Escobar developing as hitter: Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar is heating up once again. After watching his batting average slump to .265 on May 8, Escobar has hit safely in nine of his last 11 games. He's produced a .375 average (15 for 40), three doubles, four walks, five RBI and seven runs in that 11-game span. (Updated 05/21/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
The offense is finally coming around for Escobar, who hasn't quite lived up to his billing as a top prospect yet. However, perhaps this will be his breakout year in the majors. Escobar has a .296 average and .345 BABIP in 39 games. His numbers mirror that of his first extended stay in the majors in 2009, when he hit .304 with a .346 BABIP for the Brewers. Escobar is becoming more of a line-drive and ground-ball hitter, which is best for his game. He's not going to develop much home run power, but if Escobar can continue to get on base, then maybe we will finally see the speed on the base paths he flashed in the minors. Escobar is still a low-end Fantasy starter in mixed leagues, but his progress thus far in 2012 is encouraging. (Updated 05/21/2012).
05/23/2012 23:32 A-Rod, Pettitte lead Yanks past Royals
Alex Rodriguez gave Will Smith a rude welcome to the major leagues Wednesday night, hitting two homers off the rookie to back another strong start for Andy Pettitte and lead the New York Yankees against the Kansas City Royals 8-3.
05/22/2012 22:01 Cano, Jeter lift Yankees over Royals
Robinson Cano homered, Phil Hughes beat Kansas City for the second time this month and the New York Yankees - still looking to bust out with the bats - eked out a 3-2 victory over the Royals on Tuesday night.
05/20/2012 19:47 Hit Parade for Week 8
Some catchers have been bitten by the injury bug in recent days, leaving some owners scrambling. Our Scott White shares some recommendations and helps set your lineups for Week 8 in his Hit Parade.
05/17/2012 00:37 Jones, Orioles clip Royals in 15
Adam Jones homered with one out in the 15th inning, lifting the Baltimore Orioles to a 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.
05/14/2012 23:11 Royals' Chen handles Rangers for win
Bruce Chen pitched into the seventh inning for his second straight win and the Kansas City Royals took advantage of Adrian Beltre's throwing error for a 3-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Monday night.
So after disappointing with pitiful offensive numbers during his rookie 2010 season, Alcides Escobar turned over a new leaf in Kansas City and lived happily ever after. Yeah, you wish that's what happened. Unfortunately, Escobar took his struggles with him to the AL after coming over in the Zack Greinke deal last offseason. He was considered an elite shortstop prospect when he was coming up through the Brewers system, compiling a .293 batting average in the minors, so his lack of success at the major-league level by age 25 is more than a little discouraging. In fact, it might be reason enough to just accept that he's no more than a low-end Fantasy option. It's not like he ever demonstrated much power or a particularly high walk rate in the minors. The one improvement Escobar did make with his move to Kansas City was stealing a few more bases, but he didn't suddenly become an elite contributor in the category. If you want to find some reason for optimism, Escobar did save his best for the end of the season, hitting .324 with seven steals and an .827 OPS in September. But the bottom line is you're only going to draft him in mixed leagues if you're hurting for a middle infielder in the late rounds. (Updated 1/9/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
