Can the Royals keep it up?

No the type of run they're on this postseason required a lot of pieces to fall into place. Had Detroit beat the O's in the ALDS I can say without a doubt in my mind we probably get eliminated in the ALCS. With that said if you're asking if we fall off a cliff, and don't compete for a playoff spot that is not going to happen, the roster is littered with talent, and backed up by a strong farm system. If the Royals decide not to retain Shields the $13 million coming off the books, and the possibility of another $12.5 million should they decline Butler's option be more than enough to obtain another quality starting pitcher along the lines of Jason Vargas.