As the baseball season comes to a close, there will be at least one less Missouri team to root for in the postseason.
On one hand, it's disappointment. The Kansas City Royals have made World Series appearances in each of the last two seasons, winning the title in five games against the Mets last year.
That's not going to happen this season. They're already eliminated from winning the American League Central and have too many teams to pass to win one of the two wild-card spots.
But then there's gratitude. The Royals have made World Series appearances in each of the past two seasons, winning the title in five games against the Mets last year.
For Kansas City fans who have suffered through or ignored most of the previous 25 or so seasons, the past two have been a blast. And while it appeared a third-straight postseason appearance was in the offing through the first half this season, it was not to be.
What happened this season?
One, it sure looks after two long postseason runs, the Royals have run out of gas.
Two, injuries. The Royals were remarkably healthy the past two seasons. But not in 2016.
Starting third baseman Mike Moustakas went on the disabled list after season-ending knee surgery in mid-June after a collision in the field with Alex Gordon. Gordon missed time after the incident as well.
All-Star outfielder Lorenzo Cain tried to play through a sprained hand suffered in mid-August, but has shut it down for the season. And while Paulo Orlando and Jarrod Dyson are fine role players, their limitations get exposed when forced to play every day.
Luke Hochevar, slated to be the seventh-inning man, went out for the season after undergoing surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. His status for next season is in doubt as well.
All-Star closer Wade Davis went on the disabled list right around the trade deadline with the dreaded arm soreness. He's back, but hasn't really been tested since his return last month.
Starting pitching. With the pieces shifting in the bullpen, the Royals needed to get solid performances from their starters. And with the exception of Danny Duffy after the All-Star break, that hasn't happened.
Yordano Ventura remains maddeningly inconsistent for someone with his talent. It looks like Father Time may be catching up with Edinson Volquez. Ian Kennedy, after a slow start, has probably been about the best the Royals could have hoped. Chris Young is done.
The Royals were hoping to get something out of injured reclamation projects Dillon Gee, Kris Medlen and/or Mike Minor for the rotation. That didn't happen.
Decisions will need to be made in the offseason. Eric Hosmer, Moustakas, Cain, Davis and Duffy all could be free agents after the 2017 season. Alcides Escobar, Volquez and Kendrys Morales all have contract options that could bring them back. Or not.
The Royals could be buyers to make another run at a title. They could be sellers in an attempt to soften the blow of what could be a mass exodus after the 2017 season.
It should be an interesting postseason for the Royals. And that's all their fans can ask for.