Spring training site
Surprise, Ariz.
2007 record
69-93, fifth in AL Central, 27 games behind Indians
New faces
IF Alberto Callaspo (trade, Diamondbacks); OF Jose Guillen (free agent, Mariners); LHP Ron Mahay (free agent, Braves); LHP Mike Maroth (free agent, Cardinals); C Miguel Olivo (free agent, Marlins); RHP Brett Tomko (free agent, Padres); RHP Yasuhiko Yabuta (free agent, Japan)
Biggest offseason acquisition
Jose Guillen likely won't play for the first 15 games after a suspension from the commissioner's office for performance-enhancing drugs (he could appeal), but should add some pop to the lineup when he returns. Joey Gathright will be the likely starter in Guillen's absence.
Gone but not forgotten
Mike Sweeney is gone after 13 seasons to the Oakland A's; he was once the cornerstone of the franchise, but hadn't produced on that kind of level for three seasons. Others who left – such as Reggie Sanders and Odalis Perez - shouldn't leave much of a void.
Spring training battles
The Royals hold out hope that Billy Butler can become a first baseman, but he won't open the season there. It appears that John Bale and Brett Tomko have won the final two spots in the rotation, with top prospect Luke Hochevar waiting at Class AAA Omaha.
Projected lineup
- CF David DeJesus
- 2B Mark Grudzielanek
- 3B Alex Gordon
- RF Jose Guillen
- LF Mark Teahen
- DH Billy Butler
- 1B Ross Gload
- C John Buck
- SS Tony Pena Jr.
Projected starting rotation
- RHP Gil Meche
- RHP Brian Bannister
- RHP Zack Greinke
- LHP John Bale
- RHP Brett Tomko
Projected bullpen
- RHP Joakim Soria (closer)
- LHP Ron Mahay
- RHP Yasuhiko Yabuta
- LHP Jimmy Gobble
- RHP Joel Peralta
- LHP Jorge De La Rosa
- RHP Leo Nunez
Biggest strength
The top three of Meche, Bannister and Greinke in the starting rotation isn't too bad, at least for the standards of the Royals the last few seasons. Gordon and Butler can hit, and Guillen should help.
Glaring weakness
There's a lot of youth in the lineup, and this team was pretty punchless at times last season.
