Opposition Research: Mike Vamosi Talks Kansas City Royals

The Cleveland Indians have been on the road for more than a week now and they’ve still got one more obstacle to clear before they come home: the Kansas City Royals, against whom the Indians will kick off a four-game series at Kauffman Stadium tonight. So I talked to Mike Vamosi from Kings of Kauffman about the Royals’ 2013 outlook, offseason moves, and future contention hopes.

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Wahoo’s on First: The Royals are currently in…first place in the AL Central? How long can they stay there and where do you see them finishing in the standings this year?

Mike Vamosi: The start has been great due to how tough the schedule has been during the first month of the season. It’s early to say how things will finish but if the rotation keeps this up I expect the offense to heat up eventually which will keep them in competition.

Wahoo’s on First: We’ve been hearing for years about Kansas City’s farm system, but we haven’t seen results in the majors yet. When will the Royals’ contention run begin?

Mike Vamosi: Hopefully this season but I think that’s something that isn’t totally true because Alex Gordon and Billy Butler are homegrown guys in addition to Aaron Crow and Greg Holland in the bullpen. But the current crop of Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Salvador Perez hopefully get it going in addition to others because I think the window begins this season for this group.

Wahoo’s on First: Kansas City got a lot of flack for acquiring Ervin Santana and James Shields and re-signing Jeremy Guthrie. What did you think of the moves?

Mike Vamosi: I liked the Santana move because it was for one year and a triple-A pitcher for the risk was low and look at the results so far. Shields has justified the high price he was to acquire him in the small sample us Royals fans have seen so far. Guthrie was great when he came to KC last season and has continued so far, so I like the moves a lot currently.

Wahoo’s on First: Who’s pitching for the Royals this weekend and what should Tribe fans look for from them?

Mike Vamosi: The previously mentioned Santana throws on Friday and Guthrie Saturday night with Luis Mendoza closing out the series on Sunday. Santana will throw strikes and work long same with Guthrie, the “Dozer” did pitch a few innings on Wednesday night he’ll be making his first start in a couple weeks. Wade Davis throws on Monday, he’s been good at the K while 1-1 on the road with his best start last week in Atlanta.

Wahoo’s on First: What’s your prediction for the series?

Mike Vamosi: I like Kansas City to take three of four.