Post by Commissioner Erick on Jan 23, 2021 14:33:28 GMT -5
Kansas City Royals (10-11) @ Chicago White Sox (10-12)
KC: Chad Kuhl (0-3, 11.15)
CHW: Kenny Saenz (2-1, 7.71)
The Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals have been fantastic teams in the AL Central the last few seasons, but both are under .500 to begin 2025. It’s still early, and all of the expected contenders in the division have struggled. Still, if a team can begin to go on a run and create some separation, they can perhaps take charge and put a stranglehold in the division.
The two clubs will face each other today in an AL Central clash for the Game of the Week.
Chicago has taken four of six from Kansas City so far this year, with largely strong bullpen work the cause of their success. For the most part, they’ve succeeded in classic White sox fashion. Andrew Benintendi is coming off a Player of the Week where he hit .500 with eight RBIs. Rafael Devers is third in the league with 10 Home Runs and his 27 RBIs are second. Chicago has also used its speed to be second in base-running runs. However, they’re the second worst team in the AL in run prevention. Part of that is a lack of value-added by their defense. Their zone rating is respectable, but they haven’t thrown out a player attempting to steal, and they have just a single outfield assist.
Chicago’s bigger problem is a terrible starting staff. Their pitcher tonight is left-hander Kenny Sanez who has a 7.71 ERA. Sanez has just 31.2 career innings, and has allowed six home runs in his career. Right-handers have a career 1.060 OPS against him, as despite a great changeup, Saenz throws only in the high 80s with a straight fastball. At least that gives him an advantage against Kansas City as the team is extremely left-handed. Only Blake Hunt, Grant Burton, and Marino Campana are regulars against left-handed pitchers, which should help Chicago in the game.
However, the Royals offense has rebounded from the loss of Gary Sanchez. They’re fourth in home runs and solid in all their metrics. They’re only ninth in runs scored, but they also have the second worst average with runners in scoring position. The team’s bigger struggle has been run prevention from their starters.
Chad Kuhl will be tasked with slowing down Chicago’s powerful lefties, but he’s had a brutal start to the year. Kuhl is coming off a tremendous 2024 postseason, but is working to an 0-3 record and an 11.15 ERA to begin 2025. He’s still limiting walks with a 5% walk rate, and his 20% strikeout rate is the highest of his career. However, he’s allowed four home runs in 15.1 innings, and is working with a .429 BABIP. Andrew Benintnedi has a home run and double already off Kuhl this year, as does Rafael Devers. Kuhl will need to find a way to get them out for Kansas City to win.
Kansas City will also need to help Kuhl out by playing better defense. Grant Burton has a negative 1.1 zone rating this year in Center Field. He has 3 outfield assists at least, but too many balls have dropped in Center Field. Marino Campana, never a strong defender, has struggled in Right Field this year. Kuhl will need the pair to play better, considering how many strong left-handed hitters Chicago has.
Questions for the GMs:
For Daniel Kent, Chad Kuhl has been awful to begin the year. Do you have confidence in him against a potent Chicago heart of its lineup?
Addison Reed has pitched well this year, but is dealing with a hamstring issue. Will you put him on the IL?
Pavin Smith has five home runs thus far. Are you happy with his performance so far this season?
For Steve Strzepek, your starting staff has been brutal. Do you have confidence in Saenz slowing down a good offense in Kansas City today?
The French Cannon, Pat French, has the upside to start. Have you given any thought to putting him in the rotation?
Livan Soto is batting just .141. Can you survive with him hitting for such a poor average?
TRIVIA: Which current player in the Chicago White Sox system led the Royals in Home Runs in 2021?
KC: Chad Kuhl (0-3, 11.15)
CHW: Kenny Saenz (2-1, 7.71)
The Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals have been fantastic teams in the AL Central the last few seasons, but both are under .500 to begin 2025. It’s still early, and all of the expected contenders in the division have struggled. Still, if a team can begin to go on a run and create some separation, they can perhaps take charge and put a stranglehold in the division.
The two clubs will face each other today in an AL Central clash for the Game of the Week.
Chicago has taken four of six from Kansas City so far this year, with largely strong bullpen work the cause of their success. For the most part, they’ve succeeded in classic White sox fashion. Andrew Benintendi is coming off a Player of the Week where he hit .500 with eight RBIs. Rafael Devers is third in the league with 10 Home Runs and his 27 RBIs are second. Chicago has also used its speed to be second in base-running runs. However, they’re the second worst team in the AL in run prevention. Part of that is a lack of value-added by their defense. Their zone rating is respectable, but they haven’t thrown out a player attempting to steal, and they have just a single outfield assist.
Chicago’s bigger problem is a terrible starting staff. Their pitcher tonight is left-hander Kenny Sanez who has a 7.71 ERA. Sanez has just 31.2 career innings, and has allowed six home runs in his career. Right-handers have a career 1.060 OPS against him, as despite a great changeup, Saenz throws only in the high 80s with a straight fastball. At least that gives him an advantage against Kansas City as the team is extremely left-handed. Only Blake Hunt, Grant Burton, and Marino Campana are regulars against left-handed pitchers, which should help Chicago in the game.
However, the Royals offense has rebounded from the loss of Gary Sanchez. They’re fourth in home runs and solid in all their metrics. They’re only ninth in runs scored, but they also have the second worst average with runners in scoring position. The team’s bigger struggle has been run prevention from their starters.
Chad Kuhl will be tasked with slowing down Chicago’s powerful lefties, but he’s had a brutal start to the year. Kuhl is coming off a tremendous 2024 postseason, but is working to an 0-3 record and an 11.15 ERA to begin 2025. He’s still limiting walks with a 5% walk rate, and his 20% strikeout rate is the highest of his career. However, he’s allowed four home runs in 15.1 innings, and is working with a .429 BABIP. Andrew Benintnedi has a home run and double already off Kuhl this year, as does Rafael Devers. Kuhl will need to find a way to get them out for Kansas City to win.
Kansas City will also need to help Kuhl out by playing better defense. Grant Burton has a negative 1.1 zone rating this year in Center Field. He has 3 outfield assists at least, but too many balls have dropped in Center Field. Marino Campana, never a strong defender, has struggled in Right Field this year. Kuhl will need the pair to play better, considering how many strong left-handed hitters Chicago has.
Questions for the GMs:
For Daniel Kent, Chad Kuhl has been awful to begin the year. Do you have confidence in him against a potent Chicago heart of its lineup?
Addison Reed has pitched well this year, but is dealing with a hamstring issue. Will you put him on the IL?
Pavin Smith has five home runs thus far. Are you happy with his performance so far this season?
For Steve Strzepek, your starting staff has been brutal. Do you have confidence in Saenz slowing down a good offense in Kansas City today?
The French Cannon, Pat French, has the upside to start. Have you given any thought to putting him in the rotation?
Livan Soto is batting just .141. Can you survive with him hitting for such a poor average?
TRIVIA: Which current player in the Chicago White Sox system led the Royals in Home Runs in 2021?
