Here's Exactly Why You Should Be Cheering For The Kansas City Royals
The Royals begin playoffs today against the Orioles after spending 9 years on the postseason shelf. It's been a remarkable season in Kansas City that some people saw coming a long time ago.
My guess is that the winner of the Orioles/Royals series will capture most of the undecided general public's eye. So in that spirit, here's some background on the Royals for casual sports fans. I have them as my clear cut #1 favorite team in the playoffs based purely on personal relationships and nothing else.
1. They're young and fun - most of the Royals' roster was drafted/developed together with Salvador Perez being the holdover from the last postseason run. Since and after that, the Royals have regutted and rebuilt on two occasions. Along the way, the front office was keen to emphasize the personal/teammate relationship starting in the minors. There's very much a college-vibe to the clubhouse and there's an overt sense of play for your teammates. That may sound simple and traditional, but truthfully it's not like that at the MLB level. A sentiment that's ingrained in high school teams is quickly dismissed in pro-ball. You're here for yourself, so act like it. Right?
I could be overreacting. I could be over-interpreting what I've heard, learned, absorbed, etc. But I'll stand by the fact that this Royals team is different on purpose. The players care about each other uniquely and sincerely. Dare I use the word.
DOUBLE DARE YOU
It's a brotherhood.
2. Bob Witt Jr. is a bonafide Super Star - I can list a bunch of stats or share highlights. Or you could just remember the name and watch for yourself. Bob Witt Jr. is MLB's coolest player since Nomar and I really mean it guys. He does everything well and he does it easily with a smile on his face and a little wet mullet peaking out the back. It's so clean and so effortless. The last time Kansas City had a position player this good was probably George Brett. There's a good argument Bob is the best infielder in the playoffs but honestly who really cares about a list like that right now?
Point is that you guys are going to love the way he plays.
3. Vinnie Pasquantino is your grandpa's favorite player - You know how some people prefer simpler times in baseball? Are you annoyed with data analytics and sabermetrics and scouting reports? Do you prefer your baseball players to gut out injuries and face severe adversity? Would you prefer a player that eats fastballs for breakfast, rarely K's and plays like the sun won't rise tomorrow? Then you'll absolutely LOVE Royals' first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino.
"I see the ball and try to hit it." Is literally his offensive philosophy.
What if the pitcher is really good?
"I try to hit it on the barrell."
What do you do against a good changeup?
"Hit it hard."
What are you trying to do with your approach?
"Smash baseballs. Don't strikeout. Stuff like that."
He's basically your friend from high school that made it to the big leagues. That's the way I would describe Vinnie to casual sports fans and this only matters right now because he's back from a broken thumb injury about 2-4 weeks ahead of schedule.
Broken thumb, hitting 3rd and carrying the pride & joy of the clubhouse and fanbase united together. Sound familiar?
4. Michael Massey (Chicago Guy) Is Hitting Leadoff Today
Michael Massey went to Brother Rice and is a diehard Bears fan. I coached him in high school and followed his All American career at Illinois very closely. If you've watched him play, you know he's a perfect looking, fan-favorite middle infielder with a grade 80 baseball name and a jawline that crushes boulders.
He's also got solid power and a militant approach at the plate.
For locals, you might be more interested to know that he grew up getting his reps at the Bo Dome off 355 in Lockport. Same cages as a lot of you reading this right now.
At a national level, it's interesting because so few position players from Chicago end up making it. There's only a handful right now and very few get more playing time than Michael. So in a sense, he really is the biggest Chicago Bears fan in MLB playoffs.
You don't have to identify with that directly to care. Chicago stereotypes will do just fine here.
Massey has a seat at that table.
5. The manager Matt Quatraro took over for Mike Matheny - and I absolutely HATE Mike Matheny. So that's nice.
It's also the 1st time (I think forever?) that a team lost 100+ games then went to the playoffs the next year.
Again, no Matheny makes it that much better.
6. Kansas City has awesome fans - even if you're annoyed with the Chiefs. These are good, solid diehards with fractional amounts of the St. Louis crust you encounter this part of the country. As such, they're very easy people to support vicariously to the extent that a wide-shot of fans cheering between good/bad outcomes won't make you puke all over yourself. These are quality, relatable Americans and they'll be treated as such.
7. Everyone Loves The Under Dog - I could have just started and ended with this take. They had 106 losses last year, splashed marginally in free agency, extended Bob Witt Jr. to a historic deal and then hoped things would click this year.
Turns out they did and the Royals rode their good vibes and clubhouse momentum to a number of solid stretches over the regular season. They battled injuries bolstered by a relatively overlooked rotation heading into the year. They've mixed and matched 4th quarter veterans with homegrown talent while rejuvenating professional baseball in a city that's gone nearly a decade since October baseball.
Admittedly, there's limited sex appeal and that's okay. RJ Melendez has solid butt cheeks but otherwise it's mostly missionary in the dark AND THAT'S OKAY.
They grind at-bats and play fundamental team defense. The staff throws strikes and Salvy can still go 9-strong behind the plate whenever you ask.
In other words, the great strength is the complete absence of a glaring weakness. A real team that cares about each other and has grown together since the players 1st came up.
So say what you want about whatever you want.
Just don't talk shit about the Kansas City Royals.