Flyer members Brett Cass and Caleb Hudspeth talk about the Royals and how they have holes to fill before the 2015 Opening Day.

Caleb:  I believe that pitcher James Shields was probably the biggest loss to the Royals in the offseason after his performance for them in the World Series. What do you think?

Brett: I agree. James Shields was without a doubt the ace of the Royals Roster last year. He was a huge innings eater for the Royals and was able to defeat some of baseball’s best lineups, like the Angels and the Orioles. Without him, the Royals are without a clear leader in the pitching rotation. It will be interesting to see which guy steps up to the ace spot this season.

C: With one week left until pitcher and catchers report, I’m interested to see what pitcher stand out for the royals. Brandon Finnegan and Danny Duffy were two pitchers mentioned a lot throughout the 2014 season and had an impact for the Royals bullpen. Shields was the lead pitcher for the royals but I believe that either Duffy or Finnegan will step up and lead the bullpen in 2015.

B: Both of those guys were great in the Royals bullpen, but the pitcher I’m most excited to watch for the Royals this season is Yordano “Ace” Ventura. He won 14 and lost only 10 last year, which is very impressive considering it was his rookie year. He throws 100+ mph and I think that with experience his natural ability will make him the clear ace for the Royals soon.

C: Danny Duffy having more experience on the team may lead the bullpen this year. Having started more games than Ventura, Ned Yost and the rest of the royals may rely on him at the start of the season. Ventura has an impressive record starting 24 games his rookie season. Duffy having started in 2011 has won 17 and lost 22. This should be an impressive challenge to find a starter for the ALCS champion royals.

B: Although the Royals lost Shields, I don’t think this will hurt them too much in the long run this season. The Royals have no shortage of strong arms in their bullpen, and I think that pitchers like Duffy, Ventura, and Finnegan will step it up this year and put up great numbers for the Royals.