solid one-two punch at the top of the rotation. It’s a lot to ask.

Next: Number 1

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