Royals fantasy primer

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This is a list of Royals you may be considering for your fantasy team. Stats are from 2011 and 2012 in an attempt to even out performance to give you a better idea of the talent you're drafting.

Hitters
Sal Perez
Last two years - .311, 58 R, 14 HR, 60 RBI, 0 SB

He still hasn't played the equivalent of a full season. But when he's played... Wow. The above numbers represent 463 plate appearances. Not exactly a sleeper.

Eric Hosmer
Last two years - .262, 131 R, 33 HR, 138 RBI, 27 SB

The ceiling has been lowered for Hosmer after his miserable 2012. He hasn't looked good this spring since returning from the WBC and doesn't figure to provide enough power for a corner IF. Drafters will be wary. With reason.

Alcides Escobar
Last two years - .274, 137 R, 9 HR, 98 RBI, 61 SB

Escobar has run in just over 17 percent of his stolen base opportunities. His BA is a little skewed after a .344 BABIP in 2012. The Royals like to run, so he's a good option to pick up some steals.

Mike Moustakas
Last two years - .250, 95 R, 25 HR, 103 RBI, 7 SB

Moose has power, but the average isn't going to help. And the power is developing. Be wary.

Alex Gordon
Last two years - .298, 194 R, 37 HR, 159 RBI, 27 SB

Gordon is playing at maximum value as the leadoff man for the Royals.

Jeff Francoeur
Last two years - .261, 135 R, 36 HR, 136 RBI, 26 SB

His 2012 was awful, but it was more in line with his career rates than his better than normal 2011. I wouldn't draft him with your last pick.

Billy Butler
Last two years - .302, 146 R, 48 HR, 202 RBI, 4 SB

Butler hits and in fantasy, that's all that matters.

Starting Pitchers
James Shields
Last two years - 31 Wins, 448 SO, 3.15 ERA, 1.10 WHIP

Looks like a fantasy ace to me.

Ervin Santana
Last two years - 20 Wins, 311 SO, 4.16 ERA, 1.24 WHIP

His 2011 provided much more fantasy value than 2012 when he was the worst starter in the AL. Rising home run rate and inconsistency from year to year should make you wary. Great potential for disappointment here.

Jeremy Guthrie
Last two years - 17 Wins, 231 SO, 4.53 ERA, 1.37 WHIP

Yeah, Colorado was a bad trip. No, he's not going to be better.

Wade Davis
Last two years - 14 Wins, 192 SO, 3.89 ERA, 1.30 WHIP

His numbers are skewed because he spent 2012 in the bullpen after starting in 2011. He did well in relief and wasn't good as a starter. Davis will get at least half a season in the rotation. If he struggles, there will be options to replace him.

Closer
Greg Holland
Last two years - 12 Wins, 20 Saves, 165 SO, 2.41 ERA, 1.17 WHIP

We expect more wins from the Royals, so that means more saves for Holland. Inexperience may make him a value pick.

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