The only way to score a run without getting a runner on base is to hit a home run. The Royals, for all their improvements in 2013, lack the ability to a) hit the ball over the fence and b) at least get on base and hope the next guy drive you in, at a number of positions.
Almost universally, Royals' management, fans and baseball people in general will tell you that the Kansas City Royals need to upgrade their offensive production at second base and rightfield, but what about center...or short...or third? Let's take a look at where Kansas City ranks with regard to positions when it comes to both getting on base and hitting with power. The rankings below are just for the American League.
Catcher:
OBP - .321 - 10th
SLG - .422 - 6th
First Base:
OBP - .345 - 5th
SLG - ..444 - 7th
Second Base:
OBP - .296 - 13th
SLG - .304 - 14th
Shortstop:
OBP - .255 - 15th (that's last if you are scoring at home)
SLG - .295 - 15th
Third Base:
OBP - .284 - 13th
SLG - ..359 - 12th
Left Field:
OBP - .324 - 6th
SLG - .415 - 6th
Center Field:
OBP - .322 - 8th
SLG - .367 - 13th
Right Field:
OBP - .304 - 13th
SLG - .392 - 11th
Designated Hitter:
OBP - .377 - 2nd
SLG - .412 - 8th
There is nothing really new or earth shattering in any of the above ranks, but they do show that the Royals are, at best, a middle of the pack offensive team: both position by position and overall. Frankly, 'middle of the pack' is charitable and likely optimistic.
Last night, Bob Dutton tweeted that no one, prospect or on the major league roster, was untouchable in trade talks this off season. If true, that is maybe the smartest idea Dayton Moore has had since being General Manager. Starting from that mindset, the Royals need to progress towards not finding a bat to play second or right, but simply finding the best bats available. The position should not be the overriding concern.
Perhaps that last statement is the lingering effect of the Carlos Beltran trade. You know, where the Royals had to have a catcher and third basemen and, in the process, reportedly turned down a deal that included Robinson Cano. Or worse, Dan Glass' insistence that a major league shortstop be the return for Jermaine Dye which led to the Nefii Perez experience.
Outside of catcher and first base/designated hitter, do you really turn down any idea? Is there any reason Alex Gordon could not be a Gold Glove rightfielder if the an on-base machine who can only play left was available? Are we so certain that Moustakas and Escobar are destined to improve at the plate that the Royals should not listen to offers (or pursue free agents) that happen to play on the left side of the infield? Does anyone, ANYONE, believe Lorenzo Cain can stay healthy for 150 games a year and, by the way, hit the baseball consistently if he did?
On-base percentage and slugging tell only a piece of the overall story, but the above tells us enough to think that Dayton Moore's shopping list for the off-season should contain more than just two items.