Diamondbacks-Royals Preview With Mike Vamosi From Kings of Kauffman

Jul 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy (41) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

This week, the Arizona Diamondbacks take on a foe they have not seen since 2012. The Kansas City Royals are in the thick of the American League playoff race. They are a game and a half off the second Wild Card spot and four and a half games behind the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central. In order to get an idea of how things are in KC, I caught up with Mike Vamosi from Kings of Kauffman. Here is how it went down:

Venomstrikes: Are you disappointed the Royals didn’t do much at the deadline?

Kings of Kauffman: Yes, about a month ago Royals owner David Glass was quoted as saying general manager Dayton Moore could add payroll if options became available. Then an article a few days after the deadline appeared in the KC Star saying that money might’ve prevented Kansas City from getting say a David Price since they had the prospects. There’s still a void in right field that didn’t get solved on top of trading Danny Valencia who was a solid platoon with Mike Moustakas at third base. In addition Scott Downs and Jason Frasor occupy spots on the roster which is disappointing to myself plus others.

VS: What has happened to Eric Hosmer?

K of K: Great question, he worked out on his own this offseason in Miami and no one has seen his bat since. His glove has been consistent which isn’t a surprise but the lack of power from him plus Billy Butler has been a issue for this team. On top of that the Royals misdiagnosed an injury and he’s now out the next 3-6 weeks which means Butler/Raul Ibanez will hold down first base. The timing of the injury frankly sucks with how Hos had been playing in July swinging the bat.

VS: How excited are you about Danny Duffy and Yordano Ventura?

K of K: Very. Duffy looks like he’s all the way back from arm issues that sidelined him a couple years ago; if the team could provide runs for him that be great. Ventura had a scare earlier this season which he luckily missed only one start and actually led to him throwing different pitches and not just heat going for strikeouts. There was hope that both could be a factor this season but honestly to me I feel like they’re ahead of where I felt they be. Both throw hard so hoping their arms hold up is my only concern but every fifth day I’m excited when they take the mound.

VS: Can the Royals make the playoffs?

K of K: Yes. Granted the next week won’t be any easier with the Giants coming to KC followed by Oakland who’ll probably want some revenge for losing two of three. After those seven games the schedule lightens up so as long as they keep winning I like their chances but they’ll obviously need some help. As of today they’re 4.5 behind Detroit and 1.5 behind Toronto plus a half game separates from New York in that second wildcard chase.

VS: Series prediction?

K of K: I feel like Kansas City wins two of three but this has the feeling of a trap series,one the Royals have yacked up in previous seasons. They need to at minimum win this series whether it’s taking two or three games in Phoenix which they’ve done alright in six total games at Chase Field (granted 2008 the last time played in the desert)

For my answers to Mike’s questions, please click here.

Many thanks to Mike for taking out of his day to do this interview.