Kansas City Royals Tickets

Last year was the first in a multi-year rebuilding process for the Kansas City Royals, one that will certainly continue into this season.

The lineup certainly won't be confused for the one you would find in New York or Boston, but it is slowly improving.

The Royals have a lot of pop on the corners of their infield in the form of first baseman Billy Butler and third baseman Alex Gordon.

A lot has been expected out of both players, particularly Gordon. The third baseman had a difficult time adjusting to the major leagues at first but seems to be starting to figure things out.

Kansas City acquired first baseman Mike Jacobs from the Florida Marlins in the offseason. Jacobs is another young masher who still needs to learn the value of plate discipline. He will likely alternate time between first base and designated hitter with Butler.

The team is doing some experimentation by moving first baseman Mark Teahan over to second base, which is a transition I don't ever recall seeing before. First baseman are typically bigger and slower, while second baseman are short and quick.

The outfield isn't one that catches your attention, but center fielder David DeJesus hit over .300 last year and was a threat on the basepaths. They also traded for Coco Crisp in the offseason, and he should add additional speed to the lineup.

The starting rotation is very much a work in progress, but at least general manager Drayton Moore brought in Gil Meche to provide some stability.

Zach Greinke returned with a vengence last year and proved that might make good on his potential. Luke Hochevar will never be a star, but he can be more than adquate at the back of the rotation.

It's slow progress, but you can definitely tell the Royals are beginning to build at least something in Kansas City, which is a lot more than you can say has occured over the past decade or so.

Joakim Soria has gone from setup man to poor closer to now one of the top closers in the American League. It would be nice to see him put together another good season before saying he has joined that elite class of closers.

Royals fans must remember they have to be patient with this team, but they could surprise some people in what should be a very jumbled American League Central division.