Why Lorenzo Cain’s run represents the Royals’ success

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Even as Jose Bautista launched yet another bomb into the Kauffman Stadium bleachers, the sense that the Kansas City Royals had one more push left in them in Game 6 persisted. That extra kick manifested itself when Royals outfielder Lorenzo Cain trucked all the way home from first base for the decisive run in the Royals American League pennant-clinching victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, after an Eric Hosmer single landed in front of Bautista in right field. Cain’s hustle around the bases, and the decision from third base coach Mike Jirschele personified the reason why the Royals’ success the last two seasons should not be surprising.

Cain, an unheralded 17th-round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2004 amateur draft out of Tallahassee Community College, represented a secondary asset in the package the team received for Zach Greinke in 2011. Since joining the Royals, Cain, almost quietly, became among the best all-around outfielders in baseball. The quiet rise of Cain culminated this season when the 29-year-old paired his best offensive season (.307/.361/.477, 16 home runs, 72 RBI) with stellar outfield defense to post the 11th-best bWAR among position players in baseball in 2015. The Royals’ development and patience with Cain trickles down to the team’s handling of other former prospects turned major contributors. Alex Gordon started off slower in the early years of his career and Mike Moustakas hit .284 this season after compiling a .236 average in his first four seasons in the big leagues.

This patience and drive with prospects has translated to the team’s resilience on the field. While their postseason experience certainly benefited the team’s resolve this season, the Royals unwillingness to let up or let any minor setback get to them certainly impresses. Closer Wade Davis’ ability to come back and shut the door in the ninth inning after a single and a walk and an hour between pitches encapsulates the team’s tenacity. It’s the reason why the Royals rallied in the 2014 AL Wild Card Game, conquered a four-run deficit while facing elimination in Game 4 against the Houston Astros and came out on top of the Blue Jays in the ALCS. It’s the reason why the Royals are in a position to win a World Series for the second straight year.