Category Archives: Ian Kennedy

2016 MLB Season Preview: Kansas City Royals

It has been a long time since the Kansas City Royals won a World Series. George Brett was playing third base and Ronald Reagan was President. 30 years later, the Royals did it again. I’m happy for the city and the organization.

Kansas City spent the offseason trying to keep their own on the team. They signed a few new arms, but their biggest splash was when they re-signed Alex Gordon. Most thought his price-point would have been out of the Royals price-range at the beginning of the offseason.

The Royals have been winning games with defense, smart base-running and a solid bullpen. All of the same pieces are still in place, so could we see a third-straight World Series for the Royals?

Here is the 2016 MLB season preview for the Kansas City Royals.

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2015 MLB Team Preview: San Diego Padres

San Diego was quite busy this offseason. Yonder Alonso and Jedd Gyorko are the only starters from last season that will be in the starting lineup for San Diego. They’ve traded a lot of youth to acquire players like Justin Upton, Matt Kemp and Wil Myers, but they now have a team that could make the postseason.

The Padres are in the unfortunate position of being in the same division as the Dodgers and the defending World Series champions, the Giants. San Francisco doesn’t look as opposing, but the Dodgers might be the best team in the Majors. The road to a postseason berth will be a difficult one.

Can San Diego contend this season or will they face the same growing pains the 2013 Toronto Blue Jays faced after completing so many offseason trades?

Here is the 2015 MLB season preview for the San Diego Padres.

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2014 MLB Team Preview: San Diego Padres

The injury bug bit the head off the San Diego Padres last season. It started with Cameron Maybin and just started taking out every position player one-by-one.

They couldn’t even make it through Spring Training injury-free. Maybin will start the season on the disabled list with a ruptured biceps injury. Also, Chase Headley suffered a calf strain, but should be ready for Opening Day.

San Diego didn’t make many offseason moves. Their roster is nearly identical to the one they ended the season with in 2013. It’s hard to evaluate your team when most of them are in the trainer’s room getting treatment. If they have similar issues again, expect changes to be made.

Here is the 2014 MLB season preview for the San Diego Padres.

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2013 MLB Team Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks completed one of the biggest trades this offseason. They shipped their presumed franchise outfielder Justin Upton and third baseman Chris Johnson to Atlanta for 3B/OF Martin Prado and mix of young talent.

It would be easy to write Arizona off this year, but this team won their division in 2011 and finished last season with a .500 record. They are going young, but they’re not rebuilding.

Can manager Kirk Gibson push his team and make the playoffs?

Which starting pitcher will step up and help Ian Kennedy lead the staff?

Will Arizona miss Justin Upton’s presence in the middle of their lineup?

Here is the 2013 MLB season preview for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Continue reading →