One of the major factors in the Royals' worst-to-first bid was first-year shortstop Angel Berroa's own miraculous ascension. At the start of the season, Berroa batted last in the lineup, and the club counted on him only to contribute defensively. At this he initially failed, racking up 19 errors in the team's first 63 games. Then, suddenly, he stopped booting the ball, going months without making a miscue. Even more impressive, he blossomed into a power hitter, banging out home runs and doubles at a completely unexpected pace. By the end of the year, Berroa was a leadoff batter, a fantastic fielder and a strong Rookie of the Year candidate. After years of putting up with automatic outs in the form of Buddy Biancalana and Angel Salazar, the Royals can count on contending again next year with this future All-Star anchoring the infield.
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