The Kansas City Royals begin the 2014 season with an Opening Day pitcher's duel that proves why they traded the jewel of their farm system to Tampa Bay for James Shields. "Big Game" James (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will take the mound at Comerica Park in Detroit against the Tigers and Justin Verlander (0-0, 0.00 ERA) in a matchup that can be live streamed free here. Royals fans will be able to listen to the game on KCSP 610, while Tigers fans may do likewise on 97.1 The Ticket.
The Tigers house the 2013 American League Cy Young winner, Max Scherzer, in their clubhouse, but have elected to trot out the 2011 Cy Young and MVP winner Verlander instead. He had a down year by his standards (13-12, 3.46 ERA) but is still one of the game's premier starters.
Going against such a star, and facing the team that has dominated the AL Central for so long is exciting to the upstart Royals, who made a strong playoff push in 2013 that fell just short.
"We like playing the Tigers. Every time they come into town, or we go there, it's a different energy when we play them, and it has to be," Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer said. "They're the ones we have to set out to get. That's who we have to go through to win the division. We welcome the challenge."
The Royals will have a different voice in their ear this season as well, as Brad Ausmus makes his debut as an MLB skipper. He has promised to be reserved and low-key.
"I'm assuming it will be similar to opening day, the first time I played an opening day," Ausmus said. "Having been to Detroit, I know there will be a ton of energy in the stadium, having played opening day there before. I'm sure I'll be excited about it, but you wouldn't know it if you saw me."
The Tigers have a different look as well. Their frontline staff returns, as does back-to-back MVP winner Miguel Cabrera, but first baseman Prince Fielder is gone to Texas. He was traded for second baseman Ian Kinsler, who is expected to bat leadoff.
"I think when you look around the locker room, you see the same core group of guys, and you also see some fresh new faces," center fielder Austin Jackson said. "The lineup got a little more athletic, we added some speed. Just adding some key parts to the team in general I think gets guys motivated and wanting to get the season started."
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