The Royals have started the second half of the season with the dubious distinction of having the worst starting rotation in the American League. The defending World Champs appear to be in a heap of trouble.

Even the most optimistic manager in baseball would have a hard time convincing his players this team is capable of making another deep post season run. With the Royals current starting rotation, there is no chance of that happening. Zero! The Royals have one starting pitcher right now who can be counted on to deliver a quality start. Danny Duffy is the team’s only hope to keep this rotation afloat. I’ve always liked Volquez but he walks too many batters now days. His ERA has been high all season. Something is not right.

I’ve lost all hope with Ventura. You can’t count on this guy. Everybody talks about how great his stuff is. If that’s the case, Dayton Moore should make a deal while Ventura still has value. The Royals like to use the excuse that it’s mechanical with Ventura. I’m not buying into that. I’m convinced that Ventura’s biggest issue is between his ears. The next fight he picks with a bean ball and there will be one, the Royals will be forced to make a move. Let’s do it now.

Ian Kennedy has done a decent job, second most innings on the staff, but he’s serving up too many meatballs. Kennedy is on pace for a career high home runs given up. He does lead the staff in strikeouts if that’s any consolation. Kennedy is not the problem with this rotation.

The manager needs to shoulder the blame for continually running out Chris Young. The Royals say they have no option because of injuries. That’s a cop out. They gave Young a new 2 year contract as a reward for his work last year. He’s been awful with a bloated ERA of over 6. Why in the world is he still on this team? I’d rather have Drew Butera out there!

The real issue NOW is the Royals have no one available to stop the bleeding. If they’re relying on Kris Medlen and Mike Minor, they’re in worse shape than I thought.

There’s still about three months left in this season but the writing is on the wall. The Royals might win 3, 4 or 5 games in a row but because of this porous rotation, they’ll continue to give up the long ball with way too many bombs to allow them to win 90 games this season and that’s what it will take to win the AL Central.