EVENTS
 Sportsman of the Year
 Heisman Trophy
 Swimsuit 2001

No. 25 Kansas City Royals

Carlos Beltran became only the eighth rookie in MLB history to score 100 runs and drive in 100 runs. Jonathan Daniel/Allsport

1999 Record: 64-97 (4th in AL Central)

Last year the Kansas City Royals had their most productive offensive season in 20 years, but still set a franchise record with 97 losses. Why? Because the Royals pitching staff, and especially their bullpen, simply could not get the job done.

It's a shame because the lineup is loaded with young, talented players, led by 1999 AL Rookie of the Year Carlos Beltran. The 22-year-old turned in the first 100-run, 100-RBI season by a rookie since Fred Lynn did it in 1975.

But while the offense will again pile up runs, pitching is thin, and with the retirement of Jeff Montgomery, Kansas City's bullpen in 2000 may be even worse than last year's. That group blew more save opportunities than any team in baseball. It was also a big reason the Royals gave up a team record 6.1 runs a game.

I expect more of the same, and that makes the Royals my 25th-ranked team in baseball.

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