Last season the Royals made Sweeney the full-time DH to keep him healthy and he still hurt his back and missed more than half of the season.  Sweeney hit .258 last season with a .787 OPS, 8 homers and 33 RBIs in only 217 at bats.  The Royals will have to give Sweeney more time off to try to keep him healthy because he’s still a fine hitter when he plays.  Over the last three seasons Sweeney has a .287 batting average and he averages a homer every 21.5 at bats and an RBI every 5.63 at bats.  Those project to great power numbers if they can keep him in one piece….which is easier said than done.

To provide insurance the Royals traded for lefty swinging Ross Gload from the White Sox.  He has a good stick but he’s not much of a power hitter.  The Royals could also use Reggie Sanders some at DH to keep him healthy too.