Royals' Alcides Escobar: Performs well in World Baseball Classic

Escobar went 9-for-24 with two extra-base hits and four RBI for Team Venezuela during the World Baseball Classic.

Analysis:

After a productive stint with his home country, Escobar will presumably return to Cactus League action with the Royals in the near future as he prepares for Opening Day. The Royals have been deploying Raul Mondesi or Alex Gordon as their leadoff hitter for much of the spring and did so in several games earlier in Cactus League play when Escobar was available, so it's conceivable that the shortstop may have to settle for a spot in the bottom third of the lineup to begin the season. If that's the case, Escobar's stolen-base and run-scoring opportunities could be suppressed.