Fansided

5 reasons the Royals can win the World Series in 2015

By Nathaniel Reeves

Jul 28, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (center) celebrates a 2-1 win over the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (center) celebrates a 2-1 win over the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Jun 6, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder (84) is out at second base as Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar (2) turns a double play in the second inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder (84) is out at second base as Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar (2) turns a double play in the second inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense wins championships 

Helping Kansas City’s pitching staff is an outstanding defense, which is arguably the best in baseball. That will help the Royals play even better in the postseason when the margin for error becomes smaller.

The Royals handily lead the league in UZR ,and leading the defensive charge is a fantastic outfield that plays very well in spacious Kauffman Stadium.

Lorenzo Cain ranks highly among Major League center fielders in DRS and would be the runaway Gold Glove winner if Tampa Bay’s Kevin Kiermaier wasn’t having such a spectacular defensive season. Alex Gordon is also the best left fielder in baseball, provided he isn’t held back it all by a serious groin injury.

Adding Zobrist will also help the overall team defense. He can play a number of positions very well and offers Ned Yost plenty of flexibility to work with.

The infield doesn’t lag that far behind, either. Alcides Escobar, Salvador Perez and Eric Hosmer were all named the best defensive players at their position in Baseball America’s annual Best Tools List.

Kansas City proved that a great defense can make a huge impact in the postseason last year, and it may be even better heading into these playoffs.

Next: Few weaknesses in the limeup

Home/Kansas City Royals