October 12th 2024.
The 2023 season for the Kansas City Royals was a tough one to swallow. With 106 losses, it's no surprise that the team was feeling embarrassed and disappointed. Royals owner John Sherman didn't shy away from addressing the issue, and he took action to ensure that history wouldn't repeat itself.
In an interview with MLB.com, Sherman didn't mince words when he described the season as "sucking." He acknowledged that sometimes a wake-up call is necessary, saying, "Sometimes, you need that slap upside the head, right?" He made it clear that the team wouldn't tolerate another season like that, especially for their loyal fans.
And so, the Royals made some big moves to turn things around. Their boldness paid off, with a remarkable 30-game improvement and a spot in the ALDS after a two-game sweep against the Orioles in the American League wild-card series. Although they ultimately lost to the Yankees in four games, the Royals proved that anything is possible with determination and hard work.
This success story caught the attention of Colorado Rockies fans, who are hoping for a similar turnaround for their team. After back-to-back seasons with over 100 losses, the Rockies have some promising young talent, but the question remains whether they have what it takes to make it to the playoffs.
General manager Bill Schmidt and manager Bud Black are optimistic about the future, but they're not making any promises. As Schmidt put it, "Our talent base is getting better...but I'm not going to say we're going from this year to win 95 next year." When asked if the Rockies could follow in the footsteps of the Royals and the Tigers, Black replied, "Anything is possible." He pointed to their unexpected playoff run in 2017 as proof that the impossible can become reality.
But the Rockies are not the Royals, and their owner Dick Monfort is not John Sherman. During the offseason, the Royals made a bold commitment by spending $109.5 million on free agents, including star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. who signed a contract extension worth up to $377 million over 14 years. In contrast, the Rockies have been criticized for their spending habits, with $28 million of their payroll going to Kris Bryant who played in just 37 games due to injuries.
However, the Rockies do have some advantages over the Royals. They drew more fans per game and have a higher payroll, but the question is how they have spent that money. The Rockies will need to make smart moves and address their strikeout problem if they want to see the same success as the Royals.
Despite the differences between the two franchises, the Rockies can learn from the Royals' approach to rebuilding. After their 106-loss season, the Royals made it a priority to acquire quality starting pitchers, reliable relievers, and a big bat. They also had a mix of homegrown players and experienced veterans on their postseason roster.
The Rockies have some promising young talent, but they will need to make some strategic moves to fill the gaps in their roster. With young pitchers like Chase Dollander, Carson Palmquist, Sean Sullivan, and Gabriel Hughes on the rise, the Rockies have the potential to have a strong starting rotation. But they will also need to address their strikeout problem and find a middle-of-the-lineup slugger.
The Royals' story is proof that a team can go from a 100-loss season to the playoffs in just one year. The Rockies have a chance to do the same, but it will take determination, hard work, and smart decision-making. As they enter the offseason, it's time for the Rockies to prove that they are serious about turning things around and making a run for the playoffs.
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